WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
If you ever have a chance to meet Virginia (Gini) White, you might assume she’s an angel on earth. Over the last 39 years, Gini has fostered more than 300 children, most with severe medical needs. She has adopted three of her foster children and is in the process of adopting a fourth. Gini is also the proud mother of three biological adult sons.…
WORDS: Kara Chalmers
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
On Saturday mornings, a group of teens meets in a hangar at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to build an airplane. An actual, two-seat, 20-foot-long airplane with a 26-foot wingspan.
This “light-sport aircraft” is small, lightweight, and simple to fly. It comes unassembled in a “kit” – a 1,000-pound crate – containing multiple aluminum sheets, plus everything else needed to assemble the plane, including …
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Even in these precarious times, business is booming for Your CBD Store. However, founders Rachael and Marcus Quinn are not content to enjoy the spoils of their success alone. This husband-and-wife team prefers to pay it forward.
The Quinns’ CBD journey started in March 2018, when Rachael opened her first store in Bradenton. After using CBD oil herself with incredible results, she wanted to …
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
From 2012 to 2020, Betsy Benac served tirelessly as a Manatee County commissioner at-large. Although she decided not to seek re-election, one thing is certain: Betsy’s unwavering dedication to the community will continue to have an impact for years to come.
“Local government is where things get done, so I was very excited to get elected eight years ago,” she reflects. “It was a …
WORDS: Kara Chalmers
The COVID-19 pandemic has been disastrous for visitor and tourist attractions worldwide, and Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a beloved, Old Florida park that’s been around for more than 80 years, is no exception.
However, things are starting to look up. Jungle Gardens has returned to its pre-COVID schedule; it’s hopeful to continue a seven-day-a-week schedule. The park, which in March cut 80 percent of its staff, is now …
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Way back in 1971, a gang of pirates invaded Anna Maria Island, and they’ve been making waves across Manatee County ever since. But these aren’t your typical swashbucklers. Known as the AMI Privateers, this krewe is on a quest to help kids in the community.
The organization’s official mission is to have a positive impact on the area through community service and activities and …
WORDS: Kara Chalmers
On a recent Wednesday evening, in the Sunday School room at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bradenton, eight little girls danced. Matched by height and ability in groups of two, the girls kicked, tapped, and spun, sometimes holding hands, always smiling.
This was a typical Irish dancing class at the O’Reilly School of Dance. These younger girls ages four to 10 practice from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. …
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
To a symphony of humming vacuums, strawberry, leather, and jasmine air freshener scents floated among the soap bubbles at American Car Center, an iconic car wash perched along the main artery of West Bradenton and luring in A-list residents like former Florida State Senator Bill Galvano, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells since the mid-90s.
Many loyal customers would …
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
A hollow silence replaced screeching basketball shoes, whistles, and hollers from cheering parents and booming coaches that usually trumpet the commencement of basketball season at the Police Athletic League’s gymnasium in Bradenton. Lights dimmed, bleachers emptied, and the rhythmic dribble of the basketball hushed as COVID-19 – the pandemic that shocked the world and shuttered businesses, schools, and sports on a pivot – …
WORDS: Jenny Miller
Families are saying hello to a new year, but with the coronavirus pandemic still hanging around, things continue to look way different than we’re used to. Some students are back in the classroom every day, others are still doing modified or virtual schedules, and some are still being home-schooled.
Whatever your family is doing, we’re all left with time on our hands where the kids are stuck …
WORDS & PICTURES: Carlee Colonneso
2020 was an interesting year, needless to say, but my family still has plenty of enthusiasm for the upcoming holidays, even with all the ups and downs.
Embracing the traditions this year has been vital towards maintaining our kids’ well-being, plus my husband and I have been open to trying new ideas to help limit activities outside of the home.
Speaking of traditions, whether …
INTERVIEW: Kara Chalmers
One Thanksgiving, years ago, when he worked in the financial industry in Manhattan, Thomas Mantz decided he’d like to volunteer at a food bank for the holiday.
He called a local bank and asked if he could help. The man who answered the phone said thanks, but no.
“He said, ‘We don’t need you. Everyone and their brother want to give out food on Thanksgiving. People are …
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
To the heart-tugging rhythm of his mother sobbing, Dr. Charles Tomeo – stoic and stone-faced – listened to searing words drop in painful slow motion from the frowning mouth of his high school senior guidance counselor. Tucked in a tiny office inside the school, the counselor’s opinion slammed down as final as a guillotine: You will never amount to anything in life.
The …
WORDS: Kara Chalmers
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
When asked what she likes about Golf, Phoenix Scanlan said: “I love the winning part.”
This simple statement demonstrates two important things about Phoenix. For one, she has a great deal of confidence – something that’s absolutely necessary to succeed in golf. Also, she wins—a lot.
“It’s basically like a mystery,” Phoenix said, explaining that no two rounds of golf are ever the same. …
WORDS: healthychildren.org
While kids may be staying home more during the pandemic, keeping them safe when you need to travel is important. Using the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for every ride can save your child’s life. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 during travel is also an important part of safe transportation.
It may be tempting to clean and …
