YOUR NEIGHBORS All jazzed up

Lakewood Ranch’s David Proudfoot ran away from just under 300 participants to win the first Run for the Beads 5K at Waterside Place on Feb. 18.

His margin of victory was so large he had plenty of time to look around.

That was enjoyable because the course took Proudfoot, and the rest of the runners, through some Waterside neighborhoods.

“These are some very nice neighborhoods,” Proudfoot said. “It was a good representation of Lakewood Ranch.”

Marian Trumpler and her daughter, Jenna Trumpler, sported the appropriate colors for the race. Jenna is a personal trainer at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

Community Fund to raise money for area nonprofits. Initial estimates were that the race raised more than $10,000.

Many of the participants talked about the fun theme and how they hoped the race would become an annual event.

A long line formed in front of the beer and champagne station after the race, beginning about 9:30 a.m.

Lakewood Ranch’s Steve Saladino was asked if he wanted to have a beer so early.

“Heck yeah!” he said. “On Saturday and Sunday, there is no rule.”

— JAY HEATER

Roaring ’20s nets $70 grand

Lakewood Ranch’s Christy Carey went all out for her Gatsbythemed outfit. She had on a red flapper dress, patterned tights and a feather headband.

“You have to do the fringe,” Carey said with a laugh.

She wasn’t alone.

Almost every one of the more than 300 guests dressed in 1920s fashion for Sisterhood for Good’s Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée on Feb. 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

“It’s great to see everybody looking all fun and glittery,” said Lakewood Ranch’s Maria MacDonald. “Everybody is dressed for the occasion.”

The Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée benefited Sisterhood for Good’s grants program, which provides money to nonprofits throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Early estimates were the special event raised more than $70,000.

Lakewood Ranch’s Rosemary and John Gurski were thrilled to attend the sold-out soirée. Rosemary Gurski said she was impressed by the event and wanted to learn more about the nonprofit. For information about Sisterhood for Good, go to SFGFlorida. org.

— LIZ RAMOS

Sisterhood for Good founder Angela Massaro-Fain joins guest Bob Hite, who dressed the part to support the event.

Theater... Music... Visual Art... Literature... Dance... where it all begins

HERMITAGE TURNS 20: ANDY SANDBERG & Broadway Friends in CONCERT

Monday, March 20th 7:30 pm at the Van Wezel

A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HERMITAGE HURRICANE REPAIRS

Tickets start at just $25!

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary Season of this leading national arts incubator, Hermitage Artistic Director Andy Sandberg returns to his roots as a performer to sing a benefit concert at Sarasota’s iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall This one-night-only event will raise funds for the Hermitage Artist Retreat following the impact of Hurricane Ian earlier this season.

In addition to his role at the Hermitage, Sandberg is a director, writer, performer, and Tony Award-winning producer. He will be performing a concert of Broadway songs and will be joined on stage by Broadway guest stars, accompanied by 2023 Grammy Award nominee and Hermitage Fellow Rona Siddiqui

Accompanied by 2023 Grammy Nominee RONA SIDDIQUI

FOR TICKETS ($25, $50, $75, $250):

Online: HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Phone: (941) 263-6799

In Person: Van Wezel Box Office, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Community

THURSDAY, FEB. 23 THROUGH

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs each day from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. This week’s music includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), The Divebombers (Friday), Gator Ridge Ramblers (Saturday) and Nax Steel (Sunday). A $5 cover is charged on Fridays and Saturdays; the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

BRAIN HEALTH TALK

Begins at 5 p.m. at the Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota. Stephanie Peabody, founder and executive director of the Brain Health Initiative, will be the guest speaker of the Sarasota-Manatee Science and Technology Society. The public is welcome. Member tickets are $45; nonmembers pay $55. Admission includes dinner. For more information, call Nick Barbi at 267-205-7229 .

FRIDAY, FEB. 24 AND

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA

Runs from 6-9 p.m. both days at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, live music will be provided by Tom Burgess, as those who visit Waterside Place enjoy sunset views of Kingfisher Lake, fun at the hub’s small parks, or dining at the various restaurants. On Saturday, Frankie Lombardi will provide the entertainment. For more information, go to WatersidePlace. com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY

Runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Evangel Baptist Church, 3605 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch. Evangel Baptist Church is hosting its First Responders Day which will allow the public to get an up-close look at a fire engine, a Sheriff’s Office car, an ambulance and a helicopter. Talk with first responders about their duties and safety tips. Smokey Bear will make an appearance and animals will be provided by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. There will be free hot dogs and popcorn. For more information, go to EvangelBaptistChurch.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 TO SUNDAY, FEB. 26

COMMUNITY CAMPOUT

Runs from 3 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Bring your tent and enjoy outdoor events, a campfire, a family friendly movie, food trucks and more. The cost is $50 per space. For more information or to register, go to MyLWR.com.

Best Bet

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Begins at 3 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. Peace Presbyterian is hosting the annual Blessing of the Animals, an event that is open to the public. Bring whatever pet you have for a blessing, but the pet must be either on a leash or housed properly. The blessings will take place under the sanctuary portico. For more information, call 753-7778.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

FARMERS MARKET

Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to www.MyLWR.com.

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club LaneSarasota. The 2023 Sarasota Polo season runs each Sunday through April 30. Gates open at 10 a.m. Thousands of fans enjoy high-level polo action each Sunday while tailgating. The event includes themed weeks, entertainment at halftime and traditional divot-stomping. Tickets begin at $15 general admission and up for special packages and VIP seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate.

Children 12 and under admitted free. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

YOGA IN THE PARK

Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers yoga that is free to residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a market with rotating vendors, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight this crowd favorite event. Pets are welcome, but no coolers or outside food or beverage allowed. For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

BINGO FOR ALL

Begins at 10 a.m. at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts Bingo. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.