Member News
Local Nonprofit Responds to Government Shutdown: Keeping Families Together
Local Nonprofit Responds to Government Shutdown: Keeping Families Together As the government shutdown continues, families face increased food insecurities that deeply affect every member of the household, including pets. The absence of SNAP support may leave many struggling to secure the nourishment they need to thrive. In response, Suncoast Humane Society is launching a two-day donation drive, followed by a two-day distribution event, to support families during this difficult time. CEO Maureen O'Nell
Business Growth in Motion: Practical Success Paths for Venice Entrepreneurs
Running a small business in a tight-knit, coastal economy like Venice means you wear many hats — strategist, marketer, financial planner, and sometimes janitor. Success here isn’t about scaling fast; it’s about sustaining growth, earning loyalty, and staying visible. Below is a resource-rich, deliberately eclectic guide for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to grow smarter, not just bigger. TL;DR Keep your mission visible and measurable. Build financial discipline
Wine Tasting Friday, November 21, 2025
Wine Tasting Event!!!Friday, November 21, 20255:30pm - 7:30pm $40 Per Person Sample over 30 Wines & Spirits Gourmet Hors d'oeuvres Spend $100 or more and Your $40 Ticket is FREE (Credited Back to Your Purchase) Spend $50+ and Get $10 off Your Ticket! Standing Room Only - Limited Availability Call or Visit Store for Tickets 941-488-5989 421 Tamiami Tr. S Venice Island, Fl 34285
Herrera Psychology Launches ''Resilient Family Reset'' Virtual Workshop Series to Support Greater Sarasota Parents
Herrera Psychology Launches "Resilient Family Reset" Virtual Workshop Series to Support Greater Sarasota Parents Two-part preventative mental health workshop series offers affordable, expert-led support for families navigating digital challenges and childhood anxiety Herrera Psychology announces the launch of "The Resilient Family Reset: A Restorative Workshop Series," a two-part virtual workshop designed to help parents of school-aged children build stronger connections, healthier boundaries, and
Blowout Sale: Customer Appreciation Cookout Nov. 14 -15
Join Montgomery's CarpetsPlus at 825 E. Venice Ave. during regular business hours for our Warehouse Blowout on carpet, tile, LVP, area rugs. Customer appreciation cookout!
Free Legislative Advocacy Outreach Seminar
The Government Relations department at State College of Florida is excited to offer FREE Legislative Advocacy Outreach training open to the public, SCF faculty, staff, local Chambers and the community on November 18th and November 20th. This online or in-person, one-hour seminar will provide an overview of the legislative process, tools for effective advocacy, and strategies for creating positive change. Each session will provide: -An overview of Florida's legislative process-The role of lobbyists-Examples
Would You Like To Decorate A Holiday Tree?
VABI HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGWould you like to decorate a tree this year in the Monty Andrews Arboretum?Here is how to select an available tree at the Arboretum. 1. Look for a pink ribbon and a pink-painted stick at the bottom of the information stand near an available tree.2. Only trees with the pink-painted sticks and ribbons are available for Guest Decorators. Choose the tree you want by writing your contact name, email, and cell # in the space provided. 3.The Tree Species and Tree # are written on
Bring Hope and Healing to the Fight Against Child Abuse with the Child Protection Center
In preparation for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of their upcoming annual Fall event, Night of Hope & Healing, the Child Protection Center (CPC) recently held a “kick-off event” Celebrity Bartender Challenge to raise further awareness and support. The Celebrity Bartender Challenge was a resounding success, raising over $9,850 for local programs and services in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. This was the third CPC Celebrity Bartender Challenge, with each year featuring 8
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
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
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
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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
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,
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
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.
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