Member News

BREAKWATER HOME FASHIONS ART GALA - BENEFITING SUNCOAST HUMANE SOCIETY

Come join Wellen Park's BREAKWATER HOME FASHIONS for their ART GALA benefiting Suncoast Humane Society. Starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, join us at SOLIS HALL and check out the artwork. Bring cash for the 50/50 and purchase raffle tickets for an amazing artwork raffle. Registration preferred; please REGISTER here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA4AB29ABFBC43-57284312-breakwater#/  

Children First Named as Top Workplace for Seventh Consecutive Year, Earns National Recognition for Culture and Leadership

Children First, Inc. has once again been named a top employer in the Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces competition, marking its seventh consecutive year of recognition for workplace excellence.   The Top Workplaces program, sponsored regionally by Energage and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, honors organizations that excel in creating exceptional workplace cultures. Awards are based exclusively on employee feedback gathered through confidential surveys measuring key drivers such as leadership, purpose and

HCA Florida Healthcare Emergency Nurses Lead Lifesaving CPR Training for the Community

Every second counts in a cardiac emergency—and you could be the difference between life and death.  Community members are invited to attend a free hands-only CPR training session on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen Park, located at 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293.  The training, hosted by emergency teams from HCA Florida Tamiami Trail Emergency (Port Charlotte), HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency (Venice) and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency (Venice)

A Taste for The Twig 2025

Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of The Twig on Saturday, September 13, 2025! Enjoy a night of fun with friends while savoring delicious bites from local restaurants, perfectly paired with wine and beer.During our brief program, we’ll share exciting updates about The Twig and the incredible impact your support makes in the lives of children in foster care. Our online auction opens Wednesday, September 10, and closes at the end of the in-person event on September 13. Browse and bid online, or

2025 Family Promise of South Sarasota County - Sweet Dreams: Night of Giving Gala

Family Promise of South Sarasota County Announces Gala Celebrating 10 Years of Impact What: Sweet Dreams: A Night of Giving GalaWhen: October, 11th, 2025Where: Plantation Golf & Country ClubWho: PublicWhy: Raise funds to support Family Promise of South Sarasota County's impactful programs and projectsFamily Promise of South Sarasota County (FPSSC) is thrilled to announce its inaugural gala, Sweet Dreams: A Night of Giving Gala October 11, 2025 at Planation Golf & Country Club. This milestone event will

Backup Now, Recover Faster: Peace of Mind Starts with UBER ISP

In the face of an unpredictable hurricane season, UBER ISP is reminding Sarasota and Charlotte County businesses that preparation is the key to fast recovery. Backing up your internet, data, and communication systems now can mean the difference between a minor disruption and a major disaster. “Peace of mind doesn’t come after the storm—it starts with the steps you take before it hits,” said Erik Zimmer of UBER ISP. “The time to protect your business is now.” UBER ISP specializes in resilient internet

10th Annual Glow Ride – December 13, 2025

Local Practice Recognized as a Top Workplace in the State

Bliss Dermatology + Wellness has been named one of The Best Companies to Work for in Florida according to Florida Trend. This recognition reflects Bliss Dermatology + Wellness’ ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, team-focused environment. The practice values collaboration, employee well-being, and community involvement, key elements that contribute to overall team satisfaction. The annual list, featured in the August issue, highlights companies that prioritize a strong workplace culture,

Don’t Let Your Internet Go Down with the Storm — Is Your Internet Storm-Proof?

As hurricane season approaches, UBER ISP is warning Charlotte and Sarasota County businesses not to overlook one of their most critical assets: internet connectivity. When the winds pick up and the power goes out, will your business stay online—or go dark? “Too many companies don’t realize the risk until it’s too late,” said Erik Zimmer, UBER ISP. “If your internet goes down with the storm, so does your ability to operate, communicate, and recover.” UBER ISP delivers storm-proof internet and voice

Clothing Needed at Women's Resource Center

 Thank you for thinking of the Women's Resource Center! The Women's Resource Center is looking for women's clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition, including scrubs, formal wear, coats, hats, scarves, purses, and jewelry. We also welcome reusable bags to help individuals carry their new items.  Please note, we currently accept donations Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Manatee Location: 1926 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 Sarasota Location: 340 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL

Children First Leader Joins Fellowship Advancing Early Childhood Advocacy

Children First proudly announces that Flora Oynick, Curriculum and Instruction Manager, has been selected to join the Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship (FECAF), a statewide initiative led by the Children’s Forum to equip and empower early childhood leaders as advocates for children, families, and the early learning workforce.   The year-long fellowship offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legislative process, participate in the Children’s Forum in

UBER ISP Recommends You Stay Ahead of the Storm: Is Your Business Ready?

As hurricane season looms, UBER ISP is urging businesses across Sarasota and Charlotte Counties to assess their readiness before the first storm strikes. Power outages, network disruptions, and communication failures can grind operations to a halt—unless you have a plan in place. “Ask yourself: if a storm hits tomorrow, what will you do? How will your business stay online and stay in touch?” said Erik Zimmer, UBER ISP Account Manager. “Now is the time to take control, not when the winds are already

Authentic Workplaces: A Practical Playbook to Building Healthy Company Culture

After twenty-seven years as an attorney, Tommie Jo Brode discovered a troubling truth: every "victory" in court represented a failure in the workplace. In Authentic Workplaces, she shares her transformation from winning expensive legal cases to helping organizations prevent them entirely. Drawing from her unique perspective as both a former employment attorney and current workplace consultant, Brode reveals why most workplace conflicts aren't legal problems—they're human problems that escalate due to poor

Venice Nokomis Woman's Club, Save the Date, March 20, 2026 Jubilee in honor of club's 100th anniversary

The Venice Nokomis Woman's Club is celebrating their 100 years of service to the community with a "retorsepctive look back through the decades"  Jubilee on Friday night, March 20, 2026 at Plantation Country Club. Save the date now.  More details to follow in coming months.

Children First Ambassador Selected for 2026 Sarasota Chamber Leadership Class

Children First proudly announces that Arianne Roberts, LMHC-QS, IMH-E®, Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, has been selected for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 2026 Adult Leadership Class. Children First is a nationally recognized Program of Excellence.   Through her participation in the Leadership Class, Arianne underscores her dedication to community advancement, innovative solutions, and outstanding leadership. Members of this prestigious class are selected for their notable

Suncoast Humane Society's Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser

Come to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) in North Port on July 29th from 5-7pm to support the most vulnerable animals with 3 well-known and loved locals: Bill Gunnin, Jill Luke, and Michele Moore!Join these 3 fabulous North Port Celebrities at the AMOB tiki bar as they compete to see who can raise the most tips for the animals at your local nonprofit, the Suncoast Humane Society! Signature drink and raffle tickets will also be available to purchase. Great raffle prices! All proceeds to benefit our pets in

UBER ISP Welcomes Erik Zimmer as New Account Manager to Lead Expansion

UBER ISP is proud to announce the appointment of Erik M. Zimmer as its new Account Manager. With more than 25 years of experience driving business development, sales strategy, and operational transformation, Erik brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. His role will focus on expanding the UBER ISP platform throughout Florida and the Midwest, enhancing the company's reach and impact across a broad spectrum of business, government, and nonprofit sectors. Zimmer's distinguished career

The Child Protection Center Celebrates 45 Years in the Fight Against Child Abuse

?The Child Protection Center (CPC), a local nonprofit and nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, has reached a milestone anniversary of 45 years. Since opening its doors in 1980, CPC has made a lasting impact for children and families in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties through its mission: to prevent child abuse, to intervene on behalf of abused children, and to treat survivors of child abuse. The organization has helped hundreds of thousands of children find safety and hope through its essential

CPC Presents 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert

The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert at the annual Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala. This award honors a career dedicated to protecting children, advancing medical knowledge, and leading transformational change within Florida’s child welfare system. Dr. Lambert has served tirelessly for the past 36 years as a beacon of expertise, compassion, and commitment. As a Child Protection Team (CPT) Medical Director and Associate Statewide Medical

Prepare for Hurricane Season with Internet Resilience from UBER ISP

As hurricane season approaches, maintaining internet connectivity becomes a top priority for businesses across Florida. Storm-related outages can severely disrupt operations, halt productivity, and cause major setbacks. UBER ISP is helping local businesses prepare with its powerful Internet Services Platform—designed to keep you connected no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Unlike traditional single-provider setups, UBER ISP's platform uses a multi-carrier infrastructure that combines cable,

Child Protection Center Honors Four Foundations With Sapphire Award

The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented the Sapphire Award at its annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to four exceptional foundations. The foundations were honored for their enduring support and leadership, which have helped shape the agency's 45-year legacy in the fight against child abuse.  In celebration of CPC’s 45th anniversary, the Sapphire Award—named after the traditional 45th anniversary gem—was created to recognize long-standing community

UBER ISP is proud to announce Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers.

UBER ISP is proud to announce the addition of Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers. Known for our Always On, Always Connected promise, we are dedicated to delivering reliable internet and telecommunications solutions that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently. These new partnerships reflect our unwavering commitment to providing the connectivity that drives innovation and success in the modern business world.   Reliable Cabinet Designs, located in