On January 10, 2026, Misty and Robert Ritch had the opportunity to support the next generation of business and community leaders by serving as judges at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Competition, hosted at Lakewood Ranch High School. The event brought together motivated high school students from across the district to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and professionalism in a variety of competitive events designed to mirror real-world business cha

Florida recorded a tragic and unprecedented 112 child drowning deaths in 2025, the highest total ever documented in state records and the most of any state in the nation. The alarming statistic has renewed urgency among lawmakers, safety advocates, and community organizations working to prevent childhood drownings. In response, Orlando lawmaker Carlos Guillermo Smith has introduced a multi-bill legislative package focused on comprehensive drowning prevention. Smith said that

Bradenton-based nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions receive critical support. The collaboration will expand Big Dreams’ community initiative, Bridge Abilities, a program dedicated to providing mobility aids and medical equipment to individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions who lack access due to financial hardship or gaps in coverage. The partnership marks a sign

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to expand its community initiative, Bridge Abilities—a program...

As communities around the globe mark World Drowning Prevention Day , Big Dreams Through Small Steps is taking bold strides locally to...

Entrepreneurs and veterans alike received a powerful boost of inspiration and practical knowledge as Robert Ritch , Chairman of Ritch...

Two local nonprofits are teaming up to protect some of Manatee County’s most vulnerable children. Big Dreams Through Small Steps and...

Swim lessons have long been treated as a privilege — an optional enrichment reserved for those with the means and access to pools,...

As the nation observes Learn to Swim Day, families and advocates across the region are focusing on the critical importance of water...

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has officially launched AQUAlibrium , a bold new initiative aimed at combating childhood drowning in...

Despite a record number of child drownings this year in Florida, legislation aimed at strengthening home pool safety laws once again...

Big Dreams Through Small Steps, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families through education and community engagement, has...

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has launched Bridge Abilities , a transformative initiative dedicated to supporting children with...

Pulse of Manatee, the digital newspaper dedicated to local news and community-driven storytelling, is celebrating its first anniversary...

Manatee County’s trusted local publication, Pulse of Manatee , has officially transitioned ownership from ArrowHeart Publishing, a Ritch...

The launch of Big Dreams Through Small Steps introduces a transformative non-profit dedicated to strengthening communities through...

The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) publication NEXTGEN Family magazine spotlighted Misty Ritch as one of the ELC's Board of Directors in...