SRQ DAILY Jan 1, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"They worked very hard helping us get all of the damaged items out of the store initially and are helping us get everything put back together."
Cariloha Sarasota, the St. Armands store, known for carrying some of the softest and most sustainable products on the planet, had nearly three feet of water in the store from Hurricane Helene. “We lost most of our major fixtures, electronics, office equipment, store supplies, marketing materials and about two thirds of our inventory,” says store owner, Jeff Snell. “The lower part of the walls were damaged and the raised wood floor was also destroyed.”
In the two weeks before Hurricane Milton, Snell had removed all of the damaged items. Milton resulted in about the same amount of water in the store but since everything was already removed, this just basically delayed the cleanup and restoration process. Luckily, the glass windows and door were not damaged at all. As for the inside of the store, the owner of our building had all of the damaged drywall and flooring removed.
Since the storms, the damaged drywall has been replaced, the store has been repainted and a new tile floor has been installed. “Unfortunately for us, during the process of painting, the contractors literally removed everything else that was in the store, even what was not damaged by the hurricanes. We were not expecting to have to do a completely new buildout, replacing or reinstalling everything, but that’s where we are now,” adds Snell. “Amazingly, all of our employees are coming back. They worked very hard helping us get all of the damaged items out of the store initially and are helping us get everything put back together.”
Snell had applied for an SBA Loan as soon as the store opened up after Hurricane Helene. “We were actually working with the SBA on our application while we were evacuated during Hurricane Milton. Unfortunately our application was put on hold when the SBA ran out of funds,” he shares. “Losing two and half months of income has been financially devastating and it is because of receiving the Emergency Bridge Loan funds that we were able to keep going and can now reopen. Over the years we have grown a large and loyal customer base. We have been communicating with them by email while we have been closed and they have been calling us to place orders, which we have shipped to them from the main warehouse. This of course hasn’t made up for the revenue lost from being closed, but it will help us replace some of the inventory that was damaged.”
On Sunday, December 22, just in time for last minute holiday shopping, Snell happily reported that Cariloha Sarasota was once again open for business. 
Pictured: Cariloha Sarasota is back to business thanks to dedicated employees and a loyal customer base. Photo courtesy Jeff Snell.
The Suncoast Institute on Chemical Dependency is proud to announce the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Awareness Event, an educational initiative aimed at increasing awareness of MAT’s vital role in combating substance use disorders. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 14 from 6:00-730 pm at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240, in the Meeting Room. With addiction impacting individuals and families across the community, this event is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how MAT integrates FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to support lasting recovery. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by contacting Lschris10sen@comcast.net. Simply put the word “Register” in the subject title.
It's your last chance to show your support for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens this holiday season! Your continued generosity this holiday season is essential to Selby Gardens’ future and our ongoing research, conservation, and education efforts. When you make your tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year, gifts of any size up to $75,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Amicus Foundation Challenge, doubling the impact made to Selby Gardens.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
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
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
The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East offers elevated casual dining featuring a globally inspired menu with a focus on local, regional, and sustainably sourced produce, seafood, meats, and poultry options. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting the freshest ingredients from local farms and the restaurant’s rooftop garden. There are vegetarian and vegan options available to cater to various dietary preferences.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Step into a tropical winter wonderland at our Downtown Sarasota campus featuring more than two million lights, festive photo opportunities, activities & entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Lights in Bloom® is proudly ranked #6 in USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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