Sarasota girls basketball team wins state academic award
The Sarasota High School girls basketball team was recently honored as the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 7A Academic State Champion for the 2025–26 season, earning the highest cumulative grade point average in their classification for girls basketball.
“I am deeply proud of our team. They have worked incredibly hard not only to become better basketball players, but to become better students, teammates, and leaders," coach Sara Nuxol said. "Being named the Class 7A Academic State Champion is a tremendous accomplishment because it represents the commitment these young women make every day to give their best in everything they do. They have truly shown what it means to be a student-athlete.”
The FHSAA Academic Team Champion program
recognizes teams that excel in the classroom while competing in FHSAA sports. Teams must meet the program’s academic eligibility requirements, including a minimum 3.0 cumulative unweighted team GPA.
“Championships are about more than what happens on game night. Our Lady Sailors have demonstrated that they understand the importance of preparation, discipline, and commitment in every area of their lives," Sarasota High Athletic Director BJ Ivey said. "To be recognized by the FHSAA as the Class 7A Academic State Champion is an incredible honor and a testament to our student-athletes, Coach Nuxol, our teachers and the entire Sarasota High School community.”
To support the Lady Sailors basketball program, contact ladysailorbasketball@outlook.com.
Lights at Spooky Point returns for fifth Halloween season
"Lights at Spooky Point," the annual Halloween-themed light show at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, kicks off its fifth season on Oct. 1 and remains on view nightly through Oct. 31. Tickets can be purchased at selby.org or at both Selby Gardens campuses.
“From its immersive atmosphere to its family-friendly Halloween fun, Lights at Spooky Point offers an experience unlike any other in the region," said Jennifer O. Rominiecki, Selby Gardens CEO. “Our creative partners at Affairs in the Air continue to surprise and delight us with their incredible work, and we’re excited to see the new spooky magic they’ll bring to the Gardens in 2026.
Visitors to Lights at Spooky Point will journey along a trail that winds through wooded grounds and historic landmarks. Along the path, guests will encounter Halloween displays and imaginative light installations. Returning favorites include the spectral “ghost orchids” that hover above the Pioneer Graveyard, towering “Dracula orchids” draped in eerie Spanish moss, and vibrant “spider orchids” spun into glowing webs high in the trees.
A limited number of tickets will be sold for each night of the show, with two entry times available: 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Lights at Spooky Point is supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Koski Family Foundation. To learn more, visit selby.org.
Columbia Restaurant launches 29th years of nonprofit support
All seven Columbia Restaurant and cafe locations, including St. Armands Circle and nearby Cha Cha Coconuts, will donate 5% of every bill to support nonprofits starting Sept. 1.
Now in its 29th year, the company’s monthlong Community Harvest donates a portion of diners’ checks to charities selected by its guests. Over the past 28 years, the program has provided $4.8 million to Florida nonprofits.
“Great restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re part of the fabric of the community,” Columbia Restaurant president Richard Gonzmart said. “I started this program to help many of the worthy nonprofits so important to the people who live near our restaurants across Florida. The simple concept is to ‘Eat Well And Do Good.’"
The original Columbia Restaurant was founded in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr., and is Florida’s oldest restaurant.
Around and about
· All Sarasota County Tax Collector offices will be closed Monday, Aug. 31, as staff complete final preparations for the transition to Grant Street Group’s TaxSys tax collection software platform. Offices will reopen with normal business hours on Sept. 1.
· Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library (1331 First Street, Sarasota) is hosting Piano Friends and the fourth annual Lvov Day Celebration on Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. Eleonora Lvov, international virtuoso concert pianist, will play the grand finale.
· The Women’s Resource Center and Florida Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting "Campaign School & Community Leadership Training" on Sept. 8-9 for anyone interested in serving in an appointed position. All training will be online. Visit fipl.org/register.
· The Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota will host its "The Sound of Style" fundraising gala on Oct. 15 at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Proceeds benefit Sertoma Club’s mission of empowering those with hearing loss and communication challenges. Tickets/sponsorships: thesoundofstyle.org; Levi Courtney at levi@spartanairsolutions.com.
· The Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation will host a fundraiser, Casino Royale: A License to Give, on Oct. 22 at The Lake Club Grande Clubhouse in Lakewood Ranch. For information about sponsorships or to donate an auction item or purchase tickets, visit tlcwcf.org/event/casino-royale-license-to-give or tlcwcf.org.
Submissions by Jessica Rogers, Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, Jeff Houck, Mackenzie Comerer, Debye Bernard, Su Byron, Sharon Kunkel, and Barbara Najmy.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota HS girls basketball honored by FHSAA for academic excellence
