T h e VOICE
of the
Downtown Merchants
www.SarasotaDowntownMerchants.com
There’s No Place Like Downtown Sarasota for the Holidays!
Annual Tree Lighting Christmas Parade New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 2015
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The
of th e
VOICE
D owntown M e r ch ants
A Publication of The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association
Volume 2 • Issue 9
Ron Soto, Publisher Candace T. Botha, Associate Publisher Christine Baer, Editorial/Creative Director Betty Berg, Editorial Assistant The SDMA works to enhance downtown Sarasota as a premier retail destination with a vibrant merchant community. Volunteers work together to create a rewarding shopping, dining and entertainment experience in Sarasota, Florida. SDMA board meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. All SDMA members are always welcome to attend the monthly meeting. The location and time of the meeting will be sent in a monthly e-mail to all members.
Read The VOICE online
at www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com;
click on “The VOICE”
1383 Main Street • Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: 941-388-3647 • Fax: 941-955-9515 www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com E-mail article ideas and announcements to:
sdmavoice@gmail.com thevoiceeditorial@gmail.com
To advertise in The VOICE, please send an e-mail to: sdmavoice@gmail.com
Cover Photo by Ron Soto, Soto’s Optical Boutique
www.facebook.com/SRQSDMA SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com
A Message from the Chairman
R
ecently a report in a major media source revealed that there is a renewed retail trend throughout the country to return to “mom and pop” stores, where customers are more than just numbers but are, instead, neighbors. More and more shoppers, the report reveals, are moving away from big box stores —including one major retailer whose earnings were at an all-time low last Ron Soto, quarter—in search of better service, SDMA’s Chairman better quality m erchandise and more personal relationships with shop owners. In light of this trend, we, as downtown merchants, have an important message to share with area residents and visitors to our city: Why leave downtown for your holiday shopping? To welcome our holiday shoppers, the SDMA has been hard at work to ensure that downtown Sarasota looks more festive than ever! All of the snowflakes that adorn the street lights on the 1300 to 1600 blocks have been completely refurbished and rewired, with new LED lights installed, so they will be shine brightly throughout our city. We also will have wreaths on display in Five Points Park, as well as our beautiful Christmas tree that will once again be decorated by Jim Reese and Neil Jennings, owners of Palm Ave Express and Salon 41 on Palm Avenue. This year—for the first time—our annual tree lighting and Holiday Party in the Park will be held on the first Thursday of the month, December 3, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there handing out candy canes to the children in attendance, and there will be live music, including Christmas carolers, and refreshments. The tree lighting will be held at 7:30 p.m., followed by a brand new addition to the celebration—a family showing of a holiday movie in the park!, So, be sure to bring a blanket and chairs, and join us as we jump start the holiday season here in downtown Sarasota! I also encourage you to welcome in the New Year in downtown Sarasota at our annual New Year’s Eve bash that the SDMA is organizing this year. The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. on December 31, when the carnival rides open at Lemon Avenue and State Street, promising an afternoon and evening of family fun! Typically drawing as many as 25,000 attendees each year, the New Year’s Eve party also will include live music and a DJ on three stages, bars along our city streets and the traditional Pineapple Drop at midnight. Be sure to make your dinner reservations early! More details about the New Year’s Eve festivities can be found in the article on page 5. In closing, I think it is important to point out that these wonderful holiday events are not funded or organized by the City of Sarasota, but by our downtown merchants. It is just one more example of the commitment our local business men and women continue to uphold in m aking downtown Sarasota a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, one and all! 3
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Party in the Park Set for Thursday, December 3
It
doesn’t matter whether you’ve been naughty or nice—you are still welcome to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus when they arrive in downtown S arasota on Thursday, December 3, for the “Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Party in the Park,” hosted by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association. Held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the holiday party will once again be held in Five Points Park, located at the corner of Main Street and North Pineapple Avenue. Holiday music, Christmas carolers, wine tastings, refreshments and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus—who will be handing out candy canes to good little boys and girls— are all included in the evening’s fun and festivities. Thanks to the efforts of Jim Reese and Neil Jennings, owners of Salon 41 and Palm Ave Express on Palm Avenue, the Christmas tree in Five Points Park has been beautifully decorated with thousands of lights and beautiful ornaments, creating a “winter wonderland” in the heart of downtown Sarasota. The official tree lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m. Brand new this year—immediately following the tree lighting, adults and children are invited to gather on the grass in the park for a showing of a traditional holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Be sure to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars! “Our annual Holiday Party in the Park is not a city-funded event, but a special gathering that is organized and paid for by downtown merchants through the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association (SDMA),” says Ron Soto, chairman of the organization. “This is the first time we are hosting the event on a Thursday evening, and we hope that our downtown merchants and residents will come out
P ixie
Dust
and join us as we celebrate the holiday season. “We are expecting a large turnout this year, because we have extensively promoted the event, with posters in downtown storefronts and postcards handed out and mailed to our customers,” Ron continues. “This promises to be a party you won’t want to miss!” All downtown merchants are encouraged to stay open late on Thursday, December 3, in anticipation of the crowds that will be attending the party. “As always, once the festivities have ended, we will encourage all attendees to enjoy an hour or two of holiday shopping in downtown Sarasota,” Ron says. For more information about the Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Party in the Park, contact Ron Soto by calling 941953-3788, or visit www.SarasotaDowntownMerchants.com.
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941.388.3700 www.theartfulgiraffe.com The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
A Parade...a Party... ...a Pineapple Drop! It’s a Jolly Holiday in Downtown Sarasota!
W
hile community residents who plan to spend the holidays in Sarasota won’t be d reaming of a white Christmas, they will, instead, be envisioning a season filled with festive celebrations in the days and weeks to come, thanks, in part, to the c ommunity-wide efforts of the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association (SDMA). In addition to the Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Party in the Park, which will be held on Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m. (Please see the article on the opposite page), the SDMA also will be sponsoring the annual Christmas P arade and organizing d owntown Sarasota’s biggest party of all—the New Year’s Eve celebration! This year, the Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 5, starting at 7:00 p.m. The parade will begin at Highway 301 and travel down Main Street to the Bayfront. According to “Mr. Downtown,” Paul Thorpe, who has organized the parade for the past 20 years, there will be 75 “units”—including community groups, marching bands, floats and other vehicles—with as many as 3,500 people participating in the parade this year. The Christmas Parade has been an annual tradition in Sarasota for many years. First held in the city in 1974, Mr. Thorpe remembers a “lapse in time” when no one stepped up to organize the parade, but for the past two decades, it has been a much-anticipated holiday event in the city. “I can remember when the first parade was held in 1974,” Mr. Thorpe says. “Sarasota had very little going on to encourage people to come downtown, so the parade was started to kick off the holiday season and encourage area residents to participate in the festivities and p atronize our downtown merchants.” Truly intended as a family event that draws 25,000 or more spectators each year, there always is something that appeals to people of all ages. Band music, young dance students, animals, spectacular floats, representatives from local fire departments and so much more are slated to fill Main Street to celebrate the start of the holiday s eason. And, of course, the highlight of the parade will be an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. As in years past, volunteer judges will award eight trophies—including the esteemed Mayor’s Trophy—for the most creative floats and/or parade participants. When asked what he enjoys most about the parade, Mr. Thorpe says, “I love the excitement of all the participants. Some people have been in the parade since Day One, SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com
and they keep coming back year after year, because they have so much fun. “The parade is, by far, the best in the county and a great celebration for our community,” Mr. Thorpe adds. For many years, Mr. Thorpe not only has spearheaded the Christmas Parade, but also downtown Sarasota’s New Year’s Eve Party. But in 2015, he turned over the reins to the SDMA, and Steve Wallace is now overseeing the plans and preparations. Now retired, Steve—who often can be found lending a hand at Write-On Sarasota on 1st Street, which is owned by his wife, Eileen—is quick to comment that Mr. Thorpe laid excellent groundwork for the festivities to continue on. And what a party it will be! Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on December 31, carnival rides will return to downtown Sarasota for the enjoyment of the young and young at heart. “Traditionally, the New Year’s Eve Party really h as focused on family fun, and this year we have continued that t radition,” Steve says. “There will be climbing walls, trampolines, slides and other carnival rides that will be open throughout the a fternoon and evening and will continue to run until the party ends at 1:30 a.m.” In addition to an array of excellent dining options in downtown Sarasota (be sure to make your New Year’s Eve reservations early!), the c elebration also will feature food vendors offering pizza, b arbecued foods, funnel cakes and more. And to toast the New Year, look for both “Beer Depots” and full-service bars that will be scattered throughout downtown and managed by Mattison’s. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., there will be dancing in the streets, with two live bands and a DJ spinning tunes throughout the night. And at midnight, at the intersection of Lemon A venue and Main Street, crowds will gather for the annual Pineapple Drop that will welcome in 2016! According to Jim “Sully” Sullivan, owner of Patricks 1481 on Main Street, the New Year’s Eve Party in d owntown Sarasota customarily has been his restaurant’s most profitable night of the year. “We need events like the New Year’s Eve P arty to promote and support our local restaurants and merchants,” Sully says. “It’s a great event that brings as many as 25,000 people downtown for the celebration.” Ron Soto, owner of Soto’s Optical Boutique and SDMA’s chairman, also believes that it is important for downtown Sarasota to host a New Year’s Eve party. “More than 6,000 residents now live in downtown’s hotels and condominiums,” Ron says, “These community residents can step into the elevator, push ‘Ground,’ have dinner at one of downtown’s fine restaurants, attend the party and then walk home, all without worrying about d riving; how great is that? “There also are many people in our community that cannot afford to pay $150 per person to attend a New Year’s Eve event at other venues in the city,” Ron adds. “Our downtown party is a family c elebration that provides plenty of fun and e ntertainment for people of all ages.” Steve Wallace agrees: “No matter what your tastes, there will be something for everyone at the New Year’s Party,” he says. “And if you like music, there will be plenty of it.” To keep up to date on all of downtown Sarasota’s New Year’s Eve Party plans, watch for the launch of a F acebook page detailing the event in early December. 5
T
Thunder by the Bay Revs Up for a Record Year!
he community spoke, the city commissioners listened and the vote was cast: Thunder by the Bay 2016, produced by Suncoast Charities for Children, is set to roll in to Sarasota, promising more events—and excitement— than ever before! This year, the four-day festival will honor our nation’s veterans, active duty military and their families. Now in its 18th year, Thunder by the Bay c ontinues its reign not only as one of the 50 top motorcycle festivals in the United States, but also as one of the events that has the greatest economic impact in the City of Sarasota in just four days. Consider these statistics:
“The demographics of the individuals that ride motorcycles has changed dramatically during the past 30 years,” says Lucy Nicandri, executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children, who is, herself, a motorcycle enthusiast. “Today, there not only are more women riding, but individuals from a variety of ethnic backgrounds participate, as well. “You cannot let someone’s appearance jade your opinion about their background or their net worth,” Lucy continues; “In fact, we have a wide representation of people from a variety of motorcycle clubs participating in Thunder by the Bay, including retired firemen and law enforcement officials, as well as corporate executives. Two area motorcycle clubs, the Suncoast Divas • In January 2015, the total estimated and Diva Angels, include a wide array of economic impact of Thunder by the professional women, including doctors, Bay’s out-of-county attendees and investment bankers and Realtors. donors was $8,084,700. This figure “Thunder by the Bay melds people reflects an 8.8 percent increase from of all socioeconomic levels, ethnic the previous year. backgrounds and ages,” Lucy adds. “I • The four-day festival attracted an cannot think of a more diverse event estimated 90,000 people who attendoffered in our c ommunity.” ed Thunder by the Bay’s events. Of those individuals, In addition to participation by local motorcycle 57.2 percent were not residents of the county. enthusiasts, Thunder by the Bay has an impressive global • Area hotels and lodging facilities reported a total of draw. 6,000 room nights during the festival. “People travel to Sarasota from Canada, Germany, • As many as 95.2 percent of the out-of-county attendScotland, Ireland and Wales,” Lucy says. “Many of our riders ees clearly indicated that they visited Sarasota either also come from New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and directly because of the event or because Thunder by Louisiana. Because this is the first rally of the year, people the Bay was important in bringing them to the area. enjoy coming here not only for the festival, but also to • An impressive 93.6 percent of all 2015 attendees plan escape the cold!” to attend the festival again in 2016. What makes this motorcycle festival most unique is that it is one of only a select few in the country that is not Of special interest is the fact that the average m edian produced by city or county government officials. Instead, income of people who participated in the festival in Thunder by the Bay is produced by—and raises funds January 2015 is $104,000. for—Suncoast Charities for Children, a local non-profit agency that serves special-needs children, teenagers and adults “Honoring Our Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Their Families” and their families in our Thursday-January 7 Saturday-January 9 Sunday - January 10 community. Sporting Clay Tournament Finz Finds “Cruise for Cash” Downtown Festival Net proceeds raised Charity Ride Knight’s Trail Range Main Street / Downtown Sarasota during the four-day Registration 10:00 am until Noon Registration 8:30 am 11: 00 am until 6:00 pm - Free Admission Starts 9:00 am Sarasota Ford Dealership Vendors - Demos - Great Food festival are earmarked $500 Team/$125 Person $20 Entry (For Three Draws) to provide grants $4,000 in Cash Prizes!! Live Entertainment “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party Breakfast Included - Prize Giveaways At to the Suncoast Noon 1:30 pm Nuthin Fancy Sarasota Ford Dealership Both Harley - Davidson Dealership Stops Foundation, a local Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band 6:30 pm until 11:00 pm - $100pp 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Lazy Bonez Featuring Whiskey, Wine, Vodka organization that has Downtown Festival & Beer Tastings 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Bobby Friss Band Main Street / Downtown Sarasota constructed buildings Silent Auction - Live Music - Open Bar 11:00 am until 11:00 pm - Free Admission Food By Louies Modern in the S arasota, Venice Vendors - Demos - Great Food 17 Class Bike Show and North Port area. Friday - January 8 South Palm Avenue - Downtown Sarasota Live Entertainment “Hogs on Hillview” Block Party Valued at more than Registration 11:00 am until 1:30 pm 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Category Three “Light Up The Night” Bike Show $20 million, these $20 Per Entry Hillview Street 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Edge of Red 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Trezz Hombers buildings provide a Info: thunderbythebay.org Free Admission - Vendors - Food ZZ Top Tribute Band home base and head7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Keep the Faith Live Entertainment quarters for an annual Official Merchandise Available Nov. 15th Bon Jovi Tribute Band 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm The Billy Rice Band 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm Highway to Hell lease payment of only 9:15 pm - 10:30 pm Sean Chambers Band AC/DC Tribute Band $1 for these five local nonprofit agencies:
OFFICIAL EVENT SCHEDULE
SUNCAOST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN REGISTRATION # WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES IS CH4531. SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN IS A 501 (C)3 CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYS NO CONTRACT SOLICITORS AND RECEIVES 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS. A COPY OF THIS OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL - FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
The Florida Center for Early Childhood Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities, Inc. • Children First Sarasota County Special Olympics • Loveland Center, Inc.
“Cruise for Cash” Charity Ride will now be held on Saturday rather than Sunday. Registered riders will have a chance to learn more about the five local nonprofit agencies Suncoast Charities for Children supports at one of the ride stops. Riders will be greeted by clients and families, and they also will have a chance to win cash prizes totaling $4,000! On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival moves to downtown S arasota, with vendors, demonstrations and a wide array of food tents lining Main Street’s sidewalks. One of the highlights of the annual festival is the live music and entertainment that fill the streets of downtown Sarasota, and this year is no exception. See the schedule on the opposite page to find out when your favorite bands will be playing. On Sunday, the Bike Show—which has expanded from 16 to 17 classes—will be held on South Palm Avenue. Motorcycle enthusiasts will compete for first- and second-place awards in 17 classes based on overall appearance and design, cleanliness, chrome and paint quality and other factors, while also vying for the coveted “Best of Show” trophy. It’s interesting to note that all festival events—excluding the Kickoff Party and the Sporting Clay Tournament—are offered free of charge for spectators and attendees. “Suncoast Charities for C hildren receives no in-kind city funding to host T hunder by the Bay,” Lucy says. “We pay for all city services, including police security, and yet we still give area residents and visitors an opportunity to come out and enjoy all that we offer at no charge.” So much to see...so much to do! You won’t want to miss this exciting event that raises much-needed funds for local, special-needs individuals and families while bringing 90,000plus people to downtown Sarasota!
The net funds raised from the festival also are used for repair and maintenance of these aging facilities, while also supporting special project requests. There have been several additions and changes in the lineup of events for 2016. Traditionally held on Friday night, the kickoff party will now take place on Thursday, January 7, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the S arasota Ford Dealership on Washington Boulevard. Tickets are $100 per person and include whiskey, wine, vodka and beer tastings, food prepared by Louies Modern, live music and a silent auction. On Friday, January 8, a brand new event will bring motorcycle enthusiasts to Southside Village for the “Hogs on Hillview” Block Party and the spectacular “Light Up the Night” Bike Show. Held from 6 to 11 p.m., the festivities also will include food, vendors and live music. Another important scheduling change: The Finz Finds
SDMA to Contribute Gift Basket for Auction at Thunder by the Bay’s Kickoff Party This year, the SDMA will be donating a gift basket for
the silent auction that will be held at Thunder by the Bay’s “Born to Be Wild Kickoff Party” on Thursday, January 7, and we need your help to make it spectacular! Would you be willing to donate a gift or gift certificate from your shop to include in the gift basket? Money raised from the auction of SDMA’s gift basket will benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. If you are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to sdmavoice@gmail.com, and we will make arrangements to pick up your contribution.
For additional information about Thunder by the Bay, visit www.thunderbythebay.org. Photo by Chuck Carroll
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The Lifetime Candle is a glass cylinder filled with liquid paraffin, containing natural pods, pine cones and colored berries. This candle is from the Harvest Collection and adds warmth and light to any occasion. Stop by Write-On Sarasota “Celebrating 16 Years” of community friendship
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941-953-2800 7
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Holiday
ith the holidays just weeks away, it’s time to discover all that downtown Sarasota has to offer to help you check off the name of each and every friend, family member, schoolteacher or business associate on your gift-giving list! We’ve wandered the streets and avenues of our very own extraordinary shopping destination to bring you just a sampling of the unique and eclectic gifts you can find. ’Tis the season to share holiday cheer, and what better way could there be than by supporting our local merchants? Friendly service...personal, one-on-one attention...convenient shopping hours...it’s all within walking distance, right here in downtown Sarasota!
Can’t decide on the perfect present for that special someone? Why not opt for a gift certificate at Pixie Dust? With this charming boutique’s recent move and expansion—now with triple the square footage—you’ll find a magical potpourri of out-of-theordinary gifts, crystals and jewelry, as well as a host of spiritual items. Or, instead, give the gift of healing and stress relief with a certificate for a variety of calming massages, a reflexology or Reiki session or a sound bath. Here, the options for a gift that is gladly received are nearly endless!
Pixie Dust • 1476 Main Street • Sarasota 941-366-6325
This personalized Lazy Susan certainly will be the center of attention on your table. Made of beautiful Maple wood, it is specially designed to keep your condiments and table organized every day and for every party. Available in three sizes—14, 16 and 18 inches. Add the paddle chopping block, at right, for the perfect wedding shower gift.
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Write-On Sarasota 1423 1st Street • 941-953-2800
Gift Guide For the woman who has everything, why not choose a one-of-a-kind necklace that has been handcrafted by one of Sarasota’s own skilled artists? Pictured at right, an array of amethyst stones encircle an intriguing pendant made from metal clay that, when fired, turns into fine silver. Far right, a stunning piece, also made from metal clay, features a chrysocolla and silver pendant, which is surrounded by deep-blue lapis beads that have been treasured for thousands of years for their intense color. And just look at the exquisite detail on the clasp! Better yet, why not create your own unique piece of jewelry? You are welcome to purchase the materials you need at Sils Art Studio and work side by side with artist Silvie Waals, who will guide you in designing a masterpiece! Gift certificates for art sessions also are available.
Sils Art Studio • 1844 4th Street The Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota 888-932-5966
A beautiful, handmade tree ornament always is a welcome—and affordable—gift that is certain to be enjoyed year after year. The festive decorations at left have been handcrafted by a local artist from fused glass. Even the ornament hangers are works of art! They’re available in star, tree and icicle shapes in a variety of seasonal colors, each delicately adorned with a curl of wire, a fused-glass shape or petite beads.
The Artful Giraffe • 1861 Fruitville Road The Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota 941-388-3700
Nothing says you truly care like an exquisite gift made from the very finest imported Italian leather! Pictured far right, the large zippered satchel is a unique blend of Italian leather and recycled bicycle tires that has been hand painted with gold and silver metallics to create a signature look with true vintage appeal. Near right, the all-leather “Cross Buddy” shoulder bag, designed for use by men and women, is compact in size, yet handy to safely store essentials in zippered and buckled pockets. At front, the coziest, all-leather slippers you can find! Available in rich shades of brown and ruby red for ladies and gentlemen, each set comes with its own matching and zippered travel case for on-the-road and in-the-air adventures. And talk about comfort...you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds!
Eleganza 1477 Main Street • Sarasota 941-955-8855
From the Parisian workshop of French jewelry designer Sandrine Giraud comes these three stunning necklace-and-earring sets made from twisted wire, complemented by unusual beads and metal trimmings. Modular or contemporary in design, yet appealing for its elegance and femininity, each piece is handmade by the designer and his team, making each piece an original work of art. Whichever style you choose to give (or wear!), you’re certain to capture the attention of admirers everywhere.
i tesori • 1405 1st Street • Sarasota • 941-907-9296
For the people on your list who appreciate the finer things in life, give the world’s very best champagne and chocolates, from Sarasota’s own “purveyor of extraordinary delicacies.” At right, Krug Grande Cuvée is “the archetype of Krug’s philosophy of craftsmanship and savoir faire.” As an exceptional blend of more than 120 wines from 10 or more different years, this champagne’s exceptional finesse evolves from a stay of six or more years in the cellars. In fact, more than 20 years are needed to craft each bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée. Far right: Presented in a lovely keepsake jewelry box, Leonidas’ fresh Belgian chocolates include the famed fresh butter cream pieces and Belgium’s most popular pralines, as well as the Manon Blanc and the Manon Café, along with delicate coffee, vanilla and other fruit-flavored delicacies.
As Good As It Gets • 49 South Palm Avenue • Sarasota • 941-373-1839
Wrap Up All Your Holiday Shopping at the Sarasota Farmers Market!
“Santa” Phil
Handcrafted Candles • Soaps • Sauces • Guacamole • Chocolates • Local Honey Dog Treats • Sea Sponges • Paintings • Photography • Hand-Knit Scarves Organic Cosmetics & Body Care Products • Handmade Aprons • Belts • Jewelry Fashion Accessories • Children’s Bath/Beach Accessories • Baby Toys • Baskets Vintage & Eco-Friendly Clothing • Custom Furniture & So Much More!
PLUS More Than 5,000 Square Feet of Produce & Plants, Offering Florida’s Finest Quality Fruits & Vegetables, Along with Fresh, Local Seafood & Made-From-Scratch Baked Goods......All the Fixin’s for Your Holiday Dinner!
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Who wouldn’t welcome a brand new pair of shades? Featured here, top right: A pair of Roberto Cavalli aviator sunglasses for her with a metal frame wrapped in textured leather. Above: From Matsuda’s sterling silver eyewear collection, an iconic pair of metal shades sold in a leather box with a travel bag tucked inside. At right, Porsche’s classic sunglasses, circa the 1970s, continue to be a perennial favorite. In fact, they can be seen in a gold frame worn by Johnny Depp in his newest film, “Black Mass.”
Soto’s Optical Boutique • 1383 Main Street • Sarasota 941-953-3788
Carry-all pouches—young girls and women of all ages can never have enough of them! And who wouldn’t just love to own one of the unique and colorful Papaya! pieces, pictured here, to help stay organized while on the go? Available in a variety of sizes, including a wallet/purse wristlet, a travel cosmetic bag and an iPad-worthy case, these zip-close bags feature inspirational quotes and alluring designs with vintage appeal. An added touch—a colorful tassel! Chances are, you’ll be tempted to buy one—or more—to wrap and place under the tree for yourself!
Write-On Sarasota 1423 1st Street • Sarasota 941-953-2800
IT’S CRUISE NIGHT! EVERY SECOND FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA
Antique and classic cars, along with an array of hot rods, lined Lemon Avenue at “Cruise Night” on the second Friday in November. Hundreds of people gathered to check out the cars and enjoy music in the heart of downtown Sarasota at this new monthly event hosted by the SDMA!
Center photo: Lance of Lance’s Cruzin to the Hop serves as the DJ spinning tunes each month at Cruise Night
Above, Ron Soto of Soto’s Optical Boutique and his dog, JR, with Ron Campion, owner of Kennedy Studios on Main Street
Personalized Service by Kim & Ron Soto
941-953-3788 12
The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
The SDMA to Co-Host the “Jingle Paws Jubilee Adopt-a-Thon” at the Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturday, December 5
L
ooking for a new “fur-ever” friend? Then, the Sarasota Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when as many as 10 local animal groups will be there, with puppies, dogs, cats and kittens available for adoption! The Jingle Paws Jubilee Adopt-a-Thon, which will be held in Pineapple Park, is being presented by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association, the Sarasota Farmers Market, Suncoast Pet magazine, Soto’s Optical Boutique and Wet Noses. First launched in 2011, Jingle Paws Jubilee has been a holiday tradition in S arasota for the past four years. “The event originally was created as a venue to help find new families for our community’s homeless and a bandoned animals before the holidays,” says Candace Botha, who is the founder of the event and the publisher of Suncoast Pet magazine. “This year, we are very grateful to Phil Pagano, executive director of the Sarasota Farmers Market, and the market’s board of directors, for allowing us to continue the tradition during the Sarasota Farmers Market, which attracts more than 12,000 attendees each week during season.”
As part of the festivities, professional pet photographer Connie Summers will be taking holiday portraits during the event. In addition to animals available for adoption, the event organizers will be raising money by raffling off a spectacular holiday gift basket, with goodies and gift certificates from local businesses. Raffle tickets will be on sale during the adopt-a-thon, and all proceeds will be donated to the animal groups in attendance. “Our local animal groups work tirelessly and selflessly throughout the year, pulling animals from high-kill s helters or taking in abandoned dogs and cats and g iving them a s econd chance at life,” Candace says. “Many of these animals are taken into foster homes, where they are taught to become loving and well-behaved companions. They also have been spayed or neutered and micro-chipped, and they have received all vaccinations, as well as clean bills of health.” For more information and updates about the Jingle Paws Jubilee Adopt-a-Thon, visit the event page o nline at www.facebook.com/ JinglePawJubileeAdoptathon.
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