SRQ Magazine | November 2023 Foodie Edition + Top Doctors

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Contents november 2023

Cover: Two Docks Clams at

The Sandbar at Anna Maria crafted with bacon, tomato, garlic, white wine and cream, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

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Along Anna Maria Island, beachside towns such as Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria are home to a gathering of beloved local restaurants that have been pleasing palates and delighting diners for many years. We embark on a culinary journey to learn more about these hidden gems. WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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Family ties are a key ingredient for the success of these four family-owned French eateries— Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery, C’est La Vie, Maison Blanche and Miguel’s Restaurant. WRITTEN

BY LAURA PAQUETTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN, WES ROBERTS

Family ties are a key ingredient for the success of these four family-owned French eateries.

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contents november 2023

17 BRANDSTORY BRIGHTSTAR CARE® 45 IN CONVERSATION NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA PRESIDENT RICHARD CORCORAN 87 DOMICILE DESIGN WORKS JOHN CANNON HOMES LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES M&M MATTSON WALLCOVERINGS TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA

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University of Florida researchers are excited for home gardeners to plant the Sugar Belle and regain a slice of Florida paradise. The Pop-Up Library hits the road and expands its services. How local nonprofit Oyster River Ecology is paving the way for a better tomorrow. Florida Provisions Co. is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to make the most of their time in the Sunshine State. Former Olympian, Sam Mikulak has signed on to coach at EVO Athletics, the new Olympic training center in Sarasota.

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At Ringling College, 17 students hold the legacy of Syd Solomon in their hands. In her largest installation since 2017, Judy Pfaff draws upon the climate of the Gulf Coast and destruction of recent hurricanes in Picking Up the Pieces.

forage 73

Osteria 500 opens a portal to Italy’s iconic culinary traditions.

home+design 79 Local designers weigh into this year’s biggest home trends.

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With Blaze of Hope, Lisa Moore is spreading hope like fire.

Previous page: Local stone crab claws at the Blue Marlin, a hidden gem in Bradenton Beach, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

This page: Calamarata con crema di Burrata al Pistacchio e Salsiccia at Osteria 500 photography by Wyatt Kostygan; Artist Judy Pfaff bring her installation to the Sarasota Art Musuem, image courtesy of the Sarasota Arm Museum; and, goodies from the Florida Provisions Co., photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

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NOVEMBER 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, Kari King, Phil Lederer, Jacob Ogles, Kate Wight

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GET SRQ DAILY aga in in your ands off rs 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 r t us t origina as r is d 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.

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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 iss e ill arri e in o r ail o in eeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 26, Issue 259 Copyright © 2023 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Locall. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.

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

SQUEEZE THE DAY The Sugar Belle, a new citrus variety, is helping the industry bounce back from the citrus greening disease. Laura Paquette

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ON AN IDYLLIC ORANGE GROVE IN FLORIDA, TROUBLE IS BREWING. The Asian citrus psyllid, a brown and white mottled bug, creeps across a green leaf on an orange tree, transmitting a bacterium called Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus onto the plant, causing a disease called citrus greening. Once infected, there is no cure. Since the disease’s spread across the state beginning around 2008, this horticultural horror has played out everywhere from massive commercial farms to grandma’s prized backyard oasis, threatening growers’ livelihoods and Floridians' sense of self.

When the Spanish introduced it to the Americas in the 1490s, no one could have predicted that the humble orange would become synonymous with the state of Florida. “Citrus is part of Florida’s identity,” says Alyssa Vinson, the residential horticultural agent at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension in Manatee County. “If you go back to the original postcards and advertisements to tourists, images of oranges are everywhere.” From glossy print ads of rosy-cheeked children getting their daily cup of vitamin C or frolicking beachgoers enveloped in a wreath of blossoming oranges, the fruit represents a slice of Americana. “Having a citrus tree in your yard is the iconic Florida dream,” adds Fred Gmitter, a professor of citrus breeding and genetics at the University of Florida.

“Citrus greening smacked the industry hard starting in 2008. Going into 2015, we started to see a mass spread of the disease, which damages the vascular tissue of the plant so that it can’t transport nutrition throughout the tree,” says Vinson. “We told people not to plant citrus anymore. Citrus greening takes away something meaningful to people because they have many emotions and memories wrapped up in growing citrus at home. All the time, we heard people say ‘I wish I still had my tree.’”

As the detrimental disease marched its way across the state, Gmitter and his team at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred released the Sugar Belle, a cross between a Clementine mandarin and a Minneola tangelo, known as the Honeybell. “It was the worst possible time to release a new citrus variety,” he adds, “and no one wanted to plant it.” One grower on the east coast of Florida—who, as luck would have it, learned about the fruit at a Gator football game—planted around 100 acres of Sugar Belles and was the only grower to do so. About a year or two after planting the trees, he asked Gmitter to come look at them, as they all displayed symptoms of greening on their leaves. Since he’d invested a great deal of money into the trees, the grower decided to leave them in the ground and see what would happen.

“That was a stroke of luck because we discovered that the Sugar Belle is one of the most tolerant trees to citrus greening disease,” Gmitter says. “They continued to grow despite being infected and for many years continued to produce good crops of high-quality fruit.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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The Sugar Belle’s tolerance of citrus greening has encouraged the UF/IFAS to recommend it to home growers and test it for juicing. “It’s not resistant, but we feel that if they put in the work and give it proper nutrition, home gardeners have a fighting chance to have a tree in their yard,” he adds. While the Sugar Belle isn’t a permanent solution for citrus greening, researchers use it as a breeding parent, transmitting tolerance of the disease to the next generations of trees through the simple transfer of pollen from one flower to another, producing plants that are not genetically modified. “We collect the seeds, grow out the babies and pick the one out of 1,000 that’s better than the others,” he says.

Harkening back to naturalist Gregor Mendel’s work breeding peas in the 1800s, this old-fashioned scientific process represents a return to a life lived in harmony with nature. Scientists and volunteers work with UF/IFAS to gather data on the trees, helping home and commercial growers. “We live in a culture that’s disconnected from the natural world,” adds Vinson, “so any opportunity for us to give people autonomy over their food choices is important. Connecting people with the plants around them can provide a sense of place and a healthier ecosystem.” SRQ

This spread: Alyssa Vinson and UF/ IFAS are passionate about connecting people to the natural world.

Uf/IFAS hosts classes, workshops and other events across Sarasota and Manatee counties.

To learn more about their programs or the Sugar elles isit i as. ed .

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Below: Damon Moore and Oyster River Ecology work tirelessly to educate the community about restoration ecology.

REVIVE, RESTORE

Unleashing the power of ecological restoration Kate Wight

DAMON MOORE HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE CAREER SPEARHEADING environmental initiatives through his

work with entities like the Manatee County Government and Environmental Science Associates. This year, Moore esta lished yster iver cology , a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and restore the ecological functions of the Suncoast while increasing awareness and understanding of the natural systems that surround us.

“I founded Oyster River Ecology as a way to get more ecological restoration pro ects o the ground in the area,” Moore says. “We’re growing fast. A lot of our natural areas are being turned into housing, and our water quality is obviously hurting. To me, as somebody who grew up in this area and grew up on the water, restoration ecology is a calling.”

Moore is an experienced grant writer who knows that funding is crucial when it comes to environmental restoration. He’s in the process of securing funds to help with ORE’s current and future projects. The federal government has recently passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which, among other things, allocates 14 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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funding for programs intended to mitigate the e ects of climate change. Some of that money is already coming to the area–Sarasota County is receiving a $14.5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the Alligator Creek Restoration Project. Moore is also hoping to procure funding from the same sources for ORE. But all the money in the world doesn’t matter if there isn’t also buy-in from the community. Education and hands-on experiences are a big part of the ORE mission.

In middle school, Moore worked on a project planting mangroves in e s ey, a formative e perience that he hopes to replicate for a new generation.

“The other really important part I think we can bring to these projects is engaging young people and getting them involved in a meaningful way,” Moore says. “Not just telling them about the project, but facilitating experiences and volunteer events so they can learn a out it firsthand. grew up this way, and it really sticks with you.” SRQ

Engage: To learn more about Oyster River Ecology, contact 941-567-8738 or email damon@ oysterriverecology. org. You can also keep up to date on ORE’s projects and volunteer opportunities by following their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ OysterRiverEcologyInc.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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YOU ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL FAVORITES

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 2024 BEST OF SRQ LOCAL COMPETITION!

When we share our favorite dining, shopping, arts, philanthropy, people and places, we celebrate the local experiences that make our hometown special.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE NOVEMBER 15, 2023

SCAN TO ACCESS NOMINATIONS

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BRIGHTSTAR CARE ® OF NORTH SARASOTA OFFERS IN-HOME CARE AND MEDICAL STAFFING THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND. When your loved one needs extra care at home, choosing the right agency can be a difficult decision, but entrusting BrightStar Care makes it easier. BrightStar Care, a private duty home health agency, has been serving Sarasota and Manatee counties for over 12 years, providing everything from in-home care to comprehensive medical staffing. BrightStar helps individuals of all ages, ranging from infancy to seniors, by offering companionship and personal care, including bathing, meal prep, medication reminders, mobility assistance and more depending on the needs of the client. If you are looking for a trustworthy care provider or staffing partner in the Sarasota/Manatee region, BrightStar is available 24/7 to deliver a higher standard of care.

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AGING IN PLACE WITH BRIGHTSTAR JEFF AND SUSAN COOPER ARE THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THE SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTY OFFICES. The Coopers take pride in being personally involved with every client along with their families to ensure their level of care exceeds all expectations. The higher quality of care delivered is what continues to set Brightstar apart. Each client receives their own personalized plan of care developed in partnership with a registered nurse, placing emphasis on ensuring the goals set in place best serve the individual. Every step of the way, the team at Brightstar has clear lines of communication with the client’s medical and personal supports, including doctors, spouses, and adult children; all to formulate an accurate and effective care plan.

This allows BrightStar’s compassionate staff to provide care in the comfort of one’s own home, assisted living community, memory care unit or skilled nursing community, and reassures families that their loved ones are being cared for with knowledge, empathy and compassion.

AGING IN PLACE HAS A DIFFERENT MEANING TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE depending on their level of income, access to long term care insurance, availibility of family for help, and other factors that are taken into consideration when developing care plans with the BrightStar team. While a majority of seniors served do not have immediate family within a couple of hours, the need for private duty home health is necessary for individuals to achieve their goals of aging in place, and for families to have peace of mind.

FOR JEFF AND SUSAN, THEIR MISSION TO DELIVER A HIGHER STANDARD OF CARE and accessibility to home health care is personal. Susan’s father passed away at the end of 2019 from Alzheimer’s Disease in Michigan. Susan, along with her family know firsthand how blessed they were to have had around the clock care for her father as he aged in place, surrounded by loving caregivers the last 4 years of his life, passing away with his family and caregivers by his side at his beautiful home on the lake, just as he had wished.

WHILE JEFF AND SUSAN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AGING IN PLACE MAY NOT LOOK THE SAME FOR EVERYBODY, they do feel that BrightStar can be an integral part of the planning process, as BrightStar has established strong relationships with clients and administration in the assisted living communities, memory care units, and skilled rehabilitation units. Jeff states, “We can provide supplemental care when an individual has had a health setback. Our goal is to keep people safe, comfortable and nourished.”

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A TE A M T HAT UNDERS TANDS AS SARASOTA RESIDENTS FOR OVER 17 YEARS, the Coopers are invested in their surrounding communities. They have developed strong industry relationships and pride themselves with being hands on, trustworthy, and available owners.

What sets the Coopers apart is who they are and what they represent; demonstrating a high level of integrity accompanied by a sincere mission to help and serve.

JEFF AND SUSAN RECOGNIZE THAT BEING A PRIMARY CAREGIVER IS EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY STRESSFUL, but they want everyone involved to understand that they are not alone in their journey, and they have supports to lean back on. They know how important it is for the person providing most of the care to ask for help.

SUSAN AND JEFF HAVE BOTH EARNED THEIR DEGREES IN PSYCHOLOGY, and Susan possesses a Master’s Degree in Social Work; both relying on their education and previous experiences to uphold the standards of their team. The Coopers are people who want to help people. Susan goes on to explain, “What we do every day is important. We are taking care of people’s parents or family members. I can’t think of a greater responsibility, and we feel honored that families entrust their loved ones to BrightStar Care.”

V E TE R ANS—A SPE CI AL PL A C E IN OUR HEA RT S MANY COMPANIES THAT SERVE THE PUBLIC ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH ONE SPECIAL GROUP OR ENTITY THAT THEY HOLD NEAR AND DEAR TO THEM, for Jeff and Susan it is our veterans.

Often veterans aren’t aware of the benefits that are available to them, and this is where BrightStar can help.

By serving as an advocate for the veteran, BrightStar will work with the V.A. to determine the benefits that might be available and then implement a care plan. “Veterans tend to be one of the most underserved classes of people and we want to change that to the best of our ability,” states Jeff. “We work closely with the Bay Pines Veterans Administration to ensure that our veterans receive the care that they need and deserve.”

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T HE BRIGHTSTA R FR A NCH I S E BRIGHTSTAR CARE, FOUNDED IN 2002

by CEO Shelly Sun, is a national home care and ed cal staffin franch se w th ore than co any owned and franch sed locat ons nat onw de rov d n ed cal and non ed cal serv ces to cl ents w th n their homes and supplemental care staff to corporate clients. Like the Coopers, s un started the bus ness after see n firsthand the ortance of find n su t able care for her loved one r ht tar Care is the only national home care franch se to rece ve he o nt o ss on s nter r se ha on for ual ty award every year s nce the award s nce t on ore than of r ht tar are a enc es are also o nt o ss on accred ted the old standard w th n the healthcare ndustry hoos n so eone to care for your fa ly s one of the b est dec s ons you ll ever ake r ht tar can hel you ake that dec s on w th confidence and peace of mind.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGHTSTAR, PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: BRIGHTSTARCARE.COM/NORTH-SARASOTA OR CALL US 24/7 AT 866.618.7827

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ON FLORIDA TIME

Mark and Michelle Thomas celebrate all things Florida at their new lifestyle shop. Laura Paquette

FROM RELAXING ON THE LANAI TO WAKING UP SERENADED BY THE TRUMPETING CALL OF SANDHILL CRANES, Floridians are proud to live in their own special

world. Driven by their love of the Florida lifestyle, Mark and Michelle Thomas opened Florida Provisions Co. at Waterside Place in late 2022. “We own another concept in St. Pete called Boaters Republic,” says Michelle, “but when we moved to the Bradenton area we wanted to open something local. After visiting the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market, we knew we had to have a spot here.”

Florida Provisions Co. stands out from other stores because of its all-inclusive shopping experience.

Guests can browse beachwear or kick back at the bar, which features four beers and two wines on tap as well as a large selection of refrigerated local craft beer from breweries such as Sun King, Green Bench and Big Storm Brewing Co. “We wanted to create a community and have more of a relationship with our customers,” Michelle adds. Seasonal Ranch Nite Wednesdays, the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market and the shop’s own beer tasting events encourage patrons to drop in and socialize at this welcoming neighborhood establishment. Because Waterside is an open-container area, visitors can enjoy a drink to 22 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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go as they stroll around the lake, another element that attracted the couple to open a business there.

A native Floridian, Michelle called upon her appreciation of coastal aesthetics in designing the lifestyle shop’s interior. Light shines throughout the open space, and white paint allows beachy elements like woven chandeliers and wooden tabletops to pop. Like Florida itself, the shop is a picture-perfect backdrop to guests’ lives. “We have everything for your Florida lifestyle, says ichelle, “li e flip flops, sunglasses and locally-made food.” The couple sources organic eats and drinks, such as Old Florida Gourmet Products’ chips and salsa as well as Florida Pure Sea Salt, which is harvested in-state. Michelle and Mark take every aspect of life in this unique corner of the country into consideration, curating a selection of necessities including polarized sunglasses to aid oaters and fishers and eti coolers, which work wonders in withstanding the summer heat.

The shop’s clientele includes everyone from local young families to snowbirds and tourists. “Lakewood Ranch is a multigenerational community,” she adds, “and we have a little bit of everything, whether you need clothes, a hostess gift or want to come have a beer and talk about your latest catch.” SRQ

Above: “We’re a husband and wife team, so we’re really like one person that runs the shop,” says Michelle Thomas, reminiscing on her and her husband, Mark’s, experience at Florida Provisons Co. Florida Provisions Co., 1561 Lakefront Dr. Ste. 109, Sarasota, @ oridapro isions on Instagram.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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Below: Sarasota County Pop-Up Library, 941-861-1110, scgov.net/government/ li raries ser i es and poli ies pop p li rar . he the age iterar ele ration egins o . or ore in or ation isit s go .net go ern ent li raries o the page.

POP-UP PAVES THE WAY

For Sarasota County residents without library access, the Pop-Up will bring the wonders of the library to them. Laura Paquette

LIKE A 3D ILLUSTRATION IN A CHILDREN’S POP-UP BOOK, a large blue Sarasota County

van bearing the words “Pop-Up Library” has sprung up, bringing books, events and other library materials to local communities without a brick-and-mortar library location.

“Over time, we learned that transportation is one of the biggest barriers to accessing library resources,” says Sarasota County Director of Libraries and Historical Resources Renée DiPilato. “When we talked to the community and heard people say that it’s hard to get to the library, we wanted to make our services more accessible to them.”

Not all Sarasota County residents live near a physical branch or have the means with which to visit it. “There’s a number of communities without a physical location in their neighborhood,” DiPilato adds, listing eastern and southern parts of the county and the Laurel Corridor as potential sites for the Pop-Up. The library website lists both the vehicle’s consistently planned stops and spontaneous visits, perhaps at parks, Boys & Girls Clubs and senior centers.

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The public will have the opportunity to request the Pop-Up at community events by contacting the library. Unlike a bookmobile or book bus, into which people can climb and browse, the Pop-Up comes customized with storage housing materials such as laptops, DVDs, iPads, storytime supplies and—of course—books, which can be rolled out of the vehicle. An awning at the top of the van can be pulled out to create a shady sanctuary, perfect for children’s storytime. Little readers are encouraged to lounge on the Pop-Up’s bean bag chairs or sit on the rug under the awning and let their imaginations take the wheel. “People can look through our collection, get technological help and get a library card,” says DiPilato. “Patrons can borrow an assortment of materials for all ages no matter where we are, and they can return materials to the Pop-Up when it’s back in their vicinity. Everything you do at a physical library you can do at the Pop-Up.” While filling a van with oo s might sound simple, the project required a great deal of planning, including assistance from the

Sarasota Board of County Commissioners and financial support from the i rary Foundation for Sarasota County and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. In tribute to an anonymous donor who learned about the initiative while discussing it over the purchase of pistachios, the Pop-Up features a hidden pistachio in its design.

With the community (and the Pop-Up) all fueled up for library fun, DiPilato is eager to incorporate it into upcoming events, like the inaugural the age iterary ele ration which ic s o ovem er . he event will feature author talks, book signings, workshops and visits from the Pop-Up, which will also make an appearance at the One Book One Community event next spring.

“One of the primary goals of library services is to enable access to the world of educational, cultural and entertainment resources that we provide for all ages and interests, and this is the next step in carrying out our mission,” DiPilato adds. “It’s extremely meaningful to bring resources to communities that can’t access them and expand our reach.” SRQ

IMAGES COURTESY OF SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES.

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OLYMPIC GYNMASTICS FINDS A NEW HOME Former Olympian Sam Mikulak has signed on to coach at Evo Athletics, the new Olympic training center in Sarasota. Barbie Heit

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Left: Three-time Olympic gymnast Sam Mikulak brings his experience and knowledge to Sarasota. Below: With topnotch equipment, EVO aims to be the go-to Olympic training center for men’s gymnastics.

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MOVE OVER, COLORADO SPRINGS. There’s a new Olympic training facility where the sun is shining, the

palm trees are swaying and the coaching is second to none. EVO Athletics, a Sarasota gymnastics center that opened seven years ago, is set to become a new training center for elite athletes and Olympic hopefuls.

Three-time Olympic gymnast Sam Mikulak has signed on to coach at the facility. A 30-year-old native of Orange County, California and 2015 graduate of the University of Michigan, Mikulak first competed in 2012 at the London Olympics when he was just 19 years old.

After that, he went on to every national championship from 2013 to 2020 and competed in several world championships as well. His first world medal was on the high bar, where he earned a bronze for Team USA in 2018 in Doha. The Tokyo Games in 2020, which were affected

by COVID-19, ended up being his last Olympics. “My body was hurting too much; I was getting too old and so I decided it was time to hang up the grips,” Mikulak says. “Then all of a sudden, I got a job offer to become a coach at EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota. I knew I would love to take the knowledge that I've accumulated over the past 12 years of competing and just give it to the younger generation so that they don't make the same mistakes I did, and so I accepted the offer.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | WYATT KOSTYGAN

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Like other Olympians in recent years, Mikulak has publicly acknowledged his own mental health struggles as a result of performing on the world’s largest stage.

He’s learned valuable lessons that he plans to bring to his trainees at EVO. “It’s the Olympics and so the pressure’s way more than it's ever been, and that's something you can't ever really prepare yourself for,” he says. “But I think I could get athletes more prepared versus a coach that hasn't been to the Olympics and so I’d like to think I’ve got a little bit of a leg up here.” As an experienced athlete and coach, Mikulak has worked on creating a good life balance between gymnastics, social life and responsibilities, while making sure that he is not just identifying as an athlete. “You're a human being that does gymnastics because you enjoy it. It's not the end-all of your life. And that's my big mission that I just want to continue coaching into the younger generations.”

Having trained for seven years at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, Mikulak knows all too srq magazine_ NOV23 live local | 27

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well how di cult the training regimen can be. “ eing stuck training, eating, sleeping and having that be your repetitive point of life, especially during the winter months really takes its toll,” he says. “I m a big advocate of the more sun you get, the happier you are and the happier you are as an athlete, the better you re going to do once you re in the gym and so it makes sense that arasota is definitely the place we want to centrali e as the new lympic training center for elite athletes to come train.”

The men who train at should find everything they need to compete amongst the very best. trength and conditioning tools along with resources for recovery are all readily available, according to Mikulak. “ e ve just created a small little niche for men s gymnastics so when they re done with their college career, or even if they don t want to go through college but just to be a dedicated athlete to come train in a place that s a little more fun, a little more enjoyable, it s all here,” he says. In addition to Mikulak, the coaching staff consists of three time lympic coach, evin Ma eika and the previous head coach at the lympic Training enter in olorado, y ue aesar. “ e re hoping we can get most of the national team training here and we re offering our services and having our gym try to be as successful as possible to 28 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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create opportunities for international competitors to attend our camps, as well all putting us on the path of making us an o cial lympic training center.” has what Mikulak refers to as a feeder program that will lead male gymnasts into the national team on the senior level. Their ultimate goal is for people to send their kids to the program from all over the country if they are very seriously trying to make the ne t lympic team. urrently, the gym is self funded but they have been seeking donations and trying to get partnerships to financially support the athletes. “ o far, it s been working,” he says. “ ut if we want to e pand and grow, it s going to re uire us to partner with a lot of different companies and we re really hoping to grow our market within arasota, to make it like the gymnastics capital of the country.”

Mikulak shares that a typical day for an elite athlete in training at starts with practice from am to 1pm followed by a break for a couple hours where they can either receive treatment for recovery, get their lunch, rela for a little bit, or do whatever they d like until they come back for strength and conditioning from 0 to 00 pm, along with stretching, yoga and meditation. “If they re using everything the way that we really want them to be using it, it s going to be seven hour days. In terms of

Above: The coaching team at EVO takes pride in o ering competitive team programs designed to nurture and develop young gymnasts' talent and potential.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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Engage: To learn more about the USA Men's Artistic Gymnastics program, visit: www.magfoundationusa. org. EVO Athletics, 7188 East 15th Street, Unit 2, Sarasota, 941-222-0888.

just strict training on the apparatus, it's really only a fourhour practice without too much gymnastics realistically, because the biggest injury for all elite athletes is overtraining and that's something that we like to manage and make sure that they don't push themselves too hard,” he says. “We’re tracking that, making sure there are gradual progressions, but they are continually getting better and growing stronger. The only way to really get better for a long period of time is to not get hurt.”

The goal for Mikulak and the other coaches at EVO is to have the US Men’s Team back on the podium in 2024 and to get on the gold medal podium in LA in 2028.

“We want to take advantage of that home court and make sure that we're very well prepared,” says Mikulak.

“We've got the best athletes and we’re doing our best to make sure they've all got good team camaraderie for the ne t five years until that comes about. The last time the 30 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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games were held in LA, we ended up winning gold as a team for men's gymnastics and we haven't done it since, so we're really counting on it. We want to share the journey with Sarasota and hopefully have a little sense of pride for our little town out here.”

Throughout the coming year, the coaches and athletes of EVO will be bringing their gymnastics exhibitions into the community at events to let everyone know who and what they are all about. “We want to get people invested because these guys are training for the Olympics and we need to put them in pressure situations, so the more people who can come watch them train and do their competitions, the better to actually get them more prepared for the pressures of the Olympics. We want Sarasota to be Gymnastics City USA. We love this place, we could not have picked a better spot to change gymnastics.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE

This page: The paintings of Syd Solomon capture the natural elements that shaped his life experiences.

culture city

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION Role of the Curator. Phil Lederer

IT’S THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON ON A WEDNESDAY and up in the very uiet and very empty fourth floor of the ingling

ollege cademic enter im aeger s students are hard at wor . hey sit on ta les and cross legged on des s, hunched in close circles on swivel chairs with computers in their laps, chatter restrained to the low drone of professional colla oration, ideas softly passed ac and forth. here are no paint rushes or s etch oo s here, no clay to mold or models to draw. di erent sort of creation is at play. n less than two months, the college will host a ma or e hi ition cele rating the life and wor of one of arasota s most treasured adopted sons, merican a stract artist yd olomon, and these students will e its architects.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE GALLERIES AT RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN.

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The class is called “Role of the Curator” and Jaeger teaches it every year under the college’s Business of Art & Design program, assembling a small team from the various disciplines at the college and tasking them with the rather large responsibility of mounting an entire gallery exhibition (mostly) by themselves. “The whole idea is that these students will learn the ins and outs of the gallery industry, while being exposed to topnotch artwork,” says Jaeger, who serves as director and chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at the college.

“Because all of the tools that go into supporting the artist in the gallery setting are what’s needed to sustain the artist outside of it.” And a harsh truth of making it as an independent artist is that success requires at least as much business savvy as artistic skill. Or, as Jaeger tells his students: “I’m in the business of making art work.”

And so the students divide into teams—Curatorial, Creative, Marketing, and Events & Programming—each with its own task and set of “deliverables” that it must concept and create. And while Jaeger is always there to o er insight or answer uestions, much of the wor is autonomous. “It’s the closest thing to just having a job in the creative industry,” says Dave, a junior and graphic designer on the Creative Team, where he and four other students are responsible for concepting and designing all of the various collateral—posters, ads, decals, etc.—that will be used to promote the show. “But right now we’re focusing on the exhibition’s identity through design,” says Diego, a senior, “and making sure everything is cohesive.” This is art student talk for branding and the Creative Team is exploring all of its options.

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The Events and Programming team was whipping up a rainstorm in the middle of the room, ideas flying fast and loose in these early planning stages. There will be ArtWalks, there will be lectures, there will be a Syd Solomon-era-themed dance for the students. But the big challenge, and perhaps their largest responsibility, is figuring out how to get arasota residents who are not familiar with the campus to pay a visit. Angie, a junior, suggests an immersive experience in the vein of the Beyond Van Gogh exhibition that came through Sarasota last year, all large-scale projection and animation. “So you feel like you’re part of the artwork,” she says, “and the experience is bigger than just walking through a gallery.” Questions abound. How does one create an immersive exhibit? Do they have the time and funds? Unknown. But therein lies part of the lesson.

Feasibility, budget and time constraints are facts of life for the professional and not everything can sit on the canvas until it’s ready.

But while half of the Marketing Team hunches over a press release mid-draft, puzzling over how best to frame their exhibition within the narrative of Solomon’s life, the fourth team, Curatorial, seems to be missing altogether. ot W , says aeger, ut usy o campus. fter all, someone has to take care of the actual art.

“And they’re doing a brilliant job,” says Dr. Richard Mones, who, along with wife Pamela, is providing all of the art for the exhibition from their private collection of works by Syd Solomon. Nearly 40 pieces will be on display, mostly small-scale work that has either not been shown before in Sarasota or at least has not been

Above:

Fluid Impressions: The Paintings of Syd Solomon from the Dr. Richard and Pamela Mones Collection opens November 10 in the Lois and David Stulberg Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design and will be on display through December 8.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE GALLERIES AT RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN.

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Below, left to right: Solomon’s art work bridges together Sarasota’s history while preserving the artist’s legacy in the art world.

shown together, and it’s up to the Curatorial Team to photograph and catalog all of it. Some of this is standardpractice professional CYA, documenting the condition of the work before receiving, but it’s also a crucial part of the creative process, as marketing, events and creative are all waiting for the final answer as to what e actly they ll e wor ing with. or instance, efore cataloging, none of the students knew of Solomon’s penchant for careful note ta ing on the reverse of every canvas. ow, they re considering ma ing it a focal point of the e hi ition, as a glimpse into the artist s process. or Mones’ part, he’s thrilled for a peek into the gallerist’s process. “ ou go to an e hi ition and it s ust there, he says. “ ou don t now what went into the planning of it all, which find fascinating. ascination is e actly what the class is aiming for. “ ow do we ma e an e hi ition that people can t resist aeger as s, lo ing uestions over the room while the di erent groups wor . “ ow do we introduce yd olomon to people who might never have set foot in an art gallery nd while he wa es poetic on 36 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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olomon s arasota legacy and the role of the e hi ition in preserving that legacy, the conversation among the students shifts as well. here are no easy answers. “Why does art matter as s one, prompting her team to dig into something more fundamental for answers. And in the corner, one student from the Marketing Team sits alone with her laptop, moving paragraphs around on a press release that she is still not satisfied with. he didn t love olomon s wor at first, she admits. t was colorful and pretty ut she was not moved. ut as she read more and more about Solomon’s life—both his time designing camouflage in World War and his time holding court in Sarasota—her perception began to shift. Abstractions gained their anchors and all the swirls became shapes and then became stories. f she can give the reader ust some sem lance of that same e perience, she says, of her own honest ourney from unknowing and unimpressed to appreciative and understanding, then she can say she did her o . nd if they can do that with the whole e hi ition “ hat would e us succeeding, she says. SRQ IMAGE COURTESY OF THE GALLERIES AT RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN.

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This spread::

Installation artist Judy Pfaff r at s ond rs out of un t d at ria s

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IMAGERY COURTESY OF SARASOTA ART MUSEUM.

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PIECE BY PIECE Judy Pfaff is set to unveil her site-specific installation Picking Up the Pieces at the Sarasota Art Museum. Dylan Campbell WHEN THE WORK BECKONS, YOU COME. These days, tracking down American

installation artist udy fa is a in to a groupie following their favorite band’s tour dates. A glass-blowing residency in Washington state, a month spent at her studio in upstate ew or , fa s migratory ha its are much li e her wor you never now what s going to come ne t. t s part of the deal when you re one of the pioneering and most sought after installation artists in the country.

ortunately, arasotans have a snea pee at fa s ne t tour stop the arasota rt useum, where fa will unveil her largest site specific installation since 2017 with Judy Pfaff: Picking Up the Pieces. t s di cult to descri e fa s latest installation, ecause, well, it isn t there yet. he installation, set to open in ovem er, has een uilt piece y piece in her upstate ew or studio and will e shipped to arasota sometime in cto er for the final assem ly. o one, including ecutive irector irginia hearer, is uite sure what it will loo li e.

“We ve tal ed to her and we now it s going to e ig and it s going to have a lot of light, says hearer with a chuc le. “ udy doesn t give you preparatory drawings per se she ll give you a sense of what her concept is and might provide a glimpse or two into her creative process with photos and a short video, ut it all will come together here in Sarasota.”

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culture city To gain a better understanding of what Picking Up the Pieces might look like, one has to delve into who fa is as an artist. orn in post war ondon, fa spent her early years playing in the om ed remnants of a cityscape, efore moving to etroit as a teen. ow in her s, fa is the definition of a multi hyphenate artist she is a welder, designer, glassblower, painter, sculptor and printma er to name a few of s ills. he specializes in and has become famous for her site specific installations that draw heavily on the surrounding environment. he materials she uses vary ust as widely as the final product, from welded steel to melted plastic to blown glass to neon lights, fa employs a seemingly endless array of transformed o ects to create her designs.

There are, however, a few things that are pu licly nown a out the e hi it. he first, is that Picking Up the Pieces is a homecoming of sorts for fa . ac in , fa unveiled one of her first e hi itions, Rorschach, at The ingling useum of rt. lash forward to , fa found herself in arasota yet again

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this time visiting the then dilapidated arasota igh chool uilding, which would go on to ecome . “ he got to e inside arasota igh chool when it was neglected, with the windows pulled out and no air conditioning and she got to imagine what a work of art might ecome in these spaces, says hearer. “ o we invited her back here to visit with us a couple of years ago to see the new museum and what she might want to work with us on and she immediately responded to the foot ceilings and our third floor galleries. his rings us to the ne t clue we have a out Picking Up the Pieces since fa last visited , multiple hurricanes have hit the ulf Coast, including the devastating Hurricane an. “ he came ac for another site visit last fall and was really struc y the destruction south of us in arasota, says hearer. “ ince then, her ideas have changed she s creating a rand new, site specific, immersive installation that s going draw on her love of our climate, ecology and light everything that is so wonderful a out arasota ut it s also going to e informed y the destruction and

environmental changes of the hurricane. o much of what Picking Up the Pieces will look li e is un nown. While to many, that may reed uncertainty, to hearer it s part of the eauty and y e tension, part of what is trying to do. or a museum that is relatively new, fostering an environment of trust is part of what has and will continue to build their reputation as an incubator for some of the top contemporary artists in the world. “ lot of what thin is special and uni ue a out what we re doing here at is that we re providing the space, opportunities and resources for artists to dream ig as well as the trust that they are going to deliver, says hearer. “ t s a la or of love on the artist s part that s com ined with a deep trust on our end in terms of not knowing what the final outcome will e until the wor is finished here. ecause Picking Up the Pieces is site responsive and specific, it ll never loo the same way even if the components are deinstalled and put together someplace else. t only functions this way at one time, so you have to e perience it here in arasota. SRQ

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NOVEMBER 2023 EDITION

IN CONVERSATION: WITH LEADERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INTERVIEW BY WES ROBERTS EDITED BY BARBIE HEIT

In Conversation

RICHARD CORCORAN, PRESIDENT OF NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA During four terms in the Florida Legislature, Corcoran was a staunch advocate for improving all levels of education. His eight years in elected office culminated with the speakership in the Florida House of Representatives in his final term. Subsequently, appointed as Florida’s Education Commissioner in 2018, he de ly navigated the reopening of Florida’s schools in the fall of 2020. In his first 100 days at New College, he implemented necessary improvements for rediscovering the promise that established New College in 1960. Corcoran has been a member of the Florida Bar for 24 years and served six years in the U.S. Naval Reserve while in college.

I’VE HEARD YOU SAY MORE THAN ONCE, “SHOW ME HOW YOU ARE TEACHING YOUR YOUTH, I WILL SHOW YOU YOUR NATION’S FUTURE.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? RICHARD CORCORAN: The point is that education done right is what would allow us to exist for another 230 plus years as a great constitutional republic, a great democratic experience and arguably, I say that unnecessarily cautiously, the greatest country in the history of mankind and it all starts with education. You can’t legislate ‘raise children this way’, you can’t legislate ‘do this in relationships’. That’s not the purview of the government. But what the government can do is facilitate an educational system from the youngest ages all the way up to the collegiate ages that allows anybody of any background, of any race, of

any economic situation to be able to be afforded a world-class education. This is what all our founding fathers [believed], as did all the philosophers that were read by our founding fathers, Hobbes, Burke, Augustine. The concept was that in order to have a self-governing society, you have to have self-governing citizens and what does it take to have self-governing citizens? It takes that world-class education.

WHAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION AS NEW COLLEGE PRESIDENT? My job in the last six months, hopefully, is considerably different than the next six months. In the last six months there’s been a tremendous new group of folks, new board of trustees, lots of controversy, turmoil unfortunately in the press. And we came into a school that was struggling. One of the former alumni I think said it

best that we all had to recognize and confront the brutal fact that New College was “circling the drain”. Stagnant enrollment, stagnant growth, drifting in ideological ways. I’ve been trying to get that on proper footing and it’s gone fantastic. We brought in new great leadership, which I think is the number one thing the school needed more than anything else. For example, we hired a new dean of students, I think he’s the seventh dean of students in seven years. [In the past six months,] we had record enrollment. The school existed for 63 years and never came close to breaking 300 in new enrollment.

We’re now at 323 in new enrollment.

Now we have a whole year ahead of us to start recruiting. I think you’re going to see a 400-500 member class. I think because of the growth, we’re going to

need another 30 or so faculty members. We’re going to lock down students by December, January, February, where last year we didn’t even start recruiting until March. It’s game changing for everything in terms of growing. But I think for the time now and moving forward, if you talk to most university presidents, they’ll tell you, that they spend probably 50% of their time fundraising. We’re turning our attention again to fundraising.

Hopefully on a day-to-day basis, we’re out there selling the great things that are happening in New College, the great vision for New College, the understanding of where we’re going with our new curriculum, with our new hires, with our new growth, with our new sports program, and that will result in hopefully tens of millions of dollars in new revenues.

ENGAGING READERS THROUGH STORYTELLING.

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IN C O NVERSAT I ON YOU’VE ALSO SAID THAT IT’S “EASY TO RAISE MONEY IF YOU HAVE A VISION THAT EXCITES.” WHAT’S THE VISION THAT EXCITES YOUR FUNDERS RIGHT NOW? We have not sat down and spoken to one of the [private] prospective donors that we’re hoping to spend time with over the next six months, but the vision that excites is simple and I think you’re seeing it play itself out.

What we’re saying is “liberal arts is the best education you could possibly get,” and we walk you through why that is true. Then we’re saying that New College will potentially be the best college in the entire country for that liberal arts education. And third, we’re going to do it differently than anyone else. The liberal arts schools in this country are dying by the day. You have to sell the liberal arts. You have to convince people. You hear it all the time.

Again, going back to philosophy, what’s the purpose of education?

If you just talk to the rank and file moms, dads on the street, they’ll say, [it’s so students can] get out there and get a good job. No, it is so much greater, so much grander, so much more wonderful. I always quote Frederick Douglass, “education is the uplifting of the human soul to the glorious light of truth and to deny someone that kind of education is a crime against humanity” and that is it. You want to raise up great thinkers, you want to raise up brilliant minds.

People who can read and synthesize volumes of information, make great decisions, be great community leaders, great spouses, great family members, those are the things that an education gives you. It goes to your dignity as a human being.

And if you have those things and you have a well-rounded education in some specialty of biology, physics, whatever it might be, you’re going to go out there and you will always get a job. Steve Jobs would say that Apple was the greatest company in the history of mankind, more than Microsoft, Oracle, because “we’ve always tried to be at the

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intersection of technology and liberal arts,” where all the rest were just technology firms.

That’s why more CEOs and Fortune 500 companies have liberal arts degrees than any other degrees. You’ve got to sell that and then you’ve got to sell how we’re going to revolutionize higher ed across this country [by showing that] we do it successfully here at a public small university. We’re going to produce an individual who is humble, who’s going to work hard, who thinks outside the box, who has a understanding of depth and breadth in a specialty area, and also has the technological components to understand how that moves.

AI, robots, whatever, they might replace an engineer, they might replace those STEM degrees, but they’ll never replace somebody who thinks outside the box and who has been prepared for the kind of a world that’s coming to us.

FOR YEARS BIG THINKERS TALK ABOUT HOW OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD SHOULD PRODUCE INNOVATIVE STUDENTS, BUT THE SYSTEM ALWAYS GRINDS BACK TO PRODUCING WORKERS. WHY DOES THE SYSTEM NEVER SEEM TO REACH THIS GOAL? This is going back to the formulation of public education in America and the roots with Dewey. They had two huge events that occurred at the turn of the 19th century.

One, we had a massive influx of Europeans who didn’t speak our language and they came through Ellis Island. The other is the Industrial Revolution. The Dewey school of thought was, “we’ve just got to take these people”–it’s almost demeaning and demoralizing in a way– “and make them widget makers. If we can teach them just enough skills to get on the assembly line and help us with this Industrial Revolution, everything will be great.” And that line of thought– it’s also what you saw in Eastern Europe in the last 100 years or so– still exists today. Even the great thinkers were saying, “no, we need

to get these kids out of school and they need to get a good job.” And it’s just completely missing the forest for the trees. History’s replete with these great stories [of success born of a liberal education]. The one I tell often is about a mathematician who started at University of Michigan.

She became one of the first females involved in the Apollo mission.

She worked with other scientists, mathematicians, engineers on Apollo 11. Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are there trying to land on the moon and all of a sudden it has a breakdown and everything’s collapsing. They weren’t going to land. The mathematician comes and she solves it in two seconds.

She anticipated the problem could happen and then she solved it when it did happen. [This is what is possible] if you’re not just training people to be engineers, but giving them a broader education-this skill set of wrestling with the great questions of all time; what does a just society mean? What does it mean to be a citizen in a free market? If you don’t wrestle with those thoughts, you’re not prepared to make the intellectual leaps when innovative thinking is needed. Keep in mind, all the other scientists, mathematicians, engineers, all credit her with resolving this near catastrophy. And guess what? She was a double major–mathematics and philosophy. That’s it, the intersection of technology and liberal arts.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE? A liberal arts college historically would’ve been pretty much all colleges. A liberal arts education is basically saying that you want people to understand their role in the world, their role in society, a government, a relationship, a family. And the way you do that is you teach great books, great courses. If you look at what ancient Greeks and Romans were talking about and you look at what we’re talking about, there’s something timeless about what every single society has wrestled with. In order to have a good understanding and be able to be a good citizen, a good

person in a functioning world, you ought to wrestle with those great questions. And when you do that I would say that it allows your mind to travel anywhere it wants and as broadly and as deeply as you possibly can because you’ve been exposed to these great thoughts and thinking. And so the concept of a liberal arts education is beautiful, but what people want is a dollar.

We give middle schoolers a personality test and then we say to the child, with your personality and your skillset, you should be a zoologist or you should be a marine biologist, but the average zoologist makes $60,000 and the average marine biologist makes $50,000.

It’s almost communistic, almost dictatorial, trying to shape kids to go into these fields simply because they may make more money. It’s just a horrible paradigm. You’re devaluing the real purpose of education, instead we are asking kids to become a widget maker for money. Look at the way we educate our kids, and how we are building a widget mindset, and have for 50, 60 years, and any of the philosophers I mentioned earlier might have predicted we would end up with the society we have now in the 2020s.

I KNOW YOU PERSONALLY HAVE A LARGE FAMILY. HOW HAS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE EVOLVED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF EDUCATION? If you have a great liberal arts background and you ask that question to someone at any age, I think we’re all going to say something similar, that is, “we’re constantly learning.” We’re constantly thinking, “I could have done this differently or better or whatever.” You’re always analyzing: yourself, your world, your community, your job, your vocation, whatever it might be, thinking of things I could have done or should have done or I will do on a daily basis.

I was fortunate, it wasn’t like a strategic idea that when I went to undergrad, I got a liberal arts degree in international relations.

My wife went to undergrad and

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IN C O NVERSAT I ON she got what I would say is more of a technical degree in journalism and having raised our kids, we definitely became more and more stringent in the valuation and the importance of a liberal arts education to the point that my wife, she’s a lawyer by trade also, she started a classical liberal arts K-12 school and then we had our kids in that classical public liberal arts school.

Then in doing that, you study what courses, books, etc, would you want them to graduate with. For me, that K-12 school was a very embryonic New College. They had to do a senior thesis. All those great things that make you just a well-educated, well-rounded person.

NEW COLLEGE HAS A HISTORY AS AN INNOVATIVE SCHOOL, QUOTING FROM THE HISTORY ON YOUR WEBSITE, “DESIGNED TO FREE STUDENTS AND FACULTY FROM LOCKSTEP CURRICULUM AND TO GET AWAY FROM A FOCUS ON CREDIT HOURS AND AWAY FROM GPA.” THE FOUNDERS PROMOTED, “ACTIVE HANDS-ON LEARNING TO ACHIEVE COMPETENCE AND REAL MASTERY.” HOW HAVE THOSE PRIORITIES EVOLVED? In law we have substantive due process and procedural due process. I would say those quotes describe the procedural due process by way of analogy. The process our students experience, enabled by having a low faculty to student ratio, working closely with a faculty member, of entering into a contract, having the constant oversight of that faculty member pushing you and prodding you as opposed to just getting a paper back that says you got an 80 and you feel good because it’s in the 80 range.

No, at New College that faculty member would say, “no, you really missed X, Y and Z and let’s focus on that,” so you can pursue 100% work, 100% outcomes. It causes you to recognize failure, develop soft skills and negotiations at 18, 19, 20 years old. It forces you to be creative and think about what you

SRQ M AGAZ I N E L E ADE RS I N H IGH E R E DUCATION : : NOVE MBE R 2023

could do for a short tutorial or an ISP, Independent Study Program.

All of that procedure married with the great substance of a liberal arts education will produce great, great thinkers and great, great innovators and great leaders in our society.

Again to quote Steve Jobs, “we want to be that place that makes your heart sing” and also, he said that, “Apple came and put a dent in the universe.” And so you get those two things, that procedural way we do it, and the substantive great coursework, and you marry those together and you’re going to put a dent in the universe. Somehow, someway, you will.

NEW COLLEGE IS FAMOUS AS THE COLLEGE WITHOUT GRADES. HOW DO YOU ANSWER PEOPLE WHO ARE INSECURE WITH THE SENSIBILITY THAT STUDENTS CAN BE TAUGHT WITHOUT GRADES CLEARLY EVALUATING THE EDUCATION THEY’RE RECEIVING? A lot of thoughts there. One is measurement.

Without measurement, you have a lowering of standards, a lowering of outcomes, a lowering of everything.

And the people in that world of no measurement that get lost or hurt the most are the people most in need of measurement in order to continue to advance down their path. Measurement matters and you have to have measurement.

The second part of that is are grades a good measurement, or does our system provide a better measurement? I think you will find that our measurement system creates more rigor, greater outcomes, and it’s a tougher program than grades. The third thing I would say about that is grades have become just overwhelmingly subjective.

You hear from college and university students from around the country that they’re turning in a paper a certain way or writing something a certain way because it will affect their grade because it’s so subjective.

There’s a lot less subjectivity in the way we do it, but we do have measurements.

I HEAR YOU TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP A LOT IN NEARLY EVERY INTERVIEW. IS LEADERSHIP A SKILL THAT CAN BE TAUGHT? IS IT PART OF THE CURRICULUM AT NEW COLLEGE? Leadership can absolutely be taught. I think for the most part it is taught. I don’t think you can be a good leader without surrounding yourself first and foremost with talented people. I do think that [the confidence a leader needs] is learned as you’re raised.

Either you’re a secure person (we’re all insecure to some degree) but either you’re on the scale of one to a 100, you’re a 80 to a 100 secure person, or you’re a zero to 20. The worst leaders I’ve ever worked with are the zero to 20s. They will not surround themselves with people more talented than themselves because they’re too insecure. If there’s one thing I think I do fairly well as a leader is I have no issues surrounding myself with minds and thinkers and people with skill sets far greater than mine and have them all in a room and have that discussion on how we move forward. I think it’s leadership 101. I’ve told the story 1000 times about US Army General Stanley McChrystal, he says that if he had ten colonels, and one colonel is over the best unit and the other colonel is over the worst unit. General McChrystal says, “if I switch them and put best colonel over the worst unit with the worst colonel over the best unit, in 30 days, everything will flip.” The best colonel will have made the worst unit into the best, and the best unit will have faltered and become the worst. Leadership is that important. At New College that is why the school was “circling the drain,” too often we struggled with poor leadership. Hopefully, now, we can continue to attract brilliant minds, brilliant thinkers and people who are passionate about New College and if we do that, we will become, hands down, the number one liberal arts college in the country.

HOW CAN YOU WORK TO MAKE NEW COLLEGE A VISIBLE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY? That’s basically going out and doing it. You’ve probably heard me talk about [President of Ringling College of Art and Design] Larry Thompson.

I think what Larry has done is leadership 101. He took a school that was also circling the drain, came in, made significant changes. Even this summer, he’s brought in a bunch more new senior people into Ringling.

He has record enrollment.

It’s a phenomenal display of leadership. We’re blessed to have him in the community as a leader. I’ve learned a ton from him in just probably four or five conversations. Like all great leaders, he’ll impart every piece of knowledge to you, not worried that you’re down the street and you may compete in some way.

He wants to look at synergies and grow and help you grow because that could help him grow on all levels. That’s a very secure man and it shows in his leadership style. So, I have to be more like Larry and the school has to be more like Ringling. Get out there in the community, get the community to come here to the campus. And now that the fall semester started, it’s all about recruitment. We only had March, April and May, which was very difficult. Now we have a year, and there’s not one stone that we will leave unturned to find the absolute best and brightest minds. That’s meeting with the superintendent, that’s meeting with community leaders, that’s meeting with IB programs, that’s traveling to conferences. All of that is being done every single day. When students understand what we offer, we know that exceptional students will find it very, very painful to choose a school other than New College. SRQ

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WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

A Culinary

EXPLORING THE CULINARY LEGACY OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESTAURANTS

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This spread, left to right: At Blue Marlin, o an find resh stone ra a ght and prepared he ner da llis. n eekends diners an en o li e si in the l e arlin s o o rt ard the o ners o the l e arlin took great are in preser ing the hara ter o the histori ottage hi h as ilt in the s.

Along Anna Maria Island, beachside towns such as Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria are home to a gathering of beloved local restaurants that have been pleasing palates and delighting diners for many years. We embark on a culinary journey to learn more about these hidden gems.

Blue Marlin Seafood

ANNA MARIA ISLAND IS A BARRIER ISLAND KNOWN FOR ITS SUGARY WHITE BEACHES. Spanning seven miles from north to south,

the island is home to three cities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. In recent years, the historic Bridge Street area of Bradenton Beach has undergone something of a renaissance, transforming into a walkable community bustling with local boutiques, quirky gift shops and eclectic eateries. It is there that you will find local favorite the lue Marlin. Adam Ellis, the chef/owner of the Blue Marlin, has spent his entire working life in the restaurant industry. At the age of fourteen, he landed his first job bussing tables at the raden ton Country Club. He would spend the next two decades soaking up knowledge working at prestigious restaurants like the Beach Bistro and Sign of the Mermaid. Ellis and his wife Marianne dreamed of opening their own restaurant one day, and in 2011 the opportunity suddenly presented itself. Marianne’s family owned a 1920s-era cottage on Bridge Street that had been inhabited by a series of businesses including a hair salon and a tattoo shop. When the space suddenly became available, they seized the opportunity to make their restaurant dreams a reality.

“At the time I was a waiter and my wife was a schoolteacher. We were in no position to open a restaurant,” Ellis says. “But it was the right time in the history of the building. Sometimes, even if you don t feel prepared, you kind of just have to jump in with both feet.” llis and his wife had just three months to turn a nearly century-old cottage into a working restaurant. They managed to do so without sacrificing any of the inherent historic charm of the building. Original elements like the wainscoting and wood oors were preserved, and the space is adorned with antique ship lanterns and black and white photos of local fishermen displaying freshly caught fish. ven the tables and benches are crafted out of recycled dock wood. The atmosphere at the Blue Marlin is one of authenticity and simplicity, and those qualities are also evident in the eclectic menu.

“There are no labels on the types of cuisine we serve,” llis says. “ e just try to get the most local stuff we can and serve it as simply and as fresh as we can. Those are basically the only stipulations we have for our menu.”

Sourcing the best ingredients is of paramount importance to Ellis. Daily specials are built around the fresh fish he obtains direct

ly from the orte fishing eet. During stone crab season, Ellis and his brother-in-law go out and personally catch the crab served at the restaurant. Even the housemade honey butter is made with local honey. One of the most popular menu items, Steamed Clams, consists of locally sourced shellfish prepared simply with lemon, white wine and garlic butter. Every Florida seafood restaurant has a grouper dish, and the Pecan Grouper at Blue Marlin is exceptional. Grouper is crusted in a mixture of crushed pretzels, honey butter and Pearson Farms pecans and served alongside roasted sweet potatoes and basil pesto.

As a small, independently-owned business, the Blue Marlin faces myriad challenges from hurricane closures to rising food costs. But Ellis remains committed to serving simply and beautifully prepared cuisine and providing personable customer service.“It’s been tough, but we’re standing our ground,” Ellis says. “We’re going to keep doing it the same way, because this is the way people like it.”

Blue Marlin, 121 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 941-896-9737, bluemarlinami.com.

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The Doctor’ s Office

AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY NORTH OUT OF BRADENTON BEACH, YOU’LL ENTER THE CITY OF HOLMES BEACH. Located in the central part of Anna

Maria Island, Holmes each seems unassuming at first glance. But tucked in amongst practical buildings like a public library, elementary school and local newspaper o ce, you can also find restaurants serving world class cuisine. stablished in 201 , The Doctor s ce may seem like a relatively young restaurant but its Island roots run deep. hip establishment serving light bar fare and craft cocktails, The Doctor s ce is the latest ven ture from esteemed restaurateurs Sean Murphy and usan Timmins. This husband and wife team is responsi ble for highly regarded area restaurants like at Here and

the iconic Beach Bistro. Murphy took a circuitous route into the restaurant business. After graduating from law school in his native ova cotia, he worked on large sailing ships.

When Murphy was 23, he and Timmins left Canada and traveled around entral merica before landing in ew Orleans. Because he was an undocumented immigrant, it was easiest for Murphy to pick up work waiting tables. He was soon hired at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter under the tutelage of celebrated restaurateur Archie Casbarian.

“I learned so much from Archie about how to operate a great restaurant,” Murphy reminisces. “I’d slung beer at a tavern to work my way through college, but I was mystified and ama ed by the uality of food and service that was provided by rnaud s. I was sort of like a sponge

This page, clockwise: A decadent dessert is just what the doctor ordered; the menu at The Doctor’s e is ilt aro nd resh and s staina le ingredients ki k a k ith a ra t o ktail at he o tor s e.

Opposite page, top to bottom: all sharing plates gi e diners the opport nit to sa ple ltiple dishes a itr s o ktail is the per e t o nterpart to a hi si al appeti er alled the a on ree.

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and I learned as much as I could.” Murphy and Timmins made their way to Florida, where Murphy found another mentor in Murray Klauber. Known to his friends as “Murf” or “Doc”, Klauber was the entrepreneur behind The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in Longboat Key. Murphy and Timmins were still in the country illegally, but a solution soon presented itself.

“At that point in time, the fastest way to get citizenship was by opening a business,” Murphy says. Thus, the Beach Bistro was born. Murphy and Timmins opened the Beach Bistro in 1985 with a shoestring budget, sweat equity and plenty of help from their friends. Despite its humble beginnings, the restaurant is widely credited with elevating the local dining experience to new heights.

“At that time, people didn’t even know what bistro even meant,” Murphy says. “The word was generally not used in our area.” Like the mentors that encouraged him, Murphy made it a point to foster young talent at the Beach Bistro. Over the years, many talented individuals passed through the kitchen doors including Adam Ellis from the Blue Marlin. While the Beach Bistro is still thriving, it does so under new ownership. In 2022, after 36 successful years, Murphy and Timmins made the decision to sell the venerated establishment. They haven’t fully divested themselves from the restaurant industry, though their culinary in uence lives on at The Doctor s ce in Holmes each. In addition to innovative craft cocktails, diners can graze on elevated bar fare like Kimchi Deviled Eggs topped with bacon and caviar or Duckling Mousse Pate layered with a Port reduction. The menu even contains some Bistro favorites like Lobstercargots, a decadent twist on escargot composed of chunks of Nova Scotian lobster baked in a crock with garlic butter.

The Doctor’s Office, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 941-213-9926, doctorsofficeami.com.

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AT THE NORTHERNMOST END OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND, YOU’LL FIND THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA. With its sugary

The Waterfront Restaurant

This page, top to bottom: Owner Jason Suzor was on the forefront of Florida’s craft cocktail movement; with its incredible view of Tampa Bay, the deck of the Waterfront is the perfect place to nosh on fresh, sustainable seafood.

white sand beaches, Anna Maria is a popular travel destination for visitors from around the world. While Anna Maria has changed some over time, local preservation efforts have ensured that the city retains its charming small beach town appeal. Located across the street from the historic Anna Maria City Pier, The Waterfront Restaurant embodies all of the qualities that make Anna Maria so special.

The site where The Waterfront Restaurant now sits is steeped in local history. In 1922, a builder constructed one of the original homes on the Island which he dubbed the “Lorraine Cottage” after his daughter. Several families called the Lorraine Cottage home until the 1970s when it was reimagined as a commercial space. A handful of businesses came and went over the years, including an art gallery, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a player piano, and a family-owned Polynesian restaurant called Ato’s. In 1999, an English couple took ownership of the property and christened it as the Waterfront Restaurant.

In 2002, Jason and Leah Suzor purchased the restaurant and it remains under their care to this day.

Just like Euphemia Haye and the Blue Marlin, the food at the Waterfront can’t be neatly categorized as a particular type of cuisine. “If I had to describe our food in one word, it would be fresh,” Jason says. “We are, I would say, 98% a scratch kitchen. We make almost everything in house, from sauces and dressings to baking our own bread.”

The Waterfront has always been a little ahead of its time. In 201 , it was perhaps the first restaurant in the area to implement a craft cocktail menu. The team has been utilizing local, sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly restaurant items for over a decade. Suzor, who has celiac disease, also ensured that the restaurant was ahead of the curve in accommodating patrons with food allergies.

The aterfront had to be rebuilt after a 200 fire de stroyed most of the original cottage, but the space still has a cozy, vintage vibe that honors the spirit of the building.

The original fireplace, one of the few elements that could be salvaged, serves as a focal point in the space. Diners can enjoy the ambiance inside or dine on the deck to take in the picturesque view. Wherever they decide to sit, they can enjoy signature dishes like the Fried Green Tomatoes which are breaded in a light cornmeal crust and served with pimento cheese or the Baked Brie which is wrapped in delicate phyllo dough, drizzled with honey and accompanied by crackers, toasted almonds, fresh grapes and crisp slices of apple. To complete the experience, patrons should sample a craft cocktail like the Smoked Margarita or The Waterfront Gin and Tonic which is served with fresh rosemary and juniper berries.

The Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 941-778-1515, thewaterfrontrestaurant.net.

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Beach House, Mar Vista and Sandbar

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO DISCUSS ISLAND DINING WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT ED CHILES. This celebrated res-

taurateur has made his mark on the area with three different restaurants. He opened his first restaurant, the andbar in nna Maria in 1 . In 1 he opened his ne t venture, Mar ista, in ongboat ey. inally, in 1 , he launched his third restaurant, the each House, in radenton each.

Each one of Chiles’ restaurants has its own distinct identity. The Mar ista is housed in a historic building that once served as a fish camp, and hiles has prior iti ed preserving the classical bait shop feel. ith its prime waterfront location and stunning sunset views,

the andbar is the uintessential beach restaurant.

Meanwhile, the each House has a more contempo rary feel. The restaurant industry has gone through many changes since hiles opened his first restaurant over forty years ago. ver the last decade or so, the in dustry has become more focused on sustainability, a change that hiles has embraced wholeheartedly.

“I really feel like if you live here in paradise, wheth er you were born here or whether you moved here, you have a responsibility to be a steward of the land,” hiles says. “ verybody has the responsibility to do everything to protect these fragile ecosystems so our grandkids can enjoy them.”

This page: Explore adventurous cuisine like chargrilled octopus at the Sandbar. Next page, clockwise: The outdoor dining area at the Sandbar is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike thanks to its stunning sunset view; the popular Two Docks hellfish starter eat res la s so r ed ro lo al i al e ar ers and ar e e ti e he ora e agan is rating a tho ght l and innovative menu.

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hiles has gone above and beyond in his efforts to make his restaurants more sustainable. In 201 , he established Gamble reek arms which provides pro duce to all three of his restaurants. In turn, the restau rants send their food waste back to the farm for com posting, ultimately enriching the nutrient levels in the soil. hiles also pays close attention to the origins of any products sourced by the restaurants. “ e buy local grouper out of orte because we know our regulations are strong and our fisheries are in good shape,” hiles says. “ e want to help our lo cal fishermen and we want to promote orte because they re doing it the sustainable way. e feel that every single seafood item we sell fits into our sustainabili ty model.” This attention to detail has taken the food served at hiles restaurants to a new level. “ ome items at the andbar that are popular are our grouper collars, which we serve with grilled octopus and a green papaya slaw from our farm,” hiles says.

“My favorite has to be our hard shell clams that we source from local bivalve farmers. e sautee them with a touch of garlic, a splash of wine and some wild boar bacon from hogun arms that we cure in house. e serve them with our house baked bread to soak up the fabulous broth.”

Beach House, 200 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach, 941-779-2222, beachhousedining.com. Mar Vista, 760 Broadway St., Longboat Key, 941383-2391, marvistadining.com. Sandbar, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, 941-778-0444, sandbardining.com.

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This page, top to bottom: Ivy and fairy lights lend an ethereal quality to the dining room at Euphemia Haye; after dinner, head upstairs to the Dessert Room to sample delicious desserts made daily

by Euphemia Haye’s pastry chef.

Euphemia Haye

Located just twelve miles from downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key is a sleepy, secluded barrier island nestled between Sarasota Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. This narrow key is largely residential, with charming historic homes giving way to sleek, contemporary condominiums. It is also home to the world-renowned restaurant Euphemia Haye. Euphemia Haye was originally established in 1975 by an electrical engineer named Leslie “Les” R. Buntin, who named the one-room restaurant for his grandmother. In 1980, Buntin sold the restaurant to Chef Raymond Arpke and his wife, D’Arcy rpke, who would run the ourishing establishment for the next 41 years. Under their stewardship, Euphemia Haye eventually grew from 28 seats to 76 seats and received accolades from publications including Zagat, Wine Spectator and Frommer’s Travel Guides.

Amy Whitt joined the Euphemia Haye team in 2007 as an administrative assistant before transitioning into the bookkeeper position. When the Arpkes decided to retire in 2021, she jumped at the chance to continue their legacy.

“They wanted to preserve everything they’ve built over the last 40 years, from the old Florida environment to the cozy feel,” Whitt says. “I plan to do just that. I’ve made a few small tweaks, but I don’t want to change what they built and have made so successful.”

Whitt isn’t the only longtime employee dedicated to upholding the traditions that make Euphemia Haye great.

“I’ve been there 16 years and I’m still considered one of the new ones,” Whitt says. “A lot of our team have been there for 20 or 30 years, from their teenage days all the way up to now. So the core family is still there, along with the values and the morals. The only thing that’s really changed is I’ve put mints on the front table.”

Loyal clientele have returned to Euphemia Haye year after year to enjoy classic yet creative continental cuisine with a global in uence. Under the new ownership they can still enjoy their favorite entrees like Euphemia’s Prime Peppered Steak, a pan-fried strip steak served with an orange and brandy butter sauce, and Roasted Duckling, a signature dish of crisp roasted duck packed with bread stuff ing and accompanied by a sweet and tangy sauce made with seasonal fruits. People in the mood for something sweet after dinner can venture upstairs to Dessert Room to enjoy treats like decadent Chocolate Mousse with fresh whipped cream or homey Apple Walnut Crumble Pie. Ambiance can be just as important to the dining experience as the food, and Euphemia Haye delivers on all fronts. With glossy dark wood furnishings, leather upholstery and brass accents, Euphemia Haye has an elegant and upscale vibe. But while dressy or business casual attire is required, the restaurant still has a surprisingly relaxed feel. It comes as no surprise that after almost fifty years in business, Euphemia Haye is still going strong.

Euphemia Haye, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 941-383-3633, euphemiahaye.com.

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BY LAURA PAQUETTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN, WES ROBERTS

FAMILY style Family ties are a key ingredient for the success of these four family-owned French eateries.

Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery

Opposite page, clockwise: Jean and Myriam Dandonneau share their passion for French food and culture at Mademoiselle Paris; the Croque Monsieur sandwich at Mademoiselle Paris; a cozy booth at Mademoiselle Paris is an ideal escape to France.

JEAN DANDONNEAU STANDS IN FRONT OF DINERS AT MADEMOISELLE PARIS’ ANNA MARIA ISLAND loca-

tion. He shares fun facts about one of the wines featured in that evening’s wine-tasting dinner, punctuated by lively tunes from an accordion player. Jean and his wife Myriam own Mademoiselle Paris, which has three restaurants, and host these dinners every month at their University Town Center and Anna Maria Island eateries. or anyone not afforded the opportunity to advance past rench class basics, the Dandonneaus offer the chance to take a deep dive into French food and culture.

Jean and Myriam worked in engineering and computer science before moving from France to Sarasota and opening Mademoiselle Paris in 2016. “At every important event in France we gather with family or friends, maybe over wine or breakfast, and talk about important subjects,” says Jean. “We’d like to show that food isn’t only food in France; it’s the way of life. It’s the way to celebrate bad or good events.” Guests at Mademoiselle Paris can test out this philosophy with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Classic favorites like crêpes and quiches beckon, as do the divine pastries and baked goods. The colorful macarons delight with their bold colors and avors does it count as eating all the colors of the rainbow if you sample each and every one? As avid fans of the show The Best Bakery in France, the couple enjoys trying out new trends taking over France, like their Petits Pots. These small jars are filled with desserts like chocolate mousse, tiramisu and rice pudding and are convenient for a stroll down the beach or a midnight snack. The Dandonneaus also take inspiration from the recipe book of Jean’s grandmoth-

er, which details how to make beloved dishes like beef burgundy. “The smell of her beef burgundy cooked with wine and shallots made me crazy,” he adds. “She was the best cook I ever met in my life.” The recipe, which has been passed on from generation to generation, brings a smile to Jean’s face and is the ultimate comfort food.

Although the pair no longer lives there, Mademoiselle Paris is building a bridge between France and the United States based upon a love for food and enthusiasm for cultural exploration. Americans who previously studied rench chat with staff members from rance, practicing their bonjours over baguettes. Jean and Myriam host French cultural exchange participants who interact with customers and learn about America through visits to baseball games or museums like The Ringling in their free time. “We love to share tips for people who are traveling to France,” Jean says. He and Myriam hope to one day open a cooking academy modeled after those in their native country, where students will discover how to cook French food and put their skills to the test in an adjoining restaurant where Sarasotans can sample the cuisine for a more affordable price than traditional restaurants.

Whether they’re conducting a wine-tasting dinner or giving guests recommendations on where to eat and stay in Paris, the Dandonneaus create a true French connection in the place they’ve chosen to call home. Mademoiselle Paris University Town Center, 8527 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, 941-355-2323; Mademoiselle Paris Sarasota, 1605 Main St., Sarasota, 941-554-4021 and Mademoiselle Paris Anna Maria Island, 9906 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, 941226-0708, mademoiselleparis.com.

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This page: Scrumptious pastries from C’est La Vie make for a sweet treat any time of day. Christophe and Geraldine Coutelle are beloved in the community for their delightful restaurant and bakery;.

C’est La Vie WHEN CHRISTOPHE AND GERALDINE COUTELLE’S SON PLAYED HIGH-LEVEL TENNIS, Christophe showed

up to practices with a box of French pastries from their restaurant, C’est La Vie, to the delight of the athletes.

Since the husband and wife team opened C’est La Vie in 1997, the establishment has become a community staple. In France, Christophe worked in the food sector and Geraldine was an Italian teacher. The couple sold everything in France to move to the United States, take on a new challenge and start their business. They studied markets across the country and settled on Sarasota, hoping to serve quality French food for a reasonable price. “ t the beginning, we had planned to stay for five years, and 26 years later we’re still here,” says Christophe.

The eatery, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, is famous for its pastries—made with ingredients sourced from France—and generous portions. The cr pes are available in robust buckwheat or white our and are ideal for casual dining. The andaise, filled with spinach, goat cheese, tomato and walnut in a cream sauce, is a decadent vegetarian option. With Swiss cheese, a sunny side-up egg and ham, the Complete is a favorite in France. Fresh bread from C’est La Vie’s bakery accompanies every meal. “Many people buy and resell products, but everything that we make is done from scratch. We never buy anything processed,” Christophe adds. “ n the bakery side, we use a lot of rench our, which makes a big difference because it has less gluten.”

Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast treat or an on-the-go snack, you can’t go wrong with a buttery and aky croissant. est a ie produces its baked goods in large batches in its external factory in Sarasota, which is twice the size of the restaurant and is set to expand this year. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s okay. We are lucky because we are successful, and we do a big volume. If you do 12 croissants or 300, it takes about the same time because you need to rest and fold the dough. There are so many steps,” he says.

After 26 years in business, Sarasotans recognize Christophe and Geraldine for their commitment to delicious food and desire to share it with others. “Wherever my kids had parties, school or this and that, we always did beautiful things for the community,” he says, “and people are crazy about our items. When people introduce us to others, they say these are the people from the French bakery who are doing marvelous pastries and have a great restaurant.” C’est La Vie, 1553 Main St., Sarasota, 941-906-9575, cestlaviesarasota.com.

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FAMILY STYLE

This page: The Colorado Lamb Saddle en Croûte with sauce au Jus at Maison Blanche.

Maison Blanche

ON A QUIET SLICE OF LONGBOAT KEY SITS THE ELEGANT MAISON BLANCHE, a high-end French restau-

rant owned by Chef José Martinez. José works alongside his wife Victoria Martinez and son José Martinez Jr. “It was a choice to move from France to the United States. We didn’t want the big city of New York because Paris is kind of similar,” says José. “We were looking for a quality of life. We came with three children and wanted the beaches, culture, airport, schools and

size and safety of the city,” adds Victoria. “I felt like it was a sleeping beauty and had a very uropean air, so I thought it would be great to try to make a living here.”

The restaurant opened in 2002 and bears the same name as its Parisian counterpart, which José owned before moving overseas. Growing up, José’s parents shared a talent for the culinary arts. “His father could cook very well and did pastry,” Victoria says. “His mom too, but his father loved to cook so she let him cook.” José, who

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FAMILY STYLE

This page: Victoria and José Martinez have created a welcoming and elegant atmosphere at Maison Blanche.

always enjoyed food, began cooking around the age of 10 or 13, instantly taking to the process. “I started cooking 41 years ago and I was fortunate in the beginning to start in some well-known restaurants,” he adds. “I learned a lot in those places, and I worked at three of those and some other little ones and this is how I learned and understood food and everything around it.”

Guests can taste José’s passion through the menu offerings. Dishes like the olorado amb addle n ro te with auce au us arrive with a stunning and simple presentation. uff pastry and a fresh herb and lettuce layer envelope two pieces of lamb, which rise like an island out of the savory sauce. While José generally serves fresh bread with the meal, occasionally he treats guests to warm and crumbly homemade biscuits. “We

make everything from scratch and in-house. We make the ice cream here; all the sauces are made here and we bake the bread here every day,” he adds. “ ustomers with a bit of knowledge of French food come back and enjoy the restaurant every single time.”

As expert hosts, José and Victoria have created a refined yet welcoming dining space. centerpiece of greenery and bright blue glasses add color, while white walls and curtains maintain a neutral palate that allows the food to shine. mall touches like sugar cubes and tea lights make guests feel at home. “We want to keep the evening in their memory,” José says. “If they keep the experience in their memory, then we succeed.” Maison Blanche, 2605 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 941-3838088, themaisonblanche.com.

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FAMILY STYLE

M ig u el ’s R estau r an t

This page, clockwise: Gabriel and Daniel Garcia carry on their father’s legacy at Miguel’s Restaurant; the Carre d’Agneau Persille comes roasted to the guests’ preferred temperature; Miguel’s dining space transports guests to the old-world charms of France and Spain.

THE DINING ROOM AT MIGUEL’S RESTAURANT on Siesta Key waits in quiet anticipation of the evening’s diners. Stained glass windows with scenes of the sun shining and boats sailing across the water filter light into the dark and intimate space. With old-world stonework and glowing chandeliers, the establishment encourages guests to step back in time.

Founder Miguel Garcia hailed from Málaga, a city in Southern Spain, but lived for about three years in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France where he learned about French-style service while in his twenties. He moved to Canada and later Sarasota, opening Miguel’s Restaurant in 1983. “My dad was in the restaurant business

for a large part of his life. He was a maître d’ in Toronto and Columbus. He worked in restaurants here and had a restaurant called the Surfrider on Siesta Key but he never owned the property,” says Daniel. “Then, the opportunity came up and he bought in this plaza, wanting a French-Continental restaurant, French-based but with a lot of different panish in uences.” This year, Miguel s Restaurant, now run by his sons Gabriel and Daniel Garcia, is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving Sarasota and the surrounding communities.

“I grew up in the restaurant world,” Gabriel adds. “After high school, I had to make a choice and I went to culinary school at Johnson & Wales. I graduated from there,

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FAMILY STYLE

moved back here in 2002 and started taking over the business.” Daniel went to school for business but spent his life immersed in the restaurant industry. “We traveled through Spain and my parents always let us try new dishes and foods. I came here around the same time as Gabe and worked for my parents. I worked at the front under my dad and he taught me the business. I loved it, and we’re carrying it on,” Daniel says.

Gabriel and Daniel retain the establishment’s charm by upholding traditional fine dining practices. “ hat I m most proud of is our old-school tableside service,” adds Gabriel. “We do dishes like our Caesar Salad tableside and the Chateaubriand Bouquetière, a USDA Prime beef tenderloin center cut of about 20 oz. served with Béar-

naise and our peppercorn brandy sauce,” Daniel says.

“It comes on a nice platter with a whole array of different vegetables and we carve and serve it in front of the customer. It’s fantastic. You can cut the meat with a fork; it’s so tender.” Even desserts like the Banana Foster, with butter, brown sugar and Myers’s Rum combined with bananas, are displayed with fire, in the case of the anana oster in front of guests before they take their first bite. “We’re very old-world and romantic. The outside doesn’t do it justice, because we’re located in a strip plaza,” he adds, “but once you step inside it’s like stepping into a combination of Spain and France.” Miguel’s Restaurant, 6631 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, 941-349-4024, miguelsrestaurant.net. SRQ

This page, left to right: Le Chateaubriand Bouquetière and La Salade Caesar are presented tableside according to tradition.

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This page: Despite its simple ingredients, the Spaghetti Osteria with cherry tomato sauce, basil, olive oil, garlic and lemon zest packs bold and right a ors.

forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE

ITALIAN IMMERSION

Get whisked away to Italy at Osteria 500, Waterside Place’s new Italian eatery. Laura Paquette A CHEF REFILLS THE BAKERY DISPLAY WITH A BASKET OF TOMATO, PARMESAN CHEESE AND BASIL FOCACCIA. A gelato cart covered by

a striped awning awaits its next sweet-tooth-induced guest and on a lofted terrace, bright yellow lemons hang from the ceiling, bursting through green vines like stars in the night sky. Such is the magic of Osteria 500, Waterside Place’s new Italian restaurant.

To describe Osteria 500 as a restaurant doesn’t do justice to the establishment. Friends Carmine Ussano and Giuseppe “Peppe” Del Sole teamed up with Bar Program Director Andrea De Dominicis and Executive Chef Salvatore Scaccino to create an immersive eatery that, for the duration of a meal, transports guests to their native country.

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Both Ussano and Del Sole are no strangers to the hospitality industry. While growing up, Ussano, who hails from orrento near the malfi oast, helped at the hotel his grandfather operated, swimming in the pool with children from all over the world and acquiring a taste for hosting others. Del Sole, who started out in Florida as a pizza chef, owned Made in Italy in Venice and worked with his nephew Scaccino at Napulè, has lived in Sarasota for 20 years and is a veteran of the area’s food scene. “Lakewood Ranch has exploded with businesses, houses and population growth. For me, this location needed an authentic and familyoriented concept like Osteria,” says Del Sole. “There’s competition, but they are mostly chain restaurants with nothing real, not like us with our homemade bread, woodfired pi a and housemade pasta and desserts.

This commitment to creating a genuine experience for guests is rooted in the food and in the space itself.

“The opportunity came up to open at this location, and it gave me the vibe of being in Europe, where we have many restaurants with big patios right on the water,” Del Sole adds. Waterside’s open container policy means that guests can enjoy a drink on the patio or take a passeggiata—stroll in English, around the lake. A second patio bar built inside of an electric blue itro n enhances the e perience. utdoor seating abounds for lunch and dinner services, and at a special high-top section of the patio, guests can sample from the aperitivo menu. hannel the al fresco atmosphere with Fiore di Zucca con Ricotta e Provola, a fried zucchini 74 | srq magazine_ NOV23 live local

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flower stu ed with ricotta, provolone cheese and asil.

The crispy fried shell gives way to a creamy cheese filling, and each ite includes a vivid pop of golden flower petals that complement the outdoor setting.

“Our clientele can watch the sunset from our patio while eating an aperitivo and having a couple drinks like we do in Italy,” he says.

The indoor dining space is just as charming as the patio. At the entrance, a vintage Vespa with a basket of lemons—a common motif throughout the space—and other goodies beckons patrons to hop on and zoom through the piazza-like interior. Picturesque videos of the country play on the walls via projectors, inviting guests to indulge in la dolce vita. The team imported almost everything from Italy, including the rustic wooden furniture, pizza oven, hand-painted ceramics from the malfi coast and the lovely patterned tiles in the upstairs terrace loft.

Like something out of a dream, a canopy of lemons decorates the romantic space, a nod to Ussano’s childhood days spent exploring the Sorrento lemon groves. It’s tempting to push aside the table and sway to the Italian tunes lilting through the space like Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. The Limoncello Spritz with housemade fresh limoncello, prosecco, a rosemary sprig and fresh lemon is the perfect dancing juice and pairs well with the Delizia al Limone dessert, a sponge cake with lemon custard and limoncello that was invented in Sorrento. “To make the limoncello, we let the lemon skins soak in alcohol

Above, left to right: Inspired by Sorrento, the lemon terrace loft captures the magic of this storied coastal Italian town. The Limoncello Spritz and the Skewer of Prime Picanha and Homemade Sausage make for a a or l eal.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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forage for about four days, then we mix that with a simple syrup,” adds De Dominicis. “We make everything—from the pasta and pastries to the limoncello—upstairs. That’s where the magic happens.”

The pasta machine, brought over from taly, churns out scratch made delights that cast yet another spell over guests. Spaghetti, calamarata a large, ring shaped pasta and other sauce swaddled varieties showcase the flavor and te ture of talian imported flour, a finely ground variety made with wheat that has no pesticides. steria s est selling dish, the Calamarata con Crema di Burrata al Pistacchio e Salsiccia, or large pasta rings with burrata cheese, pistachio cream and housemade sausage, highlights this shape. A rich sauce coats each ring and verdant crushed Sicilian pistachios add crunch and sweetness to the dish. The sausage is made according to a recipe from el ole s father in law, a butcher with whom he trained back in Italy.

“I like to look at the stats,” says Ussano, “and every week I’m curious to see if maybe the Gniocchi alla Sorrentina (homemade potato gnocchi with mozzarella, parmesan cheese and fresh basil) or the Paccheri al Sapori di Mari (a large round pasta with mixed seafood,

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Below, left to right: Osteria 500’s bread, baked fresh in the restaurant, is perfect for soaking up olive oil and vinegar. The Succo d’Amore refreshes both indoor and outdoor diners. Osteria 500, 1580 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota, 941-866-8962, osteria500.com

fresh tomato sauce, garlic and olive oil) tops the Calamarata, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

Perhaps the Pasta Patate e Provola, mixed pasta with potato cream, smoked mozzarella and lac tru e pat , will e the ne t crowd favorite. Pasta patate is a peasant dish, eaten y talians who couldn t a ord to add meat to their meals. “When I was little, I wasn’t keen on eating vegetables or legumes, but that’s what my family provided for us. On Monday it was pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans), on Tuesday it was pasta e piselli (pasta and peas) and maybe on Thursday, it was pasta e patate. It was my nightmare, but I look back and wish I could have nightmares every day.

Now, thank God, we are able to elevate these dishes that come from an old tradition, like in the Pasta Patate e Provola with the black tru e pat , he adds.

A wine connoisseur, Ussano brings more traditions to diners through the establishment’s extensive portfolio of wines from across taly. erings include wines from enuta an rancesco, an malfi oast vineyard owned by his grandfather’s cousin.

“It was my dream to have these wines over here,” he adds. “They have a special meaning because my grandfather owned part of the

vineyard. I remember when I was younger, going and visiting his cousin and hanging out there with his family, and it’s a privilege to carry the wines here.” Stay tuned for wine dinners and tastings as Ussano continues to add to the restaurant’s portfolio.

Food with a dash of history makes Osteria uni ue. he team left talian merican inventions like spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmesan and ew or style pi a o of the menu with the goal of presenting the most authentic culinary experience to guests, teaching and encouraging them to taste the di erence etween time honored Italian dishes and their American cousins.

“It’s a home away from home for us, and it’s a place for people who have been to or love Italy to come and feel like they’re on vacation again,” says Ussano. To that end, Osteria hosts Italian language classes for patrons who are preparing for a trip to Italy or want to discover more about the country’s culture while sampling its cuisine. “I tell clients who’ve been to Italy and miss it that here, we don’t ask for your passport,” he adds. “You walk through the door and feel like you’re back in Italy.” SRQ

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H&D SRQ HOME AND DESIGN

F RO M T H E ED ITO RS OF SRQ M AGA ZIN E | N OV E M B E R 2023

Fall DESIGN

INSPIRATION THIS PAGE: RUGS AS ART OCTOBER 2015 | SRQ 79

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BRIGHT INSPIRATIONS

Home design trendsetters share a collection of the brightest trends to revamp and refresh Gulf Coast homes this Fall.

Vertical Tile This year, bigger is be er when it comes to tiles. Huge square tiles, even as large as 48 by 48 inches, are becoming a trend, appearing on interior walls, exterior walls and floors. “The bigger the be er this season. We’ve even used some porcelain tiles that are four feet by nine feet,” says Jennifer Horvat, marketing and sales director at Florida Design Works. “So, they’re huge. But what’s really fun about this kind of large format is you can really play around with color.” This year, more segmented living has recently seen a revival. The inclusion of more formal spaces, like a formal dining room and designated office, are allowing homeowners to play with color throughout their homes. Even within a more open-design home, the use of accent walls and floors are allowing homeowners to break up their space. “The idea is to create spaces using color formation and color context, almost as if you have a new home being built and you are creating distinct spaces,” says Horvat. “People are not doing one floor through the whole house anymore. They’re breaking up the flooring and using distinct color floors in the different spaces.” Florida Design Works, 4500 Carmichael

FALL TRENDS

RUGS AS ART

Ave, Sarasota, 941-255-2703, floridadesignworks.com

Full Pigment Floors A brightly colored rug is a must-have for homeowners who are looking for a bold focal piece that fits perfectly into any minimalistic design schemes.

Not only do the colors brighten up the space, but they can also serve as a beautiful focal point, capturing anyone’s a ention immediately upon entering a room. Within this trend, modern, geometric shapes and pa erns are also a racting many homeowners.

These contemporary styles are both versatile and simple, making them perfect to incorporate throughout any area of the home. On the other side of the spectrum, for the homeowner that prefers an earthy design, grass-based rugs are the way to go. Using grasses like jute and sisal with color schemes such as beige, cream or so green is the perfect choice for those who want to highlight the natural beauty found in their wood floors or bed linens. These woven pa erns not only add a neutral look, but also create texture on the rug, which offers a cozy, welcoming feel to a room. Rugs As Art, 6650 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-921-1900, rugsasart.com

CHIC ON THE CHEAP

FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS

Elevating Function Rich, saturated blues and sandy creams are replacing the teals and turquoises that have traditionally encapsulated the coastal design color scheme. “Coastal is more of an elevated and sophisticated color scheme to move in that direction,” says Jill Geisdorf, senior interior designer at Chic on the Cheap. Innovation and interior design go hand-in-hand for Chic on the Cheap’s next trend. Being able to find or create pieces of furniture that not only elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal, but also function in practical ways is a trend that will certainly not be fading anytime soon. Creating custom pieces with hidden storage is a great example.

Something like a coffee table with deep, unnoticeable drawers or appliance drawers in the kitchen can help maintain a minimalistic look within the home without sacrificing any of the necessities. Chic on the Cheap, 242 S Washington Blvd, Unit 118, Sarasota, 866-663-6062, chiconthecheap.net

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Minimalistic Polish

TEXTURE STORIES

While traditional hardware will never truly go out of style, this year Mar Vista Hardware’s Michael Jackson says modern and sleek hardware is the way to go. The modern look features an edgy and clean design, contrasting traditional hardware’s more rounded and blunt edges. One of the largest benefits to choosing a more modern leaning type of hardware for a home is that it is incredibly versatile, it can be simple and minimalistic, or bold and flashy. The options are endless. Within the modern catalog of hardware, oversized, extremely large pulls and knobs are also soaring in popularity. In the realm of choosing a chrome finish for a home’s hardware, Florida homeowners are finding that polished nickel and polished chrome finishes are able to be er withstand the wide range of weather and humidity. Polished finishes are called “non-living” finishes, meaning that unlike “living” finishes, they will not change appearance over the course of time due to factors such as humidity or wear. Finally, polished finishes are the perfect choice to pair with the modern and sleek hardware that is also trending in popularity. Mar Vista Hardware, 330 S Pineapple Ave, Suite 103, Sarasota, 941-271-4600, marvistahardware.com

COPENHAGEN IMPORTS

Rich Earth Tones While gray color schemes had their moment in the spotlight, design experts are moving toward more organic color schemes that effortlessly mimic nature. While the focus is primarily on so greens and pale blues, those tones can also be offset with deeper earth tones such as rich plums or mustard yellows. Using lighter wood like light walnut or bleached oak within a home contributes to the cozy, natural feel that many homeowners are gravitating toward. Many consumers are also prioritizing shopping for more environmentally sensitive products, says Mikael Hansen from Copenhagen Imports. Brands like Copeland Furniture based in Vermont and Ekornes Stressless based in Norway have been leaders within the sustainability market for years and continue to grow in popularity. Copenhagen Imports, 7211 MAR VISTA HARDWARE

S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-923-2569, copenhagen-imports.com

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CALM SLEEP

CARILOHA SARASOTA

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Natural Bamboo A product’s impact on a person’s health is something that consumers in 2023 are taking seriously, especially in regards to their home investments. Certifiable natural products like bamboo sheets not only are non-toxic, but also can improve sleep due to their cooling effect. Along with finding non-toxic products, the use of a relaxing color pale e has also become a trend in 2023. Colors found within nature can create a calming effect that will result in be er sleep and lowered stress. Sleep is arguably one of the most important factors in a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, and recently the masses have begun to prioritize ge ing high-quality, deep sleep each night. Because of this, items like adjustable bed bases are becoming popular. The adjustable bed bases come from twin sized all the way to California king sized. Additionally, the beds have great health benefits. “If you snore, they help with that tremendously. Bring it up five degrees and it helps your positioning for snoring. If you want to watch television, there’s a zero gravity position where it comes up and will take all the pressure off your spine. So there’s a lot of benefits to having an adjustable base,” says Jeff Snell, owner of Cariloha Sarasota at St. Armands Circle. Cariloha Sarasota at St. Armands Circle, 349 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota, 941-3880412, carilohasarasota.com

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Domicile

2 0 2 3 H O M E + D E SIG N PO R T F O LIO

FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS

Local home experts share guidance and hottest trends for new ideas and inspiration in building and decorating.

FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS Looking for a way to offer a sense of grandeur and expansiveness to your space?

Take the “bigger is better” trend into your home when revitalizing your kitchen, outdoor space, or bathrooms. Large format tiles, typically measuring 24’ x 24’ or larger, have revolutionized the way spaces are adorned and perceived. The expansive surface area of these tiles can make any space appear larger and more open. The reduction in grout lines, compared to smaller tiles, contributes to a cleaner, more streamlined look, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. The appeal of large format tiles is not limited to their visual and functional advantages. These tiles also allow for more innovative design possibilities – with advancements in print and manufacturing technologies, large format tiles can mimic the appearance of various natural materials, such as marble, wood, and concrete with astonishing realism. This versatility empowers designers and homeowners to achieve the aesthetic they desire while benefiting from the practicality and durability of ceramic or porcelain tiles. Florida Design Works is dedicated to help transform your next remodel or new-build project with any of the 40,000+ exclusive products through our showroom. Contact us or stop by one of our showrooms today.

FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS 4500 Carmichael Ave. Sarasota, FL 34234 | 941.355.2703 floridadesignworks.com

M&M WALLCOVERINGS AND BLINDS 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 7 Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941.925.7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

S P E C I AL B RAN D E D CON T E N T F E ATU RE

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JOHN CANNON HOMES 6710 Professional Parkway, Suite 100 Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941.924.5935 JohnCannonHomes.com

| D OMIC ILE—2023 FALL H OME PORTFOLIO

TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA 4088 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34233 | 941.549.8453 tileoutlets.com |

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES 7590 Fruitville Road, Suite 200 Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941.922.3480 LWHomes.com

SRQ MAGAZ IN E | NO VEMBER 2023

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Domicile LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES Consistency is an art. For decades, this core belief has driven Lee Wetherington Homes to transform bold, beautiful ideas into timeless masterpieces. A truly shining example is the Solstice model – the longtime local homebuilder’s innovative take on modern ranch-style architecture – nestled amid the “hometown” feel of Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch.

A showstopper during the Parade of Homes and winner of “Best in Show” and “Best Single-Family Custom Home” at the Southeast Building Conference’s Aurora Awards, the Solstice’s spacious single-story floor plan perfectly blends dark metals with organic materials. An experience starts in the foyer, surrounded by elegant wood trim and slim wall sconces, and flows throughout, from the primary bathroom’s soft, backlit stone to the bourbon room’s eye-catching floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and bar island.

With forward-thinking features and breathtaking spaces that evoke a oneness with nature, the Solstice embodies how aspirations turn into reality for discerning homebuyers.

S P E C I AL B RAN D E D CON T E N T FEATU RE

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| D OMIC ILE—FALL H OME PORTFOLIO

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Domicile TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA

TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA

TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA

The latest trend to have captured the hearts of Southwest Florida homeowners has to do with dimensional wall tile or tile with depth to take that spa look home.

Imagine a tile that captures the linear wood-inspired Zen of a spa. These are large format tiles that focus attention on the dimensional pattern of the tile rather than the grout lines. They are very modern, yet intensely classy in design. Take Filletto Camel, an 18”x48” ceramic wall tile. It will create a warm, relaxing setting whether you install the tile horizontally, vertically, or in combination. These tiles add a touch of depth to the room and complement many different room finishes depending on what you select as a floor tile, and what type fixtures you select in a bathroom. You’ll find these looks and more at Tile Outlets of America, established in 2002, and with stores in Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Tampa.

Visit www.tileoutlets.com for hours and directions.

TILE OUTLETS OF AMERICA

M&M WALLCOVERINGS AND BLINDS

M&M WALLCOVERINGS AND BLINDS M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds has been a leader in the sale of high-quality Hunter Douglas blinds, shades and shutters for three decades.

M&M’s 3,000 square foot gallery showcases operable Hunter Douglas window treatments as well as the company’s large display of wallcoverings, custom draperies, valances, upholstery, bedding and pillows. Clients are able to test and operate M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds’ exciting displays of motorized window treatments. Both on trend and now available at a more accessible price point, motorization capabilities have been integrated into the popular Solar Shade style as well as Silhouette, Pirouette, and Duette styles. M&M has also shared that wallcoverings are increasing in popularity. From Grass Weaves to bold, geometric patterns, clients are opting to create focal walls that tie the colors and decorative elements in their rooms together. Also trending for 2023—tailored draperies and stationary side panels that frame windows by adding texture, pattern, and color.

The possibilities are wide ranging so M&M offers their expert decorating services, product knowledge, and passion for their trade in the form of in-home consultations, which are always free of charge. A family-owned and operated business, M&M Wallcoverings is proud to have been named a premier Hunter Douglas gallery. This allows for M&M to provide the very highest quality at very competitive pricing.

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JOHN CANNON HOMES The Oulina is a new model that John Cannon Homes has in the works for Kingfisher Estates in Waterside at Lakewood Ranch. The Oulina will feature a modern look that has never been seen before in Lakewood Ranch. Based on Kingfisher Lake and its spectacular views, it features soaring windows, warm wood tones, mixed metals, and wood slat detailing. In contrast to the openness of the massive windows, the dark moody kitchen is a sight to see. Fire elements, innovative ceiling treatments, and fitness spaces will also be featured. Electronically switchable glass changes the glass in the master suite from clear to opaque, as it would in the finest resorts. The Oulina’s clean lines strip away unnecessary details, allowing the materials and textures to shine. The Oulina model is projected to open in late 2024. For more information, please contact us at 941.924.5935.

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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

giving coast TURNING GRIEF INTO PURPOSE With Blaze Of Hope, Lisa Moore is spreading hope like fire.

Written by Barbie Heit

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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giving coast LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST LISA MOORE IS PROUD OF HER LIFELONG TIES TO THE COMMUNITY.

A Sarasota native, Moore spent her entire childhood making what she considers to be the best memories alongside her parents, sister and cousins. She continues to make special memories in Sarasota where she still resides today, alongside her wife and their four beautiful children, a 23-year-old daughter named Adi, seven-year-old Grace, their six-year-old son, Alex and four-year-old daughter, Valiána Love.

On April 27, 1999, Moore gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Blaze. She remembers this as being one of the happiest days of her life. Happiness soon turned into the unimaginable when at seven months old, Blaze was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer.

This was the hardest period of Moore’s life by far, watching her baby undergo aggressive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Sadly, at only 13 months old, Blaze lost his battle.

“Blaze, my son, my angel, my sweet baby boy came into this world, ready to dance his way into everyone’s hearts,” she shares. “With the shac les o his feet, he is now dancing with the angels.”

While she was at the hospital watching over her boy, Moore met other families desperately in need of hope of their own.

Not only were they struggling with the unexplainable sadness and pain, but they were also struggling to meet their personal financial responsibilities. These people chose their child instead of their mortgage payment; a choice no parent should have to make, she recalls. Families were torn apart because of hard choices and no resources to help them.

Moore at the time was only 21 years old and single. Jumping in to help, her community, family and friends banded together to ensure provisions for Moore and Blaze were met and she is forever grateful for that. Donations were made, fundraisers were held, even jars collecting funds were on the counters of convenience stores throughout Sarasota.

In 2015, Moore’s sister Valerie created a GoFundMe to raise the necessary funds to start a 501(c)(3) in Blaze’s honor. Within 24 hours they met their goal and Blaze of Hope has been “Spreading Hope Like Fire” ever since. “While my time with him was short, Blaze’s memory lives on forever with la e of ope, says oore. he non profit

of friendship, Lisa inspires her daily. “Her strength, wisdom and nurturing spirit know no limits. She always has an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement when things seem bleak.”

Moore’s wife, Myra is perhaps her biggest fan. “My wife is a daily inspiration. She is always loo ing for ways to e selfless and give hope to those in need,” she says. “She smiles through pain and allows pain to fuel “Blaze, my son, my angel, my sweet baby boy her generosity. came into this world, ready to dance his way into I’ve never met a light as bright as everyone’s hearts. With the shackles off his feet, her. She can help he is now dancing with the angels. While my time anyone on their with him was short, Blaze’s memory lives on fordarkest days.”

Moore’s cousin ever with Blaze of Hope.” — Lisa Moore, Blaze of Hope and Executive Director for Blaze of need,” they shared. “Our three-year-old of Hope, Ben LaLande says that Moore is son, Cameron, was very sick in the ICU at a visionary that knows no bounds. She is All Children’s and Blaze of Hope gave us creative, vast in reach and inspires people to a chance to breathe and focus on our son be limitless, despite their own perceptions of helplessness or hopelessness. during a very di cult time in our lives.

Echoing these sentiments is April Barnes, “Assisting families with hospitalized children is never easy. Sharing their stories of friend and Vice President for Blaze of Hope. needing help, while their child is connected “ isa is selfless and hum le a hope dealer. to wires and tubes is very emotional,” says She’s an angel and answered prayer for so Moore. “It’s easy to show compassion and many people. She’s strong, courageous and empathy as you can say you know how they motivated. She’s faithful, determined and feel, and can relate to their experiences but obedient. Her love has inspired and changed my life and made me a better person. She is a the pain never gets easier.”

A professional hairstylist by trade, Moore blessing to everyone she encounters.”

Guided by her faith and desire to help, says she’s had a long and luxurious (pun intended) career for over 20 years, including Moore says she lives by these simple words owning her own salon. “Seeing smiles on that need no explanation. Be Love. Give faces daily as clients leave feeling confident Love. Spread Love. SRQ Visit BlazeofHope.org through their hair, is truly rewarding,” she to learn more about Blaze, Moore’s journey and how shares, noting that she’s made lifelong you can help “Spread Hope like Fire”. Lisa Moore was friendships through her work. honored as one of SRQ Magazine’s Good Heroes in One such lifelong friend, Theresa March 2023.

Pannacciulli says that in their 30+ years organi ation is one in which a family can fill out an application for financial assistance when they have a child hospitalized with a life-threatening medical condition.

Since its inception, the organization has helped countless families navigate the most stressful time of their lives. The Shue family is just one example. “We are so grateful for Blaze of Hope helping our family in a time

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TOP DOCTORS 2023 PEER REVIEW MEDICAL RESOURCE

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BRADENTON LAKEWOOD RANCH SARASOTA VENICE NORTH PORT PALMETTO ANNA MARIA ISLAND HOLMES BEACH

HONOREES

SPECIAL ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY SRQ MAGAZINE

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TOP DOCTORS

WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL to the medical and nursing professionals who are dedicated to supporting our community through this challenging time. The individuals who are being honored in this year's prestigious SRQ TOP DOCTORS | PEER REVIEW program have received the overwhelming support of colleagues in the medical professional communities of Greater Sarasota including Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Venice and North Port, Florida. The Colorado-based team at DataJoe Research facilitates all aspects of the online peer-voting process and conducting government references. We appreciate the doctors who participated in the program this past summer by sharing their thoughtful nominations—it is their insight that makes it possible for us to provide the readers of SRQ Magazine with this noteworthy guide to the highly-regarded doctors in the region.

METHODOLOGY

ata oe esear h is a so t are and resear h o pan spe iali ing in data olle tion and erifi ation and ond ts ario s no inations a ross the nited tates on ehal o p lishers. o reate the top do tors list ata oe esear h a ilitated an online peer oting pro ess also re eren ing go ern ent so r es. ata oe then tallied the otes per ategor or ea h do tor to isolate the top no inees in ea h ategor . ter olle ting no inations and additional in or ation ata oe he ked and onfir ed that ea h p lished inner had a rrent a ti e li ense stat s ith the state reg lator oard. e ere not a le to find e iden e o a do tor s rrent a ti e registration ith the state reg lator oard that do tor as e l ded ro the list. n addition an do tor ho has een dis iplined p to the ti e ra e o o r re ie pro ess or an in ra tion the state reg lator oard as e l ded ro the list. inall ata oe presented the tallied res lt to the aga ine or its final re ie and ad st ents.

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TOP DOCTORS ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Patel, Nilamben

Wittmann, Mark

Sunshine Allergy and Asthma Adult & Pediatric Care 2565 Toledo Blade Boulevard North Port, FL 34289 941-300-7326

Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360 Lic.#ME81843

Lic.#RPT98003

Reichbach, Steven Rucker, Rajivi

Premier Allergists of Florida 5460 Lena Rd | Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34211-9500 941-366-9711 Lic.#ME84160

Windom, Hugh

Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888 Lic.#ME62095

Danziger, Roger

Roger Danziger MD Allergy Sinus Asthma 5404 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210-2815 941-761-1911 Lic.#ME58560

Reichbach Center 2415 University Pkwy | Bldg 3 | Ste 215 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 941-213-4444 Lic.#ME119100

Daley, Sean

Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360

Satya, Y. Emmy

Lourie, John

Millennium Physician Group 3231 Gulf Gate Dr | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34231-2406 941-922-6396

Heart Attack Prevention Center 4900 Manatee Ave W | Ste 201 Bradenton, FL 34209-3859 941-746-5200

Lic.#ME81682

Lic.#ME68394

Bilkoo, Pareena

Mollod, Michael

Millennium Physician Group 3231 Gulf Gate Dr | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34231-2406 941-922-6447

Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250

Lic.#ME103980

Lic.#ME72332

Sanchez, Eulogio J

Barron, Michael K

The Cardiovascular And Vein Center of Florida 6100 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5533 941-798-3840

Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360

Morsli, Hakim

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 Lic.#ME103882

Lic.#ME60076

CARDIOLOGY Ajithan, Chippy

Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 Lic.#ME84450

Lic.#ME79551

Lic.#ME57079

Lic.#ME122394

Nutter, Thomas

Sarasota Cardiovascular Group 5741 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 470 Sarasota, FL 34233-5084 941-377-8266

Yturralde, Frederick R

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 6310 Health Park Way | Ste 330 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-359-8900 Lic.#ME98861

Pacifico, Daniel S

Florida Cardiac Consultants Inc 1540 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 401 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-0060

Culp, John R

HCA Florida Healthcare 1250 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-955-0229 Lic.#ME42292

Yamada, David M.

Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 Lic.#ME82014

Sedillo, Gino J.

Cardiovascular Solutions Institute 2210 61st St W Bradenton, FL 34209 941-747-8789 Lic.#ME76343

Lic.#ME70756

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TOP DOCTORS Ramos, Mark J.

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 Lic.#ME100823

Zellner, Christian A.

HCA Florida Heart Institute 2010 59th St W | Ste 4200 Bradenton, FL 34209-4687 941-794-3999 Lic.#ME135160

Brown, Garrett

Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 Lic.#ME136846 Aldrich, Martin

Aldrich Cardiovascular Institute 6310 Health Park Way | Ste 330 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 941-359-8900 Lic.#ME85369

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

DERMATOLOGY

Sell, Jeffrey

Das, Riva

Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-7006 941-364-8220

First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791

Florida Surgical Specialists 607 Manatee Ave E | Ste 102 Bradenton, FL 34208-1158 941-216-3602

Lic.#ME114933

Lic.#ME132403

Hoffberger, Jonathan D.

COSMETIC SURGERY

First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 Lic.#OS10986

Vesco, Paul A.

First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 Lic.#ME108379

Fong, Jonathan C.

First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 Lic.#ME80268

Golino, Alessandro

Riverview Cardiac Surgery 5304 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5624 941-744-2640 Lic.#ME78246

Jiles, Emily

Emile Jiles D.O. 1958 Prospect St | Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-231-7691 Lic.#OS15739

Fezza, John P.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-277-9041 Lic.#ME76288

Sessa, Alberico J.

Sarasota Surgical Arts 4143 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233-2403 941-923-1736 Lic.#ME96256

Spellman, Andrea

Hillstrom Wright Plastic Surgery 5911 N Honore Ave | Ste 120 Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-3223 Lic.#OS13346

Engel, Scott J.

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-366-8897

Milam, Cathy

Lic.#ME46768

Urato, Nadia

Satya Sarasota Dermatology 3231 Gulf Gate Dr | Suite 105 Sarasota, FL 34231 941-263-8866 Lic.#ME85461

Lim, Ilya

Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery 1617 S Tuttle Ave | 3rd Floor Sarasota, FL 34239 941-499-0199 Lic.#ME153859

Arsenault, Emily F.

Arsenault Dermatology 230 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208-1932 941-907-0222 Lic.#ME87116

O'Donoghue, J. Morgan

O'Donoghue Dermatology 1952 Field Rd Sarasota, FL 34231-2316 941-926-7546 Lic.#ME80793

Bogart, Megan

Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-7006 941-364-8220 Lic.#ME98324

Lic.#ME101569

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TOP DOCTORS Adams, William B

SkinSmart Dermatology 5911 N Honore Ave | Ste 210 Sarasota, FL 34243-2657 941-308-7546 Lic.#ME115221

Stroble, Jennifer

First Physicians Group 5350 University Pkwy | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34243-5814 941-917-8300 Lic.#ME91036

Ruzek, Kimberly A

Radiology Associates of Venice & Englewood 516 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285-2817 941-488-7781

Piotrowska, Katarzyna

Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750 Lic.#ME129870

Lic.#ME90361

Hopkins, Terrence T

Manatee Dermatology 6011 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210-2709 941-792-5040

Gerber, Kate

Orchid Dermatology 5301 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5623 941-761-2900

Lic.#ME68372

Lic.#ME114748

Newman, Joshua M.

Pennie, Michelle

Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology 1370 E Venice Ave | Ste 205 Venice, FL 34285-9084 941-263-4799

Bliss Dermatology 315 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285 941-477-4007

Lic.#ME78791

Lic.#ME108521

Anderson, Heidi

Ellis, Dana

Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota 5310 Clark Rd | Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34233-3229 941-925-3627

Arsenault Dermatology 8926 77th Ter E | Unit 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-6417 941-907-0222

Lic.#ME102351

Lic.#ME146921

Bedi, Monica

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Dermatology Associates 3830 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34233-1105 941-927-5178 Lic.#ME79670

Selva, Sergio

Radiology Associates of Venice & Englewood 512 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285-2817 941-488-7781 Lic.#ME70607

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Temple, Sarah

Sarasota Emergency Associates 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8507 Lic.#ME111890

Arrieta, Julio M

Sarasota Emergency Associates 5560 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste D5 Sarasota, FL 34233-1508 941-316-8120 Lic.#ME122510

Rozin, Roman

Partners Imaging Centers 1250 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-951-2100

ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM

Lic.#ME81574

Sharma, Sonia

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-3270

Perez, Jesus

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-379-1777 Lic.#ME86942

Dubin, Robert L

Millennium Physician Group 421 Commercial Ct | Ste A Venice, FL 34292 941-499-0800 Lic.#ME88538

Lupo, Mark A.

Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750 Lic.#ME77141

Kozlow, Wende M.

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd | Ste 210 Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-379-1777 Lic.#ME100611

Boldo, Angela

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-917-3270 Lic.#ME119056

Lic.#ME146947

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TOP DOCTORS Geck, Zsofia

Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750

Prakash, Soordal O

Sunshine Medical Center LLC 5937 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34238-2504 941-918-2011

Lic.#ME103132

Lic.#ME76860

Majchel Koss, Deborah

Bentze, Michael J

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0077

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0001

Lic.#ME123174

Lic.#OS9174

FAMILY MEDICINE

Duggin, Kelly

Kalnoky, Achilles

Gulf Gate Family Medicine 7250 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34238-2806 941-921-0986

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group Primary Care - Center Point 6600 University Parkway | Ste 201 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-782-9456 Lic.#ME140197

Lic.#ME115088

Brus, Mark H

First Physicians Group 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-4029 941-923-5882

First Physicians Group 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-4029 941-923-5882

Andari, Ronald

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 5741 BeeRidge Rd | Ste 550 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-361-1100 Lic.#ME140338

Mishra, Avantika

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 5741 BeeRidge Rd | Ste 550 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-361-1100 Lic.#ME138694

Dukander, Jasmine

Gastroenterology Associates of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 Lic.#ME145071

Haider, Joseph

Cooper Family Medical 5123 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5620 941-744-5510 Lic.#OS16845

Lic.#ME69127

Dunn, Kevin J.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Cooper, Christopher

Cooper Family Medical 5123 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5620 941-744-5510 Lic.#OS8142

Lic.#ME76570

Southerland, John

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-5142 941-952-9223 Lic.#ME85007

Byju, KR

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 2401 University Pkwy | Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34243-2973 941-360-2579 Lic.#ME83308

Khazanchi, Arun

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 11505 Palmbrush Trl | Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-2904 941-361-1100

Bernstein, Marc

Gastroenterology Associates of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 Lic.#ME137780

Murchie, Brent

Gastroenterology Associates of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 Lic.#ME126633 Mitchel, Lee S

Lee S Mitchel MD LLC 1219 S East Ave | Ste 308 Sarasota, FL 34239-2356 941-366-4015 Lic.#ME51847

Summerlee, Robert

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0092 Lic.#ME118680

Agnello, Katie R

Venice Gastroenterology 825 Venetian Pkwy Venice, FL 34285-7163 941-483-5730 Lic.#ME121751

Kondapalli, Ravi

Venice Gastroenterology 825 Venetian Pkwy Venice, FL 34285-7163 941-483-5730 Lic.#ME81475

Lic.#ME86268

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TOP DOCTORS Abdelqader, Abdelhai

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trail | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-952-9223

Loewe, Charles

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-5142 941-952-9223

Briceno, Pedro J.

First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-917-3400

Lic.#ME151835

Lic.#ME43998

Lic.#ME105330

Shah, Nihar

GENERAL SURGERY

Yelverton, Samuel

First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St | Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 941- 262-0410 Lic.#ME136945 Rascon-Aguilar, Ivan Estuardo

Gastroenterology Associates of Manatee 1886 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4630 941-794-1980 Lic.#ME93817

Matheus, Tonantzin

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 5741 BeeRidge Rd | Ste 550 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34233 941-361-1100 Lic.#ME100744

Caire, Michael

Suncoast GI Associates 101 Riverfront Blvd | Ste 700 Bradenton, FL 34205-8823 941-748-2417 Lic.#ME117430

Kucera, Stephen T.

First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St | Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638 941-262-0400 Lic.#ME97935

Toomey, Paul

Florida Surgical Specialists 607 Manatee Ave E | Ste 102 Bradenton, FL 34208-1158 941-216-3602 Lic.#ME108706

Halbreich, Steven L.

First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300 Lic.#ME87228

Mets, Joseph

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042 Lic.#ME140716

Nora, John D.

First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300 Lic.#ME56312

Novak, Russell W.

First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Ste 290 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-254-6767 Lic.#ME159729

Willkomm, Christopher M

First Physicians Group 200 Healthcare Way | Ste 101 Venice, FL 34275 941-261-2000 Lic.#ME107405

Rao, Arundathi

First Physicians Group 5880 Rand Blvd | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34238-5118 941-917-4753 Lic.#ME102122

Browning IV, Robert

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-4041 941-362-8662 Lic.#ME115061

Halaby, Issam A.

Issam A. Halaby, MD 436 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285-2617 941-445-5054

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY South, Stacey

Manatee Physician Alliance Women's Oncology 3425 University Pkwy | Unit 102 Sarasota, FL 34243-4271 941-746-7507 Lic.#ME101589

Fiorica, James

First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 Lic.#ME43069

Long, Beverly J.

First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 Lic.#ME146963

Kilts, Toni P.

First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 Lic.#OS16909

Desai, Kinnari P.

Manatee Gynecology 2310 60th St Ct W Bradenton, FL 34209-6609 941-792-4993 Lic.#ME107712

Lic.#ME83954

Lic.#ME41051

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TOP DOCTORS UROLOGY Bilik, A. Joseph

Florida Urology Specialists 1 S School Ave | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 941-309-7000 Lic.#ME73513

Akary, Eihab

Akary Urology and Kidney Stone Center 401 Commercial Ct | Ste E Venice, FL 34292-1652 941-260-4440 Lic.#ME139247

Tingle, William J.

Florida Urology Specialists 1 S School Ave | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 941-309-7000 Lic.#ME59349

Carey, Robert I.

Castellucci, Sean A.

Urology Partners 200 3rd Ave W | Ste 210 Bradenton, FL 34205-8633 941-792-0340

Florida Surgical Clinic 701 Manatee Ave W | Ste 105 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 727-787-4379

Lic.#ME90072

Lic.#OS11276

Lic.#ME126038

Cohen, Louis H.

VASCULAR SURGERY

Lepore Jr, Michael R.

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-5400

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6057 941-379-1860 Lic.#ME111892

Kaplon, Daniel

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-5400 Lic.#ME104278

Bergamo, Jeremy

Florida Urology Specialists 1 S School Ave | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-309-7000 Lic.#ME150870

Green, Joshua T

Florida Urology Specialists 1 South School Ave | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-309-7000 Lic.#ME69452

Nair, Deepak G.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-371-6565 Lic.#ME99082

Edwards, Jeffrey

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-371-6565 Lic.#ME132518

Wagner, Jason K.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-371-6565 Lic.#ME139385

Silverman, Steven H.

Tampa Bay Surgical Group 1215 S East Ave | Ste 307 Sarasota, FL 34239-2354 941-312-6196

Kazil, Jenna

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-371-6565 Lic.#ME81013

Parrack, Inkyong K.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-371-6565 Lic.#ME137320

Suplee, Ryan S.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042 Lic.#ME124998

Torres, Vivian

VENAS Vascular Specialists 5860 Ranch Lake Blvd | Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34202-3719 941-504-8248 Lic.#ME118443

Lic.#ME50587

METHODOLOGY

ata oe esear h is a so t are and resear h o pan spe iali ing in data olle tion and erifi ation and ond ts ario s no ina tions a ross the nited tates on ehal o p lishers. o reate the top do tors list ata oe esear h a ilitated an online peer oting pro ess also re eren ing go ern ent so r es. ata oe then tallied the otes per ategor or ea h do tor to isolate the top no inees in ea h ategor . ter olle ting no inations and additional in or ation ata oe he ked and onfir ed that ea h p lished inner had a rrent a ti e li ense stat s ith the state reg lator oard. e ere not a le to find e iden e o a do tor s rrent a ti e registration ith the state reg lator oard that do tor as e l ded ro the list. n addition an do tor ho has een dis iplined p to the ti e ra e o o r re ie pro ess or an in ra tion the state reg lator oard as e l ded ro the list. inall ata oe presented the tallied res lt to the aga ine or its final re ie and ad st ents.

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

TONANTZIN MATHEUS, MD HONOREE Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Esophageal diseases - Pancreatic disorders - GERD/Dysphagia - Irritable bowel syndrome

Dr. Matheus is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine.

She specializes in colorectal screening and GERD/dysphagia and has advanced training in esophageal disorders, including swallowing problems, reflux and digestive tract motility. Dr. Matheus performs in-office capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy screenings and has been practicing for nearly 20 years. Fluent in Spanish and English, she enjoys taking time with her patients to ensure they are fully informed and their questions are answered.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? I treat patients at all stages of digestive health, from those who have been suffering for years to patients who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that are new to them. Each of them is seeking answers and a path to health. Our team takes the time we need to empathize and deeply understand each patient’s lives and the factors affecting their condition. Education is imperative to helping patients regain their quality of life. I strive to combine professionalism, advanced treatments and compassion to amplify our patient’s chance at a healthy, active life.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

AVANTIKA MISHRA, MD HONOREE

Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Cancer Prevention - IBD - Women's health - Obesity/nutrition

Dr. Mishra is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch communities. She has a special interest in obesity and nutrition, cancer prevention, esophageal and reflux disorders and women’s health. She completed her internal medicine residency at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, then went on to Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for her gastroenterology fellowship. Dr. Mishra provides care to patients who struggle with common to complex gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Diagnosing gastrointestinal

issues can be very nuanced and layered; it requires paying key attention to patients’ symptoms while keeping in mind already diagnosed medical comorbidities.

Patients need to know they’re heard and are working with someone that is invested in their care. An essential part of this doctor-patient relationship is continual patient education and engagement. As physicians, we need to constantly understand symptoms and early screening.

With this work, we can save lives.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

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IVAN ESTUARDO RASCON-AGUILAR, MD HONOREE

Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Inflammatory bowel disease - Liver and pancreatic diseases - Endoscopy, colonoscopy, balloon enteroscopy and ERCP - Esophageal disorders

Dr. Rascon-Aguilar is a dedicated and experienced physician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. With 23 years of clinic expertise, he specializes in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Dr. Rascon’s passion for medicine drives his continuous learning and reinforces his commitment to exceptional patient care. He believes in using medications as a last resort and utilizing diet and lifestyle interventions to improve gut health first.

HOW CAN DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES AFFECT GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH? Diet and lifestyle go hand-

in-hand in having a profound impact on your gut health.

A balanced diet not only promotes regular bowel movements but also prevents constipation. Conversely, consuming excessive amounts of processed foods, high-fat content and spicy foods can lead you down a road to digestive discomfort, acid reflux and gastritis. Hydration also plays a key role, as does maintaining a healthy body weight through regular exercise to reduce the risk of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and gallstones. With over two decades of experience in gastroenterology, my goal with every patient is to listen, learn and thoroughly investigate to discover the heart of the problem – and give them choices for treatment, from lifestyle modifications to medications and procedures.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

RONALD ANDARI, MD HONOREE

Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Cancers of the Digestive System - Pancreatobiliary Disorders (EUS/ERCP) - Chronic Abdominal Pain - Esophageal Disorders

Dr. Andari is a board-certified gastroenterologist with specialized training in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. His clinical interests include chronic abdominal pain, hepatobiliary and pancreatic pathology, endoscopic ultrasound and cancer prevention. Dr. Andari completed his internal medicine residency, gastroenterology fellowship and advanced endoscopy fellowship at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He provides care to patients in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, and he is fluent in Spanish, English and Arabic.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART ? I enjoy connecting with each patient and creating individualized treatment plans to help them lead a healthy, active life.

In our practice, patients have access to highly advanced therapies and care without the need to visit a large hospital system or an academic medical center. We find that the outpatient setting allows for more coordinated, streamlined care that is convenient for the patient and their family members. The doctor-patient relationship also thrives.

Personally, I find that this human connection, through compassion and alleviating human suffering, is what I love most of being a physician.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

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TOP DOCTORS HAND SURGERY Hand, John D.

Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics PLLC 1950 Arlington St | Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 Lic.#ME73110

Sforzo, Christopher R.

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100

Chan, David

Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 941-485-1505

Kayali, Fadi

Bhattacharyya, Rishi

Lic.#ME106289

Lic.#ME116188

Lunin, Scott D.

Milam, Michael W.

Lic.#ME83359

Lic.#ME46769

Godofsky, Eliot W

Florida Cancer Specialists 5985 Silver Falls Run | Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 941-907-4737

Lic.#ME113787

Moustoukas, Michael J.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655

Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450

Lic.#ME131187

Lic.#ME83510

HEMATOLOGY

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE

Boyette, Melissa M.

Mamus, Steven W.

Van Der Wall, Braden

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404

Cancer Center Of Sarasota-Manatee 3830 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34233-1105 941-923-1872

Lic.#ME103549

Lic.#ME48231

Lic.#ME121191

Simmons, Sara P.

Pelayo, Miguel

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404

Florida Cancer Specialists 5985 Silver Falls Run | Ste 300 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 941-907-4737

Lic.#ME113187

Lic.#ME100373

Dillingham, Christopher L.

Chu, Luis

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450

Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 Lic.#ME70875

Lic.#ME107087

Tidewell Hospice 5955 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238-5160 941-552-7691

Mercado, Roberto A

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450 Lic.#ME79981

Gordillo, Manuel E.

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450 Lic.#ME62215

Kraitman, Natan

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711 Lic.#ME65833

Farooq, Ahmed

Metrolina Infectious Diseases 517 Riviera | Ste 10 Venice, FL 34285-2821 941-244-9524 Lic.#ME91511

Larkin, Julie A

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450 Lic.#ME63725

Tallapragada, Sudha

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450 Lic.#ME74771

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450 Lic.#ME139743

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

HONOREE Cosmetic Surgery

Emily Jiles, DO

SPECIALTIES Body and Facial Cosmetic Surgery TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Dr. Jiles

Cosmetic Surgery you are never just a number.

We pride ourselves in providing individualized treatment to every one of our patients. Our practice core values are safety, integrity, respect and beautiful results. From getting your customized treatment plan, to your follow-up appointments, you are the prime focus through the entire process. With immediate concierge service available 24/7, you have our expert care at your fingertips.

Dr. Emily Jiles is a cosmetic surgeon with extensive fellowship training with leading experts in the field. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. Jiles knew she wanted to be a surgeon from a very young age. She received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Florida State University. From there she attended medical school in West Virginia. After her board certification in general surgery, Dr. Jiles completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship in New York City. She now specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Today, she is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Additionally, she is medical director at Florida Robotic Hair Transplant Center where she performs robotic hair transplantation surgeries.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Dr. Jiles seeks to revolutionize the approach to cosmetic surgery. Because feeling beautiful and confident starts on the inside, she works closely with like-minded, progressive physician colleagues who are leaders in the fields of functional medicine and weight loss medicine. Do you have those last few pounds to lose before you get a tummy tuck?

The Fit For Surgery program might be perfect for you prior to having surgery with Dr. Jiles! The best part of all is the emphasis on improving habits which will continue to improve your results even after surgery without trying.

DR JILES COSMETIC SURGERY 1958 Prospect Street | Suite 103 | Sarasota, Florida 34239 941.867.7682 | drjilescosmeticsurgery.com

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TOP DOCTORS Offner, Stuart A.

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711

Travnicek, Petra

Concierge Medical Services 1250 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-365-1321

Reichel, David T.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-371-3337

Lic.#ME112752

Lic.#ME88849

Lic.#ME79284

Offner, Lenka

Cohen, Louis M

Chan, Joseph E

Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-953-9080

Millenium Physicians Group 1287 US 41 Bypass S Venice, FL 34285-5545 941-202-0500

Lic.#ME112744

Lic.#ME58080

Lic.#ME116702

Demaio, James D.

Lerner, Brad S

Cogburn, William E

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-278-4450

Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-953-9080

Millennium Physician Group 1287 US 41 Bypass S Venice, FL 34285-5545 941-202-0500

Lic.#ME90472

Lic.#ME40118

Lic.#ME58550

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Ejercito, Lorena L

Downing, Sean G

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711

Mansour, Robin

Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics 4861 27th St W Bradenton, FL 34207-1726 941-755-0800 Lic.#ME141326

John, Gerald B.

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 605 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8100 Lic.#ME73663

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY Yaryura, Ricardo A.

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 Lic.#ME73423

Schreibman, David S.

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St | Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 Lic.#ME90195

King, Sydney W

Sarasota Heart Center 3100 S Tamiami Trl | Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239-5139 941-917-8185

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 605 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8100

Sean Downing MD 1921 Waldemere | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-217-4444

Lic.#ME76113

Lic.#ME91906

Elsbree, Scott B

Bhamidipati, Lalita

Dr Scott Elsbree MD ABIM 2601 Cattlemen Rd | Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34232-6231 941-342-1333

First Physicans Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-3500

Lic.#ME47274

Lic.#ME82613

Lic.#ME138959

Price, Bart E

Jhawar, Payal

Baron, Felice

Concierge Medical Services 1250 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-365-1321

Revive MD Direct Primary Care 2810 Manatee Ave East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-777-5118

First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-6260

Lic.#ME70891

Lic.#ME122848

Lic.#ME68815

Lic.#ME54605

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE Matsumoto, Larry

First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-6260

Porter, Kinga

Whole Health 6272 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 941-666-8757 Lic.#OS12305

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HONOREE Internal Medicine

JOHN LOURIÉ, MD SPECIALTIES Cardiology: General and Interventional Internal Medicine Nuclear cardiology

Having lived in Charleston, SC as a child and then moving to the Midwest for high school, college and medical school, Dr. Lourié was always drawn back to the ocean. He graduated from DePaul University in Indiana in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in biology with a minor in physics.

He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Emory University in Atlanta in 1992. He specialized in interventional cardiology and nuclear cardiology, graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1995 where he met his wife. They then moved to Bradenton in 1995. At age 32, Dr. Lourié was one of the youngest to be accepted as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology in 1996. He has been board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, interventional cardiology and nuclear cardiology. He has served on the local board of the American Heart Association and the Manatee Medical Society as well as numerous medical committees at both Manatee Memorial and Blake hospitals. He was the director of the cardiac cath lab at Blake hospital for 12 years and was listed in Strathmore's Who's Who in America in 2000, named Doctor of the Year in 2004 and Consumers’ Research Council of America's Top Cardiologists in 2010.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Having witnessed the erosion of quality care in medicine and a push by corporate and insurance industries toward a one-size-fits-all care model known as "protocol-based care", I knew I could deliver better personal care. So in 2010, I developed our current concierge practice which places the focus on the personal needs of the patient: not the insurance company. Our contract is between the patient and the doctor so we have been able to develop relationships with radiology centers, labs, pharmacies and specialists, etc. which allow much quicker access to service when needed. This is frequently achieved at a much lower price than it would cost through an insurance company without all the typical built-in delays and denials that people have become forced to accept through the traditional medical practice.

We turn the standard medical practice of waiting until something is broken upside down by preventing our biggest health threats before they can strike. We actively look for and manage early stages of conditions to prevent diseases that can land you in the hospital which require invasive medical procedures and cost thousands of dollars to treat in an emergency. Our practice has been so successful that it has been full for over 7 years now.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? We deliver

what is now missing from most medical practices and certainly in hospital based care: excellent personal service, prompt appointments, and direct evaluation by your physician: not a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. We routinely refer to the top medical centers in the US when someone's health depends on it. One of our primary goals is to keep people out of the hospital: and it works. We are focused on teaching people how to achieve and maintain health through lifestyle changes that have been proven to prevent strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, cancer and dementia.

HEART ATTACK PREVENTION CENTER JOHN LOURIÉ, MD 4900 Manatee Ave W. Suite 201, Bradenton, FL 34209 941-7456-5200 | Heartattackpreventioncenter.com

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TOP DOCTORS NEPHROLOGY Chauhan, Veeraish

Manatee Memorial Hospital 109 44th Ave E | Ste 301 Bradenton, FL 34203-3639 941-242-9628 Lic.#ME112069

Sastry, Ashok

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 Lic.#ME95950

Lawrence-Jackson, Janis S.

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 306 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-8722 Lic.#OS12060

Patel, Bhavin

Renal Hypertension Center 517 Riviera St | Ste B Venice, FL 34285-2827 941-488-2881 Lic.#ME142834

Ghose, Ranjan

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585

Mayer, Peter L

Lic.#ME82366

Bhensdadia, Nishant

Wang, Huan

Cantero, Julio

Lic.#ME119186

Lic.#ME120232

Lic.#ME94218

Toka, Hakan

NEUROLOGY

Cherian, Rejo P.

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585

Manatee Kidney Disease Consultants 3701 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-1711 941-746-5840 Lic.#ME128773

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Knego, Robert S.

Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700

Re3 Innovative Neuroscience Institute 4012 Sawyer Rd | Ste 101-104 Sarasota, FL 34233-1231 941-893-2688

Madden III, Patrick J

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 183 Venice, FL 34285 941-373-1971 Lic.#ME113116

Hanes, Gregory

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 Lic.#ME88942

Lic.#ME57684

Rodriguez, Betzaida

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 Lic.#ME123162

Sutherland, Dean P.

Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 Lic.#ME68105

Fine, Andrew D.

Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700

Aung-Din, Ronald

Ronald Aung-Din MD 3501 Cattlemen Rd | Ste A Sarasota, FL 34232-6054 941-342-9477 Lic.#ME35292

Lic.#ME69377

Szabo, Zsofia

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8900

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 Lic.#ME79474

Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 941-906-7155

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 Lic.#ME135878

Gonzalez, Ralph

Manatee Physician Alliance 200 3rd Ave W | Ste 110 Bradenton, FL 34205-8628 941-746-3115 Lic.#ME73150

Concha, Mauricio

Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St | St 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 941-906-7155 Lic.#ME69547

Thornley, Virginia

Virginia Thornley MD 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | Bldg B Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-363-1370 Lic.#ME113264

Lic.#ME146951

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

HONOREE Gastroenterology

ARUN KHAZANCHI, MD SPECIALTIES Gastroenterology Internal Medicine TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Khazanchi's

contributions to the medical field have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Since 2015, he has consistently been nominated as a top doctor in Sarasota and Bradenton, a testament to his out-standing skills and dedication. Despite his impressive achievements, Dr. Khazanchi remains humble and grounded, never losing sight of his primary goal: providing exceptional care to his patients. Dr. Khazanchi's practice is supported by a team of dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals who share his commitment to excellence. From the front desk staff to the nurses, medical assistants and management, the entire team works together to ensure a seamless and efficient patient experience. Their professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail contribute to the overall success of the practice and further distinguish it from others.

Dr. Khazanchi is an exceptional physician who embodies compassion, understanding, brilliance, and a strong work ethic.

Throughout his 25-year career, he has made a significant impact by saving and improving the lives of numerous individuals. His commitment to helping others is unwavering, and he consistently goes above and beyond to provide the best care possible. One of Dr. Khazanchi's remarkable qualities is his availability and dedication to his patients. He understands the importance of being there for them in their times of need and ensures that he is always accessible. His patients find solace in his caring nature and appreciate his tireless efforts to address their medical concerns. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Khazanchi is a devoted family man. He shares a beautiful and fulfilling life with his wonderful and supportive wife. Furthermore, he takes great pride in his daughter, who is currently pursuing her education at Duke University. Despite the demands of his profession, Dr. Khazanchi prioritizes his family and nurtures their well-being.

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Dr. Khazanchi's

practice has significantly improved the lives of his patients through exceptional medical care and a patient-centered approach. With his deep expertise in gastroenterology, he accurately diagnoses and treats various gastrointestinal conditions, providing relief and healing. His compassionate and understanding demeanor creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. Through personalized treatment plans and open communication, he empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Khazanchi's practice not only focuses on physical well-being but also addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of patients' lives. By improving their health and overall quality of life, he has made a profound impact on the well-being of his patients.

PREMIERE • GI 11505 Palmbrush Trail | Suite 200 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.334.9040 | premiereGI.com

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TOP DOCTORS NEUROPATHY Swaim, Logan

The Roots Health Centers 8209 Natures Way | Unit 115 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4218 941-877-1507 Lic.#CH11541

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Hamel, Kelly J.

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 Lic.#ME98993

Towsley, Greg A.

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 Lic.#ME68910

Lipman, Malorie

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-7888 Lic.#ME149928

Yelverton, Eden

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 6310 Health Park Way | Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-348-1144 Lic.#ME159686

Gulf Coast Obstetrics & Gynocology 1950 Arlington St | Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 941-379-6331

Garner, Kyle L

Gard, Kathryn P. First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888

Patel, Anjan J

Lic.#ME94509

Lic.#ME132813

Lic.#ME117498

Shedd-Hartman, Kelly-Anne

Yenari, Jon

Dattoli, Michael J.

Lic.#OS12471

Lic.#ME87923

Soendker, Anna

Easterling, Gary W.

Swor Women's Care 1900 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3114 941-330-8885

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-379-1700

Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000

Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachy Therapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344 941-957-1221 Lic.#ME58562

Lakewood Ranch Obstetrics & Gynecology 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Ste 140 Bradenton, FL 34202-5183 941-907-9298 Lic.#ME140970

McCullen, Jennifer

Gulf Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology 1950 Arlington St | Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 941-379-6331 Lic.#ME59922

ONCOLOGY

OPHTHALMOLOGY Banker, Tanuj P

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-277-9041 Lic.#ME123104

OB-GYN Women's Centre of Lakewood Ranch LLC 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Ste 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5185 941-907-3008

Guancial, Elizabeth

Lic.#ME66257

Lic.#ME135035

Alvarez, Jorge E.

Harandi, Amir

Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000

Mathews, Priya

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 941-277-9041 Lic.#ME138784

OB-GYN Women's Centre of Lakewood Ranch LLC 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Ste 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5174 941-907-3008

Florida Cancer Specialists 5985 Silver Falls Run | Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211 941-907-4737 Lic.#ME130266

Lic.#ME67244

Sullivan Jr, John E.

De Rojas, Joaquin O.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-277-9041 Lic.#ME139893

Van Der Wall, Ana

Doctors Same Day Surgery Center 5741 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-6304 941-342-1303

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 3630 Manatee Ave Bradenton, FL 34205 941-792-1881

Abrams, Jody G.

Lic.#ME43835

Lic.#ME121065

Lic.#ME109729

Sarasota Retina Institute 3400 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-7243 941-921-5335

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

HONOREES Pediatrics

BARBARA FLEENER, MD CAROLA FLEENER, MD ABOUT THE PRACTICE The Sarasota Children's

Dr. Barbara Fleener, left, earned her Bachelor's Degree at Florida State University and her M.D. degree at Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. She completed her training at the lauded Washington University St. Louis Children's Hospital after which she joined her mother, Dr. Carola Fleener and D.N.P. Lisa Ann Bernard in practice here in Sarasota. She brought the most up-to-date pediatric knowledge to share with her mother and the pediatric nurse practitioner's years or experience. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Carola Fleener, right, obtained her M.D. degree at the University of Carabobo in Venezuela following which she was in training at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida and then joined her family here in Sarasota to practice at the Sarasota Children's Clinic in 1988. She is boarded in Family Medicine by ABPS. Lisa Ann Bernard, D.N.P. came up through the ranks, achieving certification as LPN, RN, ARNP and now Doctorate of Nursing Science at the University of South Florida. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor and she has been a member of this team for over 20 years. She has broad expertise and empathy and always provides our patients with that bit of extra attention and caring.

SPECIALTIES Well Care & Immunizations Behavior & Developmental Issues Certified Breastfeeding Support Allergy Evaluations/Treatment

Clinic is a Pediatric Medical Practice which has helped three generations of children grow up healthier since it opened 40 years ago. Our mission is to create a supportive and informal environment that reduces anxiety levels in parents and children and empowers them to participate in achieving their health goals.

We are fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals helping us to accomplish this goal. We have an open-door policy for all patients— this includes 24-hour access to a physician and the flexibility to help a child who might need to be seen right away. Our practice philosophy is one with a holistic focus and our mission is to provide our families with the best medical care possible within a safe, caring and professional environment .

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? The Sarasota

Children's Clinic has obtained a national award of excellence certifying that we have achieved one of the highest standards of medical practice: we are certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the AAAHC. That means this medical practice provides wrap-around medical and social care to our patients.

Using a Team approach which includes and empowers patient participation, we lead patients through the health care delivery system and show them how to obtain needed resources and services in our community. All three of our providers enjoy giving back to the community and often volunteer time in local churches providing free physicals and school supplies for less privileged children. Our passion for this community motivates us to remove barriers to medical care so it has been the greatest honor to have been chosen by our peers and the community of Sarasota for recognition with the Top Doctors Award!

SARASOTA CHILDREN'S CLINIC The Medical Center of Sarasota 3920 Bee Ridge Road | Building A - Suite.C Sarasota, FL 34233 941.923.3667 | sarasotakidsdocs.com

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TOP DOCTORS Soscia, William L.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041

Silverman, Scott

Coastal Eye Institute 111 S Pineapple Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-2942 941-748-1818

Lic.#ME84433

Lic.#ME68584

Lim, Renelle

Davis, Jeffrey M

Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery 1617 S Tuttle Ave | 3rd Fl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-499-0199

Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208-1931 941-748-1818 Lic.#ME106434

Lic.#ME153736

Shoemaker, David W.

Center for Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041

Ross, Joseph

Envision Eye Specialists 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | Bldg F | Ste A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-921-7744 Lic.#ME61395

Lic.#ME39238

Stelton, Chris

Sk Retina 1700 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3110 941-777-5000

Campbell, David

Sarasota Ophthalmology 2121 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3804 941-955-6363 Lic.#ME75872

Lic.#ME125837

Kim, Joshua W.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-277-9041 Lic.#ME93875

Schwartz, Thomas

Eye Care Associates of Sarasota 1219 S East Ave | Ste 105 Sarasota, FL 34239-2351 941-957-4216 Lic.#ME62433

Grabow, Harry

Envision Eye Specialists 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | Bldg F | Ste A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-921-7744 Lic.#ME23611

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Reuter, Todd J.

Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2130 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3803 941-365-3388 Lic.#ME106595

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Stolarski, Edward J.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 Lic.#ME84153

Cuff, Derek J.

Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 836 Sunset Lake Blvd | Bldg A | Ste 205 Venice, FL 34292-7556 941-485-1505 Lic.#ME95587

Dingle, Sean R.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 Lic.#ME79112

Kumar, Avinash G

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 E Bradenton, FL 94212 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME82887

Stewart Jr, Charles E

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100 Lic.#ME120483

O'Daly, Andres E.

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404

Otte, R. Stephen

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME141436

Pacana, Matthew

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 E Bradenton, FL 94212 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME157260

Shereff, Michael J

Coastal Orthopedics 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Fl 3 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME101274

Bright, Adam S.

Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics PLLC 1950 Arlington St | Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 Lic.#ME70128

Schofield, Brian A.

Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics PLLC 1950 Arlington St | Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 Lic.#ME68192

Valadie, Alan L.

Coastal Orthopedics 6203 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7839 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME70378

Lic.#ME126890

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HONOREE Cosmetic Surgery

2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

ALBERICO J. SESSA, MD SPECIALTIES Cosmetic Surgery WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Sarasota

Dr. Sessa started his career in dental school, where he learned that a tenth of a millimeter can make all the difference. He then went to medical school and onto oral and maxillofacial surgery at Charity Hospital in New Orleans for six years. This is were he learned to take apart the bony structures of the head and face and put them back together better than before. The training culminated in a year long post-graduate fellowship in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. This is where it all came together. It was at this fellowship, that every day, he along side his mentor performed cosmetic surgery in a private facility. Under this tutelage, he was able to hone his skills performing complex breast, tummy, face, and nasal surgery. This expertise allowed him to come to Sarasota in 2007 and begin practicing at the highest level immediately. Thousands of surgeries completed, five patient choice awards, hundreds of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms, and thousands of thrilled patients. He is a diplomate of both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as well as the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fellowship director, and American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Board examiner for the past four years.

Surgical Arts, the name says it all! This is where surgical excellence, safety, and art collide. Alberico Sessa, MD is an artist. An expert in Cosmetic Surgery. An expert is defined as 10,000 hours performing a task. 16 years and 10,000 procedures completed at his surgical facility—Dr. Sessa considers himself to be an expert. It's all in the training. Alberico Sessa, MD, is a perfectionist.

The surgery is never completed until it is perfect.

The first questions asked at a consultation are to find out exactly what is the patient’s idea of beauty and what they are concerned about. Then the journey begins. Sarasota Surgical Arts provides an array of Cosmetic surgery to help the breast, body, or the face. Some of the procedures performed: facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, Laser skin resurfacing. Non surgical options are also found at Sarasota Surgical Arts: Venus freeze—a skin-tightening procedure that works. Vanquish is an all-in-one treatment to dissolve fat and tighten skin, both painless and inexpensive. A medi-spa, along with a knowledgeable aesthetician, is also onsite. Skin peels, facials, derma planing, “PRP” facials (Vampire), microneedling, as well as micro-blading for eyebrows are performed. We also have our very own skin care line-DR AL’s RX. All Cosmetic Surgery is performed at his private surgical facility. This facility is certified by the Florida Board of Medicine yearly. The anesthesia is provided by a board certified practitioner with 32 years of experience.

SARASOTA SURGICAL ARTS ALBERICO J. SESSA, MD 4143 Clark Road | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.923.1736 | SarasotaSurgicalArts.com

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TOP DOCTORS Sugar, David A.

Sugar Orthopaedics 1630 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3108 941-556-6900; Lic.#ME73607

Harkess, John W.

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME132666

Cashen, David V.

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME99185

Klima, Matthew L.

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-8525; Lic.#OS11307 Mehserle, William L.

Center For Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 1525 Tamiami Trl S | Ste 602 Venice, FL 34285-3568 941-497-2663 Lic.#ME65132

OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT Marlowe, Andrew

Marlowe MD 5432 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 150 Sarasota, FL 34233-1515 941-379-3277 Lic.#ME75996

Nayak, Neil S.

First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2932 941-366-9222 Lic.#ME141439

Gurucharri, Michael J.

Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Manatee PA 701 Manatee Ave W | Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 941-748-2455 Lic.#ME45512

Shea, Roger M.

Shea ENT Clinic 5432 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 140 Sarasota, FL 34233-1512 941-371-2244 Lic.#ME65243

Marrs, Chad

Marlowe MD 5432 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 150 Sarasota, FL 34233-1515 941-379-3277; Lic.#ME114119

Kelley, Benjamin

Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Manatee, PA 701 Manatee Ave W | Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 941-748-2455

Rosenberg, Seth I.

Constant, Douglas L.

Lic.#ME51633

Lic.#ME108659

Wazen, Jack J.

Erb, Donald L

Lic.#ME41616

Lic.#OS7114

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Job, Lindsey

First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2932 941-366-9222

First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2932 941-366-9222

Sirianni, Justin J.

Coastal Orthopedics 6207 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7843 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME132277

Kola, Sandeep

Orthomed Pain & Sports Medicine 4071 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34233-2542 941-371-7171 Lic.#OS15549

Gekht, Gennady

Coastal Orthopedics 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Fl 3 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5180 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME95933

Satia, Paul

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655

Coastal Orthopedics 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Fl 3 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5180 941-792-1404

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285-2425 941-375-3006 Lic.#ME119800

Diaz-Ramirez, Myrdalis

SahaVida Institute LLC 1958 Prospect St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-557-7242 Lic.#ME96703

Ramos, Fabian A.

Ramos Center 100 3rd Ave W | Ste 210 Bradenton, FL 34205-8641 941-708-9555 Lic.#ME71496

Giraldo, Kenneth

Dr Kenneth A Giraldo MD PA 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-343-1040 Lic.#ME71677

Lic.#ME104779

Lic.#OS15670

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

MICHELLE PENNIE, MD HONOREE

Dermatology SPECIALTIES

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Dr. Pennie earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, completed medical school and residency at Emory University, and received Mohs fellowship training with Dr. George Hruza at The Laser & Dermatologic Surgery Center in Chesterfield, Missouri. She is one of only a handful of dermatologists on the west coast of Florida who is fellowship trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, the most effective and precise treatment for most types of skin cancer. Dr. Pennie is a board-certified dermatologist, a noted Top Doctor in the region.

JORDANA HOLLEN, MD HONOREE

Psychiatry SPECIALTIES Women’s Health Mood and Anxiety Disorders Psychopharmacology Psychotherapy

Dr. Jordana Hollen is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with extensive training in psychopharmacology, mood and anxiety disorders, women’s health, ADHD, psychotherapy and TMS. Dr. Hollen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honors Program, and she completed her Psychiatry residency training at the University of Florida. She has experience as a medical director and psychiatry instructor for trainees, as well as twelve years of outpatient psychiatric practice.

I founded Bliss Dermatology as a private, physicianowned, full-service dermatology practice where the patient is the focus of our daily work. Unlike many larger groups with corporate structures, Bliss Dermatology prides ourselves on being nimble and flexible to meet the evolving needs of our patients and referring physicians. The culture I created at Bliss Dermatology focuses on being the best in class for medical and surgical dermatology, laser, and aesthetic services.

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PATIENTS? As a double board-certified physician and

fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has completed nearly 10,000 cancer surgeries, I have expertise that is hard to find. With the shortage of dermatologic surgeons in our area, I provide expertise in skin cancer surgery, reconstructive procedures, and cosmetics services.

Patients can schedule skin exams, surgeries, cosmetic and aesthetic services under one roof, improving lives through consistent care and relationships.

BLISS DERMATOLOGY VENICE | 315 Nokomis Ave S | Venice, FL 34285 | 941.477.4007 ENGLEWOOD | 699 S Indiana Avenue | Englewood, FL 34223 941.548.2550 | blissdermatologygroup.com

ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Bluestone Psychiatry, a physician-founded and led practice, we feel grateful to provide our patients and their families with a dignified, compassionate behavioral health experience.

We partner with our patients to build solid connections and trust. Building upon this trust, we incorporate evidence-based treatments including psychotherapy and medication management, as appropriate. Bluestone Psychiatry encourages our patients to set goals, and more importantly, achieve these goals. We appreciate that everyone is unique, and we strive to tailor our treatment plans to each individual. It is an absolute privilege to build these relationships, and we will always strive to create an environment that facilitates the best treatment outcomes.

BLUESTONE PSYCHIATRY, PLLC 5664 Bee Ridge Road | Suite 203 | Sarasota, FL 34233 1.877.422.9355 | Jordana-jhollen@bluestone.health bluestone.health

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TOP DOCTORS Fura, Abraham J.

Ramos Center 100 3rd Ave W | Ste 210 Bradenton, FL 34205-8641 941-708-9555 Lic.#OS16143

Nickerson Jr, Gerald

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trail | Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285 941-375-3006 Lic.#ME95990

PATHOLOGY Zacks, Jeffrey F.

SaraPath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239-5237 941-362-8900 Lic.#ME82395

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Ly, Jean

Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888 Lic.#ME116920

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Miller, Michelle

Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 5881 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238-5115 941-925-6328 Lic.#PN1348021

PEDIATRICS GENERAL Weiss, Robert A.

Weiss Pediatric Care 2201 Cantu Ct | Ste 117 Sarasota, FL 34232-6254 Lic.#ME34530

Southerland, Suzanne M.

Paradise Pediatrics 3400 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 120 Sarasota, FL 34239-7243 941-924-9900 Lic.#ME78267

Sueiro, Rene

First Physicians Group 14405 Arbor Green Trl | Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-8409 941-917-7080 Lic.#ME102035

Taylor, A. Florentina

Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics 4861 27th St W Bradenton, FL 34207-1726 941-755-0800 Lic.#ME74027

Meyer, Ted

Meyer Pediatrics 1666 Mound St Sarasota, FL 34236-7716 941-365-5898 Lic.#ME43654

Scarano, Joseph

Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics 4861 27th St W Bradenton, FL 34207-1726 941-755-0800 Lic.#ME55634

Featherman, D. Scott

Comprehensive Childcare Associates 2020 Cattlemen Rd | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34232-6284 941-955-5191 Lic.#ME47974

Fleener, Barbara X.

Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | Bldg A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-923-3667 Lic.#ME112055

Fleener, Carola

Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | Bldg A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-923-3667 Lic.#ME52202

Keeley, Katherine M.

First Physicians Group 8430 Enterprise Cir | Ste 130 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4111 941-366-3000 Lic.#ME57672

Good, Virginia J.

Good Pediatrics 1961 Floyd St | Ste A Sarasota, FL 34239-2931 941-955-7337 Lic.#ME98981

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Ottaviani, Laura B.

Coastal Orthopedics 6205 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7841 941-792-1404 Lic.#OS7921

Herman, Erik S.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 Lic.#ME72591

Diaz, Carlos

Spine Sport & Physical Medicine Center 2030 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239-6108 941-845-0233 Lic.#ME80337

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Derby, Brian M.

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-366-8897 Lic.#ME122714

Kotick, James D

Palm Aesthetics 6310 Health Park Way | Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-822-8955 Lic.#ME121445

Carroll, Briggs G.

Comprehensive Childcare Associates 2020 Cattlemen Rd | Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34232-6284 941-955-5191 Lic.#ME80716

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

JEFFREY DAVIS, MD HONOREE

Ophthalmology SPECIALTIES Cataract and Cornea Specialist Routine Eye Care

Dr. Jeffrey Davis is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has been treating patients in the Bradenton-Sarasota area for 13 years. Dr. Davis completed his undergraduate degree at Stetson University and continued his education by receiving his medical degree from the University of Florida. After his internship in Chicago, Illinois, he completed his residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Davis received subspecialty training in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery as a Cornea Fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

WILLIAM L. MEHSERLE, MD HONOREE

Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Minimally Invasive Procedures Adult Reconstruction Robotic Certified Arthroscopy

William L. Mehserle, M.D., an award winning board certified Orthopaedic surgeon, pioneered and also developed techniques and instrumentation for minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. His medical schooling and residency was completed at Emory University. Before joining Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, he was engaged in academic medicine training physicians to become Orthopaedic surgeons at Brooke Army Medical Center. He specializes in treating disorders and injuries of the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART?

With specialists in every area of ophthalmology, we are uniquely qualified to care for patients through all stages of life, from infancy to the “golden years.” In addition to providing comprehensive eye exams for children and adults, our team of ophthalmologists brings a wealth of experience and surgical expertise to the practice. All of our physicians are fellowship-trained ophthalmologists who have received advanced training in a subspecialty of ophthalmology, enabling Coastal Eye Institute to offer expertise across a full spectrum of eye care.

COASTAL EYE INSTITUTE 217 Manatee Avenue East | Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.1818 | coastaleye.com

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS? Why choose us? Beginning with speaking

to a staff member when you call to promptly book an appointment or surgery, we strive to provide the best medical experience for you. Secondly, we prioritize the patient-physician relationship with personalized treatment plans and continuity of care. Every visit involves a board-certified Orthopaedic surgeon who will follow up with you after any surgery. One of our physicians is available to handle your Orthopaedic emergencies 24/7/365. These pillars of our practice, timely personal interaction along with physician-led care and involvement, exemplify our commitment to deliver exceptional Orthopaedic care to you.

CENTER FOR ORTOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE 1525 S. Tamiami Trail | Suite 602 | Venice, FL 34285 941.497.2663 | veniceorthopaedics.com

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TOP DOCTORS Hamwi, Kristopher

Florida Plastic Surgery And Medspa 5566 Broadcast Ct Sarasota, FL 34240 941-800-2000

Leong, Kenneth

First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-262-4001

Lic.#ME135896

Lic.#ME128087

Van Vliet, Michael M.

Widmyer, Anna

Guzman, Javier

Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 3030 Executive Dr. Venice, FL 34292 941-485-1505 Lic.#ME149660

HCA Florida Healthcare 2020 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4604 941-567-2876

Anna Widmyer MD 6274 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 941-500-3350

Lic.#ME123837

Lic.#ME134153

Mobley, David L.

PODIATRY

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-366-8897 Lic.#ME66996

Shulman, Alissa M.

Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington St | Ste 112 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-366-5476 Lic.#ME103128

Cicilioni, Orlando

Altiora Plastic Surgery & Med Spa 443 John Ringling Blvd | Ste K Sarasota, FL 34236-1427 941-388-1110 Lic.#ME65746

Frimmel, Robert

Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St | Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 941-917-6232 Lic.#PO1919

Saltzman, Megan

West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 Lic.#PO4130

Stroud, Dustin

West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 Lic.#PO3896

VonHerbulis, Eric

West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 Lic.#PO3826

Jhanji, Sidharath

Sarasota Food Care Center PA 2000 Webber | Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-6232 Lic.#PO4295

Katz, Michael H

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Tr | Ste 365 Venice, FL 34285 941-375-3006 Lic.#PO964

Kepich, Candice A

Sarasota Foot Care Center PA 2000 Webber St | Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 941-917-6232 Lic.#PO3465

Cottom, James

Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center 5741 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 490 Sarasota, FL 34233-5062 941-924-8777 Lic.#PO3305

Klemeyer, Lisa

Aesthetic & Family Podiatry 5575 Marquesas Cir Sarasota, FL 34233-3332 941-379-8292 Lic.#PO2777

PSYCHIATRY Greeter, Stacy

Stacy Greeter Md PLLC 2415 University Pkwy | Bldg 3 | Ste 219 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 941-413-0834 Lic.#ME128423

Thomas, Matthew P.

First Physicians Group 1650 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-2928 941-917-7760 Lic.#ME80452

Hollen, Jordana

Bluestone Psychiatry PLLC 5664 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 877-422-9355 Lic.#ME119785

Lirio, Stephanie

Helping Families Cope 1217 S East Ave | Ste 209 Sarasota, FL 34239-2329 941-702-9978 Lic.#ME110691

Cohen, Rebecca

Cohen & Associates 1217 S East Ave | Ste 209 Sarasota, FL 34239-2329 941-559-8500 Lic.#ME112405

Privette, Michele

Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry 2033 Wood St | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-214-7808 Lic.#RN1906052

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SCOTT SILVERMAN, MD HONOREE

Ophthalmology SPECIALTIES Pediatric Eye Care Eye Muscle Syrgery

Dr Silverman specializes in pediatric eye care and eye muscle surgery.

He has been treating patients in the Bradenton-Sarasota area for 28 years.

Dr Silverman graduated with honors from Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Doheny Eye Institute of the University of Southern California. He then completed specialty fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and eye muscle surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital of the Baylor College of Medicine.

MICHAEL J. DATTOLI, MD HONOREE

Oncology SPECIALTIES Brachytherapy Therapeutic Radiology

Michael J. Dattoli, MD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with decades of brachytherapy experience, having performed thousands of prostate implant procedures. Dr. Dattoli attended the University of California at Berkeley and was Valedictorian of his class at Vassar College. He earned his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Radiation Oncology Residency at New York University Medical Center and was Special Fellow and Associate Professor of Brachytherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART?

With specialists in every area of ophthalmology, we are uniquely qualified to care for patients through all stages of life, from infancy to the “golden years.” In addition to providing comprehensive eye exams for children and adults, our team of ophthalmologists brings a wealth of experience and surgical expertise to the practice. All of our physicians are fellowship-trained ophthalmologists who have received advanced training in a subspecialty of ophthalmology, enabling Coastal Eye Institute to offer expertise across a full spectrum of eye care.

COASTAL EYE INSTITUTE 217 Manatee Avenue East | Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.1818 | coastaleye.com

WHAT MAKES THE DATTOLI CANCER CENTER SO SPECIAL? Drs. Dattoli and Soni have trained at the

finest academic cancer research hospitals in the United States and have assembled the largest non-surgical prostate cancer research facility in the world. They have published the highest cure rates with the lowest side effects imaginable and over 50% of patients come to the Dattoli Cancer Center from out-of-state or out of the country after extensively exploring their treatment options. These results are accomplished using pinpoint precise radiation called "Dynamic Adaptive Radiotherapy" (DART), pioneered at the Dattoli Cancer Center.

Meanwhile, no cancer center in the world has as much experience utilizing brachytherapy. The same technologies are utilized to treat other cancer sites, especially breast cancer, also with unparalleled results.

DATTOLI CANCER CENTER 2803 Fruitville Road | Sarasota, FL 34237 941-957-1221 | Fax: 941.957.0038

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TOP DOCTORS Tourkova, Marina S.

Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry 2033 Wood St | Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237-7927 941-621-3662

Tanyous, Walid

AMA Health Providers 435 Commercial Court | Floor 1 & 2 Venice, FL 34285-2821 941-559-0262

Lic.#ME112413

Lic.#ME126550

Huk, Stephen G.

Peters, John T.

Behavioral Health Centers Of Sarasota 6075 Rand Blvd | Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34238-5126 941-921-2792

Matrix Pulmonary 2401 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-4933 941-744-1336

Lic.#ME109869

Lic.#OS7555

PULMONOLOGY

Aranibar, Richard

Ghamra, Ziad W.

Lung Associates Of Sarasota 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 Lic.#ME105061

Loutfi, Rabih H.

Lung Associates of Sarasota 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 Lic.#ME101610

Hurwitz, Kenneth M

Lung Associates Of Sarasota 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 Lic.#ME63644

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-4041 941-362-8662 Lic.#ME75531

Reddy, Lakshmi G.

Lung Associates of Sarasota 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 Lic.#ME123513

Goedicke, Heidi R.

Lung Associates Of Sarasota 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 Lic.#ME123843

Burke, Michael W.

Gulf Coast Pulmonary And Sleep 5857 21st Ave W | Ste A Bradenton, FL 34209-5641 941-792-0611 Lic.#ME111430

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Fitch, Dwight L.

Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 941-220-6263 Lic.#ME95935

Koshy, Mary

Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 State Rd 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-1131 941-220-6263 Lic.#ME92795

Silverman, Larry N.

GenesisCare 3210 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-6411 941-364-8887 Lic.#ME72235

Saigal, Kunal

Brian D Jellison Cancer Institute 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 94239 947-917-1981 Lic.#ME113123

Hollen, Tyler

GenesisCare 3210 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-6411 941-364-8887 Lic.#ME119644

Soni, Arvind B.

Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344 941-957-1221

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY Pabon, Julio

Fertility Center & Applied Genetics of Florida 5100 Station Way Sarasota, FL 34233 941-787-2287 Lic.#ME68597

RHEUMATOLOGY Manickam, Sampath Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl | Unit 115 Sarasota, FL 34238-2901 941-497-4069 Lic.#ME133234

Greenfield, David I.

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trl | Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285 941-375-3006 Lic.#ME46436

Guzman, Luis G.

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-366-3062 Lic.#ME137093

Kelley III, Joe T.

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-366-3062 Lic.#ME85515

Lic.#ME107248

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DAVID A. SUGAR, MD, FAAOS HONOREE

Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine Pediatrics Physical Therapy

ABOUT THE PRACTICE Sugar Orthopaedics provides individualized, concierge level, personal care for each of our patients. In our relaxed environment, we are able to treat everyone as if they are our own family member.

We provide Orthopaedic care for the entire family for all ages. We provide Physical Therapy in our facility with one on one attention including a gym with diverse equipment and a golf simulator. Dr. Sugar is extremely humbled to be awarded this honor as “Top Doctor”. He could not have accomplished this without his amazing support team.

SUGAR ORTHOPAEDICS David A. Sugar, MD is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in surgical and non surgical, Pediatric and Adult Orthopaedics. He has been practicing Orthopaedics for the past 25 years here in Sarasota. In addition to providing care to those in our community, Dr. Sugar is very proud of the work he does for those in need in Haiti.

1630 S Tuttle Ave | Sarasota, FL 34239 941-556-6900 | drsugar.md

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TOP DOCTORS Manohar, Jaishree

Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 Lic.#ME116782

Weitzner, Bradley S.

Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 Lic.#ME89997

Crager, Kenneth H.

HCA Florida Blake Medical Specialists 315 75th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-3201 941-792-8329 Lic.#ME64188

McKinley, Brian T.

HCA Florida Healthcare 315 75th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-3201 941-792-8329 Lic.#ME97774

Drucker, Yoel

Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 Lic.#ME70287

SLEEP MEDICINE Agarwal, Kunal

Florida Sleep Specialists 1215 S East Ave | Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-827-0701 Lic.#ME151673

McConnell, Jeremy D.

Florida Sleep Specialists 5517 21st Ave W | Ste F Bradenton, FL 34209-5604 941-792-8383 Lic.#ME83356

Scheer, Steven J.

Optimal Sleep Health 3900 Clark Rd | Ste B4 Sarasota, FL 34233-2369 941-342-3400 Lic.#ME90589

SPINE SURGERY Patel, Ashvin I.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 Lic.#ME67502

Dermarkarian, Patrick G.

Coastal Orthopedics 6206 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7842 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME140651

Sundberg, Eric B.

Valadie, Arthur L.

Lic.#ME120448

Lic.#ME71811

Nguyen, Lam

Koscso, Jon

Lic.#ME128077

Lic.#ME157802

Chin, Matthew

Torrance II, Ron

Lic.#ME145861

Lic.#OS14664

Meinhardt, Philip A.

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Coastal Orthopedics 6204 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7840 941-792-1404

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-365-0655

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100 Lic.#ME103325

SPORTS MEDICINE Lamar, Daniel S.

Coastal Orthopedics 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Fl 3rd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5180 941-792-1404

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-365-0655

Regenexx 5630 Marquesas Circle Sarasota, FL 34233 941-357-1773

Emrani, Heidi

HCA Florida Blake Surgical Specialists 315 75th St West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-757-5445 Lic.#ME145382

Meredith, Kenneth

First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St | Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-917-3400 Lic.#ME102313

Lic.#ME88228

Schafer, Steven J.

Coastal Orthopedics 6202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-7838 941-792-1404 Lic.#ME77986

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SAMPATH MANICKAM, MD HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Our practice improves

HONOREE

Rheumatology

the lives of patients in several ways. Our practice is patient-focused. We spend time extensively counseling patients on their conditions. Our priority is to provide quality, safe medical care. Patients are taken care of by our friendly staff. We provide care in an updated facility.

We have a full-feature infusion suite. We also have access to an ultrasound machine, and x-ray center.

We look at the whole patient. We tailor treatment to the individual patient. Millennium Rheumatology is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care.

SPECIALTIES Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Osteoporosis Lupus

Dr. Manickam studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami.

He obtained his MD degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

He completed his Internal medicine residency at JFK Medical Center.

He completed his rheumatology fellowship at Augusta University. He has provided medical care in Sarasota County for the past 6 years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His wife is a Family Medicine Doctor.

MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP SAMPATH MANICKAM , MD 8383 South Tamiami Trail | Suite 115 | Sarasota, FL 34238 941.497.4069 | millenniumphysician.com

J MORGAN O'DONOGHUE, MD HONOREE

Dermatology SPECIALTIES All diseases of the skin, hair, and nails Mohs Surgery Laser Treatments Fillers & Botox Aesthetician & Skin Care Boutique

Better healthcare begins immediately upon your arrival at O’Donoghue Dermatology.

The practice specializes in delivering state-of-the-art dermatologic care with a personalized touch. Entering his 25th year as a board-certified, Georgetown graduate dermatologist, Dr. O'Donoghue remains passionate about his work. "Our patients are my top priority and I love what I do. We cater to our patients' needs and treat them like family members, not numbers." As a patient, you will have quick access to a real person on the phone, availability for same-day appointments, you will be seen on time, and meet with a provider who listens. With his hands-on approach to medicine, Dr. O'Donoghue and his staff provide high-quality dermatology treatment with a caring, personal touch that sets them apart from the crowd.

O'DONOGHUE DERMATOLOGY 1952 Field Road | Sarasota, Florida 34231 941.926.7546 | dermatologyexperts.com Text us at 941.300.0642

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KR BYJU, MD HONOREE

Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Liver diseases - Endoscopy and colonoscopy - In-office, painless hemorrhoidal banding - Fatty liver disease and weight loss management

Dr. Byju is a dedicated and experienced physician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. With 22 years of clinical expertise, he specializes in gastroenterology and liver diseases. His patient-centered approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and open communication, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. Dr. Byju’s office, located in Sarasota, has a dedicated and exceptionally friendly staff that focuses on compassionate care.

HOW IMPORTANT IS LIVER HEALTH, AND HOW CAN I MAINTAIN IT? The liver serves as your body’s metabolic

powerhouse and plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions, which is why maintaining its health is extremely important. It’s a vital organ that aids in digestion, filters toxins from your blood, stores energy and metabolizes nutrients. Keeping your liver healthy can help prevent diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.

Adopting a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, staying hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption are all proactive measures you can take to ensure your liver maintains longevity. As a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in liver diseases, I stress the importance of prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and, when needed, timely intervention that can improve your quality of life.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

MICHAEL CAIRE, MD HONOREE

Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES - Colorectal Cancer Screening - Esophageal Disorders

Dr. Michael Caire, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Bradenton, specializes in colorectal cancer screening and esophageal disorders. He earned his medical degree at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Following this, his internal medicine residency at Virginia Commonwealth University recognized him as the Most Outstanding Senior Resident. He returned to USF Morsani College of Medicine for his gastroenterology fellowship, becoming Chief Fellow.

WHY IS COLORECTAL SCREENING SO IMPORTANT?

Colorectal screening holds significant importance due to several key factors. Firstly, it plays a crucial role in detecting colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages, thereby improving survival rates. Moreover, screening can identify and remove precancerous growths or polyps, reducing the risk of cancer development. Given that colorectal cancer often presents no early symptoms, regular screening is essential for early detection. Individuals with a family history of the disease are at increased risk, further emphasizing the importance of routine screening. Lastly, early detection through screening can lead to less invasive and more effective treatment options, ultimately enhancing a patient’s quality of life.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALISTS Bradenton | Sarasota | Venice | Englewood and more Check the website for the locations | fdhs.com

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HUAN (JOHN) WANG, MD HONOREE

Neurological Surgery SPECIALTIES Brain and Spine Surgery Neurocritical Care Regenerative Medicine

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Re3 Innovative

Neuroscience Institute in Sarasota, Florida, we are proud to provide a multi-modal approach for targeted, individualized patient care. Led by board-certified neurosurgeon, neurocritical care specialists, regenerative specialists, and medical specialists, Re3 Team strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate patient care with application of cutting edge, state-of-the-art neurological surgeries, neuromedical therapies, and regenerative procedures, both in the hospital and in the clinic. We understand that all our patients have different needs, challenges, values, and goals in the context of illness. Our creative, patient-centered approaches help our patients overcome challenges and achieve their goals of optimal health and well-being.

Huan (John) Wang, MD, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, is a fellowship-trained and boardcertified neurosurgeon with specific expertise in cerebrovascular and skull-base neurosurgery. He also specializes in treatment of complex spinal surgery and complex brain tumors. Dr. Wang was awarded his medical degree at University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed his neurological surgery residency in University of Illinois College of Medicine, and subsequently advanced fellowship in neuro-endovascular intervention and skull-base neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital/ Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School System. He is board-certified in Neurosurgery, Neurocritical Care, and Regenerative Medicine. In addition to the practice of both brain and spine neurosurgery, Dr. Wang’s professional interests include the treatment of brain aneurysms, skull-base tumors, and regenerative treatment of sports-related neurological injuries as well as spine degenerative disc and joint diseases.

RE3 INNOVATIVE NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE 4012 Sawyer Road | Ste 101-104 Sarasota, FL 34233 941.893.2688 re3neuroscience.com

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REBECCA S. COHEN, MD HONOREE

Psychiatry SPECIALTIES Adult Psychiatry Psychopharmacology Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Dr. Cohen specializes in adult psychopharmacology for mood and anxiety disorders and serves as Regional Medical Director overseeing and prescribing transcranial magnetic stimulation at Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers. She is currently serving on the National Board of Directors for the Clinical TMS Society and is a member of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Cohen is recognized as an expert clinician in the area of TMS therapy and evaluation.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? I have always approached patient care with the idea of recognizing the complex biological, psychological and situational impact of each person’s presentation. Psychiatric symptoms are the most complicated of any medical specialty, because they potentially impact who you are and how you feel about yourself. My goal with patients is to help them understand their psychiatric symptoms and conflicts, and to work collaboratively with them to improve overall health and well-being. In over a decade of private clinical practice, I have worked with patients in both acute crisis situations as well as with more chronic, debilitating symptoms or difficulties. For some patients, seeking out care can be upsetting or difficult. My goal is to establish a safe and nurturing environment so we can do the work together, establish clear goals for a treatment plan and take proper care of the patient’s needs.

REBECCA S. COHEN, MD 1217 South East Avenue Suite 209 | Sarasota, FL 34239 941. 559.8500 | drrebeccacohen.com

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DAVID CHAN, MD HONOREE

Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Hand Surgery Endoscopic Carpel Tunnel Release Wrist Arthroscopy

Prior to attending medical school at the University of Florida, Dr. Chan practiced as a Senior Physical Therapist at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Medical Center for 5 years. It was there rehabilitating victims of head trauma and spinal cord injured quadriplegics that he learned the importance of hand function for independence and quality of life. He went on to complete a hand surgery fellowship at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand Center / Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS? We believe the most important aspects to providing quality care are establishing a relationship with our patients, educating them regarding their condition, and then presenting them with the appropriate treatment options. Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of athletic and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

Dr. Chan is a fellowship trained, Board Certified Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon.

He is a native Floridian, Chinese-American whose immigrant parents have given him the opportunity to pursue his interests in helping those in his community live a better quality of life. His interests include minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release and wrist arthroscopy, as well as treating other common maladies such as hand and wrist arthritis, trigger fingers, Dupuytren’s contractures, tendon ruptures, and cysts.

DEREK CUFF, MD HONOREE

Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Shoulder Surgery Elbow Surgery

Dr. Cuff specializes in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures as well as complex shoulder and elbow reconstruction. He utilizes state of the art surgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow problems. Dr. Cuff graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency in Baltimore, MD at the University of Maryland Medical System, and a portion of his training was also at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He went on to complete subspecialty fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Tampa, FL at The Florida Orthopaedic Institute prior to moving to the Sarasota area.

SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE 3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastorthopaedic.com

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS?

In 2012 Dr. Cuff was invited to join the prestigious American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society.

This organization is comprised of the leading national and international orthopaedic surgeons specializing in surgery of the shoulder and elbow. Admission into ASES society is by nomination only and based on sustained academic and research contributions to the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. He is one of a small group of surgeons in the state of Florida to be given this honor, and he is one of the few select surgeons on the Gulf Coast of Florida to achieve Active Member status in this organization. Dr. Cuff has a strong interest in clinical and basic science research of the shoulder and elbow. He has published multiple articles in peer reviewed international journals on these topics.

SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE 3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastshoulder-elbow.com

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2023 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

ANDREA SPELLMAN, DO HONOREE

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES Facelift and Necklift Rhinoplasty Blepharoplasty Injectables, Filler and Botox Skincare Assessments Laser Surgery

DR. ANDREA SPELLMAN Dr. Spellman graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with Magna Cum Laude honors. She then went on to complete a Master of Medical Science program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA where she also earned her medical degree. She graduated top 10% of her class and was part of Sigma Sigma Phi, which is an honorary osteopathic service fraternity. She completed her 5-year residency in Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan Statewide Campus System at Beaumont Hospital, where she also served as Chief Resident for

one year. Dr. Spellman was then selected to complete a highly-competitive Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the utmost respected training body for cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons of the face, head and neck. Dr. Spellman is Board-Certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery and is a Fellow trained through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. With nearly a decade of experience, Dr. Spellman is a specialist that focuses on Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as an owner at Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery along with her partner, Dr Harry Wright. Their expertise includes but is not limited to; facial reconstructive surgery, facial rejuvenation (Facelift, Blepharoplasty, Laser Surgery, Browlift, etc), and other Comprehensive treatments of the aging face, and Rhinoplasty.

WRIGHT SPELLMAN PLASTIC SURGERY 5911 N Honore Ave | Ste 120 | Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.3223 | wrightspellman.com

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