Sarasota’s Sports & Community Highlights

The Florida Special Olympics tennis event held at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona saw Team Sarasota shine, grabbing nine medals across different categories. Coaches Ron and Brenda Shields guided a group of nine athletes who all earned podium finishes: Dylan Mayes and Virginia Barakos took gold in Red Ball Skills, while Barry Gradert secured silver. Elisa Bacacio and Nicole Minero earned bronze in the same event, and Allison Volner topped Red Ball 1 with gold. Lucca Bacci earned silver in that division, Kristin Mevn captured bronze in Red Ball 2, and Chris Cartile claimed silver in Orange Ball. Tennis For Fun plans to resume clinics next November at Arlington Park, offering free weekly sessions for special‑needs athletes aged eight to seventy. Those interested can reach the Shields at 941‑977‑1806 or visit tennisforfun. org and Smartdoubles. com for more details. The Fresh Fridays series in Sarasota is ending with a “Dance Dance” celebration on June 5 from 7 to 10 p. m. at North Palm Avenue. DJs, dance instructors, vendors and games will fill the evening, with giveaways waiting at the welcome table. This finale brings together the community for a night of music and movement, as highlighted by JT Grano, organizer of the event.On June 9, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital will host a hiring fair for experienced healthcare workers at 700 Medical Boulevard. Positions range from registered nurses to dietitians, and the hospital offers sign‑on bonuses up to $10, 000 for certain emergency room nurses and speech‑language pathologists. Candidates can meet hiring managers on the spot, with walk‑ins welcome but pre‑registration recommended for quicker processing. More information is available at bit. ly/4wIld58. Earlier that week, the City of North Port’s Economic Development Division hosted a free health care exposition at the George Mullen Activity Center. The event, held on June 6 from 9 a. m. to noon, connected residents with local health care providers and educational organizations, highlighting career pathways and training programs. Details can be found at tinyurl. com/yc5brad7. The Suncoast Humane Society is calling for volunteers to foster neonatal kittens. This intensive role requires feeding newborn kittens every two to three hours, including overnight, during their first weeks. The organization offers one‑on‑one training for new fosters and encourages compassionate individuals to help these fragile animals. Interested parties can email foster@humane. org for more information. Additionally, the city’s free “Joyful Journeys” Authors Series will feature Dalia Colón speaking about her new cookbook on June 4 at the Senior Friendship Centers. Registration can be completed online.