Watermark's Sarasota Living With Pride Guide 2024 by Watermark Publishing Group

SARASOTA

WITH PRIDE

Graziano’s Amorosa

Kobborg’s Napoli Act III

Jennifer Hackbarth and Ricardo Rhodes in Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle | Photo by Frank Atura

Luke Schaufuss in Johan Kobborg’s Napoli Act III | Photo by Frank Atura

Dean

Pietro

Gioachino

Feb.

Ruggero

Feb.

Wolfgang

STIFFELIO

Giuseppe

Discover Watermark’s journey from a small paper advocating for increased visibility of diverse identities and issues into a multifaceted media company standing at the forefront of LGBTQ+ journalism in Florida.

OWNER

Rick Todd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy Williams

MANAGING

Ryan Williams-Jent

CREATIVE

Caitlin Sause

Dylan Todd

SALES

Danny Garcia

ACCOUNT

Daisy Chamberlin

Dyer

Photos via: Row 1, Sarasota's Facebook, Watermark file; Row 2: Morton's Gourmet Market Facebook, Bahi Hut's Facebook; Row 3, McCurdy Comedy Theatre's Facebook , Watermark file; Row 4, Project Pride, Freepik.com

Mayor Liz Alpert

Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch

Commissioner Kyle Battie

Commissioner Erik Arroyo

Commissioner Debbie Trice

1565 First Street, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-263-6000

Marlon Brown City Manager

Shayla Griggs City Auditor and Clerk

Robert Fournier City Attorney

August 29, 2024

The City of Sarasota has a long history of being a progressive community. Our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors are highly valued and appreciated by the City of Sarasota and contribute to and fortify the very fabric of our community. We welcome the diversity and strength our LGBTQ+ community brings, and we are devoted to creating a city in which those strengths can be celebrated.

It is my hope that through activism and community relations with our LGBTQ+ organizations, we will continue our efforts to make Sarasota a safe and welcoming community, built on a secure foundation of equality and trust for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sincerely,

Liz Alpert Mayor, City of Sarasota

Community Care

Sarasota organizations advocate for all

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community has long understood the importance of coming together. Residents have leaned on one another to cultivate connection and rally resources in times of need and celebration. The greater region is home to wide array of organizations eager to serve, many of which are featured here. Learn more about some of these inclusive organizations below.

ALSO YOUTH

1470 Blvd of the Arts., Sarasota; 351 6th Ave. W., Bradenton 941-951-2576 | ALSOYouth.org

Local leaders and advocates formed ALSO Youth in 1992 to serve LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 in Sarasota County. It expanded to Manatee County in 2020, allowing the organization to provide events,

programming and safe spaces for more youth than ever before. It exists today to provide Advocacy, Leadership, Support and Outreach to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies with peer support services, educational programs, advocacy and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning youth ages 13 to 24. They also launched ALSO, Jr. in 2021 to support youth ages 10-12,

seeking to enhance self-esteem, promote healthy dialogue and increase awareness of sexual minority youth issues for all.

CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH

Multiple locations | 941-366-0134

CANCommunityHealth.org/Sarasota

CAN Community Health has served the needs of the HIV

community in Florida and beyond since 1991. The private, not-for-profit organization owns and operates over 30 medical clinics, with multiple locations in Sarasota. CAN’s mission is to inspire and contribute to the health and well-being of those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases. They do this through outreach, integrated clinical

Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent

practice, advocacy, education and research. The organization also seeks to enhance public awareness through special events and more.

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTERS

Multiple locations | 941-955-2122 FriendshipCenters.org

The Friendship Centers is a nonprofit network in Southwest Florida that aims to meet the needs of those 50 and older. Since the 1970s, the organization has developed innovative, costeffective approaches to address the health and wellness of older adults. They have served more than 270,000 meals, assisted in more than 16,000 doctor visits and volunteered for more than 59,000 hours.

The organization has hosted LGBTQ+ support groups to build community in a supportive setting and has partnered with organizations like Project Pride to further serve Sarasota through Silver Pride.

G2H2 SARASOTA

Event locations throughout Sarasota G2H2Sarasota.com

G2H2 Sarasota, or Gay Group Happy Hour, exists to spotlight LGBTQ+-friendly businesses throughout Sarasota and is presented by SarsotaOUT.com, which regularly holds other events. It has traditionally met monthly at a new location throughout the city to provide locals with an inclusive atmosphere to network. The gathering exists to showcase local businesses that open their doors and hearts to the LGBTQ+ community. With its monthly meetings, G2H2 Sarasota has donated thousands of dollars to local and national charities.

FABULOUS ARTS FOUNDATION

Limelight District, Downtown Sarasota | FabAB.org

The Fabulous Arts Foundation has served Sarasota for more than a decade, originally as the Harvey Milk Festival. It was created to support and inspire the LGBTQ+ community and allies through music, art, film, theatre and dance, work which led to the opening of its first LGBTQ+ center in 2024. The organization advocates for

equality through events, outreach initiatives, diversity and inclusivity training and more. They do this all this while ensuring they uplift queer and trans BIPOC voices.

SRQ KICKBALL

4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota | Facebook.com/ SRQKickball

This LGBTQ+ kickball league is open to all allies, identities and orientations, connecting sports enthusiasts throughout the greater Sarasota region. Games are typically held at Bee Ridge Park and the organization is run by an executive board governed by a set of bylaws. Though games can be competitive, they note, “ensuring participant safety and providing a comfortable LGBTQI+ atmosphere is of utmost importance to SRQ Kickball League.”

PFLAG SARASOTA

Sarasota | PFLAGSarasota.org

PFLAG is the nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to uniting families and allies with those in the LGBTQ+ community. Formed in 1972 to create a world where differences are celebrated, PFLAG

currently has more than 400 chapters, including in Sarasota. The chapter offers education, resources and support throughout Sarasota, Manatee and its neighboring counties. They hold meetings in person, also available via Zoom, and participate in events throughout the area to advocate for inclusion.

PROJECT PRIDE

1370 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota ProjectPrideSRQ.org

The nonprofit Project Pride exists to celebrate and unite Sarasota’s diverse community by providing social connection and by supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region. They seek to expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses and governments towards a shared goal. Since their founding in 2019, their efforts have resulted in the installation of Sarasota’s inclusive street mural and Sarasota issuing its first proclamation declaring June as Pride Month. They host recurring events for Pride Month in June, Gulfcoast Pride in October and more,

and opened their first headquarters in 2024.

PRIME TIMERS SARASOTA P.O. Box 1003, Televast | 941-5561344 |Chapters.ThePrimeTimersWW. com/Sarasota

Prime Timers Sarasota, a mature gay and bisexual social group, is a local chapter of the worldwide organization dedicated to providing social activities for older members of the community. It has over 100 members in Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee counties and the Suncoast region.

The group seeks to hold over 75 events throughout the year, which are chosen to fit individual needs, priorities and affordability. Activities include dinners, game nights, day trips to attractions and holiday parties.

Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent

Journalism matters. Journalism provides information. Information isknowledge and knowledge is power.

Watermark matters. Our mission is to advance LGBTQ+ interests. We do that by connecting community, informing you of what is happening around you that might not be on your radar. We celebrate our triumphs and, at times, we question our missteps. We uplift those fighting the good fight and hold those accountable who seek to silence you.

We need your help to continue our mission. In honor of our 30-year anniversary, Watermark is asking 1,000 of our readers to support local queer journalism by gifting $30

Your gift will help go towards investigative journalism, expanding our freelance team and creating opportunities for more LGBTQ+ journalists, hopefully providing us with the resources to hire more staff to provide a better experience for you, our readers. Visit WatermarkOnline.com/30th or scan the QR code to show your support.

Unlike other news outlets, Watermark covers the LGBTQ+ community from a local perspective, year-round, providing depth and context for our readers they can’t get elsewhere else.

Dining with Pride

Ask the Locals: Erica Serine

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Erica Serine wasn’t sure what to expect when she moved to Sarasota from Philadelphia. What she found in the last few years was “a happy, active, engaged community.” It’s one that has an exciting dining scene for LGBTQ+ locals like her, which she takes in when she isn’t serving on the board of Project Pride or playing in local sports leagues.

“If you're willing to explore, there are some truly wonderful gems throughout the area,” she says. “Not only are there some big-city-style standouts that could hold their own anywhere, but there are some mom-and-pop spots that highlight the remarkable depth and diversity of the area's cultural and culinary scene.” View some of her favorites here.

FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS:

Sage Restaurant. The space is beautiful and the rooftop bar is the perfect spot for an evening drink. There’s also Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, KOJO, Clasico Italian Chophouse and any of the restaurants downtown, and Mellow Mushroom is another LGBTQ+friendly favorite with impactful events.

Sage Restaurant | 1216 1st St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-445-5660

ClasicoSRQ.com; Mellow Mushroom 6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | MellowMushroom.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND DRINKS: The food, atmosphere, drinks and service are fantastic at Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill. I recently tried the Anar Dana Bhel for the first time, which I could have eaten for days.

1001 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-212-2622

TumericSarasota.com

FAVORITE DINING DATE

NIGHT: There's something about sitting at the counter at Veronica Fish and Oyster that is timelessly romantic. It has a charmingly vintage vibe that is still distinctly

contemporary — dotted with clever, whimsical, nautically-themed accents. It's a perfect spot to share delicious food with your date, sip great drinks and lose yourselves in the slight hustle of the room.

1830 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-366-1342

VeronicaFishAndOyster.com

FAVORITE LOCAL JOINT:

Paya Thai Curry. It's a tiny, family-run spot that can have long waits in the high season. If you're not in a rush or you frequent it during the "off" season when the locals rule, the food is amazing, and the family is absolutely lovely.

920 US-41, Nokomis, FL 34275 941-480-0772 | PayaThaiCurry.com

FAVORITE BRUNCH: You can't go wrong with brunch at Libby's. I love the Avocado Hummus Toast made with white beans and topped with all kinds of yummy things, including an egg and a harissa hollandaise. I love it even more paired with their Bloody Mary. For a family brunch spot, I personally love the Toasted Mango Cafe. It offers leveled-up versions of diner-style breakfast classics.

Libby’s | 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-2365826

LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com; Toasted Mango Cafe | 6621 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-552-6485

ToastedManagoCafe.com

FAVORITE DINNER WITH A VIEW: Shore Longboat Key

With a bit of drive (or boat ride) to get there, it has a slightly secluded feel in the best way possible. Sitting on the back patio, eating delicious food and sipping tasty drinks while gazing out to where the water and the sky meet is pretty stunning.

FAVORITE LOCAL JOINT:

The Old Salty Dog. This is a beloved local eatery known for its laid-back waterfront ambiance and delicious seafood.

5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34242 941-349-0158 | TheOldSaltyDog.com

FAVORITE BEACH PICNIC

LUNCH: If you pack up a picnic basket with a selection of cheeses,

800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, FL 34228 | 941-259-4600 | DineShore. com

Photo courtesy Erica Serine

Photography in your best light!

Fine Art | Portrait | Wedding | Commercial

DON’T MISS…

COOPER'S HAWK

WINERY & RESTAURANT

3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-263-8100 CHWinery.com

DUVAL’S

1435 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236

941-312-4001

DuvalsFreshLocalSeafood.com

INDIGENOUS RESTAURANT

239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236

941-706-4740 IndigenousSarasota.com

MADE RESTAURANT

1990 Main St. #112, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-953-2900

MADERestaurant.com

ORIGINAL WORD OF MOUTH 6604 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-925-2400

OriginalWordOfMouth.com

THE OLD SALTY DOG

5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-0158 TheOldSaltyDog. com

THE ROSEMARY

411 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-955-7600

TheRosemarySarasota.com

WALT'S FISH MARKET, RESTAURANT & TIKI BAR

4144 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-921-4605

WaltsFishMarketRestaurant.com

YODER'S RESTAURANT & AMISH VILLAGE 3434 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-955-7771

YodersRestaurant.com

breads and spreads from Morton's Gourmet Market, grab a bottle of wine, and head to North Lido (aka Sarasota's Gay Beach), it's an absolutely perfect spot for a picnic, day or evening.

1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-955-9856 | MortonsMarket.com

FAVORITE VEGETARIAN DISH/RESTAURANT:

KOJO has some phenomenal vegetarian plates, including a Crispy Sweet Potato Bao Bun that is insane. Tsunami has an extensive vegan sushi menu. The Lemongrass Tofu at Pho Cali is a standout and Mellow Mushroom has tasty vegan pizza. Yokoso Ramen has a great miso-based veggie ramen that's delicious, and I could keep going!

KOJO | 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-536-9717 | EatKOJO. com; Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi | 100 Central Ave., Ste. 1022, Sarasota, FL

FAVORITE COFFEE/TEA

HOUSE: Royal Tea downtown is

my favorite spot. When I'm in the mood for coffee, I like Kahwa Coffee. It's legitimately good coffee and the vibe is chill.

Photo via Tumeric Indian Bar and Grill's Facebook

Photo via Mellow Mushroom's Facebook

Nightlife of Pride

Ask the Locals: Keelin Sullivan

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Keelin Sullivan loves connecting with her community. She does it as a board member of SRQ Kickball, through Project Pride and more. “Everyone is so welcoming! I have visited other cities before calling Sarasota home and the community here is so warm and always looking to make space for a new member,” she says of the region.

It’s part of why she enjoys Sarasota’s nightlife. “Even when you aren’t in a dedicated LGBTQIA+ space, the city is still welcoming,” she says. “There are so many wonderful spots to check out and take advantage of whether you are seeking a date night, a party spot or just some really good people watching!” Sullivan shares some of her favorites below.

FAVORITE LGBTQ+ OR LGBTQ+-FRIENDLY BAR:

Qmunity has quickly become a favorite spot for any night of the week. There is something for all and everyone feels welcome!

777 U.S. 41 Bypass S., Venice, FL 34285 | 844-768-6489 | Qmunity.us

FAVORITE LGBTQ+FRIENDLY EVENT NIGHT:

G2H2 or “Out With The Girls Third Thursday” at Mellow Mushroom Both draw large crowds of our community at their monthly events. You are always sure to run into your friends and have a great time!

G2H2 | Locations vary | G2H2Sarasota. com; Mellow Mushroom | 6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | MellowMushroom. com

FAVORITE DRAG SHOW: Project Pride’s Disco Brunch. Who doesn’t enjoy a great Sunday brunch? Throw in a top-notch drag show and you’ve got the definition of a “Sunday Funday!”

Sarasota | PPSRQ. org

FAVORITE

PLACE TO DANCE THE NIGHT

AWAY: The Gator Club is a Sarasota staple. All are welcome to dance the night away until 2 a.m. with the choice of live music downstairs or a DJ upstairs.

1490 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-5969 | TheGatorClub.com

FAVORITE DATE NIGHT: Start off with drinks and dinner at Shore Longboat Key. Then head downtown for some shenanigans and end the night with a stroll through the waterfront by Marina Jack.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR

LIVE MUSIC: Marina Jack’s outdoor seating area, especially when they have local favorite Bri Rivera playing.

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-365-4232 | MarinaJacks.com

FAVORITE FANCY

COCKTAIL BAR: Clasico Italian Chophouse. This fun and welcoming spot brought is delicious! Try the La Vie en Gold. It’s one of their best!

1341 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-203-5115 | ClasicoSRQ.com

FAVORITE DIVE BAR: Dive Wine & Spirits. Okay, it’s not really that divey inside — but it is hidden in the back of a liquor store, so bonus points for coolness factor. Dimly lit and cozy, they serve up some tasty cocktails and the vibe is chill.

2881 Clark Rd. Unit 20, Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-888-0382 | DiveLiquors. com

FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB

A BEER: Mellow Mushroom. They have a wonderful rotation of

draft beers and great parties. Plus, the pizza isn’t too shabby either! 6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 | MellowMushroom.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A STRONG DRINK: State Street is where you go when you are looking to start the night off with a bang! Their vibe is vintage, the drinks are stiff and their bartenders are super knowledgeable, especially about Bourbon!

1533 State St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1533 | StateStreetSRQ.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: Stottlemyer's Smokehouse. I love being able to listen to live

Photo courtesy Keelin Sullivan

Photo via Bahi Hut's Facebook

DON’T MISS…

99 BOTTLES TAPROOM & BOTTLE SHOP

1445 2nd St., Sarasota, FL 34236

941-487-7874 | 99Bottles.net

BEACH CLUB AT SIESTA KEY 6732 Sarasea Cir, Sarasota, FL 34242

941-552-9810 BeachClubAtSiestaKey.com

JACK DUSTY’S AT THE

RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-309-2266 | RitzCarlton. com

JOE’S

1448 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9439 | JoesOnMain.com

MANDEVILLE BEER GARDEN

428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-954-8688 | MBGSRQ. com

MONK’S STEAMER BAR

6690 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-927-3388 MonksSteamerBar.com

PANGEA ALCHEMY LAB 1564 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-870-5555 | PangeaLounge.com

PURPLE RHINO

2920 S. Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941-735-6553 ThePurpleRhino.org

RINGLING UNDERGROUND

5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243 | Ringling.org/Event/ Ringling-Underground

| uu | Nightlife Continued FROM PG.15

music and eat some delicious BBQ! My favorite band 22N plays there often and if you haven’t seen them, you should!

19 E. Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240 941-32-5969 | StottlemyersSmokehouse.com

FAVORITE BAR WITH A VIEW: What’s not to love O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill? It is right on the water. Add in one of their frozen cocktails and they only make our amazing sunsets look that much better.

5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-953-7505 | OLearysTikiBar.com

FAVORITE PLACE TO SIT BACK AND BE ENTERTAINED: The Zebra Lounge is great if you’re looking for some live piano music featuring show tunes and classic hits. Great people watching too!

215 Miami Ave W., Venice, FL 34285 941-800-4349 | Facebook.com/ TheZebraLoungeFL

FAVORITE COCKTAIL: The Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge’s Volcano Bowl. Grab some friends and head over to the oldest tiki bar in Florida — you’ll need them to help you finish it. It’s delivered on fire. Enough said!

4675 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941-355-5141 | BahiHut.com

Photo via Project Pride's Facebook

Pride in Arts & Entertainment

Ask the Locals: Jason Moore

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

As the founder of Idratherbenaked — a network of artists working in various industries to build community — and vice president of the Fabulous Arts Foundation, detailed on p. 8, Jason Moore knows the power of arts and entertainment.

It’s something he’s helped shape in Sarasota for nearly a decade. In recent years Moore was even the subject of a documentary examining his young life as a closeted trans child. The region’s “arts and entertainment scene is vibrant,” he says. “There is something for everyone … you can usually find something to do in this international tropical gateway to paradise.” Read some of his favorites here.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A LAUGH: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre is the place to laugh in Sarasota. It’s known as one of, if not the greatest comedy clubs in the business with over 36 years of comedy. It’s made an international name for Sarasota in comedy.

1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-925-3869 | McCurdysComedy.com

FAVORITE COMMUNITY

THEATER: The Sarasota Players, definitely. I've seen a few

productions and they are always amazing. The talent in Sarasota is truly unmatched.

3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 1130, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-365-2494

ThePlayers.org

FAVORITE OUTDOOR

ENTERTAINMENT: Sarasota is filled to the brim with beautiful outside views. The John Ringling Causeway Bridge is one of my favorite spots to run, walk and take in the beauty of the city and water.

John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL 34236

FAVORITE VENUE FOR A MOVIE: Regal Hollywood for a good classic movie experience. Sit down with some popcorn and snacks and watch movies on the big screen — that's the jam. Along with new hits, on certain nights you can watch classic movies like they're screening for the first time in theatres.

1993 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 RegMovies.com

FAVORITE VENUE FOR A LIVE INTIMATE PERFORMANCE: I think McCurdy's Comedy Theatre has the best opportunity for an intimate performance that will knock your socks off. From celebrities, grammy award winning musicians, to strip tease Burlesque... it has everything.

1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-925-3869

McCurdysComedy.com

Photo via Van Wezel's Facebook

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: CMX

CinéBistro Siesta Key is a really good spot for dinner and a movie with new favorites and delicious dinner options. Or I'd recommend getting an early dinner at Boca and stopping in at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre for a late show during the weekend. End your night laughing and feeling good after a delicious dinner.

FAVORITE VENUE FOR LIVE

DANCE: The giant purple building on the water, aka the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is the best stop to see live dance. If you're looking for something more intimate, Dance Fever Sarasota is exceptional.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-263-6799 | VanWezel.org; Dance Fever Sarasota | 941-822-3997 | Facebook.com/DanceFeverSarasota

FAVORITE VENUE FOR LIVE

ART: I've started to hear about this festival in Sarasota called the Living Arts Festival. It is just as it sounds, a live art festival, and is produced by Jeffery Kin. Sarasota | SarasotaRising.org/ The-Festival

FAVORITE CRAZY NIGHT

OUT: You can have a crazy night out if you start at one end of Main St. and work your way down to the East end with a nightcap at Office Bar SRQ. Make sure to stop at Raffurty's Bar and Grill if you're really trying to get crazy.

FAVORITE GEEK SPOT:

Go to Arcade Monsters if you're looking for the "classic arcade" experience. It’s such a good time and great for a date or just to hang out with tons of games. If you're looking for something a little more futuristic, check out Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR. It’s a ton of fun with family, on a date or with friends.

Arcade Monsters | 326 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-5544728 | ArcadeMonsters.com; Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR 1900 Main St., Ste. 104 Sarasota, FL

34236 | 941-444-6766

MysteriumEscapeRooms.com

FAVORITE HIDDEN A&E GEM: Maybe it isn’t so hidden, but everyone should know about the unmatched talents of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Absolutely some of the best performers and singers in Florida. If you are looking for more material produced by some of Sarasota's favorites, check out the Dingbat Theatre Project Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-1505 | WestcoastBlackTheatre.org; Dingbat Theatre Project | 157 Havana Rd., Bldg. A Venice, FL 34292

FAVORITE ANNUAL EVENT: The parties in downtown Sarasota are always poppin’. SRQ Beats puts on amazing events and we also have a pretty awesome Halloween parties and more.

1301 Main St. # 102, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-330-4447 | SRQBeats. com

ART CENTER SARASOTA 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-365-2032 ArtSarasota.org

BURNS COURT CINEMA 506 Burns Ct., Sarasota, FL 34236 941-955-3456 | FilmSociety.org

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-9000 FloridaStudioTheatre.org

FOGARTYVILLE COMMUNITY

MEDIA AND ARTS CENTER 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-894-6469 | WSLR.org/ Fogartyville

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941-309-4300 |SarasotaArtMuseum.org

SARASOTA BALLET 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 | 941-359-0099 SarasotaBallet.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-953-4252 SarasotaOrchestra.org

THE BAZAAR ON APRICOT & LIME 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com

URBANITE THEATER 1487 2nd St., Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-321-1397 UrbaniteTheatre.com

VENICE THEATRE 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, FL 34285 941-488-1115 | VeniceTheatre.org

Photo courtesy Jason Moore

Photo via McCurdy Comedy Theatre's Facebook

Sarasota

1.Ringling Underground

2.Sarasota Ballet 3.Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant 4.John Ringling Causeway Bridge 5.Arcade Monsters 6. Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village 7. Purple Rhino

8. Libby's, Morton's Gourmet Market & Veronica Fish and Oyster 9. CMX CinéBistro Siesta

Mellow Mushroom

Toasted Mango Café

Beach Club at Siesta Key

Paya Thai Curry

Venice Theatre

Zebra Lounge

Qmunity

Downtown Sarasota

21. Sarasota Orchestra

22. Art Center Sarasota

23. Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill

24. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

25. Royal Tea

26. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center

27. Mandeville Beer Garden

28. The Rosemary

29. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

30. Jack Dusty's at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

31. Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi

32. Kahwa Coffee & 99

Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop

33. Florida Studio Theatre

34. KOJO

35. Clasico Italian Chophouse

36. Joe's & Duval's

37. The Gator Club, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse & Boca

38. Pangea Alchemy

Lab & PHO Cali

39. State Street

40. SRQ Beats

41. Marina Jack

42. O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

43. Burns Court Cinema

44. Indigenous Restaurant

45. Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR, Raffurty's Bar and Grill & McCurdy's Comedy Theatre

46. MADE Restaurant & Office Bar SRQ

47. Sarasota Art Museum

Pride 365

Sarasota celebrates authenticity with these events and more year-round

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

There’s no shortage of ways to showcase your Pride in Sarasota. It’s been celebrated throughout the greater region by LGBTQ+ residents and visitors for decades. Year-round, the community gathers to offer a safe place to laugh and love, presenting a variety of festivities in honor of our shared experience. With so many ways to celebrate, this list is far from complete. Be sure to read future issues of Watermark and visit WatermarkOnline.com for the latest details about each outing and more.

PROJECT PRIDE’S JUNE CELEBRATIONS

PPSRQ.org

Project Pride seeks to create an all-inclusive community where everyone is united, supported and celebrated. One of the ways they work to accomplish this is through year-round events, with an emphasis on Pride Month outings like the Grand Carnival and Silver Pride, which focuses on LGBTQ+ elders.

FABULOUS ARTS FOUNDATION CELEBRATIONS

FABAF.org

The Fabulous Arts Foundation, originally the Harvey Milk Festival, has presented arts events in Sarasota for 14 years. The organization supports and inspires the LGBTQ+ community and allies through music, art, film, theatre and dance — which it now does with the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Festival, Fabulous Independent Film Festival and more, including events in Manatee County, held at various points throughout the year.

GULFCOAST PRIDE

PPSRQ.org

Sarasota Pride, the region’s longest-running Pride celebration, rebranded as Gulfcoast Pride in 2024 after being absorbed by Project Pride. The organization also absorbed the smaller, youth-oriented Manatee Pride and merged the two to celebrate the region’s LGBTQ+ community with one celebration in October. Festivities include live entertainment, Pride marches, vendor fairs and much more.

VENICE PRIDE

VeniceFLPride.com

Venice Pride held its inaugural celebration in 2019 on the five-acre campus of SunCoast Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church and has continued to evolve ever since. The celebration has expanded to partner with local organizations and more to offer “an inclusive place where we celebrate the diversity, visibility and strength of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.”

Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent

Business Directory

ARTS

AND ENTERTAINMENT

SARASOTA BALLET

941-359-0099

SarasotaBallet.org

SARASOTA OPERA

941-328-1300

SarasotaOpera.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

941-953-3434

SarasotaOrchestra.org

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

941-355-9805

CircusArts.org

FAITH BASED

ORGANIZATION

SAINT ANDREW UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

941-922-7595

SarasotaUCC.org

MUSEUM AND GALLERIES

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER

407-836-8500

TheHistoryCenter.org