SRQ DAILY Jan 9, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Lago Tacos is where the flavors of Mexico meet the breezy vibes of the Grand Lake."
As we step into the new year, the School District of Manatee County announces two job fairs and an exciting opportunity for professionals eager to learn how to transition into the rewarding field of public education. A health-related job fair for school-based careers is being held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Wakeland Support Center, located at 1812 27th Street East in Bradenton. Available positions include full-time RN (school nurses), full-time LPN (clinic nurses), full-time health aides, substitute RNs, and substitute LPNs. An Operations Job Fair is taking place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. until Noon at Wakeland Support Center, located at 1812 27th Street East in Bradenton. Open positions include bus drivers, bus aides, custodians, food service workers, cafeteria managers, maintenance workers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and more. 
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025-26 scholarship program. Prospective applicants may visit GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships to review scholarship requirements and complete the online application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 5 at 11:59 p.m. and scholarship awards will be announced in late spring. “Scholarships have been an instrumental part of Gulf Coast Community Foundation for decades, ensuring that our region prepares for the skilled workforce we need for the future. Our scholarship program matches students of all ages to academic opportunities that propel them to reach their full potential through the power of education,” expressed Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. “Together with our donors, we have invested more than $11.5 million to promising students through scholarships."
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has opened its Traditional Scholarship Application for students planning for the 2025-2026 school year. With a single application, a student may be considered for more than 70 different scholarships available to students residing in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The application deadline is March 2, 2025. While academics are considered, other important factors are financial need, community service and extracurricular activities, work, home life, and an essay. The strategy overall is to provide access for students to pursue their goals, reducing barriers to ease the financial burden of postsecondary educational attainment. Applications are reviewed by community volunteers and scholarships winners will be notified via email by June 2025.
Get ready to rev your engines. Registration is now open for the 10th Annual RC Custom Car Open hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. This one-of-a-kind engineering and design competition invites students from kindergarten to 8th grade to team up and customize a remote control car for a special design competition and race adventure unlike any other! This year’s program promises to be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate a decade of creativity, competition and community with the theme “Journey Through Time.” The 2025 RC Custom Car Open is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Steinwachs Family Foundation, and Forza Wealth Management.
Pictured: Decorated cars get ready to race in 2024 competition. Photo courtesy Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab.
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is accepting applications for a $1,200 scholarship to be awarded by the Florida Supervisors of Elections Association (FSE) in 2025. The FSE is offering a total of three scholarships to eligible college/university juniors and seniors who have been residents of Florida for at least the prior two years and who are registered to vote in the county where applying for the scholarship. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Mar. 7, 2025. Applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county in which the applicant is registered to vote. Applications may be delivered in-person to any one of the elections offices listed above or mailed to: Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 4194, Sarasota. Students or educational institutions may call 941.861.8606 for more information.
2025 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 7-March 27, features internationally renowned experts discussing a wide range of domestic and global issues. This month’s lectures feature front-page issues examined by leading speakers, including Bob Bunting, a scientist and CEO of the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Center, who will describe how our health will be impacted by climate change; Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb, professor of strategy and security studies at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, who will discuss the ways in which space is increasingly congested, competitive, and contested; and Charles Lane, deputy opinion editor and columnist at The Washington Post, who will review the major issues the new President will need to address.
Tickets for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ Forks & Corks University, an integral and ever-popular facet of the annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival festivities, are currently on sale. On Saturday, January 25, four collaborative wine seminars will offer wine enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to learn about world-renowned wines from across the globe from those instrumental in crafting them. Each of the Master Classes will be led by a panel of Winemakers and Wine Industry Professionals who will share their knowledge at these informative, interactive presentations. Each seminar lasts 90 minutes, and includes 12 wine tastings. Sessions will take place at Michael’s on East Ballroom. Those who “enroll” in a Forks & Corks University Master Class enjoy tasting and learning about diverse wines in a casual, and intimate environment with each class limited to 65 attendees.
Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch invites the public to their free grand opening on Saturday, February 1 kicking off at 9:00am with a ribbon cutting, followed by 9:30 Cardio Sculpt, Fruit Addict food truck and more! Dress to workout! To register, head to Jazzerciselwr.com. We have 35 classes 7 days a week, including every weeknight, to experience the best full body workout around in a community so fun and supportive it's addicting! Voted Best Fitness Studio by SRQ Magazine 2024, variety of formats including cardio (high and low/no impact options), muscle sculpting (weights & resistance bands), HIIT and dedicated stretch & mobility classes. Our beautiful new studio is located at 6265 Lake Osprey Drive.
Street tacos and all the trimmings are now available at Downtown Wellen’s brand-new Lago Tacos in The Yard. Located in one of three repurposed shipping containers, the eatery is the latest offering from Jamie Albano, the owner of downtown’s Kind Vibes Outfitters and Lakeside Bites. The eatery also offers empanadas, zesty Mexican street corn, chips and dips, chicken tortilla soup, desserts and beverages, including freshly made limeade and Jarritos in a variety of fruity flavors. “Our menu is crafted with quality, tradition and a dash of creativity to bring diners the ultimate street food experience,” said Albano. “Lago Tacos is where the flavors of Mexico meet the breezy vibes of the Grand Lake.” Downtown Wellen is the region’s newest social and gathering hot spot, offering restaurants, boutiques, beauty services, and medical and professional offices.
Pictured: Lago Tacos is now open at The Yard in Downtown Wellen. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.
Are you ready to take your talent to the next level? We're searching for the next big stars to entertain Braves fans at CoolToday Park! Audition to: perform on the plaza pregame, sing the National Anthem and be a part of in-game entertainment. Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18. For questions, email springtraining@braves.com or call 941-413-5000.
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
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 Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet was founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization in 2010. The ensemble believes in the unity that can be achieved through music and seeks to redefine and reimagine the classical music experience. They have toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. This program includes music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, and Ravel. Tickets are $43 & $63 and the event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife's transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Calling all lovers of the expressive French horn! Sarasota Orchestra’s co-principal horn Hugo Bliss disjointed by a fellow superstar, Milwaukee Symphony’s hornist Scott Sanders whose career also began in Sarasota. Together with Joesph Holt on piano, they offer a cornucopia of remarkable music for this most magnificent instrument. The program includes Beethoven’s mighty sextet for two horns and string quartet. The performance will be held at the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 13, 2025 at 11 am. Tickets are $70. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
Continuing the story of The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva's eye has now wandered and his current objective is Susanna, Figaro's fiancée. The distressed couple, along with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal the count's lechery, despite the many obstacles thrown in their way. Mozart's musical genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte's witty libretto make The Marriage of Figaro one of opera's masterpieces.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society was founded in 1983 with 17 Charter members and 24 Associate members. The original purpose to foster the advancement of and promote excellence in the art of watermedia painting remains their focus today. As of August 2023, 90 of their 170 members attained Signature status and 27 are Master Signature members.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
This annual get-together joins community and business leaders; philanthropists; non-profit agencies; foundations; and volunteers in an inspiring celebration of non-profit excellence, mission, and impact: past, present, and future! Our theme this year, DARE TO C.A.R.E.! will celebrate the power of Collaboration, Action, Responsiveness, and Evolution as we celebrate 35 years of services and impact in our community!
Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music. The Barber of Seville is one of the most beloved comedic works in the operatic repertory.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Two operas, two betrayed husbands, two tragic ends. In Cavalleria rusticana the calm of a Sicilian Easter morning is broken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events ending in violent tragedy. In true theatrical tradition Pagliacci's clown tries to go on with the show, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The violent passions and raw emotions of these two works changed the direction of Italian opera forever.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Shopliftable pt. 2 builds on the success of our inaugural exhibition, showcasing impactful small artworks.This second installment features pieces small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists. Join us in celebrating creativity through compact, compelling art.
502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
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
Featuring five superlative works for strings, flute and clarinet from Han Lash, Dai Wei, Gabriela Lena Frank, and two composers who have received residencies from The Hermitage Artist Retreat, Anna Clyne and Christopher Theofanidis.
First Congregational Church,, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
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.
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
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