The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosted its first Breakfast of Champions event of the year Feb. 9 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Members enjoyed a hearty breakfast buffet before learning about the Baltimore Orioles' upcoming Spring Training schedule and the renovation of Ed Smith Stadium from guest speaker Laura Williams, director of Florida operations for the Baltimore Orioles.

East County residents stood up for seafood during a special celebrity bartending night at the Polo Grill and Bar Feb. 9. Monies raised at the event benefited Seafood Savvy, an offshoot of Solutions To Avoid Red Tide, Inc. that focuses on sustainable seafood.

Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.

Longboat Harbour residents modeled apparel from Draper's and Damon's at the annual Longboat Harbourettes Luncheon and Fashion show on Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Bird Key Yacht Club members showed off their artistic talents at the grand opening of the club's member art exhibit on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at BKYC.

The tables were saturated in confetti, balloons spanned the room and guests couldn't turn off their excitement - Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc., had transformed Michael's on East into little Italy for its 'Festa Siciliana' luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 9. Performers ranged from balloon crafting 'Juggles the Clown' (Jeff Lovett) to accordion player Mario DeLeon to Tarantella Dancers. In the past, proceeds have benefited Sarasota Opera, Ringling Museum and Big Brother Big Sister on the Gulfcoast.

Briana Harris, Longboat Key Club and Resort tennis pro, gives Phillip McCormick, 14, a lesson Monday, Feb. 7, at the Tennis Gardens. McCormick comes to Longboat Key to take tennis lessons with Harris twice a week after school.

Students at Sprouts Child Development Center of Harvest United Methodist Church strapped on their helmets and pedaled away during the preschool's fifth annual St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Feb. 7-8. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Members of Temple Emanu-El honored the temple's vice president of membership, Kim Sheintal, with a special luncheon Feb. 6.