SRQ Magazine | Sept23

srqist 10

Husband and wife team Bobby Boivin and Mindy Kaufman opened Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. Sun Served Bespoke Picnics creates extraordinary experiences for every occasion. Liz Waytkus, Executive Director of Docomomo US, gives a behind the scenes look into her organization’s efforts to preserve modern architecture. Fin Pin Shop, owned by entrepreneurs Yasmin Green and Jaclyn Gerakios, finds the fun in ocean conservation. Darwin Santa Maria is bringing Peruvian cuisine and brews to Sarasota with his latest iteration of Darwin’s Brewing. Erin Silk seeks a future for the EDC built on collaboration.

culture city 73

After a decades-long delay, the historic Circus Train Car Museum finally rolls into the station.

forage 82

Using Spanish tapas as their culinary medium, the team behind State Street encourages Sarasotans to embrace a new dining perspective at Beso. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature encourages bartender-led experimentation with the Chemistry of a Cocktail. Husband and wife team Jabari and Kabrena Williams are bringing authentic New Orleans snowballs to Sarasota with Krewe Du Snowball

good hero

95

Chief Impact Officer of United Way Suncoast, Brownwyn Beightol works to better the lives of our most deserving community members.

Cover: Spanish tapas and cocktails at newly-launched Beso in Downtown Sarasota, photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Previous page: Huzzah from State Street Eating House + Cocktails. This page: Beso sweets, photo by Zach Dauth; Erin Silk takes the lead at the EDC of Sarasota County, photo by Wes Roberts; and, Sun Served Bespoke Picnics sets the table, photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

SEPTEMBER 2023

CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF LISL LIANG

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER WES ROBERTS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant

ACCOUNTS + CLIENT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Robinson Valverde

SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Suzanne Munroe

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Nichole Knutson

Rob Wardlaw

VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Wyatt Kostygan

MANAGING EDITOR

Barbie Heit

CLIENT MARKETING+ DIGITAL PROGRAMS MANAGER

Gabriella Alfonso

DIGITAL MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER

Megan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR + SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES

Dylan Campbell

Emma Dannenfelser

Laura Paquette

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS

Andrew Fabian, Phil Lederer, Jacob Ogles, Kate Wight

SRQ MEDIA

ADVERTISING

GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM

941-365-7702 x1

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM

941-365-7702 x2

GET SRQ DAILY

The magazine in your hands offers enormous insight into our community, but the most informed in our community follow our constant coverage of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area in SRQ Daily. The electronic newsletter is a must-read in thousands of inboxes. Check our special editions: Monday Business Edition, Tuesday Foodie Edition, Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, Thursday Family and Education Edition, Friday Weekend Edition and the much-discussed Saturday Perspectives Edition, featuring a diverse range of opinions from the region’s top pundits and newsmakers. SIGN UP ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SRQDAILY

ORIGINS OF “SRQ”

The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home.

LOCAL PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, LIVING LAKEWOOD, ROCKETKIDS, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE, SRQ ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS PROGRAM, SRQ HOME & DESIGN, SHE ROARS, LIVING BRADENTON AREA, LOVE LOCAL GUIDEBOOK AND SRQ DAILY.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 6-10 weeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol.

for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.

STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN

srqist

IT’S A DOG’S WORLD AFTER ALL

At their new dog bar, Bobby Boivin and Mindy Kaufman bring canine comforts to the Rosemary District.

Laura Paquette

THESE DAYS, IT’S NOT UNCOMMON TO SEE A YORKIE PERCHED atop a shopping cart in Target or a Golden Retriever sniffing around Home Depot. Instead of leaving their four-legged best friends at home, many people bring their dogs along on adventures from running errands to dining out. Recognizing the need for a designated place where humans and their furry companions could share each others’ company, husband and wife team Bobby Boivin and Mindy Kaufman opened Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar in Sarasota’s Rosemary District.

Loving dog parents, Kaufman and Boivin frequented a dog bar in St. Pete. Watching the dogs play while enjoying a drink sparked joy for the couple. “We kept going back and thought that someone should open one of these in Sarasota, and that turned out to be us,” says Kaufman. “It took us a while to find this location. We originally wanted a property that was more outsidebased, but this space has such a wonderful vibe and is perfect for an indoor-outdoor setup. With the movement of air and the skylights, it’s like we’re bringing the outside indoors,” she adds. Boo’s dual nature means that dogs have a space to play whether it’s a brisk January day or a sweltering summer afternoon.

The space itself is a paradise for dogs, featuring open play areas with obstacle courses and plenty of room to explore offleash. Pet parents must disclose any behavioral issues in their membership application, and Paw-Leash Rufficers supervise the dogs at all times to ensure that everyone is getting along or step in to de-escalate any conflicts. Both inside and outside, a fence separates the dining areas from the play areas. The fences are low enough that patrons can enjoy a meal while surveying the boisterous dogs and taking in the bar’s dog-themed decor, including a handmade wood and epoxy bar and tables inlaid with a paw print design, made by Boivin, who built out most of the space. “We wanted it to be sophisticated and clean, but there are dogs here. They’ll be on the couches and every piece of furniture, so we made it comfortable and rustic,” Kaufman says. “I love the juxtaposition between the vintage dog posters— think 101 Dalmatians—and the neon signage.” A cozy interior dining room is also available for patrons who, like many of Boo’s furry visitors, keep their eyes on the menu.

Pizza shines among the food offerings, thanks to Restaurant Manager Dave Grammer, who joined Boo’s team after closing Goodfellas Café & Winery. “We want people to be impressed,” adds Kaufman. “Instead of getting a greasy burger, you can come here for the food, which includes typical favorites that we elevated.” Dishes like the Dream Dog Pizza and Rings on a Tail, crispy onion rings served on a metal dog fixture, as well as irreverent cocktails like the Fire Hydrant infuse the menu with fun dog-themed twists. “It’s a safe and comfortable space that lets the dogs do their magic and puts a smile on everyone’s face when they come in,” says Kaufman. “People can forget what’s going on in their lives and watch the dogs have fun.” SRQ

Below: All humans are welcome at Boo’s, but visiting

dogs

must have a

membership plan,

offered as annual and monthly memberships or daily passes. To learn more about membership programs, visit Boo’s Ice House and Dog Bar, 1314 10th St., Sarasota, boosdogbar.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

Below: To learn more, book a picnic or purchase a gift from Sun Served Bespoke Picnics, visit sunserved.com.

MAGIC MOMENTS

For Reni Papalexiou, there’s no time like the present to plan a unique event or curate a one of a kind gift. Laura Paquette

RENI PAPALEXIOU, THE FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SUN SERVED BESPOKE PICNICS, grew up as part of a large family in São Paulo, Brazil. During her childhood, she developed a deep love for design and aesthetics. “I played with Barbies,” she says, “but I didn’t have a Barbie house, so I used little things that I had around to create a beautiful home for them.” She carried her passion for curating meaningful moments and places into her career, earning a bachelor’s in Architecture and a dual master’s encompassing Infrastructure Planning and City and Regional Planning, and working for 14 years in design and architecture. In 2020, she moved with her husband to Sarasota—in the midst of the pandemic. “It was just us and our two dogs. We had no family and no friends around, but we went to the beach and watched the sunset. I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great to host an event right here on the beach?’” she adds.

A keen observer of human behavior, Reni set about researching, creating a business plan and building her brand. In September 2021, after a year of planning, she opened Sun Served Bespoke Picnics, which she describes as a lifestyle brand experience, combining her talent for design with her knack for hosting. The company focuses on two complementary areas, the service line, which includes picnics, in-room services and accompanying activities, and the product line of

custom gifts. Guests can combine selections from these categories to create a unique experience, or pick and choose what suits their needs. They can opt for extra surprises like a grazing box, fruit or veggie platter, champagne and even custom eats, like cookies. While guests are welcome to bring their own food, Reni recommends that they sit back, relax and let her take care of them, allowing for full enjoyment of the moment she’s helped them create.

“Every client has needs and desires that are unique to them and the occasion,” she says. “No one picnic experience or gift is the same, and we tailor everything to each client. Our services and products cannot be bought in a store.” The client chooses their packages, which range from the classic picnic to picnics that include experiences, like a mini-facial or boat ride. Birthday, proposal and anniversary celebrations rank among the most popular events, followed by micro-weddings, bachelorette parties and vow renewals. Reni caters to every client, from an impromptu picnic and spa day for a friend’s self-care needs to branded corporate events.

“With proposals, we get a lot of guys who are super nervous, and we walk them through the process and understand their needs to create a hassle-free experience,” she adds. “It’s about creating memorable and unique experiences that leave a lasting impression.” SRQ

Above: Every picnic, experience and gift is curated with the client’s needs in mind, and Reni goes the extra mile to make the moment count, pouring the same amount of passion into her work as she does for a gift for her loved ones.

PIECES OF OUR PAST

Liz Waytkus, Executive Director of Docomomo US, gives a behind the scenes look into her organization’s efforts to preserve modern architecture.

Dylan Campbell

THIS PAST MARCH, ARCHITECTURE SARASOTA HELD A TALK ENTITLED PUSHING BOUNDARIES: DOCOMOMO US AND THE PRESERVATION OF MODERN HERITAGE. The guest speaker was none other than Liz Waytkus, the Executive Director of Docomomo US, who reflected on the work done by Docomomo US in the 10 years since the first National Symposium was held in Sarasota and what actions are being taken today to promote the conservation and stewardship of modernist heritage today. Waytkus was kind enough to sit down with SRQ Magazine to discuss her role at Docomomo US, the current state of Modernist architecture and why it is so crucial to preserve these parts of American history.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION.

LIZ WAYTKUS: Docomomo is an acronym that stands for the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. It was an organization that was founded in the Netherlands in 1985 and since then people all over the world reacted to the organization with the creation of their own chapters. In terms of Docomomo US, we consider our official founding to be 1995 when the National Park Service had the very first conference dedicated solely to 20th century architecture called Preserving the Recent Past

The United States is still a really young country. If you think about the growth of the country, it really happened post World War II. So what do we want to do with this stuff? Is it historic? Is it not? I think a lot of what we do is just educating and trying to express to people and not just to architects and other preservationists, but the general population that when you're talking about history and architecture, it's not just about things that happened a hundred years ago or 200 years ago.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START AT THE ORGANIZATION?

WAYTKUS: I was an intern at Docomomo in 2010 and after a little over a year, they offered me the position to be the executive director. I like to tell young people that I am essentially still in my college internship because before me there was never a full-time staff person. There certainly was never an executive director. I was just a unique intern whose prior experience was working in nonprofits and education and happened to love 20th century architecture. I love concrete, I love brutalism and because I’m Gen X, I like things that are different, that are challenging and 20th century architecture is all of that. Docomomo at the time probably had about eight chapters.

It had only one program, which was called Tour Day. During my time we've developed the national symposium, which started in 2013, along with an awards event and 25 or so chapters in allied organizations.

WHY IS IT SO VITAL TO PRESERVE THIS PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY? WAYTKUS: I'm not the type of person that wants to hit people over the head and tell them, this is how you should see something. I just think that putting the idea out there, especially to those who are not into architecture or design, that there are elements of 20th century architecture that are historic and should be preserved is the goal. So I think it's just making them aware of the idea and putting that seed in their head.

WHAT DOES THAT ADVOCACY LOOK LIKE? WAYTKUS: Well, it's typically a mixture of education and advocacy. If someone's coming to me about a building that is threatened, the expectation on me from working at a national organization is, will I support you in your effort of concern? If somebody is taking the time to come to me about it, my goal is to help them explain to a local government agency or a developer that there is an international effort to preserve modernist architecture.

The building doesn't need to be nationally significant. It doesn't need to be made by Paul Rudolph or Victor Lundy. It doesn't even need to be a huge name. I just need to know that there's a problem, there's someone out there who cares about it and I will support them. While we can't be everywhere, we can include as many advocacy efforts under our umbrella as possible. We still lose all the time, but it's getting better. It's an incredible feeling when you can designate something historical or get people to understand that it's worth saving.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST THREATS TO PRESERVING MODERNISM? WAYTKUS: There’s this idea that preservation and climate change are at odds when actually they go hand in hand. By preserving a building, you are not contributing negatively to the environment. I think one of the significant challenges is the impact that climate change has on structures that are not built to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes. I know last year Florida had a terrible hurricane that was a near miss to Sarasota. All I kept thinking about was the Paul Rudolph designed sand lane beach pavilion, which is feet from the Gulf. My understanding is that if and when a storm destroys that structure, it will not be rebuilt.

Another challenge we face is the delineation of which styles fit into the modern movement. What exactly was the modern movement or what is modernism? Modernism is made up of a series of qualities. Docomomo doesn't consider modernism to be a period or a style. Why that's important is because when you think about art deco, art modern, those are very early examples, but they are within the fold of modernism. On the latter end of that comes the question of what responsibility do we owe to postmodernism? While it still has the word modernism in it, the postmodern movement was a reaction to modernism by architects to put back the historical precedent, oftentimes in a humorous way, which a lot of modernists didn’t like. Postmodernism started in the late seventies through the eighties into the nineties. Those buildings are now endangered. Docomomo has taken on the cause of saving postmodern buildings–it’s something that we are not only trying to educate the broader community about, but even those within our own community as well. SRQ

This page: Liz Waytkus is leading the charge on preserving modern architecture.

FINTASTIC FLAIR

BOTH BORN MILES FROM

THE SEA

IN OHIO, YASMIN GREENE AND JACLYN GERAKIOS share a background in and passion for marine biology. Gerakios holds a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and a master’s in Environmental Education, and Greene has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s in Environmental Science. In the field, they have amassed abundant experiences, from Greene’s adventures snorkeling and freediving with a manta ray to Gerakios’ work as a water quality technician, performing mermaid and marine biology professor at the University of Tampa. A shared love for the ocean drove both women to attend SharkCon, where they met six years ago. At this Tampa-based convention celebrating everything shark related, the pair bonded over their matching shark-printed leggings, becoming fast friends.

“We both wanted to start small businesses and since Yasmin is an amazing artist, we aimed to showcase her art skills while raising

awareness for ocean conservation,” says Gerakios, who suggested they try their hand at making and selling enamel pins. They started Fin Pin Shop in 2017 and began selling pins and stickers featuring critters like manta rays and flying fish on Etsy while promoting the products on Instagram. “Online, we found the ocean nerds that like all the sea creatures and silly facts we incorporate into the products,” Greene adds.

From a line of stickers showcasing the various personalities of different sea turtle species to punny notepads with phrases like “Things I shrimply must do,” Fin Pin Shop accessories give ocean conservation a fun twist. The purchases of many products support non-profits like Sharks 4 Kids and the Coral Restoration Foundation. Greene and Gerakios donate annually to Florida sea turtle rehabilitation, supported by a sticker inspired by Greene Bean, a juvenile green sea turtle that they adopted, helping sponsor his

recovery and release. The team collaborates with other artists and businesses, like Malz Palz, with which they developed the Fin Palz ITA Shark Bag. ITA is a term that describes bags which show off areas of interest, like backpacks covered in buttons and badges of movie characters. Ocean enthusiasts can use the bag—featuring a shark’s wide open mouth—to display their pin collection. True to the company’s mission, Fin Pin Shop carries eco-friendly products, like wooden pins, while making every effort to create durable, long-lasting and sustainable options. “When we first started, we had no idea that most enamel pins come wrapped in plastic. Plastic pollution is a huge issue, and it took a hot minute to find a manufacturer who would eliminate plastic by shipping on flat pieces of cardboard,” adds Gerakios. “We pay more, but the environmental impact is more important. We’re doing this to raise awareness, and we don’t want to contradict our efforts.” SRQ

Fin Pin Shop, owned by entrepreneurs Yasmin Greene and Jacklyn Gerakios, finds the fun in ocean conservation. Laura Paquette

Below: To learn more about Fin Pin Shop or make a purchase, visit finpinshop.com.

ONE BREW AT A TIME

Beloved Sarasota chef Darwin Santa Maria is opening a new brewpub after buying back his brand. Dylan Campbell

CRAFT BEER HAS COME A LONG WAY. Ever since President Jimmy Carter deregulated the brewing industry in 1979, smaller, independent breweries and brewpubs–pubs or restaurants that brew beer on their premises–started popping up all over the country: Grant’s Brewery Pub in Washington state, Bridgeport Brewing Company in Portland and Dock Street Brewing Company in Philadelphia, to name a few. Nowadays, there doesn’t seem to be a place where craft beer can’t be found–independently brewed IPAs, Pilsners and Lagers are on tap at every bar across the country, from down-home dives to big city saloons. Still, the tenets of the industry remain the same: a passion for what you do and a pride in how you do it.

Pride and passion are two things that Chef Darwin Santa Maria knows a lot about. An immigrant from Peru, Santa Maria has been in the Sarasota food scene since he arrived in the United States as a teenager. Santa Maria made his bones at the now-closed Fred’s where he was first introduced to craft beer. “I was 19-years-old and hosting a wine dinner and one of the guest chefs there was Ron Siegel, who at the time was the executive chef at Masa’s Wine Bar and Kitchen in San Francisco,” says Santa Maria. “He introduced me to craft beer–I had no idea what it was–but it was the first time I’d tried an IPA and it just blew my mind with its different flavors. So I started doing my research and made a little home brewing kit and eventually that led me to open my first restaurant and brewpub, Darwin’s on 4th, in 2012.”

Darwin’s on 4th later expanded into a 15-barrel production brewing facility, Darwin Brewing Company. In 2021, Clearwater’s Big Storm Brewery purchased the facility. In 2023, Santa Maria purchased his brand back and is now building out his vision with a newer, larger restaurant and taproom.

“We purchased a facility right on Fruitville and 75 here in Sarasota. We’re going to have a full production brewery, a full restaurant with an open kitchen, a space for distilling spirits and we all love soccer here–our

roots are Peruvian after all–so we’ll be able to have tournaments for crowds of all ages, and a stage for live music in our beer garden,” says Santa Maria. “This is five years in the making and has been a lot of hard work for us as a family, but we’re excited to take everything we’ve learned in cooking and brewing to create a great concept for our local market.”

For Santa Maria, rebuilding Darwin’s Brewing isn’t just about buying his brand back, it’s about restoring a sense of home and belonging to a community that gave it to his family all those years ago. It’s about restoring his roots in the very soil he first planted them in, bringing people together by pouring everything he has into what he does. That way, it only makes sense for his beer to be a reflection of who he is. “Ever since I opened up my first brewpub, I’ve always believed that there was something missing in the craft beer community: there were no Latin flavors. At Darwin’s Brewing, we’re going to brew Peruvian-style ales that are inspired by Florida culture,” says Santa Maria. “That means using a lot of Peruvian spices and ingredients, like Amazonian and cacao chocolates, while still maintaining a respect toward the beer. We’re not here to drastically change anything, but instead infuse Peruvian flavors into craft beer.”

Santa Maria’s intention can be seen in the first of the brand’s new beers, the Maize Morada, a Peruvian purple corn twist on the beloved hazy IPA. Inspired by the traditional Peruvian drink Chicha Morada, which includes purple corn, cloves and cinnamon, the Maize Morada derives the same purple hue and citrusy flavors as its namesake through the use of traditional Peruvian ingredients. In his ode to the Gulf Coast, Santa Maria is developing an orange wheat beer using Florida oranges. There will be more, undoubtedly, but for now, as Santa Maria manages his other restaurant Almazónica Cervecería and continues to build out Darwin Brewing, that’s all there is to see. A promise of what’s to come, a nod to the past and a step towards the future. SRQ

Left: Chef Darwin Santa Maria and his business partner, Bob Gray, are bringing Darwin’s signature Peruvian cuisine and craft beer back to Sarasota.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

EDC FUTURE IS SMOOTH AS SILK

Erin Silk seeks a future for the EDC built on collaboration. Jacob Ogles

AS A CHILD, ERIN SILK FIRST VISITED SARASOTA ON VACATION. Her family for generations held love for the Gulf Coast, an affection she certainly shares. “My grandfather used to tell a story that the Silks came to Sarasota first on horse and buggy,” she recalls. “Whether or not that's true, I don't know, but we still have our great-grandmother's house in Sarasota.” Now it falls on Silk to convince the business world this region serves more than tourists. As the new president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, she leads efforts to recruit and retain companies and to help them expand. We spoke with the new executive about how to keep the economy burning as white hot as Siesta Key’s sands.

YOU JOINED THE EDC IN 2019. WHAT IMMEDIATE CHANGE IN VISION ARE YOU GOING TO BRING? ERIN SILK: I want to challenge us to assess everything we're doing. Is it just something that we're doing because we've always done it? I want us to look at the businesses we're attracting in an innovative way. We have developed this brand of Sarasota County now. It is a really serious place for business. It's where businesses want to be and we're going to be out there aggressively marketing to companies that we want to come be a part of our community. And we want to make sure the companies that are coming here are good community members hiring students out of our higher education, creating good jobs for our local community and participating here.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAREER HERE? SILK: This is the place that I would want to work. Some communities, maybe they lost industry and they're trying to reinvent themselves or rehabilitate sites almost on the defensive. Here, we get to be on the proactive. It's just such a fantastic community where people want to be. CEOs are attracted here and there's expertise from all over the world within our business community. There's just so much opportunity and positive energy.

WHEN THE EDC STARTED, THERE WAS CONCERN WHETHER WE DIDN'T HAVE A DIVERSE ECONOMY. IT WAS ALL DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM. IS THAT STILL A PROBLEM IN YOUR EYES? WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ADDRESS THAT? SILK: We keep a close eye on what the mix is between industries. You're right, when we look at our top industries, we're looking at healthcare, tourism, hospitality and construction. They're all extremely important parts of our economy and we support them. But when you are more reliant in just certain industries, it creates vulnerability within your economy. We see that during red tide. We see it during major pandemics, hurricanes. If all of our jobs are in one

industry, then it really leaves us vulnerable. Economic development is really place-based. When we look at what economic development means to the EDC, it means helping to diversify that economy and create resiliency for our community.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO SPUR THAT DIVERSIFICATION? SILK: The positive news is there's a lot of demand. What we've experienced is a really tight industrial and commercial market. We are at less than 1% vacancy rate right now, which is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the state of Florida. In order to diversify our economy, we have to have more places for companies to land. When we're talking to a company, say they're out of Canada and they're looking, they've identified, "Hey, we want to make an expansion. We'd identified Southwest Florida. Tell us about Sarasota County," that site has got to be ready for them to put a shovel on the ground and start building within six months, or it's got to be a site that, if they're leasing, is ready to go. Whether it's new companies coming here or existing companies growing, that's going to be their biggest initial obstacle.

HOW DO WE ADDRESS THAT? SILK: The Sarasota County government created a new overlay district called a business park, which really expanded the opportunities for rezoning certain properties. Additionally, there's a lot of opportunity within the city of North Port. They are doing great work to get about a thousand acres to that shovelready position, extending utilities out to Toledo Blade and Sumter, and that's going to open up job creating sites, whether that's an office user or advanced manufacturing or technology. But for us, economic development is a longterm strategy. It's looking at changes that are going to occur over the next five or 10 years and how can we make sure that the needs of the diversified industries are communicated to our leaders, who are making the decisions and making those land use plans.

Left: Erin Silk has taken the leadership reins for the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

I KNOW YOU CAN’T NAME SPECIFIC COMPANIES, BUT HOW MANY BUSINESSES ARE IN TALKS TO RELOCATE TO OR EXPAND IN SARASOTA COUNTY?

SILK: Right now we have 80 companies that we're working with—about 30 local expansions and then 50 out-ofmarket companies who are looking at doing some kind of relocation or expansion into our market. I see quite a few different things driving it. One is our new residents and the population growth we're experiencing in our region. Because of our growing residential population, there are services like food logistics companies who serve our residents. They need sites here. At the same time, we've experienced a renaissance of entrepreneurial technology. We have met a cool kind of entrepreneur that had successful ventures before and successfully did an exit, maybe two, and they moved to our area with their families and decided this is a place where they personally want to live. Then they decide, "Hey, this would be a great place to launch my next endeavor." A lot of times when we're meeting an entrepreneur, we are welcoming them to the community and then we're asking, "Who have you connected with? What's your next steps?" There isn't a great roadmap for them. There isn't a great collection of other tech companies in town. We see a lot of opportunity to diversify our market through supporting the entrepreneurs that have relocated here and helping to fill the gaps.

THE CONVERSATION AROUND INCENTIVES CHANGED A LOT IN THE LAST DECADE. IS FLORIDA COMPETITIVE WITH THOSE? SILK: We hear incentives are important, but they're not the most important things to companies. I hear constantly, it’s certainly not a cash incentive, but it's an incentive for us to be here. If you're working with our organization, you have accessibility and assistance through governmental processes. Any kind of services within our community, we'll be able to connect them. If you're not finding the site you need, we can connect your team to opportunities in the future that aren't on the market right now. Then when a company is here, they're experiencing a true sense of collaboration. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but we hear companies choose Sarasota County rather than Miami or Orlando because (those communities are) so big, they get lost within the ecosystem. When a company lands here, they are entering into a community of true business collaboration. That means a lot. Companies could land anywhere in the world, but they're choosing communities where they feel welcome, where they feel supported, where they feel safe. That's the reputation Sarasota County has developed.

YOU HAVE DISCUSSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. THERE’S BEEN FRICTION IN RECENT HISTORY BETWEEN PRIOR EDC LEADERS AND COUNTY OFFICIALS. HOW DO YOU KEEP RELATIONSHIPS POSITIVE? SILK: I told the county commission last time I was in front of them,

we're not just going to be a public-private partnership in name but in action as well. We at the EDC are extremely committed. For me, it is a real, strategic, competitive advantage for our community as we're attracting and keeping companies. I really can't speak to things that happened before my time with the EDC or my leadership, but we're going to be intentional, we're going to be thoughtful and we're going to be good communicators. I have seen a change in energy and enthusiasm. I truly believe that there is a lot of buy-in into the mission of the EDC. That's why the EDC has been around so long. At our board meetings, we have elected officials from all the municipalities and with a county commissioner. (County Commission Chair Ron) Cutsinger serves right now. Our higher education partners are talking about how together we're going to continue to push forward. I can assure you the energy is high right now.

YOU FOLLOW LISA KROUSE, WHO WORKED TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIPS. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM HER? SILK: Lisa leads in such a peoplecentric way. We certainly talk a lot about business and about zoning and government, but at the end of the day, it truly is all about people. Our community members, the families that we're serving, the children of our community, finding opportunity here if they want to stay here, Lisa led with the heart. She brought a softness to the position. That's what I most admired about her and that's what I most took from her. Over the span of her being with us two years, you saw how much that moved the organization forward.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR LOCAL COLLEGE INFRASTRUCTURE? SILK: It's important that we all continue to stay engaged with each other. The things State College of Florida is doing with 26 West, their entrepreneur center, are innovative. They're offering paths and support for individuals who are looking for certificate programs rather than four-year programs. We're willing to do things that are innovative here. Another thing SCF did was during COVID, a company came to us called Fleet Force, a CDL (commercial driver’s license) training school. No other college had this type of setup. SCF had parking lots that were underutilized during COVID. Now the governor has put career training dollars behind CDL training and they're replicating that model over 10 or 12 other state colleges around Florida. It might be a little surprising that the largest employer of Ringling College students here is an architecture firm. That's because the students coming out of our schools embed themselves in every industry across Sarasota County. It might be outside of what we think of as graphic design or animation. But the creative capital is embedded in all industry in Sarasota County. Regardless if you're a manufacturer or you're a tech firm or you're a corporate headquarters or you're financial professional services, you are going to be better off if you have creative individuals on your team. SRQ

The 2023 Golden Addy Awards

The American Advertising Federation advances the business of advertising as a vital and essential part of the American economy and culture. The AAF educates policymwakers, the news media and general public on the value that advertising brings to the wellbeing of the nation and develops the industry’s present and future leaders.

AG CREATIVE

GRAPEVINE COMMUNICATIONS ON IDEAS

MILES PARTNERSHIP NEXT MARK LLC

RINGLING COLLEGE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

RINGLING COLLEGE OFFICE FOR ADVANCEMENT

SOUTHEAST GUIDE DOGS

A 9Round 30-Day Challenge

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: 9Round

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: ON IDEAS

CATEGORY: Online/Interactive: Campaign

RANK: Gold

B Alaska AKA Also Known As Campaign

CLIENT COMPANY NAME:

Alaska Travel Industry Association/Travel Alaska

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Miles Partnership

CATEGORY: Cross Platform:

Consumer Campaign - Regional/National

RANK: Gold

C Avant-Garde: Café de Artistes

CLIENT COMPANY NAME:

Ringling College Office for Advancement

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG:

Ringling College Office for Advancement

CATEGORY: Sales & Marketing: Card, Invitation,

Announcement - Campaign

RANK: Gold

GLITZ.

A Bang + Olufsen & Ford Bronco Sport

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: Harman

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Miles Partnership

CATEGORY: Film, Video & Sound: Single Entry - more than 60 seconds

RANK: Gold

B Believe in Hope

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: Southeastern Guide Dogs

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG:

Southeastern Guide Dogs

CATEGORY: Elements of Advertising: Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics RANK GOLD & BEST IN SHOW

C Berlin Patten Ebling Full Page Ad

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Grapevine Communications

CATEGORY: Print Advertising: Magazine Advertising - Single Unit

RANK: Gold

D Feeding Empty Little Tummies Brand

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: FELT, Inc.

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: AG Creative

CATEGORY: Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate Social Responsibility CollateralBrand Elements

RANK: Gold

The 2023 Golden Addy Awards

GLITZ. GLAMOR. GOLDEN MEMORIES.

A “Live in Creativity” Poster + Video

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: Ringling College of Art + Design

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Ringling College Office of Admissions

CATEGORY: Cross Platform:

Consumer Campaign-Regional/National

RANK: Gold & Judge’s Choice Award

B Grapevine Goes Platinum

CLIENT COMPANY NAME: Grapevine Communications

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Grapevine Communications

CATEGORY: Advertising Industry

Self-Promotion

RANK: Gold

C Kentucky Moments Season 3 Episodes

CLIENT COMPANY NAME:

Kentucky Department of Tourism

ENTRANT COMPANY/ORG: Miles Partnership

CATEGORY: Film, Video, & Sound:

Branded Content & Entertainment Campaign

RANK: Gold

SPORT+ TREND

Be in the know for the best in this season’s local happenings. From dancing and dining at So French Café to the coolest classes and experiences at Selby Gardens and The Bishop, to the juiciest of romance reads and the latest in AI developments and the best ways to foster a furry friend, we’re shining a brighter spotlight than ever with this month’s feature.

This page:

In Downtown Wellen Park the good vibes and fun times are endless.

WRITTEN BY DYLAN CAMPBELL BARBIE HEIT LAURA PAQUETTE KAT WIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH DAUTH.

Cottagecore Goes Coastal

If you spend a significant amount of time online, odds are good that you’ve encountered the term cottagecore at least once. The term was coined on the social media website Tumblr circa 2018 and originally described a nostalgic aesthetic that romanticized rural and pastoral living. In the fashion world, the cottagecore aesthetic manifested in the form of floral prints, natural fabrics, flowy silhouettes and earthy colors. In interior design, cottagecore influence could be found in elements like cozy textiles, indoor plants, rustic furniture and handmade decorative objects. In 2020, cottagecore began to evolve away from a strictly surface-level aesthetic movement and blossomed into a full-blown lifestyle. This change is largely attributed to the global pandemic that halted the world in its tracks for an extended period of time. Many people were stuck in their homes with a seemingly endless amount of time on their hands, and they often filled their days by picking up more time-consuming traditional hobbies like gardening, needlecraft and baking. With the pandemic largely behind us, a large part of the population has been reluctant to leave the cottagecore lifestyle behind. Residents are leaving urban areas behind in favor of making their homes in smaller communities. Downtown Wellen Park is an example of a community where you can live a more cottagecore-inspired life, albeit with a coastal twist.

K. Wight

COMFORTING CUISINE

Every industry has trends, and the restaurant business is no exception. As it happens, many current culinary trends go hand-in-hand with the cottagecore lifestyle. Downtown Wellen Park is home to a thriving restaurant scene, and many of the locally-owned eateries there exemplify aspects of cottagecore cuisine. Villani & Co. specializes in high-end contemporary American cuisine with a focus on sustainability and seasonality. Owner Tommy Villani has built his menu around fresh, sustainable seafood and other locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. This philosophy extends outside of the kitchen and into the restaurant’s exciting and eclectic assortment of craft cocktails. The Banyan House is another Wellen Park restaurant that relies on fresh seasonal

and locally sourced ingredients, but that’s not the only way they’ve embraced the cottagecore ethos. Cottagecore cuisine often eschews shortcuts in favor of scratch cooking. The Banyan House team makes many of their ingredients in-house, from sauces and dressings to fresh ricotta cheese. Dessert destinations in Wellen Park are also applying cottagecore principles to their menus. At the artisan ice cream shop Bright Ice, all of the small-batch, super-premium ice cream is made in-house with all-natural ingredients including Florida dairy. Cottagecore cuisine embraces a back-to-basics approach, focusing on simple, wholesome, and comforting dishes that are high in quality and showcase a connection to nature. These characteristics can be found in abundance at restaurants throughout Wellen Park.

This spread: Bright Ice, Villani & Co, Claw & Co and The Banyan House.

TAKE A WALK ON THE NOT-SO-WILD SIDE

Longtime residents of the Sarasota area can attest that traffic is probably the worst it’s ever been. Getting in touch with your natural surroundings is another key component of the cottagecore subculture, but that’s a difficult goal to accomplish when you’re constantly stuck in your car. From the get-go, Downtown Wellen Park was planned to be a walkable community. Residents and visitors can visit shops and restaurants, and enjoy the multimodal trail that circles around the 80-acre Grand Lake in the heart of the downtown area. Kind Vibes Outfitters is one of the many locally-owned businesses that has made a home in Downtown Wellen Park. Located right on Grand Lake, Kind Vibes rents out a variety of equipment to help residents and visitors enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. Kind Vibes offers new and high-quality rental equipment including kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles, electric sailboats, pedal bicycles and electric bicycles. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you need to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

GROW YOUR OWN WAY

As people moved away from a rural lifestyle, we began to lose touch with where our food comes from. Many committed cottagecore enthusiasts want to remedy that by growing their own food. Residents of Wellen Park who are interested in growing fruits and vegetables will soon have a great opportunity to do so thanks to a planned community garden in the downtown area.The Harvest Community Garden will start out with 80 individually-irrigated garden plots, though that could one day expand to as many as 150 plots. Residents will be able to reserve plots for a small fee so they can grow their own produce, plants and flowers. There will also be a special events area that can be reserved for gatherings like small weddings or farm-to-table dinners. Construction for the Harvest Community Garden will begin this fall, and the intention is that it will be finished in time for the spring growing season. If you don’t have the time, patience or skill to grow your own food, you can instead check out the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market. Not only can you browse produce from local growers here, but you can also pick up wares like honey, baked goods and jams and jellies. The Fresh Harvest Farmers Market happens every Sunday in Downtown Wellen Park from 9am to 1pm.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY

People who gravitate towards the cottagecore lifestyle are often looking for a sense of connection and community. In Downtown Wellen, an enclave called The Yard is the perfect place for casual meetups. Located by the Grand Lake and the Great Lawn, The Yard operates as a food park and an outdoor gathering spot. The Yard is anchored by two local eateries in buildings crafted out of retrofitted shipping containers. The use of recycled shipping containers gives The Yard a fresh and funky feel, and it’s also an innovative way to embrace sustainability. Each of the shipping containers is home to a fun fast-casual dining concept. Claw & Co. offers an authentic New England seafood experience and Pop Dawgs brings you the best of ballpark fare. A third concept, Lakeside Bites, will soon join them. While there is no indoor dining at any of these restaurants, people can enjoy their food at outdoor tables or under the shade of a century-old heritage oak tree. Kids can work up an appetite while enjoying other features of The Yard, including an immersive natural playground and lakefront splash pad.

GOLDEN HIND Veronica Fish and Oyster

At Veronica Fish and Oyster, where ship names often grace the drink menu, the Golden Hind is among the highlights. The drink’s moniker was inspired by the famous English ship of the same name that was piloted by Sir Francis Drake on his groundbreaking circumnavigation of the world in the sixteenth century. Created by Mike Yoder, bar manager at Veronica’s Oyster Bar, this refreshing drink combines vodka, Aperol and Thatcher’s Organic Elderflower liqueur, poured over ice in a wine glass. A dash of orange juice adds a zesty twist, while a top-off of champagne and a sprig of rosemary garnish complete the experience. The Golden Hind Cocktail is a delightful fusion of flavors that strikes a balance between a classic cocktail and a Mimosa. Its refreshing combination of ingredients makes it the perfect companion for a seafood feast or a delightful drink on any occasion. Experience the Golden Hind at Veronica Fish and Oyster and embark on a taste adventure that captures the spirit of exploration in a glass. Veronica Fish and Oyster, 1830 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-366-1342, veronicafishandoyster.com

HUZZAH State Street Eating House + Cocktails

State Street Eating House + Cocktails was one of the first establishments in Sarasota to embrace the craft cocktail movement. The team at State Street is dedicated to their craft, and that’s evident in the Huzzah, a deceptively complex cocktail. While crafting cocktails is often a collaborative effort at State Street, lead bartender and bar manager Michael Scott credits up-and-coming craft cocktail mixologist Lissette Serrano as the driving force behind the Huzzah, as it is her first creation to be spotlighted on the State Street cocktail menu, and it has quickly become a favorite among guests. The Huzzah cocktail captures attention from the very first glance, thanks to the unique Empress Gin used as its base. Infused with butterfly pea flower, this gin boasts a distinctive indigo hue. However, the addition of lemon juice during the cocktail’s preparation reveals a surprising transformation, turning the drink into a soft, blushy pink, akin to a magic trick unfolding before the eyes of patrons. The Huzzah achieves a perfect balance of flavors through its thoughtfully selected ingredients. The sweetness stems from a house made honey and ginger syrup, locally sourced for freshness and quality. Complementing the syrup is an allspice-laden amaretto liqueur that brings out the ginger notes, adding a delightful spice to the mix. The effervescence and crispness of a bubbly champagne float, specifically Brut champagne, provide a refreshing touch, harmonizing the various sweet components. State Street Eating House + Cocktails,1533 State Street, Sarasota, 941-951-1533, statestreetsrq.com.

Left to right: With notes of honey, ginger, and allspice, the Huzzah at State Street Eating House + Cocktails is the perfect fall beverage. A sprig of rosemary adds an herbaceous note to the refreshingly sweet and fizzy Golden Hind cocktail at Veronica Fish and Oyster. Earthy and worldly, the Sacred Corners cocktail at Tzeva is a transformative experience.

Relax with Fall Cocktails

Sarasota has long been known as a food lover’s paradise, and in recent years it’s also become a popular destination for craft cocktail connoisseurs. Like chefs, bar managers and mixologists invest a lot of time and care into developing unique recipes and sourcing high-quality ingredients as they endeavor to create incredible custom cocktails. This fall, you can keep cool with innovative artisan cocktails crafted right here in paradise.—K.Wight

SACRED CORNERS Tzeva

Sarasota is known for its white sand beaches, but the inspiration behind the Sacred Corners cocktail at Tzeva comes from another shore entirely. Nick Perdue, the beverage director at Tzeva, went on a transformative surfing adventure to Sayulita, Mexico. When he wasn’t on the water, he was enjoying the local food scene, including a refreshing local cocktail made from Reposado tequila, passion fruit syrup and a dash of orange juice. When he returned stateside, he set out to create a cocktail inspired by his journey. Perdue considers the ocean to be a sacred space, and his favorite surfing spot in Sayulita was a serene beach with a small cemetery nearby. When creating the Sacred Corners cocktail, Perdue drew inspiration not only from the flavors of the local cocktails he enjoyed, but also from the profound experience of his trip. The basis of the Sacred Corners cocktail is a Reposado tequila that has been infused with palo santo, a tropical wood that is used in rituals throughout the world. The earthiness of the infused tequila is brightened by a vibrant blend of fresh fruit juices including passionfruit, lime and orange. The essence of rose petals adds another layer of complexity to this exotic libation. Tzeva, 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941- 413-7425, tzevasarasota.com.

This page: Aviella Creations operates a booth every third Thursday at the University Town Center Night Market and every Saturday at the Ybor Saturday Market. Customers can also purchase her products at aviellacreations.com.

Clay All Day

Since humans first learned to work with tools, using one’s hands to shape the surrounding world has been a key part of life. From toddlers squishing modeling clay into blobby animals to world-renowned ceramicists crafting exquisite pots, many people find that creating things out of clay is a transformative experience for both the artist and those who appreciate their work. Such is the case for polymer clay jewelry, which has become ubiquitous at boutiques, farmers markets and Instagram feeds. “With the pandemic, people tried out different avenues to make income at home while things were shut down,” says Kristine Vila, the owner of Aviella Creations, a business which specializes in adorable and inventive polymer clay earrings and accessories. She named the company after her two daughters, Avianna and Carmella. Vila began working with polymer clay in 2020, in search of a flexible way to earn extra income as a stay at home mom. After copious research, she crafted jewelry from polymer clay, testing it out on her friends and family. She discovered what type of clay best suits the pieces, gaining confidence in her skills and opening an online shop a year later. Vila’s clay wonders range from dainty flower petal earrings to earrings themed after various shows like The Office—spoiler alert, Pam’s teapot might make a cameo along with beets grown by Schrute Farms. She finds the time spent working on the jewelry to be therapeutic, a sensation which has encouraged her to look for new methods of constructing pieces, such as using a 3D printer to create custom shapes, perfecting the skin-tone paint used on various characters and taking earring commissions. “Polymer clay jewelry is beautiful, lightweight and doesn’t tug at your ears,” she adds, attributing this factor to its rise in popularity. Vila recommends that anyone interested in pursuing their own polymer clay jewelry business remind themselves that practice is what’s most important and not to give up. “I love seeing the smile that the pieces bring to people’s faces,” she says. “You just have to find your niche.” —

L.Paquette

Foster a Furry Friend

Few things in life are as wonderful as having a furry friend. Animals make everything better, whether they already belong to someone or are fosters waiting for their forever homes. Fostering cats and dogs has spiked in recent years, and organizations across Sarasota and Manatee Counties invite everyone to share love with an animal by giving it a safe short-term home. Shelters like Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and Cat Depot offer traditional foster programs. Applicants fill out an interest form and the foster teams evaluate them to see if the applicants are an ideal match for a specific animal or situation. The shelters provide everything from food and toys to veterinary care, facilitating the experience and allowing those who might lack monetary resources to care for an animal. “We’re so grateful for fosters because we wouldn’t be able to take in as many cats without them,” says Peyton Davis, the communications specialist at Cat Depot. Davis attributes the uptick in fostering to social media platforms, on which people document and share their experiences giving pets a temporary home. “It warms people’s hearts,” adds Davis, “and they think ‘I could do that.’” Many foster parents become foster failures, which is actually a positive term meaning that they end up adopting the animal themselves. “I think 100 percent of our participants have been foster failures at some point or another,” says Rob Oglesby, Nate’s director of development. Dog lovers determined not to become foster failures are an excellent fit for the Southeastern Guide Dogs Puppy Raising Program. Puppy raisers apply for the program, attend puppy club meetings to learn about the expectations set for them and undergo an evaluation process that includes a home visit. Applicants can choose their own adventure, raising a puppy for three months, six months or a year. “We offer co-raising options for people who want to work as a team, maybe with a family member or coworker,” says Leslie Shepard, the director of Puppy Raising Services. “This allows them to share the love and makes the process more doable.” Participants are entrusted with socializing the young puppies, who arrive at the raiser’s home at eight to 10 weeks old, teaching them household manners and how to be great citizens and family members. “Across the industry, our need is at an all-time high,” Shepard adds. “Raising a puppy won’t take all of your time, but it will touch your heart and make such an impact on people who need these dogs.” —L.Paquette To learn more, visit catdepot.org, nateshonoranimalrescue.org or guidedogs.org. Cat Depot, 2542 17th St., Sarasota; Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, 4951 Lorraine Rd., Bradenton and Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto.

Developments in Downtown

The winds of change have come to the Gulf Coast and Sarasota is caught blissfully in the center of the storm. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Sarasota and the surrounding areas have become a haven to which people all across the country have flocked to. Whether spurred on by the sudden ‘work from home’ environment of the COVID-19 pandemic or the collective realization that life on the Gulf Coast is just plain good living, Sarasota is filling up faster than ever before. Which is why it should come as no surprise that earlier this summer seven parcels of land in downtown Sarasota were sold for $32 million. The land, totaling 3.1 acres, located near the Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue intersection in downtown were purchased by the Virginia-based development company Orange Pineapple LLC and are seen as prime real estate in an incredibly competitive market. “Across the board, I feel like everybody just found Florida,” says Jag Grewal, a partner at Ian Black Real Estate who represented the sellers, Capstone Group Holdings LLC, Ringling and Orange 3 LLC, along with fellow partner Steven Horn. “If you go into most downtowns in Florida, you’re going to see an influx into the urban centers. Sarasota’s unique because it’s rare to find a downtown this close to the water. I think we’ll see high quality and high profile developments come to our town in the coming years.” The property, which never made it to the open market, is zoned to build up to 10 stories and 50 residential units per acre. Although the buyers have yet to announce plans for it, Orange Pineapple LLC is expected to develop a mixed-use project on the property. “Just like the deal we closed for the Zenith Insurance Company building in December, this is just a really good piece of real estate,” says Grewal. “These two projects will make two major impacts on the city that’s just going to continue to raise the profile of Sarasota.” —

D.Campbell

Explore Game

Night Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Multiple locations, geckosgrill. com, Hamlet’s Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, hamletseatery.com and The Dark Side Comics & Games, 935 N. Beneva Rd. Unit 902, Sarasota, thedarkside. tcgplayerpro.com.

Dance The Night Away

They say that the best things happen while you’re dancing, and there’s no shortage of dancing at So French Café By day, the establishment is a classic cafe serving up crêpes, sandwiches and coffee, but by night it becomes a dance restaurant. “The dance restaurant concept is huge in Europe,” says Charly Groovin, who owns the cafe along with his wife, Naty Groovin. “In France, people understand that you can have a restaurant and dancing in the same place at the same time.” Before moving to Sarasota, the pair spent 30 years as owners of Sharky’s and Groovin, two of the largest dance restaurants in the Paris region. On designated dance nights, the couple hosts a class in Latin dance, which is all the rage in Europe, then patrons engage in social dance, in which guests focus more on having fun and less on beautiful choreography. The cafe serves food and alcohol during the dance sessions, but Charly notes that overdrinking is frowned upon as it contradicts the spirit of social dancing. “This is a safe atmosphere where you can come alone to dance with others,” he adds. “When we dance, there is a lot of respect for one another. The passion for dancing erases the differences between things like class and sex, and no group is excluded.” —L.Paquette So French Café, 6280 North Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, sofrenchcafe.com.

All Fun and Games

Friendly competition never goes out of style, and Sarasotans are embracing new ways to channel their playful impulses with the help of three local establishments. At Gecko’s Grill & Pub, classic trivia has reigned supreme for 21 years. While the restaurant group runs a trivia tournament every summer, casual trivia continues throughout the year for drop-in participants at every location except for the one on Fruitville Road. Guests need not have any experience to play but many groups form committed teams, like a group of boat captains who dubbed themselves “Old Salty.” Amidst the boisterous sports bar atmosphere, they play to win a variety of prizes or bragging rights. “We’re an upscale sports bar, so friendly competition is the name of the game,” says Anne Rollings, Gecko’s public relations manager. “People nudge their buddies to join in while they share a meal or a beer. Trivia is a great way to get friends together in an atmosphere of camaraderie.”

The team at Hamlet’s Eatery encourages similar fun on the second Friday of every month with music bingo, which puts a twist on the time-honored game. On music bingo night, guests receive bingo cards which each have a

distinctive theme, such as food. “Instead of numbers, the cards have the song title or artist name,” says Kim Livengood, the owner of Hamlet’s Eatery. “So if the host played ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’ and you had it on your card, then you could mark it off.” With music playing during the entire evening, the gameplay remains upbeat, adding an appealing auditory component to the game. For a tactile gaming experience, locals turn to The Dark Side Comics & Games, a shop that hosts various game nights and events. The store carries board games, tabletop roleplaying games—think Dungeons & Dragons—as well as miniatures games, in which participants build their own armies and battle with them. They also sell model Gundam Japanese robots used to fight one another and card games, such as the iconic Pokémon. Many game nights and events have a specific theme, including nights dedicated to Star Wars games or the Pokémon school event for children. According to Owner Brian Polizzi, the shop’s mission is to foster a strong and supportive community. “We promote an inclusive and friendly environment based on good sportsmanship,” he says. “If you’re looking to make friends and have a good time, then we are the place to go.”—

L.Paquette

Game Night, Hamlet’s Eatery Skylar Plays Music Bingo, Hamlet’s Eatery

So French Café

Personal Growth

Over the past few years, Americans have begun spending an increased amount of time at home. This has led to an uptick in home-based hobbies, including activities like baking and knitting. There has also been a growing interest in growing plants. “Coming out of [the pandemic] and being in our homes more has proven the need to create warm and inviting spaces,” says Libby Bolles of Fancy Leaf Plant Co. “There is no better way to do that than by bringing the outdoors inside with houseplants.” Self-proclaimed Plant Moms and Plant Dads are filling their homes with lush greenery and documenting their plethora of plants online. This can promote emotional well-being and lead to a sense of community and connection. “NASA produced a study that found that having plants in your home and office improves focus, relaxation and overall happiness. Tending to plants also provides you a sense of accomplishment and success,” Bolles says. “Additionally, the plant community is amazing. Before you know it, you will have found lots of plant friends!” While houseplants are great for bringing nature inside, for many people, an interest in gardening has led them to spend more time outdoors. Mindy Hanak is the Community and School Garden Coordinator at the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, and has observed newfound enthusiasm in the community. “During Covid, people were looking for home-based entertainment while also experiencing challenges sourcing items they wanted,” explains Hanak. “Hobbies that helped people improve selfsufficiency seemed to become more popular, especially hobbies involving food. Many folks leaned into gardening, especially edible gardening.” As a county, state and federal partnership, the UF/IFAS Extension program creates community initiatives, classes and volunteer opportunities related to agriculture, gardening and landscaping. It is an incredible resource for people looking for support as they take an interest in gardening.

“Our Extension offers classes and workshops on various gardening and landscaping topics,” says Hanak. “We have some recorded videos and webinars online and are continuing to develop shorter videos for people that may not have time for classes or longer recordings.” The Extension also offers tours or workshops at demo and community gardens. —K.Wight Fancy Leaf Plant Co. is located in Parrish, Florida. You can visit their website at fancyleafplantco.com. To learn more about the programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/.

Make Waves

Aquariums, from massive saltwater tanks to small desktop dwellings for goldfish, have captivated people from all walks of life. “We have an innate fascination with the ocean,” says Felix Bordon, the owner of Reef Savvy, a company that designs and manufactures custom glass aquariums and reef tanks, which house live corals, fish and other critters that recreate natural reef environments. “While nothing beats the real thing, having a tiny slice of something you love so close is a way to experience the ‘feel good’ sensation you get when you go to the beach, go boating or even drive by the ocean and smell the breeze,” he adds. For Rick Marot, a co-owner of Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center, residents of the Gulf Coast have a predisposition for enthusiasm towards the aquatic world. “This area has always had a big public interest in the marine environment. People are in tune with what’s happening in terms of bay health, red tide and the effects of pollution,” he says. Marot, who studied Marine Biology at the University of South Florida, educates consumers about the importance of caring for marine ecosystems in his shop, which also builds and maintains aquariums of varying sizes. Hobbyists can start small and build up to their dream tanks; Reef Savvy produces aquariums of up to 1,500 gallons. “Aquariums are educational and teach responsibility, especially for kids,” Bordon says. “Some studies show that they are therapeutic, reduce stress and have a calming effect on people.” On a larger scale, Marmot adds that “the marine hobby has evolved to growing and propagating coral, and with the warming ocean waters it’s more important that we teach people about these environments. For this reason, I think there will be a resurgence in the hobby—especially with people growing corals that can withstand warmer temperatures. The future is in our hands.” —L.Paquette Reef Savvy, 2310 S. Dock Street, Ste. 106, Palmetto, reefsavvy.com. Seascape Aquarium & Pet Center, 2162 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, seascapeaquariums.com.

Clockwise: Aquariums have a knack for creating relaxing spaces for people to unwind.

Felix Bordon, Owner of Reef Savvy, Brightly colored fish swim in a stunning aquarium.

Demystifying Mindfulness

Mindfulness, self care and routines have become common mental health buzzwords. While these concepts aim to increase wellbeing, their abstract nature makes them difficult to put into practice. Sarasota residents Blair Bloomston and Laine Nixon share their tips for breaking down these mental health tools and applying them in real life. Bloomston, the chief development officer at Game On Nation, a firm focused on communication, leadership and team building in Bradenton, has years of experience collaborating with athletes, politicians and other individuals working in high pressure environments. “Mindfulness means being present in the moment and observing your situation as well as your own feelings,” she says, “and there is a peacefulness in knowing that we only need to focus on this moment.” With so many distractions, grounding oneself in the present can feel daunting, but Bloomston suggests embracing a “joy of missing out” mindset. Focusing on what really matters has a powerful impact on redirecting our energy. She suggests limiting screen time as a way to practice mindfulness and self care. “If you’re not posting on social media every day, then you’re not worried about not showing your good life to the world. Instead, you change your mindset to embrace the idea that you are not posting about your good life because you are living it,” she adds. Nixon, a local visual artist, is also passionate about incorporating mindfulness into everyday life. She enjoys setting aside a designated amount of time each day to work on creative projects, meditation or other activities that add meaning to her life. “I tend to dwell in my problem-solving mind, which is a natural part of being human. Making time for these types of activities helps to calm my nervous system, making me feel grounded and balanced while getting out of my head,” she says. This summer, Nixon started the Practically Dreaming Workshop and the Creative Habits Lab to share her enthusiasm and passion for self-development with like-minded individuals. While the workshop gives participants the tools to help them achieve their goals, the lab provides an accountability group for anyone seeking to carve out a space in their day for new projects or routines. For September, Nixon will offer virtual and in person workshop options and virtual sessions of the lab. “Having a consistent and constrained time block is fun because on any given day you can choose what you are in the mood to work on,” she adds. —L.Paquette Learn more about Bloomston’s work at gameonnation.com. Enroll in the Practically Dreaming Workshop or Creative Habits Lab at lainenixon.com.

Artificial Intelligence Transforms the Creative Writing Process

These days, there seems to be no bigger topic of discussion than Artificial Intelligence or AI. From writing college students’ papers for them to creating entire worlds and characters based on human input, there seems to be no limit on what it can do. It’s impressive, breathtaking and most of all…a little scary. In a world where AI is becoming exponentially more advanced with each passing week, are we marching toward a doomsday scenario? Did everybody just forget about Terminator? How can we, as a society, not only keep tabs on AI but also use it to better harness our own creativity? Fortunately, Rick Dakan, author, game designer and professor of creative writing at The Ringling College of Art and Design is answering these questions in his upcoming course, Creative Writing with AI. “I’ve been following the growth of AI and playing with tools like Chat GPT since August of 2022 and it’s impossible not to see the potential of it,” says Dakan. “It’s become more and more evident that AI is going to transform writing and writing careers and we have a responsibility as writers and educators to be on top of it.” So how is Artificial Intelligence going to revolutionize writing? Dakan, who is also a member of The Ringling College’s AI Advisory Board, surmises that AI intersects with writing in three main ways. The first and most basic, is the kind of writing that AI can do for you on its own. “AI is really helpful for any kind of formulaic or really short form writing–think crafting a business email or a social media post–something where you can plug in specific points that you want to make and ask it to craft grammatically correct, easy to read sentences,” says Dakan. “AI is also great for giving it a lot of text and asking it to summarize something–the flip side of which is giving it nine bullet points and asking it to create a statement.”

The second way AI can impact writing is when it’s used as your collaborator. Dakan, a novelist, has used AI to help drum up potential story ideas. “This is really where AI’s widest range of use seems to be. When trying to come up with story ideas, I asked it ‘these are all the things that I’m interested in, pitch me 10 stories that incorporate these topics’ and after a couple of rounds, we finally found one that I liked and were able to dig into it together and explore it more deeply,” says Dakan. “Combining things I knew and things it told me, I was ultimately able to come up with a pretty good idea for a novel and even some different ways to outline the story as well.” Finally, there’s the type of writing that can only be done with AI. “In particular, I use a tool called Inworld AI, which creates interactive chatbots based on characters that you’ve created and through AI, allows you to have a natural language conversation with the character,” says Dakan. “I’ve used this in a number of classes with my students. We’re having unscripted conversations with the characters we’ve created –it’s a whole new frontier of creative writing.” —D.Campbell

This page: Rick Dakan is bringing artificial intelligence to the classroom with his course, Creative Writing with AI.

Romance Resurgence

Love is like the snow. Just as no two snowflakes are identical, no two kinds of love are the same. Love can be as simple as an elderly couple holding hands in a diner or as complex as a passionate fight and kiss in the rain. With the surging popularity of romance novels, readers can lose themselves in an array of love stories as varied as the sentiment itself. Bookseller Roxanne Baker, of Bookstore1Sarasota, identifies six romance subgenres that fulfill readers’ desires. These subgenres include Suspense and Fantasy Romance, Fleeting Love, Mid-Life Romance, Realistic Romance, Romantic Comedy and LGBTQIA+ Romance. For Baker, the romance novel is rooted in its ability to appeal to the basic human need for connection. “There’s a lot of problems in the world that we can’t fix,” she says, “but romance is something we can grasp. We know that it happens in real life. After the pandemic, we’re trying to get back to connecting as humans, so the genre has seen a resurgence.” —L.Paquette

ROXANNE’S ROMANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Take a peek at Baker’s picks for upcoming romance releases.

Suspense and Fantasy Romance In The Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros. Release date August 1. A romantic suspense novel about a woman who goes on a survivalist course and falls for her instructor. “These books are popular among women who want to feel self-empowered and in charge of their relationships. Yarros has an established presence, and her work can be compared to that of Colleen Hoover.” Fleeting Love Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score. Release date September 5. A second chance romance about two people who meet again after years apart. “Many people have regrets about potential romances that never got off the ground. This genre fills the gap for people longing for someone from their past and remembering missed opportunities.” Mid-Life Romance The Pole: A Novel by J.M. Coetzee. Release date September 19. A middle-aged woman and a Polish piano aficionado strike up a romance.“Middle-aged women who are still single want to feel hope that they can find love, which these books illustrate. The older we get, the more we become set in our ways and the harder it is to connect with others, and these novels show that conflict.” R.Baker

BERLIN PATTEN EBLING

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS, BERLIN PATTEN EBLING HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF PROVIDING A HYPER-PERSONALIZED AND FORWARD-THINKING APPROACH TO GUIDING CLIENTS THROUGH THEIR MOST SIGNIFICANT LIFE MOMENTS. Led by Evan Berlin, this award-winning real estate law firm was born out of his aspiration to challenge conventional norms and offer tailored legal services. The firm has strived to redefine personalized legal representation, combining meticulous attention to detail, accessibility, and innovative technology to protect the client’s assets and achieve the desired goals. Since 2003, the firm has grown exponentially, now serving clients throughout the Gulf Coast with six offices, a team of 28 dedicated attorneys, and an unwavering commitment to adhering to the ideals established on day one. Reflecting on the firm’s journey, founder Evan Berlin reminisced about the early days. Exceptional service was always at the forefront, and his name affixed to the office was an afterthought. That client-first mindset remains a cornerstone two decades later. Over two decades, Berlin Patten Ebling has seen significant changes and evolved with the times. Initially, the firm looked to create a relaxed and approachable environment, offering legal services without intimidating clients. Berlin says he would not do anything differently. The firm has grown organically as time has gone on and needs have arisen. Today, Berlin Patten Ebling embraces the changing landscape while staying true to its core values, vision, and company culture. Berlin Patten Ebling invites individuals seeking legal guidance to visit berlinpatten.com or call 941-954-9991 to speak with one of their knowledgeable attorneys.

“While my kids like seeing their father’s name on the building, I always tell our younger attorneys that it’s irrelevant,” said Berlin. “What’s more important is what is behind the door – what we are doing for our clients and for each other.”

— Evan Berlin, Founder

ROXANNE’S ROMANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Take a peek at more of Baker’s picks for upcoming romance releases.

Romantic Comedy The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary. Release date September 26. About a failing hotel whose two front desk receptionists must put aside their differences in order to save the business. A feel-good sunshine-filled frolic for fans of Emily Henry. “Even readers who love suspense need a break and cleansing of the palette. The subgenre is especially popular with people who have problems in their real lives and don’t want to be dragged through the mud, but want a fun read.” — R. Baker.

LGBTQIA+ Romance Family Meal by Bryan Washington. Release date October 10.Reeling from the shocking death of his partner, Cam returns home to Houston and reconnects with his high school friend TJ and TJ’s family bakery. The novel intersects the past and present from Los Angeles, Osaka and Houston. “Diverse reads are important for everyone, regardless of their sexual preference.” R.Baker Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, sarasotabooks.com.

Cool Classes

JACK-O’-LANTERN GLASS BLOWING If you’re looking for a gourd way to prep for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the autumn season, look no further! The glass-blowing artists at the world-famous Duncan McClellan Gallery will be coming to Selby Gardens for a live glass-blowing demonstration. To get into the holiday spirit, this program will feature blown glass Jack-o’-Lanterns, pumpkins, and other festive designs. Get up close and personal with modern hot sculpting, classical Venetian glass-working techniques, and more. Open to all ages/skill levels. The program will run throughout the day, in 45-minute installments. Seating and inter-activity is limited only to ticket holders. General admission is included for advance ticket holders. Participants will have the opportunity to buy tickets at the entrance to the event. Blown glass art and pieces from the pumpkin patch will be available for purchase after the demonstrations. October 14, 2023, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, Class Fee: Members $19.99/ Non-members $45.99, selby.org

NOSHING IN NATURE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: EYE OF NEWT & CHICORY ROOT Botany has never tasted so good! Selby Gardens’ popular Noshing in Nature series lets you learn about the plants behind your favorite foods and beverages and sample your way through science. This Halloween-themed event will highlight the history and science of sinister potions, murderous plots and poisonous plants! Learn from a Selby Gardens horticulturist why plants create toxins and the benefits of being poisonous. Then, really celebrate Halloween by joining a master mixologist and an executive chef in an open dialogue about global culinary culture. Finally, put your new knowledge into practice by sampling witch-y cocktails

featuring a special Chicory Liqueur from Cathead Distillery. And for the frightening food, the chefs at Sage have concocted terrifying recipes crafted from gruesome botanical ingredients. October 26, 2023, 6 to 8 p.m., Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, Class Fee: Members $66/Non-members $69, selby.org

BISHOP AFTER DARK: CRAFTING UNDER THE COSMOS Do you dream of being an artist but need some help? Join us for Bishop After Dark: Crafting Under the Cosmos for a night to explore your inner artist. We are proud to partner with Bradenton Painting With a Twist, who will join us under the stars in our Mosaic Backyard Universe Space for a step-by-step painting tutorial. After this 2-hour instructed class, we will enjoy some out-of-this-world desserts from local bakery Sweets Bakehouse and watch a starry night-filled planetarium show! Blast off to new heights in your artisan journey and join us. We won’t take off without you! Thursday September 21, 2023, Member price is $55.00; Non-members $60.00. Tickets Bishopscience.org/bad. October: Taste of Fall: Oktoberfest

STELLIFEROUS Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop for a special edition of Stelliferous, your monthly guide to the night skies, and the latest news from the world of astronomy. This month, you’ll hear from Ed Rosenthal, NASA Space Plant Biology Collaborator and member of the Space Technology Hall of Fame, about what it takes to grow veggies in space! The evening begins at 6:30pm with beverages and conversation; the presentation begins at 7pm inside The Planetarium. $15/$7 for Members/Members under 17; $20/$10 for Non-Members/Non-Members under 17. (Registration includes one free beverage per person. Beer and wine cash bar available.) Seating in The Planetarium is on a first-come, first-served basis. —B.Heit Selby Gardens, selby.org. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, bishopscience.org

Stelliferous, The Bishop Glass Blowing, Selby Gardens Noshing in Nature, Selby Gardens.

ANNA

BRADENTON

LAKEWOOD

SARASOTA

VENICE

NORTH PORT

ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS LEGAL GUIDE

WELCOME

The Sarasota and Bradenton Area region is home to a robust cadre of legal minds. As part of the annual SRQ Magazine Elite Top Attorneys program, we invited attorneys from Anna Maria and Lakewood Ranch down through Downtown Sarasota, Venice and North Port to nominate the peers who had garnered their utmost respect—whether on the same or opposite side of the negotiating table—and they answered. The respect of one’s peers, especially in the discerning legal profession, reflects a defining level of great achievement. We are humbled by the overwhelming number of thoughtful nominations we received from this community of professionals this year and are pleased to share the results with you, our readers.

In SRQ Magazine’s 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide and awards section you will meet this year’s honorees whose skills have helped their clients realize their goals. Many of our honorees share their expertise with the community as noted by their philanthropic and leadership contributions. The legal profession is part of a proud and long lineage that has been vital in establishing our modern world. The quality of a society can be judged in part by the measure of fairness manifested in how individuals are treated by our system of laws. Conscientious and skilled litigators are the reliable engines of our legal system, and the smart, skilled men and women represented in this peer-review program ensure the inevitable conflicts of human life can be dealt with in a manner that is equitable and honest. We hope you enjoy meeting SRQ Magazine’s 2023 Elite Top Attorneys—congratulations are in order.

ADOPTION LAW

Consbruck, Paul J. Paul J. Consbruck, Attorney at Law

871 Venetia Bay Blvd | Ste 202

Venice, FL 34285

866-558-7285 | Lic.#845442

Salisbury, Debra M.

Law Office of Debra M. Salisbury PA

3293 Fruitville Rd | Unit 101

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-1616 | Lic.#973769

Schipani, Philip J. Schipani, Norman & McLain PA

1605 Main St | Ste 1110

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-499-8154 | Lic.#557528

Stockham, Susan L.

Law Office of Susan L. Stockham PA

4017 Swift Rd

Sarasota, FL 34231

941-924-4949 | Lic.#342521

APPELLATE LAW

Butler, Jesse R. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232-6438

941-366-4680 | Lic.#84058

Christian, Benjamin A.

Maglio Christopher & Toale

Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#1033821

Gore Maglio, Jennifer Anne

Maglio Christopher & Toale

Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#88013

Mogensen, Andrea Flynn

Law Office Of Andrea Flynn Mogensen PA

677 N Washington Blvd | Ste 128

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-955-1066 | Lic.#549681

FEATURED HONOREES

Wallace, David A. Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#608386

ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION

Brannan, Stephen G. West Coast Mediators PO Box 2008 | Sarasota, FL 34230

941-792-1695 | Lic.#521442

Brown, Alvin K. Brown, Brown & Kuhn 1001 3rd Ave W | Ste 375

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-953-2825 | Lic.#139394

Coleman, Larry K.

Law Offices of Larry K. Coleman 4230 Riverview Blvd W

Bradenton, FL 34209

941-747-1234 | Lic.#126642

Hammersley, Philip N.

Legacy

Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA

1819 Main St Ste 610

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-469 | Lic.#280887

Haskins, Mark A. Upchurch Watson White & Max 2801 Fruitville Rd | Ste 230

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-281-4000 | Lic.#881627

Hawkins, John D. Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano PL 1023 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0151 | Lic.#277691

Icard Jr, Thomas F.

Legacy

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-953-8132 | Lic.#162741

Larsen, Gary H. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232-6438

941-366-4680 | Lic.#266906

Lugar, Donna

Donna Lugar Mediation & Arbitration Services

5020 Clark Rd Ste 514 Sarasota, FL 34233

941-600-9431 | Lic.#964565

Lyons, Robert G.

Legacy

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-953-8138 | Lic.#234230

O’Day, Sharon

O’Day Resolutions

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-228-8571 | Lic.#415472

Snyder, W. Russell Snyder & Reilly

355 W Venice Ave Venice, FL 34285

941-485-9626 | Lic.#176232

Telford, Leslie Mediation Services of Southern Florida Inc PO Box 1948 Sarasota, FL 34230

941-957-3004 | Lic.#212644

Watts, Dana J. Ulrich Scarlett Watts & Dean PA

713 S Orange Ave | Ste 201

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-955-5100 | Lic.#292141

ATTORNEYS FOR NON PROFITS

Bailey, Crystal

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-5731 | Lic.#69010

Fields, Pamela

Legal Aid of Manasota

1900 Main St | Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0038 | Lic.#37015

Harradine, Linda

Legal Aid of Manasota

1900 Main St | Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0038 | Lic.#139645

Hecker, Susan Barrett Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6625 | Lic.#948380

Leibovitz, Janella

Legal Aid of Manasota

1900 Main St | Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0038 | Lic.#194824

Marshall, Elizabeth C. Legacy Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6614 | Lic.#440884

Mroczkowski, Tina M. Bowman, George, Scheb, Kimbrough, Koach & Chapman PA 2750 Ringling Blvd | Ste 3

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-5510 | Lic.#96629

Pennewill, Betsy Community Foundation of Sarasota County

2635 Fruitville Rd

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-556-7152 | Lic.#156140

Stover, Robin Gulfcoast Legal Services Inc

1112 Manatee Ave E | 2nd Fl

Bradenton, FL 34208

941-746-6151 | Lic.#64494

BANKING AND FINANCIAL

Grimes, Michele B. Williams Parker Attorneys At Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6611 | Lic.#264393

Messick, Robert E. Legacy Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#314773

Norton, Sam D. Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA

1819 Main St | Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4691 | Lic.#484105

Pitchford, Malcolm J. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2705 | Lic.#175403

Sandoval-Badger, Tammie Sabal Trust Company

1800 Second St | Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-0760 | Lic.#88814

BANKRUPTCY

WORKOUT

Blanton, Laurie Holland Law Group PA

&

1100Tamiami Trl S | Ste C Venice, FL 34285

941-493-6577 | Lic.#54483

Ellis, Sherry F. Sherry F. Ellis Law PLLC

1834 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236

941-363-0800 | Lic.#146668

Ellis, Richard V. Richard V. Ellis Law

2187 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34237

941-841-1210 | Lic.#288322

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

Gensmer, Timothy W. Timothy W. Gensmer PA

2831 Ringling Blvd | Ste 202A

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-952-9377 | Lic.#586242

Hildreth, Mark D.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2747 | Lic.#454893

Johnson, Sherri L. Johnson Legal of Florida PL

2937 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 1

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-926-1155 | Lic.#134775

Roberts, Kelly Roberts Law PLLC

2075 Main St | Ste 23

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-444-9783 | Lic.#83804

BUSINESS LAW

Arroyo, Erik Arroyo McArdle

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 26

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-539-8646 | Lic.#123485

Band, Gregory S. Band Law Group

1 S School Ave | Ste 500 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-917-0509 | Lic.#869902

Buffington, Zachary B. Williams Parker

Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-893-4000 | Lic.#87748

Caswell, Christopher

Legacy Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#371211

Cejka, Jason

Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#1011255

FEATURED HONOREES

FIRST EDITION

Compton, John M. Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA

1819 Main St | Ste 610

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4691; Lic.#128058

DeLeo, Daniel J.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2740 | Lic.#14268

Harnden, Sarah J. Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#92299

Jackson, Daniel J.

Rising Star

Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#1015499

Moran, John A.

Legacy

Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Suite 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#718335

Ruberg, Jodi M.

Lawrence Advisory PLLC 1800 2nd St | Ste 888

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-479-8500 | Lic.#99985

Schembri, Jenifer S.

Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#154458

Siegel, Michael E.

Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-3775 | Lic.#821845

Whitney, Jonathan P.

Lutz Bobo & Telfair PA

2 N Tamiami Trl | 5th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236-5574

941-951-1800 | Lic.#14874

Recognizing

Wilson, Michael J. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2043 | Lic.#641502

CIVIL LAW

LITIGATION

Castro, Sara Castro Potts Law Firm PLLC

1990 Main St | Ste 750 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-300-9595 | Lic.#1010197

Chin, Warren H. Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose PA

1626 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-8888 | Lic.#124960

Crittenden, Aaron B. Harllee & Bald PA

202 Old Main St Bradenton, FL 34205

941-744-5537 | Lic.#112878

Dorman, Lori M. Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson PA

6853 Energy Ct Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

941-306-4730 | Lic.#75401

Douberly, Andrew L. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232-6438

941-366-4680 | Lic.#88193

Francis, Matthew S. Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law

1515 Ringling Blvd | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-957-1900 | Lic.#91083

Galvano, Bill Legacy

Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano PL

1023 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0151 | Lic.#966487

Guarnieri, Daniel C. Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#914401

Hanson, Mark

Lobeck & Hanson PA

2033 Main St | Ste 403

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-955-5622 | Lic.#472182

Jensen, Adria Maria

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2739 | Lic.#11690

Johnson, Andrea M. Law Office of Andrea M. Johnson PA Po Box 1283

Bradenton, FL 34206

941-896-7215 | Lic.#802751

Kessler, Bryan Berg & Kessler

1872 S Tamiami Trl | Ste D

Venice, FL 34293

941-493-0871 | Lic.#97974

Norton, Hunter G. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2771 | Lic.#30534

O’Connell, Meghan E. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#1039402

Perron, Andre R. Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron & Shea PLLC

3119 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-741-8224 | Lic.#628425

Polk, Bonnie Lee

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-5548 | Lic.#30678

Reilly, Patrick J. Snyder & Reilly Trial Lawyers

355 W Venice Ave

Venice, FL 34285

941-485-9626 | Lic.#125109

Rudge, Timothy Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 1oth Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2739 | Lic.#98105

Schuchat, Michael E. Lutz Bobo & Telfair

2 N Tamiami Trl | Ste 500

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-951-1800 | Lic.#85382

Schwartz, Mark A. Legacy Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6621 | Lic.#664367

Spivey, Barry F. Legacy Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6627 | Lic.#130660

Williams, Steele T. Steele T. Williams Esquire

1381 McAnsh Square Sarasota, FL 34236

941-378-1800 | Lic.#79995

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Bald, Kimberly Legacy

Harllee & Bald PA

202 Old Main St Bradenton, FL 34205

941-744-5537 | Lic.#434190

Bentley, Morgan R. Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#962287

Bowen, Jill M. Rising Star Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#1019549

the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

Bressan, Michael D.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2717 | Lic.#11092

Chapman, John

The John Chapman Law Firm PA

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 870

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-404-6709 | Lic.#846820

Chase, Steven J.

Legacy

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2708 | Lic.#210277

Dart, Thomas H.

Legacy Adams and Reese LLP

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 700 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-316-7603 | Lic.#228788

Dominko, Przemyslaw L.

Hutton Dominko & Swaim

2639 Fruitville Rd | Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-9292 | Lic.#74143

France, Michael A.

France Litigation Group

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 230

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-953-3600 | Lic.#521345

Gibson, James D. Gibson Kohl PL

1800 2nd St | Ste 777

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-362-8880 | Lic.#709069

Goodrich, Brian D. Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#106948

Gregory, Tommy E. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2036 | Lic.#374120

FEATURED HONOREES

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

Gurley, Alex Gurley & Associates

601 S Osprey Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-1492 | Lic.#126321

Hall III, M Lewis Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2032 | Lic.#249513

Hutton, Steven D. Legacy Hutton Dominko & Swaim

2639 Fruitville Rd | Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-9292 | Lic.#342221

Johnson, Charles F. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#898937

Kison, Amanda R. Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#96151

Lessinger, Jason A. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#91601

Lynch, James E. Harllee & Bald PA

202 Old Main St

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-744-5537 | Lic.#46219

Mohammadbhoy, Adam Harllee & Bald PA

202 Old Main St

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-744-5537 | Lic.#137367

Moore, Fred E. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#273480

Parpas, George Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6626 | Lic.#1018371

Senior, Justin P. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2792 | Lic.#1004223

Serrano, Meghan O.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple | Ave 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2783 | Lic.#53124

Stall, Tyler B. Hutton Dominko & Swaim

2639 Fruitville Rd |Ste 302

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-9292 | Lic.#116074

Swaim, Yuliya V Hutton Dominko & Swaim

2639 Fruitville Rd | Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-9292 | Lic.#100406

Trimyer, Brian L. Harllee & Bald PA

202 Old Main St Bradenton, FL 34205

941-744-5537 | Lic.#183792

VanEtten, Daniel P. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#126227

Wilson, Andrew C. Adams and Reese LLP

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 700

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-316-7636 | Lic.#103203

Zelitt, Jessica S. Rising Star Adams And Reese LLP

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 700

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-316-7634 | Lic.#1039702

CONSTRUCTION

Abate, Anthony J. Legacy

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple | Ave 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2707 | Lic.#289558

Fant Jr, Michael A. Gurley & Associates

601 S Osprey Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-1489 | Lic.#100713

Gurley, David E. Legacy Gurley & Associates

601 S Osprey Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-1480 | Lic.#402214

Hanson, Erik M. Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-3774 | Lic.#98529

Henson, Brett M. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2752 | Lic.#84259

Herbert, Joseph M. Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA

1819 Main St | Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-954-4691 | Lic.#84260

Murphy, Michael P. Dickinson & Gibbons PA 401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232 941-366-4680 | Lic.#40207

Owen, Ryan W. Adams and Reese LLP 1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 700 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-316-7640 | Lic.#29355

Preston, David S. Dickinson & Gibbons PA 401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#23973

Rans, E. Zachary Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-3787 | Lic.#316740

Sanchez, Albert A. Sanchez Law PLLC 2055 Wood St | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-241-0017 | Lic.#267953

Scro, Salvatore G Ball Janik LLP 2033 Main St | Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-807-8800 | Lic.#784941

Staine, Christopher A. Lloyd Jones, LLC 660 Golden Gate Pt | Apt 31 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-914-3726 | Lic.#572861

Tannenbaum, Alan E. Tannenbaum Lemole & Hill

614 S Tamoamo Tr Osprey, FL 34229

941-308-3157 | Lic.#259144

Tomlinson, Mark S. Dickinson & Gibbons PA 401 N Cattlemen Rd |Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232 941-366-4680 | Lic.#112225

Walker, Douglas E. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law 200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-5545 | Lic.#713031

CONSUMER DEBT

Avrutis, Thomas L. Hodges Avrutis & Foeller 201 Fletcher Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941-955-7300 | Lic.#369365

CORPORATE COUNSEL

Zuberer, Telese Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA 2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#179371

CORPORATE FINANCE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Hanan, Benjamin R. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2788 | Lic.#89559

Lapointe, Matthew J. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#16138

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Bender, Marjorie

Law Offices of Marjorie Bender PA

2151 Main St | Ste 100

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-2235 | Lic.#985988

Bouziane, David

Bouziane & Shaffer

Attorneys at Law LLC

2170 Main St | Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-404-4940 | Lic.#58865

Byrd, Derek

The Byrd Law Firm

2151 Main St | Ste 201

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-954-3400 | Lic.#81167

Darville, Wyndel G.

The Law Office of Wyndel G. Darville

49 N E Ave | Sarasota, FL 34237

941-564-5319 | Lic.#110736

Dunn, Adam

The Dunn Law Firm

49 N E Ave | Sarasota, FL 34236

941-866-4352 | Lic.#107323

Finebloom, Darren

Finebloom & Haenel PA

200 N WashingtonBlvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-953-2622 | Lic.#336660

Fowler Jr, James

Fowler Law Group PA

2075 Main St | Ste 38

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-900-3100 | Lic.#55830

FEATURED HONOREES

Fury, Jennifer L. Fury Law

433 8th Ave W

Palmetto, FL 34221

941-900-9153 | Lic.#371830

Glenn, Colleen M.

The Law Office of Colleen M. Glenn PA

1017 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-746-8800 | Lic.#635588

Griffith, Kevin McIntosh Law

766 Hudson Ave | Ste B

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-306-3230 | Lic.#102647

Hibbert, Andrew T. Glenn and Hibbert PA

100 Wallace Ave | Ste 360

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-357-1775 | Lic.#91470

McIntosh, Brett Brett McIntosh PA

766 Hudson Ave | Ste B

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-306-3230 | Lic.#993972

Miller, Scott The Miller Law Firm PA

308 B Cocoanut Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-275-2489 | Lic.#975796

Pouget, Andrew Fowler Law Group PA

2075 Main St | Ste 38

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-900-3100 | Lic.#1013551

Powers, Sean M. McNary Powers PLLC

1904 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-253-0529 | Lic.#125730

Reid, Jason Attorney Jason Reid

912 7th Ave E

Bradenton, FL 34208

941-920-5662 | Lic.#28307

Rizzo, AnneMarie

Finebloom & Haenel PA 200 N WashingtonBlvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-953-2622 | Lic.#35007

Shaffer, William Bouziane & Shaffer Attorneys at Law LLC

2170 Main St | Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-404-4940 | Lic.#65952

Soler, Joseph E. Soler & Simon Law

2151 Main St | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-444-5128 | Lic.#62044

Solnoki, Drew

The Byrd Law Firm

2151 Main St | Ste 201

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-954-3400 | Lic.#661341

Taylor, Leland

Leland Taylor Esq PL

532 12th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-896-2777 | Lic.#52905

Van Ness, Varinia

Van Ness Law Group

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 9 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-362-3560 | Lic.#910848

Wagner, Dustin S. Lightning Law PLLC

1201 6th Ave W | Ste 100

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-993-4226 | Lic.#98164

Zimmerman, Mark R. Zimmerman & Zimmerman PA

2055 Wood St | Ste 118

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-364-8503 | Lic.#911666

EDUCATION

Windsor, Jane Elizabeth Windsor Law LLC

2014 4th St | Sarasota, FL 34237

941-584-9510 | Lic.#86988

ELDER LAW

Barry, Matthew D

Lyons, Beaudry & Harrison PA

1605 Main St | Ste 1111

Sarasota, FL 34236-5809

941-444-6407 | Lic.#104886

Bennett, Jeanne O’brien & Bennett PA

1800 2nd St | Ste 819

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-316-9200 | Lic.#32881

Bowman, Teresa K. Teresa K. Bowman PA

3277 Fruitville Rd | Ste D-2

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-735-5200 | Lic.#21453

Boyer, Andrew R. Boyer & Boyer PA

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 21

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-2304 | Lic.#35409

Boyer, Edwin M.

Legacy

Boyer & Boyer PA

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 21

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-2304 | Lic.#252719

Buckman, Allie R.

Buckman & Buckman PA

2023 Constitution Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34231

941-923-7700 | Lic.#118584

Butler, Sierra

Butler Elder Law PA

11023 Gatewood Dr | Ste 104

Bradenton, FL 34211

941-254-6611 | Lic.#103145

Byrne, Sean M.

Bach & Jacobs PA

240 S Pineapple Ave | Ste 700

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-906-1231 | Lic.#51988

Casanueva, Melissa Butler Elder Law PA

11023 Gatewood Dr | Ste 104

Bradenton, FL 34211

941-254-6611 | Lic.#105788

Dine, Erika

Dine Elder Law PO Box 110463

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

941-746-3900 | Lic.#634581

Ferrari Jr, John L. Ferrari Butler & Moneymaker PLLC

11023 Gateway Dr | Ste 104

Bradenton, FL 34211

941-960-1676 | Lic.#111132

Johnson II, James E Greene Hamrick Schermer & Johnson PA 410 43rd St W | Ste N Bradenton, FL 34209

941-747-1871 | Lic.#61621

Likens, Christopher A. Christopher A. Likens PA 1800 2nd St | Ste 971 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7838 | Lic.#981303

Lyons, Neil T. Luhrsen Goldberg LLC

6954 Professional Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34240

941-740-6159 | Lic.#91826

O’Brien, Gerald F. Legacy O’Brien & Bennett PA 2750 Ringling Blvd | Ste 3 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-316-9200 | Lic.#768820

Pillion, Kevin Life Planning Law Firm PA 1671 Mound St Sarasota, FL 34236

941-914-6000 | Lic.#70288

Proctor, Rebecca J. Proctor Elder Law PA 3639 Cortez Rd W | Ste 108 Bradenton, FL 34210

941-251-6969 | Lic.#629774

Smith, Daniel H. Law Office of Wiesner/Smith PLLC 328 N Rhodes Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941-242-7270 | Lic.#1006829

Sobel, Donna Irvin Donna Irvin Sobel PA 4900 Manatee Ave W | Ste 206 Bradenton, FL 34209

941-747-0001 | Lic.#370096

Stewart, Alexander A. Stewart & St. Paul Estate Law PLLC 1201 6th Ave W | Ste 100 Bradenton, FL 34205

941-217-7654 | Lic.#122110

Welch, Barbara J. Essenson Law Firm 100 Wallace Ave | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-954-0303 |Lic.#624683

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

BARBARA H. GORMLEY, ESQ. HONOREE | Personal Injury

CONTACT 2831 Ringling Blvd., Suite 214E, Sarasota, Florida 34237

941-366-1290 | barbara@barbarahgormleypa.com | barbarahgormleypa.com

Her practice involves personal injury, including serious and catastrophic injuries, wrongful death as a result of automobile and trucking accidents, pedestrians and bicyclists hit by a motor vehicle, motorcycle accidents, trip/slip and fall cases on commercial and residential properties, negligent security resulting in injury cases, as well as nursing home and assisted living facility abuse cases.

Tell us about yourself.

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

April 16, 1999

All Florida State Courts and the Federal Middle District of Florida

PRACTICE AREAS

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Trucking Accidents

Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

BIO

Over the last 24 years, attorney Barbara H. Gormley has proudly represented only individuals that have been injured as a result of the negligence of another. Ms. Gormley is rated “AV Preeminent” which is the highest level of peer rating and means that her peers, lawyers and judges, have ranked her at the highest level of professional excellence for her legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. Ms. Gormley has provided the highest quality of legal services both inside and out of the courtroom since 1999 and is known for treating every case as if it is going to trial. She represents clients throughout the State of Florida.

Juris Doctor Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Davie, Florida, Deans List Member of the Nova Southeastern University’s Moot Court Honor Society State Bar of Florida, Admitted 1999 U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Florida Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section Member Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association Sarasota County Bar Association

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Since 2014 to the present 2023.

Negligent Security resulting in injury

Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents

Nursing Home and ALF abuse

DEGREES

Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

24 Years

AV Rated Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association

LAW FIRM Law Office of Barbara H. Gormley, P.A.

Wiesner, Ira S.

Law Office of Wiesner/Smith PLLC

328 N Rhodes Ave

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-242-7270 | Lic.#222887

Worley, Jami C.

Worley Elder Law PLLC

4916 26th St W | Ste 152

Bradenton, FL 34207

941-448-1302 | Lic.#1003559

EMINENT DOMAIN

Blucher, Paul A.

Legacy Blucher Law Group PLLC

7300 Delainey Ct

Sarasota, FL 34240

941-361-1145 | Lic.#860409

Moore, S. William

Moore Bowman & Reese PA

551 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 100

Sarasota, FL 34232

941-365-3800 | Lic.#157268

FAMILY LAW

Baily, Allan

Law Offices of Baily & Baily PA

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 18

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-518-4322 | Lic.#138241

Bates-Buchanan, Dawn Marie

Bates-Buchanan & Savitsky Law

Group PA

333 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 298

Venice, FL 34285

941-799-3015 | Lic.#179183

Bell, Lisa Ann

Lisa Bell PA

435 12th St W | Ste 216

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-404-4625 | Lic.#97100

Blue, Deborah J.

Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34232-6438

941-366-4680 | Lic.#522030

Boeller, Sara

Boeller Law PA

2190 S Tamiami Trl

Venice, FL 34293

941-315-8598 | Lic.#37190

FEATURED HONOREES

Bragg, Adam Bragg Law Firm PLLC

2055 Wood St | Ste 209

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-893-1555 | Lic.#71542

Brown, Faith Z.

Brown, Brown & Kuhn 1001 3rd Ave W | Ste 375

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-953-2825 | Lic.#11280

Byrd, Heather The Byrd Law Firm

2151 Main St | Ste 201

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-954-3400 | Lic.#76074

Collins, Peter The Collins Law Group 1800 2nd St | Ste 785

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-9800 | Lic.#90875

Delpech, Melinda A Band Law Group 1 S School Ave | Ste 500

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-917-0505 | Lic.#973238

Drumm, William William Drumm PA

434 S Washington Blvd | #200

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-955-1700 | Lic.#288240

Evans, Natalya Your Family Matters PA 3277 Fruitville Rd | Ste F2

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-275-2785 | Lic.#67277

Flaherty, Mark Flaherty Law Firm

2180 Main St

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-706-2860 | Lic.#114472

Fradley, Patricia Law Office of Tricia Fradley PA 435 12th St W | Ste 217

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-750-8002 | Lic.#138983

Gillett, Carmen R. Carmen R Gillett PLLC 1845 Morrill St

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-9826 | Lic.#375446

Guy, Jeffrey M. Guy Law Group

2170 Main St | Ste 205

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-822-8869 | Lic.#92428

Howell, Lora L. Luhrsen Goldberg LLC

6954 Professional Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34240

941-740-6159 | Lic.#38071

Itts, Erin Ann Itts Law LLC

355 W Venice Ave Venice, FL 34285

941-451-8074 | Lic.#11938

Keane, Dana Keane & Keane Attorneys at Law

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 5 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-7255 | Lic.#30425

King, Amanda M. Syprett Meshad PA

1900 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7171 | Lic.#78996

Kleinberg, Lisa J. Family Law Office of Lisa Kleinberg

1990 Main S | Ste 725 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-306-4126 | Lic.#940010

Loftus, Leslie Loftus Law

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 110

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-444-7278 | Lic.#996440

Manos, Bianca N. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#1002500

Marble, Robert The Law Offices of Robert A. Marble PL

2075 Main St | Ste 18

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-213-7485 | Lic.#32924

McNary, Libby A. McNary Powers PLLC

1904 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-345-1662 | Lic.#78327

Meshberger, Lindsey A. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#36451

Murphy, Stephanie L. The Murphy Law Group

2127 Ringling Blvd | Ste 102

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-584-9570 | Lic.#553751

Policastro, Dan The Law Office of Dan Policastro PL 355 W Venice Ave

Venice, FL 34285

941-882-4367 | Lic.#100788

Poole Jr, Kenneth M. Syprett Meshad PA 1900 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7171 | Lic.#21223

Resnick, Michael L. Syprett Meshad PA 1900 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7171 | Lic.#157765

Rudd, Tinley Marie Law Offices of Tinley M. Rudd Esq 2127 Ringling Blvd | Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-870-3977 | Lic.#22902

Sobel, Edward B. Edward B Sobel PA 4900 Manatee Ave W | Ste 206

Bradenton, FL 34209

941-746-1203 | Lic.#369888

Stalnaker, Kyle Stalnaker Law

6704 Professional Pkwy W Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-359-7825 | Lic.#96961

Tobaygo, Angela D. Tobaygo Law

1266 1st St | Ste 9 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-404-8908 | Lic.#706981

Villaverde, Monica

The Law Offices of Monica Villaverde 1990 Main St | Ste 725 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-284-4985 | Lic.#71014

Wallace, Jaime L. Legacy

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#370665

Wilson, Mark A. Dickinson & Gibbons PA 401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#107431

GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Barnebey, Mark P. Legacy Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#370827

Cohen, Andrew Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson PA 6853 Energy Ct Lakewood Ranch | FL 34240

941-306-4730 | Lic.#89176

Connolly, Michael A. Fournier, Connolly, Shamsey, Mladinich & Polzak PA 1 S School Ave | Ste 700 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-906-1199 | Lic.#341959

Dillard-Spahn, Stacy Law Office of Robert K. Lincoln PA 1517 State St | Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-681-8700 | Lic.#22496

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

MELISSA STRASSNER

BIO

Melissa Strassner is a land use attorney at Berlin Patten Ebling who focuses on land use, zoning, environmental, and development law. Melissa’s knowledge in the field plays a crucial role in guiding clients through the complex landscape of land use regulations and zoning laws. In addition to her legal background, Melissa brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles within an urban planning & engineering firm, a national homebuilding organization, and local government. This diverse background allows her to bridge disparate perspectives and successfully reconcile di ering viewpoints, particularly when community involvement is a factor. Over time, Melissa has honed her ability to fi nd common ground and bring stakeholders together to achieve project goals. One of Melissa’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to strategize and negotiate on behalf of

her clients. She understands land use decisions can a ect property values and development opportunities. Therefore, she works closely with her clients to develop tailored strategies that align with their objectives while adhering to the legal framework. In addition, Melissa’s negotiation skills enable her to secure favorable outcomes for her clients in zoning hearings, public meetings, and administrative proceedings. Melissa also recognizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with local government o cials, planning boards, and other stakeholders involved in land use decisions. She actively engages in the community and builds connections that contribute to her client’s success. Her network and reputation in the field further enhance her ability to advocate e ectively for her client’s interests.

Testimonial

“Melissa’s exceptional work ethic and the dedication of the land use team at BPE contribute greatly to our firm’s position as a leading authority in land use law and practice,” stated Attorney Brenda Patten, a founding Partner at Berlin Patten Ebling. “It is an honor to witness Melissa’s remarkable accomplishments. She has quickly become a leader in the firm and mentor to junior attorneys. With her skill, dedication and client successes, Melissa is recognized by clients and her peers as a preeminent land use and development law attorney.”

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

August 21, 2014

DEGREES

University of Florida

College of Law, J.D. 2013

Honors, cum laude

University of Central Florida

Bachelor of Arts – 2009

Honors, Dean’s List

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Sarasota County

Bar Association

Florida Bar, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Member

Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce

Florida Real Estate Sales

Associate License

PRACTICE AREAS

Administrative Admiralty and Maritime Banking

Business City/County/ Local Government

Civil Litigation

Commercial Litigation Contracts

Real Estate Trial

LAW FIRM

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

CONTACT 3700 S. Tamiami Trl Ste 200, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.954.9991 | mstrassner@berlinpatten.com

Fernandez, Kelly M

Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson PA

6853 Energy Ct

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

941-306-4730 | Lic.#676081

Fournier, Robert M.

The City of Sarasota

1 S School Ave | Ste 700

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-906-1199 | Lic.#262730

Kardash, Regina A.

Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson PA

6853 Energy Ct

Lakewood Ranch | FL 34240

941-306-4730 | Lic.#66381

Menda, Regina

Office of the County Attorney - Sarasota County

1660 Ringling Blvd | Ste 250

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-861-7272 | Lic.#116226

Mooney, Maggie D. Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson PA

6853 Energy Ct

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

941-306-4730 | Lic.#555924

Petruff, Patricia A. Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff & Pratt PLLC

1206 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-4411 | Lic.#260991

Slayton, Amber L. City of North Port

4970 City Hall Blvd

North Port, FL 34286

941-429-7260 | Lic.#116071

HEALTH CARE LAW

Bazzigaluppi, Sara A. Chapman Law Group

6841 Energy Ct | Ste 120

Sarasota, FL 34240

941-893-3449 | Lic.#1008266

FEATURED HONOREES

Moore, John L. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6620 | Lic.#908118

Rosenberg, Alexis Rosenberg Law PA

1895 Floyd St | Ste B

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-373-6777 | Lic.#335400

Rosenberg, Bruce Rosenberg Law PA

1895 Floyd St | Ste B

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-373-6777 | Lic.#994782

Stroud, Robert S. Blalock Walters PA

2 N Tamiami Trl | Ste 408

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-748-0100 | Lic.#783781

IMMIGRATION LAW

Baptiste Sandaire, Stephanie Black Rock Legal Group PLLC

1215 Manatee Ave W | Ste 101

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-404-5775 | Lic.#52761

Jaensch, P. Christopher

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm

2198 Main St

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-9841 | Lic.#72044

Karins, Victoria Jaensch

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm

2198 Main St

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-9841 | Lic.#47333

Olson, Anthony Anthony Olson PA -

Immigration Law Firm

2020 Cattlemen Rd | Ste 100

Sarasota, FL 34232

941-362-7100 | Lic.#228620

Ramos, Jason P. Law Offices of Jason P. Ramos PLLC

306 N Rhodes Ave | Ste 109

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-876-5454 | Lic.#70388

INSURANCE

Nigro, Christopher M. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#56590

Peairs, Jeffrey D. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#875260

Rolfes, A. James Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#373524

Ross, Vanessa Ross Legal Group

1800 2nd St | Ste 765 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-275-1998 | Lic.#28356

Schadt, Rachel Ross Legal Group

1800 2nd St | Ste 765 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-275-1998 | Lic.#127500

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Cherry, Douglas A. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2738 | Lic.#333130

Phillips, Adrienne C. Rising Star

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6601 | Lic.#1032800

Portnow, Adam B.

Law Office of Adam B Portnow PL

100 Wallace Ave | Ste 310

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-373-1797 | Lic.#56807

Stamoulis, Elizabeth M.

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-5546 | Lic.#120765

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Castellano II, Nicholas J. Buckman & Buckman PA

2023 Constitution Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34231

941-923-7700 | Lic.#118601

Chapman, Anne W. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#828491

Collier, Jason A. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2791 | Lic.#733318

Compton, Jennifer B. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2754 | Lic.#128041

Duggan, Patrick J. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2735 | Lic.#899461

Farb, Gail E. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-2557 | Lic.#619191

Fowler, Jennifer M. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-2558 | Lic.#127442

Hines, Kimbrell J.

Rising Star Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-5547 | Lic.#1026028

Joshi, Nikhil N Hultman & Joshi PA

2055 Wood St | Ste 208

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-260-0770 | Lic.#123803

Malatesta, Frank Michael Malatesta Law Office

871 Venetia Bay Blvd | Ste 235 Venice, FL 34285

941-256-3812 | Lic.#97080

Sensenig, Christine Sensenig Law Firm PA 1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-953-2828 | Lic.#74276

LAND USE ENVIRONMENT

Bailey III, Charles D. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-5551 | Lic.#17884

Bailey Jr, Charles D. Legacy Williams Parker Attorneys at Law 200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6609 | Lic.#135878

Brockway, G. Matthew Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-953-8125 | Lic.#52626

Colburn, Casey

The Colburn Firm PL 7321 Merchant Ct | Ste A Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

941-928-6801 | Lic.#647551

Ellis, Bradley J. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA 2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#50659

Fredericks, David J. Anderson, Givens & Fredericks PA 3665 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233

941-866-4348 | Lic.#84185

Gray, Victoria S. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law 200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6633 | Lic.#1018022

Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

MATTHEW B. MAYPER

CONTACT 1515 Ringling Blvd., 10 Floor, Sarasota, Florida 34236

941.957.1900 | mmayper@fergesonskipper.com | FergesonSkipper.com

Art and Whimsy, Inc. His leadership skills and commitment to his craft have also been evident through his past presidency of the Florida State Guardianship Association and as a former member of the Board of Directors of Key Chorale, Inc. and the Board of Trustees of Pines of Sarasota Foundation, Inc. As a tax attorney, Mayper provides comprehensive and customized solutions to his clients. He excels in developing sophisticated estate plans, navigating complex tax matters and facilitating e cient business transactions. His clients greatly benefit from his strategic insights, meticulous approach, and unwavering determination to achieve the best possible outcomes in all their legal matters.

BIO

Board certifi ed in tax law, Matthew B. Mayper is a highly accomplished attorney who is widely recognized for his expertise. A shareholder with Fergeson Skipper, P.A., Mayper’s practice encompasses diverse areas, including estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, business law, mergers and acquisitions, and guardianships. Mayper’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge make him a sought-after legal professional, while his professionalism and impressive track record have earned him immense respect among his peers. In addition to his pivotal roles in the legal community, having served as the chair of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Sarasota County Bar Association, Mayper has been appointed as the chair of Tidewell Hospice’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Board of Directors of Marietta Museum of

When it comes to legal representation, Matthew B. Mayper is one in a million.

MISSION

We are a boutique law fi rm specializing in the areas of federal and state taxation, wills, trusts, and estates. The attorneys at Fergeson Skipper believe that relationships matter most. We provide detailed legal analysis, personal attention, and skill in fi nding options and solutions for a range of legal matters.

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

October 7, 1992

EDUCATION

University of Florida

College of Law, Gainesville, Florida: LL.M. in Taxation - 1993

J.D. with Honors - 1992

MAcc. - 1986

B.A. with Honors - 1985

PRACTICE AREAS

Tax & Estate Planning

Business Organization & Transactions

Estate & Trust Administration

LAW FIRM

Fergeson Skipper

Named a 2022 “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News Best Lawyers Tier 1 Sarasota: Tax, Trusts & Estates Law; Tier 2 Sarasota: Litigation, Trusts & Estates

Grimes, Caleb J.

Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano PL

1023 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0151 | Lic.#264636

Lewis, Alicia J. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2750 | Lic.#101945

Lincoln, Robert K.

Law Office of Robert K. Lincoln PA

2055 Wood St | Ste 206

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-681-8700 | Lic.#6122

Mapes, Sara

Hamilton Price & Marshall PA

2400 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0550 | Lic.#112618

Merrill III, William W.

Legacy

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#341207

Miller, Mariah

Rising Star

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#1032024

Patten, Brenda L.

Legacy

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#383236

Powers, Marisa J.

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#795771

Rees Jr, Stephen D.

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-907-0006 | Lic.#17460

FEATURED HONOREES

FIRST EDITION

Rudacille, Scott E.

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#866121

Seidensticker, Patrick Rising Star

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-907-0006 | Lic.#1018473

Strassner, Melissa Berlin Patten Ebling

3700 S Tamiami Trl

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#111164

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

DEFENSE

Marchbank Jr, Ralph L. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34232

941-366-4680 | Lic.#305571

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE PLAINTIFF

Bucha, Sandra L. McCue Reams Bucha & Associates

607 7th St E

Bradenton, FL 34208

941-500-5492 | Lic.#11780

Chalfant, Marjorie

The Nurse Attorney PA

8039 Cooper Creek Blvd | Ste 105

Bradenton, FL 34201

941-210-4220 | Lic.#738611

Eastmoore, Theodore C.

Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose PA

1626 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-8888 | Lic.#300950

Horne, James James Horne Law

9040 Town Center Pkwy

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-909-1406 | Lic.#98994

McArdle, Patrick S. McArdle Law PA

1023 Manatee Ave W | Ste 411 Bradenton, FL 34205

941-214-7122 | Lic.#99548

PERSONAL INJURY

Battaglia, Alyson

Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP

2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-5599 | Lic.#56548

Brannan, Kamila

Carl Reynolds Law

3030 S Tamiami Trail | Ste 304b Sarasota, FL 34239

941-747-3300 | Lic.#151866

Buckman, Drake

Buckman & Buckman PA

2023 Constitution Blvd Sarasota, FL 34231

941-923-7700 | Lic.#137634

Christine, Karly R. Christine Law PA

5531 Marquesas Cir Sarasota, FL 34233

941-548-9555 | Lic.#91484

Dannheisser, Dan Dannheisser Injury Law

1834 Main St

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7600 | Lic.#248592

Delgado, Jim Shapiro | Delgado | Hofman

308 Cocoanut Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4000 | Lic.#155446

Denny IV, Charles W. Dickinson & Gibbons PA

401 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34232-6438

941-366-4680 | Lic.#488615

DuBose, E. Keith

Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose PA

1626 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-8888 | Lic.#84999

Erjavec, Matthew Erjavec Injury Law

8470 Enterprise Cir | Ste 300 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-907-1133 | Lic.#30262

Fernandez, Stephen Goldman Babboni Fernandez

Murphy & Walsh

2822 University Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34243-2410

941-752-7000 – Bradenton

941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#723673

Goldberg, Christina A. Luhrsen Goldberg LLC

6954 Professional Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34240

941-740-6159 | Lic.#41081

Goldman, David L. Goldman Babboni Fernandez

Murphy & Walsh

2822 University Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34243-2410

941-752-7000 – Bradenton

941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#724300

Gormley, Barbara H. Barbara H. Gormley PA

2831 Ringling Blvd | Ste 214E

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-1290 | Lic.#164747

Hale, Patrick

Hale Law PA

2803 Fruitville Rd | Ste 240

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-735-4529 | Lic.#113304

Harris, Tom Harris Law Group

1226 Fruitville Rd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0860 | Lic.#879614

Iyampillai, Patrick

Hale Law PA

2803 Fruitville Rd | Ste 240

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-735-4529 | Lic.#1001457

Kasweck, Rose

Hale Law PA

2803 Fruitville Rd | Ste 240

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-735-4529 | Lic.#106037

Kenyon, Amy Kenyon Law Group PLLC

1215 Manatee Ave W | Ste 105 Bradenton, FL 34205

941-225-2616 | Lic.#73526

Legler, Kennedy Legacy

Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599 | Lic.#570184

Lindauer, Danielle M. Becker & Lindauer LLC 11023 Gatewood Dr | Ste 103 Bradenton, FL 34211 941-567-6728 | Lic.#44505

Linehan, Gregory Greg Linehan Law 1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-559-4529 | Lic.#87970

Luhrsen, Julie S. Luhrsen Goldberg LLC

6954 Professional Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34240 941-740-6159 | Lic.#163848

Mallard, Damian Mallard Perez PLLC 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-952-1682 | Lic.#882348

Manganiello III, Anthony J. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA 2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-366-8100 | Lic.#52307

Martinez, Kelli Rising Star

Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599 | Lic.#1009766

Murphy, Daniel Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-2410

941-752-7000 – Bradenton

941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#119576

Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

GREGORY P. LINEHAN, ESQ. HONOREE | Personal Injury

BIO

Mr. Linehan is a longtime Sarasota resident having lived here for over 55 years. After completing his studies at the University of Florida, he then attended law school in Miami. He worked in Miami for a brief period of time following law school before relocating back to Sarasota in 1997. Upon his return to Sarasota, Mr. Linehan joined a firm where his primary focus was worker’s compensation law. There he was active in advocating for the rights of injured people in the State of Florida. In addition to the practice of worker’s compensation law, Mr. Linehan began practicing personal injury and Social Security Disability. In 2003, he joined a smaller firm to help expand that firm’s areas of practice and to focus more on personal injury law. In 2022, Mr. Linehan formed his own firm, Greg Linehan Law, in order to provide more personalized and supportive services to his clients. Mr. Linehan practices in all State and Federal Courts throughout Florida.

What Sets Your You/Your Firm Apart From Others?

With more than 26 years of experience practicing law, Greg Linehan is prepared to get a client’s case underway immediately. The same attorney and legal assistant work on each case throughout the entirety of the case. When someone becomes a client of Greg Linehan Law, they will have direct contact with their attorney and legal assistant, as the team works together to take the stress o of the client and their loved ones. All successful outcomes at Greg Linehan Law come about through a concerted team e ort. When our firm helps someone with their injury claim or lawsuit, they can count on our entire team to join forces vigorously on their behalf. Our team will work together to deliver the outcome the each client deserves.

How do you represent, protect and support your clients?

Over the decades, Greg Linehan has established many long-lasting relationships with clients and their families, who in turn, refer others to us in times of need. The multiple areas of practice that we o er allow our firm to deliver personalized and integrated legal services that often involve complementary or overlapping areas of law. For example, we may bring a wrongful death claim while simultaneously guiding a family through the process of setting up an Estate. We may help an injured worker secure support through a workers’ compensation appeal, a third-party liability personal injury case and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time. We take each individual’s ‘big picture’ and work through their case from the ground up to maximize their recovery.

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

September 26. 1996

DEGREES

Juris Doctor, St. Thomas University

Law School

PRACTICE AREAS

Auto Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Workers Compensation

Civil Litigation

Slip & Fall

LAW FIRM

Greg Linehan Law

Perez, Alan L.

Mallard Perez PLLC

889 N Washington Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-952-1682 | Lic.#60409

Reeves, Grace Herman & Wells PA

6151 Lake Osprey Dr | 3rd Fl

Sarasota, FL 34240

727-440-3976 | Lic.#119586

Robertson, Bill

The Robertson Law Firm

330 S Pineapple Ave | Ste 100

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2455 | Lic.#436607

Sammons, Trevor

Hale Law PA

2803 Fruitville Rd | Ste 240

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-735-4529 | Lic.#127423

Shapiro, David Shapiro | Delgado | Hofman

308 Cocoanut Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4000 | Lic.#508764

Telfair, Charles W.

Lutz Bobo & Telfair PA

2 N Tamiami Trl | 5th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236-5574

941-951-1800 | Lic.#883964

Velado, Elizete Mallard Perez PLLC

889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-952-1682 | Lic.#99668

Walsh, Bernard F. Goldman Babboni Fernandez

Murphy & Walsh

2822 University Pkwy

Sarasota, FL 34243-2410

941-752-7000 – Bradenton

941-954-1234 – Sarasota

Lic.#263826

Westheimer, F. Scott

Syprett Meshad PA

1900 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7171 | Lic.#100242

FEATURED HONOREES

PRODUCT LIABILITY

Cowgill, Michael J. Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#1010945

Maglio, Altom M. Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#88005

Sayeg, Ilyas Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main S | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#99140

Stephan, Michele S. Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#96628

Williams, Tamara J. Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710

Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#127625

REAL ESTATE

Allen, Cameron W.

Rising Star

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

8433 Enterprise Cir | Ste 200

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-907-9022 | Lic.#1032034

Battaglia, Joseph B. Battaglia Law PLLC

9040 Town Center Pkwy

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-677-0088 | Lic.#58199

Bauer, Mallory

Rising Star

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#1008343

Belle, Michael J. Law Office of Michael J. Belle 2364 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237

941-955-9212 | Lic.#840882

Berlin, Evan N. Legacy Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC 3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#980919

Brej, Caroleen B. Bentley Goodrich Kison

783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-556-9030 | Lic.#93188

Carr, Kathryn Angell

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2709 | Lic.#363618

Cason, Nancy E. Syprett Meshad PA

1900 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7171 | Lic.#574244

Causey, Kelly

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-907-0006 | Lic.#84567

Chapman Jr, Kenneth D. Bowman, George, Scheb, Kimbrough, Koach & Chapman PA

2750 Ringling Blvd | Ste 3

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-5510 | Lic.#863394

Christie, Nicole F. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-2564 | Lic.#1003223

Christy, Erin Hope

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2732 | Lic.#60510

Coldiron, Natalie Greenberg

Gibson Kohl PL

1800 2nd St | Ste 777

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-1166 | Lic.#99420

Conaboy, Andrew J.

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#114391

Currin, Peter T.

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2030 | Lic.#190446

Desjarlais, Mary Lynn

Mary Lynn Desjarlais PA

2750 Stickney Point Rd | Ste 201

Sarasota, FL 34231

941-923-3388 | Lic.#347469

Dorrill, Saralyn Abel

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2741 | Lic.#3387

Dunlap, Scott W.

Legacy

Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236 ‘

941-366-0115 | Lic.#471844

Ebling, Jamie A.

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#369284

Edwards, Sheryl

The Edwards Law Firm PL

500 S Washington Blvd | Ste 400

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-363-0110 | Lic.#57495

Featherstone, Ryan A.

Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#17824

Fleming, Eric C.

The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming PA

5011 Ocean Blvd | Ste 305 Sarasota, FL 34242

941-225-8877 | Lic.#60327

Glauser, Alexandra Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA 1819 Main St | Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4691 | Lic.#301997

Golm, Crystal D. Golm Law Firm 4916 26th St W | Ste 132 Bradenton, FL 34207

941-704-4049 | Lic.#14794

Gonzalez Moore, Lisa LGM Law, PLC 9040 Town Center Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34202

941-822-8780 | Lic.#484377

Grosso, Jennifer L. Bentley Goodrich Kison 783 S Orange Ave | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-556-9030 | Lic.#637815

Hankin, Michael T. Hankin & Hankin 100 Wallace Ave | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-957-0080 | Lic.#696961

Harris, Ryan T. Rising Star Blalock Walters 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100 | Lic.#1018831

Hermey, Michelle Lajoie Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law 1515 Ringling Blvd | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236 941-957-1900 | Lic.#35911

Horstkamp, Julie A. Horstkamp Law Firm PLLC 901 Venetia Bay Blvd | Ste 260 Venice, FL 34285 941-584-2060 | Lic.#149446

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

ERIC C. FLEMING

BIO

Eric, a fifth-generation Florida Native, received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and MBA from Stetson University School of Business Administration in 2008 after earning a B.A. in Business Management and a minor in Leadership Studies from the University of South Florida. In 2012 Eric founded the Law O ces of Eric C. Fleming with the goal of creating a laid-back boutique law firm focused on assisting clients with their real estate, business, and estate planning needs. In addition to his o ce being on Siesta Key, Eric and his wife Jordan also live on Siesta with their amazing children, Sawyer and Sailor. In their free time, they enjoy partaking in all the splendors of Sarasota such as boating, the beach, and amazing restaurant scene.

What Sets Your You/Your Firm Apart From Others?

We pride ourselves on being very involved in the local community and enjoy serving the needs of others. Eric is on the Board of Directors for several business-centric organizations, including the Argus Foundation, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, and the Bay Area Real Estate Counsel, which allows him to provide knowledge and insight for the betterment of the local community. In addition, Eric and his wife Jordan are on the Board of The Payton Wright Foundation, a local charitable foundation that provides financial assistance to families with children su ering from brain and spinal cancer so they can focus on their child’s care.

How Do You Represent, Protect and Support Your Clients?

Despite the laid back feeling of the o ce, as a real estate attorney, I represent, protect, and support my clients by employing a comprehensive approach to their legal needs. I ensure their investments are protected by conducting thorough due diligence, reviewing contracts, and identifying potential risks. I provide guidance and advice, addressing any concerns or uncertainties they may have.

Additionally, I am committed to providing personalized support, maintaining open lines of communication, and navigating any legal challenges that may arise. Ultimately, my goal on every transaction is to have my clients feel confident and satisfied after a smooth, seamless closing.

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

November 3, 2008

DEGREES

JD/MBA- 2008 Stetson University

PRACTICE AREAS

Real Estate Business Estate Planning

LAW FIRM

The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming, P.A.

CONTACT 5011 Ocean Blvd | Suite 305 | Siesta Key, FL 34242

Infanti, Michael Infanti Law Firm LLC

1661 Ringling Blvd | Ste 3453

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-256-7246 | Lic.#483590

Johnson, Ann S. Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#936561

Jordan, Nicole Nicole Jordan PA

9040 Town Center Pkwy

Bradenton, FL 34202

941-388-8232 | Lic.#12365

Kauffman, Gary

Kauffman Thompson PLLC

1990 Main St | Ste 725

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-479-3006 | Lic.#620981

Kohl, Lauren P. Gibson Kohl PL

1800 2nd St | Ste 777 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-1166 | Lic.#155829

Koontz, Jo Ann Koontz & Associates PL

1613 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-225-2615 | Lic.#29111

Lawrence, Richard Lawrence Advisory PLLC

1800 2nd St | Ste 888

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-479-8500 | Lic.#30463

Luzier, Thomas B. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-893-4005 | Lic.#899194

McComb, William C. Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#87063

McKay, Scott D. McKay Law Firm PA

1904 Manatee Ave W | Ste 300

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-251-4951 | Lic.#187800

FEATURED HONOREES

Najmy, Louis J. Najmy Thompson PL

1401 8th Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-2216 | Lic.#158402

Nohren, Alyssa M.

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#352410

Pflugner, J. Geoffrey

Legacy Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-907-0006 | Lic.#152304

Pitchford, Jan W. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2710 | Lic.#507784

Plummer, Matthew R. Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#51404

Price, Nicole M. Rising Star

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#1008117

Riddell, Cynthia A. Riddell Law Group

3400 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 202

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-366-1300 | Lic.#51456

Rosin, Andrew Law Offices of Andrew W. Rosin PA 1966 Hillview St

Sarasota, FL 34239

941-359-2604 | Lic.#598305

Ryskamp, Patrick W. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law 200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2035 | Lic.#178179

Saba, Richard D. Law Office of Richard D. Saba PA

2033 Main St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-952-0990 | Lic.#175810

Scarlett Jr, Donald W. Ulrich Scarlett Watts & Dean PA

713 S Orange Ave | Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-955-5100 | Lic.#138101

Selvaraj, Natasha

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#124513

Smith, T.R.

Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

8433 Enterprise Cir | Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-907-9022 | Lic.#104549

Sorrell, Benjamin C.

Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-3505 | Lic.#127208

Staggs, Matthew A.

Rising Star

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#1011118

Thompson, Matthew J.

Kauffman Thompson PLLC

1990 Main St | Ste 725

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-479-3006 | Lic.#28555

Tullidge, Amanda C.

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#106698

Villaveces, Juan C. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2765 | Lic.#188042

Walker, Adron H. Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron & Shea PLLC

3119 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-741-822 | Lic.#302287

Walters III, Clifford L. Legacy

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#221971

Wickman, John E. Wickman Law Group PLLC

46 N Washington Blvd | Ste 15

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-259-6100 | Lic.#46884

SECURITIES LAW

Clayton, Drew Legacy

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#739464

Fanto, James E. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2764 | Lic.#1004144

Graham, Worth

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#92417

Taaffe, Michael S. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2720 | Lic.#490318

SPORTS LAW

Unkel, Christina Unkel Law PLLC

5020 Clark Rd | Ste 301

Sarasota, FL 34233

813-816-2775 | Lic.#99203

TAX LAW

Fergeson Jr, James O.

Legacy Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law

1515 Ringling Blvd | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-957-1900 | Lic.#171298

King, Mary E Law Office of Mary E. King PL 3389 Magic Oak Ln Sarasota, FL 34232

941-906-7585 | Lic.#987001

Mayper, Matthew B. Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law

1515 Ringling Blvd |10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-957-1900 | Lic.#956820

McLaughlin, Thomas J. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2042 | Lic.#772291

Wagner II, E John Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2037 | Lic.#167551

TRAFFIC LAW

Haenel, David The Law Place

1414 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239

941-444-4444 | Lic.#494712

TRIBAL LAW

Levinson, Pamela G. Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm

1605 Main St | Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236

888-952-5242 | Lic.#538345

WILLS

Archbold, Allison J. Allison Archbold Law Firm PA 2389 Ringling Blvd | Ste A Sarasota, FL 34237

941-960-8825 | Lic.#115088

Burchett, Charla M. Legacy Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-3780 | Lic.#813230

FIRST EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

DAMIAN MALLARD, ESQ.

CONTACT 889 N Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 941.952.1682 | dmallard@mallardperez.com | mallardperez.com

BIO

Damian Mallard is a BoardCertified Expert Attorney in the field of Civil Trial Litigation with over 32 years’ experience. His law practice includes all types of Negligence cases with a special emphasis on cases involving Nursing Home/ALF abuse, Institutional Child Abuse, Construction Site Injuries, Catastrophic Auto Accidents, and various types of Premises Liability cases. He has an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Preeminent rating is only earned through blind peer review evidencing elite legal ability. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by approximately 2% of lawyers in Florida. He is the Vice President of the Manasota Trial Lawyer’s Board (Sarasota/Bradenton area), an Eagle Member of Florida Justice Association (which advocates for consumer rights) and has been a

Board Member of that organization since 2014. He has tried cases in fourteen di erent cities in Florida and has obtained several million or multimillion-dollar verdicts and/ or settlements for his clients. Mr. Mallard is particularly proud of the fact that he has represented men, women, children, and young adults in claims for Institutional sexual abuse against churches, schools, day care centers and other organizations, most notably, the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Mallard graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1990 where he served on the Editorial Board of the Stetson Law Review. He has authored books on Auto Negligence Law, Nursing Home/ALF Abuse, and Child Abuse/Injury cases. He has been married for 29 years and has two daughters.

MISSION

Mallard Perez provides legal services to individuals who have been harmed in Nursing homes, ALFs, Catastrophic Auto Accidents, Institutional Child/ Sex Abuse matters, Construction Injuries, Medical Malpractice and Premises Liability matters. We treat each client with compassion and respect and provide one-one personal assistance and service to each client.

Testimonials

“There are no words to express our overwhelming thanks. May God pour out blessings on every one of you.”

“The Compassion and Professionalism from everyone at your firm helped me get through this most devastating event.”

FLORIDA BAR

DATE OF ADMISSION

April 30, 1991

DEGREES

J.D. Stetson University College of Law 1990.

PRACTICE AREAS

Car & Truck Accidents

Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents

Slip & Fall Iniuries

Child Abuse

Nursing Home/ALF Abuse

Medical Malpractice

Construction Iniuries

Boating Accidents

COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT

M.A.D.D.

The Salvation Army

Toy Drive each Christmas

The Special Olympics, Many other worthwhile endeavors

LAW FIRM

Mallard Perez, PLLC

Drean, Robert A.

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#81685

Elmore, Douglas J. Williams Parker Attorneys At Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6637 | Lic.#20858

Fowler, Christopher J. Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos PA

1819 Main St | Ste 610

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-954-4691 | Lic.#104085

Frano, Rose-Anne B. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2033 | Lic.#592218

Gans, Richard R. Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law

1515 Ringling Blvd | 10th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236

941-957-1900 | Lic.#40878

Gerling, Dana Laganella

Affordable Attorney

Gerling Law Group

6148 State Rd 70 E Bradenton, FL 34203

941-756-6600 | Lic.#503991

Gerling, Rodney

Affordable Attorney

Gerling Law Group

6148 State Rd 70 E

Bradenton, FL 34203

941-756-6600 | Lic.#554340

Glaser, Whitney C. Whitney C. Glaser PA

3027 Manatee Ave W | Ste B

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-241-8266 | Lic.#59072

Goethe, Jeffrey S. Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron & Shea PLLC

3119 Manatee Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34205

941-741-8224 | Lic.#861420

FEATURED HONOREES

FIRST EDITION

Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.

Gordon, Cheryl L.

Legacy

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2706 | Lic.#284483

Gregoria, Ric

Legacy Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

941-536-2031 | Lic.#908551

Guy, Scarlett R.

Guy Law

2170 Main St | Ste 205

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-822-8869 | Lic.#627623

Hamrick, Michael M.

Greene Hamrick Schermer & Johnson PA 410 43rd St W | Ste N Bradenton, FL 34209

941-747-1871 | Lic.#290556

Heedy, Alisa M. Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-552-2569 | Lic.#119749

Heedy, David B. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2794 | Lic.#119196

Hodson, Ashley S. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

240 S Pineapple Ave | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-364-2723 | Lic.#64883

Jones, Lindsey E.

Bach, Jacobs & Byrne PA

240 S Pineapple Ave | Ste 700

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-906-1231 | Lic.#1003292

Kaplan, Todd D

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-907-0006 | Lic.#613371

Korszen, Dorothy L. Farr, Farr, Emerich, Hackett, Carr & Holmes PA

237 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285

941-484-1996 | Lic.#765317

Meltzer, Jenna Kyle

Rising Star

Blalock Walters PA

802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-0100 | Lic.#1028517

Najmy, Joseph L. Najmy Thompson PL

6320 Venture Dr | Ste 104 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941-907-3999 | Lic.#847283

Payne, David W. The Payne Law Group PLLC

766 Hudson Ave | Ste C Sarasota, FL 34236

941-487-2800 | Lic.#958530

Peal, Gary W. Berlin Patten Ebling PLLC

3700 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239

941-954-9991 | Lic.#438650

Riccardi, Jordan J. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#100363

Robinson, M. Brandon Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Robinson PLLC

3119 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-741-8224 | Lic.#119364

Savary Jr, Johnson S. Dunlap & Moran PA

22 S Links Ave | Ste 300

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-366-0115 | Lic.#162220

Searles, Joleen Searles & Gornitsky PLLC

1819 Main St | Ste 603 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-417-0096 | Lic.#30591

Silberstein, David M. Silberstein Law Firm PLLC

1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 860

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-953-4400 | Lic.#436879

Troiano, Jeffrey T Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

200 S Orange Ave

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-329-6638 | Lic.#31557

Tullidge, Daniel L. Fergeson Skipper PA Attorneys at Law

1515 Ringling Blvd | 10th Fl

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-957-1900 | Lic.#106749

Waskom, John J. Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg PA

2033 Main St | Ste 600

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-8100 | Lic.#962181

Waskom, Elsbeth Muirhead Gaylor Steves Waskom LLP

901 Ridgewood Ave

Venice, FL 34285

941-484-3000 | Lic.#932140

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

Annunciata, Amanda

Berlin Law Firm LLC

200 N Washington Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-777-7000 | Lic.#115553

Berlin, Stephen Berlin Law Firm LLC

200 N Washington Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-777-7000 | Lic.#44910

Christiansen, Eric M. Lancaster & Eure PA

711 N Washington Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7575 | Lic.#681245

Cromley, Terri F. Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett

714 Manatee Ave E | Ste C Bradenton, FL 34208 9

941-747-3100 | Lic.#118230

Eure, Rosemary B. Lancaster & Eure PA

711 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

941-365-7575 | Lic.#797782

Ingram, Mark W. Ingram & Bunecky PA

7365 Merchant Ct | Ste 8 Sarasota, FL 34240

941-358-7880 | Lic.#102423

Murphy, Edward Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP

2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

941-748-5599 | Lic.#67792

FLORIDA BARADMISSION

September 26, 2008

DEGREES

Bachelor of Science, Ferrum College, 2002

Juris Doctorate, Coastal School of Law, 2008

PRACTICE AREAS

Criminal Defense

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Forty Carrots

Key to the Cure Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance

Americans Inn of Court

Sarasota County Bar Association

Manatee County Bar Association

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

JAMES FOWLER

HONOREE | Criminal Defense

CONTACT 2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

941.404.8909 | jfowler@teamflg.com | thefowlerlawgroup.com

BIO

James Fowler is the founding partner of Fowler Law Group, P.A. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI o enses, driver’s license suspensions and tra c cases. He is a 4th generation native of Sarasota County with strong ties to the local community. James served as a prosecutor with the O ce of the State Attorney in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As a prosecuting attorney he handled numerous DUI, misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and received specialized training from the Florida Tra c Safety Resource Prosecution Program in the areas of drugged drivers and DUI refusal cases and Motion Practice. He has been recognized as a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers Association from 2014 – 2020. He has been named to Super Lawyers Magazine list of “Rising Stars” from 2014 – 2020. James has also been nominated for Judicial Appointment by the 12th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission three times in as many years. James has been featured in numerous publications throughout his career; most notably Forbes, Entrepreneur, Hu Post, and Business Insider.

CHARLES W. TELFAIR, IV

HONOREE | Personal Injury

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

May 10, 1991

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship, in 1987

Attended Officer Basic School at Fort McClellan 1988

Juris Doctorate, Stetson University College of Law in 1990, Stanley Milledge Award

Retired from the US Army Reserves as Captain in 2000

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

32 years

LAW FIRM

Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, Trial Lawyers

BIO

Charles W. Telfair IV is a Personal Injury Attorney. Telfair began his career at Holland and Knight back in 1989. Holland and Knight chose to relocate to Tampa and Lutz, Bobo and Telfair opened its doors in April of 1992. Through his career Telfair has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest corporations in the world: Tropicana, Volvo Penta, Stanely Bostich, to name a few. Telfair believes accessibility and honesty are what his clients appreciate the most. Personal Injury law is personal. Telfair puts forth his energy, knowledge and time to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.

MISSION Lutz, Bobo & Telfair is an AV rated law firm, by Martindale Hubbell. This means that our peers have given us the highest rating for both ethics and legal ability. Here at Lutz, Bobo & Telfair we are privileged to work with you, and we are honored to share our experience with you. At Lutz, Bobo and Telfair we treat our clients the way we prefer to be treated.

ANDREW POUGET

HONOREE | Criminal Defense

CONTACT 2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

941.404.8909 | andrew@teamflg.com | thefowlerlawgroup.com

BIO

Andrew Pouget is a lifelong student of the law and vigilant advocate for justice. He understands that success is earned by hard work, determination, quality legal research, and framing arguments with precision and articulation. His passion for law is the driving force that compels him to take the extra step, and he does not quit until he achieves the best possible result for his clients. Since matriculating in 2018, Andrew has continued the fi rm’s legacy of providing high-quality criminal defense to Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa. Andrew’s depth of legal knowledge and proficiency in legal writing provides an essential element to FLG’s comprehensive approach to criminal defense, and his aptitude for appellate practice sets FLG apart as a full-service criminal defense fi rm in the SRQ area.

CYNTHIA RIDDELL

CONTACT 3400 S. Tamiami Trail | Suite 202 | Sarasota, FL 34239

941.366.1300 | criddell@rlglawfirm.com | rlglawfirm.com

BIO

Cynthia A. Riddell is the managing attorney at Riddell Law Group. She is admitted to practice in Florida as well as the U.S. District Court in and for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in and for the Middle District of Florida. She focuses her practice on transactional residential and commercial Real Estate Closings and Title Insurance. She is a Director on the Board for the Sarasota County Bar Association and a member of the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar as well as the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar. She received her B.A. in History from University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and her Juris Doctor from Stetson College of Law, St. Petersburg, Florida. Cynthia grew up in Sarasota and returned to the area after law school to join her father, Je Riddell, in the practice areas of real estate, bankruptcy and estate planning. Prior to attending law school, Cynthia worked as a Florida licensed title agent for Riddell Title & Escrow, closing both residential and commercial real estate transactions.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

16 years

DEGREES

University of Detroit Mercy, Suma Cum Laude, Majors in philosophy, political science, and pre-law Detroit College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, Juris Doctorate

Certificates in Trial Practice and Criminal Law

PRACTICE AREAS

DUI Defense, Criminal Appeals

Criminal Law

RECOGNITION

3rd year SRQ ‘Elite Top Attorneys’

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

April 21, 2008

DEGREES

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Arts

PRACTICE AREAS

Real Estate Closings

Title Insurance

Real Estate Litigation

Foreclosure

Short Sales Bankruptcy Law

Probate Administration

Business & Commercial Law

Contracts

Real Estate Law

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

AND MEMBERSHIPS

Member Real Property Probate & Trust Law Section of Florida Bar

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

January 19, 1979

PRACTICE AREAS

Business Litigation

Construction Litigation

Real Estate Litigation

DEGREES

BA University of Florida; Juris Doctorate UF

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

30+ years

LAW FIRM

Sanchez Law, PLLC

ALBERT A. SANCHEZ, JR. HONOREE

| Business Litigation

CONTACT 2055 Wood St. | Suite 220 | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.366.0001 |

a.com | sanchezlawfl a.com

BIO

Albert Sanchez obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida with High Honors and his Juris Doctorate from UF where he was a Member and Editor of the UF Law Review. He has practiced law in Sarasota for over 30 years. During this period, from 1997-2012, he was also the managing partner of a real estate development and homebuilding company and a licensed contractor. This business experience has given him additional insight into how best to advise his clients when faced with a business, construction or real estate dispute.

Mr. Sanchez is a member of the Florida Supreme Court Business and Contracts Jury Instruction Committee. Practice Areas: Business, Construction and Real Estate Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

About the firm. Sanchez Law provides legal advice in the resolution of business, construction and real estate disputes based on a two-step process. Initially, Mr. Sanchez performs with his client a thorough review and analysis of the facts relevant to the dispute and the law applicable to the dispute. Once this investigative analysis is performed and the client is advised of how di erent interpretations of applicable law might a ect his/her chances of success, discussions proceed to determine the best strategy for the client going forward. This approach seeks to assist the client in making sound decisions when weighing the costs, risks and rewards of a business, construction or real estate dispute.

CHRISTINE SENSENIG

HONOREE | Labor & Employment

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

February 22, 1996

DEGREES

University of South Florida, B.A., B.A., 1988, and MLA 1992

University of Florida

Levin College of Law, J.D. 1995

RECOGNITION

Florida Trend Magazine

Legal Elite, 2009-2023

SuperLawyer, 2015-2023

University of South Florida

Alumni Leader of the Year, 2009, AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell

LAW FIRM

Sensenig Law Firm

BIO

Christine Sensenig is the managing partner of The Sensenig Law Firm, P.A. She provides human resources and employment law advice as well as litigation defense to employers of all sizes in all aspects of the employment relationship. To build strong long-term relationships with clients, the Firm explores the “why” behind a client’s concerns. In employment law, clients have needs in “real time” and the Firm believes in being an accessible resource to our clients. Christine Sensenig is grateful to have been recognized in her community by colleagues that she respects and admires as a member of SRQ Magazine’s Elite Top Attorneys.

“I do my best because I am counting on you counting on me.”

— Maya Angelou

CASEY COLBURN

HONOREE | Land Use, Environmental Law

CONTACT 7321 Merchant Ct. | Ste A | Sarasota, FL 34240

941.928.6801 | 850-692-9656 | Casey@CaseyColburn.com | caseycolburn.com

BIO

Mr. Colburn’s Florida-based boutique law practice is devoted to the acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of real estate. Casey assists landowners with zoning and permitting in the retail shopping center, waterfront, hospitality and residential sectors. He helps property owners and governments to properly apply FEMA’s “50% Rule” and other environmental, wetland, protected species, dock and navigation regulations. He leads due diligence teams for investor, merger, and portfolio deals. Casey also participates in the development and implementation of environmental rules, cleanup actions, renewable energy technologies, ethical practices, conservation and sustainable strategies. He has lectured about his experience with these topics. A significant part of his practice now involves co-counsel relationships with other lawyers and law fi rms from across the country. “Being brought in to assist a colleague’s valued client is a high honor, much like being recognized again this year by my talented local peers. Thank you, SRQ.”

KYLE STALNAKER

HONOREE | Family Law

CONTACT 6704 Professional Parkway W. | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941.359.7825 | Stalnakerlawfirm.com

BIO

Kyle Stalnaker received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and his law degree from Stetson Law. Having played collegiate lacrosse at Cal Berkeley, attorney Stalnaker has shifted his aggressive style to the legal representation of his clients. For over 12 years, Kyle has gained his clients’ trust through relentless advocacy, responsive communication, and results driven performance.

What Sets Your You/Your Firm Apart From Others?

Family law and personal injury clients seek out a lawyer because they need help with a divorce, a child related issue, or have been injured in an accident. A keen awareness that these complicated issues require constant communication and compassion is what sets Stalnaker Law apart from other attorneys at the onset. Once the client’s actual case gets going, attorney Stalnaker’s courtroom confidence and sharp legal knowledge results in continued success.

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

September 17, 2003

Also licensed in Pennsylvania

PRACTICE AREAS

Zoning | Land Use

Environmental | Real Estate

Sustainability | Due Diligence

FEMA | Development

Permitting | Wetlands

Green Building | Waterfront

Permitting | Conservation

Riparian Rights | Docks

Contaminated Site Remediation

Redevelopment | Code

Enforcement | Ethics | Copyright

Shopping Center Law

LAW FIRM

The Colburn Firm, PL

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

June 12, 2012

DEGREES

UC Berkeley (Undergrad) and Stetson Law

PRACTICE AREAS

Family Law

Personal Injury

LAW FIRM

Stalnaker Law, P.A.

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

September 24, 1998

EDUCATION

Stetson University College of Law and Miami University

PRACTICE AREAS

Charitable 501c3 vehicles and Planned Giving Techniques Compliance with Regulations Concerning Foundations

LAW FIRM Community Foundation of Sarasota County

BETSY PENNEWILL

Honoree | Estate Planning, Trusts, Real Estate BIO

CONTACT 2635 Fruitville Rd | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.556.7152 | cfsarasota.org

Betsy Pennewill serves as General Counsel at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, working with donors and professional advisors to craft planned giving agreements and ensuring compliance with IRC regulations for foundations. She is also skilled in real estate transactions and estate planning matters. Pennewill is a member of the Public Policy Committee of Philanthropy Southeast and the past board chair of Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida.

Tell us about yourself and your firm. Community Impact Powered by Philanthropy: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County unites people and organizations to create opportunities across generations to improve lives. Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, cause, community. Be The One.

METHODOLOGY: To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verifi cation, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments. Final note. We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list. Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

culture city

A VERY LATE ARRIVAL

After a decades-long delay, the historic Circus Train Car Museum finally rolls into the station.

Phil Lederer

This page: Opening Image: George Miller (pictured) and Mary Huba of the Venice Area Historical Society devoted more than a decade to creating the Circus Train Car Museum in Venice.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

culture city

WHEN THE TRAIN FINALLY PULLED INTO THE STATION, it was approximately 18 years overdue. Whatever tickets may have been purchased for such a voyage had surely outgrown such things, fumbled through puberty and were now of legal age to tramp around in other countries and shoot the local inhabitants. The ticket holders probably just took a bus instead. Still, Mary Huba and George Miller celebrated as they watched the old car roll down the tracks towards the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot. It was the end of something and the beginning of something and all the stars previously crossed began to align in a constellation of success.

SETTING THE STAGE AND A SMALL SERIES OF FIRES

The fight technically began in the 1980s, when a proud Venetian by the name of Rollins W. Coakley began his 20-year campaign to restore the local train depot to its former municipal glory, but the promise was made in 2003, when the railroad-themed park at the end of the Legacy Trail in Venice opened. The depot was indeed restored and refurbished, to become a small museum showcasing the city’s historical reliance on the farreaching connections maintained by the railroad— including not just the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus but the Kentucky Military Institute, which preferred to hold winter classes in the Florida clime. Joining the museum on that pastoral spread of rolling green, a restored Louisville & Nashville 6445 caboose gleaming bright red in Seaboard Railroad livery and a whole railroad-themed playground for children maintained the motif while a towering statue of the famous animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams reminded visitors of the particular magic carted from city to city on such railbound conveyance.

But something remained missing. An absence felt keenly by those who had a hand in the planning of the whole thing, embodied in a small unclaimed spur of

track jutting into the green like a broken promise. Plans to procure a genuine circus train car and turn it into a mini-museum on the history of the circus in Venice had fallen through. And with the opening of the park, the political will had been expended. The story was over and most were looking for a new show. In 2005, Sarasota County officially named the park after Coakley and two years later the man himself died.

“And these tracks have been here since 2003,” Miller says, “empty as can be.”

There was a time when the sight of the old locomotive chugging down the tracks brought nearly the whole town of Venice to a Schrodingerian contradiction—paralyzed with a frenzy of activity. Like a mechanical snake 50 cars long, this monstrous metal python wended its way southward full of magic and mystery to be deposited at the depot in the form of tumbling clowns and majestic elephants, high-flying aerialists and brave animal wranglers, all debarking for a triumphant parade down Venice Avenue. Folks thronged to the depot, crowded the tracks and lined the streets. Businesses closed down as employees hung out of windows or congregated on rooftops for a

Left: Close Ups of Arena Miniature: Venice artist Bill Dovel spent 18 months recreating the original Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Arena in painstaking detail for this original miniature housed in the Circus Train Car Museum. Right: George Miller standing in the museum: When one job finishes another begins and George Miller now serves as docent at the Circus Train Car Museum he helped bring to Venice.Gunther Gebel-Williams Poster: A famed animal trainer, Gunther Gebel-Williams would have had a whole car to himself and traveled in relative luxury with his family.

better view. Even children were let loose from their scholastic prisons to gawk at the strange visitors and their secret ways. The circus rolled into town every year for more than 30 years—1960-1992—and in its heyday brought prosperity and population to a town that held fewer than 1,000 souls before its arrival. Irvin Feld built a performance arena and a clown college. Elephants marched in the town holiday parade. A grand circus train emblazoned with the words, “Venice, Florida: The Winter Home of the Greatest Show on Earth,” carried word of this proud, sleepy haven to all corners of this strange and misshapen country every year and a Venice priest blessed it before it did.

But three decades is pretty good for an American romance and as the tracks fell to disrepair over the years, so did the depot and eventually the relationship itself between the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus and the City of Venice. The train took off from the Venice depot for the final time in 1993. The clown college closed three years after that.

The Venice Circus Arena held on until 2014 before being shuttered and demolished, but by then Huba and Miller had picked up Coakley’s torch and begun starting fires all around Venice.

TENDING THE FLAME AND A FORTUITOUS FIND

Husband and wife transplants from New York, Miller and Huba’s circus memories stem from up north but run deep all the same. Arriving in Venice, they found a small town steeped in outsized history and soon became involved with the Venice Area Historical Society. It wasn’t long before the pair were heading up the VAHS Circus Train Car Project. Their singular goal: to finish what Coakley started all those years ago.

Plucking up the torch and waving it aloft, Huba and Miller set about searching for an available train car suitable to their singular needs. “At the time, we had absolutely no hope of finding an actual car that had

culture city

This spread: Chuck Sidlow Posters and Bunk Photo: In “Clown Alley,” the Circus Train Car Museum pays tribute to famed local clown Chuck “Chuck-O” Sidlow and recreates the cramped quarters available to circus performers on such a train, from the lowly “bunk and a trunk” to Sidlow’s Stateroom and famed animal trainer Gunther Gebel-William’s luxurious lounge.

culture city

been owned by Ringling,” says Miller. Five years later, the Ringling Bros traveling circus would close and cars could be found “on every street corner,” but they were scarce in 2012. So the two sifted through published directories of train cars for sale, looking for something feasible—and within their means.

“The trick is not paying for the train car,” says Miller. “It’s paying for the transportation to get it here.” In some places, an old car can just be rolled down on the tracks it was built for, but more often requires special transportation where tracks are not available. And even if a course can be charted by rail, any sizable journey cross-country entails riding rails owned by several different companies—and each one wants a fee. “Pretty soon, you’re talking real money,” says Miller.

The pair worked diligently but the project really picked up steam when they received a call from the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish. They had a train car for sale. The previous owner had been the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

It was called the “Short Leaf Pine” and had been built in 1953 as a Pullman sleeper car for Louisville & Nashville Railroad. After a brief stint as a dormitory car for the now-defunct Auto-Train, it landed in the hands of Irvin Feld and the Ringling traveling circus. Feld had grand plans for the car as part of a brand new third unit called “The Monte-Carlo Circus,” which would gather all of the winners from the annual Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in France and bring them to American audiences all across the nation. “Ultimately, it was an experiment that didn’t work,” says Miller, noting the cultural divide between French performers and an audience that thought the Monte Carlo was a car.

In the end, the Short Leaf Pine served as residence for the circus bandmaster and a small retinue of musicians, as well as a whole host of instruments crammed in. Its brakes were checked for the final time, in Venice, in 1993, but the car itself was left behind, for aesthetic reasons, when the train departed for its cross-country tour the following year. Somewhere around Lakeland, the train jumped the rails, resulting in two fatalities.

The Florida Railroad Museum purchased the car shortly after, with plans to convert it into a gift shop, but those plans never materialized and in 2014 Huba and Miller started fundraising in earnest to buy the car, bring it to Venice and turn it into a museum. By 2021, with help from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Kathleen K. Catlin Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and a flood of individual donations, the effort raised more than $350 thousand. “Half of that was from individuals,” says Huba. “Donations ranged from $5 to $42 thousand.” More than that, the support was unwavering, despite setbacks along the way. “People are very excited and they’ve been very patient,” she says.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

culture city

A HAZARDOUS HURDLE AND A GRAND REVEAL

It was January 28, 2021 when the Short Leaf Pine finally rolled down those tracks to occupy that little spur Coakley laid down for it almost 20 years prior. Freshly painted, sleek and silver with “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey” ribboned down the side and a big badge proclaiming “The Greatest Show On Earth,” it looked a lot different than it had in 2016, when the Venice Area Historical Society first purchased it.

“Fairly respectable,” Miller says today of the car’s condition then. Huba elaborates. While the old train car was certainly bursting with genuine Ringling Bros. circus history, it was also bursting with asbestos and coated in lead paint, to boot. Ostensibly weighing the pros and cons of opening a museum exhibition destined to hospitalize its patrons, Huba and Miller set about fundraising once more, this time to gut and rehab the

whole 85-foot-long car. A local Venice outfit—UniGlide Trailer—took care of the job and, finally, all that remained was to install the exhibition.

Boarding the train today, visitors can see what drove Huba and Miller to dedicate nearly a decade of their lives to the project. Gone is the rotting wood and carcinogenic interior, the low ceiling and dirty floor, replaced with stark white walls under a polished and painted and gently curved shell—rather much like a modern gallery space squeezed into a train car, which is exactly what it is. And those walls now stand bedecked with circus history, telling the strange, proud tale of a small Florida town and the circus that loved her.

So when the Circus Train Car Museum finally celebrated its grand opening with clowns and model trains and a pair of genuine Wallendas working the high-wire, Huba knew it was worth the wait. And the work. “We’re hoping people realize that Venice is a special place,” she says. “That this is a place where magic happened.” SRQ

Left: Clown Poster: Circus posters pay tribute to a long history of clowning in Venice.

What vision do you have as an Executive Chef that will set you apart from other local country clubs? Our team’s plan is to create an infusion of Floridian cuisine that our members will find creative, fresh, original, and delicious. Florida’s culinary history is founded on a mélange of numerous gastronomical regions. With this, we will offer our members a unique variety and style of culinary eats.

How would you describe the Club’s menu and is there an overall theme to the menu? Our premise is Floridian with a healthy dose of Caribbean cuisine and some infusion of Spanish, Italian, French, Cuban, African, and Greek fare. This is our vision of Floribbean.

What kind of food-centered social events does your club offer? We offer monthly wine dinners by specific regions that complement each other; Fiesta Fridays; and Corks, Forks & Canvas, to name a few. We’re also super excited to introduce Bradenton Country Club’s Chef Underground - a combination of exclusive seasonal and rare ingredients, molecular science, finished with a unique presentation. This will be exclusive to our members with limited seating.

What has been the most intriguing aspects of your role as Bradenton Country Club’s Executive Chef? I’d have to say the most intriguing aspect so far is the excitement around creating an exquisite fine dining experience for our members. A very close second is the day-to-day personal interaction I get to have with our members, their guests, and our staff at the club. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention how much I love working with future culinary artists - being not just a mentor to them, but also the student. I’ve learned a great deal from them and the cuisines of their varied cultural backgrounds.

A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE

Bradenton Country Club has set the standard in sports and social activities in the area for nearly one hundred years.

Founded in 1924, Bradenton Country Club is home to an award-winning Donald Ross golf course, seven clay Tennis Courts, six Pickleball Courts, Fitness Facility, Swim Center, and a stately Clubhouse providing Fine Dining & numerous Social Events, Bradenton Country Club provides unmatched services and activities to its members and their guests. Our mission is to deliver a fun, relaxed, legacy-rich lifestyle by providing the highest quality amenities in a welcoming atmosphere with a unique, personalized service.

forage

ON TAPA THE WORLD

Using Spanish tapas as their culinary medium, the team behind State Street encourages a new dining perspective at Beso. Laura Paquette

This page:

The Sandía de Jerez, Pintxos Mixtos comprised of Pan Con Tomate, Pan Amb Oli and Pan de Aceitunas Picanha, Almendrado and the Buenas Noches cocktail make for una cena deliciosa (a delicious dinner).

THEY SAY THAT GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES, and nowhere does this statement ring more true than at Beso, Sarasota’s new tapas restaurant. Dreamed up by husband and wife Chris and Kirk Voelker, and their restaurant partner Jason Waganheim, who make up the team behind State Street Eating House + Cocktails, Beso and its dedicated staff use Spanish tapas to invite Sarasotans to broaden their horizons and transform their view of traditional dining.

Tapas originated in Spain, and throughout the centuries, the custom of going out to eat tapas has become synonymous with the country. Spaniards spend many an evening munching on a variety of these smallerportioned dishes, often with a beer or other beverage, allowing them to sample many flavors. Late at night, Spanish streetside cafés are filled with guests crowded around the table, chatting and sharing their tapas. Tapas culture emphasizes sharing food and embracing the ability to connect with others over a delicious meal, which diners have been looking to experience following the pandemic. A labor of love, the process of developing Beso was akin to that of eating tapas. Every member of the Beso team joined together to fashion an engaging environment serving elevated cuisine. The team says that the Sarasota market was missing this dining and social concept which gives guests the ability to come as they are and be quick or sit for long periods of time.

“We have small plates designed for sharing,” says Waganheim. “There are no courses—no appetizers and no entrees. There’s a fluidity to the dining experience.”

In deconstructing the preconceived notions of the structure of a meal, the entire staff, from servers with a penchant for the Picanha steak, to the chefs, encourages patrons to embrace this age-old style of dining popular

in the Iberian peninsula. “Our food is rooted in Iberian cuisine—think Spain, Portugal, Southern France and the Basque country—but we play with it. We by all means are not your traditional tapas restaurant,” he adds. The menu reflects this duality.

Classic dishes, like the bread-based pintxos, Pan Con Tomate, Pa Amb Oli and Pan de Aceitunas open a palettesized portal to Iberia, celebrating the respective flavors of tomato and garlic; tomato, garlic, manchego cheese and jamón as well as olives. In these pintxos, either tomatoes and crushed garlic, an olive spread or manchego cheese and ham top small pieces of toast. Other famous dishes include Tortilla Española, Churros con Chocolate and Paella. Patrons familiar with Spanish food will find exciting options that they may have never heard of, like the Fideuá, a noodle paella that traces its ancestry back to fishermen on the eastern coast of Spain who replaced the expensive Bomba rice that characterizes the dish with the affordable noodle. While this dish features strong seafood components, meat lovers can indulge their cravings with dishes like the Albondigas, or meatballs. Go all in with the Picanha, a rustic cut of grilled steak paired with red chimichurri and mojo verde. Diners looking to venture into new gastronomic territory can count on their server or

This page, left to right: The interior of the restaurant is modern and cozy, featuring greenery around every turn. The mellow, dry and smooth Rebujito is one of Beso’s handcrafted cocktails.

COCKTAIL CURIOSITY “After traveling through Europe and visiting the New York amaro bar scene, our team is excited to bring amaro to Sarasota,” Voelker says. Mike Miller, Beso’s beverage director created the entire beverage menu for the restaurant from scratch, incorporating a focus on amaro and conjuring up delicious handcrafted cocktails.

Suerte

This drink features Brugal white rum Lucano amaro, fresh lime juice, almond syrup and orange flower. Decorated with a sprig of baby’s breath, the cocktail strikes a flavorful balance between bitter and sweet with notes of citrus.

Buenas Noches

Everyone loves coffee, but nothing finishes off an evening like the Buenas Noches, which combines vodka, Montenegro amaro, coffee liqueur and fresh cold brew. “Amaro is a style of wine that’s infused with herbs and florals, and is popular in Europe,” adds Voelker. Beso offers a wide selection of amaros, thanks to Chris and Kirk Voelker’s research visits to New York Amaro bars. Amaro’s distinctive taste is the perfect introduction for guests looking to experience something new.

Isabella

The lovely Isabella is a vibrant cocktail highlighting cava, vermouth rose and grapefruit soda. “Because Aperol Spritzes are very popular right now, we wanted something with the spritz effect but that has more complexity,” says Waganheim. “It’s fresh with notes of bitterness and citrus, gorgeous in its presentation and bright and refreshing.”

bartender to serve as their drink and tapas tour guide, helping them select what suits their taste. The menu honors Spanish traditions but ensures that each dish has a twist, a direction that guided Executive Chef Amy Knox, who developed Beso’s recipes by pulling from experience at Wild Mango’s, the restaurant she owned in Belize, and combining it with iconic Iberian flavors.

Take the Almendrado, a dense almond cake suitable for dessert or a midday snack. The cake packs a delightful almond flavor without becoming too sweet and is accompanied by a pickled strawberry and basil mix and a lemon zest puree. “It has the flavor of marzipan but not the sweetness,” she says, “and because it’s buttery and rich I chose acidic flavors to balance it out.” The cake transports guests to Southern Spain, which retains a heavy Arab influence brought in by the Moors in the eighth century. “Almonds are a huge thing in Spain, and the Almendrado is like if almonds, baklava and the Portuguese egg tart had a little baby,” adds Knox.

Along with mesmerizing mosaic patterns and stunning architectural feats, the Moors also brought artichokes, or alcachofas, to Spain, where they took off in popularity. “Spain is known for artichokes, and everybody loves them, so we have a marinated artichoke fried in a gluten-free rice flour mix. They are served with lemon alioli, a lemon confit and fried jamón serrano, or serrano ham,” she adds. It’s impossible to resist dipping these Alcachofas Fritas into the alioli pooling at the bottom of the dish while thanking the Moors for sharing this fantastic finger food with Europe.

Manchego cheese holds a similar rank to artichokes in Spanish cuisine and makes a cameo in the Sandía de Jerez , a charred watermelon and tomato salad, a reimagining of one of Knox’s recipes from Belize. The cheese appears in the form of Manchego crema, marrying with the watermelon to create a flavor that is both bold and refreshing. “It’s flexible and can be an intermezzo, a dessert or a summertime snack,”

says Wagenhiem, “and when we say we get playful with the menu, this is what we mean.”

This playfulness translates from the menu over to the restaurant’s aesthetics, defined by an open and airy space punctuated by bursts of greenery. Decorative tiles and mosaic-inspired fabrics add flair to the space without making it kitschy, a design element of paramount importance for Chris Voelker. “We wanted it to be unique and open while remaining modern and welcoming,” she adds. Upon entering the restaurant, diners get the sense that Beso respects Spanish traditions while riffing off of them, a theme best illustrated by a giant canvas featuring Miguel de Cervantes accessorized by street art graffiti. “I call him Javi,” says Voelker, whose husband came upon the image while touring Spain searching for inspiration. The portrait is a thought-provoking blend of the old and the new that embody Beso’s innovative spirit. Even the restaurant’s smallest details were curated to capture the joyful nature of tapas. Instead of fancy wine glasses with stems, the eatery serves various cocktails in chatos. “Chatos are a utility type of glass in which wine is poured, and are found in Spanish taverns. They’re ubiquitous and simple, inviting guests to rethink food and beverage and enjoy it for the sake of eating,” Waganheim adds. “Because the chato has no stem, it holds the aesthetic allure of tapas in Spain but also the simplicity of enjoying a meal for what it is.”

At many establishments, dinner plays out like a drama unfolding across the table. One guest ponders whether or not they should order an appetizer, while another forms a point-by-point argument for starting the meal with dessert. Another invests herself in properly holding up her wine glass so as to appear sophisticated. Beso’s team invites patrons to let go of such eating-out stand-bys, beckoning them to slip into a fresh mindset. “We get so wound up in analyzing food and beverage that we forget to enjoy it,” says Waganheim, who hopes that diners come in open-minded and eager to embrace a new approach to food. “It’s not just about the food and beverage piece, but also about the ability to come and sit with others and have a different experience than what you’re used to in Sarasota. You can pull up a chair onto a party of two and get comfortable or stand and eat at the bar. Just be, enjoy and have fun.” SRQ

Left: Beverage Director Mike Miller developed Beso’s innovative beverage menu, which includes the Spanish G&T, the Isabella and the Rebujito Right: The Alcachofas Fritas, or fried artichokes, are the ultimate finger food. Explore: Beso, 30 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-279-2999, besosrq.com.

forage A KREWE OF TWO

TO TELL THE STORY OF SHAVED ICE IS, IN MANY WAYS, TO TELL THE STORY OF THE UNITED STATES. From our humble beginnings of independence to growth as a titan of industry, shaved ice, as unassuming as it might be, is the line that traces our country’s history through the centuries. And it all starts with the relationship between Florida and ice. In the 1850s, the American Industrial Revolution made ice commercially available throughout the United States. The demand for ice was rampant, especially in Florida, to which ice houses in New York would send wagons full of large blocks of ice. The transport route passed through Baltimore, where children would eagerly wait for the wagons to roll through town to ask for a small scraping of ice. It wasn’t long before mothers caught on and began making flavoring in anticipation of ice wagons rolling through, thus creating the modern day snow cone. Fast forward to nearly a century later in 1930s New Orleans, when the first ice-shaving machines were built, birthing the sno-ball, a distant cousin of the ever popular snow cone. Unlike the granular, crunchy texture of snowcone, the sno-ball is made of finely shaved ice and flavored sugar syrup and often paired with condensed milk and ice cream for a much fluffier, snow-like consistency.

Clockwise below: Krew Du Sno-Ball is a labor of love for Owners Kabrena and Jabari Williams, who created oneof-a-kind flavors like Wedding Cake and Blue Bubblegum.

Krewe Du Sno-Ball brings a taste of New Orleans to Sarasota. Dylan Campbell

The treat has remained a regional delicacy in the Deep South, enduring through the Great Depression all the way to the 21st century, its popularity spurred on by its cheap cost and sweet taste. Today, a pair of Sarasota natives are bringing the New Orleans staple to Florida’s Gulf Coast with their food-truck business Krewe Du Sno-ball. “I lived in New Orleans for three years after graduating from college,” says Kabrena Williams, who runs the business with her husband Jabari. “One of my favorite things to do in New Orleans was to get snowballs–snowball season starts right before Mardi Gras and ends around early October. Every Sunday, I’d meet up with friends and go out for snowballs and when I moved back to Sarasota I missed having that experience.”

Much like the wagons trundling ice down to Florida during the Industrial Revolution, the Williams’ mission to bring authentic sno-balls to Sarasota has been a labor of love. Krewe Du Sno-ball–or “crew of” snowball, named after the floats in the Mardi Gras parade–was established in 2020 and quickly ran into several obstacles. “Starting the business was difficult to say the least,” says Jabari. “We brought the truck from the old Baltimore Snowball Factory here in town, everything looked great, the setup was pretty close to what we needed, but a couple of days later someone broke into the truck and stole all of the equipment. A couple of months later, Kabrena got laid off from her full-time job

and the project got set on the back burner.” Eventually, the Williams were able to purchase a new truck, build it out from the inside and get to work on what really counted: serving up delicious, one of a kind snowballs. Their menu is vast–with over 40 base flavors including mango, wedding cake and dutch apple pie. With addons such as vanilla ice cream and coconut flavored condensed milk, the options are virtually endless. “What I love most about it is just seeing the reaction people have when they try a snowball for the first time. Their faces just transform into the biggest smile,” says Kabrena. “We use a machine that shaves the ice down really thin so that it just melts in your mouth. We recommend the toppings because they’re just so complimentary–in New Orleans they like to put the ice cream on top of the snowball, but we like to stuff it in the middle with the condensed milk drizzled overtop.”

Now, the Williams are onto their next challenge: finding a permanent home for Krewe Du Sno-Ball. Both Kabrena and Jabari work full time, limiting their availability to mostly weekends and holidays throughout the year. “The hardest part has been finding somebody to allow us to set up in a permanent location,” says Jabari. “We get non stop calls asking us where we’re going to be and in response to that, we’ve sat down and made it our goal to work towards opening up a store front location and running Krewe Du Sno-Ball as a full time venture.” SRQ

Explore To learn more or check out Krewe Du Sno-Ball’s schedule head to krewedusnoball.com.

CHEMISTRY OF A COCKTAIL

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and Bar Consultant Lauren Reese ignite a passion for the art of bartending. Laura Paquette

FOR MANY PEOPLE, THE MERE MENTION OF THE WORD “CHEMISTRY” conjures up hours spent hunched over a classroom lab station staring at beakers of dubious substances. After this initiation into the field, most people bury their memories of the subject in the back of their minds, eager to forget them. With the Discover the Chemistry of a Cocktail program, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature invites the community to reexamine chemistry through the art of bartending. The inaugural Chemistry of a Cocktail event took place this past March as part of the museum’s initiative to increase after-hours museum attendance. Experienced bartender and Tampa Market Manager for Spirited Insiders Lauren Reese hosted the evening and sat on the judging panel of the night’s cocktail competition in honor of Women’s History Month. Reese shared her wealth of bartending knowledge with attendees, many of whom were at-home enthusiasts. Female bartenders presented their version of the Rum Daiquiri, which Reese and the judging team selected due to its simplicity and ability to illustrate the scientific rationale behind the cocktail making.

“With the daiquiri, we went over the key components of a cocktail—your base spirit, water, sugar and citrus—and once you have those components, it’s all about balance,” she says. Both attendees and the judging panel tasted the beverages and voted to determine their favorites. They also had the opportunity to glean tips and tricks from Reese’s years spent behind the bar.

This spread, clockwise: The On Hiatus is a riff off of the traditional Paloma cocktail and celebrates Tequila.

Stay tuned for more exciting after-hours fun at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.

Shake It Up

For at-home bartenders looking to shake up their cocktailing game, Reese shares three go-to recipes as well as handy tips and tricks to practice creating the perfect cocktail for whoever you’re serving.

Mezcal Cold Brew Martini

2 oz. of Illegal Mezcal

2 oz. of cold brew coffee

.75 oz. of salted vanilla simple syrup

“Mezcal has taken the country by storm,” says Reese, “but most people don’t know that while all tequilas are mezcals, not all mezcals are tequilas.” Both are agave spirits, but tequila can only be made using the Blue Weber agave species. All varieties of agave can be cooked in a sealed underground pit, where they take on a smokey flavor, and can be used to make mezcal. The sweetness of salted vanilla syrup in this drink balances out the smokiness of the mezcal. “I love this drink’s visual and taste layers,” she adds. The bartender shakes and throws the shaker tin, creating an aeration effect and the distinct foam that tops the beverage. The bursting bubbles in the foam hit guests before their first sip, leaving a memorable impression.

Hey Bartender

Reese has gained experience working at establishments like The Cheesecake Factory and City Perch, the restaurant concept for the luxury movie theater IPIC Theaters. She used the Cheesecake Factory’s massive beverage recipe book as a guide for playing around with innovative flavors to wow guests. “I realized that I like connecting with people based on who I am, but also based on the drink that I make for them,” she adds. At City Perch, Reese took advantage of the bar’s plethora of equipment and ingredients, like liquid nitrogen and chipped ice. “There, I learned that bartending is a career that can take you far in terms of travel, knowledge and meeting people.” While in this role, she discovered the world of craft cocktailing. “You take whatever you’ve got and put that into the glass. It’s elevated from your traditional cocktail because you’re using natural ingredients and making homemade syrups, tinctures and infusions to provide an experience to whoever you’re serving.” The interpersonal element of craft cocktailing struck a chord with Reese, who relocated to Tampa in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she used her quarantine time to hone her skills, and following the pandemic, she worked at a tiki bar, uncovering the secrets behind tiki cocktails, which she added to her own crafting style. “Bartending is something that I take personally,” she says, “and I leave a piece of myself in every drink that I make.”

DOES THE TYPE OF GLASSWARE CHOSEN CHANGE THE EXPERIENCE? REESE: If you enjoy the drinking experience, then glassware has a huge effect. When serving a Cosmopolitan, choose a martini glass. The stem of the glass keeps guests’ hands from warming the drink, helping it stay cool longer. With a wider mouth, the martini glass also allows aromatics to escape from the drink, adding another dimension to it.

DOES THE VARIETY OF ICE ACCOMPANYING THE DRINK MAKE A DIFFERENCE? REESE: Ice selection plays a key role in cocktail making. From crushed, cubed and purified ice—one giant transparent cube with a slower melting time—bartenders have many options. When you make an Old Fashioned, you want to use a purified ice cube that will melt enough to counter some of the drink’s heat without diluting it too much. On the other hand, crushed ice dilutes tiki cocktails, which are creamy and thick. “The crushed ice melts faster and loosens the drink to a point where it’s drinkable and refreshing.

A BARTENDER’S SAGE ADVICE REESE: I recommend purchasing The Flavor Bible, a staple resource that chefs and bartenders rely on to enhance their dishes and beverages. It all comes down to trial and error. You might make something that’s absolutely disgusting, but keep trying. Trust your palate and the flavor profile that you’re going for. Have fun, and make a drink that tastes good to you. SRQ

giving coast

UNITING A COMMUNITY

Bronwyn Beightol, Chief Impact Officer of United Way Suncoast works to create opportunities for deserving community members that will exist well into the future. Barbie Heit

giving coast

“DO THE BEST YOU CAN UNTIL YOU KNOW BETTER. Then, when you know better, do better.” This quote by Maya Angelou is one of Bronwyn Beightol’s favorites. It gives her the courage to move forward even when all of the answers are not clear. Beightol, chief impact officer of United Way Suncoast, was born in Michigan but spent several years in Europe and many of our country’s southern states. Originally planning to be a journalist, she began her work life as an editorial assistant for a trade magazine publishing company in Miami where she stayed for several years. Rising to the level of production director, she decided to take some time to determine her next move when the company was sold. Although she did stay in publishing for a few years, she made a change when a chance opportunity came about to shift into the nonprofit field at The Education Fund.

“It was great timing as I was at a point in life where I wanted to give back,” she says. Working for The Education Fund helped Beightol to understand how important community involvement in education is to our children’s success. Before then, she had assumed that our taxes covered the costs of public education. She soon learned that they do not. “Working for a nonprofit dedicated to advancing resources for teacher training, ensuring that schools and teachers had the supplies they need for students to maximize their learning opportunities (pencils, paper, tissues, books, etc) so they wouldn’t have to use their limited resources on these items for their classrooms, sharing best practices and so much more, I learned that every one of us has the opportunity and engage more fully with our schools for a stronger community.”

In 2005, Beightol, now the mother of two children (a son and daughter) moved to Manatee County and worked for The New York Times/Herald-Tribune Media Group which led her to an opportunity at the then United Way of Manatee County.

“When I became a single mom, volunteering with United Way of Miami-Dade County was a catalyst for understanding how much United Way does and for exploring possibilities,” says Beightol, who volunteered there both on her own and with her children. “We walked and washed dogs at the animal shelter, served meals during holidays and I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity,” she

says. She even recalls being on top of a roof nailing in shingles as one of her volunteer projects, a task she says she would never have considered doing on her own.

Through a merger in 2017, Beightol became Area President for Manatee County at United Way Suncoast, which brought her to her current position as chief impact officer for the nonprofit’s five-county footprint (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto). In this role, she works with the United Way Suncoast team, community, volunteers, and partners to listen, learn and act upon community aspirations related to education, financial stability and youth success.

While she has several success stories under her belt, Beightol believes the 2017 merger is one of the biggest. “Overall, bringing together five counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto) to multiply our impact has elevated all that we can accomplish. For Manatee, I am so proud to have been a part of working with community leadership to bring the Campaign for GradeLevel Reading to Manatee County (now the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in partnership with The Patterson Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Manatee Community Foundation, United Way of Charlotte County and United Way Suncoast). This work led to The Big Plan, Community United for Our Children’s Future, and a shared community focus on 10 schools in Manatee’s Central Corridor,” she says. “Our communities as a whole are much more informed and engaged in the success of all of our children. We continue to see progress in systems level changes that will continue for generations. This work is now being replicated in our five-county footprint thanks to strong team leadership.”

However, Beightol shares that because the organization is intentional about systems level change which involves policy and practice, it can take time. “We bring businesses, nonprofits, media, government and community members to every conversation and strategy. In a world where fast is rewarded, we take the time to ensure that equitable access to opportunities exists well into the future.”

United Way Suncoast’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Ernest Hooper is one of Beightol’s biggest

supporters. “People may not be accustomed to authentic thrills and electric enthusiasm arising from a standard meeting of community leaders, and when that meeting involves United Way Suncoast’s Chief Impact Officer Bronwyn Beightol, they rarely see her produce such an emotional display,” he says. “Inside, however, Beightol almost bubbles over with joy when a plan comes together to address one of United Way Suncoast’s key pillars: early learning, youth success and financial stability. Whether it’s the organization’s United We Learn initiative elevating kindergarten readiness or its United We Thrive work helping thousands avoid eviction, the work fulfills a lifelong desire for Beightol.”

Beightol says she is grateful for the opportunity to lead and learn from so many exemplary and visionary thinkers and leaders, and is passionate about the work of United Way because the organization acts as a multiplier in communities. “We look at the bigger picture and bring resources to bear on some of our toughest challenges,” she says. “It means the world to me. It’s serious work, and I bring a serious attitude to this mission. But it fills my heart to see stakeholders, the coalition of the willing, come together to take on challenges with success. We’re making a difference, and that action will extend for generations.”

Now a grandmother of two beautiful girls, Beightol spends her free time taking long walks to catch the sunrise. She likes a good challenge and has found CrossFit to be a great place to get that. She is also a strong believer in the work of Habitat for Humanity. “I have experienced and am invested in the value of home ownership as a powerful tool for financial stability and equity,” she says. “This has come into much clearer focus as I now lead our Financial Stability impact as well. Our initiatives to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) as well as Financial Coaching and focused work in neighborhoods are key to individual and community thrivability.”

Her advice to those just starting out: Stay focused on your goals but remain open to possibilities and take risks. Ask questions. Be curious. SRQ Bronwyn Beightol was honored as one of SRQ Magazine’s good heroes in March 2023. To learn more, go to Unitedwaysuncoast.org. United We Rise, United We Win.

LIVING LAKEWOODTM

FALL FLAVORS

GUZ LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER Chief Executive Officer

CONTENTS

Recipe for Success, 8

In 2010, the Caragiulos opened another local favorite, Owen’s Fish Camp, in Sarasota’s Burns Court neighborhood. Now, Owen’s Fish Camp has found new life in Lakewood Ranch with the opening of its second location.

Pickleball Arrives, 12

Pickleball, a sport that is fun, social and somewhat addictive, is also a fast-growing business with no signs of slowing down. Longtime commercial real estate and business entrepreneurs Brian and Valerie McCarthy along with business partner Matthew Gordon have seized the opportunity to be part of the sport’s explosion by investing in 15 indoor private pickleball clubs in Florida, the first being The Pickleball Club right here in Lakewood Ranch.

Expanding Our Footprint

As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, so too does the need for quality convenient medical care. That is why we are happy to announce Lakewood Ranch Medical Center will be undergoing a $120 million expansion project on its campus starting later this year. This will be Phase 1 of a multi-phase plan for facility expansion to take place during the next several years. Construction of a new five story, 170,000 sq. ft. tower will add 60 patient beds and allow for growth of key ancillary departments ranging from Pharmacy and Laboratory to Education, Food and Nutrition Services and Pre-Admission Testing. The tower will also include shell space to add two more floors for an additional 60 patient beds and expand other areas as the hospital continues to grow its services and capabilities.We are happy to have been the hospital of choice for many Lakewood Ranch residents for nearly 20 years and look forward to meeting the growing healthcare needs of this great community for many more. Thank you for choosing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center – let’s do well together.

The First Line, 16

In what started out as a way to help his son play hockey, Bradley Gustafson inadvertently created the most popular youth sports league in the region.

See and Be Seen, 20

The Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place is another way that residents of Lakewood Ranch can build a sense of community.

Foodie Fun, 22

Food has a remarkable way of uniting individuals and fostering a sense of community and connection. For over two decades, foodies have flocked to the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest to enjoy culinary delights and curated wine pairings.

ANDY

LIVING LAKEWOOD

This page: The new Owen’s Fish Camp is located at 6516 University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. The restaurant is currently open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 9pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm. To check out their menu, visit owensfishcamp.com

WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

Above: Shrimp and Grits with tasso ham, charred pearl onions, wild mushrooms, smoky tomato jus, the new Lakewood Ranch location of local favorite, Owen’s Fish Camp, sports rustic and cozy decor.

RecipeSuccessFor

Owen’s Fish Camp

IF SARASOTA IS CONSIDERED A FOODIE TOWN, THEN THE CARAGIULOS ARE AMONG ITS FOUNDING FAMILIES. SINCE 1989, THE FAMILY HAS OPENED SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL EATERIES. THIS INCLUDES THE EPONYMOUS CARAGIULO’S ITALIAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT AND THE MODERN OYSTER BAR, VERONICA’S FISH AND OYSTER, BOTH LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA. IN 2010, THE CARAGIULOS OPENED ANOTHER LOCAL FAVORITE, OWEN’S FISH CAMP, IN SARASOTA’S BURNS COURT NEIGHBORHOOD. NOW, OWEN’S FISH CAMP HAS FOUND NEW LIFE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH WITH THE OPENING OF ITS SECOND LOCATION.

This page: Root Beer Ribs, all day smoked with crispy garlic, carolina peach BBQ sauce, slivered scallions. Pimento Cheese- Chive Drop Biscuits with bread & butter pickle butter. Butter Baked Scamp with parsley smashed spuds, garlicky green beans and brown butter hollandaise.

“I would describe the original Owen’s Fish Camp as just that–original,” says Co-owner Paul Caragiulo. “It tells a story of Sarasota from an earlier time.” A lot of the charm of the original Owen’s Fish Camp came from the property itself. The intimate eatery is located in a historic cottage built in 1923 under the shade of an old banyan tree. Reproducing the charming, retro vibe of the flagship location was no easy feat.

“It took us about five years to find an appropriate location for a second Owen’s Fish Camp,” Caragiulo says. “We were fortunate enough to make contact with a developer who knew and understood our concept and saw that replication was not the goal.”

Instead, the mission was to capture the culture of the original Owen’s Fish Camp in its new environment. While the building itself is new, the thoughtfully chosen decor infuses the space with plenty of character and personality. A crystal chandelier is adorned with antique fishing lures and preserved blowfish, creating a whimsical effect that strikes the perfect balance between rustic and upscale. The cozy back porch is decorated with fishing poles and buoys, giving it the feel of a lake house retreat, while the upside-down canoes suspended from the ceiling of the main dining room continue the theme.

Owen’s Fish Camp is best-known for the classic Southern staples on its menu. For a starter, try the Fried Green Tomato Salad with Country Ham crisps. Goat cheese and buttermilk dressing enhance the natural tanginess of the lightly breaded tomatoes. For an entree, you can’t go wrong with Shrimp and Grits. Spicy smoked sausage adds a little kick to the creamy grits. Owen’s Warm Succotash is probably their most iconic side dish. The flavorful blend of fresh corn, garbanzo beans and dried cranberries packs a powerful punch. The Lakewood Ranch location is substantially larger than the downtown venue. At 190 seats, it can accommodate twice as many diners as the Burns Court location. The kitchen is also bigger, providing an opportunity for the Owen’s team to expand their menu even further.

“The Lakewood Ranch space is larger and has greater capabilities, so we do offer a few different items that we do not offer downtown,” Caragiulo teases. “However at this stage, what we’re offering is always evolving.” The menu isn’t the only thing that’s evolving. While the restaurant is open for business, there is one more area that has yet to be unveiled. In September, they’ll be opening the long-anticipated backyard area where people can listen to live music and nosh on snacks while they wait for a table to open up. LL

Pickleball Arrives

PICKLEBALL, A SPORT THAT IS FUN, SOCIAL AND SOMEWHAT ADDICTIVE, is also a fastgrowing business with no signs of slowing down. Longtime commercial real estate and business entrepreneurs Brian and Valerie McCarthy along with business partner Matthew Gordon have seized the opportunity to be part of the sport’s explosion by investing $180 million for 15 indoor private pickleball clubs in Florida, the first being The Pickleball Club right here in Lakewood Ranch which opened on May 5th of this year. The team currently has seven other clubs under development around the state in Port St Lucie, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Venice, Pinellas Park, the Villages and Wellington, with plans for Orlando and Bradenton.

Above:

With 12 indoor courts, The Pickleball Club offers perfect playing conditions no matter what the weather is like outside.

WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT |

BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

SINCE OPENING, THE RESPONSE

IN LAKEWOOD RANCH has been overwhelmingly positive. “We opened with 400 members and are already approaching 550 members and we expect a waiting list when the snowbirds return this year,” shares Brian. “We even had one couple who were so concerned they might miss out so they joined in July even though they won’t return to Sarasota until December.” Originally from Michigan, Brian McCarthy has had a 30 year military career in the Navy, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral. With an MBA from Harvard and a career as a commercial real estate developer, he’s very familiar with turning large properties into valuable business. Valerie McCarthy, President and Chief Operating Officer (and Brian’s wife) has a Master’s degree in exercise physiology and has been in the health industry her entire life. A former executive director for the YMCA, she oversees the member experience at the Club. Matt Gordon, a New

York attorney with a passion for investment banking is the chief financial officer who has helped the McCarthy’s develop a strong business plan. And new to the leadership team this fall is General Manager Scott Brynski, former general manager of The Bird Key Yacht Club, who has recently returned to Sarasota from Buffalo, New York.

The biggest appeal of the Pickleball Club is that it offers the opportunity to play in perfect conditions all year round. The courts are custom built exclusively for pickleball with a cushioned court surface on all 12 indoor courts, two covered outdoor courts and two bocce courts. Club amenities include Pickles Café, Dinks Pro Shop, locker rooms with showers, plenty of seating and a multifunctional observation area.

“Our Pickles Café and Dinks Pro Shop have already outpaced expectations and the demand for instruction has increased dramatically,” shares Brian. “Our Pickleball

Academy and Summer Youth programs were at capacity and Pickleball Club University for adults has been a phenomenal success. Our staff of six instructors has been very busy meeting the demand.”

This summer, the Club hosted a Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) certification course and a Play for A Cause tournament in which a portion of proceeds was donated to the Play for Life Foundation, supporting youth, veterans and first responders. Upcoming events include a two-day intermediate camp December 8-9 for 3.0 – 4.5 players.

The Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club is a member-only, privately-owned, for-profit sports club. Investment opportunities are still available. Visit ThePickleballClub.com to learn more. LL

The Pickleball Club, 1195 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota. 941-271-4444, https://www.tpclwr.us/

Below: At Pickles Café and Dinks Pro Shop members can fuel up on tasty food and drink and equip themselves with the trendiest pickleball clothing and accessories.

The First Line

IN WHAT

AT FIRST GLANCE, HOCKEY AND THE GULF COAST DON’T SEEM TO MIX. Sure, there’s the Tampa Bay Lightning, a dominant NHL franchise, but the sun and skates are not two words that typically go together. However, there is something that only those who have played the game can attest to–they know just how easy hockey is to fall in love with–and how hard it can be to leave behind. That’s why in 2021, Bradley Gustafson, a lifelong hockey player, started the Manatee Ball Hockey League, with the hopes of giving his then four-yearold son an entryway into the game he loves so much. “My son was just obsessed with hockey and wanted to play it with other kids,” says Gustafson. “We had him in the Learn to Skate program, but after a couple of years he wasn’t really taking to it and still just really wanted to play hockey. I figured he couldn’t be the only kid that wanted to play hockey but wasn’t the best on skates yet–that was the driving factor behind creating the program as a whole.”

STARTED OUT AS A WAY TO HELP HIS SON PLAY HOCKEY, BRADLEY GUSTAFSON INADVERTENTLY CREATED THE MOST POPULAR YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE IN THE REGION.

Below: Two players anxiously await a faceoff at Lakewood Ranch’s outdoor hockey rink.

WRITTEN BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

AND SO THE PROCESS OF CREATING A YOUTH BALL HOCKEY LEAGUE BEGAN.

Gustafson already had a location–he had been frequenting the Lightning Made ball hockey rink in Lakewood Ranch with his son for some time. The next step was figuring out, well, how to actually start a youth hockey league from the ground up. “When I made the decision to move forward and try to start up a league for the community with the goal of bringing a high quality youth sports organization at an entry level price, we reached out to the officials at Manatee County who said we’d be happy to rent you a rink/facility but we don’t actually have the staff to run a youth sports league,” says Gustafson. “I reached out to the Tampa Bay Lightning–who have been invaluable throughout this whole process–and said if I pay for and design our logos and put the work in to get this going would you guys be able to support and they said yes. They’ve always provided free sticks and balls to all the new kids that sign up for our program which kind of offsets the expense of some of the things that get the league going.”

Just like that, the Manatee Ball Hockey League was off to the races. Well, sort of. A hiccup with their social media made promoting the league more difficult than expected, causing registration numbers for the first year to be a little lower than Gustafson hoped for, at just 36 kids and three coaches. “The first season couldn’t have happened without the support of my wife,” says Gustafson. “We were looking for around 50 kids and ended up a fair amount lower than that. I wasn’t sure if I should just give all the parents a refund and just scrap the program, but she encouraged me to push forward.”

In retrospect, however, Gustafson admits that the limited number of participants may have been a good thing–with just three coaches and 100 kids, it would have been overwhelming. Starting small allowed Gustafson to grow the league organically, allowing plenty of space for both parents and their children alike. With the limited number of participants, Gustafson was able to create a happy medium for the league: he split participants into two age groups, nine and under and 10 and over, with 18 players a piece. To keep teams balanced kids were

split up into different teams every week, one wearing the signature MBHL jersey with the logo on the front and their name and number on the back and the other team wearing reversible pinnies. “The parents loved the idea of having their kids play with all of the other kids, there’s no animosity in the league because of it and kids got to experience different coaching styles as well.”

In MBHL’s second season, the program doubled its registration numbers from 36 participants to 60 and created a new 15 and under division. “After our second season, we added a summer program where we did a weeknight clinic and went from 60 to 80 to 100, eventually adding an adult league as well. We also have a Little Manatee’s division for 3-5 year olds who have never held a hockey stick before, which is a 45 minute skills and drills clinic that we do first thing in the morning,” says Gustafson. “We originally had two divisions with two age groups and now we have five divisions, each with their own teams, over 140 players and 12 to 18 coaches a season.”

The secret to MBHL’s explosive growth? It’s just plain fun–for both children and adults. Ball hockey provides an easy, low-cost entryway into the sport of hockey, trading the expensive cost of equipment, skates and ice time for shin guards, a facemask and a will-do attitude. While hockey may not seem like a natural fit on the Gulf Coast, where sports like baseball and soccer can be played year-round, it turns out that it was just about giving people a chance to see how fun the sport really is. “The goal of the program is to help grow the sport of hockey. Since we’ve started the program, we’ve put over 40 kids in skates, many of which would’ve never considered playing ice hockey before,” says Gustafson. “I have had parents come up to me at the end of the season that tell me this has changed their lives, that they’re hockey families now. Hockey is unfortunately an expensive sport to play and it’s hard to get your foot in the door with it. To my knowledge, we’re the most costeffective sports league in the area and we just want to keep bringing the community together.” LL

Below left: The Manatee Ball Hockey League has made hockey accessible to all ages from their Lil’ Manatees division to their co-ed adult league. The Manatee Ball Hockey League teaches kids to play with standard ice hockey rules, making the eventual transition to skates easier than ever.

WRITTEN BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

See and Be Seen

IT WAS EARLY IN 2022 AND LAKEWOOD RANCH HAD A PROBLEM. The burgeoning community seemed to have it all–beautiful houses, weekly farmer’s markets and waterfront properties. Lakewood Ranch even held the mantle for best-selling, master-planned, multi-generational community in the country. But there was something missing. “We didn’t have a permanent theater space in Lakewood Ranch,” says Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager at Lakewood Ranch. “We really wanted to figure out a way to bring performing arts here so that residents could enjoy it outside.” Thus began “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place,” a performance and fine arts series occurring once a month in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place Pavilion. After a couple of months spent planning and programming, the series took off last May, when The Players Centre for Performing Arts performed a Broadway on the Lake production, free of charge for attending patrons.

Since that first performance, which sported an audience of about 50 attendees, things have only picked up steam. “In the beginning, it was more difficult to plan the performances with the performing arts groups because we didn’t exactly have a track record of doing this. At first, I was just trying to schedule performances when I could, but now it’s snowballed into a regularly scheduled, once a month event,” says Hackel. “After Asolo Repertory Theatre came to perform, that’s when things really took off.” Now, performances routinely bring in around 250 attendees from both within and outside Lakewood Ranch. As the program has caught on, Hackel has brought in heavy hitters from throughout the area such as Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra and more. Even still, Hackel is open to all types of performances at “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place.” “Honestly, I’ll work with whomever is interested. It can be from a professional group to even a high school,” says Hackel. So what’s next for the “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place?” While Hackel doesn’t have a specific audience number in mind, she does hope that the series can continue to grow organically, ushering in both people from inside and outside Lakewood Ranch. And with nearly all of 2024 booked with performances, “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place” shows no signs of slowing down. “I eventually want to also host visual art exhibitions as well at Waterside Place. I know that it’ll be a challenge with the location being outdoors, but I’m hopeful that it’s something that the program can grow into,” says Hackel. “I’m really excited to just continue to build the relationships between the residents and the performing arts groups, with the idea that patrons of these shows will become patrons of these groups in the future.” For Hackel, it’s all about building that sense of community in Lakewood Ranch, one performance

Above: One of the monthly live performances at Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Pavillion, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe.

Explore The Suncoast Food and Wine Fest will take place on Saturday, November 11 at the Premier Sports Campus of Lakewood Ranch. General Admission ticket holders can enjoy the event between 1pm and 4pm, while VIP ticket holders can enter an hour earlier at noon. To purchase tickets and see more participating restaurants, visit www.suncoastfoodandwinefest.com.

Foodie Fun

FOOD HAS A REMARKABLE WAY OF UNITING INDIVIDUALS

and fostering a sense of community and connection. For over two decades, foodies have flocked to the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest to enjoy culinary delights and curated wine pairings. While this annual event brings people together in the moment, its effects can be felt throughout the community for far longer than a single day. Organized by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest has always been about being able to give back.

“Rotary is a service organization, so the genesis of the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest was a way to raise money that we could then give back to local charities that may not be able to raise the funds themselves,” says Steve Kelle, a longtime Rotary Club member and the chairperson for the organization’s Food and Wine Fest Committee. “Over the 21-year span that we’ve been doing this event, we’ve raised and given away over $2 million to local charities. And the charities are always local. These are people in our community that really do help make our area better, and that’s why it’s awesome.”

Charities can apply on the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch website to receive grants funded by the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest. Past recipients have included All Faiths Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Southeastern Guide Dogs among many others.

“Once we share what we are and who we’re doing it for, the community really has become great partners in it with us,” Kelle says. “So it is a Rotary event, but it’s not just a Rotary event. We’ve developed relationships with our sponsors over the years. We’ve developed relationships with restaurants over the years.” While the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest has been held at a few different locations over the years, it currently makes its home at the Premier Sports Campus of Lakewood Ranch. In fact, the Rotary Club has been so happy with the venue, they just signed an agreement to continue hosting the event there for the next five years. This year’s festival will feature food from 48 area restaurants while also serving up samples of hundreds of varieties of wine. In addition to delectable dishes from local hotspots like Bijou Garden Cafe, Cafe L’Europe and Remy’s on Main, this year’s festival will feature live music from Kettle of Fish. There will also be cooking demos by Chris Covelli of Sage Restaurant and Angelo DiFiore of Sofia’s Restaurant.

“Seeing how these chefs think about food and prepare the food is really cool. We’re actually going to expand our seating for those two demonstrations this year because last year we literally had standingroom only,” Kelle says. The cooking demos take about an hour, and then guests can enjoy eating the food that they just watched being prepared. This food will, of course, be served with an appropriate wine pairing. LL

ENJOY GREAT LOCAL EATS FOR A GOOD CAUSE AT THE SUNCOAST FOOD AND WINE FEST. WRITTEN B KATE WIGHT