SRQ DAILY Feb 6, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Governor DeSantis continues to demonstrate his belief in the importance of higher education in Florida, and we're grateful to have him as an advocate for New College's growth."
Jenny and Mike Schenk started their business, Pineapple Kitchen, by selling salty, delicious pretzel bites to share at events. Over the last 5 years the business has grown to offer togetherness, learning and fun with classes for both children and adults.
The Schenk’s weave their passion for food and hospitality into their business. Mike found a way to create the perfect cocktail of mouthwatering food and interactive theater into their Interactive Murder Mystery shows. “It is a unique and good time. As you eat you are acting and figuring out who the murderer is,” he explains.
Through their Kids Culinary Education program, Pineapple Kitchen teaches children how to make delicious food like chicken nuggets. The class introduces the basics of the kitchen and teaches lessons on how to cook foods that are popular with children. From ages 7 to 13, they encourage their students to prepare, cook and plate the recipes they see every day. “Some kids have never picked up a tong before or even a spatula. You think that's just a very basic skill that we might take for granted as an adult, but everything has to be learned,” says Jenny.
Offering interactive comedy dinner shows, culinary workshops, tasting events, and culinary education, Pineapple Kitchen can teach anyone at any age to have fun in the kitchen. 
Pictured: A day at Pineapple Kitchen Kids Culinary Education. Photo courtesy of Pineapple Kitchen.
As they continue to make progress in addressing the damage to their buildings and beautiful Bayfront Gardens caused by last year’s hurricanes, The Ringling would like to share a few exciting updates for this new year. "We are excited to announce that the first floor of the Ca’ d’Zan is now open for self-guided tours at select times throughout the day. We've been able to stabilize air and humidity controls and are making strides forward in restoring the systems that were damaged when the Mansion's basement flooded during Hurricane Helene. We also continue to improve on our temporary solutions for running important systems such as the HVAC," shares Public Relations Manager, Bethany Ritz. "We are also excited to introduce a new guided tour, the Ringling Legacy Tour. Discover the remarkable life and legacy of circus impresario and art collectors John and Mable Ringling. This journey begins with John's circus years and goes on to explore the lasting cultural legacy left behind through the grounds and the Museum of Art."
Vintage Vinyl Productions is proud to present Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, in concert on May 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, FL. Ticket presale begins Wednesday February 5th, and public sales begin Friday February 7th. Tickets are available at VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) will transform the Riverwalk on April 5, 2025 from 11 am - 7pm into a dynamic, diverse, immersive art and music experience from bridge to bridge! This community collaboration is coordinated by Realize Bradenton and includes: musicians from a variety of genres on multiple stages, pop up performance acts along the Riverwalk, live creation of large scale visual art, interactive art projects, local art for sale, and culinary treats from local food vendors.
The annual Beach University series is back at Siesta Beach this March, offering free, one-hour educational sessions every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Join Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, with assistance from local volunteers, to explore topics about the coastal environment.
Historic Main Pavilion, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Time: 9:30-10:30am.
GROVE Restaurant is excited to introduce a brand-new culinary event, Cooking With Campbell, an immersive and educational dining experience led by Chef Greg Campbell. The event will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Grove Ballroom and is designed for food enthusiasts who want to sharpen their kitchen skills while enjoying an expertly prepared meal. This classroom-style dining experience will empower guests to make informed choices when shopping for ingredients and preparing meals at home.
Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, Friday, March 7, 6:00pm, Tickets: $75 per person + tax and service fee.
The 30th Annual Jewish Food Festival, will be held at the Jewish Congregation of Venice Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 10am to 3pm. It features mouthwatering corned beef, pastrami sandwiches, chopped liver, knishes, kugels, matzo ball, and cabbage soup. All kinds of fresh, homemade tasty muffins, and pastries. Try the new jewelry sale, with inexpensive ways to dress up your wardrobe. There are many different vendors, and continual entertainment throughout the day. Try your luck at the cash raffle, a day of fun for the family.
600 North Auburn Road, Venice, Overflow parking: Achieva Credit Union 1485 East Venice Ave. Free shuttles to the JCV.
Pictured: Enjoy a delicious corned beef sandwich at the 30th Annual Jewish Food Festival. Photo by Judy Haran.
The 2025-2026 budget proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis would strengthen New College and bolster its continued growth during the next several years. If approved by the legislature, the budget will dedicate significant resources to campus expansion, enrollment growth, faculty hiring, and the launch of new educational initiatives. “Governor DeSantis continues to demonstrate his belief in the importance of higher education in Florida, and we’re grateful to have him as an advocate for New College’s growth,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “The funding allocated in this budget would allow us to take substantial steps toward becoming the nation’s preeminent liberal arts college, and we’re looking forward to working with the Legislature to provide this support to our students.” The Governor’s proposed budget would position New College to continue providing world-class academics and a superior student life experience during the ongoing cycle of growth that began in 2023.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) proudly announces that its eight-story Arts Plaza has officially been named the FST McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, following the successful completion of the Maier Match challenge gift. This milestone was made possible by the generosity of Ed and Susan Maier, who matched $4 million dollar-for-dollar to support Phase 1 of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza project. More than 600 donors contributed to the Maier Match, showcasing the community's steadfast support for FST's growth and commitment to the arts. Now, after this generous gift from the Maiers, FST is only $1.5 million away from their $46 million goal. To reach this goal, the anonymous generous donor has introduced a new giving challenge, the Williams Match, where she will match up to $250,000.
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency will be collecting donations of new books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. The books will be distributed to the children and families enrolled with Children First, as well as distributed to the agency’s local nonprofit and education partners.Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, kicked off its second annual “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book drive on February 1. Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency will be collecting donations of new books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. The books will be distributed to the children and families enrolled with Children First, as well as distributed to the agency’s local nonprofit and education partners.
Children First, 1723 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
Designed for children ages birth to seven, Storybook Street is set to dazzle once again as it delivers a unique blend of imagination, creativity and scientific discovery, all in one unforgettable experience. Collaborating with two dozen organizations to bring books to life with preschool pomp and circumstance, the event will feature art, dance, drama, music, movement and more! PBooks are distributed at each vendor booth, tangible keepsakes of the magic they just witnessed.
Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34237
Join us for Valentines Day! Explore what self care Sunday really means. Spread the love while treating yourself with special wellness activities and goodies from our local vendors.
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
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
Our annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout at Greenbrook Adventure Park offers a range of activities for families and friends! From Saturday, February 15th to Sunday, February 16th, you'll enjoy: Campfire perfect for roasting s'mores, Family-friendly movie showing, Food truck dinner for purchase, Live music by Justin Layman, Complimentary donuts & coffee for breakfast and much more! This overnight event will begin on Saturday at 3 PM and end Sunday morning at 9 AM. Tickets are for ages 3+. Children under 3 are free.
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Join us for our Tropical Soiree | Peace, Love, and Plants Market. Embrace yourself in nature while shopping local under the big oak trees!
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
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.
This fine art show is free to the public and features over 150 works of art created by local artists
ranging from large- and small-scale original paintings, mixed media, photographs, sculptures, small
prints and beautiful notecards. There truly is something to satisfy everyone's taste and budget.
University Park Country Club Ballroom, 7671 The Park Blvd University Park, FL 34201
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.
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
After stormy weather postponed its January grand opening, Embracing Our Differences has reimagined the celebration as "Embracing Our Community: A Celebration of Kindness."; This free event takes place on Sunday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m., at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The celebration features three performances by the phenomenal musician, singer and songwriter, Shelby Sol. Local arts and education organizations will be in attendence.
Sarasota's Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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