THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SARASOTA-BRADENTON Vol. 6
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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ABOUT SARASOTA BRADENTON
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT SARASOTA-BRADENTON LGBTQ Sarasota-Bradenton Sarasota is often called the gem of Florida’s Cultural Coast! Are you looking for ‘laid-back’ Florida? Head over to Sarasota, located along Florida’s west coast. A small city of 55,000 people, Sarasota is a short drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa. Nearby, the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Long Boat Key and St. Armand’s Key are known for their gorgeous whitesand beaches, as well as shopping, dining and galleries. Having such a variety of entertainment, culture, dining and nightlife makes Sarasota a great travel destination and an LGBTQ-friendly community in which to work and live. And we haven’t even mentioned the weather! Downtown boasts the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera House and several unique restaurants including Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, Louie’s Modern, Ocean Blues Sarasota, and the Nuevo Latino Grill. For a little more nightlife, head over to Throb Nightclub, The Ivory Lounge, Starlite Lounge (Friday night LGBTQ bash), or Barrel 87 Saloon. As a city that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, there are several festivals including Harvey Milk Festival in May and Sarasota Pride in October. Do not miss the annual LGBT Fabulous Independent Film Festival or the Sarasota Pride Fest. There are also many opportunities to mix and mingle with church organizations, businesses, support groups, athletic teams and social clubs - all welcoming to the LGBTQ community. 4
RESTAURANT GUI DE Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe Casual eatery serving pizza, stromboli, wings & craft beers in a modest space. 1837 Hillview Street, Sarasota, FL
Pangea Alchemy Lab Chic, glowing cocktail bar with a Euro vibe & nightly comfort-food plates served cafeteria-style. 1564 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
Isan Thai Restaurant Strip-mall eatery serving Thai favorites, plus dishes from the region of Isan, in exotic surrounds. 5758 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Toasted Mango Cafe Deluxe Eatery providing breakfast & lunch classics. 430 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Kam’s Bubble Tea & Sushi Unassuming spot with a sushi menu, bubble teas & fruit smoothies, plus grab-&-go containers of maki. 1813 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL
Owen’s Fish Camp Bustling locale serves up imaginative takes on seafood dishes amid eclectic decor. 516 Burns Lane, Sarasota, FL
Silver Star Restaurant Simple, vintage joint with counter seats for breakfast plates, sandwiches & other American eats. 180 N Lime Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Selva Peruvian eatery dishes up inventive ceviches & cocktails in a chic elegant decor setting. 1345 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant Traditional pasta, veal, chicken & seafood served in a cozy environment with outdoor seating. 4989 Ringwood Meadows, Sarasota, FL
Michael’s On East Sophisticated New American plates in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge. 1212 S East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Burns Court Bistro & Wine Bar Cozy, French-inspired cafe & bakery with patio tables, local artwork & jazz. 401 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL
Yoder’s Restaurant Old-fashioned locale known for hearty American & Amish cuisine, including homemade pies. 3434 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL
Heinrich’s German Grill Bratwurst, schnitzel & other traditional grub, plus German brews, in relaxed surroundings. 8420 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL
Indigenous Restaurant Innovative, American cuisine served in a warm, sophisticated restored home. 239 S Links Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Madison Avenue Cafe & Deli Bright deli/bakery offering sandwiches, breakfast & coffees, plus a wine shop & a few tables. 28 N Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL
Bijou Cafe Upscale cafe by the opera house delivering a long list of unique wines & modern Continental dishes. 1287 1st Street, Sarasota, FL Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. High-end seafood dishes & choice meats are prepared in sleek, contemporary surroundings. 1435 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
Knick’s Tavern & Grill Neighborhood watering hole with dark wood decor offering fine American fare & a full bar. 1818 S Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE SEPTEMBER
SEP 18
MUSIC AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
SEP 10-12
SARASOTA BRADENTON FALL HOME SHOW
Join us for our first annual music and food truck festival with The Pepper Team. Starting at 4:30pm. This will be a family friendly event with Live music by The Andy Pursell Band, Food Trucks, a Dunk Tank, face painting and sketch portraits, corn hole, and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN! Register at eventbrite.com.
Our event features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the fantastic possibilities that come with your project! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
SEP 19
THE BRIDAL EXPO
The area’s Best Vendors are coming together this September for a wedding event like no other: Dream Dresses, Creative Cakes, Food and Drink Tastings, Craft Cocktail Demos, Premier Venues, Live Performances by American Idol’s Jonathan Cortez. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
SEP 13
SARASOTA SOCIAL NETWORKING GROUP We are so excited about this event, as it is FREE and you can choose to purchase food or drinks from this wonderful establishment as well! There will be a raffle at each event, which you are welcome to bring a door prize to as well if you would like, but it is NOT required :) We look forward to networking with you! Register at eventbrite.com.
SEP 24-26
SUNCOAST FAN FEST
Suncoast Fan Fest is a comic convention at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. For complete star line-up and tickets, visit official website at floridacomiccons.com.
SEP 16
UTC NIGHT MARKET
OCTOBER
Join us for UTC Night Market, a monthly outdoor market event featuring live music, drinks and a curated mix of 30+ vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, gifts and more. Shop, sip and stroll under the stars every third Thursday of the month from 5-9 pm in the West District at UTC. The event is free to attend and family friendly. Dogs are welcome, too! Visit eventbrite.com for details.
OCT 2
DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CRAFT FESTIVAL
A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more. An expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly popped kettle corn further compliments the weekend. Please be mindful and follow CDC guidelines. Visit artfestival.com.
SEP 16
COMEDY UNLEASED 2
Join us for an evening of fun, food, beer, stand-up comedy, and silent auction. Come early to mix, mingle, and shop our fabulous silent auction items. Learn more at stayhappening.com.
OCT 15-17
SARASOTA ROCKTOBERFEST
Fall means it’s time for Rocktoberfest! No matter where Oktoberfest is celebrated, there are common
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BAR GU ID E OASIS Sarasota’s Premier LGBT+ Venue 1525 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Gator Club Chill outpost in a historic building features bands & DJs in a cozy space with a trendy bar scene. 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
ELEVATE @ The Starlite Room High energy LGBTQ night every Friday night 1001 Cocoanut Avenue, Sarasota FL
The Beach Club Nightspot featuring live bands 7 days a week, a rotating roster of DJs & weekly theme nights. 5151 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL
Oleary’s Tiki Bar & Grill Breezy outpost offers casual food & drinks in an open-air, tropical themed joint on the beach. 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL
Purple Rhino Awesome Staff, Great Bar, and Quality Entertainment! 2920 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
Pangea Alchemy Lab Chic, glowing cocktail bar with a Euro vibe & nightly comfort-food plates served cafeteria-style. 1564 Main Street, Sarasota, FL
Corks Cigar Bar A great place to enjoy a long burn and a cold Guinness 424 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
Michael’s On East Sophisticated New American plates & monthly specials in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge. 1212 S East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE ingredients: lively music, mouthwatering food, and big, big pints of beer. Between performances shop the Marketplace of arts, crafts and select fine products and services. Visit paragonartevents.com.
Bring in your friends, order up a round of beers and let that brain burn off those extra calories! Located at Big Top Brewing. Details at eventbrite.com.
OCT 17
Four weekends of exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, & pure family fun at the Sarasota Medieval Fair! Visit us each weekend as each weekend features a full new line-up of different nationally renowned acts! Plus, don’t miss our returning favorites such as the Washing Well Wenches, the Human Combat Chess Match, and full-armored full-contact jousting tournaments held twice daily!
NOV 6-28
SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR
BEER YOGA
Join us for BEER YOGA outside at Big Top Brewing Co, in the beer garden. $10/ Yoga + 1 beer (+$1 for cider, wine, etc) Approachable for ALL levels! *BYOM: Bring Your Own Mat & any props you desire. Enjoy your (1 included) tasty Big Top Beer before, after, or during class. If you choose to have it during class, we will use it! Be prepared to raise your beer to the sky in Triangle Pose or maybe take a sip as you balance in Dancer Pose.
Live the majesty and madness of knights, jesters, minstrels, belly dancers, wenches, and sword swingers! Watch the full contact joust and human combat chess tournaments! Ride rides and play games. Feast on turkey legs and hearty ales from the English pubs. Plus, join in on the fun with this years Scottish scenario, the Battle of Falkirk, 1298 AD.
Each class, Tara offers a fun yoga routine designed to provide a wellbalanced practice. Modifications are always offered to make asanas more approachable or more challenging for a student at any level. Details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
We encourage all to interact with our cast of characters, ask questions, and participate in the grandeur of color, sound, taste, and festivities. Come one and all to four weekends of exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, & pure family fun at the Sarasota Medieval Fair! Learn more and purchase tickets at sarasotamedievalfair.com.
OCT 23
FALL FESTIVAL
oin as we celebrate the fall season with Live Music, Carnival Rides, a Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Pageants, a Trunk or Treat, Pet Costume Contests, a Beer Garden & MORE! Visit eventbrite.com.
OCT 30
GIVING HUNGER TO THE BLUES
NOV 12-14
NOVEMBER
Head over to downtown Sarasota for the best weekend ever! The 2nd annual downtown Sarasota Country Music Festival will feature live music, arts/crafts, special attractions & lots of family fun! The festival will deliver three days of everything from classic country to folk to bluegrass to Cajun, zydeco music and blues. No matter what your barbecue preferences, this festival is
COUNTRYFEST FLORIDA
Giving Hunger the Blues celebrates Woodstock’s 50th anniversary at Sarasota Polo Club. Learn more at givinghungertheblues.org.
NOV 2
TRIVIA NIGHT
Join us for Team Trivia EVERY Tuesday!
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE DEC 3-5
for you. Enjoy the best BBQ in an array of fusions and styles. Admission to the great festival is FREE! Complete details at lovedowntownsarasota.com.
SIESTA BEACH SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site. Seafood dishes are prepared using fresh, local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Select from meat and vegetarian offerings and a diverse menu of side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available. Visit seafoodfestivals.com.
NOV 13
SUNCOAST FOOD & WINE FEST You Will Have So Much Fun Doing So Much Good! Suncoast Food & Wine Fest offers an afternoon of samplings and tastings from a large selection of the area’s finest restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages in a beautiful outdoor setting.
DEC 5
SARASOTA VEG FEST
Sarasota Veg Fest features many amazing activities… Food demonstrations, live music & entertainment, yoga & fitness classes, veggie kids zone, free food samples, free massage giveaways, 150+ friendly vendors, vegan food, rock climbing, bungee bouncing and so much more. Details at sarasotavegfest.org.
Your participation by purchasing a ticket will support this event which provides financial assistance to many charitable organizations within Sarasota and Manatee counties, and other Rotary projects.
NOV 13
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE ART FESTIVAL
DEC 11-12
The St. Armands Circle Art Festival hosts 200 artists in town annually. The event offers art from a broad spectrum of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more! Howard Alan Events offer patrons the opportunity to personally meet with the artists, commission a work of art and learn what inspires the artists work. Visit stayhappening.com.
SARASOTA HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival showcases original works by artisans from throughout Florida and across the United States. These artisans create an outdoor gallery of original, handmade art in painting, photography, sculpture, candles, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media, fiber art, metalwork and much more. Visit paragonartevents.com.
DECEMBER DEC 3-4
BRADENTON BLUES FESTIVAL
JANUARY
Includes an outstanding lineup of talented blues musicians on the big stage. In addition to amazing music, you can purchase local craft beer and wine, delicious food, and cool festival merchandise. Visit bradentonbluesfestival.org.
JAN 8-9
SARASOTA WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL
Watch as the artwork brought to Sarasota by the local, regional and national artisans transforms JD Hamel
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EVENT SCH ED ULE Park into an extraordinary, unique outdoor gallery of original handmade art.
yourself as you explore and discover beautiful works of art. Learn more at paragonartevents.com.
This palette of spectacular creations includes works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. Discuss with the artists the option of commissioning a unique piece of art made specifically for you or your company! Visit paragonartevents.com.
FEBRUARY FEB 12-13
LIDO BEACH FINE ART FESTIVAL
The visions and talents of artisans from across Florida and throughout America in fine arts and fine crafts will create an outdoor gallery of extraordinary and original fine art in mediums such as sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more. Represented will be artisans with works found in the top private and public art collections in the nation. If you do not find exactly what you wish, consider commissioning a piece made specifically for you!
JAN 14-16
SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Offers a diverse menu of foods cooked fresh on site. Seafood items are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Meat and vegetarian offerings also are on the menu, along with a variety of side dishes and of course - tantalizing desserts! Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available along with a selection of sodas and bottled water.
FEB 26-27
SARASOTA WINTER CRAFT SHOW The Sarasota Winter Craft Festival in JD Hamel Park lays a diverse palette of original, handmade works by artisans, crafters and vendors from across Florida. On display will be arts and crafts in painting, sculpture, jewelry, candles, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more. Visit paragonartevents.com.
In the breaks between performances, explore shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items. While savoring your meal, relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds. Learn more at paragonartevents.com.
FEB 28
EDWARDS TWINS IMPERSONATOR
JAN 29-30
COQUINA BEACH ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Remember all the wonderful Variety shows we all grew up on in the 70’s & 80’s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time. Anthony & Eddie Edwards use state of the art make-up to look and sound like the superstars of today and yesterday. All your favorite legendary Superstars come alive in An Evening with The Stars. Full details at eventbrite.com.
Come explore fine arts and crafts in an outdoor gallery created by artisans from across Florida and the United States. All the artwork juried into this event is handmade, handcrafted in such mediums as painting, jewelry, photography, ceramics, glass, woodworking, metalwork, digital art and more. Learn something of
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
PFLAG SARASOTA PFLAG Sarasota offers education, resources, and support serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. www.pflagsarasota.org DIVERSITY: THE VOICES OF SARASOTA Through songs of hope and inclusion, our LGBT chorus celebrates all of humanity and inspires our community to embrace equality. www.diversitysarasota.org COMMUNITY AIDS NETWORK Providing a continuum of care, including medical, social and education services, essential to the health and well-being of those infected and affected with HIV disease, as well as to enhance public awareness and prevention of HIV. 1231 N Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota FL WWW.CCCSRQ.ORG Sarasota Pride, Inc. 6222 Olive Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231 sarasotapride.org
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES Best Home Services.................................................. 3 Ocean-Aire Conditioning Inc.................................... 9
PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION Braden River Rehabilitation Center........................ 17 PLUMBING SERVICES Best Home Services.................................................. 3
AUTO DEALERSHIP BMW of Sarasota...........................back outside cover
PROBATE Gerling Law Group.................................................... 9
CONCRETE Atlantic TNG.............................................................. 9
REAL ESTATE LAW Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC..................... 11
CUSTOM POOL & SPA DESIGNS Reef Pools............................................................... 17
SKILLED NURSING Braden River Rehabilitation Center........................ 17
ELECTRICAL SERVICES Best Home Services.................................................. 3
SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR Reef Pools............................................................... 17
ESTATE & TRUSTS Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC..................... 11
VACATION RENTALS AMI Beach Fun Rentals........................................... 13
ESTATE PLANNING Blackburn Law Firm PLLC.......................................... 5 Gerling Law Group.................................................... 9
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc......................................... front inside cover
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY The Blend Institute................................................... 7
WILLS Gerling Law Group.................................................... 9
INSURANCE Insurance Service of Sarasota Inc........................... 17
WRONGFUL DEATH Shapiro Delgado....................................................... 1
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE The Blend Institute................................................... 7 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC..................... 11 MORTGAGES Core Financial Home Loans.................................... 13 High Definition Mortgage........................................ 7 Rosemary Chapura- Regions Bank......................... 19 NON PROFIT ORG Humane Society of Manatee County...................... 19 PERSONAL INJURY Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh................... 15 Shapiro Delgado....................................................... 1
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