SRQ DAILY Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
" We encourage everyone to come out, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, fun and holiday spirit"
Recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton are beginning to take shape, with businesses now reopening and getting back on their feet. As the holiday season approaches, a spirit of togetherness fills the air. SandBar, a newcomer to the Anna Maria area, truly embodies the saying “it takes a village.” Just three months after opening, the restaurant was forced to close due to the damage it sustained from Hurricane Milton. Now, with renewed determination, SandBar is preparing to welcome guests once again..“We leaned on our staff a lot for the rebuilding journey. From the first few days of just shoveling all the sand that was deposited on our property. We are truly thankful to have our staff, we would not be where we are today without them,” says Julia Cassino, Director of Marketing for Beachside Hospitality.
After weeks of support, hard work, and perseverance SandBar finally opened its doors back up to the public on November 11th. Even though there is no way to be immune to the effects of a hurricane, learning how to overcome becomes part of what makes businesses in the region strong. “The communities that were hurt the most need your support now more than ever,” says Cassino. “We want to be open and welcome our guests back in and get back to normal, but that takes work and support from our community here in Anna Maria Island.” Whether you find yourself on Anna Maria Island or looking to support businesses post-storm, Sandbar offers an array of options for all.
100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, 941-778-0444. 
Pictured: The team at SandBar working to welcome back their customers. Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Ruiz.
Allegiant began service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) in New Hampshire on Saturday, November 23, 2024. To celebrate, Allegiant is offering one- way fares on the new route.
Holiday magic abounds this season at Wellen Park with new events and beloved favorites, including a fun-filled wonderland for the senses, the annual tree lighting and the community’s one-of-a-kind versions of holiday parades, courtesy of bicycles, kayaks and golf carts all aglow. “From the Atlanta Braves’ annual Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K run to the new eight-day Wellen Wonderland, this season’s calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “For many families, residents and neighbors, our annual events have become a holiday tradition filled with meaningful experiences.” The upcoming events and activities take place in Downtown Wellen, Wellen Park and CoolToday Park. For more information, visit wellenpark.com/events.
Registration is now open for the 36th annual Gulf Coast Games for Life (Senior Games). It’s happening in January and February 2025 across Sarasota and Manatee counties. The games are open to amateur athletes aged 50 or older as of Dec. 31, 2025. The 16 events begin with the 5K Road Race on Jan. 18, 2025, and continue from Jan. 26 through Feb. 15, 2025. Events will happen in Sarasota County, Manatee County, and the City of North Port. First event registration deadline is Jan. 4, 2025. Each event closes two weeks prior to the event date. You can register for the Gulf Coast Games for Life by visiting here. For more information call 311, 941-861-5000 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
Our entire Downtown Sarasota campus will be fully open and aglow with more than two million lights, festive photo opps, activities & entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Lights in Bloom® has proudly been ranked in USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country! Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today for the dates and times of your choice!
The holiday season is about to get a whole lot brighter! Fresh Fridays is back on Dec. 6 with the highly anticipated “Light Up The Night” event, kicking off the festive season in style with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, live music, and a whole lot of holiday cheer in downtown Sarasota. From 7 to 10 p.m., Selby Five Points Park will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, as the Downtown Improvement District (DID) unveils its brand-new holiday tree. This first-of-its-kind lighting ceremony promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, visitors can snap a holiday-themed photo in the inflatable snow globe booth, adding a little extra holiday fun to the evening's festivities. “We are thrilled to ‘Light Up The Night’ at Selby Five Points Park and celebrate the holidays with the Sarasota community! It’s a way for us to bring people together and make this holiday season truly special. We encourage everyone to come out, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and holiday spirit,” said Chris Voelker, Chair of the DID Board of Directors. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 7:45 p.m. and marks a significant investment by the DID to enhance Sarasota’s holiday spirit. It’s more than just lights—it’s a celebration of community, togetherness, and the joy of the season. Along with the lighting ceremony, the vibrant sounds of The Rockefellers will take center stage, providing live entertainment with a mix of classic holiday favorites and energetic dance tunes. The party will continue throughout the evening, ensuring that everyone is in the festive mood from start to finish. “We wanted to create an experience that’s both festive and unforgettable,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark and Fresh Fridays event organizer and promoter. “The Rockefellers are the perfect band to energize this event, their music brings people to their feet, making them the ideal soundtrack for this special occasion. From the tree lighting to the snow globe photo ops and giveaways, this event is designed to be enjoyed by everyone in our community.” Of course, what’s a celebration without food and drink? As always, Fresh Fridays will feature an exciting array of delicious offerings from downtown Sarasota’s top restaurants and bars. Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of local cuisine, from savory bites to sweet treats, with something for every taste. For those in the mood for a festive libation, local bartenders will be mixing up signature cocktails, serving craft beers, and offering seasonal beverages to enjoy while you soak in the atmosphere. Be sure to also come early to claim your Fresh Fridays giveaway and take home a memento of this special event. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at Palm Avenue and State Street parking garages. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at www.downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.
Miromar Outlets will be open on Friday, November 29 starting at 6 a.m. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. Lucky shoppers will save up to 70% and have more time to discover great deals during extended holiday shopping hours starting Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Miromar Outlets will be open on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., extended holiday hours can be found online at miromaroutlets.com. Miromar Outlets is located at exit 123 off I-75 in Estero between Naples and Fort Myers. Visit MiromarOutlets.com for exclusive holiday offers!
Friday November 15 was an unforgettable day for three Sarasota County teachers, when they learned that they had been selected as the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, which recognizes standout educators and excellence in teaching. It started that morning when school administrators boarded a bus along with several Education Foundation staffers, former Teachers of the Year, and reporters to embark on the “teacher tribute” tour route to Taylor Ranch Elementary, Pine View Middle, and Venice High to honor Rebekah Zech, Margaret Higgins, and Kelly Rozelle in a surprise announcement. Students, fellow teachers, staff, and even family members gathered to celebrate the chosen finalist for their school.
Julie Gierhart has been named interim principal at Gullett Elementary School effective December 2, 2024. Ms. Gierhart was recommended for the position by Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong and her appointment was approved by the School Board of Manatee County on October 29, 2024. Ms. Gierhart has been at Gullett for more than six years, first as the School Coordinator from 2018-2021, and then as Assistant Principal from 2021 to the present. Prior to Gullett, she was a Student Support Specialist at Miller Elementary from 2014-2018, and she served as a teacher at Miller Elementary, Bayshore Elementary and Booker High School from 1999-2014. She replaces Todd Richardson, who is now the Principal at Lake Manatee K-8 School. The new school opens in August 2025.
Dr. David Rohrbacher has been appointed Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for New College of Florida. The appointment is effective immediately. Rohrbacher has been a Professor of Classics at New College for 25 years, and is currently co-director of the Homer’s Odyssey First Year Experience course. A distinguished teacher (the winner of a 2009 Excellence in College Teaching Award from the American Philological Association) and an accomplished scholar, Rohrbacher is the author of The Historians of Late Antiquity (Routledge 2002), The Play of Allusion in the Historia Augusta (Wisconsin 2016), and the revision, in three volumes, of the Loeb Historia Augusta (Harvard 2022). He holds a PhD in Classics from the University of Washington.
Tuesday, Goodwill Manasota hosted the Turkeys for Troops Giveaway & Resource Fair at its corporate campus in Bradenton. During the event, veterans received turkeys, sides, additional food, and special gifts, thanks to funding from the Gail Baird Foundation; additionally, numerous veteran-serving organizations were also on-site to offer information about available services. Additionally, the First United Methodist Church of Sarasota continued its long tradition of providing turkeys, sides and roasting pans - these were delivered to Turning Points in Bradenton for distribution last week. Organizers from Goodwill estimate that more than 750 individuals–veterans and their family members–were served through the turkey distributions this year.
Pictured: On-site for the Turkeys for Troops Giveaway & Resource Fair were members of the Baird family and Gail Baird Foundation team members, Goodwill Manasota President & CEO Donn Githens (to the right of mascot), and Goodwill mascot Goodwilly Provided
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.
Join us every Saturday for a FUN, hands on exploration into different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math! Students will take part in unique activities and collaborative challenges plus create take-home projects using high-tech Fab Lab equipment like the vinyl cutter, laser cutter, foam cutter and more.
Suncoast Science Center, 4452 S Beneva Road Sarasota Florida 34233
Join us at The Bishop for Gentle Yoga with Manatees! Enjoy tranquil views of the manatees being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while engaging in yoga poses focused on balance, flexibility, and strength. Guests will need to bring their own yoga mats. Proceeds support the rehabilitation and return of manatees to the wild. Group size is limited to 15 participants and advance registration is required. Ages 7 and up welcome!
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
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
From November 20th to December 2nd, two back-to-back paddleboard tournaments will take place at Nathan Benderson Park. The holiday series will begin with the 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, followed by the 3rd Annual Last Paddler Standing SUP race. These family-friendly events will offer attendees the chance to meet with world-renowned paddlers, gain insights into the growingly popular sport, and participate in various onsite activities.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
This seafood & music festival is created like a great meal, incorporating and blending the finest ingredients. Choose entrees (seafood, meat, and vegetarian) cooked fresh onsite. Select from a diversity of side dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and of course – scrumptious desserts! Relax to live musical performances by some of Florida’s top musical talents in such genres as R&B, blues, jazz, rock, soul, and more.
Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237
The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters -- Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy -- live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield. Filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.”
The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239)
The support group is open to anyone with hearing loss, impairment, tinnitus, hearing-assisted device users and caregivers, family or friends. Free lunch is provided for attendees.
ArtCenter Manatee once again joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a 'voice' - three museum-quality galleries, where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
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
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Join us at 1pm on the second Thursday of each month for themed adventures at The Bishop! Combine hands-on activities with exciting exploration through our exhibits, planetarium, and manatee habitat. Choose your adventure based on your child’s age group: Junior Explorers (K-3rd grade, ages 5-8): Spark curiosity through hands-on activities and themed adventures perfect for young minds. Discovery Rangers (4th-6th grade, ages 9-11): Dive deeper with interactive exploration and themed adventures designed to challenge and inspire.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Make your Saturday mornings even more fun! Check out the Backyard Science program for elementary-aged learners at The Bishop’s incredible indoor Mosaic Backyard Universe. This wildly popular learning program launched last year and offers a wide range of activities, observations, and crafts that are sure to excite curiosity and ignite learning. Using unique Museum resources, hands-on activities, and thinking questions within this amazing educational space, you and your child will explore a different topic each month.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Embracing Our Differences is pleased to announce the return of “Embracing Kindness,” its collaborative exhibition with Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. Now in its second consecutive year, this year’s exhibition runs through December 18 on the Museum’s great lawn, parallel to the Tamiami Trail. It features 14 enlarged images of original artwork created by students under the mentorship of renowned Sarasota artist and educator Jeffery Cornwell. Spanning more than two decades, these selected works celebrate the transformative power of kindness and respect, as expressed by young artists from Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program, as well as NewGate School, who participated in Cornwell’s visionary art programs.
Sarasota Art Museum , 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Discover Sarasota Tours announces our 3rd Annual Christmas Carol Trolley Letters To Santa holiday tour of music and lights running Dec 1-23rd at 5:30 and 7:30PM. This holiday favorite is a 75-minute family-friendly show filled with downtown lights, caroling down Main St., holiday stories, and heartfelt performances featuring the Trolley Troubadours, our singing ensemble of professional performers.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast to our fabulous Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 11:00-3:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, Bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. And of course, sharing the good vibes of live Jazz with you from Noon-4:00!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Whether they're Naughty or Nice, the Watershed Hospitality family of restaurants has the gift sure to please everyone on your Holiday list! From Nov. 21 - Jan. 2, when you purchase $50, get a $10 Bonus or a $20 Bonus when you purchase $100. Our GC's are good at all of our restaurants, Cask & Ale, Pie On Main, 3.14 Pi/Blase Martini Bar ...and SOON, when we cut the ribbon to welcome you to Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar.
Multiple Location
Join Charles Miano in this online workshop focused on painting figures within landscapes under studio conditions. Learn how to seamlessly integrate human forms into natural settings, creating a visual story inspired by the old masters. Discover how to manipulate light and shadow to enhance the presence of figures, creating depth and realism in your paintings. Learn how to compose dynamic scenes that balance human presence with the natural beauty of the environment.
Online, Online
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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