Member News
Child Protection Center Honors Doug and Sherry Chapman as 2025 Child Advocates of the Year
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented its prestigious Child Advocate of the Year Award to the late Doug and Sherry Chapman. This heartfelt tribute recognized the Chapmans' unwavering commitment, visionary philanthropy, and profound impact on the lives of children affected by abuse. Introduced to CPC through a friend, the Chapmans quickly became passionate ambassadors for the organization's mission. Upon learning the staggering reality of child abuse in their community, Doug and Sherry
Stop by for a Pie: Fall Community Gathering
Join us for fun, food, and festivities! Dr. John Massey, Audiologist, will present on the connection between auditory function and cognitive decline. Learn how hearing health impacts memory, balance, and overall well-being. Event highlights to include: Sample a delightful variety of seasonal pies and light bites!Mingle with local community resource vendorsTake a tour and meet our ProvidersGuests can enter to win a 32" LED Smart TV!* Call/text (941) 800-7352 to RSVP.
A free community event, Health Reset
ENGLEWOOD, FL — October 25, 2025 — A free community event, Health Reset, invites residents to explore how gut health plays a vital role in weight management and overall wellness. The event will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. at 500 Alabama Ave, Englewood, FL 34233. During this engaging presentation, attendees will learn how improving gut health can naturally support the body’s ability to manage weight and enhance energy levels. The program will highlight a simple, organic superfood system
Halloween Party!
A Haunted Harry Halloween Party!October 31st at 6pmParadise Grill 1097 N. Tamiami Trail Nokomis Fl 34275*Chilling Cocktail Specials *Costume Contest with A Prize *A Dance Party That Will Bring You Back from the Death Call now to reserve your table!
The Small Business Survival Guide: Fix These Mistakes Before They Cost You
Launching a small business is exciting — but it’s also a minefield of hidden pitfalls that can silently erode success. Many first-time founders mistake enthusiasm for readiness, or activity for progress. The good news: nearly all of these missteps are avoidable with structure, clarity, and early system design. Below, we’ll map the most common mistakes, show you how to sidestep them, and share tools that help you operate like a pro from day one. 1. Mistake #1: Skipping Strategic Foundations The
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST!
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST! Hosted By Tracy ZitoJoin us to our annual Halloween costume contest at Paradise Grill on October 28th at 6pm and dance the night away with Tracy Zito.Show up and show off your best Costume while you enjoy some food Specials and spooky craft cocktails. 1st and 2nd place get a Prize for Best Costume!Call to make your reservation NOW! (941)786-1524
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Pregnancy Solutions Gala (Punta Gorda & Venice)
Pregnancy Solutions equips and empowers new mothers with no cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI testing, education, and materials to help them through their pregnancy and up to 18 months after baby is born. We also have a Rookie Dad program to help new fathers through the pregnancy. Save the date for an unforgettable evening of impact and generosity at the Pregnancy Solutions Annual Fundraising Gala! Don't miss this opportunity to attend our Gala at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in
OKTOBER FEST AT PARADISE GRILL!
OKTOBERFEST IN PARADISE!October 24th and 25th Live music:DJ Harry on Friday Berry Brothers on SaturdayFood Specials: Bavarian Pretzels with Beer Cheese Hot Dogs Weisswurst Pigs-in-a-Blanket Schnitzel and more!Oktoberfest Beer and Drink Specials ALL DAY LONG! Call us at: (941) 786-1524 to reserve your table
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MONSTER MOTOR MADNESS!!
MONSTER MOTOR MADNESS!Join Us to our Annual Car Show on Sunday October 26th from 11-3PM Paradise Grill 1097 N. Tamiami Trail Nokomis, Fl 34275 -Classic cars -Hot Rods -Muscle Cars -Trunk or treat for kids Raffle Prizes, Live Music and much more!!!Proceeds will benefit Health, Hunger and Housing in our local community!https://www.paradisegrillfl.com/bands-events
DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS ANNOUNCES Return of Venice Trolley Tours in 2026!
DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS ANNOUNCESReturn of Venice Trolley Tours in 2026!Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of two beloved Venice Trolley Tour themes in 2026. The Venice City Tour led in partnership with Ronnie Fernandez of Venice Florida Tours, and the Circus Secrets of Venice tour led by Bob Collins will run January - April. These tours run on Tuesdays at 10AM (Venice City Tour) and 1PM (Circus Secrets of Venice). Both tours leave from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce providing
2025 Turkey Trot for The Twig 5k
Turkey Trot for the Twig 2025 registration is open! 5K RUN OR WALK, IN-PERSON: A chip timed 5K race suitable for the entire family with lots of course support from Team Twig race staff. Your registration includes the custom race shirt by Gulf Breeze Apparel and ALL 5K finishers will get a very cute custom finishers medal. Awards for the first male & female overall, youth overall (14 & under), masters, grandmasters, senior grandmasters and veteran grandmasters and 3-deep in age groups 8 & under, 9-10,
DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS ANNOUNCES SING-ALONG TROLLEY TOUR
DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS ANNOUNCESSING-ALONG TROLLEY TOURDiscover Sarasota Tours, the local award-winning trolley tour company announces their 18th tour theme called SING-ALONG TROLLEY! This entertaining and interactive tour will launch in mid-June and run on Friday nights at 7:30PM. The original rolling musical show features a cast of two: Michele Pruyn and Brandon Newman who perform for and with guests who sing along to everyone’s favorite 70’s and 80’s musical hits at stops all over downtown.
Fall Season Announcement for Discover Sarasota Tours!
DISCOVER SARASOTA TOURS ANNOUNCES2025 FALL TOUR SCHEDULE Discover Sarasota Tours, the local award-winning trolley tour company announces their 2025 FALL Tour Schedule. “This Fall promises to be a fun, interesting, and exciting time filled with popular daytime tours, returning holiday tour favorites and unique interactive POP Up Experiences,” said Founder & CEO Tammy Hauser. NIGHT-TIME SHOWS OctoberKaylene McCaw and Michele Pruyn play alternating roles as Lady Melody joined by OliviaTurpening, Sara
Whiskey Tasting - OCTOBER 25TH
Venezia Liquors to Host Free Jameson Whiskey Tasting on October 25th Nokomis, FL – Venezia Liquors is excited to invite the community to a free whiskey tasting event on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST. Join us at our store, conveniently located at 2436 Laurel Rd East, Nokomis, FL 34275 in the Publix Plaza (Plaza Venezia), for an evening of flavor and discovery featuring two distinctive Irish whiskeys from Jameson. We’ll be sampling: Jameson Black Barrel – A rich and intense
CPC Invites Design/Build Firms to Participate in RFP Process for New Campus of Healing Facility
The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is inviting qualified design/build firms to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the construction of a new 6,000+ square foot facility at CPC’s Campus of Healing in North Port, Florida. This project represents a transformative step in expanding CPC’s ability to meet the growing needs of children and families impacted by abuse across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. For over 45 years, CPC has been the only nonprofit in the region solely dedicated
Historical Resources Kicks Off Opening Day with Archives Open House
Historical Resources kicks off opening day with Archives Open House Mark your calendar for Oct. 4, when the City of Venice Division of Historical Resources celebrates Opening Day for Saturdays. This will be the first Saturday opening for the Venice Museum at 351 Nassau St. S., which will then be open to the public every first and third Saturdays through April. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see the new exhibit on the City’s upcoming centennial. At the Old Betsy Museum, long-time caretaker Earl Midlam
Hope Starts with a Home Pickleball Tournament
Join Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County for our first-ever pickleball tournament on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Englewood Sports Complex. Players of all skill levels will compete in pool play round robin matches, leading to an exciting championship bracket. Proceeds benefit Habitat’s mission to build safe, affordable housing for families in Venice, North Port, Englewood, and Nokomis. Business Sponsorships are available.
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Venezia Liquors Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Joins Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
Venezia Liquors Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Joins Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Venice, FL – On September 25, 2025, Venezia Liquors proudly cut the ribbon to officially join the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. The event marked a significant milestone for the business as it becomes an active member of the local community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony saw a fantastic turnout from local residents, business owners, and supporters. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere with tasting samples and giveaways
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Child Protection Center Celebrates Executive Director’s 30 Years of Service
The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) proudly announces the 30th anniversary of Executive Director Doug Staley’s service to the agency, marking three decades of unwavering dedication to protecting children from abuse and strengthening families. Doug began his journey at CPC in January 1995 as an intern facilitating parenting classes, an opportunity guided by Dr. Kay Glasser. Just months later, he joined the staff as a part-time Case Coordinator, supporting both the Child Protection Team and Therapy
Essential Tips for Starting a Restaurant Without Overspending
Opening a restaurant is one of the most rewarding — and expensive — small business ventures. But you don’t have to break the bank to bring your culinary vision to life. Whether you're launching a food truck, bistro, or breakfast nook, understanding how to control startup costs can determine your runway and long-term success. In this guide, we’ll explore cost-saving tactics, essential decision moments, and low-capital alternatives to expensive traditional paths. 1. Start With a Scaled-Down
From Sidewalk to Search Bar: The Urgent Case for Going Digital
The storefront is no longer the only window into your business. Whether you’re running a neighborhood bakery or an independent clothing boutique, your physical location is just one layer of how people find, judge, and decide to engage with you. In the past, visibility was about street corners and signage. Today, it’s about search bars, smartphones, and fast-scrolling thumbs. A digital presence doesn’t just complement your brick-and-mortar operation—it multiplies its power, acting as a signal, a filter,
10th Annual Glow Ride – December 13, 2025
CPC Presents 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert at the annual Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala. This award honors a career dedicated to protecting children, advancing medical knowledge, and leading transformational change within Florida’s child welfare system. Dr. Lambert has served tirelessly for the past 36 years as a beacon of expertise, compassion, and commitment. As a Child Protection Team (CPT) Medical Director and Associate Statewide Medical
Child Protection Center Honors Four Foundations With Sapphire Award
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented the Sapphire Award at its annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to four exceptional foundations. The foundations were honored for their enduring support and leadership, which have helped shape the agency's 45-year legacy in the fight against child abuse. In celebration of CPC’s 45th anniversary, the Sapphire Award—named after the traditional 45th anniversary gem—was created to recognize long-standing community
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UBER ISP is proud to announce Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers.
UBER ISP is proud to announce the addition of Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers. Known for our Always On, Always Connected promise, we are dedicated to delivering reliable internet and telecommunications solutions that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently. These new partnerships reflect our unwavering commitment to providing the connectivity that drives innovation and success in the modern business world. Reliable Cabinet Designs, located in
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Venice, FL Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if