Life + Culture

A Thankful Future for Animals in Need

Englewood-based Suncoast Humane Society launches new campus designed for animal enrichment Article by Emily Leinfuss This year, Suncoast Humane Society of Englewood marked its 54th year with the opening of a new $17.5 million, 11-acre campus. Designed to give dogs, cats, and smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs their best chance at adoption, the campus represents a giant leap forward for animal welfare in the region. “Our animals are so thankful that during their time with us, they...

Health + Wellness

Practicing Daily Thankfulness Matters

5 simple ways to practice gratitude in your life Article and Photography by Gratitude Aromatherapy Stella Kilbourne (pictured above) recommends “Gratitude,” a blend of nine Young Living essential oils, designed to inspire thankfulness. Find Stella at  Wellen Park Harvest Farmer’s Market every Sunday. Insights to Inspire This Gratitude Journal and Inspirational Card Deck provide space and guidance to recognize positivity, shift perspective, and strengthen gratitude daily. Available at ...

Professional Services

Guided by Faith, Fueled by Purpose

Karla Blake celebrates 10 years helping seniors with Medicare choices! Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Brian Glantz - 1st Glantz Media When you first meet Karla Blake, she might introduce you to her Labradors, Charlie and Bella. They pad around her home office, ever-loyal companions she calls her “best assistants.” But what stands out most is not the dogs or her desk piled with files—it’s her availability. Her phone buzzes constantly with texts and calls, many from clients who have...

Life + Culture

Village On The Isle Honors Long-Term Employees

Milestone Luncheon celebrates staff anniversaries from five to 30 years! Article and Photography by Village On The Isle (VOTI), a not-for-profit Life Plan community in Venice, celebrated the tenure of its long-term employees during a celebratory luncheon this summer. The community honored 25 employees celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, including five employees who have been at the community for more than 15 years.  “We’re proud of our community and the culture at Village On The...

Food + Beverage

Chefs on Deck

Venice culinary luminaries board a vessel at Venice Yacht Club for candid photos and lively conversation Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Brian Glantz, 1st Glantz Media Venice City Lifestyle gathered five of the area’s top culinary doyens—Bryan Meek of the Venice Yacht Club, Steve Longet of Longet: Fusion with a French Accent, Jimmy Nadell and Judy Gaspar of Tuscany Nokomis,  Ashley Lauren of Plated Per Palate—for a stylish photo shoot and conversation about food, creativity, and...

Food + Beverage

Mix, Sip, Repeat

Seasonal recipes and spirited reads to shake up your glass Article and Photography by From cozy fall sippers to spooky party potions and booze-free beauties, these books bring the “drink” to our Food & Drink theme. Whether you’re toasting the harvest, channeling Halloween vibes, pairing novels with cocktails, or skipping the spirits entirely, you’ll find a recipe here worth mixing. Autumn Spirits: Cozy Fall Cocktail and Drink Recipes By Adams Media Cooler days call for a seasonal sip. This...

Food + Beverage

Harvest "Pumpkin" Salad Magic

Venice Olive Oil shares a colorful, flavorful October salad recipe. Article and Photography by Marci Weidemiller October’s bounty comes alive in this vibrant harvest salad, created with the flavorful touch of Venice Olive Oil. Golden roasted butternut squash, deep jewel tones of berries and cabbage, and crisp greens capture the beauty of the season. Playful “pumpkin” oranges add whimsy, while a rich maple black pepper vinaigrette ties it all together. It’s autumn on a plate—colorful, fresh...

Food + Beverage

Hearty Kitchen Academy

Loveland Center Venice is cooking up skills, confidence, and community! Article by Jessica Baird | Photography by Loveland Center Venice At Loveland Center in Venice, the kitchen isn’t just for cooking—it’s where independence is seasoned, stirred, and served. The Hearty Kitchen Academy (HKA) gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to sharpen essential life skills while building confidence, teamwork, and self-reliance. In HKA’s fully equipped kitchen...

Arts + Culture

Gulf Coast Gypsy: Nightbird’s Rise

Florida tribute band transforms reverence into its own unique magic Article by Yvette Wasserman Angela Chang, lead singer of Nightbird SWFL, has loved Stevie Nicks for as long as she can remember. An alto like Stevie, she slips into that dusky timbre so naturally that fans often say, “Close your eyes and it’s Stevie.” The band was built to be different by honoring both Nicks’s solo work and Fleetwood Mac classics. Between songs, Chang shares backstories that give the show shape and heart...

Food + Beverage

BrewBurgers and Beyond

Michael Bacon continues to give people what they love - burgers, bagels and more! Article by Emily Leinfuss | Photography by Brian Glantz - 1st Glantz Media When you talk to Michael Bacon, owner of BrewBurgers, the theme that emerges is resilience—seasoned with more than a dash of perseverance. Bacon opened the original BrewBurgers in 2011, and it quickly became a go-to for locals craving classic burgers and friendly service. A few years later, he doubled the fun by opening BrewBurgers Back...