Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest is turning 10, and Newtown Nation is inviting local businesses, vendors, chefs, community organizations, and supporters to be part of this milestone celebration. The 10th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Green Fest will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex in Sarasota, Florida. This beloved community event brings together food…
Newtown Farmers Market is growing, and we have a few delicious updates to share. Join us this Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Newtown Farmers Market at MLK Jr. Park for fresh food, local vendors, and community connection. Whether you are stopping by for produce, lunch, or a little something to take home, this weekend…
Dear Newtown Nation Supporters, This is a big moment for Sarasota—and an even bigger opportunity to create lasting change. For 24 hours only, Newtown Nation is participating in the 2026 Giving Challenge, and thanks to the Patterson Foundation, every single donation will be DOUBLED. That means your gift goes twice as far in supporting families, youth, and the historic Newtown…
Love was in the air on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as guests joined us for our Love & Passion Valentine’s Day Dinner. The evening was filled with delicious food, warm company, and a beautiful celebration of love and friendship. Enjoy a look back at this special night in the photo gallery below.
ICYMI: ABC7’s Empowering Voices spotlighted Newtown Nation’s Savory Collard Greens Fest — and it hit all the right notes. This isn’t just a cook-off — it’s a celebration of community heritage, culinary brilliance, and cultural pride right here in the heart of Sarasota.
Some moments deserve more than a recap — they deserve to be remembered. The Big Mama’s Collard Green Festival 2025 was full of those moments, and our newly released photo gallery captures them all. From early-morning setup to the last plate served, the gallery tells the story of a festival rooted in tradition, powered by community, and seasoned with love.…
This weekend on ABC7’s WWSB Empowering Voices, local leaders stepped up in a powerful way. Sarasota domestic violence survivor Rhonda Calahan — founder of Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness — opened up about how recent clips of Sean “Diddy” Combs reminded her just how real and widespread abuse is. Her message? Survivors see themselves in these stories — and that’s…
When Sarasota Magazine sits down to tell a story about Newtown, you already know one name is going to rise to the top: Valerie Buchand. Organizer. Truth-teller. Bridge-builder. Defender of Newtown’s past and champion of its future. In the newest installment of In Their Own Words, proudly presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, journalist Kim Doleatto captures the heart and…
Friends and Partners, As we approach the end of a remarkable year, we are overflowing with heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support that has empowered us to uplift the Newtown Community, inspiring a brighter tomorrow. We have had the privilege of supporting families across various aspects of their lives; from advocating for citizens who have faced injustices in housing disparities,…
Resilient SRQ is Sarasota County’s program for allocating $210 million in federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is specifically meant to address unmet needs from the 2024 storms—Debby, Helene, and Milton—that caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure. The county is finalizing its action plan…