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Black Tie

Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb, Katherine and Frank Martucci, and Jean and Joe Volpe
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • May 5, 2026
Sarasota Ballet ends season with dazzling evening

After enjoying the final performance of the season at the Sarasota Opera House, patrons reveled in a celebratory gala that honored Katherine and Frank Martucci.

  • Black Tie
Joelson Krulewitz, Dick Vitale, Josh Krulewitz and Mike Soltys
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • May 3, 2026
Dick Vitale Gala draws the stars to raise money for pediatric cancer

Celebrities Geno Auriemma, Tom Izzo, Katie Couric and Kelvin Sampson attended Dick Vitale's 21st gala to benefit the V Foundation's pediatric cancer research fund.

  • Black Tie
Mette Milland, Toni Schemmel, Deb Kabinoff, Scott Taylor and Gana Gilkey
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 26, 2026
Cause 4 Hope raises crucial funds for Parkinson's programs

The annual gala helps the Neuro Challenge Foundation provide programs and services at no cost to those affected by the disease.

  • Black Tie
Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 26, 2026
Selby Gardens welcomes famed floral designer Ian Prosser for Lunch in the Gardens

Lunch in the Gardens celebrates the 2026 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which was inspired by Alexander Calder's work.

  • Black Tie
Event co-chairs Charlie Ann Syprett and Dona Scott with WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • April 19, 2026
WBBT's April Fรชte takes guests down colorful rabbit hole

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's annual spring fundraiser provides support for its youth summer programs.

  • Black Tie
Stephanie Perry, Margie Genter, Community Partner of the Year Awardee Florida Department of Corrections Stephanie Ditroia and Beth Poffel
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 19, 2026
Goodwill Manasota honors community ambassadors at signature luncheon

The nonprofit recognized four community leaders for their impact at the Community Ambassador Awards Luncheon.

  • Black Tie
Matt Malone, Danette Simons, Aydar Rakhmatullin and Alyssa and Michael Simons
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 17, 2026
Children First's Fairytale Ball creates opportunity for kids

The nonprofit's 26th annual gala supports its work of providing services for families and children to help raise healthy, happy kids.

  • Black Tie
Sarasota Art Museum Executive Director Virginia Shearer, Arkady Medovy and Maryann Meyer
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 17, 2026
Patrons wine and dine at SAM's En Plein Air dinner

Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner paired with Italian wines while supporting the Sarasota Art Museum at the outdoor dinner event.

  • Black Tie
Girls celebrate Girls Inc. outside feeling victorious after their welcome song.
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • April 17, 2026
Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon spotlights achievement

The annual event raises funds for the organization, which teaches girls to be strong, smart and bold.

  • Black Tie
The Centennial Celebration of 100 years of the Sarasota Opera co-chairs are Sue Neumann and Lynn Blackledge.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • April 12, 2026
Sarasota Opera House centennial celebration ends an era

In addition to celebrating the Opera House's 100th anniversary, it was Victor DeRenzi's last performance as Sarasota Opera maestro after 44 years.

  • Black Tie
Julia Groom, Elizabeth Moore and Jennifer Masters
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • April 12, 2026
Gymnast Emily Meinke shares message of hope at Blue Ties & Butterflies

The Child Protection Center's annual gala featured the former elite gymnast, who shared her journey of survival and empowerment in the Larry Nassar case.

  • Black Tie
Alisa Pettingell, Eileen Curd and Graci McGillicuddy
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • April 12, 2026
Moffitt's Mission Possible luncheon supports new treatments in cancer

The annual event at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens raises funds for Moffitt Cancer Center research.

  • Black Tie
Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom

In addition to celebrating its 40th anniversary, Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast honored Marc & Eve Kanoff.

  • Black Tie
The co-chairs are Darci Jacob (ninth year), Vickie Smith (fourth year) and Carolyn Castro (first year).
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 28, 2026
SPARCC Runway 2026 reassembles a kaleidoscope of lives and fashion

The fashion show and luncheon is an annual tradition for supporters of the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center.

  • Black Tie
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley with panelists Dr. Kelly Hamel, Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Angela Boldo
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • March 28, 2026
Women & Medicine educates guests on women's health

The annual luncheon helps attendees learn more about women's health issues from women health providers.

  • Black Tie
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1
A lane closure will affect traffic on the John Ringling Causeway during an FDOT maintenance project.
  • May 14, 2026
Roadwork will close Ringling Causeway lane at Bird Key
2
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch
3
Richard Frank Wokoun
  • May 14, 2026
Richard Frank Wokoun
4
Karie Friling makes brief comments to the Sarasota City Commission during her visit to the May 4 commission meeting.
  • May 14, 2026
New city manager calls career in public service 'most noble of professions'
5
Instructor Suzy Brenner leads her "Stretch and Strengthen" class for the first official activity following The Paradise Center reopening on Sept. 29 at Longboat Island Chapel.
  • May 14, 2026
The Paradise Center expands digital classes

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