Sarasota Tiger Bay Club hosts annual state legislative update
The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club, a nonpartisan political organization, will host its annual legislative update on April 2 at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East in Sarasota.
U.S. Reps. James Buchanan and Fiona McFarland and Florida Sen. Joe Gruters are scheduled to be the panelists. The program will be moderated by Lisa Carlton, a former state senator. Check in begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon.
For more information and to register ($39 for Tiger Bay members, $44 non-members), visit SarasotaTigerBay.com or call 941-228-9144.
Conservation group presents Wild About Nature Festival
Big Waters Land Trust will host its Wild About Nature Festival on March 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bay Preserve in Osprey.
The free event brings together regional nonprofits, environmental partners, and community organizations for a day of outdoor exploration and environmental education, including tree climbing, kayaking experiences, wildlife identification, crafts, games, and interactive learning. Live music, special presentations, and a variety of food trucks will be available.
“This festival reflects what conservation looks like in action – families learning, exploring, and building lasting connections with the land and water that make our region so special,” said Big Waters’ Tianna Boswell-Porter.
Registration is not required but RSVPs are encouraged through the Wild About Nature Facebook event page (facebook.com/BigWatersLandTrust). Parking will be available at First Baptist Church of Osprey, Victory Baptist Church, and the historic Osprey Library, with trolley service to and from the festival. Visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/2026-wild-about-nature-festival.
Sarasota-based conservationists to discuss statewide water crisis
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will host a luncheon and conversation with Sarasota-based conservationists and environmental activists on March 20 at Stoneybrook Country Club in Sarasota.
The panel includes environmental educator, advocate, and consultant Jono Miller and Julie Morrisand, founder of the Florida Conservation Group. Both have been working to protect Sarasota County waters for many years and each is versed in Sarasota County’s water resource management.
More than 70% of the state is experiencing extreme drought, including all of Sarasota County – the worst drought in the state since 2001. For more information and to register, go to lwvsrq.org/events. To learn more about the League, visit lwvsrq.org.
JFCS of Suncoast celebrates 40 years at Hope in Bloom
The Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast will celebrate 40 years of service at this year’s Hope in Bloom brunch on March 29 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.
“Reaching 40 years is both a celebration and a recommitment,” said Helene Lotman, president and CEO of JFCS. “JFCS was built on the belief that every person deserves dignity, stability, and hope, and that belief continues to guide us as we grow alongside the evolving needs of our community.”
Founded in 1986, the nonprofit has grown into a multiservice organization offering counseling, financial assistance, youth and family programs, veteran services, and specialized support for older adults and Holocaust survivors. This year’s event will also honor Marc and Eve Kanoff for leadership and service advancing the JFCS mission.
For tickets, sponsorships and more information, visit jfcs-cares.org or contact donate@jfcs-cares.org or 941‑366‑2224, ext. 143.
Around and about
· Lakewood Ranch Main Street and participating Main Street restaurants will host a St. Patrick’s Day Street Party and fundraiser for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Live music, Irish food and drink, kids zone. lakewoodranch.com.
· The Manatee Rare Fruit Council will host its annual fruit tree and plant sale on March 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus (5895 Post Blvd.) off State Road 70 in Lakewood Ranch. Info: mrfc.org or eventbrite.com/e/huge-outdoor-fruit-tree-and-plant-sale-tickets-1981862707709.
· The Sarasota British Club and the Caledonian Club of Florida West are co-sponsoring The Rose & Thistle Ball on March 21 at Laurel Oaks Country Club. Newcomers invited. Info/tickets: sarasotabritclub@gmail.com; bande5@comcast.net.
· The Walk to Defeat ALSSarasota is scheduled on April 11 at 10 a.m. at Payne Park. Registered participants who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Registration/info: als.org/WalkSarasota.
· The eighth annual JoshProvides Interactive Dinner and Auction fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by epilepsy is April 15 at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. Tickets, sponsorship details: joshprovides.org/upcoming-events or contact Monica Caldwell at info@JoshProvides.org or 800-706-2740.
Submissions by Sharon Kunkel, Kelly Fores, Tianna Boswell-Porter, Nancy Morrison, Kristina Englund, Brittany Toffan, Darryl McCullough, Roberta and Edward Hamilton, Helen Ng, and Monica Caldwell.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Tiger Bay Club to host annual Florida legislative update
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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