Life + Culture

A New Kind of Giving

Awakening Destinies Through Faith and Purpose Article by Jessi Neitzel | Photography by Provided In a season defined by generosity and gratitude, Father’s Destiny International reminds us that the most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons or bows. True giving, they believe, is the kind that empowers others to build, lead, and thrive long after the holidays have passed. Founded on faith and fueled by entrepreneurship, Father’s Destiny International exists to awaken God-given...

Food + Beverage

The Heart of Home:

Baking with Love, Legacy, and Gratitude Article by Jessi Neitzel | Photography by Photo Guru SRQ For many of us, the holidays are defined by the aromas that fill the kitchen—freshly baked bread, gooey brownies, and recipes passed down through generations. For Lakewood Ranch baker Jessica Stratos, founder of Sunbloom Sourdough, those scents hold something even deeper: a connection to her late mother and the warmth she created through food. “My love for baking came from my mom,” Jessica shares...

Life + Culture

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle

Inspiring & Empowering Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle awards $53,000 in grants to support local organizations The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, with a growing membership of nearly 100 women, provides monetary grants and volunteer service to local nonprofit organizations that support women, children, and families. Through the Giving Circle, members have an opportunity to look beyond their daily lives and...

Local Services

Wrapped in Local Love

Discover the Best of Local Style, Craft, and Celebration This Holiday Season Article by Jessi Neitzel This holiday season, skip the big-box bustle and embrace the magic of shopping small. Our Wrapped in Local Love gift guide showcases one-of-a-kind gifts from right here in our community—each crafted with passion, purpose, and personality. Whether you’re searching for something sparkling, soothing, or simply special, you’ll find inspiration in every page, beautifully wrapped in the warmth of...

Local Services

Feeding Empty Little Tummies:

Giving Thanks Through Service Article by Jessi Neitzel | Photography by RCC Photography   As the season of gratitude approaches, many of us pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives, family, health, community, and the comfort of knowing there will be food on our tables. Yet in Manatee County, hunger often hides in plain sight. For too many children, the end of the school day signals the beginning of uncertainty: where will the next meal come from? This is where Feeding Empty Little...

Local Services

Giving Thanks by Lifting Others Up

Team Tony: Riding Together, Standing Strong Article by Jessi Neitzel | Photography by Nicole Mac Photography In a season when gratitude takes center stage, Team Tony reminds us that giving thanks is not only about what we hold close, but also about how we extend hope to others. For the past 15 years, the Team Tony Cancer Foundation has lived out this truth by pairing cancer fighters with survivors, easing financial burdens, and building a community of encouragement so that no one has to face...

Life + Culture

Harvest Season: Exploring Sarasota’s Local Farms

Farms That Nourish Our Community Article by Tanya Tutcher | Photography by Bilimama Photography and Four Daughters Farms There’s something about fall in Florida that feels a little different than anywhere else. While the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters and sipping hot cider, we’re still basking in sunny skies and warm evenings. But even here, there’s one unmistakable sign of the season: the farms. From fresh eggs to pasture-raised meats to jars of golden honey, our local farms...

Health + Wellness

Giving Thanks for a New Smile

Shaping Smiles, Sharing Knowledge Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Nicole Mac Photography Dr. Austin Lyman hosts educational surgery event to demonstrate advanced surgical techniques that benefit his patient and the local medical community. When he first established Lakewood Ranch Oral and Facial Surgery, Dr. Austin Lyman did so with the desire to provide the community with a practice that includes the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment without making people depend on a...

Professional Services

On the Green for the Red

Support the Firefighters Who Support Us Article by Sean Lucas | Photography by Provided Every time the alarm rings, firefighters answer the call—running toward danger while the rest of us run away. They protect our homes, families, and community, often at great personal risk. But when these heroes face injury, illness, or hardship, who protects them ? That’s where the Benevolent Fund steps in. More than financial assistance, it’s a lifeline of hope that ensures firefighters and their...

Food + Beverage

Foodie Favorites: Insider Picks from Sarasota + Lakewood Ranch

From mouthwatering authentic French pastries to LWR Main Street dining Article by Tanya Tutcher | Photography by Nick B Photos Two must-try spots that locals can’t stop buzzing about. Three years ago, I moved to Sarasota without realizing just how much Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch would steal my heart through their food and locally owned businesses. As someone who has always loved exploring local flavors, I quickly discovered this area is so much more than beaches and sunshine. It’s a true...