Sarasota's Kayla Taylor, a Ph.D. student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award, which includes a $10,000 grant to support her continued research spanning AI, aviation and space systems. Taylor was nominated by the Zonta Club of Sarasota.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce and its Manatee Young Professionals (MYP) program have named the winners of the sixth annual MYP Awards. They are: Shawn Osborne, Cox Chevrolet, Engagement Award; Karena Ballard, Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, Bright Beginnings Award; Amariah Dawes, Johnson Messal Bristow PLLC, Legacy Award; Oysters Rock Hospitality, Employer Award; and Aubrie Stevens-Polson, Harbor Chiropractic, Young Professional of the Year.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee announced the appointment of former Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson as director of SafeSRQ. 

Julie Bellia has been appointed the City of North Port's Deputy City Manager.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources recently received two national awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for outstanding achievements in parks and recreation: one for the Nokomis Community Park Improvements Project in the Developed Recreation Parks and Facilities category and one for its Agents of Discovery app in the Park and Recreation Program category.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has named Milordije C. and Thaliana R. as Drs. Robert and Patricia Gussin Endowed Scholars for 2026.

Sarasota resident Kreg Sterns has been named the 2026 Favorite Instagrammer in the annual Veggie Awards reader poll hosted by VegNews magazine.

Sarasota County Schools has named Brooke Teal the new principal of Triad Alternative School.

The Sarasota County Fire Department has earned national recognition from the American Heart Association, receiving a Mission: Lifeline EMS award. 

Sarasota Opera's Maestro Victor DeRenzi has been named the 2026 Voice of Sarasota by Visit Sarasota County.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has hired Sarah Crittenden as director of communications and philanthropic engagement.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has named Randy Nielsen as its  executive pastry chef.

 The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort’s CW Prime has appointed Jasmine Wehbe as sommelier. 

Embracing Our Differences has added Flora Oynick to its board of directors.

Freedom Village of Bradenton has named Brandon Bornstein its new executive director.