SRQ DAILY Nov 7, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"For anyone who loves technology, the maritime field, or seeing the future of tomorrow's workforce, you'll leave inspired."
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.
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.
Chris Mandell and the team at Fossil Recovery Exploration dig for unique and rare fossils along the banks of the Peace River, November 2024.
The Illest of Illustration annual exhibition serves as an annual pinnacle within the artistic community of Ringling College of Art and Design, organized by the student-led club of the same name. This event stands as a vibrant showcase, spotlighting the remarkable talent and creativity emerging from the college's illustration program. Through a carefully curated selection of works, it provides a platform for students to exhibit their mastery of various illustration techniques, styles, and concepts.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234
Registration is open for the 2024 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Sept. 30-Nov. 22, 2024, features more than 60 courses, lectures, workshops, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.
Various Locations
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are going on sale for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage." The season features four mainstage productions - "Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition," "Fences," "Five Guys Named Moe," and WBTT's first-ever tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue"; holiday show is "A Motown Christmas." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Life in One Cubic Foot features the research of Smithsonian scientists and photographer David Liittschwager as they discover what a cubic foot of land or water—a biocube— reveals about the diversity of life on our planet. Life in One Cubic Foot is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
We can already hear the sounds of the fair: the shouts of “throw wide the gates!”, laughter at our Children’s Realm, cheers during the equestrian tournaments, and the music from wandering troubadours. And who could forget the aroma of turkey legs and kettlecorn in the air? The festival as more than just an event. The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations.
Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E. Myakka City, FL 34251
Soman Chainani’s debut series, The School for Good & Evil, sold over 4 million copies, was translated into 35 languages, and became a #1 Netflix film in 80+ countries. His “Beasts & Beauty” debuted on the NYT Bestseller List and will be a Sony 3000 series. Chainani, a Harvard and Columbia graduate, has been nominated for the Waterstone Prize and received the Sun Valley Writer’s Fellowship.
Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port
Please join us for Inspire the Night: Veils & Visions, a special fall fundraising event to benefit Art Center Sarasota in our mission to build community connection through the universal language of art!
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236
‘Tis the season to celebrate! University Town Center (UTC) will officially kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 9 with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade and an after-party concert with platinum-selling singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope. At 6:00 p.m., the merry celebration will ramp up with a gravity-defying tree lighting ceremony by renowned aerialists Nik and Erendira Wallenda.
University Town Center, 257 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
In "pouring, storing, and ore-ing," Amy Sanders employs utilitarian objects, focusing on vessels designed for pouring and storing. These everyday items are imbued with layers of meaning beyond their functional roles. Pouring vessels symbolize abundance, charity, and generosity, while storing vessels convey themes of containment, preservation, and prosperity. The concept of "ore-ing" references the primitive essence of the iron ore colorants that decorate these vessels, connecting them to the earth's elemental origins.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236
An exciting pre-festival party at Art Ovation Hotel with bites and beverages. This event offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the festival, the performing arts, and culinary arts. Have you ever wondered how this amazing festival started? Step into ‘the room where it happens’ and be part of the magic! Enjoy live performances by Azara Ballet, The Indigenous Dance Troupe, and Kathryn Parks! Tickets are available for $100.00
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236
The Living Arts Festival officially begins with this FREE eclectic opening night party. In the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel experience a global perspective of our incredible arts and culture offerings. Officially titled “A World of Entertainment,” the opening night party is a fusion of international and local arts. Imagine the world-class Chalk Festival on the streets below and music from Renesito, a one-man Cuban band that will set the tone for world-class entertainment at our doorstep.
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation. The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real - and that's what made it beautiful. A smash hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this soaring and inspiring musical features two decades of King’s hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Join our poetry community and take part in our Poetry Open Mic! Share original work or recite your favorite poem. Whether you're a reader or a member of the audience, everyone is welcome.
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
In its second year, the pickleball tournament will take place on Saturday, November 16 at Pompano Park in Sarasota from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registered singles and doubles will participate in a round robin style tournament to compete for prizes in Advanced category. 30 percent of this year’s proceeds will go to All Faiths Food Bank, designated specifically to help storm victims, with the other remaining 70 percent supporting SHS athletics.
Pompano Park, 601 S. Pompano Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237
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