Dogs Inc. holds grand opening for new Visitors Center in LWR
Dogs Inc. – formerly known as Southeastern Guide Dogs – is holding a grand opening for its new Visitors Center in Lakewood Ranch (5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.) on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Visitors Center, located a block from the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and Route 70, features ambassador dogs, interactive exhibits, a Discovery Zone, gift shop, and more. The facility, designed to raised awareness of how Dogs Inc.-trained dogs can transform lives, was made possible by donors Stephen and Lisa Hyde.
For the grand opening, there will be Guide and Service Dog demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dogs Inc. has been changing lives through extraordinary guide and service dogs for more than 40 years. Visit dogsinc.org.
Sarasota-based STEM initiative earns national recognition
Oceans to Orbits, a Sarasota-based STEM education initiative, recently won a Best of STEM 2026 Award in the category of Out of School Time for Middle and High School Students.
Oceans to Orbits promotes STEM college and career readiness for middle and high school students through two- to four-day immersion expeditions. The trips include Mote SEA, Ringling College of Art & Design, Eckerd College, Kennedy Space Center, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said Lyman Carter, Ocean to Orbits founder.
"Students from several states and countries have participated in our expeditions," Carter said.
STEM educators from across the country evaluated each award entry. The awards program – operated in partnership with MCH Strategic Data, the National Science Teaching Association, and the National Association of Biology Teachers – spotlights innovative products, technologies, and services that are helping teachers enhance STEM education. For more information, visit oceanstoorbits.org and bestofstemawards.com.
North Sarasota Library Friends to host holiday 'Pet Stuff' sale
The Friends of Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library will host a “Pet Stuff” sale featuring an array of pet-related gifts for dogs and cats starting Nov. 2 and running through Dec. 23.
The “Pet Stuff Holiday Love-Your-Pet” sale will include a Chew Bar donated by DOGPerfect pet store that includes natural, healthy chewable options for dogs who “have the need,” according to Friends volunteer Kate Rigatuso.
“We have so many wonderful things for sale," Rigatuso said. "Come see our handcrafted gift-filled stockings, indoor pet houses, unique cross-body bags for dog-walking, pet-themed jewelry, puzzles and books and so much more.”
“Pet Stuff” is held at the Friends Bookstore in the lobby of Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota. Sale hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 10-6; and Saturday 10-2. For more info: 941-861-1372 or info@bettyjjohnsonfriends.org.
Around and about
· The deadline to sign up for the Safe Children Coalition's Angels Holiday Gift Drive for foster and other vulnerable children is Oct. 31. Wish lists are distributed to sponsors between Nov. 9-16; gifts can be dropped off by appointment at SCC (1500 Independence Blvd., Suite 210, Sarasota) between Nov. 18-Dec. 4. Visit sccfl.org/scc-angels-2026.
· The Sarasota Police Department (2099 Adams Lane) and Caring Collective (1750 17th St., Sarasota) will take part in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., accepting tablets, pills, capsules, patches and other solid prescription medications. Also participating: Wellen Park Emergency, 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, in Venice. DEATakeBack.com.
· The Sarasota Fright Fest celebrating Halloween returns to the Sarasota County Fairgrounds continues Oct. 23-25, Oct. 28-30, and Nov. 1. The festival includes haunted attractions, food, and vendors. Event information and updates: SarasotaFrightFest.com.
· Gulf Cove United Methodist Church will host a "Trunk or Treat" Halloween event on Oct. 24 from 4-6 p.m. at 1100 S. McCall Road in the Gulf Cove area of Port Charlotte. Bounce house, food, candy, crafts. GCUMC can be reached at 941-697‑1747.
· Trick or Treat at City Center featuring Halloween booths by local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups returns on Oct. 30 at North Port City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd. from 5-8 p.m. NorthPortFL.gov/TrickOrTreat.
· The Senior Friendship Centers is hosting a free estate planning seminar, “The Gift of Preparedness: Planning Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow,” on Oct. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. at SFC, 2350 Scenic Drive, Venice. The event is led by attorneys Mark Martella and John W. West III. Info/registration: friendshipcenters.org or 941-556-3269.
Submissions by Lydia Baxter, Lyman Carter, Ellia Manners, Sharon Kunkel, Genevieve Judge, Julie Beatty, Erin Harrington, Dana Hanson, City of North Port, and Su Byron.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Dogs Inc. hosts grand opening for new Visitors Center in LWR
