Find your calm on the water! Sponsored by Wayne Adventures and thanks to generous grants provided by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Veterans can take free kayak trips on Sarasota Bay. These trips help make it possible for more Veterans to access the restorative power of nature and the water, while also learning about the importance of protecting and preserving out beautiful coastal waters. 

These kayak trips are designed for Veterans living with PTSD, offering a chance to reconnect with nature, find peace and share time with others who understand. Veterans do not need any experience - just a willingness to show up and take that first stroke. Wayne Adventures provides all the gear, guidance and support needed. The trips are about more than kayaking - they are about healing, camaraderie and rediscovering strength through shared experience. 

To reserve a spot or learn more, contact Wayne Douchkoff at [email protected] or 941-545-7338.

All Veterans have the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into civilian life and all Military and First Responders can maintain healthy productive lives. Help us reach that goal by helping to improve the lives of Military and First Responders with supportive services, access to local resources and by building community. Lutz Buddy Up! meets every third Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DAV 97, 7177 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Todd at [email protected] or at 863-263-2461. Visit online at lutzlivetotell.org.

Come and join Manatee County Veterans Services during a presentation at Parrish United Methodist Church, 12180 US-301, Parrish. The event will take place at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026. The Veterans Services representative will be covering several topics.

The Bermont Shooting Club is hosting a fundraiser for Southwest Florida Honor Flight. A clay shoot tournament will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 48571 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda. Registration is at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start. 

Southwest Florida Honor Flight serves Veterans in Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Sarasota counties. Their mission is to safely transport Veterans to Washington DC at no cost to them to honor them at their memorials and given them the welcome home they deserve. Visit swflhonorgliht.org for more information.