What should you do if a tree crashes through your roof and into your bedroom? If you’re like Lorraine C. Ladish, you might just dress it up in stylish boots and dance with it!

Ladish is a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and the CEO and co-founder of Viva Fifty!, a vibrant bilingual community celebrating life after 50. Originally from Madrid and now residing in Sarasota, she connects with diverse audiences through her bilingual background. An accomplished author, she has written several books on personal experiences, tackling topics such as mental health and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, she has become a prolific content creator and social media influencer, featured in outlets like Oprah Daily and AARP. Lorraine is passionate about combating ageism and inspiring all generations to embrace life with joy.

Recently, like many in her community, Ladish faced severe damage to her charming Florida-style home as Hurricane Milton swept through the area. Upon discovering a large oak tree had crashed into her son’s bedroom, her initial reaction was one of shock. “When I saw the rubble and the tree in the room, it felt like a violation—like someone had come in and stolen from me,” she recalls. “It was as if nature was reminding us that we’re in its way.” But once the shock subsided, her creativity sparked. She began filming playful videos with the tree, adorning it with boots and gloves, dancing to cheerful music. “I knew I needed to transform this challenging situation into something positive,” she shares. “I asked my husband for help, saying, ‘I know you’re stressed, but let’s just have some fun before we crash and burn.’”

This whimsical approach turned out to be a fantastic stress reliever, and soon they found themselves going viral! The tree-dancing videos have amassed over 20 million views on Instagram and TikTok. “It’s not how I envisioned going viral,” she laughs, “but here we are!” Noticing that the tree had created a heart shape where it entered her home, Ladish mused, “I guess it’s the tree’s way of sharing love with us.”

On her Instagram page, Ladish reflects “I practice yoga and the real yoga is done off the mat, remembering that everything is fleeting and that having tools to cope with stress and using them is the only way to get through this thing called life.” 

Pictured: Lorraine C. Ladish and her Milton tree have gone viral on social media. Photo courtesy of Lorraine C. Ladish.

A community’s strength, merit and fortitude can only be truly tested in its toughest moments. Unfortunately, Sarasota is facing some of its toughest times to date after the brutal impact of back to back hurricanes. On September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the area, wreaking havoc across the entire Southeastern seaboard and bringing devastating flooding to the Gulf Coast. Just under two weeks later, Hurricane Milton–a storm of historic proportions–made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. Millions of Floridians have been left without power, as homes, businesses, schools and shelters were destroyed in the storm surge.

The tangible damage will take months, if not years to recover from. The mental and emotional stress will likely live on longer than that. The people at All Faiths Food Bank realize that. It’s why this Sunday, in partnership with the Jewish Federation, the organization has organized a pop-up hurricane relief food distribution from 11am to 1pm. The event will be hosted on the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s campus and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Designed to help local residents in need, the pop-up will distribute an array of groceries, including produce, meats, bottled water and non-perishable items. “I think people around here really need everything right now. Residents have been pushed out of their homes, they don’t have their belongings, they don’t have access to water and healthy foods so that they can prepare meals. And if they are lucky enough to be somewhere where they have a kitchen and can cook, it's so nice to be able to provide people with more than just MREs or canned goods,” says Nina Harrelson, All Faiths Food Bank’s Director of Strategic Communications. “I think that people are just looking for some sense of normalcy right now after a really excruciating month of back to back storms.”

Sunday, October 20 11am to 1pm (or as long as supplies last), Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota. 

Pictured: All Faiths Food Bank and is of workers participating in a food drive. Photo courtesy AFFB.

To learn more, visit.

At this time, the third annual NocheUnidos planned for October 18th will be postponed and a new event date will be announced soon. Although this was a difficult decision, the many serious impacts brought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to Southwest Florida have made it more important than ever for community to focus on recovery until we can come together to celebrate. We believe in the power of unity and culture to heal and look forward to a truly magical NocheUnidos in the spring! If you have already purchased tickets, you will be contacted by The Ringling’s Box Office to either move your ticket for a future date, or to receive a full refund. 

Due to the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton throughout the area, Wellen Park's inaugural Visual and Performing Arts Showcase, originally scheduled for Oct. 26, is being postponed. Wellen Park is committed to supporting the area's recovery and will share a new date for the event once it is confirmed. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota extends our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the devastation of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. We understand the emotional and physical toll that consecutive storms can take, and we empathize with those dealing with damage to their homes, disruptions to daily life, or the overwhelming stress that comes with these challenges. Please know that we stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time. How We Can Help- Habitat Sarasota's Critical Home Repair program supports families during BOTH blue skies and grey skies. This program is available to income-eligible residents, offering assistance for necessary repairs—whether caused by a hurricane or simply due to wear and tear. Repairs include: Roof replacement; Tree removal when needed for safety & to protect the housing structure; HVAC units; Water heaters. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from these services, please reach out to our Critical Home Repair Program Specialist Estrella Wilkinson at (941) 866-2219 or email CriticalHomeRepair@Habitatsrq.org. Online applications are accepted 24 hours a day seven days a week. 

The music of Giuseppe Verdi is central to the identity of Sarasota Opera, as the only company in the world to have performed all of Verdi’s operas and available works under the direction of our Artistic Director and renowned Verdi specialist, Victor DeRenzi. On November 15 and 17, Sarasota Opera will launch the 2024/25 season with a special concert, The Music of Giuseppe Verdi, featuring the Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Maestro DeRenzi. Purchase tickets at this link. As a prelude to our Verdi concert, Sarasota Opera invites you to our first Moonlight & Melodies dinner of the season, Dinner with Verdi in Parma, on Friday, November 8 at 6:30 PM. Join us for an elegant evening of opera al fresco featuring a sumptuous Italian feast, and a performance by Sarasota Opera Artists, in the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard. Purchase tickets at this link. Please call (941) 366-8450 ext. 581 or email SOAEvents@sarasotaopera.org for more information.  

Click here to purchase tickets.

Dear Ringling College Community, I hope this message finds you safe and well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people in our area who are affected by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. I am reaching out to share an update on Ringling College of Art and Design and the impact that hurricanes Helene and Milton have had on our community. I am pleased to report that within days our students will return to class, our community programs will resume including those at Sarasota Art Museum, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and Englewood Art Center. In addition, our Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions will be open to the public once again. Our creative community is resilient, and our programs are moving forward despite the unprecedented challenges in the aftermath of the recent storms. Like so many of you, these hurricanes disrupted not only our campuses but also the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Essential resources were compromised, infrastructure was damaged, and many of our students are now facing financial hardships due to the storms. To support our creative community during this challenging time, we have established a Hurricane Relief Fund. This fund aims to provide immediate assistance to students affected by the hurricanes including: Financial aid for students needing assistance with evacuation costs for off-campus accomodations, such as hotels, other lodging, meals and transportation. Emergency grants for loss of employment income for displaced students; Support for overall student wellness and mental health. We are seeking the generous support of individuals and organizations who understand the importance of Ringling College and our students to our community. Your contribution will make a significant difference in helping our students continue their education. We invite you to consider making a donation to our Hurricane Relief Fund. Any amount you can contribute will be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made online by clicking the button below or by contacting Sara Robinson at 941-309-0117 or srobins1@ringli​ng.edu. Thank you for considering a gift to support the resilience of Ringling College of Art and Design during this critical time. Together, we can provide important resources to keep our creative community vibrant and strong. 

Get ready for a spooktacular day of fun and festivities at the highly anticipated "Boo! At The Bazaar”! A day filled with treats, live music, and magical moments on Saturday, October 26th from 11am to 3pm at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. To make the event even more enchanting, Belles Princess Parties in joining us! Capture unforgettable memories with your favorite Disney princesses and villains, perfect for photo opportunities that your children will cherish forever. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a hauntingly good time for all ages! Families can stroll through our vibrant bazaar, where every booth will be overflowing with candy and special surprises. Dress in your favorite costumes and join in the fun as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween together! The Bazaar is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information, please contact www.bazaaronapricotandlime.com 

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School is proud to be among the first schools in Sarasota County to reopen after Hurricane Milton, providing essential support for students and relief for parents following a challenging week of storm impacts. According to Head of School Dan Ceaser, the school’s design and construction, completed in 2019, prioritized safety and security. Key features include dedicated underground power, advanced IT infrastructure, and multiple backup power systems. While the campus experienced some cosmetic damage, such as impacts to fences and trees, it sustained no significant damage and never lost power. “Our dedicated facilities team was on-site at 8 a.m. the day immediately after the storm to initiate cleanup efforts,” Ceaser noted. “Our janitorial staff has been working tirelessly to ensure the school is ready for a safe reopening on Monday.” Recognizing the challenges many residents face in the storm’s aftermath, the school is implementing an excused absence policy for students unable to attend due to transportation issues. To help ease the transition back to school, lunch will also be provided for all students, faculty, and staff on the first day back. Ceaser emphasized the school’s strong community spirit, especially the staff’s dedication to ensuring the highest level of service when students and parents need it the most. “Community Day School operates like a large family. Our administrative team has been coordinating cleanup and communication throughout the week. Staff, including our agriculture teacher, volunteered to clear debris from the playground and our student-run farm garden to ensure a safe environment for our students,” he added.

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School is located at 4335 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota. 

The Board of Protect Siesta Key is deeply saddened by the damage to our beautiful island caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many Siesta Key property owners suffered losses of their homes, possessions, cars, and/or businesses. Know that you are not alone, and we wish we could help each one of you during this difficult time. What we can offer at this moment is information. The following are resources you could use as you recover from these terrible storms. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible to report your losses. If you need a Flood Mitigation company to remove wet items, floors, and drywall, companies like ServePro and PaulDavis are working on Siesta Key. You can visit their website or contact the company working in my neighborhood, Ready Now Restoration (RNR), Visit their website at: ReadyNowRestoration.com or call the local RNR Coordinator Hunter Ortiz at 513-594-4628. Let them know you were referred to them by Lourdes. For Flood Insurance claims under the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), visit NFIPDirect. For Hurricane Wind claims with Citizens Insurance, visit their website CitizensFla.com. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and/or videos of your lost possessions and damage to your home for use in your insurance claims. Use old photos taken at your home to identify items you lost during the storms. File a claim with FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.org, which may provide funds for losses not covered by insurance. Report your damaged home to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. This may lead to a partial property tax refund if your home is uninhabitable for 30 days or more. To report damage to Property Appraiser, visit their Damage Reporting Page (link). According to the Property Appraiser’s website, ‘To obtain a property tax refund, file a completed DR-465 Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund Form no later than March 1 of the year following the catastrophic event (Section 197.319, Florida Statutes). Note that the form cannot be submitted until the property has been repaired or January 1, whichever comes first.’ Sarasota County has a Hurricane Relief distribution center at Glebe Park 1000 Glebe Lane, Siesta Key, where tarps, water, non-perishable food, and ice are available. For images of our community post hurricanes, visit NOAA’s website: Link to post Hurricane Helene imagery Link to post Hurricane Milton imagery. I took close-up screenshots of the areas on Siesta Key to document the damage caused by each storm. You can use these images as evidence for your insurance claim, as the insurance company will consider each storm as a separate event. If your home is uninhabitable for the foreseeable future, consider contacting your various service providers to pause or cancel home services such as internet or cable. You should not have to pay for these services while you are away from home unless you are using them at a new location. This list is just part of the many resources available. For additional resource options: Sarasota County’s Resource center: Call the County’s resource hotline 311, Visit their website at scgov.net (Link), Visit the County’s Resource Services webpage (Link). Fl Disaster Assistance: Fl DisasterAssistance.com, Fl Division of Emergency Management: FloridaDisaster.org. If you have any suggestions to help others in this disaster, send us an email at ProtectSiestaKey@outlook.com and we will add it to our list of resources on our website. 

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital will host its third “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take-back day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HCA Florida Wellen Park Medical Office Collection Station. The office is at 12169 Mercado Drive, in North Port, next to Publix in the West Villages Shopping Center. Follow the signs for the convenient event drive-through or walk-up. The event will help raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. It coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and offers the community an opportunity to dispose of medications safely and anonymously before they fall into the wrong hands. Last year – for the first time since 2018 – there was a decrease in national drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In 2022, opioid or drug overdose were the cause of 92 deaths in Charlotte County and 213 deaths in Sarasota County. Englewood Hospital is participating in HCA Healthcare’s sixth annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take-back day. Last year, more than 120 HCA Healthcare facilities from all 15 U.S. divisions partnered with local law enforcement. Approximately 13,136 pounds, equivalent to 9.02 million doses, of unused and expired prescription medications were collected. Law enforcement officers from the North Port Police Department will be collecting tablets, capsules and patches of Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Oxymorphone (Opana). Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, vape cartridges without batteries and pet medication will also be accepted. Any medications will be accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted. For more information, visit hcahealthcare.com/crushthecrisis or call toll-free at (833) 582-1970.  

Julie Madison set a record and raised awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD with her marathon swim around Siesta Key, October 2024.

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