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Black Tie

Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb, Deputy Executive Director Michelle Butler and Executive Director Joe Volpe at a black tie event.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 17, 2025
Sarasota Ballet triumphs with tutus and turns at annual gala

The event, complete with cocktail hours, dining and dancing, also featured a performance by Sarasota Ballet dancers.

  • Black Tie
Together We Bloom co-chairs are Ellen Kopel-Puretz and Marilyn Lapidus
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 16, 2025
Healthy Start Coalition shares the love at Together We Bloom

The nonprofit's dinner was held at The Resilient Retreat.

  • Black Tie
Big and Little Sisters of the Year Hannah Bagnall and Samauria Doles and have been paired for almost six years.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 16, 2025
Bigs and littles walk the runway for Big Brothers Big Sisters Suncoast

Program participants and supporters celebrate at annual Live Laugh Love Luncheon.

  • Black Tie
An "Under the Sea" candy bar at the Gulf Coast Heat Homecoming delivered everything needed for a sugar fix.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 12, 2025
February is the sweetest month — for nonprofits as well as candyholics

The social season is in full swing this month with a plethora of happenings and tidbits from those who attend them.

  • Black Tie
Co-Chairs Ashley Kozel and Liebe Gamble
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2025
Selby Gardens' Orchid Ball celebrates new exhibit featuring George Harrison

The "Here Comes the Moon" theme kicked off Harrison's exhibit, which highlights his passion for gardening.

  • Black Tie
President Tommy Gregory receives the key to the college from Maverick the Manatee.
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • February 9, 2025
SCF inaugurates president at Avenues to the Future dinner

Guests turned out to State College of Florida to welcome Tommy Gregory officially.

  • Black Tie
Connie Davis, Arthur Wood and Lynn Morris
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2025
Ann Patchett espouses importance of libraries at Library Foundation luncheon

The award-winning author spoke at the annual Love Our Libraries luncheon Feb. 7.

  • Black Tie
Bishop Frank Dewane, event chair Bridget Spiess, Giovanna Barrios and Chad Turnbull
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 3, 2025
Catholic Charities Ball fundraiser rocks the St. Regis Longboat Key

The annual gala for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice benefits its programs throughout Sarasota County.

  • Black Tie
General Director of Sarasota Opera Richard Russell with event co-chairs Edie Chaifetz, Tamara Jacobs and the Mercedes-Benz offered as a raffle prize.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera transports patrons to 'A Night in Seville'

The opera's annual gala honored Les and Carol Brualdi for their support.

  • Black Tie
Amanda Heisey and Minna Montagna with Caren Brady's design for the 2023 production of "The Drowsy Chaperone."
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
The Sarasota Players celebrates 95 years of community theater

The theater gave a nod to past performances to thank patrons for their support over the years.

  • Black Tie
Umbreen Khalidi Maseed, Karen Bell and Eduardo Anaya
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 2, 2025
Superheroes step into the spotlight in support of Circus Arts Conservatory

The event helped the nonprofit raise more than $300,000 for its student programs.

  • Black Tie
Fabiola Softa, Daniel Jordan and Anne Folsom Smith
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • January 30, 2025
Masterworks Dinner sets the table for weekend's Sarasota Orchestra performances

Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero shared his passion for the program ahead with attendees.

  • Black Tie
Zack and Greta Hamric with their Jaquar
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 27, 2025
Social scene chills out as end of January nears

Our chilly weather coincided with a brief pause in black tie events before peak season really heats up.

  • Black Tie
Michael Klauber, Gabriel Garcia, Emma Kate Silvestri and Joe Farrell
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 27, 2025
The sun shines for Forks & Corks' Grand Tasting

The courtyard of The Ringling provided the perfect backdrop for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals' annual food and wine tasting event.

  • Black Tie
Featured Speaker Stefanie Block Reed and Virginia Shearer
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • January 23, 2025
Sarasota Arts Museum gives luncheon attendees an inside look at Art Basel

Stefanie Block Reed, senior business advisor and VIP representative with Art Basel, spoke about what it takes to put on the annual art event.

  • Black Tie
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 »
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  • December 4, 2025
Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival
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You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
3
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
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A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
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Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall
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Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author

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