The funding allowed the department to buy a raincoat for every employee, along with four dry suits designed to keep firefighters dry during floods or cold-water operations.

“Instead of doing fundraisers, I just figured I would write the grant for you and see what we could do,” said Sherry Toth, secretary of Rotonda Elks Lodge 2710. Toth said she learned about the department’s need after meeting an Englewood Fire Department crew during a public event.

Toth said the lodge consistently looks for projects that make a positive impact locally. “I am thrilled to be able to do this for our community,” she said.

Englewood Fire Chief Kevin Easton said the grant directly supports firefighter safety while helping the department manage public resources responsibly.

“We strive to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and to make every dollar count,” Easton said. “On behalf of the entire department, I am sincerely grateful to the Rotonda Elks for their continued support and for this grant, which allowed us to purchase essential gear that helps keep our crews safe and operational in all weather conditions.”

Toth and her husband, Ed, a past exalted leader of the Elks, later visited Fire Station 71 to see the raincoats and dry suits in person.

For more information, contact Todd Dunn at 941-949-2328 or TDunn@Englewood-Fire.com.

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The Welles Murphey Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation renewed its support for the organization with a $50,000 Empowering Arts Grant. The Hermitage joined the foundation’s arts support program in 2021, which was recently renamed Empowering Arts. The grant helps fund core operations and special initiatives, continuing a multi-year partnership that has included hurricane relief and additional project support.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded a $50,000 grant for the Hermitage to again serve as Lead Community Sponsor of the Hermitage Greenfield Prize Weekend. The upcoming celebration, presented with the Greenfield Foundation, will be held April 10 through April 13, 2026. The Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner is scheduled for April 12 at 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East.

Sarasota County approved $64,036 in Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Program funding to support Hermitage artist residencies and public programming aimed at strengthening cultural tourism. Hermitage Fellows, alumni, and curators provide free community events on the campus and through partnerships with arts, cultural, and educational institutions countywide.

The Koski Family Foundation renewed a $50,000 grant supporting the Hermitage’s arts education programs and its Sarasota Cross Arts Collaborative. The initiative helps teaching artists expand their craft and provides local schools with high-quality creative instruction. Artists selected for the Cross Arts Collaborative will present a public program on December 3 at Nathan Benderson Park as part of the Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series.

The Terrence McNally Foundation renewed its support for the McNally Fellowship, which provides a residency for an early career playwright. The Exchange awarded an Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant for school programming, and the Poetry Foundation supported general programming and recovery efforts earlier this year. The Bishop Parker Foundation contributed funding that acknowledges the Hermitage’s impact in Manatee County. Grants from the Amphion Foundation and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music support music-related initiatives. Southface Sarasota’s GoodUse Grant will fund energy efficiency improvements, and the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation awarded a grant for rebuilding accessibility equipment damaged during hurricanes.

The Hermitage is recognized internationally for its artist residency program and growing public programming. “As our programs and collaborations continue to evolve and expand, we are excited to see the impact on audiences throughout our region and beyond,” said Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “We are deeply appreciative for these generous grants from both new and longtime supporters, all of which provide vital resources to the accomplished Hermitage artists who are making a meaningful impact in our community and with audiences around the world.”

The Hermitage hosts artists on its Manasota Key campus for multi-week residencies, providing space and support for new work across theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more. Fellows also participate in free public programs, offering audiences rare access to works in development before they reach major stages, galleries, and museums.

More information is available at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

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