SRQ DAILY Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"I have girls that want to play basketball at the next level and to do that, you're going to have to play young ladies that are just as gifted and talented as you are."
The Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team has finally made it over the hump. After finishing as the runner-up in the Florida State High School Athletic Association Class 3A state tournament for the fourth year in a row in 2024, the Cougars were crowned state champions when they defeated Jacksonville’s Bolles High 64-54 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland March 1.
The Cougars are a team defined by their tenacity. Their practices are hard—from the multitude of offensive playcalls and defensive sets players are required to memorize to the intense conditioning—and their schedule, ranked fourth hardest in the state by Max Preps, was even tougher. It was a schedule designed to harden Cardinal Mooney in anticipation of its playoff run.
“I have girls that want to play basketball at the next level and to do that, you’re going to have to play young ladies that are just as gifted and talented as you are. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the easy route,” says Head Coach Marlon Williams. “We took some bumps on the head and some bruises, but it comes down to how do you prepare your team to play against the best teams in Florida? When you get to the final four, everybody’s good. You have to be able to say that we’ve played this kind of girl, we understand this type of team.”
Williams’ team was not in need of a rah-rah speech over the course of the season or during the tournament. Led by star senior Kali Barrett, a University of Cincinnati commit, the Cougars were determined from the start of the season to not let another state championship slip away. In the championship game, the 6-foot-2 Barrett, who averaged 16 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, scored 20 points with 11 rebounds. Sophomore Madi Mignery, another Division 1 prospect, added 19 points with 11 rebounds. Senior Sy’monique Simon, who will play for Harvard next year, scored 11 points before exiting with an elbow injury in the third quarter.
“It’s a joy, it’s a relief and it’s a moment of being so proud of this team,” says Williams of winning the state championship. “They were very determined after last year to get back to this stage and they showed it through their work ethic all season long. It could not be a better group of young ladies.”
The Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team ahead of their state championship game on March 1. Provided photo.
From soaring harmonies to spellbinding magic and a heartwarming musical comedy, Glenridge Performing Arts Center’s March and April lineup offers something for every taste. Highlights include the world-renowned Yale Whiffenpoofs (March 2), the dazzling folk-dance spectacle of The Tamburitzans (March 9), and jazz greats Ken Peplowski and Ted Rosenthal (March 30). For those who love a little mystery, magician and mentalist Star Newman (April 1) promises an evening of mind-bending illusions, while Grammy-winning artist Tony DeSare (April 18) delivers his signature blend of jazz and timeless classics.
The Sarasota Opera community will gather for Salute to the Stars to celebrate and honor this season’s Artists at the Sarasota Yacht Club, at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 25. Each year, Sarasota Opera honors a number of their outstanding Artists. Guests will enjoy a gourmet lunch with new and old friends and performances by the awardees. Awards will be presented through the legacy left by a number of visionary individuals as well as the Sarasota and Manatee Opera Guilds.
Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of April events, which includes a luncheon with guest speaker Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Rep; the art talk “Portraits Then and Now”; and a continuing exhibit, “Revise Assumptions/Libby Hawk Paintings,” by member artist Libby Hawk. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org. To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
This Saturday, March 15th from 10-3, the Spotlight is on Limelight Market! This fun, pop up market happens in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime with rescue dogs, unique guest vendors, food, and live music. Check out the 40+ local creators and curators inside. Great way to support local! Free, until you buy something amazing! For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota.
The Silver Foxes, our young-at-heart senior performance troupe, opened their brand-new musical variety showMarch 11. Director Brad Wages invites you to enjoy Life Upon the Wicked Stage, all about topics The Foxes know well – being a performer, show business, and the desire to be on stage. Let the “youngest” cast in town regale you with song, dance, and ribald humor tonight through Sunday. Tickets are very limited with the best availability on Saturday evening. For tickets call 941-488-1115.
HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency is inviting families to a special Public Open House and Teddy Bear Clinic, offering children a unique, hands-on experience in a real emergency department setting. This fun and educational event will take place on Friday, March 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, at the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Preto Boulevard. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed teddy bear to participate in a simulated medical journey, allowing young caregivers to experience the emergency room process in an engaging and interactive way. The first 100 registered children to attend will receive a free teddy bear as a special gift. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the brand-new, state-of-the-art emergency facility and meet the dedicated emergency care team.To register for the Teddy Bear Clinic, call 888.685.1598.
Pictured: HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency is offering children a unique, hands-on experience in a real emergency department setting at the Public Open House and Teddy Bear Clinic, March 21, 2025.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) announced today that 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Rucyl Mills will have her first public Hermitage program at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point. Combining jazz, avant-garde R&B, hip-hop, and more through a unique blend of electronics and vocals, Rucyl’s sound art is grounded in a belief that humanity can evolve and find new forms of creative expression. Join the Hermitage on Saturday, April 5 at 5:30pm for this free community event: “Meet Rucyl!” – An Hour with 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Rucyl Mills, a creative process exploration and sampling of musical work from this artist blazing a trail to the future of music.
On Saturday, March 8th, The Venice Symphony transported guests to a vibrant springtime scene in Paris for its highly anticipated 2025 Gala Fundraiser, held at the Venice
Community Center. The event, dedicated to supporting music and education, dazzled attendees with a captivating fusion of live music, immersive visuals, and philanthropic spirit. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, over $60,000 was raised during the event to further the Symphony's vision.
We’re back with the incredible 2025 TGIF | BEST OF SRQ LOCAL PARTY celebrating the winners recognized and voted on by our readers in SRQ Magazine’s epic 2025 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. Join us on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5-8 pm at the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Sarasota to taste and experience some of this year's "Best of SRQ Local" restaurants and cocktails. Share a hip evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies.
Aloft Sarasota, 1401 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes, specials and FUN!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
A season favorite, audiences new and old are always enlightened by this contemporary dance tapestry featuring works by nationally known choreographers. This year's line up is Kristin O' Neal, Gregory Catellier, Bliss Kohlmyer, Rosanna Tavarez, and Sarasota local Tania Vergara Perez.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota FL 34236
Join us for our annual Irish Celtic Festival! This event is filled with fun, laughter, delicious food, dancing, and more! You can enjoy: A variety of Irish-themed food, Irish beer and whiskey, Exciting stage performances, Kidz Korner, Lucky Dog Parade sponsored by Satchels Last Resort Animal Shelter/Sanctuary and 21+ Relay Race by MVP Sports and Social!
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Wellen Park is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications. Starting and finishing in the downtown area of Wellen Park in Venice, Florida. This race will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
Solis Hall, Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Each year, My Hometown Fest draws thousands of people from Florida’s Suncoast for a day of fun featuring food from dozens of area restaurants, craft beer samples from around the country, and live music from the region’s best bands. The event features plenty of family friendly activities as well.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
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
BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) is a free event that will transform the Riverwalk 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.
Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Madness Bracket Giveaway! How to Enter: Join us at your favorite Gecko’s location on Selection Sunday, March 16th, or before the first game on March 20th. Fill out your bracket for a chance to win an amazing Gecko’s gift basket! Winners will be announced on April 8th after the championship game. You can track your process and see where you stand on the bracket tracking! Gather your friends and make it a Gecko’s game day tradition. Let the madness begin!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
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.
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
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) announces “Creating Your Success,” a dynamic six-part workshop series designed to empower women with personal and professional growth tools. From mastering stress and improving communication to developing negotiation skills and building better relationships, this free series is a comprehensive roadmap for achieving success and balance in life.
Women's Resource Center Sarasota, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
A special affair just around the corner from the Sarasota Opera House just before the opening night performance of Stiffelio. Note that this does not include tickets for the Opera itself. Please visit our website or contact our Box Office by phone at (941) 328-1300 to buy tickets to the performance.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Wrap up the Sarasota Opera's 2025 Winter Festival with an unforgettable evening at the DaCapo Society Reception before the performance of Verdi's Stiffelio at the Sarasota Opera House on Thursday March 20 2025. Begin your night with an exclusive pre-performance reception at 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop where you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere delicious drinks and light appetizers all while mingling with fellow opera enthusiasts and Sarasota Opera performers. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to enjoy a night of world-class opera and great company!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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