Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 2nd of September.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
Bill Woodson’s Conversations Across the Aisle brings locals together to share dinner, hear a neutral expert’s presentation, and discuss topics from church-state separation to public education.
Meanwhile, the community is invited to Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers launched the Deming-Rivers Social Club to offer workplace training, leadership workshops and consulting that help staff working with vulnerable populations feel included.
Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards luncheon to celebrate community unity is set for Thursday, Oct. 15.
Missy Parmenter, founder of Harbor58, helps foster youth by providing housing, mentorship, and financial literacy classes while planning a cottage campus in east Manatee; Sarasota Magazine invites locals to a unity luncheon at the Unity Awards on Thursday, Oct.
15.
Deb Kabinoff is using technology to strengthen Sarasota by funding mobile learning centers for students and supporting studies at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
She is also working with Ringling to unify its systems and invites community members to celebrate unity at Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Catalist Realty broker David Crawford has turned real estate closings into over $350,000 (donated to 65 local nonprofits), connecting newcomers to community support, and he will host a unity luncheon at Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards on Thursday, Oct.
15.
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting the first annual Communi-Tee Golf Classic on Sept.
9 at Calusa Country Club, with up to 124 golfers joining for a fun day (supporting over 60 clubs and 600 local events).
💼 Business
Armel Jewelers is set to reopen in mid-September at 22 N.
Boulevard of the Presidents after hurricane damage — restoring 50 years of service to local patrons — and will offer jewelry, watch repairs, appraisals, and consignments.
🎭 Culture
Big Waters Land Trust announced the People’s Choice winners of its seventh annual Summer Photo Contest on Sept.
1 at 7:00 a.m. ET. Entries that capture Florida’s natural landscapes can be seen in the online exhibit.
Sarasota honors its past with landmarks such as the Chidsey Library (opened in 1941 at 701 N.
Tamiami Trail) and Ed Smith Stadium that carry the names of local philanthropists and activists who shaped our community. Their legacies inspire continued civic pride and preservation.
🎓 Education
Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton leads the PAInT program at USF Sarasota-Manatee, which offers arts-integrated lessons that help over 5,000 students learn math, physics, and more; the program will soon move to USF Tampa while still serving districts.
Join Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15 to celebrate community unity.
Educator Geri Chaffee founded Dreamers Academy on Myrtle St. in Sarasota to offer dual-language immersion to students after tough experiences in local classrooms.
The public charter, opened in 2021, now serves 658 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and supports families with language and financial literacy programs.
🏛️ Government
On Aug. 26, Sarasota County commissioners approved $20 million for flood prevention on St. Armands Key and stormwater capacity at Celery Fields.
The projects will upgrade systems to reduce storm damage, with funds from Resilient SRQ, Surtax 4, and local contributions (including about $500,000 from the city).
🏥 Health
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center added its third robotic surgery system, the da Vinci 5, last week to boost access to advanced, minimally invasive procedures.
Surgeons such as Dr. Samuel Yelverton praised the system (which offers clearer 3D imaging) for enhancing surgical precision.
🏈 Sports
Senior libero Sydney Mullen was named Athlete of the Week after leading Sarasota High girls volleyball to a 3-0 start with 47 digs & 10 aces as of Monday.
The team is breaking a 10-year winning drought with strong chemistry and drive.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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