Courtesy of Stock Custom Homes
Courtesy of Riley Interior Design
Courtesy of John Cannon Homes
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Courtesy of Mandy Vallowe Interiors
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MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY
Golden Legacy: Michael Saunders & Company at 50 In a region defined by sunlit coastlines, architectural elegance, and a lifestyle unlike any other, Michael Saunders & Company has spent the past half-century shaping the very fabric of Gulf Coast real estate. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the firm stands not only as a market leader but as a cultural cornerstone of refined living along Florida’s western shores. From its earliest days, the company has been guided by a singular vision: to elevate real estate beyond transaction into an art of connection, stewardship, and trust. Today, that vision is reflected in an expansive network of 19 full-service offices, more than 660 agents, and 150 dedicated support professionals serving discerning clients across the Gulf Coast. u 200
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Celebrating 50 Years
Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company | www.MichaelSaunders.com
At the helm of this enduring legacy is founder Michael Saunders, whose influence continues to resonate throughout the industry. Her recent recognition as the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Business Woman of the Year 2026 underscores a career defined by both innovation and impact — one that has quietly transformed the expectations of luxury real estate. Nowhere is the company’s presence more dynamic than in St. Petersburg, a city experiencing a cultural, design, and waterfront-living renaissance. Here, Michael Saunders & Company’s team of seasoned Realtors® navigates a diverse portfolio that ranges from historic enclaves to contemporary downtown residences and some of the region’s most coveted waterfront estates. Currently based at 449 Central Avenue, the office is poised for its next chapter with a move to 400 Central Avenue, an iconic address developed by Red Apple Group that reflects the city’s architectural ambition. u DESIGN & DISTINCTION — homeanddesign.net
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MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY The firm’s command of the luxury market is perhaps best embodied in its latest offering: a $9.5 million penthouse at the prestigious Vinoy Place. Positioned at 555 5th Avenue NE and represented by the Krawczyk Pagano Team, the residence captures sweeping vistas of Tampa Bay and the glittering downtown skyline. With expansive terraces designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living, the property speaks to a distinctly Floridian elegance. “Located atop the Vinoy Place complex, the residence features panoramic views of the vibrant downtown skyline,” notes St. Petersburg branch manager Marc Caldarone. “This penthouse offers an abundance of outdoor terraces and balconies to entertain friends and family and enjoy our Florida West Coast lifestyle.” Such listings are emblematic of a broader momentum. Following the debut of its Sanibel-Captiva office in 2025 and the opening of its Wellen Park location earlier this year, the company continues to expand with intention, aligning growth with the evolving desires of a sophisticated clientele. u
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Celebrating 50 Years
Fifty years on, Michael Saunders & Company remains both rooted and forward-looking, blending legacy with vision. In a marketplace that constantly shifts, its enduring success lies in something far more timeless: an unwavering commitment to excellence, a deep un derstanding of place, and a belief that luxury is, above all, a personal experience. n Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company | www.MichaelSaunders.com
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RUGS AS ART In 1986, John and Lucy Murse opened Rugs As Art in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate shopping district with a simple vision: offer an exceptional selection of rugs, honest prices, and the kind of personal service that makes customers feel like family. What began as an 800-square-foot store has grown into the landmark 20,000-square-foot destination on South Tamiami Trail featuring thousands of rugs, along with art, furniture, accessories, and custom design services. Four decades later, the Murse family is proud to still be doing what we love — helping people find pieces that make their homes feel more personal and beautiful. Over the years, styles have changed, technology has changed, and Sarasota has certainly changed, but our commitment to selection, savings, and service has remained the same. As we celebrate 40 years, we’re incredibly grateful to the customers, designers, employees, vendors, and friends who have made our journey possible. We’re proud of where we started, proud of what we’ve built together, and excited about what comes next. Forty years later, Rugs As Art is still family-owned, still locally rooted, and still passionate about helping people find something they’ll love for years to come. n
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Celebrating 40 Years
Courtesy of Rugs As Art | www.RugsAsArt.com
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HSH COLLECTIVE Coco Cabana is a high-end coastal modern beach house designed for relaxed, multi-generational living on Anna Maria Island. Thoughtfully layered with durable, elevated finishes and custom furnishings, the home balances a laid-back island vibe with refined design. From the moment you pass through the light wood double doors of the foyer, it is clear that every detail has been curated to enhance the coastal experience. The heart of the home is an expansive, light-filled open-concept living area. High tray ceilings and light hardwood floors create an airy atmosphere that connects the living room, dining area, and chef’s kitchen. The kitchen is a masterpiece of refined design, featuring crisp white cabinetry, professionalgrade appliances, and a large central island perfect for gathering. These open spaces flow effortlessly from indoors to out, creating a seamless setting for entertaining and everyday coastal living. u Courtesy of HSH Collective | www.hshcollective.com
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HSH COLLECTIVE
The private quarters are equally impressive, tailored to accommodate guests of all ages. The primary suite serves as a serene retreat, boasting a private balcony and a luxurious bathroom equipped with a freestanding soaking tub and a custom blue vanity. Additional guest bedrooms and a charming twin bunk room ensure ample space for family and friends. The attention to detail extends to the bathrooms, where unique tile work and modern fixtures maintain the home’s elevated aesthetic. u
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True to its island location, Coco Cabana excels in outdoor living. The ground-level patio, tucked beneath a stunning wood-slat ceiling, offers a shaded oasis for lounging and dining poolside. Surrounded by lush tropical palms and a sleek sun deck, the pool area serves as the ultimate backdrop for relaxation. Coco Cabana is more than just a residence; it is a sophisticated sanctuary that perfectly captures the essence of life on Anna Maria Island. n
Courtesy of HSH Collective www.hshcollective.com
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HSH COLLECTIVE
Courtesy of HSH Collective | www.hshcollective.com
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PANEL DÉCOR HUB
Designed by Panel Decor Hub®, this contemporary residence captures the perfect balance of natural wood and stone, infusing the home’s heart with warmth, texture, and architectural depth. From the statement media wall to the custom kitchen island, every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a seamless flow between spaces, elevating everyday living with enduring, timeless design. Collections: Slat Wood Panels | FLEX Stone Veneers Courtesy of Panel Décor Hub | www.PanelDecorHub.com
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