From November 3-9, Nathan Benderson Park will be the stage for the future of maritime technology, as international student teams showcase their autonomous maritime robotics systems during the 2024 Maritime RobotX Challenge. Powered by RoboNation, this global competition is bringing together 15 teams from 6 countries and 6 U.S. States. The RobotX Challenge is distinct in its focus on multi-domain autonomous systems, with teams tackling tasks that simulate real-world scenarios both on the water and in the air. From obstacle avoidance to detecting and delivering objects, the competition mirrors challenges faced by industries such as defense, marine exploration, oil and gas and environmental monitoring. Supported by industry leaders including the U.S. Office of Naval Research, RobotX creates collaboration between students, industry experts, educators, and government organizations, creating pathways for participants to explore careers in STEM fields.

“Over its history, the biennial Maritime RobotX Challenge has been held in Singapore, Hawaii, and Australia. For its 5th Competition, we’re thrilled to bring RobotX to the Sarasota area. RoboNation’s annual RoboBoat Competition takes place here each spring, and it’s a pleasure to now showcase the larger-scale RobotX Challenge at Nathan Benderson Park.” said Daryl Davidson, President & CEO of RoboNation and a Lakewood Ranch resident.

Alicia Gavin, Director of Communications and Marketing for Robonation, Inc. says that the week has been buzzing with energy. "At the Maritime RobotX Challenge, you feel this surge of energy and ingenuity as soon as you arrive. It's not just another competition—it's a meeting of minds from across the globe. We have teams from the USA, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Korea, and Chile all coming together to push the limits of what's possible in maritime robotics. You’ll find students, professionals, and industry leaders here at Nathan Benderson Park, all eager to learn from each other and share breakthroughs. Visitors coming onsite can expect to see these robots in action—attempting real world tasks, such as navigating, object detection, and docking. There’s a sense of camaraderie you don’t often see in competitive events. Teams help each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and even embrace setbacks as an opportunity to improve.

Christopher (Chris) Tio is a member of Georgia Tech’s Marine Robotics Group which competes at three of RoboNation’s maritime programs, RoboBoat, RoboSub, and RobotX. He is actually an online student with Georgia Tech and lives in California. Through joining the RobotX team, he has been able to make connections across the country and feel connected to a cadre of students, educators, and industry experts he otherwise would not have been able to connect with. “This right here, this is the future," he says. "I got involved because I was interested in the Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory which sponsors our team, and it’s allowed me to work alongside people I really look up to. Doing this, we’re able to do the research that really excites me. Between the networking and the connections, RobotX has been something very valuable.”

"For anyone who loves technology, the maritime field, or seeing the future of tomorrow’s workforce, you’ll leave inspired," adds Gavin. "Sarasota gives us the perfect stage to showcase this, and we’re thrilled to welcome the local community to see it firsthand." The event culminates in the Finals on November 9 at 12pm. 

Pictured: RoboNation is back in town at Nathan Benderson Park for the 2024 RobotX Challenge, running now through November 9. Photo courtesy of RoboNation.

Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, announced today that she will retire from her role at the end of this calendar year. Since her appointment in 2018, Holbrook has successfully led the campus through a period of transformation and growth. During her tenure, USF Sarasota-Manatee has achieved several significant milestones, including becoming a residential campus for the first time with the opening of the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall this fall, receiving the largest gift in campus history with the naming of the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance in 2022, and developing many important partnerships across the community. In addition, Holbrook has been a strong advocate for enhancing research opportunities for faculty and students throughout her time at the university. After beginning her career as a biomedical researcher, faculty member and administrator, Holbrook held leadership positions at numerous higher education institutions, including the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, the University of Washington and The Ohio State University, where she served as the institution's first woman president for five years. At USF, prior to the regional chancellor position she held several key leadership roles, including senior vice president for global affairs and international research and senior vice president for research and innovation. “We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Holbrook for her dedicated leadership, substantial contributions to the Sarasota-Manatee campus and impact on the broader University of South Florida community throughout her time serving as regional chancellor,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Dr. Holbrook has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the region. We thank her for everything she has done for USF and congratulate her on a highly decorated career in higher education.” Law announced that Brett Kemker, regional vice chancellor and vice provost of academic affairs and student success on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, will serve as interim regional chancellor beginning in January.  

For those of you who are seeking out a musical interlude this week: consider this your friendly reminder that Ringling Underground is back in the Museum of Art Courtyard this week on Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m. See the line-up below. Enjoy live music, art and atmosphere in the Museum of Art Courtyard during Ringling Underground 8-11 PM. This event features an eclectic mix of local and regional live music. This will be the last Ringling Underground this year.

November 7, 8pm, $15 / Free for Students w/ ID & Members. 

To learn more, visit.

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber has heard many hurricane stories from our local businesses, seen the need for support and resources, and wants to do more. Because of this, the Chamber decided to organize a Hurricane Support Group for businesses and employees on the beaches to express their emotions. “We see a need to create a safe place for people to share feelings, grief or positive progress.” said Chamber President and CEO Robin Miller. The group will meet on Tuesdays, starting November 12th, from 9-10 a.m. at the Undertow Beach Bar (3850 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706). This will be a safe place for our local business community to gather, confidentially share experiences, and find support following the recent hurricanes. All local businesses and employees welcome, bring your own coffee! For more information email info@tampabaybeaches.com or call 727-385-7686. 

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is thrilled to announce the rescheduled ticket launch dates for the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event of the 2025 Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival. The original ticket launch was postponed in October due to the impact of Hurricane Helene and the threat of additional severe weather incoming with Milton. The organization’s top priority remains the well-being and recovery of the community, particularly the local restaurant scene. Grand Tasting Ticket Launch Dates: VIP & Early Access Pre-Sale: Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00am EST. General Admission: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00pm EST. Tickets will be available online only at https://forks-corks.squadup.com. General Admission tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

The Grand Tasting: The Forks & Corks Grand Tasting, the five-day festival's most popular event, takes place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the historic courtyard of The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from over 40 member restaurants of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and a curated selection of more than 300 wines from around the world. The 2025 event will once again bring the Who’s-Who of winemaking to the Gulf Coast. More than 60 distinguished wineries from the world’s most famous wine producing countries are expected to be represented at the 2025 Festival. Along with world-class wines and delicious dishes from our area’s most passionate culinary professionals, the Grand Tasting will offer live music, a wine retail tent, photo booths, a beer garden, and the immersive Global Market presented by Edible Sarasota magazine. The 2025 theme “Epic Asia!” highlights the rich culinary heritage of Asia and its influence on global food cultures with authentic dishes, drinks, and demonstrations from our region's acclaimed Japanese and Thai-inspired restaurants. Grand Tasting Ticket Options: General Admission ($195+ per person): Provides unlimited tastings at The Grand Tasting from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. VIP ($475+ per person): Includes a $150 wine voucher for the onsite wine shop, complimentary valet parking, Welcome Reception and VIP experience presented by The Scout Guide Sarasota, with covered seating and activities. Early Access ($375+ per person): Offers a $50 wine voucher and early access to a Welcome Reception and The Grand Tasting. Forks & Corks is the primary fundraiser for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, supporting local, independent restaurants and supported by the generous funding of its sponsors including Suncoast Porsche and Audi Sarasota (Presenting Sponsor).

Taste of The Bay: Additionally, Sarasota-Manatee Originals has announced a new date for the highly anticipated 3rd annual Taste of The Bay – Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.. This free-admission, outdoor food festival features signature dishes from 20 of the region’s best locally-owned restaurants. Live music, a photo booth, and a beautiful waterfront setting make Taste of The Bay an idyllic afternoon outing. Food can be purchased with tickets. For more information on both Sarasota-Manatee Originals signature events, visit www.eatlikealocal.com. 

To learn more, visit.

Chris Mandell and the team at Fossil Recovery Exploration dig for unique and rare fossils along the banks of the Peace River, November 2024.

Read Here!