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CONTENTS 12
Reen Troy
24
Written by Emma Hartman
16 Pier 22 at 50: A Waterfront Tradition Continues Written by Kelly Stilwell
21 A Home, A Legacy,
A Community: Barry’s Story Brandstory
24 Building Community in The Heart of Downtown Written by Shelly West
28 Riding High: Meet Manatee County’s Own Equestrian Legend Steve Stephens. Kendra Gemma
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Where Florida Living Finds Its Flow Brandstory
34 More Than A Meal: Pesto Expands With New Bar Written by McKenzie Roberts
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CONTENTS CONT. 37 Nature Photo Essay by David X Tejada
40 The Bench Says Goodbye: Judge Smith Shares His Love of Local History Written by Terri Edmund
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The Grounding Power of Analog Written by Shelly West
46 Where Real Estate Meets Design Brandstory
50 A Fall Like No Other:
The Pops Orchestra’s Season of Shared Stages Written by Beth Deyo
53 Curtain Up at Sarasota Opera Written by Shelly West
58 Voices of Valor Brings
Manatee County’s Military History Home Brandstory
60 Beyond the Canvas The Spirits of the Village of the Arts. Written by Liz Reed
67 Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Sun Coast
70
Written by Ivonne Ribeiro
The Gift That Keeps Giving Brandstory
72
Quarterly Catch-Up Written by Shelly West
940 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 www.BradentonMag.com
PUBLISHER + EDITOR IN CHIEF PAULA WRIGHT
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COPY EDITOR + PROOFREADER Kendra Gemma
COVER Reen Troy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, ARTISTS, AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Kelly Stilwell, Kendra Gemma, Emma Hartman, Liz Reed, Shelly West, David X Tejada, Beth Deyo, Terri Edmund, McKenzie Roberts, Ivonne Ribeiro
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But introducing Troy to new techniques wasn’t her mentor’s only unconventional contribution to her artistic development. He also guided her through the difficult process of assembling a portfolio for art school applications. A process that, in those days, required rare equipment and skills like photographing artwork, curating a cohesive body of work, and producing 35mm slides. The painstaking project of assembling her portfolio paid off. After being accepted to the University of Michigan, Troy earned admission to the university’s art program, housed on a new campus just beyond the main grounds. At that time, the fine art building itself was a hulking gray monument to the Brutalist architectural style. Yet inside, Troy recalls, it was filled with vibrant creativity, inspiring teachers, and bustling studios.
Reen Troy
Opportunities for artistic growth continued to unfold for Troy during her years in Ann Arbor. Through a work-study position, she found herself working on some of the first Macintosh computers.
Reen Troy didn’t grow up in a family of artists, but art found her early. As a young child, she would hunch over a beat-up, hand-medown coloring book, feverishly filling in the lines with a set of old, broken crayons—an experience she describes as “finding a quiet place in a rather chaotic household.” Recognizing her daughter’s passion, Troy’s mother nurtured it from the beginning.
“We were actually pushing in disks and swapping disks through memory,” Troy recalled with a laugh. “The programs were on one disk and the memory was on the other, and you would lose everything if you didn’t swap fast enough. But that’s what helped me get a job out of school.”
WRITTEN BY EMMA HARTMAN
“I think it was my 6th or 7th birthday. I got a box of 64 crayons— brand-new—and that was like winning the lottery. I was so excited! They were so new, and the sharpener on the back?! And some blank paper. So, that’s what really sort of got me going,” she recalls with delight still ringing in her voice. As her passion for art grew, Troy found her interest piqued by the Sunday funnies. Drawn to their bold colors and clean outlines, she would cut out scenes from Charles Schulz’s Peanuts and other comic strips, meticulously tracing the characters to hone her craft. Troy credits both the era and her education for nurturing her creativity. While she laughs that children of the 1970s often had “little parental supervision,” she also remembers a school experience where art was never treated as an afterthought. After satisfying all her high school AP credits, Troy was able to devote two class periods a day to art. It was during those hours that her artistry was given space to expand and mature. “Another bonus was that they had a budget!” Troy says with unfaded enthusiasm. “I remember walking into my teacher’s storeroom and seeing all these beautiful paints and markers, pencils and watercolors!” Her teacher-turned-mentor encouraged students to experiment with techniques that would be unusual in most classrooms today. “He’d let us do printmaking and lino cuts with the lino knives— which they would never give to anyone nowadays,” she recalls with a laugh. 12 | BMAG Support Local
Despite the comically complicated functionality in those days, the technology would go on to transform the worlds of art and design, and Troy’s early experience proved a marketable skill after graduation. She went on to a variety of creative roles, working as a graphic designer, an art director for a biotechnology company, producing short films with a friend, working in television production, and eventually striking out on her own. Yet throughout those years, another ambition quietly persisted. The self-described “beach girl” had long felt a pull toward sunnier landscapes than Michigan had to offer. After meeting her mountaineer husband in Boulder, Colorado, the pair made homes throughout the West, eventually settling in California’s Eastern Sierra. But the high desert summers in California sent her in search of cooler coastal air. Troy began spending seasons in Santa Barbara, where the city’s thriving arts community gave her opportunities to exhibit her work and connect with fellow artists, continuing to shape her creative voice in ways her small mountain town could not. She explored acrylics, abstract painting, and collage before naturally blending the mediums into a style all her own. “Whenever I finished, I always had paint left over, and the Midwesterner in me didn’t want to throw it out,” she says. “I’d scoop it off the palette paper and spread it onto other sheets. Before long, I had developed a bit of a paper habit and started collaging with those handmade papers. I mostly enjoy the mix of things.” But those coastal retreats remained temporary until 2019, when a breast cancer diagnosis prompted Troy and her husband to rethink what they wanted the next chapter of their lives to look like. “I think, when people trace their lives, they sort of have these things that make them shift from one place to another,” she reflected. After several years cancer-free, they sold nearly everything they owned and headed for Florida. Before choosing where to settle, Troy spent nearly a year exploring Gulf Coast communities with a simple list of priorities: a thriving arts community, good libraries, and a home within 10 minutes of the beach. Their search ultimately ended in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, where Troy found the artistic community, and the coastal lifestyle, she’d been longing for. Inspired by her deep love for the ocean, Troy aims to paint a feeling rather than a scene. She works with vibrant colors—never black, which she playfully says, “just seems like it’s shouting at me or something”—to capture the calm sense of arrival that comes while standing at the water’s edge. “You know when you get to the beach and you have this big sigh of happiness? It’s like, ‘Ah! I’m at the place! I don’t have to think about being anywhere else.’”
It’s the same feeling behind Troy’s Beach Readers series. Created during a 100-day art challenge, the collection brings together two lifelong passions—reading and the beach—with colorful portraits of women absorbed in books, celebrating not only the joy of the shoreline but the rituals and anticipation that come with bringing the perfect book along. One installment in the series graces the cover of this issue. Today, Troy has become a fixture in the Bradenton-Sarasota arts community. An active member of both the Herrig Art Center and the Sarasota Art Center, she credits the Bradenton-Sarasota area’s welcoming network of galleries, guilds, classes, and fellow artists with inspiring this latest chapter of her creative life. Through her own work, she has become part of the creative landscape that first drew her to Florida. Locally, Troy’s work can be found at the Herrig Art Center’s Live Artfully Artisan Boutique in Bradenton, the Artist Guild of Anna Maria Island, and The Cove in Bradenton Beach. To view more of her work, visit reentroy.art or follow @reentroyartist on Instagram. Her Beach Readers series can be found at @beachreadsart.
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PIER 22 AT 50: A WATERFRONT TRADITION CONTINUES WRITTEN BY KELLY STILWELL Opening a restaurant is hard. Keeping one thriving for half a century is next to impossible. Yet, PIER 22 has done just that, celebrating 50 years of serving the community with the same commitment that inspired its founders back in 1976. PIER 22 has had a front row seat to five decades of change along the Manatee River. And while Bradenton has evolved around it, the restaurant has remained a place where locals flock to celebrate life’s biggest moments, families gather around the table, and everyone lingers a little longer for those waterfront views. In fact, for locals who want to eat on the water in downtown Bradenton, PIER 22 is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s hard to imagine Bradenton’s waterfront without it. But in 1976, its future was anything but certain.
THEN The building that now houses the restaurant began life long before guests gathered there for sunset dinners and Sunday brunch. Originally known as Memorial Pier, the structure was built in 1928 as a tribute to the 21 men from Manatee County who lost their lives in World War I. Over the decades, it served many purposes, including a freight warehouse, the first home of the South Florida Museum, the Bradenton Chamber of Commerce, and Manatee County’s first radio station. When Don Miller Development Corporation purchased the deteriorating property, the plan was not necessarily to preserve it. The aging building sat on failing pilings, and demolition seemed like the most practical business decision. Fortunately, after digging a little deeper, Don Miller Jr. saw something worth saving. Rather than seeing an aging structure that had reached the end of its useful life, Miller saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of Bradenton history. Restoring the building would take time, money, and vision, but the effort would ensure that Memorial Pier remained a place where the community could continue to gather for generations to come. After two years of meticulous restoration, the building opened its doors as The Pier in 1976, beginning a new chapter for the historical waterfront landmark. Over the years, the restaurant would evolve, eventually becoming the PIER 22 that generations of locals know today. “One thing that has remained constant over the past 50 years is the Miller family’s ownership, direction, and commitment to this community. My father, Don Miller, along with Dan Miller, originally developed and oversaw the restaurant during its first 17 years. For the past 33 years, I have had the privilege of continuing that legacy, expanding and guiding PIER 22 while staying true to the foundation they built,” said Hugh Miller. “That continuity has allowed me to keep reinvesting in this historic property, not only through the building itself, but, more importantly, through the management team and staff who make our guests’ memories possible,” he added. “From birthdays and anniversaries to proms, celebrations of life, engagements, weddings, holiday dinners, and everyday gatherings, it has been an honor to play a part in so many meaningful moments over the years.”
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NOW While the building’s history is what makes PIER 22 unique, it’s the experience inside those walls that has kept guests returning for five decades. Today, the waterfront restaurant continues to be a local favorite, offering everything from fresh seafood and sushi to steaks and craft cocktails. Its extensive wine list has also been repeatedly recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Combined with its iconic waterfront views, it’s easy to understand why PIER 22 has remained a Bradenton tradition. One of the restaurant’s most popular draws is its happy hour, which is available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Though the bar is a popular spot for the daily specials on both food and drinks, they are offered throughout the restaurant. Enjoy small plates like Mini Grouper Cakes, Spiced Bacon Deviled Eggs, and three varieties of wings from Caribbean to Asian to Hot. This is a great time to try a few different dishes at just $7 each. Order a glass of the house wine for $6 for the perfect pairing.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons to visit before the happy hour crowd arrives. Lunch at PIER 22 offers a more relaxed pace. Meet friends or just take a break from the day. Diners can settle in for everything from fresh seafood and salads to signature entrées, all with views of the Manatee River. Dinner is where PIER 22 really shows off. Whether you choose the elegant dining room, a table overlooking the Manatee River, or a seat in the lively bar, the restaurant offers a dining experience to suit just about any occasion. For fine-dining dinner menu options, favorites are Chef Greg Campbell’s catch of the day, crab cakes with a spicy rémolaude, or twin Maine lobster tails. More in the mood for a hand-held meal? Try the grouper sandwich (I like it blackened) or the PIER 22 Burger (be hungry!) with a side of fries or their delicious slaw. The entrée portions are generous, which should be enough to convince me to skip the starter menu. It never works. The Sesame Seared Tuna and Point Judith Calamari are simply too tempting. My husband and I have been known to turn three or four appetizers into dinner while lingering over a glass of wine on the patio. BMAG Support Local | 17
Take a peek at the dessert menu before you go, even if you take it home for later. Both the Key Lime Meringue Pie and Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding are worth saving room for. After all, when the Manatee River is just outside your window, there’s no reason to rush the experience. Visit PIER 22 at 1200 1st Ave. W., right on the beautiful Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. and dinner service continuing until 10 p.m.
A Home, A Legacy, A Community: Barry’s Story In the heart of Bradenton, a home built in 1969 was in desperate need of new life. The house held generations of family memories, love, and sacrifice, but years of storms and hurricanes had taken their toll. The roof was failing, walls were deteriorating, and mold had taken over much of the home. Barry, a Bradenton native, was raised in the house alongside his five siblings by their mother, who faithfully served in the Manatee County School District cafeteria system for more than 30 years. The home was built by Barry’s father and represented comfort, security, and unconditional love for the family. Barry moved out when he reached adulthood, but 15 years ago, he returned home to care for his aging mother. During that time, he witnessed firsthand the challenges she faced trying to maintain the property through countless storms and hurricanes. After his mother passed away, Barry inherited the home and was determined to keep it in the family as a legacy. But over the years, the condition of the house continued to deteriorate, and he could not afford the costly repairs. The failing roof allowed water to pour into the home during heavy rains, causing extensive damage and mold growth that eventually made the house unsafe to live in. On rainy nights, Barry would place buckets throughout the house to catch the water pouring through the roof. “For three and a half years, the roof was bad. I would get up at 2 or 3 in the morning to dump out the buckets so they wouldn’t overflow during the night,” Barry said. “There were plenty of times when I cried through the night because of my situation. But God wiped my tears away and gave me strength.” Many people told Barry that his only option was to sell his beloved home. But he was determined to save it because of its deep connection to his family and the memories it held. After reaching out to the City of Bradenton for assistance, Barry was referred to Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s Storm Safe Home Renewal Program, a short-term project funded in the wake of the 2024 hurricane season. Through the program, Manatee Habitat undertook a major rehabilitation project, demolishing and rebuilding nearly the entire home while preserving the exterior walls and the family’s connection to the original house. Community partners came together to make the project possible. The City of Bradenton and Mayor Gene Brown contributed both funding and volunteer support. Lowe’s and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also stepped up with financial support. Lowe’s even provided volunteer support to help with the reconstruction of the home. Habitat volunteers also played a critical role in bringing Barry’s home back to life, providing 70 percent of the labor needed to complete the project. From construction and demolition to the many hands-on tasks required throughout the project, volunteers gave their time and talents to help restore a home that meant so much to Barry and his family. Once the funding and construction logistics were in place, another challenge remained: finding Barry a safe and affordable place to live while the work was completed. That’s where Turning Points stepped in. Turning Points helped secure an affordable short-term apartment for Barry during the eight months it took to rehabilitate his home, giving him a safe place to live while his family home was transformed. BRANDSTORY FEATURE
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For Barry, returning home was a dream come true. The newly rehabilitated home featured a new roof, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom, while still preserving the exterior shell of the home where Barry grew up. The renovation also incorporated accessibility improvements that allow Barry, who uses a wheelchair, to live independently in his home. “I’m a man of love. I say, ‘Love out loud!’ And that’s what Habitat did,” Barry said. “I’m so grateful that Manatee Habitat and the community were able to step up, take on what I was going through, and save my family’s home.” On the day of the home dedication, the community that helped make Barry’s return possible gathered to celebrate. Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown, City of Bradenton employees, police officers, firefighters, administrative staff, City Council members, representatives from Turning Points and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barry’s family and neighbors, and Habitat staff and volunteers all came together to bless Barry’s new home and watch as he received his new keys. For Barry, the keys represented far more than a repaired house. They represented the preservation of his family’s legacy, the memories created within those walls and the power of a community willing to come together when one of its own needed help. Barry stresses, “My allegiance is not to myself; it’s to my mother. That’s why I was so dedicated to doing my part to save our home. For her.” While Manatee Habitat no longer provides home repair services, Barry’s story remains a testament to what can happen when a community comes together. His journey demonstrates the strength, compassion, and generosity that exist right here in Bradenton. Today, Manatee Habitat is focused on building new homes for local families in its 27-home Kings Cross Place community just west of Oneco. To learn more about Manatee Habitat’s work and how you can get involved, visit manateehabitat.org.
Building Community in the Heart of Downtown WRITTEN BY SHELLY WEST Through markets, festivals, music, arts, and entrepreneurship, Realize Bradenton is creating a downtown where people gather, businesses grow, and the community feels connected. A vibrant downtown encompasses more than just shops, restaurants, and offices. It serves as a community hub where neighbors come together, families create memories, artists showcase their work, and entrepreneurs uncover new opportunities. For 16 years, Realize Bradenton has worked to make downtown Bradenton that kind of place. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating a vibrant, connected, and thriving downtown through arts, culture, entrepreneurship, and community events. Its year-round programming transforms public spaces into welcoming gathering places and supports local businesses, artists, musicians, makers, and nonprofit organizations. “Realize Bradenton exists to build community,” says Executive Director Karen Corbin. “We believe that arts, culture, food, music and public spaces have the power to bring people together in ways that strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life.”
More Than Community Events While Bradenton may be best known for its festivals, markets, and concerts, its mission extends beyond entertainment. Its signature events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, boosting foot traffic for downtown restaurants and retailers. Arts and music programs give local performers and creators a platform to be seen and heard, while entrepreneurship initiatives provide aspiring business owners with practical skills, mentorship, and connections. “Every market, concert, festival and entrepreneurial program we create is an investment in Bradenton’s future,” Corbin says. “A future that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs, and gives residents and visitors reasons to connect, celebrate, and fall in love with our downtown.”
A Saturday Tradition One of the organization’s most familiar programs is the Bradenton Public Market. Since 1979, the market has been a Saturday tradition in downtown Bradenton. From October through May, historic Old Main Street transforms into an open-air marketplace featuring local farmers, food producers, artisans, makers, nonprofit organizations, and live entertainment. 24 | BMAG Support Local
The market offers vendors an opportunity to introduce their products to new customers while encouraging visitors to explore nearby restaurants and retailers. More than a place to shop, it serves as an economic engine and a community gathering place where commerce, culture, and connection converge. The market also hosts the Youth Booth Program, which introduces children and teens to entrepreneurship by letting them operate their own booths alongside established vendors. Young participants learn about product development, pricing, marketing, customer service, and financial responsibility while gaining real-world selling experience. The program encourages creativity and confidence and helps young people develop skills that can serve them throughout their education and future careers.
Helping Ideas Become Businesses Realize Bradenton supports aspiring adult entrepreneurs through Start-Up Circle, a free, multi-week program that helps participants transform ideas into viable businesses. Led by experienced local professionals, the program offers instruction in business planning, licensing, marketing, cash flow, financial management, and market research. It also builds a network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders who often continue to support one another after the program ends. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching someone with an idea gain the confidence, knowledge, and support to turn that idea into a thriving business,” Corbin says. “Start-Up Circle creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and become part of the vibrant small business community that makes Bradenton such a special place.” The benefit extends beyond the individual entrepreneur. “When our local businesses succeed, our entire community benefits,” she adds.
Art and Music Along the Riverwalk The Bradenton Riverwalk provides another important setting for Realize Bradenton’s community programming. Each year, BAM! Fest—the Bradenton Art & Music Festival— transforms the Riverwalk into an immersive celebration of creativity. The free festival stretches from bridge to bridge along the Riverwalk, and features live music, large-scale mural painting, student showcases, artisan vendors, street performers, and hands-on art experiences. By featuring local artists, musicians, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, BAM! Fest helps position downtown Bradenton as a cultural destination and makes the arts accessible to visitors of all ages.
Each spring, Music in the Park brings local and regional musicians to the Riverwalk Pavilion for a free outdoor concert series. Residents and visitors gather along the Manatee River with lawn chairs, blankets, and friends and family. The concerts support performers, create an inclusive gathering space, and encourage attendees to visit downtown restaurants and businesses before or after the music.
Creating Holiday Memories In December, historic Old Main Street becomes a holiday destination for Winter Wonderland. The signature celebration features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, a free winter carnival, live entertainment, roaming performers, local vendors, and even falling snow. For families, Winter Wonderland offers an opportunity to create lasting memories close to home. It also draws thousands of residents and visitors downtown, benefiting local restaurants, retailers, vendors, and nonprofit organizations. The event reflects the organization’s belief that shared experiences can strengthen community connections and support the local economy.
How the Community Can Get Involved Realize Bradenton is funded by grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, program revenue, and community partnerships. This support enables the organization to offer free, family-friendly events and programs and to create opportunities for local artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Community members can get involved by attending events, shopping with market vendors, supporting downtown businesses, volunteering, donating, or encouraging a business to become a sponsor or partner. Young makers can explore the Youth Booth Program; aspiring business owners can participate in Start-Up Circle; and artists, musicians, nonprofit organizations, and vendors can watch for opportunities to join markets and festivals. Even attending a concert, bringing the family to a festival, or spending a Saturday morning at the market contributes to a more active and prosperous downtown. Through each market booth, musical performance, business idea, work of art, and community celebration, Realize Bradenton is helping people experience downtown not just as a place to visit, but as a place where they belong. “That’s what we do every day,” Corbin says, “and that’s what makes our work so meaningful.”
RIDING HIGH
Meet Manatee County’s own equestrian legend Steve Stephens. WRITTEN BY KENDRA GEMMA When Steve Stephens finds something he loves, he holds onto it. The Bradenton native now makes his home in Palmetto, and he’s been in the horse business since age 8. That doesn’t mean he’s content sitting still. Stephens was a professional show jumper in high school through much of his 30s, winning numerous Grand Prix events. Today, he’s a renowned course designer, currently working on designs for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, among other projects, and a manufacturer of props.
How It Started “My stepfather got me into the horses when I was 8 years old,” Stephens said. “He basically introduced me to riding horses, and I have done it ever since. I’ve never had another job.” His career began in 1965, while he was still a student at Palmetto High School. “I traveled the equestrian tour. Some of the tour, what we call the indoor circuit, would have conflicted with school, so I took a tutor on my equestrian adventure,” Stephens said. Despite his schedule, he competed in track and field and played football in high school and graduated in 1968. That same year, he achieved his most favorable victory in the high jump, called puissance, in Madison Square Garden. “I jumped 7 foot 1, which is very tall to be sitting on top of a horse and doing that,” Stephens said. For all his riding accomplishments, the state of Florida wrote a resolution in his name in the late 1960s. “That’s probably my most honored award that I’ve ever won,” he said. It was signed by the Speaker of the House and the House of Representatives. Stephens continued to compete through 1986, winning prestigious events including the Cleveland Grand Prix, American Gold Cup, Grand Prix of Montreal, and American Grandprix Association (AGA) Championships.
Shifting Course Even before he retired as a show jumper, Stephens began designing courses for the sport. “It’s basically like laying out a golf course,” he explained. “A guy has to know where to put the sand traps, where to put the water, where to put the greens. Watch the slope. That’s what we do.” A Show Jumping Hall of Fame inductee, Stephens started winning awards for his design work in 1981, when he was named Course Designer of the Year. (He earned it again in 1982.)
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His resume backs up his accolades. He designed courses for U.S. events such as Washington International, National Horse Show, Royal Winter Fair, Winter Equestrian Festival, Devon Horse Show, and the American Invitational, as well as international competitions, including the 1987 Pan American Games and the Olympics. Stephens served as assistant designer for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984, Sydney in 2000, and Beijing in 2008, where he was chief course designer. “My biggest challenge, obviously, was the appointment of the Olympic Games in Beijing,” Stephens said. “That was the highlight of my career so far.” He’s not done yet. Coming full circle, he’s working on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “I’m designing the obstacles for the competition there. That’s my next big adventure,” Stephens said. “Probably the biggest hurrah for me is being able to say that I’ve done the four Olympic Games.” Even with all these prestigious events under his belt, some of his favorite projects have taken place here in Florida. Stephens especially enjoyed the experience of producing and designing courses in football stadiums in Tampa and Miami. “That’s a challenge hardly anybody else has done,” he said. In his storied equestrian career, he’s also been the coach for the U.S. team, who won four Nations’ Cups under his leadership, and a show manager. “I’ve managed some of the biggest shows,” Stephens said. These include the National Horse Show, held in Madison Square Garden until 2002, the Hampton Classic, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Winter Equestrian Festival, which houses about 4,000 horses in the winter. “That’s probably the biggest one,” he said, “and then I was involved in the beginning of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.”
What’s Next Although he’s planning to retire from being a designer after the Olympics, he’s not going out to pasture. “It’s very important to stay involved with your sport from the ground up,” Stephens said. He was recently appointed to manage and serve as technical coordinator for a circuit in Venice. “I don’t have so far to travel, and I can help develop the sport on this coast,” Stephens said. Wellington on the east coast of Florida and Ocala are the state’s two prominent equestrian hubs now. He also owns Stephens Equestrian Designs, based right here in his hometown of Palmetto. Since 1992, the company has manufactured and produced “horse jumps,” which are the props horses jump over. His creations contribute to dozens of courses throughout the country, so, although he’s not designing the entire courses, he’s still making his mark in his beloved sport. Stephens has enjoyed his life and his accomplishments so much that he never wants them to end. “When I die, I want to come back as myself!” he proclaimed.
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Where Florida Living Finds Its Flow There is a certain rhythm to life on Florida’s Suncoast. Days have a way of pulling people outside, toward the lanai, the trail, the water or the neighbors gathering just down the street. For Bradenton-area home shoppers, finding the right home is about more than square footage or finishes. It is about choosing a place that makes everyday life feel more connected to their lifestyle. That is the kind of life Homes by WestBay designs for. As an award-winning builder with a growing presence throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties, Homes by WestBay creates new homes that bring thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and personal luxury into some of the region’s most desirable communities. From Parrish to Lakewood Ranch and beyond, each home is built to support the moments that matter most.
Designed for Your Lifestyle Kitchens that open naturally into gathering spaces. Great rooms that invite conversation, celebration, and quiet nights in. Private retreats that create space to recharge. Outdoor living areas that extend the home beyond its walls. These are the rooms that make Florida living part of everyday life. Whether move-in ready or created for you, every floorplan prioritizes space and flow. Buyers looking to build their dream home can also access a variety of options and personalizations in the Design Studio. BRANDSTORY FEATURE
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A Better Kind of Everyday For many buyers, Bradenton and its surrounding communities offer something increasingly rare: room to breathe while being close to culture and nature. Homes by WestBay builds in communities that support that kind of rhythm. Places where trails, clubhouses, pools, parks, and lifestyle programming help connect a neighborhood. In communities like Crosswind Ranch, Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch and other sought-after destinations, life can feel beautifully balanced. You can spend the morning at a neighborhood fitness center, meet friends for lunch nearby, watch the kids explore community green spaces, then come home to a house designed for an easy evening together.
Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Living Well
The difference in a Homes by WestBay home is found in the way details work together.
Homes by WestBay also designs with comfort, longevity and well-being in mind. In select home series, high-efficiency HVAC, enhanced filtration, advanced ductwork, enhanced insulation, and low-VOC finishes work together to support a healthier indoor environment. These features help improve air quality, regulate temperature, and create a home that feels calmer, quieter, and more restorative.
Rooms flow seamlessly without feeling too open. Natural light moves through the home. Indoor and outdoor spaces connect for true Florida living. Finishes, materials, and architectural details create a sense of intention from room to room. This level of craftsmanship is part of why Homes by WestBay has earned the trust of homeowners throughout the region. It is also why the builder continues to earn recognition from the Tampa Bay area to Bradenton, reflecting years of meticulous customer service, building, and delivering homes that homeowners love. For buyers, that trust matters. A new home is one of life’s biggest decisions. It should come with confidence in the builder behind it.
Future-ready technology also brings more ease to everyday life. With structured wiring, homeowners can integrate connected features such as smart thermostats, automated lighting, shading, and appliances as their needs evolve. Together, these details help create a home that supports how you live, how you feel, and how comfortably each day unfolds. To explore new homes starting at $500k+ in Bradenton-area communities, visit HomesByWestBay.com.
MORE THAN A MEAL: PESTO EXPANDS WITH NEW BAR WRITTEN BY MCKENZIE ROBERTS
For years, customers have come to Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar for its food. Now, they have another reason to stay a little longer. Restaurant owners Joe and Lianne recently opened a full-service bar connected to a separate room inside the restaurant. With the new addition, they hope to give guests a fresh experience while preserving the atmosphere that has made Pesto a local favorite. Already known for its extensive wine selection, Pesto offers more than 20 red wines alone, each with detailed descriptions of its aromas and characteristics. Adding a full bar will give guests even more opportunities to find a drink that interests them. Whether customers are trying a new glass of wine or enjoying a favorite martini, Pesto hopes to create an experience that feels both familiar and exciting. As a Bradenton native, Joe looks forward to “taking a building that has been here for 75 to 80 years and creating something new out of what’s already there.” Although the renovation introduced a new space, Pesto maintains its open-concept layout. Tables surrounding the bar remain connected to the main dining room, creating a seamless flow throughout the restaurant. Along with the indoor dining areas, Pesto’s existing patio seating gives guests another way to experience the restaurant’s atmosphere. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces allows customers to enjoy the new bar addition while still having the same familiar environment they have come to love.
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Owners Joe and Lianne Rimer
While construction has been underway for about a year, the vision for the project has existed much longer. “We knew we were going to make this build, but we had to move the previous equipment first,” Joe said.
Building a full-service bar is no small undertaking, but after months of planning and construction, Joe is excited for customers to experience what he describes as an “unfound gem” that could become their new favorite gathering place.
The new space features more than just a full-service bar. Joe hopes the cocktail program will become one of the restaurant’s biggest attractions. As a Guinness World Record holder for ice carving, he plans to incorporate handcrafted specialty ice into signature cocktails while continuing to offer a carefully selected wine list.
The renovated space includes new tables, high tops, and additional seating while still feeling connected to the main dining room. Joe hopes guests will feel as though they are experiencing something new without feeling like they have stepped into an entirely different restaurant.
In addition to the drinks, Pesto introduced a new menu designed specifically for the bar area. Planned offerings include grouper dip and a charcuterie board. Guests can also enjoy happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m., giving them a new way to experience Pesto beyond the traditional dining room.
Looking beyond the renovation, Joe isn’t focused on another major expansion.
The new bar complements the restaurant’s existing menu, which features classic Italian dishes such as caprese salad, fettuccine alfredo, Marsala dishes, and pasta. Pesto also offers gluten-free pasta upon request, ensuring guests have options that accommodate different dietary needs. On the restaurant’s website, Joe explains that he allows the ingredients of each dish to guide him. When asked about choosing a favorite menu item, he said he loves them all because if he didn’t, they wouldn’t be offered. Since its opening, Joe said the restaurant has received tremendous support from the local community. Many regular customers visit Pesto three or four times each week. “People really wanted us to make it. The support of the local community got us through,” Joe said. When he first purchased the business, he considered opening a French restaurant. However, because the previous owners had operated it as an Italian restaurant, he decided to honor that history rather than completely change its identity. Instead, he built on the original concept while adding his own creative touch. Joe’s commitment to supporting others extends beyond his customers. When his ice business closed during the pandemic, he retained many of his employees by bringing them to work at the restaurant, ensuring they continued to have an income. The same support he has received from the community is reflected in the way he cares for his staff. Pesto has also become a popular place for live entertainment, hosting performances multiple times a month. Guests can find upcoming events and previous performances through the restaurant’s website. Behind the scenes, Joe credits his wife, Lianne, for helping to make the business successful. She oversees the restaurant’s administrative work and design, including many aspects of the new renovation.
“I don’t want a next. After the next big move, I want it to be what it’s meant to be,” he said. Rather than planning another large project, Joe hopes Pesto will continue to grow naturally, improve each year, and remain a place that excites customers. Above all, he wants to build a restaurant that makes his family proud, especially his sons. Food has a way of bringing people together and creating lifelong memories. Whether it’s a date night or catching up with a lifelong friend, Pesto hopes to offer guests more than just a meal. With a full-service bar, a carefully selected wine list, and a menu built around quality ingredients, the restaurant is creating another reason for the community to gather. With the opening of Pesto’s new bar, the owners are looking toward the future while staying true to the values that built the restaurant’s reputation. By blending a fresh experience with the same warm atmosphere and quality service guests have come to expect, Pesto is beginning a new chapter without losing the character that has made it a local favorite.
NATURE Photo Essay By David X Tejada, Tejada Photography, Inc
The Bench Says Goodbye: Judge Smith Shares His Love of Local History WRITTEN BY TERRI EDMUND When Judge Gilbert A. Smith Sr. came out of retirement in 2003 to swear in his son as president of the Manatee County Bar Association, he said, “I didn’t think he’d ever become a lawyer, but I’m proud of him.” Smith Sr. had no inkling his son would be elected to the same position he held for 20 years, as judge to Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit. Eighteen years later, Judge Smith Jr. celebrated his last day on the bench in the only fitting place: the Jury Assembly Room named for the late Judge Gilbert A. Smith Sr. We know Dad’s proud. Judge Smith Jr. would have preferred to serve out his elected term ending in December, but rules are rules. Florida’s Constitution says his 75th birthday is the end of his circuit. “It’s time,” he says. “Not because I’m tired of the work or because of my health. Eighteen years is a long time.” Besides, Judge Smith wants to travel with his wife, Anita, do more volunteer work, and dig even further into local history—his personal passion. Judge Smith is a walking archive and chronicler of Manatee County history. He shares his extensive research in his books, Lawyers & Legends of Manatee County (in its second edition) and Legends of the Bench, Part One. His books are certainly the most comprehensive histories of our local judiciary and perhaps of Manatee County ever written.
Beginnings
Judge Smith Jr.
“The history was in cardboard boxes when I started,” Judge Smith tells us. He writes of the county’s beginning, when, in 1842, Josiah and Mary Gates sailed upriver to settle a town named Manatee encompassed by Hillsborough County at that time. Those who followed were farmers and fishermen, cattlemen and merchants—not a lawyer among them. When the 5,000-acre county of Manatee was created in 1855, positions of justice were held by community leaders, including a carpenter who built the first Manatee County Courthouse on ground originally settled by Josiah and Mary Gates.
Describing the Civil War, Smith writes, “warships were patrolling the river and all waterways. Contingents of both Union and Confederate soldiers camped along the Manatee River from time to time.” During the war, James Green, a cattleman and early justice of the peace, joined the Union Army. When Florida surrendered, Green rose to power and convinced officials to move Manatee’s county seat to Pine Level, a location 35 miles inland and much closer to his cattle business. Even though it took a full day by horse or carriage to reach Pine Level from Manatee, “all Manatee County citizens were forced to travel to Pine Level to complete court business and, in some cases, if they wanted to vote.” Judge Smith’s description of Pine Level reads like a spaghetti western. “Saturday nights were known to feature gambling, drinking, shootings, and just plain raisin’ hell,” Smith writes, mentioning saloons outnumbered other businesses 14 to one. The early courthouse was a 20- x 30-foot log building with a hanging tree out back. Judges traveled by horse and buggy to hold court, and eventually a lively town blossomed to serve the cattle industry. 40 | BMAG Support Local
Preserving Our Past Judge Smith’s books are loaded with surprising historical treasure, like a hanging on the roof of the courthouse while spectators watched from neighboring buildings. Did you know there was once a concrete pond on the courthouse grounds featuring a live alligator? We learn about the origins of now-lost Council’s pool hall across from the courthouse and of Babe Ruth getting a ticket for speeding through Bradenton at 70 miles per hour. The arresting officer, Sam Murphy, later became a judge known to issue the occasional marriage license from his home over the weekends.
Judge Gilbert A. Smith Sr. and Judge Smith Jr.
Thanks to Judge Smith, once-everyday things we might forget will be remembered, like Navy vet Frank Marra setting up shop as “The Hot Dog Man” at the corner of Manatee and Main. If you had the pleasure, you won’t forget his special sauce. Judge Smith’s latest work, Legends of The Bench, Part One, provides an extensive history of the 12th Judicial Circuit through 1979, including the service of his father, who lived to be 94 years old.
Judge Smith Jr. - Retirement Party Photos by Siva Beharry
An Unusual Career Path “So often, students graduate from college, go to law school, become lawyers, and then become judges. Well, I didn’t do that,” Smith laughs. “I’ve worked since I was a kid. When I was a Boy Scout, I worked out at Camp Flying Eagle. In college, I had all kinds of interesting jobs.” He drove dump trucks for the county highway department, was an orderly at Manatee Memorial when the beds were still hand-cranked, and chauffeured a funeral home hearse. He graduated from Manatee Junior College, then University of South Florida before joining the Manatee County Work Release Program. This early experience immersed Smith in law enforcement, probation, and parole until he veered into a yet different direction—banking. He started as a teller with a small local bank and worked up to vice president of consumer lending at a time when mortgage rates cut into wallets at 18 percent. Finally, the family tug and a desire to see more of the west he’d enjoyed as an Eagle Scout lured Smith to law school at the University of Pacific in Sacramento where he worked in a supervised release program designed to relieve jail overcrowding. After graduation, the San Joaquin Valley’s winter drizzle drove him back to Florida. Besides his father, young Smith admired an uncle, the well-respected Chesterfield Smith who was president of the American Bar Association during the high-profile days of Watergate. Just out of law school, he first joined his uncle’s law firm before he and three colleagues created the Bradenton firm where Smith practiced until he ran for office in 2008. BMAG Support Local | 41
Next on the Docket Judge Smith has no plans to slow down in retirement. He is very involved with Boy Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, whose first hundred years he digested in an impressive two-volume book set aptly titled Champions of Children.
“I’m going to keep my law license active, and I hope to do pro bono work,” he says. “One of the things I have experienced sitting as a judge is that there are so many people who cannot afford attorneys because the fees are so high.” And, lucky for us, he will be writing. The judge’s research takes us back and helps us attach real names with actual events and places. Entrepreneur Anthony Rossi arrives in the area to start a citrus processing plant which will become Tropicana. In 1957, the same year two modern drawbridges are completed to Anna Maria Island, Francis Hutchinson moves here from Indiana to become the only woman practicing law in Manatee County at that time. As we read, we are reminded how 9/11 changed security in every courthouse across America and how an infectious disease called COVID-19 changed the way judges hear cases. Zoom has become protocol, a convenience Judge Smith says he won’t miss. Judge Smith is currently working on Legends of The Bench, Part Two and hints of an “After Dark” edition with stories of goings on outside day-to-day courthouse business. Please, Judge. Do tell. “I couldn’t be prouder of this bench and these judges,” Judge Smith tells us in parting. “They are so conscientious, so good.”
Judge Smith Jr. - Retirement Party Photos by Siva Beharry
Thank you, Judge, for all the good you have done and will continue to do, for your leadership and community involvement, your public service and the history you are curating for us all. Happy Retirement!
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The Grounding Power of Analog
WRITTEN BY SHELLY WEST
As the digital world becomes harder to interpret, people are rediscovering the grounding pleasure of face-to-face, real-time experiences. Something is reassuring about an experience that unfolds directly in front of you. A guide tells a story. A performer responds to the audience. A stranger laughs beside you. You notice the architecture outside a trolley window, hear the inflection in someone’s voice, and share a moment with people who are seeing and hearing the same thing. You don’t need to question whether the experience has been modified, filtered, staged, or created. You are present, and the people nearby are involved as well. As daily life has become increasingly digital, many people have begun seeking more opportunities to step away from their screens. This is partly a response to the time spent working, shopping, communicating, and finding entertainment online. But another form of fatigue has also emerged. Using the internet now requires a remarkable degree of discernment. A person scrolling through a feed, reading an article, watching a video, or viewing an image may find themselves asking a series of questions: Is this real? Has it been edited? Is the person sincere? Is the story accurate? Was the image created by a person or generated by a program? Is this information meant to help, persuade, provoke, or sell? That constant evaluation can be exhausting. In-person experiences offer a welcome contrast. They give people something tangible and immediate—a place, a voice, a story, and other people to share it with. They provide a chance to stop analyzing the world from a distance and to participate in it again. One way to have an immersive experience is to take a Discover Sarasota Tours tour, which offers a lively example of the kind of experience people seek. 44 | BMAG Support Local
Guests board a brightly colored trolley to explore Sarasota’s history, personalities, landmarks, and stories. Some tours present the community in a new light, while others turn the trolley into a moving stage. The company’s murder mystery tours are especially immersive. Passengers follow clues, watch costumed characters, compare theories, and try to solve the mystery as the story unfolds around them. The appeal extends well beyond finding the culprit. A family may arrive looking for an entertaining outing and leave with a shared adventure they continue discussing afterward. Friends can enjoy an evening that feels different from simply meeting for dinner. Coworkers attending as part of a company-sponsored event have a natural way to talk, laugh, and collaborate outside the usual work environment. Some passengers arrive together, while others start the tour as strangers. As the mystery unfolds, people begin exchanging ideas, reacting to the characters, and laughing at the same unexpected moments. For a little while, everyone aboard is part of the same story. That feeling of shared participation is difficult to reproduce through a screen. Even a traditional sightseeing tour can foster a similar sense of connection. Longtime residents may uncover the histories behind buildings they have passed for years. Visitors can experience Sarasota as more than a collection of attractions. Instead of following directions on a phone or reading brief online descriptions, passengers hear stories from a live guide and see the city through someone else’s eyes. They are not simply receiving information. They are experiencing a place. There is comfort in having a shared reality. The renewed interest in offline experiences does not mean people are abandoning technology. Phones still help us make reservations, get directions, take photos, and stay connected.
The difference is that the device becomes a tool rather than the destination or distraction. During an in-person tour, class, performance, or gathering, attention shifts to what is happening in the room or the surrounding community. People can respond to one another naturally. They can ask questions, notice body language, share a laugh, or let a conversation take an unexpected turn. There is also comfort in knowing that other people witnessed the same moment. Online, individuals often encounter content in isolation and must decide what to believe. During a live experience, the audience shares a common point of reference. Everyone hears the same joke, sees the same performance, or watches the same clue appear. Their interpretations may differ, but the experience itself is real and collective. That shared reality can feel stabilizing. It brings attention back to the senses and the immediate environment—to the sound of a voice, the movement of a crowd, the feel of something handmade, or the details of a familiar street seen from a new angle. It reminds people that they belong to a physical community, not just a digital one. An analog experience need not be elaborate. The goal is not to fill every free hour with structured activities or to create a rigidly screen-free life. It may be as simple as attending a live performance, joining a local tour, visiting a farmers market, taking a creative class, volunteering, or meeting friends for cards or dinner. The chance to be present and engaged matters more than the activity itself. These outings also make it easier to connect with the people and places nearby. A conversation with an artist, performer, guide, shopkeeper, or fellow participant can add texture to a community that is easy to overlook amid a busy routine. Even familiar surroundings can feel different when approached with curiosity. A tour may reveal the story behind a building. A market visit may introduce the person who grew or created it. A performance may turn an ordinary evening into a memory shared by an entire audience. The value comes from being involved rather than merely observing. The digital world offers extraordinary convenience, information, and connection. It is also increasingly crowded with content that prompts people to question what they see and decide what deserves their trust. That may be why the simplest in-person experiences now feel particularly meaningful. Sometimes the best way to feel grounded is not to seek more information. It is to step out into the world, share an experience with others, and enjoy the certainty of being there.
WHERE REAL ESTATE MEETS DESIGN Why Interior Design Matters for Selling, Buying, & Living Well Luxury isn’t always about grand entrances or spectacular views. Sometimes it’s found in the feeling you get when you walk through your own front door. Recently, Bradenton Magazine sat down with two women who share a common philosophy: Beautiful homes aren’t simply bought; they’re mindfully created to reflect the lifestyles and passions of the people who call them home. Robin Eekhof, Founder and Broker of LuxeKey Real Estate, LLC, and Jody Bergeson, Founder of JB Interiors, pair their expertise in collaboration to help clients not only buy and sell homes—but truly love living in them. Together, they embrace a philosophy that has shaped their work: “A home should be as beautiful as it is functional. And thoughtfully designed spaces have the power to enrich everyday life, for years of enjoyment.” We asked Robin and Jody why they believe real estate and interior design are such natural partners.
What inspired this collaboration between LuxeKey Real Estate and JB Interiors? Robin Eekhof: Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions, but it’s only the beginning of the story. I wanted our clients to experience something beyond a successful transaction. I want them to walk into their home and feel embraced by it. Jody and I share that vision. I help people discover the right home, and she helps them unlock its full potential. Together, we help clients create a home that reflects not only their style, but the way they truly want to live.
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BRANDSTORY FEATURE
These aren’t simply luxury features. They’re spaces that become part of your daily routine—places that encourage you to slow down, recharge, entertain, and truly enjoy being home.
Robin, that seems perfectly aligned with LuxeKey’s philosophy. Robin Eekhof: It really is.
Jody, you’ve said that every home tells a story. What do you mean by that? Jody Bergeson: Whether I’m working with a seller or a new homeowner, I’m looking beyond furniture and finishes. Great design tells buyers what’s possible and helps homeowners feel connected to their surroundings. For sellers, a designer’s eye often uncovers opportunities that homeowners no longer notice. Sometimes it’s editing a room, rethinking furniture placement, improving the lighting, refreshing paint colors, enhancing curb appeal, or introducing carefully selected accessories. In other cases, virtual design concepts allow buyers to visualize a home’s potential while respecting its existing character. The goal isn’t to change the home—it’s to present it in a way that allows buyers to immediately picture themselves living there
One of my favorite parts of this profession is getting to know people—not just what kind of house they’re looking for, but how they hope to live. Every client has a different story, different priorities, and different dreams. When someone finds the right home and then works with a designer like Jody to personalize it, something special happens. The house becomes uniquely theirs. That’s incredibly rewarding to watch.
What do you hope clients ultimately take away from this partnership? Robin Eekhof: That luxury isn’t defined by price point. It’s defined by how a home enhances your life. Jody Bergeson: And that great design isn’t about creating perfection. It’s about creating comfort, connection, beauty, and spaces that people never want to leave.
Robin, why is that emotional connection so important? Robin Eekhof: People rarely buy a home based on facts alone. They buy because of how a space makes them feel. When buyers can imagine celebrating holidays, enjoying morning coffee, entertaining friends, or simply relaxing after a long day, the home becomes memorable. Those emotional connections often create stronger interest and a more successful sale.
Jody, one idea that really caught our attention was what you call a “Curated Sanctuary.” Tell us more about that. Jody Bergeson: Every home should include a space that’s designed entirely around the people who live there. It might be a boutique-style dressing room with an illuminated handbag display, a luxury pantry complete with a coffee bar, an infrared wellness alcove, a golf simulator, a beverage lounge, a fishing tackle studio, or a resort-inspired gazebo overlooking a cascading waterfall into the pool.
Whether preparing a home for market or transforming a newly purchased property into a personal sanctuary, Robin Eekhof and Jody Bergeson believe the best homes are more than beautifully designed—they’re thoughtfully lived in. Because extraordinary homes aren’t simply bought— . They’re intentionally created. And when real estate meets design, extraordinary living begins.
A Fall Like No Other:
The Pops Orchestra’s Season of Shared Stages WRITTEN BY BETH DEYO The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota is a community orchestra in every sense. For years, its work has been shaped by partnerships with local theaters, schools, performers, and arts organizations. Those relationships have created shared performances, rehearsal spaces, educational programs, and new opportunities for audiences to discover more of the area’s arts community. This fall, many of those collaborations will become part of the season itself.
When Music Meets Movement When an orchestra performs alongside actors, singers, and dancers, each element brings something different to the production. The musicians create the atmosphere and emotional foundation, while the performers bring the story to life onstage. “Collaboration is our superpower, and there is no better place than Florida’s Cultural Coast to collaborate with other arts organizations,” said Dr. Robyn Bell, managing and artistic director and conductor of The Pops Orchestra. Audiences will experience this firsthand during the performance of Hocus Pocus Pops II on October 30 at Riverview Performing Arts Center. Students from Sarasota Ballet’s Dance – The Next Generation program will perform with The Pops, joined by singers Lyrick Gaddis and Kaylani Roney. Together, they will add a theatrical layer to the concert, giving the music a fuller life onstage. The evening will continue outside the theater with a trickor-treat event in the Riverview courtyard.
Local businesses and community partners will participate alongside Riverview High School student clubs, turning the concert into a larger school and community event. The relationship between live music and theater is also at the heart of The Pops’ partnership with Manatee Performing Arts Center. This summer, the organizations presented It’s the Pits!, a free music camp that placed middle and high school musicians in the pit orchestra for MPAC’s production of Disney’s Newsies Jr. Students worked alongside singers, actors, dancers, and professional musicians while learning what it takes to support a full musical production.
Handbells Help Ring in the Holidays In December, another longtime partner, Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble, will join the orchestra for two performances of Ring in the Holidays. The groups have performed together before, pairing the bright, resonant sound of Ring Sarasota’s handbells with the depth and range of a full orchestra. “Collaborations with fellow local arts people and organizations further
enrich what we do and help define the unique spirit of The Pops,” said Bell. This year’s concerts will also allow audiences to experience the program in two very different settings, with a performance on December 13 at Riverview Performing Arts Center and one on December 14 at the historic Sarasota Opera House.
A New Setting for The Pops This year, The Pops’ musicians are stepping outside the traditional concert hall and into Palma Sola Botanical Park for the inaugural Groovin’ in the Gardens on October 18. This unique partnership will introduce audiences to some of The Pops’ smaller ensembles in a beautiful outdoor setting. “We’re always looking for new ways to bring our musicians out into the community,” said Bell. The relaxed environment will offer a more informal way to experience the music while also bringing The Pops in front of visitors who may enjoy the gardens but don’t regularly attend orchestral concerts.
Ideas Shared Across the Arts Community The Pops’ relationships with other arts organizations influence more than where and with whom the orchestra performs. They also help shape what audiences may hear in future seasons. Bell has developed several concert ideas after attending productions at Florida Studio Theatre. FST’s Great Balls of Fire inspired The Pops’ 2024 show, while last spring’s production of JANIS sparked plans for an upcoming Flower Power concert. The exchange works in both directions. FST often reaches
out to Bell when they are looking for instrumentalists to perform in their shows and the theater even had her guest star as the “stiff” in last fall’s Lucky Stiff production. The Pops has also worked with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe since 2016. WBTT performers have joined the orchestra for selections from Porgy and Bess, the 2022 Spirit of America concert, and last season’s A Christmas Carol, the Concert. That relationship will continue in March, when WBTT performer Jazzmin Carson joins Stephanie Jabre for ’80s Ladies.
Working Together Behind the Scenes Some of The Pops’ most valuable partnerships have developed through shared spaces, musicians, and resources. Their administrative offices are currently located at Manatee Performing Arts Center, and that connection will grow when the Sara’s Studios expansion is completed. Projected to open in March 2027, the expansion will devote its entire top floor to Pops rehearsals and operations. The Pops and the Manatee Community Concert Band share musicians, audiences, rehearsal space, and performance venues. They have presented a combined concert and, more recently, pooled funds to purchase 40 new music stands for Neel Performing Arts Center. And what began as a shared print and online calendar is now opening the door to future guest appearances by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and Via Nova Chorale. “Everyone’s willingness to work together, present a fabulous and entertaining show for patrons, and feature the best of the best in our area on the stage is inspiring and motivating,” said Bell. “I love when we introduce our audiences to other arts organizations and watch all those boats rise!”
THEATRE CORNER
Discover Rae’s Cabaret Café Located inside the Manatee Performing Arts Center, Rae’s Cabaret Café is more than a coffee shop—it’s a welcoming community gathering place with a meaningful mission. Open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the café offers complimentary WiFi, comfortable seating, coffee, light refreshments, and lunch in a creative atmosphere perfect for remote work, business meetings, book clubs, study sessions, or catching up with friends. Every visit also supports a hands-on workforce training program where participants gain valuable experience in customer service, communication, teamwork, and hospitality. The program is made possible through the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, helping prepare individuals for future employment and greater independence. Located in downtown Bradenton, Rae’s Cabaret Café reflects the Florida Cultural Group’s commitment to building community through creativity, education, and opportunity. Rae’s Cabaret Café Inside the Manatee Performing Arts Center Open Tuesday–Friday | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come for the coffee. Stay for the community. Help create opportunities with every visit. ________________________________________
Step Behind the Curtain Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a live theatre production? The Manatee Performing Arts Center offers free Backstage Tours on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. During this 50- to 60-minute walking tour, guests explore the stage, scene shop, costume and prop areas, and lighting and sound systems, and learn how Broadway-style productions come to life. It’s an engaging experience for theatre lovers, students, educators, and anyone curious about the performing arts. Tour Details When: Fourth Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. Cost: Free and open to the public Duration: Approximately 50–60 minutes Note: Closed-toe shoes required Experience the magic behind the curtain—and gain a new appreciation for live theatre.
CURTAIN UP AT SARASOTA OPERA WRITTEN BY SHELLY WEST The orchestra begins to play. A singer steps forward, and a powerful voice fills the historic Sarasota Opera House. For many first-time visitors, one question quickly comes to mind: Where are the mics?
standard. Its size and acoustics foster an intimate connection between performers and audience members, much like the European theaters for which many classic operas were written.
According to Richard Russell, the general and artistic director of Sarasota Opera, there aren’t any.
While some modern performance halls seat thousands, Russell believes opera often works best in a more intimate setting.
The singers rely on training, technique, and the natural power of the human voice. In a theater designed for acoustic performance, their voices can reach every corner of the room without amplification. It is one of the qualities that make live opera such a distinctive experience. “To me, the art form is the culmination of all the arts,” Russell says. “There is theater and music, orchestra and chorus, sets and costumes—all of it together.” Yet for those who have never attended an opera, the experience can feel unfamiliar or intimidating. Russell wants audiences to know that opera is not reserved for experts. No prior knowledge is required, and there is no single right way to enjoy it.
A Theater Made for Opera Sarasota Opera is one of only a few American opera companies that own their own theaters. Built in 1926, the Sarasota Opera House was designed before microphones and modern amplification became
“Opera should be a more intimate experience,” he says. “We are able to accomplish that in our beautiful theater.” Audiences can see the performers’ expressions, hear the orchestra resonate throughout the room, and experience the full force of voices carrying naturally from the stage. Language is one of the most common concerns for prospective opera-goers. Many operas were written in Italian, German, French, and other languages, but Sarasota Opera makes the stories easy to follow with supertitles. Similar to subtitles in a foreign-language film, English translations are projected above the stage. Supertitles are also used for performances sung in English because the vocal technique required to project over an orchestra can sometimes make individual words hard to distinguish. Audience members can also find plot summaries and background information in the program and on Sarasota Opera’s website. These resources offer helpful context, but no preparation is required before attending. At its heart, opera is storytelling. Its themes—love, jealousy, hope, betrayal, grief, and joy—remain familiar regardless of when or where the story was written. BMAG Support Local | 53
More Than Tragedy
THEATRE CORNER
Another misconception is that every opera is long, serious, and tragic. In reality, opera encompasses sweeping romances, comedies, fairy tales, historical dramas, and deeply emotional stories. Some productions leave audiences in tears, while others send them home laughing. “Opera is not just one thing,” Russell says. “It can cater to many tastes.” He points to “La traviata,” the opera attended by Julia Roberts’ and Richard Gere’s characters in the film “Pretty Woman.” The performance deeply moves Roberts’ character, capturing the emotional impact opera can have on a first-time audience member. Richard Russell
But grand tragedy is only one part of the art form.
“Sometimes somebody wants something funny—something they can laugh at,” Russell says. “We are doing that, too.” He encourages anyone who did not connect with their first opera to try another. Judging the entire art form by a single production is like watching one film and deciding movies are not for you.
Welcoming Families and Young Performers This fall, Sarasota Opera will present two productions designed to appeal to families as well as longtime opera audiences. Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” brings the familiar fairy tale to the stage with professional singers, an orchestra, scenery, and costumes. Originally written in German, the work will be performed in English by Sarasota Opera. The familiar story offers an accessible introduction to opera for younger audience members, while its sophisticated music offers plenty for experienced patrons to enjoy. Members of Sarasota Youth Opera will also participate in the production. Young performers will take center stage in “Rootabaga Country,” an opera by composer Rachel J. Peters, originally commissioned by Sarasota Opera in 2017. Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s whimsical “Rootabaga Stories,” the production follows a father and his children as they visit places that brought their late mother happiness. Russell describes the work as charming, fantastical, and magical. Presented on the main stage with a professional orchestra, sets, and costumes, it offers young singers the chance to experience a fully staged opera. The Sarasota Youth Opera program serves performers ages 8 to 18. Sarasota Opera also supports college-age and early-career singers through its Apprentice Artist Program during the winter season, providing mentorship and professional performance experience.
Come as You Are Must opera-goers arrive in evening gowns and tuxedos? Only when they feel like it. Some audience members enjoy dressing up and sipping a glass of champagne before the performance. Others—particularly at Florida matinees—arrive in comfortable clothing, even shorts. “You don’t have to get dressed up,” Russell says. “But some people love the idea that it is a dress-up night. It can be a different experience for different people.”
RICHARD RUSSELL, General & Artistic Director
2026 FALL SEASON
Food and drinks are available at the opera house, allowing guests to make the performance part of a date night or an outing with friends. Although opera originated as entertainment for the European aristocracy, it eventually became an experience enjoyed by the broader public. Before television and other modern forms of entertainment, the opera house was a social gathering place where people watched performances, ate, drank, and discussed what they had seen.
Hansel and Gretel
That sense of connection remains part of its appeal. “You can bring a date or go with friends and talk about your experience,” Russell says. “It is a wonderful way to make connections with each other.”
Take Your Seat There is no need to recognize every piece of music, understand vocal technique, or know the composer’s history. A first-time visitor needs only curiosity and an open mind. Opera combines music, acting, visual art, storytelling, costumes, and the remarkable power of the unamplified human voice. It can be romantic, funny, magical, heartbreaking, or joyful—and sometimes all of those in a single evening.
OCT 30 – NOV 14, 2026 Engelbert Humperdinck | Adelheid Wette
Rootabaga Country YOUTH OPERA
NOV 7 & 8, 2026 Rachel J. Peters
2027 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL
“It really is for anybody who is willing to have an open mind and let it wash over them,” Russell says. Dress up or come in comfort. Bring a date, gather some friends, or introduce a young family member to the theater. Then take a seat and let the orchestra, story, and voices do the rest.
L a traviata
FEB 6 - MAR 20, 2027
H. M.S. Pinafore FEB 13 - MAR 19, 2027
Ariadne auf Naxos FEB 27 – MAR 13, 2027
MAR 6 – MAR 21, 2027
Giuseppe Verdi | Francesco Maria Piave
Richard Strauss / Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Arthur Sullivan | W.S. Gilbert
Jenůfa Leoš Janáček
All performances in the original language with simultaneous translations above the stage.
(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG Sarasota Opera House | 61 N. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
THEATRE CORNER Experience Season 13 at Urbanite Theatre, where bold new stories come to life through a transformative and intimate theatre experience unlike any other in the Sarasota-Manatee area. We kick off the season with our 7th Annual Modern Works Festival, our largest undertaking of the year and a vibrant celebration of new works and female theatre makers. Bringing together more artists than any other Urbanite production, the Festival represents our ongoing investment in developing new plays, championing female playwrights, and creating opportunities for audiences to discover the next generation of exceptional theatre. Our MainStage season begins with AHOY-HOY by Jenny Stafford, a rolling world premiere produced in partnership with the National New Play Network. Developed through last year’s Modern Works Festival, where it earned the Audience Favorite award, AHOY-HOY is a hilarious sprint through history inspired by true events that explores the legacies we leave behind with wit, charm, and surprising heart. This winter, The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle transforms Urbanite Theatre into a New York City trash route—complete with a trash-compacting truck—to tell a funny and deeply moving story about unexpected friendship, dignity, and human connection. Together, these productions promise laughter, exceptional entertainment, and meaningful conversations that linger long after the performance ends. Subscribers enjoy the best value, including savings on tickets, and flexible benefits like free ticket exchanges if plans change. For those looking to go beyond the performance, our Insider Membership offers exclusive events and behind-the-scenes opportunities that deepen your connection to the artists and the creative process all season long.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) was founded by Nate Jacobs as a struggling but determined start-up in December 1999 to create a platform where African American artists could develop and showcase their talents and tell their stories of history, experience, and celebrated achievements. Since then, WBTT has created an amazing legacy! Over the years, we have grown from a troupe with no permanent home to a nationally renowned theatre with a full season of professional shows and education programs housed in our own theatre arts complex. We have impacted generations of artists whose lives we’ve changed through development and career opportunities. We produce Broadway musicals and classic dramas while also premiering new Black theatre works, many developed in-house by WBTT’s founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. Our 2026-2027 Rhapsodies of Rhythm season features a dazzling line up of shows, starting with Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, a nonstop parade of glamour, rhythm, and pure theatrical delight that honors the legendary composer. WBTT’s Christmas card to the community, is up next ― the original holiday favorite A Motown Christmas. Audiences can’t get enough of this high-energy revue, where beloved Christmas classics meet WBTT’s signature style. We are excited to make our first foray into Shakespeare with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by actor, director, and teacher Geoffrey Owens. We finish off the season with the high-energy musical that celebrates some of the most iconic female voices of the 1960s ― Beehive: The 60s Musical, and a new show, Stevie: A Stevie Wonder Revue focusing on the transformative force in American music that Steve Wonder has been. Featuring a variety of music ― from soulful ballads to groundbreaking compositions ― the show will be a walk down memory lane for many music lovers. WBTT ― Florida’s theater with soul!
VOICES OF VALOR BRINGS MANATEE COUNTY’S MILITARY HISTORY HOME
A brass medal, a field whistle, a soldier’s letter, and dog tags carry stories that timelines alone cannot tell. In Voices of Valor: A Legacy of Military Service in Manatee County, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature examines how local residents have served across generations. Created in-house by The Bishop’s Collections and Exhibits team, Voices of Valor arrives during the nation’s 250th anniversary year. The exhibition explores the roles Manatee County residents have played throughout American military history, focusing on people, families, and objects tied to this community. It asks visitors to consider service through personal choices, sacrifice, and lives changed long after combat ended. Learning Specialist III Aaron Roberts poses with his Navy working uniform. Circa 2008-2012
The story begins before Florida became part of the United States. During the Revolutionary War, Florida remained under British control. By the Civil War, the region supplied cattle, salt, and other provisions, while local mariners and vessels engaged in blockade-running along the Gulf Coast.
Members of the Curry family worked as shipbuilders, cattle traders, and mariners. Captain John Curry served as a blockade runner. The Curry family’s legacy of military service continued through Captain John Curry’s grandson, Brigadier General William Curry Harllee. He served as a Marine Corps lieutenant during the Spanish–American War and was stationed at West Point before receiving an honorable discharge. The Curry descendants still call Manatee County home. The exhibition connects this research to material from The Bishop’s collections. A commemorative flag marks Admiral George Dewey’s return from Manila after the Spanish-American War. A French souvenir pillow cover recalls a soldier’s voyage home after World War I. These objects give visitors direct contact with events that can otherwise feel remote. “Working on Voices of Valor has been especially meaningful because it goes beyond presenting history—it creates connections between people, their community, and the stories that have shaped it,” states Tiffany La Britt, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at The Bishop. “One of the most rewarding parts of developing the exhibition was meeting and interviewing the friends and families of the service members featured throughout the gallery.” La Britt continues, “Their openness in sharing deeply personal memories, often about difficult experiences, was both humbling and inspiring. We wanted to honor that trust by telling these stories with authenticity and care, ensuring visitors leave not only with a greater understanding of history, but with a deeper appreciation for those who lived it.” One of the exhibition’s central stories is that of Army Lieutenant Kirby Pelot Stewart, one of the more than 900 men from Manatee County who volunteered or were drafted during World War I. Stewart was cited for bravery in France and died in combat in 1918 at age 27. He received the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The Bishop holds several objects connected to Stewart, including his medal, a troop-movement whistle, a 1917 English-French handbook, and a letter written before his death. Together, they show the public and private sides of his service. World War II introduces another group of local stories. Steve Lewis, raised in Palmetto, entered the Army in 1943 and served with the 9th Cavalry Regiment, one of the units known as the Buffalo Soldiers. He later joined the Army Transportation Corps in Casablanca and helped move supplies to Allied forces. After returning home, Lewis spent more than 30 years teaching in Manatee County schools that he helped desegregate. Later conflicts brought different forms of sacrifice. Richard “Dick” Caverly survived three years as a prisoner at the notorious Camp 3 under the North Korean commander known as “The Tiger” during the Korean War. Marine Sgt. John Holmes, a Holmes Beach native, suffered catastrophic wounds during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam and remained in a coma for 33 years. His name was added to Bradenton’s Vietnam War Honor Roll decades after he was wounded. The exhibition continues through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Specialist Justin B. Schmidt, raised in Manatee County, was killed in Iraq in 2004. Patrick Lay, a Braden River High School graduate, died in Afghanistan in 2011 at age 21. Their stories connect recent national history to schools, churches, neighborhoods, and families familiar to today’s visitors. 58 | BMAG Support Local
BRANDSTORY FEATURE
Objects from later conflicts bring the exhibition’s story into The Bishop’s own community. Vietnam-era identification tags belonging to Col. Fraley, a former member of The Bishop’s Board of Trustees, still carry the tape used to keep them from jingling in the field. The exhibition also features a Navy Working Uniform with a Type I camouflage pattern, loaned by Seaman Roberts, a Learning Specialist at The Bishop. Roberts served in the Navy from 2008 to 2012. Hunter Windham, another Learning Specialist at The Bishop, also helped share his family’s military history. His family provided photographs of his grandfather, Staff Sgt. Windham, who served during the Korean War, for inclusion in the exhibition video. Together, these personal objects, photographs, and stories connect military history to people who have also served The Bishop and its community. “In such an important year in American history, there is never a better time than now to reflect on the service and sacrifice made by Manatee County residents in the nation’s past,” says Andrew Sandall, Chief Executive Officer of The Bishop. “I am particularly proud that we have been able to include the stories of so many people tied closely to The Bishop who, before coming to the Museum, served in our military branches. It is indeed an honor for them to allow us to tell their stories.” Voices of Valor presents military history as a community record rather than a list of wars and dates. It honors courage while making room for divided loyalties, delayed recognition, and the lasting effects of service on veterans and their families. As the country marks 250 years, the exhibition offers visitors a local space to reflect on the people who brought national events into their own lives. Voices of Valor: A Legacy of Military Service in Manatee County is a bilingual exhibition organized by The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and is included with Museum admission. The exhibit ends on December 6, 2026.
Beyond the Canvas: The Spirits of the Village of the Arts. WRITTEN BY LIZ REED The Village of the Arts is the largest artist community in Florida. Established in 1999 by the Artists Guild of Manatee, it’s a community where artists are able to live where they work. The Village has some interesting history and, with history, there’s always a ghost story or two. Cracker homes were built in the 1920s to 1930s. Some of the homes in the Village that are still standing are over 100 years old. From January 1, 1921, to May 31, 1957, Bradenton General Hospital sat in the Village area. Owned and operated by Dr. CW Larrabee and his wife Dovie, It was the only hospital between Tampa and Fort Myers. They had three wards, and three beds to a ward. There were five private rooms. It held 75 patients and had performed 11,000 operations during the years the hospital was open. The maternity ward was on the second floor above the entrance. Since there was no air conditioning at the time, it was said to be the coolest part of hospital. The building was torn down, and Manatee Memorial hospital was built. I would have loved to have heard the stories the building could have told. In 1910 to the 1920s, the Village was the Harris homestead. Dr. Harris was one of Bradenton’s pioneering physicians, and he was the longest serving physician. He delivered 3,500 babies in his career. The owner told me that her husband believed their refrigerator was haunted. It made a lot of noise! There sits a Sears Roebuck mail-order home in the Village, and the current owner is a descendant of the original owner. It’s never left the family. Sears Roebuck made mail-order homes during 1908-1942. You were able to mail order a home that came in 370 different designs. The residential area started falling apart over the decades. Homes started to rot. The artists guild has since made the Village of the Arts a major tourist destination. Known for its art walks, local music, and colorful architecture, this area covers 36 acres and contains over 200 homes, shops, and restaurants. Well, I told you about the haunted refrigerator at the old Dr. Harris house. How about I tell you the stories the owners have told us? The Divine Excess shop owner Zoey lives in the house next door to her shop. She has told us that she knew of four spirits: two in the shop, one in her house, and one dancing in the backyard of her shop. 60 | BMAG Support Local
Zoey saw a woman in white dancing in the backyard of her shop, and she knows for a fact there is a male and female spirit in the house. It seems the owner and his caretaker are still there. At her house, she has a male spirit who was making Thanksgiving dinner for his family. He had gotten everything ready. The turkey was cooking in the oven. He decided to take a break and sat down in his recliner chair never to get up again. His spirit is still there making his Thanksgiving dinner. If you visit the Divine Excess, Zoey will gladly tell you more of her stories. Now The Village Mystic is a very active place. Not only is the shop said to have the spirit of a little girl, but lately it seems to be more. If you ask the owner, Dawn, she has videos of things falling off shelves and things moving. We have caught on video the little girl moving the ball we had and at the time the camera was laying down with no one around. Now Shaman Jeff will tell you about what happened one night after we taught a class and then did a little investigation. (That’s the same night we caught the ball moving.) While in the back building, we had set up our SLS (structure light source) camera which picked up a spirit in a huge amethyst stone at least 5 feet tall. At the time, Shaman Jeff realized that he received a hat from a Shaman who passed away, and it was sitting on top of the crystal. We asked the spirit to step out of the stone if he was the spirit of the Shaman who owned the hat. The stick figure stepped out and walked up to a young woman, reached out, and touched her several times. What amazed me about all this is it was seen by at least 20 people, and the young woman reported that she had been out of pain for several weeks after the encounter. This young woman was my daughter, who had been suffering from back and hip pain for a long while. In their house, I think the spirits come and go. We did catch on the SLS camera a figure dancing when Dawn turned on the music. Stop by The Village Mystic and talk to Dawn or Shaman Jeff or really any employee who will tell you a story. The Village Patio, which is believed to be the oldest home in the Village, is now a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves great food at great prices.. They all have stories. Just ask Chef Patrick and his daughter. They can tell you about every exit door being knocked on, when no one’s there and the knocks came too fast from a human to get to each exit. Furniture is moved. They hear footsteps in the hallway, and silverware being dropped in the sink when the sink is empty. OK. That made us want to go in and check things out with equipment. My fellow investigator Brandon Bassett and I decided to just sit right there at the beginning of the wall and set up pieces of equipment. On the other side of the wall was the kitchen.
We did pick up a male who seemed to be an owner at one time. His name is Walter. We caught two answers to questions but we’re not quite sure what he said. In the dining room, we started getting a little activity. Fellow investigator Arron Davis and I started getting answers of a very strong yes when I started asking questions about the Harris homestead. It seems he was a slave on the homestead. Now remember this is the Deep South. There was slavery still going on. He would not tell us his name or any details except that he was brought to Key West and sold to come here to Bradenton by the Harris family. We know for sure that we will be back to do another investigation. What we didn’t know was that we caught a woman’s voice clear as a bell saying, “I’m here.” I want to talk to her, apologize that we didn’t know she was there, and give her time to talk to us. Whether it be the owner’s wife or someone else, I want to know. I’m sure as time goes on I will get to hear a few more stories throughout The Village. So, take a day and stroll through the Village of the Arts. Do an art walk, stop into the shops and galleries. Grab something to eat at the Village Patio with Walter and when you finish, join us on the Village ghost tour and you’ll be able to hear the owners’ stories first-hand. Contact one or two spirits and have a night of interesting facts and interaction with the owners and spirits. We have also reopened our Bradenton Beach/Bridge St. ghost tour. Join us one night on a tour and have some fun. LIZ REED, CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF BRADENTON GHOST WALK paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com
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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST WRITTEN BY IVONNE RIBEIRO Think back. Long before you became the person you are today, there was likely someone who saw something in you and helped you believe in yourself. Maybe it was a teacher. A coach. A neighbor. A family friend. Someone who showed up with encouraging words when you needed them most.
“You’ve got this.” Maybe they walked beside you through one of life’s difficult seasons. Maybe they refused to give up on you, even when you were ready to give up on yourself. At the time, it may not have seemed remarkable. Looking back, it changed everything. Having experienced that kind of encouragement myself is what drew me to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. I know I am the person I am today because of the mentors in my life.
Behind almost every person who has overcome adversity, achieved their dreams, or found the purpose is someone who believed in them first. For nearly 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Sun Coast has been helping create those life-changing relationships. Through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring, the organization helps children and young adults discover possibilities they may not yet see for themselves. Some matches take place in the community. Others happen through school and site-based programs. But the purpose is always the same: to give a young person another trusted adult who listens, encourages, and believes in their future. Today, more than 1,800 young people are supported through BBBS of the Sun Coast’s mentoring programs, with thousands of volunteers, families, and community partners helping create brighter futures. Whether you choose to mentor, sponsor, donate, attend an event, or simply introduce someone who would make an exceptional Big Brother or Sister, every act of support helps another child discover what’s possible. BMAG Support Local | 67
This coming year offers several opportunities to get involved, including the Annual Golf Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club on October 19 and BIG Night: Sea of Potential at Mote SEA Aquarium on February 5. These events celebrate the power of mentorship while helping ensure more local children are matched with caring adults who can help shape brighter futures. For those considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, one of the biggest misconceptions is that you need special qualifications. You don’t. You don’t need a teaching degree, counseling experience, or all the answers. You simply need compassion, patience, acceptance, and a willingness to spend time with a young person. Every mentor is supported by a dedicated Mentor Manager who provides training, guidance, and encouragement throughout the relationship. You’re never expected to figure it out alone.
Mentorship isn’t built on grand gestures. In fact, some of the most meaningful moments happen during the simplest activities. Sharing a meal. Taking a walk. Helping with homework. Celebrating a small victory. Simply talking about life. Those ordinary moments often become extraordinary turning points. It’s built on consistency. It’s built on showing up. It’s built on helping a child begin to believe, “Maybe I can.”
It takes Little to be Big. So I’ll leave you with the same question we began with. Who never stopped believing in you? Now imagine what our Sun Coast community could become if every child had someone willing to do the same. The next generation of leaders, innovators, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, and neighbors may simply be waiting for one person who sees their potential before they do. Perhaps this is your opportunity to become that person for someone else. To pay forward the encouragement, belief, and hope that once changed your own life.
Learn More or Get Involved Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor, supporting the mission through company sponsorship or donations, attending an event, or simply learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, the team would love to hear from you. Jennifer Fritch, Senior Regional Director of Development - Direct: (941) 303-6025 Or visit bbbssun.org to learn more about mentorship opportunities, upcoming events, and the many ways you can help a young person realize their full potential.
Photos provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bigs and Littles enjoying a Tampa Bay Rays home game in July.
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING October is National Estate Planning Month, a good time to ask a question most of us put off: What do you want to happen to the things you’ve built, long after you’re gone? At Manatee Community Foundation, we ask that question often, and it’s one of the great privileges of our work. Individuals and families come to us thinking not just about today’s impact, but the legacy they want to leave for generations to come. That’s the power of endowment. A gift, thoughtfully invested and carefully stewarded, doesn’t end with a single act of giving. It keeps creating opportunities year after year, guided by a donor’s values and strengthened through long-term care.
Estate planning is values planning Most people don’t think of estate planning as an act of generosity. They think of it as paperwork: wills, beneficiaries, tax forms - And it is that. But it’s also one of the few moments in life when you get to decide, in writing, what matters most to you and who carries it forward. We’ve found that the best conversations about giving rarely start with dollars. They start with questions like: What do you hope always stays true about this community? What did you want your kids to grow up with that you’d like other families to have, too? Those answers, not spreadsheets, are what shape a lasting fund.
If you’re meeting with an advisor this fall to update a will or trust, consider asking yourself “Is there a cause I’d want to support permanently?”
Why this matters now Manatee County and the region are growing fast, bringing both opportunity and strain. Nonprofits need dependable support, not just for this year’s needs but for whatever the next decade brings. Endowed funds are built for exactly that kind of uncertainty. A gift made today can still be funding education, housing and food assistance, scholarships, or arts programming decades from now, adjusting to needs that don’t yet exist. This is also why estate attorneys, financial advisors, and CPAs are often the first to raise philanthropy with clients, not us. 70 | BMAG Support Local
BRANDSTORY FEATURE
Yolanda Mancha, VP of Philanthropy Manatee Community Foundation
A gift that outlasts you One of the simplest ways to make that happen is a named Future Fund at MCF, established now or through your estate. It can be as personal as you’d like, one cause close to your heart, several, or simply the greatest needs of Manatee County as they evolve. Many funds start small and grow, as family members add to them and carry the tradition forward. Once a fund is established, our role is stewardship ― investing responsibly, distributing grants strategically and thoughtfully, and honoring a donor’s original intent decades later. We know our local nonprofits and how needs shift. That’s what makes an endowed fund different from simply setting money aside.
The bigger picture The people who shape Manatee County’s future won’t just be the ones making decisions today. They’ll include people who, years ago, decided to plan ahead, quietly, with an eye toward a community they wouldn’t get to see grow up. That’s what estate planning can be, at its best, not just a transfer of assets, but a transfer of intention. If you’re using this month to think about your own plans we’d be glad to help you think them through and, when you’re ready, help you establish a fund of your own. Manatee Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with the needs of the community to build a better Manatee County. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy — bringing together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to address complex challenges and create lasting impact. Through strategic grantmaking, community leadership, and meaningful partnerships, Manatee Community Foundation strengthens connections and resources to help our community prosper. For more information, visit ManateeCF.org.
Quarterly Catch-Up WRITTEN BY SHELLY WEST
Summer brought visible signs of progress to Bradenton and the surrounding communities. New projects broke ground, long-awaited facilities opened, and several major investments advanced.
Hurricane Recovery Support Opens Downtown For many Manatee County residents, recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton remains an ongoing process. To assist homeowners still navigating repairs and rebuilding, the county opened the Lasting Manatee Intake Center in downtown Bradenton on June 1. The center provides in-person guidance to residents seeking assistance through the county’s Home Recovery Program. Staff members are available to explain program requirements, assist with paperwork, and help homeowners identify available resources. Depending on eligibility and the extent of storm damage, assistance may support repairs, reconstruction, elevation, or replacement of a damaged home. The center is especially valuable for residents who are uncomfortable completing complex applications online or who need help gathering the required documentation.
Bradenton Breaks Ground on City Park A new community space began taking shape near LECOM Park this summer. The City of Bradenton held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of City Park on June 9. Initial plans include a new baseball field and supporting improvements, but the project is intended to be much more than an athletic facility. Future phases are expected to create space for recreation, youth programs, education, workforce programs, and community gatherings. City leaders also hope the park will strengthen connections among nearby neighborhoods, downtown Bradenton, and the Riverwalk. The name evokes Bradenton’s past, recalling an earlier City Park Field where local baseball was played more than a century ago. BMAG Support Local | 72
New Support for Pets and Their Owners Local families gained another community resource with the June opening of the Manatee County Animal Welfare Resource Center at 401 17th Ave. W., Bradenton. The facility was established to make basic pet care more accessible to qualifying residents and animal rescue organizations. Assistance may include vaccinations, wellness services, and spaying or neutering, which help reduce unwanted litters and ease pressure on local shelters.
Gateway Greenway Construction Begins Manatee County advanced its plans to extend its walking and biking trail network with the groundbreaking of the Gateway Greenway in June. The first phase represents the beginning of a larger plan to connect neighborhoods with parks, preserves, and other community destinations. Over time, the trail system is expected to extend into portions of northern Manatee County and connect growing residential areas. The greenway will provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation and offer an alternative method of traveling between nearby destinations. Although the larger network will be developed gradually, the start of construction marked an important step.
Beach Restoration Funding Moves Forward The recovery of Anna Maria Island’s shoreline received a significant boost this summer. Manatee County approved millions of dollars in tourist-development funding to support a major beach renourishment project. The work is intended to replace sand lost to erosion and damage from several recent hurricanes. Beach renourishment is about more than preserving a beautiful shoreline. A wider beach can help absorb wave energy, reduce erosion, protect nearby property, and provide important habitat for coastal wildlife. The newly approved funding allows planning and coordination to continue ahead of the restoration work expected to begin later in the year.
Rehabilitation Hospital Welcomes Patients
Quarterly Catch-Up
Bradenton’s healthcare options expanded with the opening of a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital on 412 53rd Ave. W. Bradenton Rehabilitation Hospital welcomed its first patient in late June and celebrated its grand opening in July. The three-story facility includes 60 private rooms and dedicated therapy areas. The hospital will care for patients recovering from serious illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and other medical conditions. Many of these patients need intensive physical, occupational, or speech therapy before they can go back home.
Road Improvements Begin on 63rd Avenue East Construction began in July on a major improvement project along 63rd Avenue East between U.S. 301 and Tuttle Avenue. The project will expand much of the corridor from two to four lanes. Plans also include sidewalks, buffered bicycle lanes, new lighting, turn lanes, medians, and updated traffic signals. It builds on previous drainage improvements in an area that has experienced flooding.
BayCare Hospital Manatee Reaches Construction Milestone A future hospital in northern Manatee County reached a major milestone in July with the placement of its final steel beam. BayCare Hospital Manatee is under construction near the intersection of Moccasin Wallow Road and the interstate corridors. When it opens, the hospital is expected to bring a broad range of medical services closer to residents in the county’s rapidly growing northern and eastern portions. Plans include emergency services, surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, maternity care, diagnostic imaging, and specialized care for newborns. The facility is expected to open with more than 150 private patient rooms, with room for future expansion as the population grows.