Dozens of local businesses showcased their products and services during the Manatee Chamber of Commerce's Spring Fling Business Expo March 3 at the chamber's McClure Center office in Lakewood Ranch. The event also included music, refreshments and a silent auction.

Nancy's Bar-B-Que expects to open for business within the next seven to 10 days.

The 35th annual Longboat Key Garden Club's Home and Garden Tour was this Saturday, March 5 and featured five homes.

Chocolate-lovers united to devour chocolately creations during United Cerebral Palsy's Chocolate Sundae even.

The 1st Annual Sarasota Mardi Gras happened this past Sunday, March 6 at Voocaray in Gulf Gate. The event was not only for fun, but 25% of the proceeds from the event went to the local Habitat for Humanity.

Cat Depot hosted its Great Catsby Cat'sino Night fundraiser Saturday night at the Polo Grill and Bar.

Complete with a Brazilian Samba parade, runway fashion show and fabulous cuisine, the event, which benefits United Cerebral Palsy, was a hit for socialites.

The Crowley Museum and Nature Center held their annual 'Starry Nite' event on Saturday, March 5, at Crowley.

The Boatyard Village hosted a community day to benefit the local non-profit sports organization, "The View," on Saturday, March 5. The event featured a silent auction at the Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill, a jump house and face painting and a bake sale in Hula's Market Place.