- February 17, 2025
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For those of us who grew up outside of the Sunshine State and were accustomed to cold winters and snow, our blood seems to have thinned out as of late.
Our winter blues typically arrive when the pool heater's on the fritz, and we definitely wig out when the air temp drops below 65 degrees. A coat a day does indeed keep the shivers away. Many in Florida were catching snowflakes instead of rays as the first month of 2025 whizzed by. Despite a slight lull in local fundraising events there is always something going on behind the scenes if you look hard enough.
The Suncoast Jaguar Club held its Concours d'Elegance event on St. Armands Circle Jan. 11 after rescheduling due to last season's hurricanes.
Despite the cold, damp weather that has been hanging over Sarasota the past few weeks, car enthusiasts came out to get an up-close view of the sleekest, sexiest cars on the road.
Sanctioned by the Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA) and boasting certified judges who make copious notes with scores as owners enthusiastically talk about their cars, the People's Choice Award is a coveted prize.
With the ballot box stuffed, this year's winner was Zack Hamric and his delightful wife, Greta — who, P.S., also has her own Jaguar. These Jag lovers really know how to spot opportunities, and when Hollywood duo Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, sold their car, the Hamric's snapped it up and became the proud owners of the 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster.
While conducting my research I made a new friend over at Jaguar Land Rover Sarasota, JR Skeete, and picked up three interesting facts: the word is pronounced "Jag-U-R," more than 500 have gone out of his showroom over the past few years, and talking to someone with a British accent about a British car may just find you dipping into your bag for a checkbook. Just sayin'!
Anyone on social media has undoubtedly stumbled over a post where people are arguing about the identity of an animal they saw or snapped in extreme low light, akin to "it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman!"
Well, who knows, so let’s poll strangers and get into some public discourse! That said, you may hear the purr of a Jaguar engine, but despite rumors to the contrary, you will not hear the purr of a jaguar cat in Florida (we do have panthers).
But there are many other animals that call the 18 million acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor home. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation held an event at Moore Bliss Farm with the intention of raising awareness and funding.
Local conservationists and members of various other foundations enjoyed hors d' oeuvres, cocktails and conversations centered on preservation, including the latest news on wildlife crossings — those genius tunnels and bridges that we build when animal habitats are bisected by roadways.
Wildlife crossings began in earnest with the 1972 Environmental Impact Statement when Alligator Alley was converted into I-75 between Naples and Fort Lauderdale. The state now boasts over 200 active crossings. Board chair PJ Marinelli, CEO Mallory Dimmitt and board member Elizabeth Moore (the "Moore" in Moore Bliss Farm) addressed the guests with facts and goals.
While some of you may think that downtown dweller Bob Bunting is just another pretty face (and one who may no longer be available to all the single ladies!), he is actually a world-renowned climate scientist. He founded the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) five years ago with its mission of bridging the gap between research and public sector understanding of the changing climate. The CAC will hold its 2025 Climate Champions Award Ceremony luncheon Feb. 12 at Michael's On East, showcasing its Beacon Statue. It's a networking opportunity that is not to be missed.
The Sarasota Orchestra began its year on a high note with the addition of India Marie Paul to its employee directory. India, previously employed by the Asolo Repertory Theatre as its special events manager, is now the orchestra’s director of donor engagement, special events.
"Getting to help tell and be a part of Sarasota Orchestra's story during such a time of growth and change has been wonderful and exciting. I've felt so welcomed and am looking forward to what is in store," she said. Congratulations, India!
Mazel tov to Laila Karp who made her Bat Mitzvah at Temple Sinai on Jan. 11. Reveling in their delight were her parents, Dr. Lisa Klein and Dr. Lance Karp, older sister Laurel and many other family members and friends. The celebration, donning a forest theme, took place across every room offered at the Field Club. Different species of trees decorated with mini lights and tiny birds served as centerpieces. The event was like walking into “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Guests enjoyed dinner, games, photo opps, a candy bar and plenty of dancing all night long.
Taking it back to 1965 and the timeless musical hit by Jackie DeShannon, “What the World Needs Now" (is love, sweet love): What the world continues to need some 60 years later is more embracing of our differences — those threads of diverse texture, composition, origin, color, style and so much more that are woven together to create our world.
Grab your walking shoes and come out for some crisp fresh air at the Embracing Our Differences art installation hosted at Bayfront Park now through April 13. The artwork and words depicted on the huge canvases just might leave your heart skipping a beat or three. A tip from an ardent supporter: carry Kleenex just in case because these pieces can really tug at your heart.
The next several weeks are filled with excuses to don some fairy hair, a ball gown or that favorite tux, so grab your calendar and mark it up to help support your favorite cause. Events benefiting Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota Orchestra, Catholic Charities, Sarasota Players, Sarasota Opera, Selby Gardens and Sarasota Art Museum are on the horizon. If you want to confirm a date, drop some intel, suggest warming-up tips or debate about an animal you saw crossing Verna road at midnight (I have several conservation orgs on speed dial), please email me at JCombs@YourObserver.com.