Sarasota Tiger Bay Club panel puts focus on ‘Our Sidewalks’
The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club will host a discussion about “Our Sidewalks” on March 5 at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East in Sarasota.
The panel includes Denise Kowal, founder of the Sarasota International Chalk Festival; Tom Edwards, executive director of Project Pride SRQ; and sidewalk artist Beck Lane. Additional panelists are expected.
Reservations ($39 for Tiger Bay members, $44 non-members) are required and lunch is included. For more information and to register, visit SarasotaTigerBay.com or call 941-228-9144.
Parrish Civic Association to host Heritage Festival/Chili Cook-Off
The Parrish Civic Association will host its annual Heritage Festival and Chili Cook-Off on March 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florida Railroad Museum (12210 83rd St. E., Parrish). A tradition for more than a decade, the Chili Cook-Off includes the Parrish Heritage Parade from 10-11 a.m.
Festival admission ($10; free for children 12 and younger) includes chili sampling. Activities include craft and vendor tents, food trucks, a beer truck, activity and play areas for children, and live music from Black Thorn Rose.
Award categories include the Grand Championship, People’s Choice, Most Spirited, Best Firehouse Chili, and more. For tickets, chili competition team entries, and more information, visit parrishcivicassociation.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
Boys & Girls Clubs fundraiser to announce 2026 Youth of Year
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor outstanding achievements of its teen members at the 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration on March 6 at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, in Sarasota.
Highlighting the event will be the announcement of the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Youth of the Year. The honor was established by Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1947 and recognizes Club members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service, academic excellence, and a commitment to making their community a better place.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has celebrated six Florida Youth of the Year winners, three state runners-up, three Southeast Youth of the Year winners, one regional runner-up, and one National Youth of the Year. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at bgcsdc.org/events.
Gulf Coast Foundation seeking Leadership Institute candidates
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. The deadline is March 18.
Led by faculty from the Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College, the program develops participants who are prepared to take meaningful action in their communities. Up to 25 participants will be selected for the 2026 class. The free program runs over two months starting in May.
“We encourage emerging and established leaders alike to apply, broaden their capabilities, and strengthen their ability to have a lasting impact in the region,” said Kelly Carlstein, Gulf Coast VP. For applications and more information, visit GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI.
Venice Airport Festival Grounds set for music & barbecue event
A Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival will be held on March 20–22 at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds.
The three-day community celebration – hosted by Coffee Talk Venice and Daisy Does It Events and Festivals – brings together Blues, Rock, and Reggae music, a championship BBQ competition, mural artists, gourmet food trucks, artisan vendors, kids activities, and family-friendly experiences while supporting area homeless initiatives.
For tickets, lineup, and full event details, visit venicebluesandbbq.com.
Around and about
· The Palmetto Friends of the Library is having its annual book sale and fundraiser on Feb. 27-28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W. The sale’s proceeds help to support Palmetto Branch Library events and activities.
· Sarasota Bay Watch will host its 15th annual Scallopalooza fundraiser on March 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The “party with a purpose” supports Sarasota Bay Watch’s conservation programs. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, info: SarasotaBayWatch.org.
· The Crafty Ladies at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church will hold a final closing sale of all products on March 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at GCUMC, 1100 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte.
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast will host The BIG Clay Shoot sporting and fundraising event on March 6 at Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays. Registration, sponsorship, info: one.bidpal.net/clayshoot26/welcome.
· Tickets are on sale for the Venice Nokomis Woman’s Club’s 100th Anniversary Jubilee on March 20 at Plantation Golf & Country Club. The event supports supports scholarships. Contact: venice-nokomiswomansclub.org; vnwcevent@gmail.com.
Submissions by Kristine Janata, Kelly Fores, Nathan March, Solymar Estrella, Alyssa Holcomb, Laura Kresl, Rachel Keener, Merab Favorite, Dana Hanson, Vinicia Mascarenhas, and Tricia Cook.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Tiger Bay Club panel puts focus on ‘Our Sidewalks’
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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