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SRQ DAILY Feb 20, 2025

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

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Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"Tu Bishvat serves as a beautiful reminder of our responsibility to care for the Earth, and through these activities, our students learn that environmental stewardship is a core part of their cultural and spiritual heritage."

- Dan Ceaser, Head of School, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School.
 

[Education]  Community Day School of Sarasota Celebrates Tu Bishvat with Environmental Stewardship

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) is honoring Tu Bishvat, often referred to as the “Jewish New Year for Trees,” by embracing its deep-rooted values of environmental awareness, sustainability, and appreciation for nature. This Jewish holiday, which dates back thousands of years, encourages individuals to plant trees, protect natural resources, and reflect on their responsibility to care for the Earth—values that align perfectly with the school's mission of fostering responsible global citizens. Through tree-planting initiatives, nature-based learning experiences, and discussions on Jewish environmental ethics, the school reinforces its commitment to being stewards of the planet. “Our school is deeply committed to integrating Jewish values with real-world actions,” said Dan Ceaser, Head of School. “Tu Bishvat serves as a beautiful reminder of our responsibility to care for the Earth, and through these activities, our students learn that environmental stewardship is a core part of their cultural and spiritual heritage.” 

[Writing]  Writing Adventures
Cynthia Fabian

Kids aged five and up and younger siblings are welcome. Notebooks and all supplies are included. Instructor: Cynthia Fabian, retired teacher of English and ESOL, author of 10 books that help children overcome obstacles. Some books, like Canfield the Can, teach awareness of recycling and our environment. For more information and to register 941-408-1276 on weekdays. Free Workshop. See bio and books on: Cynthiafabianbooks.com Books will be available for purchase, and some proceeds will be donated to JoshProvides.org

Stoneybrook of Venice, 2365 Estuary Drive, Venice. Give the Center Road guard information and tell the guardhouse you are going to the clubhouse. 

[Summer Activities]  Registration Open for Summer Art Camp at Art Center Sarasota

 Art Center Sarasota is once again encouraging young children and teens to set their inner artists free at its summertime art camps. The 10 weekly sessions run June 2 to August 8. The programs target two different age groups: Creative Kids serves children, ages 6 to 9; Emerging Artists is for aspiring artists, ages 10 to 14. The camps are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before- and after-care is offered. Fees are $275 per week for Art Center Sarasota members with a family membership; $350 per week for non-members. Scholarships are available to those eligible. Art supplies are included; participants will also receive a free art camp t-shirt. (Note: Families will receive a discount for registering during February. Discounted rates are $260 per week for Art Center Sarasota members with a family membership; $335 per week for non-members.) Art Center Sarasota is also looking for teens, 15 and over, to volunteer as teaching assistants. Volunteer hours count towards high school and Bright Futures and National Honor Society requirements.  

To register click here

[Support]  Show Support for Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida

Girl Scouts need a champion. They need a community willing to invest in their dreams. They need a network of alums and supporters cheering them on and showing them what’s possible. Learn how you can get involved with Girl Scouting as a lifetime member, alum or donor. 

To learn more, visit

[Educational Event]  Fun-With-Tech - Remake Learning Days

Come join the SCF Advanced Technology Center (ATC) for Fun-With-Tech! During this FREE engaging three-hour event, students and their families can explore robotics, drones, basic circuitry, and virtual reality at interactive technology stations. Participants will receive a printed passport to document their fun and learning at various technology stations. Complete all four stations to earn a fun prize! Families can come and go at their convenience. Light refreshments will be available.

Bradenton, Tuesday - April 22, 4:00pm - 7:00pm; Lakewood Ranch, Saturday, April 26, 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Venice, Tuesday April 29, 4:00pm-7:00pm. 

To learn more, visit

[Speaker Event]  New College Announces 2025 Socratic Stage Series on Free Speech & Debate

New College of Florida, ranked the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly (2024), proudly presents the 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, a premier national forum dedicated to intellectual debate, free speech, and civil discourse. The Spring 2025 speaker series will feature an extraordinary lineup of influential scholars, authors, policy experts, and thought leaders addressing topics from media and medicine to law, immigration, and the future of higher education. Key speakers include Russell Brand, Tom Homan, Alan Dershowitz, Dr. Judith Butler, Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Chad Wolf, Steven Donziger, Dr. Stanley Fish, Mollie Hemingway and other highly anticipated speakers who will tackle the most pressing issues of our time. For more details, ticketing, and livestream access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage. 

[Arts & Entertainent]  Alain Perez Quinteto at the HAT

Bassist, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Alain Pérez is one of Cuba’s most active and versatile musicians on the international scene today. A Grammy-winning artist and multi-category nominee as an interpreter and author, he is also deeply cherished as a producer and ambassador of Latin Jazz and Cuban popular music worldwide. Don't miss this unforgettable performance!

Feb 21 & 22, 7:30pm, Historic Asolo Theater, $40-$50 / Members save 10%. 

[Recognition ]  Anna Maria Oyster Bar Hosts Annual Super Staff Party, Celebrates Outstanding Team Members

On February 9, 2025, Anna Maria Oyster Bar closed early to honor the true MVPs of their team at their annual Super Staff Party. This celebration was all about recognizing the hard work, dedication and fun personalities that make AMOB what it is. From serious honors to lighthearted awards, team members took home well-deserved recognition. They wrapped up the night celebrating VIPs, enjoying Five-Star Fun, and watching Philly take down Kansas in the big game! The team at Oysters Rock Hospitality believes in celebrating the incredible people who make their restaurants feel like home. TheirSuper Staff Party is their way of saying thank you for their hard work, dedication and the Five-Star Fun they bring every day to the tables.   



[SOON]  FOOD: Teacher Tuesdays , November 26 – February 25, 11:00 am - 12:00 am

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

[SOON]  SPORTS: Casual Cornhole , January 16 – December 25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station Open Houses , January 18 – December 13, Various Times

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Book Drive , February 1 – March 31, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Sunrise Beach Walks , February 5 – March 27, 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is excited to announce the return of the popular sunrise beach walks.The walks will be held every Wednesday and Thursday at Siesta and Nokomis beaches. Walkers are asked to check in with staff before or after their walk between 8-9:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun and energizing start to the day with this community-favorite event. For just a one-time registration fee of $5, participants will receive a punch card and have an opportunity to receive an event T-shirt and gift from the Florida Department of Health.

Siesta and Nokomis Beaches, Various Locations

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Circus Sarasota 2025 , February 15 – March 9, Various Times

Circus Sarasota is back with an ALL NEW show in 2025 featuring awe-inspiring artistry from around the world. Your hometown circus returns under our NEW BIG TOP at Nathen Benderson Park this winter. Limited tickets are available for this annual tradition – book today!

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Bay Fest: Our Actions Make Waves , March 1, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join Sarasota County for the second annual Bay Fest on Saturday, March 1, a free community event designed to educate and inspire action to protect our bays. In partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Bay Fest offers hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations and expert insights on how actions on land impact local waterways.

The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Peace, Love, and Plants , March 9, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art in the Park , March 15 – March 16, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

[SOON]  FOOD: St. Paddy's Day at Gecko's Grill & Pub , March 17, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

We're gearing up at all six Gecko's Grill & Pub’s for a traditional Irish feast on St. Patrick’s Day, featuring a menu with locally sourced Bangers from Geier’s Sausage Kitchen! We will also be featuring some fun and festive Irish cocktails all month long! The Guinness will be flowing for hoisting a pint for a traditional Slainte! 

Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Embracing Our Community: A Celebration of Kindness , March 30, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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

SRQ Media Group

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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