Sarasota Scene Magazine

01/10/2025

For 65 years, Natuzzi Italia has been guided by the pursuit of “harmony in home.” Apulian-inspired designs blend form and function, whether modern, transitional, or coastal, in its vast collection of furnishings and decor. For Sarasota, experiencing the luxury of Italian living starts in the showroom, aided by the talents and experience of Natuzzi Italia’s three top design consultants, Victoria Barca, Kristin Joyce and Michelle Jardine.

Read more about these incredible Women on the Scene here: https://bit.ly/3Wz5aq3

01/09/2025

Spotlight on SPARCC 💡

For many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, a bright future can feel like a distant, unattainable dream. The Safe Place and R**e Crisis Center (SPARCC) lights the way and helps guide survivors to a safer, healthier tomorrow, providing essential services to those who need it most.

SPARCC: 45 Years of Empowering Survivors and Helping Rebuild Futures https://bit.ly/3W5oquH

01/07/2025

A Philanthropic Partner with Heart

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) provides Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) with critical resources for the development and delivery of world-class care. At the core of every initiative is a deep commitment to addressing Sarasota County’s growing healthcare needs, fostering innovation, and making care accessible to all.

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/4a3Vlpz

01/01/2025

Wishing you all a year filled with blessings and happiness.

Happy 2025 from all of us at Scene!

12/31/2024

Start your new year off right with the January issue of Sarasota Scene!

Read the full issue on our website now https://bit.ly/4iZPt4w

By Tom Reese | Photos by Nancy Guth He’s a fifth generation Sarasotan, a former County Commissioner, and... Read More

12/31/2024

Meet the Performer: Kate Loprest

Kate Loprest grew up vacationing with her family on the white sands of Siesta Key Beach. She is thrilled to return to Asolo Rep after playing Baroness Elsa Schraeder in Asolo Rep’s production of The Sound of Music in 2019. https://bit.ly/3ZUv1JD

12/27/2024

Local Youth Musicians Off to London for Parade Performance
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is sponsoring two local high school bands – the Riverview High School Kiltie Band and Venice High School Band – as they prepare to perform at the New Year’s Day Parade in London.

https://bit.ly/41OIIwk

12/26/2024

With volunteer work at the heart of their family values, David and Mary Benfer lent their efforts to the talented staff at The Ringling over a decade ago and have never looked back. https://bit.ly/3DuisNz

Article: Reno Gomez
Photo: Nancy Guth

12/23/2024

Women on the Scene:
Meg Krakowiak, Mara Torres Gonzalez, Deena King and Nikki Sedacca

Sarasota is home to some of the most vibrant art studios and galleries in Florida, but you won’t find any better than the ones located in the same building on Historic Palm Avenue.

Meg Krakowiak is a renowned contemporary artist acclaimed for her vibrant use of color. Working in acrylics with an impressionist’s eye, she creates various sized landscapes, seascapes, and floral scenes in eye-catching and intriguing hues.

Article: Tom Reese https://bit.ly/405soGa
Photo: Maggie Martinez

12/18/2024

December 18, 2024 | Sarasota The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has so far raised nearly $9 million in eight weeks, after the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton capped off a hurricane season marked by three named storms in rapid succession that devastated the region. Of the curre...

12/17/2024

BIG WATERS LAND TRUST
Annual Reception
View Album here --> https://bit.ly/3Qh7PBz

Photos by Nancy Guth

12/17/2024

For this suave and cool man, the arts are part of his DNA. He lives to celebrate and honor creative expression and delights in bringing audiences performances of the highest quality. He oversees one our most beloved community theaters and in doing so, Kristofer Geddie hopes you will celebrate and enjoy all aspects of its many offerings and feel the love, passion and joy he and his team put into everything they do.

AROUND TOWN | KRISTOFER GEDDIE https://bit.ly/3Dizq1D

Article: Tom Reese
Photos: Nancy Guth

12/13/2024

Partners in Philanthropy: Susan and Zuheir Sofia

Susan Sofia believes strongly that philanthropy can help individuals, organizations and communities realize their full potential. She and her husband, Zuheir, have personally lived that philosophy for decades, giving generously of their time, talent and treasure in Sarasota County, and before that, in Columbus, Ohio, where they lived for 50 years and raised their children, Sarah, Joseph and Zachary.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3VC1TWc

Photo by Nancy Guth

12/11/2024

On December 6, guests gathered for a wondrous night at The Florida Center for Early Childhood's inaugural Wonder Gala (formerly the Winter Gala) at The Ora.

They enjoyed a delicious dinner, lively music, and an exciting auction, all while connecting with others who share the same passion.

Photos by Janet Combs

To view the album, click here: https://bit.ly/4glAKyS

12/09/2024

NOMINATE YOUR PASSIONARY!

Do you know someone who is passionate about a cause or mission that makes our community even better than it already is?

Please tell us who, what, when, where and why and nominate �your passionary!

We will select the top 10 who we believe have or can make the most impact and feature the top 10 in our March issue!

Please submit your nominee for consideration before January 22, 2025 to [email protected]

12/06/2024

The Greatest Love of All Starring Belinda Davids Comes to the Van Wezel

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is thrilled to welcome The Greatest Love of All starring Belinda Davids to Sarasota on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 7 p.m. Whitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute concert described as “mind-blowingly spot on.” Tickets are currently on sale. https://bit.ly/4fZ6NVp

12/05/2024

"As publisher of Sarasota Scene, I have the pleasure of working with and knowing many local nonprofit leaders and learning about the important work of the organizations they lead.

I encourage you to support these featured organizations which impact the lives of all of us on a societal and cultural level. Each profile is unique, each mission is different, each cause is important. When you do, you are helping to strengthen our community and contributing to the health and wellness of society and humanity."

– H John Knowles, Publisher

Flip through the Giving Book here! ----> https://bit.ly/3VsovbB

12/04/2024

A great time was had by all at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's opening performance of Motown Christmas!

Scene was there and we thoroughly enjoyed the performance and meeting everyone at the post-performance reception. Congratulations to the amazing cast, the staff and the producers.

Here are some photos from the evening! Check the rest out here: https://bit.ly/4ig2TJt and don't forget to tag your friends!

📸 Photos by Nancy Guth