Fine Art Show

just graduated from the University of South Florida and had recently married. After a trip to our area, “We fell in love with Gulf Gate and Sarasota” Marot said.

When they decided to open their store, the couple financed their new business with a legal settlement that Rick received from a near fatal 1973 scuba diving accident that took place under the Skyway Bridge. A spear fisherman hunting illegally from the shore for Goliath grouper mistook the tall 20-year-old, 180-pound Marot for the gigantic fish (that can weigh up to 800 pounds). The fisherman’s powerful spear sliced through Marot’s leg. Badly wounded and bleeding heavily, Marot pulled the fisherman who was attempting to reel him in into the water. After dragging himself to the shore, the wounded Marot was close to death.

“My NROTC (Navy Reserve Officer Training Candidate) training as a student at Tulane University saved my life,” he said. Against all odds, doctors gave him his life back and also saved his leg. Through a grueling recovery, Marot learned to walk again. He also completed his college studies

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