Sarasota Chamber to present business expo at Robarts Arena
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Grand Expo on Aug. 27 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Robarts Arena in Sarasota (3000 Ringling Blvd.).
The free event – America 250: Celebrating Business,
Innovation & Community – will feature a chance for the community to connect with more than 80 local businesses, discover new products and services, and enjoy complimentary food from local restaurants. There will be door prizes and raffle items and a chance to win other prizes through the Expo Passport.
"The Grand Expo is one of our community's premier business showcases and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the businesses that make Sarasota such a vibrant place to live, work and grow," said Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Sarasota Chamber. "Whether you're looking to support local businesses, discover new services, or make valuable connections, this event truly demonstrates that your business belongs here."
Pre-registration includes an opportunity to win four tickets to the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox game on Sept. 20, featuring premium seating in The Baldwin Group Club. The prize includes an all-inclusive buffet with entrées and ballpark favorites, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks, a parking pass, and access to one of the ballpark's premier hospitality experiences.
This year's theme honors the nation's 250th anniversary. The event is presented by Mike Douglass Plumbing. Other sponsors include the Observer Media Group, Tommy's Express Holdings, and PopStroke Sarasota. For more information and to pre-register or register as an exhibitor, visit SarasotaChamber.com.
Sarasota Paradise soccer club hits development milestone
The Sarasota Paradise soccer club recently reached a major milestone in the development of itsPathway to Pro Academy, securing acceptance for its U8-U12 teams to compete in the West Florida Premier League while its U13-U19 teams will join National 1 for the 2026-27 campaign.
"We are the first professional club on the west coast of Florida with a full pathway from U8 to pro, and we look forward to providing an inspirational and progressive daily environment for our players," said Mika Elovaara, Technical Director and First Team Head Coach of the Sarasota Paradise. "Competing in WFPL and N1 will be a perfect first step in our inaugural academy season."
The WFPL, operated by Florida Club Leagues, represents the highest standard of regional competition across Florida's Gulf Coast. National 1, a new platform for 2026-27, represents one of the country's premier elite youth competitions. The Pathway to Pro Academy launches this fall with teams from U8 through U19. For more information, visit sarasotaparadise.us/about-youth-academy.
Gulf Coast Board Institute accepting 2026 applications
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Gulf Coast Board Institute for new and experienced nonprofit board members.
The Institute provides training designed to strengthen nonprofit board governance. The program is part of Gulf Coast's Invest in Incredible (i3) initiative, which supports nonprofits by strengthening board leadership and organizational effectiveness.
"Strong nonprofit boards are essential for organizations to grow, adapt, and create lasting impact in our community," said Erin Minor, vice president for Gulf Coast. "Through GCBI, participants gain practical governance knowledge they can immediately apply to better serve their organizations and our region."
Cohort members will participate in four training sessions beginning Oct. 2 at Gulf Coast's Sarasota Philanthropy Center, 1549 State St. Topics include nonprofit board governance fundamentals, ambassador responsibilities, financial and legal oversight, fundraising and resource development, and other best practices in board leadership, led by i3 consultants. Visit gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI.
Around and about
· Tickets are on sale for the third annual Wellen Park Wine Festival (Nov. 13-14), which includes a five-course wine dinner on Nov. 13 at Solis Hall and a wine tasting class and Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard on Nov. 14 from 1-4 p.m. wellenpark.com/wine.
· Registration is underway for the Centerstone’s 24th annual Life;Story 5K and 10K event for suicide prevention on Sept. 19 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The event includes a kids dash, a wellness expo and fall festival. Registration: centerstone.org/lifestory.
· The Child Protection Center will host a Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest on Oct. 31 at CPC’s Monda Family Campus of Healing in North Port. The event will feature a 5K race, a children’s Mini Monster Dash, and a free fall family festival. Registration, sponsorships, information: CPCSarasota.org/events.
Submissions by Susan Courter, Hayley Nau, Ryan Bailey, Alyssa Holcomb, Emily Ford, Kate Fletcher, and Shannon Maloney.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Chamber to present local business expo at Robarts Arena
