FLORIDA HARVEST
SARASOTA HONEY CO. HAS FLORIDA BUZZING, SWEET SUCCESS IN A COMMUNITY FOCUSED PARTNERSHIP Written by: Dale Bliss
W
hat happens when the universe pairs an east Texas cowgirl and a Massachusetts photographer? Why not marriage, beehives and a successful small business?
Meet Glenn Johnson and Alma Johnson, life partners and co-founders of the Sarasota Honey Co., a beekeeping producer and marketer of fine honeys, learning programs and related things, also a firm employing workers with special needs. The firm is recognized statewide for its community services, its farm-to-table products and the humanity of its founders and their team. “We realized we are producing food and with that comes a great sense of responsibility to the people that are putting our products on their table to feed their family,” says Alma Johnson, who once had health issues directing she and Glenn
to pursue organic solutions, starting with a victory garden, which evolved into the magic of bees and honey, eventually founding the Sarasota Honey Co. The firm has since expanded into sustainable gardening, equipment building and related workshops, classes, candle and soapmaking, a smart selection of homesteading tips and ideas.
BEE PERSISTENT
Having been raised with her sisters by a mother surviving polio while working whatever jobs she could find and with the support of her stay-at-home grandmother, Alma Johnson was brought up to be happy helping others. Alma at a young age was diagnosed with a learning disability. Even then Alma’s mother instilled in her daughter that she was not to listen to anyone that told her she could not, but to believe that she could … and to go after her dream. And go after it, she did.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF SARASOTA HONEY CO.
Sarasota Honey Co. harvests in Sarasota and Manatee counties, which includes not only its honey but from other beekeepers, as well.
18
FFLO LOR RIID DA AC CO OU UNTRY NTRY A Auugguusstt || SSeepptteem mbbeerr 22002211
