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: 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: Bre Jones Mulock
Frank DiGiovanni and his daughter joined a long line meandering out the door of Blaze Pizza back in 2017 for a fundraiser benefiting Willis Elementary. Hungry parents and kids halted the mid-week tornado of soccer matches, ballet classes, and math homework to pool together and raise money for their school. While hot pizzas bubbled in ovens and dutiful parents continued to arrive in droves, DiGiovanni – …
WORDS: Katelyn Disbro
PICTURES: Kyle Baker
KIDS around the County are longing to get back out into the community, back into sports, and once more enjoying the outdoors with their friends and families. And, when life does get back to normal, look no further than the Conquistadorables for an amazing fun program full of glamour and grace!
The Conquistadorables have been capturing the hearts of everyone they meet in Manatee …
The birthday party glowed with many women and men in white or purple “Votes for Women” sashes. Fancy hats abounded. In February, the League of Women Voters (LWV) was 100 years young!
The celebration at IMG Academy on February 15th, which coincided with the 200th birthday of Susan B. Anthony, was attended by over 200 Manatee and Sarasota County supporters. The event was hosted by the LWV …
Southwest Florida has a new early learning resource. The Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton is a brand-new permanent exhibition geared toward children two to eight years old, providing a welcoming and safe place for them to begin learning about science and nature.
The Mosaic Backyard Universe is part of the North Education Center, the Museum’s new wing that opened October 1. The …
WORDS & PICTURES: Jessica Schubick
The Manatee County School District is growing! Jane Dreger is helping the District keep up with the demand for new spaces and new schools. Dreger is the Director of Construction Services for the Manatee County School District (MCSD). Currently, she oversees the construction of three new public schools in the District – a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in Manatee County since 2007.
The projects …
