If you’re missing the hustle and bustle this summer and searching for fresh ways to enjoy the season until it returns, we’ve got just what you need. With everything from frozen treats and great summer reads to Pilates workouts, outdoor movies, relaxing meals and creative charcuterie boards, our 2026 Summer Sizzlers will help you escape the heat and embrace the joy of the quiet season. WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT, DYLAN CAMPBELL, SARAH EMILY MIANO AND CECILIA MOULD. | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS, WYATT KOSTYGAN AND ALEX ALFARO.
This page: The Paper Plane at State Street Eating House pairs Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon with Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon, shaken and served up in a coupe, photography by Wes Roberts. On the cover: Grazed Goods prepares a charcuterie board with peppered salami, prosciutto ribbons, blueberry goat cheese, triplecream brie, 100-day Gouda, manchego and an array of fresh and dried fruits, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.
july/august 2026
srqist 13
For acclaimed masters swimmer Diann Uustal, swimming is more than just a passion. It’s a way of life. Sip n Brew Coffee began as an experiment, before morphing into a hit business. Dream Create Collective’s Blüm Collection brings floral couture craft to the canvas. Explore the Original Taste of Sarasota with the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. The Reflections Silent Art Auction brought together the work of local architects and artists for a good cause.
cameo 22
Former Super Bowl-winning Quarterback Joe Theismann dishes on the lessons he’s learned from a legendary career rife with highs and lows. Master arborist John Snow shares his perspective on the lifecycle of urban forestry.
culture city 67
The Ringling’s exhibition As Earth is to Sky explores the expressive possibilities of abstraction through contemporary art.
takes “hidden gem” to its most profound conclusion. With Chophouse285, Englewood’s down-home Dearborn District gets a touch of high class.
wellness
84
Nature-based therapies from forest bathing to ecotherapy—are bringing mental and physical healthcare out of the office and into the wild.
giving coast 88
Carey Houghton provides comfort and dignity to a Meals on Wheels recipient.
This page, clockwise: Sip n Brew coffee truck, photography by Wyatt Kostygan. The cowboy ribeye embodies the smoke and texture of Chophouse’s signature process, photography by Wes Roberts. Viewers stand in front of works from American artist Robert Stackhouse at The Ringling’s As Earth is to Sky, imagery courtesy of The Ringling Museum.
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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
For masters swimmer Diann Uustal, swimming is more than just a passion.
Below: Diann Uustal has spent her life in the water, ever since her days learning to swim in the Narragansett Bay.
Dylan Campbell
FOR A SWIMMER THAT HOLDS OVER 45 WORLD RECORDS, one would assume that Diann Uustal, a member of the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame, would be driven by winning. For the 79-year-old Uustal, however, what motivates her is not the continuous push to set even more records. While Uustal trains doggedly for her next race at the Selby Aquatic Center—the US Masters Swimming National Championships (USMS) in August are fast approaching—her time in the pool is not a recreation, but a re-creation of herself. “I belong in the water,” says Uustal, a Sarasota resident by way of Rhode Island. “I am better in the water than on land. It’s my sanctuary. I hope that I will swim until the day I die.” Swimming is in Uustal’s blood. From the time she could walk, her grandmother Ruth Coburn—an inductee into the Rhode Island Swimming Hall of Fame—would tie a rope to her, guiding her through the icy waters of Narragansett Bay. Uustal swam throughout her youth, being named Rhode Island and New England Swimmer of the Year at different points throughout her high school career. Despite several scholarship offers, Uustal knew that she was called to nursing, which she studied at the University of Rhode Island. After graduating in 1968, Uustal got married, had children and began to build a career as a professor of medical ethics, consulting, writing and teaching along the way. After a brief, yet extremely successful return to competition at the 1979 USMS Nationals, Uustal wouldn’t compete again until the age of 62. “The call in my life, from a nursing perspective, was very real. I needed a doctoral degree in medical ethics and did my postdoctoral work at Georgetown,” says Uustal. “I built my entire consulting career around that and traveled extensively teaching from the University of Massachusetts to Arizona State and back to the University of Rhode Island.” The most notable part of Uustal’s swimming career, however, are not the countless records that she has broken. Nor is it her pure talent. It’s the fact that she refuses to stop swimming, despite the obstacles that stand in front of her. In 2003, her car was rear-ended by a vehicle driving 60mph—doctors told her she may never walk again. While recovering from her injuries, she took a devastating fall in a public restroom, breaking her shoulder and tearing her rotator cuff and hamstrings. Swimming was the prescribed therapy. Today, she battles Ehlers-Danlos Sydromes, a group of connective tissue disorders which brings chronic, debilitating pain, constantly threatening to keep her out of the pool. Through the support of her coaches at Sarasota Sharks, her family and her faith, Uustal continues to dive in, lap after hard-earned lap. “The disease requires serious emotional, physical, spiritual and familiar support. It’s taught me a lot about tenacity. A lot about what it takes to be focused on something that you dream about, what it’s like to be triumphant and what it’s like to be on the sidelines,” says Uustal. “I’ve learned that everything I’ve ever accomplished is because of other people. It started with my grandmother, but it’s my faith, my incredible husband, my amazing kids and grandchildren that keep me going.” SRQ
BREWED WITH LOVE
Sip n Brew Coffee began as an experiment, before morphing into a hit business. Dylan Campbell
FOR THE DIAZES, IT’S ALL ABOUT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY. Co-owned by Lakewood Ranch residents Katelyn Diaz and her parents Rachel and Adrian, Sip n Brew Coffee has quickly established itself as the “little engine that could” in Sarasota’s burgeoning coffee scene. The Diazes opened the coffee truck—a teardrop trailer they designed themselves—in August 2025 to merge two passions: the family’s love of coffee and Katelyn’s passion for business. Katelyn is currently studying business online through the State College of Florida, Sip n Brew became the real world laboratory for her to put her skills to the test. “It’s been great learning different hands-on skills in the truck compared to the overall concepts that I learn in class,” says Katelyn Diaz. “We learn about marketing and taking inventory in class, but it’s different when you apply it to real life. It’s been fun to meet people and go through the different real-world scenarios that happen when you’re running a business.” While in high school, Katelyn would constantly create different coffee drinks and combinations at home. That creativity and passion for business are what pushed the family to create Sip n Brew. The menu, which evolves with the seasons, features hot and iced coffees, signature drinks such as cold brews, lattes and lemonades and also pastries. Although the concept of a coffee truck might seem simple, the execution of a successful operation is far more complex than one might think. When Sip n Brew first opened, Katelyn and Rachel—Adrian generally stays outside of the truck, helping to manage the books—were constantly bumping into each other. Every pump of syrup, every splash of milk, every pour from the espresso machine must be dialed in with precision. “Out of all the bosses that I’ve had, my daughter has been the hardest on me,” says Rachel with a laugh. “She wants everything to be perfect. It has definitely brought us together as a family, however. We are able to lean on each other’s strengths. Katelyn is creative, she can make any recipe and knows how to market on social media.” SRQ
is also the official coffee partner of the Sarasota Paradise and can be found at various locations each week around the area. Sip n Brew Coffee, 941-223-2028.
This spread, left to right: Rachel, Katelyn and Adrian Diaz of Sip n Brew Coffee. Sip n Brew
SCULPTED IN SARASOTA
Dream Create Collective's Blüm Collection brings floral couture craft to the canvas. Stephanie Churn
WHEN SHANE MARTIN PICKED UP A PAINTBRUSH FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 35, he wasn't looking for a calling. He was looking for something to do at 2 a.m.
A New Orleans-born, Tampa-raised entrepreneur who'd spent years in the music and nightlife world, Martin had recently moved to Sarasota to work as a personal trainer. Art was a new hobby—something he did on his own time after stumbling across a YouTube video of German abstract painter Gerhard Richter dragging a squeegee across a huge canvas. “That looks like something I could do," he remembers thinking. He went to the art supply store the next day. A personal training client changed everything. One morning she asked what he'd be doing if he could do anything he wanted. He heard himself say art. She asked to see his work. A few weeks later, she handed him the keys to a studio on U.S. 301 and signed him up for his first art show. “‘You're going to paint,’ she told me,” Martin recalls. That was late 2020. By 2022, he was doing 35 shows a year.
The Blüm Collection—the sculptural floral series that has become the signature offering of Martin’s Sarasota studio, Dream Create Collective—began with another unexpected encounter, this one on a delivery road trip to Las Vegas. A client who'd commissioned his work for her home said she wanted to explore some new ideas, and she pulled out a Chanel design book. Inside, the endpapers revealed a repeating black-and-white pattern of camellias—Coco Chanel’s favorite flower. His client asked if he thought he could paint it. Martin spent the better part of a year figuring out how to make the design unmistakably his own. Taking haute couture embroidery as his inspiration, he experimented with sculpting acrylic—a material thick enough to hold dimension and eventually landed on a technique using piping bags, like those used to decorate cakes, cut at a precise angle. "It's not perfectly rounded like a pastry tip would give you,” he explains. “It's more nuanced.” The result, viewed from across a room, looks like a richly textured tapestry and up close, reveals itself as an intricate landscape of sculpted paint. He took some of those first pieces to an art show just to get some feedback. They sold immediately, so he made more—three times over before he ever got them to his client in Las Vegas. He recognized a collection in the making.
Enter Erica Fisher, Martin’s fiancée and creative partner, whose background in fluid acrylics brought a rhythmic precision to the piping process that Martin cheerfully admits surpassed his own, and a collaboration was born. Each work begins with a stencil projected onto canvas, but no two pieces are identical. The handpiping ensures variation, and clients can now specify custom color palettes, mixed to order. The collection is designed with interiors in mind, particularly for the refined homes and commercial spaces of the Sarasota market. “To me, the Blüm Collection is timeless because it's elegant,” Martin says. “It can be edgy, it can be classic, it can be bold—but it's not screaming for attention. To me, that's fashion.” SRQ
Left: Shane Martin and Erica Fisher founded Dream Create Collective, specializing in contemporary art and luxury design. dreamcreate-collective.com
Lubow
Below, left to right: Originals Culinary Tour offers guests the chance to experience fine dining at multiple local restaurants all in the same night.
TASTING TROLLEY
Explore the Original Taste of Sarasota with the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Olivia Fanders
JUST AS THE SUN WAS BEGINNING TO SET OVER SARASOTA ON A WARM EVENING IN MAY, A PACKED TROLLEY TRAVELED THROUGH DOWNTOWN, SHUTTLING NO FEWER THAN 30 GLEEFUL PASSENGERS AMONG RESTAURANTS IN THE CITY. Hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, the Originals Culinary Tour is the perfect way to sample dishes and wines from some of the area’s best local restaurants. The group offers three different tours—one in Sarasota, one in Bradenton and the other in the Nokomis/Venice area. On each tour, guests can enjoy a fivecourse meal with wine pairings—each dish coming from a different restaurant on the tour. “The main reason we do this is to get some people out to new restaurants,” said Director of Operations for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, Marne Gaston. Gaston highlighted that summer is a particularly slow time for restaurants in the Sarasota area, making it especially important to bring in new customers. To do this, events manager Heather Charles explains that they try to make exploring the organization’s 75 independent restaurants more accessible. “It’s very lighthearted, but the food is elevated,” she says. “They learn from the chefs and they learn from the winemakers and wine distributors about the wines they’re drinking.” Gaston added, “They just get to relax—we drive them around, we handle the menu, we handle the wines and we handle gratuity. They have fun, eat great food and have fantastic wine.” On the Sarasota route, passengers hopped aboard the trolley for a progressive tasting experience with Michael’s On East, Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy, Rose & Ivy, Brick’s Smoked Meats and Hanami Sushi & Cocktails. For these restaurants, the tour presents an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer. “It’s a great way to get exposure,” says Bethany Melendez, one of the owners of Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy. “People that don’t really know about us get to come in and experience what we have to offer.” Throughout the night, guests were served a wide range of dishes, from French-inspired sliders to smoked pulled pork to Hanami’s famous Dragon Ball, a refreshing appetizer consisting of Alaskan King crab, mango, masago and yuzu sauce wrapped in avocado. All of this worked together to create an incredible evening for the trolley passengers. Hanami Sushi and Cocktails owner Jason Klamson even noted, “It’s always a great group of people—people are always smiling and laughing when they see you, even in 91-degree weather.” While the tour is a fun evening out for guests, it stays deeply connected to the Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ mission. “The money stays here, the staff is here,” Michael’s On East owner Michael Klauber says, “It’s about reminding people how important it is to support your local independent restaurants.” SRQ
MICHAEL A. GILKEY, INC.
Below: Reflexion, a sculpture from a group of Sweet Sparkman architects, constructed of mirror, 3D-printed film and wood.
ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE
The Reflections Silent Art Auction brought together the work of local architects and artists for a good cause. Dylan Campbell
SARASOTA IS A PLACE WHERE CONNECTIONS ARE MADE. Karl C. Bernhard, a partner at local architecture firm Sweet Sparkman Architects, is a board member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gulf Coast Chapter. At the previous firm Bernhard worked for in New Orleans, he would often organize “art walks,” turning the firm’s studio into an art gallery where pieces could be auctioned off for a local charity. In Sarasota, Bernhard was looking to do the same thing—it just so happened that SARTQ Artist Collective wanted to do an event with Architecture Sarasota. The team at Architecture Sarasota connected Bernhard with SARTQ and the Reflections silent art auction was born. Held at Architecture Sarasota this past April, Reflections featured the work of SARTQ artists and local artists alike, with the proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties. The theme of Reflections centers around the use of mirrors to create distinct sculptures—what does self-reflection look like and how can art meld that perception? “It’s an interesting merging of creativity between artists and architects,” says Bernhard. “Mirrors are a multi-dimensional material—it can purely reflect what’s in front of it or it can make space. As architects, we are space makers. There are different ways of looking at mirrors, either from the beauty of the material itself or from the more ethereal aspects of mirrors themselves.” A submission from a group of Sweet Sparkman architects—Rob Harrison, Mary Alvarez, Mahdi Amhed, Laura Lozano and Bernhard—titled Reflexion is a 22"x12" sculpture of mirror, 3D-printed film and wood, that depicts how self-perception becomes easily fragmented, dismantling the traditional notion of a single-image mirror. SARTQ artist Ellen Kantro, who works in paintings and dimensional work such as totems and sculptures, used painted cardboard and pieces of a shattered mirror to create her mixed-media abstract piece. “I never plan my work, which is why they are abstract, I never know where they are going. Having something as finite as the requirement to use a certain size mirror in the piece was a challenge for me,” says Kantro. “I had these shards of a mirror I’d broken a couple of weeks prior, and the idea came to me instantly.”Another SARTQ artist, sculptor Ro Daar, took inspiration from Paul Rudolph’s iconic Umbrella House and other visual cues from the mid-century modern style of design. Daar works in contemporary wood sculpture, creating abstractions with large, geometric shapes and patterns. “I began to study mid-century modernism and the work of Paul Rudolph, and realized that a lot of this is very similar to my artwork,” says Daar. “I’m a builder who works with shapes and plays around with a lot of negative and positive space.” SRQ
BEYOND THE GRIDIRON
Former Super Bowl-winning Quarterback Joe Theismann dishes on the lessons he’s learned from a legendary career. Dylan Campbell
Below: Former NFL MVP Joe Theismann has reached the highest of highs— and the lowest of lows—on the football field.
IN FOOTBALL, AND IN LIFE, JOE THEISMANN IS AN OUTLIER.
The former NFL quarterback, now 76, has reached some of the greatest heights an athlete can achieve. Theismann was a first team All-American at Notre Dame University, a twotime Pro Bowler in the National Football League, the 1983 NFL Most Valuable Player and a Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins. Theismann has also hit rock bottom on the playing field—in 1985, he suffered a gruesome careerending injury. Afterwards, Theismann carved out multiple careers, as an Emmy award-winning sports analyst, entrepreneur and speaker. This past March, the Tidewell Foundation—the philanthropic arm serving Sarasota’s Tidewell Hospice and nonprofit Empath Health affiliate organizations— brought Theismann to The Ritz-Carlton to serve as the keynote speaker for the Foundation’s 17th Annual Signature Luncheon. Ahead of his talk, Theismann sat down with SRQ Magazine to discuss what he’s learned about leadership, resilience and perseverance throughout his career.
What is the main message that you want to convey in your talk today? joe theismann We're gathered here for a very important reason: to help others. The good Lord put us on this earth to serve others, not to be served. It took me a long time to figure that out. I’ve received a lot of accolades and have accomplished a lot in the world of sports—sooner or later, you start to think that you’re pretty important. You think that the world revolves around you, but then I found out that that’s not the way life is, nor is it the way life should be. What we’re doing here today is giving an opportunity to everybody to be able to help somebody else. To share what they have as people, individuals, to financially help others. My mom and dad used hospice, so I understand how important it is to a family when hospice is available.
What does it mean for you to be here in Sarasota, speaking on behalf of the Tidewell Foundation? This means an awful lot to me. I believe that the good Lord gave me certain skills and I became a “recognized” individual. So what do you do with that notoriety, what do you do when somebody gives you that ability
to reach out and help people? For me, it’s an opportunity to try and help others. You can’t get around the fact that we need money to be able to do the things that we need to do. What I’m going to ask the people today to do is to dig down deep and take a look at what their life is like. I was touched by hospice care with my mother, so for me, this is personal. I appreciate everybody in this room, I appreciate them coming to this luncheon, I appreciate their donations and I appreciate Tidewell for what they do to provide these opportunities for so many families.
You led the Washington Redskins to a victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. What leadership lessons from that experience apply to life outside of football? I wrote a book called How to Be a Champion Every Day: 6 Timeless Keys to Success, and in the book. I take the analogy between the world of sports, the world of business and our own lives and there's successful keys in it that apply to everyone. Everybody has to have goals. You need the right kind of attitude. You need to seize the opportunity. You need to work together as a team. You need to be motivated to do those things. Those things apply in every aspect of life, not just in business and sports. What you have to understand as a quarterback is it's not all about you. Leadership is not about the leader. It's about the people you lead. When you stop and think about the quarterback position, it’s the single most dependent position on the field. If the offensive line doesn’t block, if the receivers don’t catch, if running backs don’t run, if your defense doesn’t stop the other team and heaven only knows that if kickers don’t make kicks, you’re not going to win. As quarterback you are one integral part of the team, but it’s not all about you. It’s about the people that you work with.
Were there different moments throughout your career that led you to that realization? It happened as I grew older. When you play Pop Warner football, the kid that has the ball in his hands is probably the fastest. So it doesn’t apply there. In high school, I had the opportunity to play on an undefeated team—in fact, my wide receiver was a kid by the name of (2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee) Drew Pearson. I was blessed to have teammates like him. At the University of Notre Dame it hit me that I was just one part of the puzzle. I became the starting quarterback eight games into my sophomore year when Terry Hanratty got hurt. I was just a sophomore and Notre Dame
had gone to a national championship game the year before and won a national championship two years ago. Suddenly, I was just inserted into that position and I learned then how important it is that the people around you do their jobs efficiently, for you to be able to do yours.
What are you most proud of—both in your athletic and broadcasting careers? In football, it is having had a chance to play with incredible guys and representing an unbelievable city and organization. Coach Joe Gibbs taught me so much. I was blessed to have great leadership. George Allen brought me to Washington. Jack Pardee gave me a chance to play, and Joe gave me an opportunity to play in a system that was just phenomenal. In broadcasting, it's the same thing. It's all about preparation. I constantly hear people ask, where does confidence come from or how do you deal with pressure? You deal with pressure in a couple of different ways. You anticipate situations. You educate, work hard, and then all of a sudden, you prepare. In broadcasting, I’d spend 60 hours a week getting ready for a football game. Now, if it was a good game, maybe I’d use 15% of the notes that I put down on my board and if it was a bad game, I’d use 60%, but I never wanted to take the chance that it was going to be a good game or a bad game. I just wanted to be ready. Preparation is such a key to everything we do in our lives.
Your playing career was infamously cut short by a career-ending injury on Monday Night Football in 1985. What did that moment teach you about resilience? I took the same approach after I left the game of football that I did with my life and have tried to do in my businesses. I’ve had essentially three different careers. I had a professional football career, a broadcasting career and I’ve done speeches and presentations for 45 years. I’ve had the opportunity to share stories with people—I like to share stories that can hopefully affect others in a positive way. Perhaps there’s something that I’m talking about that can help an audience member with whatever it is that they are going through. It’s like (legendary football coach) Lou Holtz. We lost an incredible human being over the last couple of days. Lou was probably the greatest storyteller I’ve ever been around, he was so charismatic. When you listened to his stories, you’d start to lean forward because you wanted to hear more. That’s something I’ve aspired to in my presentations. The careers that I’ve had, however, have all been the result of working hard and loving what I’m
doing. That’s the other thing that I tell people— don’t do something that you don’t love. There’s something out there, whatever it might be, that you absolutely love. Find it. Because when you get up in the morning and say “oh geez, I got to go to work,” that’s not the way to live. If you look forward to the day, if you look forward to the opportunities in life, it makes life a lot more fun.
You mentioned earlier, skills that you believe were bestowed upon you by God—is the ability to connect with people part of that skillset? He gave me the ability to play the game and I was fortunate to be around great people. When I played for Toronto in the Canadian Football League we went to a Grey Cup, I went to two Super Bowls when I was in Washington and in college, I came close to winning the Heisman Trophy. I’ve had all these different lessons in life where I managed to get to a point where people recognize you and the things you do. It set a foundation for me to be able to move forward and do the things that I want to do.
In the beginning, it was all about me. I made these achievements about myself and I then I learned life doesn’t work that way. I get more satisfaction from putting a smile on somebody’s face or by seeing the look in people’s eyes when I do something for them, than anything I could do for myself. When I was growing up, my father used to tell me two things. He said, “Joe, when you meet somebody, look them in the eye and give them a good, firm handshake to let them know you’re there.” To this day, that’s how I judge people. It’s how you gauge an encounter with somebody, are you 100% there? Are you listening to what I’m saying, are you paying attention and by the way, here I am. It’s a great way to connect with people, so I hope that the stories I tell resonate. I carry Jimmy Valvano’s speech from the ESPY’s many years ago with me, where he talked about three things. He said you have to think, you have to laugh and you have to bring your emotions to tears within a day. I use that as a guideline in my presentations. I want you to think about how this applies to your life, I want you to laugh—I hold the record in the National Football League for the shortest punt in the history of the game, that story’s always told—and there are going to be emotional moments in my talks as well. If you can do those three things, Jimmy V said you’ve had a heck of a day. That’s been my mission and goal through this. SRQ
CITIES OF TREES
Master arborist John Snow shares his perspective on the lifecycle of urban forestry. Dylan Campbell
AS PART OF ITS URBAN STUDIES SPEAKER SERIES,
Hoyt Architects welcomed professional arborist John Snow on February 18 for his presentation, The Urban Forest Lifecycle: Designing Cities with Trees That Last 50 Years or More. Snow is the president of the Florida Urban Forestry Council, owner-operator of Tree Check Up LLC, a Board-Certified Master Arborist and has been working in arboriculture and urban forestry for over 30 years. Snow sat down with SRQ Magazine to discuss his perspective on what trees can do for a city and how to build towards a better, greener future.
You spoke about a pervasive cycle of planting and removal of trees in urban areas long before the trees reach their full canopy potential. Why does that happen? john snow I think the issue revolves around most people having a hard time visualizing in their mind's eye longer timeframes. People can budget for a year, but when you start thinking about five years from now, things get a little more hazy quite quickly. You say 10 years from now and it’s a very gray area. When you’re planning trees, you’re thinking about 50 or 80 years into the future. I hear quite often, “well, I might not even be here by then, so what does it matter?” Humans have inherent short-term thinking. The problem is, that doesn’t match the lifespan of trees that we’re planting in urban landscapes. I don’t think that there’s ever going to be perfection, but there are ways that we can begin shaping things to work better and that starts with the planning phase of implementing trees in urban environments.
How do you marry that philosophy with existing infrastructure? That’s where the challenge lies, as it requires a lot of creativity. You have to have people on equal standing—the arborist or urban forester needs to be on equal standing with the architect and the engineer to say, “what can we do? Can we move this utility or this water line or is that a fixed thing?” If it’s a fixed thing, then we need to look at what our different options are and think it through to find the best possible solution. I don’t mean perfect outcomes, but better solutions where we can have healthy trees for longer periods of time. As most arborists know, there are a lot of techniques and methods, such as structural soil, where we are able to have rooting structure underneath sidewalks and roads that aren’t necessarily going to have a huge impact over a relative term.
What do trees do for an urban environment? I believe that humans are inherently connected to nature on some level. It sounds kind of weird, but when we go out and experience the tree canopy and the shade and the relative quiet of a park setting, it brings us back to what we may have had 10,000 years ago. Humans are naturally interconnected with nature and our urban environments are not natural. When we incorporate trees, shrubs, lawns, all of these things into our urban environment, that brings us back to nature. That return to nature provides us with a lot of tangible benefits that people just aren’t aware of. I’ve seen lists of up to 26 different benefits that trees provide for us—if I start listing them out, your eyes will glaze over. Ultimately, it centers around what we experience when we go outside and walk around. You might go, “it’s really hot out here, oh, there’s a tree. I’ll go stand under the tree for five things and cool off.” That is a normal, natural thing.
Very few people just outright hate trees. We can debate if “oh that’s a nice looking tree or that’s a bad looking tree,” but at the end of the day, I think that everybody does have this inherent value system that is tied back to nature. When I’m speaking with clients or doing presentations, I ask people, “if you go to the mall, where do you park in the lot?” I typically get two answers: whatever’s closest to the store or under a tree. We’ve all gone to the mall or a grocery store and come back to a car that is 120 degrees. We inherently value that shade, which speaks to that experience that we have with trees.
How then, can cities increase foliage to get more out of the trees that they do have? Ultimately, the goal is trying to get to trees that are more “urban compatible”. That sounds like a broad term, but we need to define what an urban compatible tree is. One of the first parameters is location—you have to base the spe-
Below: With his company Tree Check Up LLC, master arborist John Snow works to restore, maintain and plant trees in urban areas. Illustration courtesy of Tree CheckUp, LLC.
cies of tree on the size of the location that we’re working in. We can’t have conflicts with buildings, we don’t want low limbs that are obstructing pathways.
Maybe that tree isn’t necessarily a live oak—live oaks as a species are a spreading tree—I love them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that live oaks should be on every street. It’s about designing trees that are going to fit in that specific location and growing trees that are going to fit this urban compatible design where they’re properly pruned and maintained. From a cost-benefit perspective, if you invest more in the front end with quality trees, in getting the tree properly established, watered, maintained and pruned in the first five to ten years of its young life, you’re going to develop trees with fewer problems over the long haul. The reason behind that is simple—when we’re pruning younger trees, we’re taking off smaller limbs. The bigger the limb you prune, the more potential impact that it’s going to have on the tree’s health. That’s not to say that trees 30 years down the line aren’t going to need pruning, but if we develop a better structure while that tree is young, it will aid in the tree becoming more compatible with the overall landscape.
Trees are natural, they are just going to continue to grow. Buildings or urban landscapes aren’t necessarily growing, but trees always will. If we do indeed want to have trees in urban areas, then we need to figure out better ways to integrate trees into those environments.
How does a failure to integrate those trees lead to the decline of the urban forest lifecycle? What ends up happening is this cycle where every 15 to 20 to 30 years, you’re removing and replacing the tree. You’re losing all of the time investment as opposed to if a tree lives to be 100 years old—it never gets to the point where it has those significant, positive impacts, because we reach this threshold where the tree has to be radically pruned or removed. If we can minimize that threshold, then we’re getting the benefit of the tree over many, many years. What most people don’t realize is that we don’t get the true benefits of what a tree can offer until it reaches maturity, which is 20 to 30 years down the road. It’s as if you were investing in the stock market and then 20 years later, the market suddenly collapses and you lose everything. So you reinvest and then in another 20 years, the market collapses again and the cycle continues. SRQ
SummerSizzlers
If you’re missing the hustle and bustle this summer and searching for fresh ways to enjoy the season until it returns, we’ve got just what you need. With everything from frozen treats and great summer reads to Pilates workouts, outdoor movies, relaxing meals and creative charcuterie boards, our 2026 Summer Sizzlers will help you escape the heat and embrace the joy of the quiet season.
BY BARBIE HEIT, DYLAN CAMPBELL, SARAH EMILY MIANO AND CECILIA MOULD. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN, WES ROBERTS AND ALEX ALFARO.
This spread, left to right: Charcuterie board by Grazing Goods. Textured waves by The Stylists by HB Luxury Salon. Blu Kouzina Greek Salad. Hand-crafted artisan flavors rotate weekly at Gelateria degli Angeli in Gulf Gate.
TIME FOR A SCOOP
When Florida summer arrives like a dare, sugar and ice are the only sane answer. Across Sarasota and Bradenton, five kitchens offer a cold spoon: scratch-made gelato on weekly rotation, a three-layer panna cotta you eat from top to bottom, lemon ice spiked with crystallized ginger, halo-halo built with house-made ube and flan, an açaí bowl served up in a banana-split boat. You simply sit, dig in and cool down. Choose one and stick with it, or work your way down the list before September. S. E. Miano
Halo Halo
In their new brick-and-mortar off N. Washington Blvd, Funky Fusion Filipino Kitchen marks ten years since owners Jenna and Jackie Foster launched their popular food truck. This summer, Chef Jenna is bringing her take on Halo-Halo, or “mix-mix”: shaved ice over ube halaya (purple sweet potato jam), candied garbanzo beans, buko pandan jellies, plantains, jackfruit and tapioca, topped with housemade ube ice cream, flan, Frosted Flakes and sweet cream. It’s like the best sundae you made for yourself as a kid. Chef Jenna’s “summer in a cup,” recalls childhood summers with her family, cousins and all. Funky Fusion, 1940 12th St Unit C, Sarasota, 941-487-7287, funkyfusionsrq.com
Hawaiian Sunrise
Kojo is the modern pan-Asian destination on Palm Ave made for shared plates and friends. In a low-lit, buzzy room, enjoy spicy wagyu noodles or tuna pizza before the grand finale. The Hawaiian Sunrise arrives in a small ceramic dish in three layers: coconut panna cotta at the bottom, fresh tropical fruits in the middle and passionfruit foam on top to “create a bright aromatic contrast,” says Chef Gabriel Ojeda. “Dip a spoon through all three to get all the flavors.” Share one as a couple, or order two and pass them around to your pals. Kojo, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-2212, kojosarasota.com
Hawaiian Sunrise
Halo Halo
The Daydreamer
In Bradenton, 22-year-old Sky Kirkwood runs Clementines, a downtown café that cut the ribbon shortly after Hurricane Helene damaged the family’s Anna Maria business. The Day Dreamer, an açai bowl with strawberry granola, banana, almonds, chocolate flakes, Nutella and peanut butter, arrives in a banana-split boat for twice the fun. “I designed it to be the bowl you drift into,” says Kirkwood. Ten different açai splits grace the menu—alongside waffles, wraps, salads and smoothies—dairy-free and unified by the café’s motto, “Squeeze the Day.” Clementines, 536 13th St. W, Bradenton, 941-9002007, clementines.online
Lemon with Crystallized Ginger
Bright Ice Scoop Shop in Wellen Park is what happens when an engineer, Steven Garrahan, and an architect, Kurt Drake, join bright minds to make bright ice cream. Their small-batch operation—originating in St. Pete—keeps the recipes clean: no concentrate, artificial flavors or shortcuts. The Lemon with Crystallized Ginger relies on 100% real lemon juice, spicy crystallized ginger pieces and ginger snap cookies for crunch. “Nothing beats the Florida summertime heat better,” says Garrahan. “The taste is bold, full of flavor, and sure to cool you off.” Seventeen “always” flavors—like Strawberry with Brown Sugar and Balsamic—will, as promised, never let you down. Bright Ice Scoop Shop, 9790 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 103, Venice, 941-244-5660, brighticeicecream.com
Bronte Pistachio
At Gelateria degli Angeli—“of the angels”—owner Anthony Vecsesi’s scratch-made production in Gulf Gate, the menu changes weekly, 130-plus flavors and counting in the gelateria’s first year. The signature Bronte Pistachio uses 100% D.O.P. paste from a village at the base of Mt. Etna, plus fleur de sel and local Dakin dairy for a silky finish that ruins lesser pistachios for life. “It’s based on a traditional recipe I learned while studying in Italy,” Vecsesi says. He always runs a chocolate (Callebaut or Valrhona) and rotates fruit-forward sorbets: Sicilian blood orange, Thai guava, Corsican clementines. Angelic, indeed. Gelateria degli Angeli, 2665 Mall Dr, Sarasota, 941-364-9708, degliangeligelato.com
The Daydreamer
Strawberry with Brown Sugar and Balsamic
Bronte Pistachio
Bar Hana, 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-5369717, barhana.com. The Houston Run Hitch, 1108 Kaufmann Ave, Sarasota, thehoustonrunhitch.com (not pictured). State Street Eating House + Cocktails, 1533 State St, Sarasota, 941-9511533, statestreetsrq.com.
Foxtail Coffee UTC, 315 N. Cattleman Rd, Unit 6, Sarasota, 941-3713699, foxtailcoffee.com. Summer Tap Juice Bar, 411 S. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-933-1449, summertapjuicebar.com
SIP AND STAY
Florida summers call for more than a quick fix. These five icy cold refreshments, from a Pinecraft retro coffee trailer to a hip Burns Court juice bar, make an occasion of it. Bar Hana goes full tiki with the Hip-Hopanonymous, a communal cocktail of tequila reposado, passionflower liqueur, strawberry saccharum and lime, capped with passionfruit foam, served in a hippo vessel with 2-4 twisty straws for the table. Bar Manager Dillon Murray crafted the drink around the two passions—the liqueur and the foam—playing “their fruity, floral nature” against the bitter liqueur and a sweetened strawberry-ginger syrup. “On weekends, it’s a crowd favorite,” he says. Pair with bao or nori tacos and sip well into the night. The Houston Run Hitch, Kayla Fisher’s Pinecraft coffee-and-matcha trailer, blends a Beach Bod Smoothie inspired by the Hailey Bieber sensation: spinach, pineapple, apple, celery, honey, green juice and strawberry cream, with optional collagen and protein boosters. Fisher grew up visiting her grandparents in this very neighborhood and moved the trailer south from Pennsylvania last year. “My goal is to keep it all fresh and locally sourced,” she says. Sit back on the Hitch’s blush and mint-colored lawn chairs and while away the afternoon. At State Street Eating House, voted best cocktails in Sarasota eight years running, the Paper Plane pairs Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon with Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon, shaken and served up in a coupe. It’s smoky, citrusy, bittersweet and “one of the best ways to enjoy whiskey in the summer heat,” says operating partner Jason Waganheim. Chill in their lowlit lounge, open seven days a week, with their Napa-inspired late-night snack menu to hand. While Foxtail Coffee might be your regular cold-brew pitstop, the Orange-Rose Lemonade Iced Tea Shaker warrants a considered detour. Chamomile-rose tea steeped with hibiscus, rosehips, orange peel and cranberry gets layered with lemonade and orange bitters, then shaken over ice. Floral and tangy notes play gently with the crisp citrus. “A beautifully layered drink reminiscent of a summer sunset,” describes marketing assistant Mailyn Stiffler. Suitable for “those who don’t want something too sweet,” she says, though “a touch of simple syrup will do the trick” if you do. Refreshing enough for the patio. At Summer Tap Juice Bar, Galina Naguibine’s Burns Court staple, fresh produce arrives in the mornings and everything gets whizzed to order behind an open counter. Sunshine in the Bottle delivers “bright, tropical flavors,” says Naguibine, and a direct Vitamin C hit: pineapple, green apple and orange, cold-pressed with no added sugars. Chase it with a ginger-lemon shot and walk into the afternoon sprightlier than when you walked in. S. E. Miano
Mia’s Vietnamese Cuisine
Foxtail
Bar Hana
Summer Tap
State Street Eating House
On Florida’s Cultural Coast, the arts are never fully “out of season.” From exhibitions in contemporary art at Sarasota Art Museum and The Ringling, to an annual showcase of the Circus Arts Conservatory, here are some of the summer’s best artistic escapades.
ARTS+CULTURE
Beautiful Ideas at SAM
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM |
This summer, the work of one of the founders of American Minimalism and Conceptual art will be on full display at the Sarasota Art Museum (SAM). Beautiful Ideas: The Prints of Sol LeWi , organized by the New Britain American Museum of Art, showcases the printmaking aspect of Sol LeWi ’s career. LeWi , who rose to prominence in the late 1960s with large-scale, monumental wall drawings, is perhaps most readily associated with a quote: “idea becomes a machine that makes the art.” His practice was more akin to that of a creative director, creating and delineating plans for art, before delegating the execution of it to his team. Beautiful Ideas incorporates the bold colors and geometric shapes that defined LeWi ’s style by dividing the exhibition into four sections: Lines, Arcs, Circles, and Grids, Bands and Colors, From Geometric Figures to Complex Forms,and Wavy, Curvy, Loopy Doopy, and in All Directions. “Printmaking was a way for LeWi to experiment with different techniques,” says Virginia Shearer, executive director of SAM. “We’ll have an array of his series and use of different techniques—lithographs, silkscreens, etchings, aquatints, woodcuts—that will enable us to focus on minimalism and conceptual art.”Part of the incentive behind Beautiful Ideas was to show LeWi ’s influence on contemporary art, particularly in juxtaposition with the other exhibitions on view this summer at SAM. “I feel that it’s important to help people make sense of the art
of our time and build appreciation for it,” says Shearer. “To educate viewers about everything that came before.” Through October 25, Beautiful Ideas: The Prints of Sol LeWi , Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org
Summer Circus
CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY |
“In a circus performer’s career, I can assure you, no ma er where they are from in the world, they will want to perform in Sarasota at least once,” says Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) president/CEO Jennifer Mitchell. “It’s not just because of our global notoriety, but also because CAC is actively producing shows that continue to evolve and present to audiences what they want to see.”
This summer, some of the circus’ top acts will come to the hallowed
riskier or more powerful, because it’s such a small space—there’s about 25 feet of airspace,” says Mitchell. Another aspect of the series is the educational component. For just an additional $5, audience members can gain admission to The Ringling’s Historic Circus Galleries and Tibbals Learning Center. “Partering with The Ringling makes perfect sense. They’re preserving that heritage, while we are the living circus pushing it forward.” Summer Circus Spectacular, June 12-August 8, Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-360-7399, ringling.org.
FST Summer Improv
FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE | The annual, multi-day Sarasota Improv Festival is on hiatus for 2026. Instead of the large-scale international gathering, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is expanding its regular summer improv programming, featuring a mix of local troupes and guest performers at Bowne’s Lab. Featuring Freedom! The Musical, July 4, 2026; Comedy Lo ery, July 11 – July 25, 2026; Forgo en Broadway, July 31 and August 1, 2026; and, Out of Bounds, Augut 8 – Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Studio Theatre, Browne’s Lab, 1241 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org
site of Sarasota, to perform in CAC’s Summer Circus Spectacular. Held at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, the Summer Circus Spectacular is an action-packed, multi-act, one-hour, family friendly performance. One of the acts includes Duo Transcend, an acrobatic and daredevil act composed of married couple Tyce Nielsen and Mary Wolfe-Nielsen, most notably seen on America’s Got Talent. “They do some incredible aerial acrobatics, including fastpaced roller skating. Everything in the Historic Asolo Theater feels either
A Constant Sky at The Ringling
THE RINGLING | The intention of visual art is more than just to evoke beauty. It is to elicit such a response in the viewer that they in turn look within themselves, questioning what they know or think about the world. Mixed-media visual artist Andrea Carlson’s work does just that. This summer, The Ringling unveiled Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky. The exhibition, organized by the Denver Art Museum, is the first museum survey of Carlson’s work, showcasing works on paper and large scale paintings from throughout her career in addition to a new sculptural work, Columns for a Horizon.“Descended from Grand Portage Ojibwe and European se lers, Carlson creates intricate, multilayered works that
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Sol Lewitt, Loopy Doopy, Blue/Red
Summer Circus | Noel Aguilar
challenge colonial narratives embedded within American art history, museum collections and popular visual culture,” says Ola Wlusek, The Ringling’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. “Her landscapes are populated with animals, art objects and cultural belongings rendered through dense visual references and text, creating spaces that are both visually immersive and intellectually provocative.” Columns for Horizon, made from turned wooded columns and dri wood retrieved from the shores of Lake Superior, marks Carlson’s first foray into sculpture. “The sculpture is presented in two
installations to create a spatial and conceptual dialogue across the exhibition. These groupings shape how viewers physically move through the gallery and alter their sightlines to the wall works beyond them,” says Wlusek. “By partially obstructing access to the works on the walls, Carlson encourages viewers to think critically about visibility, mediation and the structures that determine access and ownership.” Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky, through November 15, 2026, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-359-5700, ringling.org
The WIzard of Oz: Youth Edition
ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE | Asolo Repertory Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition in Sarasota, a magical summer children’s musical running July 8–August 2, 2026 at the Cook Theatre. Follow Dorothy, Toto, and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in this family-friendly production perfect for audiences of all ages. “I’m hopeful that audiences will feel like they may know this story well, yet they’ve never seen it told this way,” says Cat Brinsidi, Director of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition July 8-August 2, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-351-8000, asolorep.org.
Penumbra at SAM
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM | Cultural hybridity, notions of identity and the cross sections of tradition come to life in Maria A. Guzman Capron: Penumbra at Sarasota Art Museum (SAM). Penumbra, which means near or half-shadow, is a new solo exhibition from Capron, a California-based artist who works in textiles. Born in Milan to Columbian and Peruvian parents before later moving to Texas in adolescence, Capron’s bold textile works explore how she has moved through cultures, de ly weaving pieces of each into her artistic journey. In Penumbra, Capron creates otherworldly figures from handdyed, painted and screen-printed fabrics, that in some cases, look like creatures from a long forgo en fairytale. “She has a unique use of found and recyclable materials,” says Virginia Shearer, executive director of SAM. “People are interested in this idea of recycle and reuse and that was one of the things that drew the curator of this exhibition, Lacie Barbour, to Capron’s work. Her work is also just so big, bold, beautiful and accessible—this idea of textile artists having their moment in contemporary art is one that we’re quite interested in.” Maria A Guzman Capron: Penumbra, through September 27, 2026, Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org
Laser Light Nights
THE BISHOP MUSEUM | Rock out at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature this summer with Laser Light Nights. From May 21-September 5, the crowd favorite concert series returns for three nights a week. Laser Light Nights take place in the Bishop’s planetarium, blending mind-bending visuals and projections with music from iconic artists that span across genres and generations, featuring classic legends of rock n’ roll like Queen, Elton John and the Beatles to rock favorites like Metallica and Foo Fighters to pop stars like Taylor Swi and The Weeknd.
“When you go into the planetarium, you have a great surround sound system and then it will be a performance of laser lights that will either throw shapes on the screen and graphics that go along with the music,” says Andrew Sandall, CEO of the Bishop. May 21 to Sept.5 Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm and 9pm. 201 10th St West, Bradenton, 941-746-4131, bishopscience.org
Soccer Paradise
SARASOTA PARADISE | The Sarasota Paradise may have started as the li le engine that could, but in 2026, the Lakewood Ranch-based soccer team has turned into a full on freight train. In 2023, founder and CEO Marcus Walfridson brought the Sarasota Paradise to life, competing in the pre-professional United Soccer League 2 (USL2). Fast forward three years later and the Paradise have become Sarasota’s marquee professional sports team, competing in the fully professional and highly competitive USL1. This season, the new-look Paradise are led by head coach and technical director Mika Elovaara as the team goes for glory. Catch home games at the 3,000-plus seat stadium Premier Sports Campus, replete with amenities like food trucks, a team store and activities for youngsters. Away matches are available to watch live on ESPN+. Home Games: Friday, July 11 vs. Miami FC, Wednesday, July 29 vs. Portland Hearts of Pine, Saturday, August 1 vs. FC Naples, Wednesday, August 19 vs. Cha anooga Red Wolves SC. Sarasota Paradise, 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch,sarasotaparadise.us
Summer Season
FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE | The 2026 Summer Season brings you the best in contemporary theatre through its three-show Mainstage series, and three-show Cabaret series. Coming to Summer Maintage: Dog Mom, through July 26, 2026 and The Last Romance, July 22 to August 16. Coming to Summer Cabaret: Leaving on a Jet Plane, through July 19; Songbirds of the Seventies, July 7 to Sept 6; and, Legacy, August 4 to Oct 4, 2026. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, 941-366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org
Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old
Honky Tonk Angels at FST
SUMMER HAIR FLING
This summer, hair trends are leaning toward natural looks that make the most of what you already have. From soft, undone updos to layered cuts that easily adapt to even the most humid days, stylists say their clients are embracing a more natural, personalized approach. The recent shift is clear, says Asia Bebber of Fresh Salon Co.—less structure and more softness is the perfect choice for a fresh summer style. Whether you’re looking for a lowmaintenance cut or an elevated updo, stylists are emphasizing movement, dimension and wearability in the summer heat. C. Mould Fresh Salon Co., 1819 Main St #118, Sarasota 941-9067709, freshsalonco.com. The Stylists by HB Luxury Salon, (pictured below) 5433 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 941-600-8707, thestylistsbyhb.com.
Modern Shag
The shag haircut is continuing its reign this summer, but with a new evolution. “The modern shag is everywhere right now,” says Asia Bebber of Fresh Salon Co. “It’s a lot more refined than what we’ve seen before, though. So it’s less choppy, it’s more blended, more wearable. It has more livedin movement without looking too messy.” This updated shag is ideal for warm weather because it removes weight without sacrificing style. The layers create airflow and texture, helping hair feel lighter and less dense in humidity. Bebber emphasizes that the trend is less about achieving a specific silhouette and more about tailoring the cut to each client’s natural density and texture, keeping the cut highly customizable. She adds that the cut doesn’t require constant styling — the layers look just as great air-dried as they do styled, making the cut a great option for anyone seeking an easy, summer-ready refresh.
Half-Up, Half-Down
For those who want a more formal look, the halfup, half-down style is a perfect summer staple for any event. The Stylists by HB Owner Timi Veres notes that this style can easily be modified for all occasions, adding that soft waves can bring in a nice contrast. “This style gives a very clean, snatched and luxurious vibe,” she says. To get this look, Veres says to begin by blow-drying your hair to eliminate frizz, then use a light gel to secure and clean up the slicked-back pieces and finish by curling the ends for a soft wave. She notes that the half-up, half-down style is more dressy than some of the season’s other trends, making it the perfect look for a special summer occasion.
Textured Bob
If you’re looking to make a big chop this summer, Veres recommends a textured, wavy bob, describing it as “softly layered to create movement and volume. It’s full, bouncy and effortless.” Veres says this style is a favorite of hers because of how flexible it is. The style embraces natural waves and a lightweight feel, allowing you to wear it everywhere, from the beach to a formal event. Veres adds layers to the cut to avoid the bob feeling too heavy or flat, helping it look great even in the warm and humid Florida weather. Along with the broader trend towards more natural styles, this look moves away from the overly structured bob and could be the perfect option for those looking for a big chop. It’s a practical yet stylish option that keeps hair off the shoulders while still offering plenty of movement.
SUMMER RESET FOR PETS
As temperatures climb and summer routines settle in, grooming and training offer a seasonal reset for dogs and their owners. From sandy beach days to muddy park adventures, the warmer months can take a toll on pets’ coats and behavior. A growing network of local grooming salons and training businesses provides everything from de-shedding treatments to obedience refreshers. For many owners, summer is the ideal time to address long-postponed habits or give pets a fresh haircut. C. Mould
The Home Grown Dog
Head trainer and owner Emily Preston knows firsthand how overwhelming dog ownership can feel. What began as a personal challenge with her own high-energy puppy eventually grew into a full-time business. Preston, who launched her business three years ago after completing an apprenticeship with professional trainers, now specializes in boardand-train programs and personalized puppy lessons. “I’m relationship-based, so I put a really heavy focus on encouragement, rewards, all of that good stuff,” she says. “It’s all very important to be super flexible as a dog trainer. You have to have a toolbox of all kinds of tools in your back pocket.” Working out of her home in a small-scale, “boutique-style” setting, Preston takes only a few dogs at a time to provide individualized attention. thehomegrowndog.com
Spot SRQ Dog Grooming
Coast Dogs Training
Owned and operated by trainer Dawn Bennett, Coast Dogs Training offers one-on-one, customized training sessions tailored to dogs’ individual needs. Bennett has worked with dogs since 1997 and has been a professional trainer since 2007, bringing years of experience to her training business. “I really focus on the dog and what the dog is telling us when we get together, and just finding out what their motivator is, and then using that motivator, whether it be reward or food or toys or praise, to teach good behaviors,” she says. Bennett specializes in puppy training, aiming to teach pets the joy of learning and build their confidence early. She also offers training for adult dogs, with a variety of private lesson packages that can take place in client homes or on her site. coastdogstraining.com
The Sudsy Pup Paw Spa
Owner Melanie Wallace has built a thriving, family-run grooming business grounded in pet wellness and personalized care. Launched in 2018 after she transitioned out of a corporate career, The Sudsy Pup emphasizes a holistic approach to grooming that prioritizes the health of each dog’s skin and coat. With more than 20 years of grooming experience, Wallace and her team all go through pet esthetician training, aiming to better identify and address underlying skin issues. “We focus on making sure the pets having a positive experience,” she says. The Sudsy Pup also specializes in dogs that might have trouble with other grooming services, including senior dogs or personality differences. thehomegrowndog.com
Spot SRQ Dog Grooming owner Ashley Miller took an unconventional path into the pet care world—more than 15 years ago, Miller accidentally walked into an interview for a job grooming dogs. That experience led to a long-term apprenticeship and now, her own grooming business. Miller launched Spot SRQ nearly ten years ago, starting with an in-home setting before moving into her current boutique salon space. “Every dog gets a custom shampoo based on their coat and skin condition,” says Miller. “I like to groom dogs based on their owners’ lifestyle, and I also love to consider a dog’s personality.” Miller, who has ADHD, has found a love for owning her own business and says she is motivated by her desire to show others that anyone can start a successful business. thesudsypupsarasota.com
The Lucky Puppy
Erin Murray, owner of The Lucky Puppy, has always had a love for dogs. After first entering the grooming industry in her early 20s, Murray purchased The Lucky Puppy in 2019 to create a more consistent and high-quality experience for both pets and their owners. Since then, Murray has expanded the all-inclusive grooming business to three locations, including a recently enlarged resort-style facility in Bradenton offering daycare and luxury boarding alongside grooming services. “The most rewarding part of this business is building relationships with my clients and their dogs. I have so many loyal clients, and I love getting to know all the dogs and all of their different personalities.” Murray maintains a high standard, training most of her groomers in-house through an intensive, oneon-one process, ensuring consistency and attention to each dog’s comfort and safety. theluckypuppyfl.com
The Home Grown Dog
Coast Dogs Training
Summer at the Silver Screen
The quintessential summer experience brings a few things to mind. Barbecues and ballgames, beachdays and fireflies and yes, the summer blockbuster. For those wanting to maximize their time outdoors while still seeing the best of the silver screen, fret not, as the Sarasota area is rife with options that give you that drive-in theater experience, without taxing your car’s ba ery. At Sarasota’s historic Opera House, meanwhile, stay cool while checking out classic film and opera performances.
MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE | Each summer, entertainment lives on at the Sarasota Opera House. While Sarasota Opera’s official season has ended, the company, which is celebrating 100 years in its historic home in 2026, keeps the good times rolling. On Fridays at 7pm, the Opera screens Classic Movies at the Opera House, with titles such as The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) and The Truman Show (1998) as well as HD at the Opera House on Sundays, which features films of iconic opera, ballet and theater performances. “These summer series celebrate the Opera House’s dual legacy as both a historic cinema and a world-class performance venue, reinforcing its role as a cultural anchor in Sarasota,” says Richard Russell, General Director of Sarasota Opera. “By offering films, operas and ballets during the off-season, Sarasota Opera welcomes new audiences, deepens engagement with existing patrons, and keeps the building vibrant even when the mainstage opera season is not in
progress.” Cecil B. DeMille’s Academy Award-winning The Greatest Show on Earth holds historical significance as the epic drama set in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus was filmed in Sarasota and had its road premiere at the Opera House 74 years ago. “Presenting it again honors Sarasota’s role in classic American filmmaking and highlights the Opera House’s longstanding place in cinematic history,” says Russell. Classic Movies at the Opera House, Fridays, June 12-October 2; HD at the Opera House, July 12, August 16, September 20, October 4; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota.
MOVIE IN THE PARK, WATERSIDE
PLACE | For those in the know, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch is well, the place to be. The 36-acre town center located on the banks of Kingfisher Lake is home to an assortment of activities from farmers markets to Ranch Nite Wednesdays and yes, an outdoor movie series. This July and August, on every second Friday of the month, come to Waterside Park for a free, family-friendly movie. A endees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and concessions are available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Ke le Corn. “What started as a simple summer programming initiative has grown into a monthly tradition that brings the community together in such an authentic way,” says Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager at LWR Communities, LLC. “Movie in the Park creates an opportunity for families and neighbors to slow down, connect, gather and enjoy an evening outdoors at Waterside Park, while watching a family friendly movie under the stars!” July 10: Tangled, 7:00-9:00pm; August 14: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, 7:00-9:00pm, Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS, UTC |
There is something special about sitting underneath the stars with friends or family and taking in a movie. Perhaps it’s the company or the se ing or even just the fact that you’re doing something outside, that you typically would do in the comfort of your own home or in a movie theater. Whatever the reason might be, come to The Green at UTC, located near Rocco’s Tacos on the fourth Friday of every month, for UTC’s free outdoor movie series, Movies Under the Stars. Al-
though showtime starts a er sunset, families are encouraged to arrive one hour prior, where onsite concessions, face painting, character meet and greets and more occur. “At UTC, we’re commi ed to creating memorable experiences for the community, and this series is one of the ways we provide free, family-friendly entertainment everyone can enjoy together,” says Julie Fanning, Director of Marketing at Benderson Development. “Guests especially love the relaxed outdoor atmosphere, the character meet-
and-greets, face painting and the opportunity to spend quality time together while enjoying a free night out. We invite everyone to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening under the stars at UTC!”
June 26, 8pm: Wonka; July 24, 8pm: Elf; August 28, 8pm: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, 125 N Ca leman Rd, Sarasota.
SARASOTA FILM SOCIETY | Sarasota Film Society is a nonprofit, member-supported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry. Since its founding by Dick and Sue Morris in 1984, Sarasota Film Society has grown in countless ways and now encompasses two separate and unique facilities, with one located at Burns Court Cinemas in downtown Sarasota, and the other at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. Movies coming this summer include Young Washington, July 2; Peter Asher: Everywhere Man and Bernstein’s Wall, July 3, Janis: Li le Girl Blue, July 6; Fackham Hall, July 20, Billie, July 20, Mahler In New York and Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, August 3; and, To Kill a Mockingbird, August 12.
—D. Campbell
Movies in the Park, Waterside Place
Gigi, Sarasota Opera House
RED HOT Promesa
Nautical Red Midi Sweater
Dress $76, MIA Zilvia Kitten
Heel in Bone $89, Pineapple
Lain Boutique,1451 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-3308771. Portofino Freyrs
Eyewear in Tan $85, Melie
Blanco Roxanne Ivory Top
Handle Bag $150, Simply Jo’s Boutique, 1950 Main St, Sarasota, 941-361-3213.
—Sourced and Styled by A.Alfaro
COASTAL COWGIRL Western Fedora Straw Hat in Ivory $38, MIA Zilvia Kitten Heel in Bone $89, Pineapple Lain Boutique,1451 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-330-8771. Wide Pearl Buckle Elastic Belt $28, Brooklyn Boutique, 407 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, 941-444-7265. Gold Ammonite Seashell Cuff Bracelet $18, Marmalade Salon & Boutique, 1927 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-362-0276. Bailey Rose Seaside Mini Dress $75, Pink & Navy, 259 12th Street West, Bradenton, 941-896-4073. ME, YOU AND BLUE Abby Straw Basket Weave Bangle Bracelet $15, Bella Straw Weave Bangle Bracelet $15, Aviator Sunglasses $15, Pineapple Lain Boutique,1451 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-330-8771. Amaya Suede Thong Sandals in Camel $395, Freya Gardenia Hat in Baby Blue $274, Lotus Boutique,1464 Main Street Sarasota, 941-906-7080. Skies Are Blue Striped Embroidered Top $68, Skies Are Blue Striped Embroidered Shorts $62, Pink & Navy, 259 12th Street West, Bradenton, 941-896-4073. BY THE SEASHORE Llio Nema Clythie Striped Shell Vest $595; Gold Casadei Sifinos Ballet Flat $575, Lotus Boutique, 1464 Main Street Sarasota, 941-906-7080. RISEN High Rise White Scalloped Eyelet Shorts $58, Marmalade Stacked Shell Earrings $17, Marmalade Salon & Boutique, 1927 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-362-0276. Jordan Freyers Eyewear $85, Double Disk Elastic Belt $30, Simply Jo’s Boutique, 1950 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, 941 361-3213. Baby Leigh Distressed Tote In Sapphire $148, T. Georgiano’s Boutique, 1409 B 1st Street, Sarasota, 941-870-3727. —Sourced and Styled by A.Alfaro
COOKOUTS AND COCKTAILS Wood Frame Clutch in Khaki $58, Blank Slate Star Earrings in Ivory $16, Pineapple Lain Boutique,1451 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-330-8771. Gilner Farrar Payden Dress in Blue Eyelet $328, Ethem Hardy Shoe in Red $275, T. Georgiano’s Boutique, 1409 B 1st Street, Sarasota, 941-870-3727. Gold Acrylic Necklace $24, Marmalade Salon & Boutique, 1927 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-362-0276. Sourced and Styled by A.Alfaro
Alma de España
Chef Elier Rodriguez learned to cook back in Cuba, watching his grandmother fry croquettes and braise oxtail. After honing his craft in multiple Michelin-starred kitchens from Vegas (Picasso, Le Cirque) to Hollywood (Petrossian), he and his wife, Claudia, opened Alma de España. At this Southside village spot, tapas and an imported wood-fired grill do most of the heavy lifting. But come summer, the standout is Spain’s most traditional warm-weather dish: chilled Andalusian tomato soup. The Gazpacho con Langosta blends very ripe tomatoes, fresh vegetables and a dash of olive oil till smooth, then finishes with succulent lobster and crunchy migas. “In Spain, gazpacho has always been the perfect way to beat the heat while savoring simple, high-quality ingredients,” Chef Rodriguez says, wanting to create “an experience that is more refined and distinctly coastal.” 1830 S. Osprey Ave, Suite 104, Sarasota, 941-3658426, almatapasandgrill.com
Alma de España
THE COOLEST PLATES IN A HOT TOWN
Sarasota’s best summer plates arrive by way of Spain, Greece, Mexico, Costa Rica and Japan. When the temperature soars, these international kitchens make the most of the coast and bring you the sea. From fresh herbs and just-caught seafood to gazpacho and and sushi, these four restaurants know how to capture the flavors and the spirit of summer on every plate. S. E. Miano
Blu Kouzina
Blu Kouzina was born over a decade ago, when founders Effie and Dennis Tsakiris transformed a vacant space on St. Armands Circle into a serene slice of Greece. Stroll into the new UTC location, and you might as well have landed in the Aegean: whitewashed walls and tables, blue accents and basket lights. Order the Sari Lavraki or whole branzino, about 700g, enough for two, says co-owner John Atanassov—served with roasted lemon potatoes and garlicky green beans. Have the fish filleted tableside for even more leisure. A classic Greek salad makes a cool-down addition: tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, black olives and triangles of feta, glossed with premium, early harvest EVOO from the Tsakiris family’s grove in Messinia, Greece—bottled as “Green Gold.” 295 N. Cattlemen Rd, Suite 4, Sarasota, 941-377-0050 blukouzina.com
Kolucan
In Gulf Gate, chef-owner Gino Calleja named his Mexican bar and grill, Kolucan, after a variation on his family’s hometown in Puebla. Calleja cooked in Manhattan before settling in Sarasota, but his mother, Doña Reyna Europa, presides over the menu in spirit (and her name graces his popular taqueria down the road.) The Ceviche de Mariscos mingles
Gulf shrimp, cold-water lobster and Spanish octopus with rocoto pepper, mango, fennel, red onion and freshly-squeezed lime, cooled down with sliced avocado. The rocoto builds slowly, a spice that lifts off the heels of the citrus and fruit. “Our ceviche is a balance of precision and flavor,” Calleja says, “bright, pristine seafood, and a level of heat that evolves with every bite.” 6644 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 941-921-3133, kolucan.com
Bare Blends
Waffle Monkey Sarasota
Waffle Monkey Sarasota, run by Pete and Kathryn Collins, is the local outpost of the Costa Rican-born breakfast cafe that began in the surf town of Tamarindo. Pete says the name clicked while his partners were brainstorming (“putting words in front of and behind Waffle”) when a monkey dropped out of the rainforest—inspiring the sunglasses-wearing mascot. Several locations have since cropped up in sunny places from Grand Cayman to Bonita Springs. Downtown Sarasota, the Fruit of the Day Waffle, handmade and Belgian-style, arrives “golden and crispy at the edges,” he says, loaded with juicy strawberries, whipped cream and powdered sugar. The dish, “indulgent yet fresh,” is “as irresistible as a summer morning.” Pair it with a cold milkshake— like cookies and cream or bananas and nutella—and eat al fresco while the galleries open up around you. 52 S. Palm Ave, Sarasota 941-210-3830 wafflemonkey.net
Zōtō
At Zōtō, UTC’s upscale Japanese izakaya, Executive Chef Atsushi Okawara embraces seasonality, flying fish in from Japan, then stepping back to let the ingredients shine. The Madai Crudo appetizer “leans into everything people crave when it’s hot,” says General Manager Chris Makapedua. Thinly sliced, translucent Japanese sea bream is delicately wrapped with slices of Asian pear, then drizzled with herb oil and lemon zest, and finished with homemade citrusy tosazu. “You can taste the freshness, citrus and bright flavors,” he says. The pear gives each bite just enough snap; the bream is clean and faintly sweet–broth give just enough snap of cold. “Unlike heavier, oilier fish, it doesn’t weigh you down,” Makapedua says, “which is exactly what you want before a meal in warm weather.” 190 N. Cattlemen Rd, Unit 5, Sarasota, 941-359-9517, zotosushi.com
Blu Kouzina
Kolucan Waffle Monkey Zōtō
CLASS ACTS
As summer slows the calendar, a Wednesday afternoon spent rolling out a tapas menu becomes a little reset, a Saturday evening rolling fresh fettuccini turns into an awaited date night and any night rolling with the culinary punches of a chef duo promises a handful of new recipes and friends. S. E. Miano
Two Chefs Market & Bistro
VistaCucina
To learn Italian cooking the right way, look no further than Chef Riccardo Renna of VistaCucina. Born and raised in Italy, he spent years cooking in various states—including a stretch in Denver, where he co-founded a monthly gourmet dinner club for couples gathering to try his menus. Renna now teaches Sarasotans the dishes he calls his own. Fresh pasta, pizza and gnocchi get equal parts technique and storytelling. Summer brings Make & Taste: fettuccine with classic Bolognese or white sauce (August 22) and Bake & Taste: sourdough pizza and focaccia, from the starter to the toppings (August 29). Events are BYOB for now with wine pairings debúting in the fall. Each experience brings “excellent food, convivial company,and an authentic taste of Italy,” says Renna, who completes the meal with his own appetizers and dessert. 3800 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 720-285-8485, www.vistacucina.com
At the recently opened Two Chefs Market & Bistro, chefs Frank Imbarlina and Melissa Louty make everything from scratch—from the kitchen to the deli case and prepared foods cooler—while their cooking classes put a utensil in your hand from the jump. Students prep and cook five to eight recipes per session, alongside the chefs, then sit down and tuck in together, a complimentary Prosecco in hand. Each guest leaves with a printed recipe book to take home. Sessions run Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm, with Summer Party Hors d’Oeuvres, savory and sweet (June 12), Parents & Teens team cooking (July 17) and Back-to-School dinners tackling make-ahead, easy meals (August 27). “People tend to eat and linger,” the chefs say—a no-brainer when the food and company are this good. 4141 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-924-6277, twochefssrq.com
Taste of Spain
Chef Fatima Soriano opened her gourmet market, Taste of Spain, in the small European corner of Gulf Gate—neighboured by an Italian gelateria and a Mediterranean bistro—to give Sarasota a genuine corner of her native country. Marketside, you can grab house-prepared Spanish paella, Rioja and Verdejo wines, premium imported cheese and olives, canned fish and all things paprika. Cooking lessons take place in her small, efficient kitchen, transporting students across the Atlantic. Classes are, in her words, “a way to explore Spanish culture through food,” with a dose of history and Spanish vocabulary. This summer’s special offering extends to teens (ages 14-18, with a parent), running Wednesdays at 4:30 pm starting in June. Pairs will create classic tapas from authentic ingredients and enjoy them as they go. Drinks, including wine for the adults, are included. Everyone cooks, everyone learns, everyone laughs. 2667 Mall Drive, Sarasota, 941-580-8663, tasteofspainsrq.com
SUMMER READING
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and unwind with a great book. This month, Roxanne Baker, our go-to bookseller, is celebrating her tenth anniversary of working at BookStore1. To celebrate, she’s put together a list of this year’s favorite recommendations for some hot summer reads. Compiled by Barbie Heit, written by Roxanne Baker of BookStore1.
The Night We Met
BY ABBY JIMENEZ
SULTRY ROMANCE “The author of The Friend Zone series and Part of Your World series, has just published the second of the Say You’ll Remember Me series. Known for blending humor with deeply emotional, fast-paced romance, The Night We Met is the perfect beach read.”
Vista Cucina
Two Chefs Market & Bistro
Taste of Spain
Vigil BY GEORGE SAUNDERS
OUT THERE/DEEP THOUGHT FICTION “ I’ve loved George Saunders from the get-go and hung in there to get through his profound Lincoln in the Bardo. His most recent Vigil deals again with purgatory, this time at the deathbed of a fossil fuel supporter who refuses to accept responsibility for environmental decline. Part Our Town mixed with It’s a Wonderful Life in the Tim Burtonesque genius of Saunders writing, Vigil will keep you thinking long after the book ends.”
Flesh BY DAVID SZALAY
STRAIGHT-AHEAD FICTION “An oddly compelling read about a passive Hungarian man who falls into situation after situation. His life arc is truly fascinating.”
ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Audition BY
KATIE KITAMURA
A NEW VANTAGE POINT FICTION “A middle-aged actress meets with a young man who claims he’s her son. What follows is a psychological twister of what happens when a child you raised changes so drastically as to be unrecognizable.”
Stoner BY JOHN WILLIAMS
GET A JUMP ON A CLASSIC BEING ADAPTED TO FILM FICTION “A National Book Award winner in the 1970’s (Augustus) published this lush romance about a poor farmer in the early 1900s who becomes a scholar and faces a series of frustrating challenges and disappointments in his chosen career path. The acclaimed director of Pride and Prejudice is in development to bring this story to the big screen, starring Casey Affleck.”
Parents around the region are sending their children away to summer camps—and here on Florida’s Cultural Coast—that typically means art related camps. But adults looking to tap into their own creative side need not feel left out. The Sarasota area has a myriad of offerings for those looking to dip a paintbrush, spin a pottery wheel or even work with glass. Check out these summer offerings, white hot from the kiln and fresh from the press. Herrig Center for the Arts Founded in 1937, the arts institution expanded in 2026 and now boasts a multimillion dollar facility that includes three galleries that change monthly, nine classrooms that welcome over 3,000 students each year and an expansive art library. Inside those nine classrooms are a wide variety of classes offered to potential students each summer in just about every discipline under the sun. Painting, pottery/sculpture, drawing, jewelry making, silver smithing and even glasswork are available for either seasoned students or first timers to try out. Carla Nierman, CEO of the Herrig Center, says that most who start the classes are surprised by the relatively easy entry point. “Most adults do not think that they’re going to be any good at it,” attests Nierman. “It surprises the heck out of them that most people really just don’t come out of the womb like Mozart. There’s this sense of accomplishment. The other thing that is a big surprise is the community that people find—they make friends, develop new relationships and love being around other like-minded people.” Venice Art Center Throughout the year, over 650 classes are offered for children, teens and adults—and this summer, the action doesn’t slow down. The offerings for adults and teens from May through August are myriad, running the gamut from printmaking to photography and digital art, glasswork to ceramics and everything in between. Check out some of instructor Lorraine Mushacke’s classes in glasswork such as Nature Scapes in Glass or Hearts of Glass, where students use frit, stringers or scrap glass to make decorations in a heart mold. “Every class is a little different,” says CEO Mary Moscatelli. “You could take a one-day class, a two-day class or a six-week series class. There is art going on in so many different ways that it will work for pretty much everybody.” Miano Academy of Art At the Miano Academy of Art, the techniques of classical realism live on. The nonprofit, founded in 2007, is a rarity not just in Sarasota, but in the entire world. Charles Miano, founder and director of the school, estimates that there are probably only 80-100 similar schools in the world. “We’re dedicated to preserving traditional drawing and painting, which means artists’ use of oil on canvas and traditional materials,” says Miano. “We’re keeping it alive in a digital age and find that it brings a strong foundation to artists as they progress, learn craft, learn how to draw and how to see. We’re based on a typical atelier in the Renaissance tradition and the methods that we teach come through a lineage from the 19th century—it’s a pretty niche organization.” Throughout the summer, the Miano Academy offers a variety of classes for artists across skill levels. In addition to the full-time Atelier Apprenticeship program, there is an open studio with a live model each Wednesday, which is uninstructed and a public class, Fun Friday Figure/Portrait class, each Friday with Miano as instructor. D.Campbell Herrig Center for the Arts, 888 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. 941-746-2862, herrigcenter.org. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave South, Venice. 941-485-7136, veniceartcenter.com. Miano Academy of Art, 1915 Northgate Blvd, Sarasota, 941-351-8360. mianoacademy.org
Miano Academy of Art
ALL ABOARD
Summer entertaining lives or dies by the spread. Fortunately, three local charcuterie experts take the work off your hands, turning every board into a bounty. Whether you need it dropped at the dock, delivered to your backyard or cut to order from the counter, these are the three to have on speed dial.
Grazing Goods
Run by former San Francisco event planner Leah Naylor, Grazing Goods builds boards around nitrate-free meats, premium cheeses and organic, local produce “for a more elevated experience.” Her Boating Box addresses a real Florida problem: the small fridge, with a lidded box compact enough to keep cold on the boat or lanai. The 12-inch square is “perfect for six people as a meal, a small crowd for appetizers or just to nibble on over a few days at home,” Naylor says. Expect peppered salami, prosciutto ribbons, blueberry goat cheese, triple-cream brie, 100-day Gouda, manchego and an array of fresh and dried fruits. “I’ve tried to differentiate myself by the quality of the ingredients,” she says, sourcing fresh fruit from Jessica’s Organics and microgreens from Mandy’s. She home-marinates her olives with thyme, lemon and single-source olive oil. As for nitrate-free: “It tastes better; it tastes cleaner.” Small-batch items include her now signature blueberry-lavender jam—born from a surplus of berries after a rained-out event. Naylor operates out of the Rosemary District and fields most orders by phone.“People like to have a connection and help in making a choice,” she says. 415-215-3330, grazinggoods.com SRQ
Artisan Cheese Company
At Artisan Cheese Company, a mainstay farmstead cheese shop in the Rosemary District, owner Louise Converse assembles The Gathering the way a chef approaches a coursed dinner. “It’s a progression,” she says. Soft cheeses on the left, a sweeping arc through bloomy rinds and triple creams, then heartier sheep’s milk and firm Gouda, ending on a blue. “We focus on the placement of the cheese and fill in around that.” At “one of the only cut-to-order cheese shops in Florida,” the counter sources from farms in the U.S. and Europe, and her team of professional cheesemongers curates for each customer. Larger affairs call for bountiful grazing tables; for smaller ones, she’ll lend you a live-edged walnut board, handmade by her husband, to return the next day. Heading to the beach calls for one of the company’s boxes—“a lovely adventure in cheese”—compact enough for two. Summer also brings pairing classes—Cheese & Beer, Cheese & Wine—discounted for year-rounders. “What does summer look like, and how does that affect the seasonality of cheese?” Converse asks. Monday nights warrant a warm-plate supper club for 20 guests at a long table, with counter and patio seating for walk-ins. “We shouldn’t have to save our best for the season,” she says. 550 Central Ave, Sarasota, 941-951-7860, artisancheesecompany.com
Gulf Shore Charcuterie
Amanda Blair’s delivery operation now in its fifth year, offers Grazing Boxes (in a range of sizes) as party centerpieces—poolside or at any venue. Blair launched her business with a single Mother’s Day post while working a corporate job and raising two kids. She now caters those corporate events, along with everything from weddings to happy hours. Each setup comes with styling and thematic touches. She drops off, builds the spread; you don’t lift a finger. Blair sources roughly 80 percent of her ingredients from the local Detwiler’s and works every order herself. “I do more than just meat and cheese,” she says, pointing to marinated artichokes, candied jalapeños, honey mustard with pretzel bites and pesto with egg-free naan that holds up at room temperature. She doesn’t recommend leaving any board out for more than an hour, and builds her selections around items that tolerate the heat. A tip for DIY hosts: put caprese skewers on top so “people grab them first and they go quickly.” “You couldn’t go to the grocery store and get all of that for $95 dollars, including delivery,” she says. Add the Kids Box (Uncrustable, gummies, Goldfish, grapes) for the tiniest poolside crowd. 941-565-6141, gulfshorecharcuterie.com
Gulf Shore Charcuterie
Grazing Goods
RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE’S 2026 BEST OF SRQ LOCAL READERS COMPETITION
WinnersShowcase SRQ local
OUR READERS PASSIONATELY CELEBRATED their favorite hometown spots. From amazing arts to delicious dining to standout services, Best of SRQ Local is our community’s chance to showcase and support the places that make our region truly special. SPECIAL JULY/AUGUST 2026 WINNERS SHOWCASE
EVENT SPONSOR
HOST SPONSOR
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2026 TGIF BEST OF SRQ LOCAL PARTY SPONSORS AND VENDORS FOR CELEBRATING THE BEST OF SRQ LOCAL WITH OUR READERS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026 AT THE SARASOTA ART MUSEUM.
RESTAURANTS 99 BOTTLES, BRICKS SMOKED MEATS, CAFÉ GABBIANO, CAKES BY RON, CATCH A BUZZ, CONSTELLATION CULINARY, DUVAL’S FRESH. LOCAL. SEAFOOD., FIVE-O DONUTS, FOOD + BEER, FUSHIPOKE, GECKO’S, GREAT HEIGHTS CREAMERY, LIBBY’S NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT, MICHAEL’S ON EAST, SCOOPS AND SPRINKLES CREAMERY, SELVA GRILL, THE BREAKFAST COMPANY, TRIPLETAIL, TOASTIQUE BOUTIQUES AROMA ORACLES, ARTFUL GIRAFFE, INDULGENCE BY DEANNA, SALT YOUR SOUL GIFT CO., SURGE STYLE BOUTIQUE, TEA TIMES TX, THE BAZAAR ON, APRICOT AND LIME, SARASOTA ART MUSEUM STORE AND ARTIST ALLEY.
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ADNAN DEDIC
Sarasota’s Go-To Power Real Estate Agent for Luxury Real Estate
Adnan Dedic has become one of Sarasota’s most influential real estate powerhouses, known for his bold marketing, unmatched responsiveness, and a results-driven approach that consistently elevates the client experience. His rise in the luxury market is fueled by resilience, ambition, and a relentless commitment to outperform expectations.
His story begins far from Florida’s coastline. Born in Germany, his family originally from Bosnia, during a time of conflict, Dedic and his family fled the war and rebuilt their lives in the United States. Watching his parents start over taught him that success is earned through grit and adaptability. That mindset shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and ultimately led him into real estate, where he quickly emerged as a standout performer.
Today, Dedic ranks among the top 500 real estate brokers in the nation—an extraordinary distinction in an industry with more than two million licensed agents. His career sales are approaching the billion-dollar mark, and his achievements have earned recognition from major publications and organizations, including Forbes, Buzzprize’s “Young Entrepreneur of the Year,” and SRQ Magazine’s “35 Under 35.”
His portfolio features some of the region’s most exceptional properties, including multimillion-dollar waterfront estates on Siesta Key and Longboat Key. From modern architectural masterpieces to expansive coastal retreats, Dedic represents homes that define luxury living. In 2025 alone, he and his team “Dedic Collective” surpassed $100 million in sales, placing him firmly within the top 1% of agents nationwide.
Dedic’s entrepreneurial background extends beyond real estate. As a founder of multiple tech ventures, he brings a forward-thinking mindset to every transaction. His ability to integrate innovative tools, data-driven strategies, and cu ingedge marketing gives his clients a competitive advantage in an increasingly fast-moving market. This blend of technology and personal connection creates a seamless, modern, and highly effective real estate experience.
Today, Adnan Dedic stands as a leading force in Sarasota’s luxury real estate landscape. His journey—from refugee to nationally recognized real estate leader—continues to inspire, while his results speak for themselves. For buyers and sellers seeking a bold, strategic, and highly skilled partner, Dedic offers a level of service that elevates every aspect of the real estate experience.
“THE
ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE THAT NOBODY ELSE HAS IS YOU. YOUR VOICE, YOUR MIND, YOUR STORY, YOUR VISION. SO WRITE AND CREATE AND PLAY AND LOVE AND LIVE AS ONLY AS YOU CAN.”
CLIENTS CHOOSE DEDIC FOR ONE REASON: He delivers. They describe him as strategic, fearless, and always available. Real estate isn’t a 9-to-5 business, and he embraces that reality with a level of dedication that sets him apart. Whether navigating competitive bidding situations, advising on investment opportunities, or crafting high-impact marketing campaigns, he brings precision, speed, and a deep understanding of the Sarasota market.
Testimonials highlight not just his results but his character. Clients and colleagues describe him as driven, focused, and constantly pushing to improve. His success, they note, is the product of persistence and a willingness to take on challenges with confidence and clarity.
ADNAN DEDIC
Compass Real Estate
M 941.726.2917
1575 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 adnan.dedic@compass.com adnandedic.com adnandedic
ON SOLID GROUND
The Ringling’s exhibition explores the expressive possibilities of abstraction through contemporary art. Dylan Campbell
culture city
OLA WLUSEK IS INTERESTED IN SIGHT. NOT FROM THE MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE—Wlusek is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at The Ringling—but rather a creative one. How does art change, shift or even enforce how people see the world and their place in it? Such is the focus of The Ringling’s ongoing exhibition As Earth is to Sky: Selections from the Gift of Murray Bring and Kathleen Bring and The Ringling Collection of Modern & Contemporary Art. The exhibition, curated by Wluskek, marks the second installment of 22 abstract and minimalist artworks gifted to The Ringling by Murray and Kathleen Delaney Bring. As Earth is to Sky takes these works, a combination of sculpture and works in paper and panel, and employs them to highlight the expressive possibilities of abstraction. “Across the exhibition, visitors will encounter works in steel, bronze, copper, wood and mixed media that explore balance, movement, texture and spatial presence,” says Wlusek. “Some works assert a strong physical weight and architectural sensibility, while others feel more intimate, organic or quietly contemplative.”
Below: Viewers stand in front of works from American artist Robert Stackhouse at The Ringling’s As Earth is to Sky.
As Earth is to Sky is anchored by a sculpture from renowned American sculptor Beverly Pepper. Diamond Sentinel II (1981-1989), is a 12-foot cast iron sculpture from Pepper’s Moline Makers series. The monolith, striking in its singularity, sets the thematic tones for As Earth is to Sky. The pieces shown all function to create a dialogue between spaces, exploring the dichotomy of gravity and openness, of darkness and light, of solid ground and the sky. “The exhibition brings together works from The Ringling’s collection that explore abstraction as a way of responding to the world, whether through scale, surface, color, geometry or gesture, revealing how artists use form to engage ideas of presence, perception and environment,” says Wlusek.
The title of the exhibition itself is taken from a 1975 essay by art historian Edward F. Fry on Pepper’s practice and artistic identity. “The phrase is intentionally poetic, evoking a sense of balance and reciprocity, between what is grounded and what transcends. In the context of the exhibition, the title reflects the enduring dialogue between sculpture and environment, material presence and imaginative reach,” says Wlusek. “It also signals the ways abstract and minimalist works can be both physically rooted and conceptually expansive.”
The abstract sculptural aspect of As Earth is to Sky also includes works from sculptors Bryan Hunt (b. 1947), John Van Alstine (b. 1952), Mark Di Suvero (b. 1933) and Yuriko Yamaguchi (b. 1948). These works—created from bronze, steel, wood and copper—delineate how abstract sculpture can carry historical and emotional weight,
Wlusek attests. “Van Alstine combines industrial steel with stone, bronze and wood to explore balance, tension, and metaphor, creating works that evoke endurance, memory and the interplay between natural and humanmade forces,” says Wlusek. “Hunt draws on history and place, distilling figures such as Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella into simplified, poetic forms that reflect themes of journey, ambition and legacy. Di Suvero brings a dynamic, kinetic sensibility to the exhibition, transforming industrial materials into expressive structures that engage movement, gravity and space and echo the gestural energy of Abstract Expressionism.”
Rounding out As Earth is to Sky are works on paper and panel from Robin Rose (b. 1946) and Robert Stackhouse (b. 1942). Both Rose and Stackhouse are artists with connections to Florida—Rose was born in Ocala and earned degrees from Florida State University. Specializing in encaustic painting, or hot wax painting, Rose uses a heated wax medium to which colored pigments have been added, that, in Wlusek’s words, “explore technological innovation and archaeological discovery, revealing subtle shifts of color, depth and texture.” Stackhouse, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 1965, is known particularly for his boat and maritime inspired sculptures, drawings and prints. “Both artists engage deeply with process and material, transforming familiar subjects into immersive visual experiences,” says Wlusek. SRQ As Earth is to Sky, November 15, 2025-January 9, 2028, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-359-5700, ringling.org
This page, left to right: As Earth is to Sky explores the possibilities of contemporary, abstract art; Guests stand in front of Yuriko Yamaguchi’s “Gravity”, 1988. Wood. 70x701 in.
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ON THE RANGE
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse delivers an authentic churrasco experience. Dylan Campbell
This page: Meats are sliced tableside in the traditional rodizio serving style at Samba Brazilian Steakhouse.
THE SECTION OF TAMIAMI TRAIL JUST SOUTH OF PHILLIPI CREEK, is not, by anyone’s estimate, the most scenic part of the highway. That would likely belong to the stretch of US 41 that cuts through the Florida Everglades, providing unseen access to the wildest part of the state. It is, however, a demarcation point—the last glimpses of downtown Sarasota begin to fade, replaced by a shifting horizon of businesses new and old, all holding memories for those who pass by. It is also, for the sake of this story, a sort of country road. A connection to a forgotten frontier.
A churrascaria is a Brazilian-style steakhouse, one that specializes in the churrasco cooking method. It is a style of cooking that dates back centuries, originating from the gaucho (or cowboy) cattle-herding tradition of Southern Brazil. These nomadic cattleherders would cook long cuts of meat, coated in coarse salt, on long metal skewers over open flames. Smoky crusts, tender bites and communal meals were a way of life on the South American frontier. Hundreds of years later, that tradition lives on at restaurants such as Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, a churrascaria just south of downtown Sarasota.
Samba, which opened in December 2024, is the creation of husband and wife team Wem Samba and Ellen Araujo. Although Samba Steakhouse, a sleek black building just off the Trail, does not scream “Western” in its aesthetic, the food speaks for itself. In May, the restaurant switched from a la carte to the rodizio style service format. Rodizio, which translates to “rotation” in Portuguese, means that at a Brazilian steakhouse such as Samba, cuts of fire-roasted meats are continuously brought out to the diner and sliced table-side by the waiter. In other words, a meal at Samba is a really, really good time.
“When you mention a Brazilian steakhouse or a Brazilian way of eating meat, people are used to the meat being brought to the table. That’s why we switched to rodizio from a la carte,” says Samba. “The way we start the meal is that there is an unlimited salad bar buffet, where you serve yourself as much as you’d like and then we start with the meats, beginning with the regular cuts then moving to the more premium cuts.”
The salad bar, as every meal starts at Samba, is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, there are salads and assortment of ruffage—but there are also heaps of side dishes to help populate the plate. Everything at Samba is made in-house from the chicken, potato and macaroni salads, to the cold pasta and hot pasta dishes alike, french fries, gourmet cheese and shrimp offerings on the weekends. The pao de queijo is a Brazilian
cheese bread, light and airy with the softest crunch on the outside. Beef empanadas are flakey, buttery delights, especially when paired with the bright, punchy molho verde sauce. Feijoada—the national dish of Brazil—is a savory, rich stew of black beans cooked down with pork chops, sausage, ribs and bacon.
Make no mistake about it, however, at Samba, the meat is the star of the show. The restaurant features an array of succulent offerings that originate from hog to heifer to hen. Behind the doors of the kitchen is a massive Brazilian rotisserie style grill, authentic to that of a traditional churrascaria. Decadent creations from chicken wings to house made pork sausage to glazed pork belly, juicy cuts of top sirloin, filet mignon, picanha and beyond rotate on motorized spits for hours at a time. Every cut of meat, every rotation of the spit, harkens back to that tradition of churrasco cooking.
The pork sausage, grinded and cased inhouse, is juicy, luscious with a perfect snap. The chicken, which is one of the few cuts that requires hours of marination, is a tender affair, smothered in garlic and herbs. The crispy pork belly is one of the most arduous meats to prepare, but the bite is well worth the work. The pork belly is first wrapped in aluminum
foil before cooking on the rotisserie for three hours, developing a succulent inside. The creation is then unwrapped and finished on the grill, creating a crunchy exterior with an incredibly soft meat.
As Samba Steakhouse moves up toward the more premium cuts of beef, the meal only gets better. Top sirloin is sliced thin, with a flamekissed crust that exudes a hint of salt and a beefy, rich, medium-rare interior. The baconwrapped filet mignon manages the best of both worlds—crispy, fatty bacon wraps around the prized medallions—encasing stilltender bites of filet mignon.
The most popular cut at Samba—and Wem Samba’s personal favorite—is the picanha or sirloin cap. This prized cut, bent into a horseshoe over a skewer, roasted with a layer of coarse salt, exudes what this churrascaria is all about. Picanha is sought after particularly for its fat cap, a wedge of marbled gold, ringing the delicate steak. The resulting bite is a symphony of flavor, the fat cap dissolving in your mouth before your teeth tear into the tender meat. Experiences such as these are what Samba Brazilian Steakhouse is designed to do—to be a transportive sanctuary, taking the dinner through time, from the blacktop of Tamiami Trail to the wild frontier of southern Brazil. SRQ
Below: Juicy steak is slid off of the skewer and onto the plate. Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, 6115 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
BURIED TREASURE
Dive Wine & Spirits takes “hidden gem” to its most profound conclusion. Andrew Fabian
THE MERCHANT’S POINTE SHOPPING PLAZA ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF CLARK AND SWIFT ROADS TYPIFIES THE ALL-AMERICAN STRIP MALL. Here, you can purchase—in no particular order—your prescriptions, groceries, interior latex paint, Chinese take-out and a couple scoops of frozen custard. It’s a melting pot of the mundane, where folks from all walks of life convene over their daily needs. It’s beneath this commonplace, unsuspecting facade where Broc Smith and Jeremy Rice have buried their treasure.
Dive Wine & Spirits, which the business partners own, looks, by all accounts, like an ordinary liquor store. You walk through the door at Dive and see the typical rows of wine and spirits, arranged by type and grape. You’ve got your Bulleit and Maker’s Mark, Hendrick’s and Tanqueray, Patrón and Cuervo, red and white and sparkling wines. Here and there, an end cap with a sale item. But, at the back of the store is a sliding door for a walk-in refrigerator. In the evenings, it’s usually ajar. Stand close enough, and the hubbub of lively conversation sneaks through the crack. Sliding the door over reveals a cozy, dimly lit bar that’s somewhere between a speakeasy and a storehouse. That’s Dive Cocktail Den, a cocktail lounge where some of the region’s most inspired mixologists whip up one-off drinks using some of the unique spirits available in the store.
It’s version two of a concept Smith ironed out at Liquor Locker, another liquor store and bar combo at Sarasota Crossings on Fruitville Road. But here on Clark Road, in the same plaza where a beloved, faith-based local grocery chain sells everything but alcohol, Dive Wine & Spirits anchors what has become so much more than a hidden watering hole.
This spread, left to right: Elevated mojitos, Negronis with a twist and artisanal tequilas grace the shelves and bar tops at Dive.
Sure, the inventive seasonal cocktails delight. They might feature all the magical mixology techniques one finds in a craft lounge—cocktail smokers, bespoke foams layered atop coupe glasses, rare spirits gleaming in unrecognizably shaped bottles. It’s all artistry and invention, couched in an approachable, unpretentious atmosphere. But Smith and Rice don’t stop there.
For years, they’ve featured food popups, some of which have spawned into renowned brick-and-mortar concepts. They’ve since added two brick-and-mortar concepts of their own to their little slice of strip mall paradise. The first is Maso, their new, 32-seat supper club concept. Here, all of Rice and Smith’s experience—and the latter’s annual travels around our little blue marble—ladder up to a fine dining experience as only they could conjure.
For the intimate space, Smith and Rice partnered up with a long-time collaborator, Rich Demarse, who’s as much a wizard in the kitchen as he is on a fishing boat. Demarse, who also owns Gulf Coast Crab & Seafood in Gulf Gate, has been a feature of the food pop-up rotation at Dive, specializing in seafood but able to flex into just about any cuisine.
At Maso, Chef Demarse whips up tasting menus, heavy on steak and seafood, that pair with Smith’s encyclopedic knowledge of spirits. From his annual travels abroad, Smith brings back souvenirs and stories that introduce new vineyards and rare liquids that only he has access to. The reservation-only concept will emphasize approachability. In other words, fine dining without pretension.
And the gregarious Smith wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, most reservations are made via direct text to his personal number. The initial rollout of Maso was so successful that Smith and Rice took the last adjoining space to their south—where they briefly operated a pizza and wings concept called DoughBoy Swift—to create a new cocktail lounge for Maso’s overflow. All told, the Dive “umbrella” includes a liquor store, a cocktail den, lounge and, now, a fine dining supper club stashed away behind dark windows. And—to reiterate—it’s all in the same plaza as a grocery store and a hardware store. So, by all means, put together a shopping list. Grab your eggs and bananas. Scoop up some drywall spackle. Just don’t forget to show up hungry and thirsty in search of the gems hidden in plain sight. SRQ
This spread, clockwise The top sirloin pastrami is stacked high. A smoked oldfashioned is all smoke and bite. The cowboy ribeye embodies the smoke and texture of Chophouse’s signature process. Umami defines the Louisville carbonara;
SPOILED FOR CHOICE
With Chophouse285, Englewood’s down-home Dearborn District gets a touch of high class. Andrew Fabian
THE WALK-IN DRY AGING ROOM AT CHOPHOUSE 285 GLOWS LIKE A PRIMEVAL TROPHY CASE. On the back wall, warm lighting emanates from bricks of Himalayan salt, cut and stacked with the precision of an Old World master craftsman. Racks of ribeye hang from steel bars overhead. Three metal shelves up front display beautifully dry-aged strips, filets, porterhouses and assorted wagyu. Many of these glorious slabs of beef have a nice, even pellicle, signalling they are ready to be transformed by fire and smoke.
This is the centerpiece of Englewood’s newest steakhouse, an ambitious concept from Leslie and Keith Farlow, owners of the popular Farlow’s on the Water. With Chophouse 285, they bring a bit of fine dining panache to the Dearborn District, blending Southern, Caribbean and traditional steakhouse fare.
But long before a dry-aged steak sees the grates of a wood-fired Demant Grill—a custom fabricator whose live fuel grills grace Michelin restaurants—Chophouse 285 strikes an imposing figure. The restaurant is big, seating more than 300. The bar alone seats close to 50, every spot a front-row seat to the nightly piano music played on a stage behind the bar. Between lunch and dinner offerings, six or more pages comprise the menu, covering everything from hummus and ceviche to house-made pastas and dry-aged steaks. And they somehow manage to pull it off while having too many (talented) cooks in the kitchen—Executive Chef Austin Davis, Chef Connor Hahn, Chef Andrea Amato and Chef Carson Schiro.
Yet, despite this scale, quality has not been sacrificed. Everything—everything—is thoughtfully executed. Wood tables and beams made of reclaimed Prohibition-era wood from bourbon-aging “rickhouses” in Owensboro, Kentucky. Breads, pastries and desserts baked in-house. Fresh pastas rolled by hand. Many dishes even use herbs grown by the Farlows. It’s the kind of restaurant where every dish is a hit. That includes the rojo triggerfish ceviche. Where more common ceviches simply use a milky leche de tigre marinade—fresh lime juice, fish trimmings, aromatics and chilis—this ceviche incorporates a wood-fired sofrito. This gives the mix of triggerfish and rock fish the same brightness of more common ceviches, with an added bit of kick and smoke.
The yellowfin tuna poke further flexes some of the kitchen’s creativity. Yuzu honey adds a bit of sweetness, while chile almonds and celeriac mousse bring some a dash of spice and earthiness, respectively. The end product is a protein-rich plate that manages to eat both cleanly and heartily.
Tasmanian farmed salmon is said to be some of the best in the world, thanks in part to the cold, pristine, swift waters off the southern coast of Tasmania. Buttery and mild with a relatively high fat content, this rich fish is the crowning touch on the Tasmanian salmon yuzu honey salad. It sits atop a large mound of red and white cabbage, shredded carrots, shallots, cilantro, mint and mixed greens, tossed in a pistachio dressing. Bright, herbaceous and wholly satisfying, these are some of the healthiest calories on the menu, with a wonderful crunch from the cabbage-candied cashews.
But that’s not to say that some of the more risque calories on the menu are any less deserving of your time. The Hemingway onion rings are delightfully fluffy and evenly textured. They are so named because of the Hemingway bourbon used in the 24-hour marinade for the onions, which also includes a bit of Worcestershire sauce. The onions are deep fried, of course, but they won’t leave fingers especially greasy. That has everything to do with the fact that the onions are cooked sous vide first before being coated in batter and placed in the fryer. That means the delicious buttermilk and house-seasoned batter doesn’t get burnt to a crisp. They come served with a tangy Morito pepper ranch.
From the lunch menu, a hefty pastrami sandwich demonstrates the full breadth of Chophouse’s commitment to scratch-made. They brine the top sirloin in-house for 6 days, then roll it in spices before
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showing it to the grill and a sous vide dip. The rye bread is also made from scratch in-house. This thing is beefy, both in flavor and size, stacked with fried onions and gruyere. Not to be outdone, the tater tots, like the onion rings, are a triumph in culinary engineering. Somehow, Chophouse has managed to figure out how to make them perfectly crispy on the outside, and mashed-potato-creamy on the inside.
Stepping back over to the dinner menu, the Louisville carbonara is an umami bomb. More specifically, the dish’s agnolotti is unfathomably unctuous and silky. It’s stuffed with smoked, braised ham hock and caramelized onion, the former packing a grand glutamate gut-punch. Finished in a cream sauce, then topped with five grilled shrimp and gremolata, this dish truly captures the restaurant’s dual Southern and Caribbean ambitions.
But let’s not forget the restaurant’s primary ambitions lie in its lovingly dry-aged, exquisitely grilled steaks. The cowboy ribeye is a good allrounder. Most steaks here are cooked twice—or once with a brief intermission, if you prefer. After the first sear, it rests in a mayhaw seasoned butter. Mayhaw is a tart fruit that grows in the Southeastern U.S. Here, it imparts a subtle top note that accents
the wonderful mix of charcoal and oak smoldering in the Demant grill. Brussels sprouts and mac and cheese are two good options for accompaniments. The sprouts are roasted with and mixed with a carrot kimchi chow chow and pickled apple, then topped with a bit of grana padano cheese. The mac and cheese strikes a wonderful balance between creamy and firm, made with fiorentina, grana padano, manchego and yellow cheddar cheeses, before being garnished with thyme and crumbled Ritz crackers. Those looking for a more show-stopping steak experience, a Chateaubriand brings a bit of razzledazzle. A bone-in tenderloin roast is slow-roasted over white oak, then finished tableside in a fiery flambé before being carved and served.
Standout desserts include the lemon lavender cake—bright, herbaceous, floral—and the huckleberry chocolate cake—fruity, rich and large enough to share, thanks in part to the generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. For cocktails, the signature black cherry oldfashioned is a hint of molasses-sweet with the bite of a Hemingway bourbon, while the smoked old-fashioned cuts a sultry figure when it emerges from its custom smoke box. As with all the offerings at Chophouse 285, there are no bad choices. SRQ
Above, left to right: A yellowfin poke is a clean mound of protein with a tropical Asian flavor profile. Stylish booths spoil diners in comfort. Chophouse285 by Farlows, 285 W Dearborn St., Englewood, 941-777-2467 chophouse285.com
Hurricane Preparedness for the 2026 Season
As the 2026 hurricane season rolls in, Sarasota and Manatee County residents need to prepare for possible storms. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, there is a high risk of storm surge, flooding, high winds and power outages. Local officials warn that residents should create emergency plans and assemble disaster supply kits. Most importantly, residents should understand the evacuation procedures in each area. Evacuation zones are based on storm surge risk; storm surges can reach miles inland and pose significant danger. “It only takes one storm to have a significant impact on our community,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske explains, “Now is the time to review your plans, know your evacuation level and make sure you’re prepared for whatever this hurricane season may bring.” A variety of educational resources on hurricane preparedness are available on the Sarasota County Government web-site, as well as the Manatee County Government website. State and local resources, including evacuation centers, emergency transportation and low-interest loans for repairs are available to residents in case of an emergency.
State and Local Resources
Sarasota County Hurricane Preparedness Plans Online
Manatee County Hurricane Preparedness Plans Online
www.mymanatee.org/departments/public-safety-department/emergency-management-division Sarasota and Manatee County Alert Systems
Residents can sign up online for severe weather and evacuation order alerts. Sandbag filling stations will vary with each storm and can be found online. extreme-weather-dashboard-manateegis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/sandbags
Transportation Rally Points for Sarasota County
Although the County recommends residents find alternative transportation options to emergency centers, such as personal transportation or Breeze Transit service, free bus transportation to and from shelters for residents and pets is offered as a lastresort option. This transportation leaves from rally point locations around the city and drops residents off at emergency shelters.
Laurel Park — 509 Collins Rd., Nokomis
Venice Community Center — 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice
Suncoast Technical College — 4675 Career Ln., North Port
Garden Elementary School — 700 Center Rd., Venice
George Mullen Activity Center — 1602 Kramer Way, North Port
North Port Library — 13800 Tamiami Trl., North Port
Buchan Airport Community Park — 1390 Old Englewood Rd., Englewood
Englewood Sports Complex — 1300 S. River Rd., Englewood
Breeze Transit UTC Transfer Station — Mall at University
Sarasota County Evacuation Centers
Town Center, 500 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota
Publix Super Market at Shoppes of Bay Isles
— 525 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key
Breeze Transit Downtown Transfer Station
— 150 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota
Lido Public Beach — 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota
Colonial Oaks Park — 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota
Siesta Public Beach — 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota
Potter Park — 8587 Potter Park Dr., Sarasota
Pine View School — 1 Python Path, Osprey
Residents should keep in mind that shelter openings vary with each emergency.
Booker High School — 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota
Fruitville Elementary School — 601 Honore Ave., Sarasota
Southside Elementary School — 1901 Webber St., Sarasota
Brookside Middle School — 3635 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota
Phillippi Shores Elementary — 4747 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Riverview High School — 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Gulf Gate Elementary — 6500 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota
Taylor Ranch Elementary School — 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice
Heron Creek Middle School — 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port
North Port High School — 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port
Woodland Middle School — 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port
Atwater Elementary School — 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port
Florida Power and Light
HAVING A PLAN READY BEFORE A STORM IS ON FLORIDA’S DOORSTEP WILL ENSURE YOU CAN MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. SOME WAYS YOU CAN START CRAFTING YOUR PLANS INCLUDE:
• Making sure you know how to operate a generator safely during a potential outage.
• Checking radios, flashlights, batteries and phone chargers.
• Having a plan ready – including evacuation or backup generation - for any family members who rely on medically necessary devices that require electricity.
• Calling 911 and 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) if you see downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment after a storm.
• Bookmarking FPL.com, downloading the FPL Mobile App and saving 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to your cell phone to report and check the status of your restoration.
FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT (FPL) IS CONTINUING ITS YEAR-ROUND PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANES AND SEVERE WEATHER BY INVESTING IN AND ENHANCING THE ELECTRIC GRID THROUGHOUT THE STATE. THIS INCLUDES:
• Hardening the electric system with steel, concrete and reinforced wooden power poles.
• Undergrounding power lines in select neighborhoods with the Storm Secure Underground Program, improving our resiliency systemwide and our efficiency during storm restoration.
• Installing smart grid technology that helps customers avoid outages altogether and helps us restore power faster following hurricanes and severe weather.
• Maintaining trees and other vegetation around thousands of miles of power lines.
Working for you. Every single day. Every day we’re not responding to a storm, we’re preparing for one.
“Our investments to make the electric grid stronger and smarter have proven eff ective in getting the lights back on faster for our customers following hurricanes and severe weather. Nevertheless, no electric grid can be 100% stormproof. That is why we encourage you to prepare your emergency plans, so your families and businesses are ready, too.”
— Armando Pimentel, FPL president and CEO
Florida Power and Light | Sarasota 5657 McIntosh Rd | Sarasota, FL 34233 FPL.com
For tips, checklists and resources for developing emergency plans, visit FPL.com/Storm.
Manatee County Special Needs Registry
Those in need of transportation or sheltering assistance in the case of an evacuation order can apply online. Eligible conditions include, but are not limited to, being dependent on supplemental oxygen or an official diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Manatee County Evacuation Centers
Residents should keep in mind that shelter openings vary with each emergency.
Mills Elementary School — 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto
Myakka City Elementary School — 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City
Miller Elementary School — 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton
Freedom Elementary School — 9515 State Road 64 E., Bradenton
Gullet Elementary School — 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton
McNeal Elementary School — 6325 Lorraine Rd., Bradenton
Mona Jain Middle School — 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton
Haile Middle School — 9501 State Rd. 64 E., Bradenton
Harvey Elementary School — 8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish
Sugg Middle School — 3801 59th St. W., Bradenton
Prine Elementary School — 3801 Southern Parkway, Bradenton
Willis Elementary School — 14705 The Masters Ave., Bradenton
Braden River High School — 6545 State Rd. 70 E., Bradenton
Reduced Permit Fees Post-Storm
Buffalo Creek Middle School — 7320 69th St. E., Palmetto
Oneco Elementary School — 5214 22nd St. Court E., Bradenton
Rogers Garden Elementary School — 515 13th Ave. W., Bradenton
Williams Elementary School — 3404 Fort Hamer Rd., Parrish
Witt Elementary School — 200 Rye Rd., Bradenton
Lee Middle School — 4000 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton
Braden River Middle School — 6215 River Club Blvd., Bradenton
Daughtrey Elementary School — 515 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton
Johnson K-8 — 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton
Kinnan Elementary School — 3415 Tallevast Rd., Sarasota
Seabreeze Elementary School — 3601 71st St. West, Bradenton
Tillman Elementary School — 1415 29th St. E., Palmetto
Manatee High School — 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton
Following a hurricane, Sarasota County offers reduced permit fees for work to repair damage caused by the storms — information on which reduced fees are available for each storm can be found on the county website. Sarasota County may also offer expedited permitting for storm-related repairs. www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/building/disaster-recovery.
Business Disaster Recovery Support
Florida Small Business Development Centers offer assistance to businesses impacted by hurricanes. Consultants at these centers provide support in navigating recovery programs, including Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA Physical Disaster Loans and the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. More information can be found on the website. (www.sarasotafl.gov/business-resources/hurricane-assistance) SBA Disaster Loans are offered with low interest rates to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations following a hurricane. The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program offer short-term, zero-interest loans for businesses intended to bridge the gap between the disaster and securing long term funding.
Preparing for the Hurricane with Pets
Residents with pets should take additional precautions in preparing for hurricane season, according to Manatee County Emergency Management Cheif Matthew Myers and Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. Ahead of the season, Tapfumaneyi recommends that owners microchip their pets—if owners and pets are separated during a disaster, a microchip can facilitate finding the pet after the storm. Whether families might need to evacuate or shelter-inplace, Sarasota County also recommends preparing a pet emergency kit with a week’s supply of food, water and medication. The kit should also include current vaccination records, a proper identification collar with a rabies tag, a carrier or crate, cat litter with a box and scooper, plastic bags and cleaning materials. Tapfumaneyi also recommends that owners bring a current photo of them with their pet in the case of separation, as well as any comfort items the pet may need such as toys or treats. In the case of a storm, if evacuation orders are issued, residents should not leave their pets alone at home. All Sarasota County evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but pets are required to remain in a crate or carrier while there unless being exercised— Tapfumaneyi notes that if owners plan to stay at a shelter in case of evacuation, they should acclimate their pets to being in a crate ahead of time. However, she recommends that owners find family or friends to stay with. It’s another reason to try to find a family or friend to stay with so the pet can be roaming around the home instead of in the crate the whole time. In Manatee County, only Miller Elementary School, Mills Elementary School and Freedom Elementary School, as well as all special needs shelters, are pet-friendly. If owners do bring their pets to any of these Sarasota or Manatee County shelters, they should bring their pet e mergency kit and be aware that they will be responsible for their pet’s care. Myers notes that Manatee County Animal Welfare will be at pet-friendly emergency centers to assist, but that owners should still know they are primarily responsible for their pets.
Tips for Preparation
Take steps to protect your home — secure loose rain gu ers and clear clogged areas or debris, secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors and learn how to turn off gas, water and electricity. Consider building a FEMA safe room in your home designed to protect from high winds and flood waters.
Prepare a ‘shelter-in-place’ checklist, which should include canned food and a can opener, paper items, baby needs, medications, prescriptions, a first aid kit, a ba ery-operated flashlight, extra ba eries, cash, pet supplies and photocopies of important documents. In the case of an emergency, those sheltering-in-place should clean bathtubs or other large containers and fill with water.Other needs will include one gallon of drinking water per person per day, for at least 3 days and at least half a tank of gasoline in the car.
Finish repairs on damage from last season’s hurricanes to ensure homes are up to previous level of safety. Consider installing impactresistant windows or hurricane shu ers.
Sign up for local weather and evacuation alerts for Sarasota or Manatee Counties.
Businesses should ensure that all employees have a hurricane preparedness plan and a plan in place for evacuation and continue to check in with employees in the event of a storm.
Businesses should also have a recovery plan in place for clearing debris, repairing any damages and reopening.
Review insurance policies for be er understanding of what damages might be covered. Consider purchasing flood insurance.
Myers and Tapfumaneyi both encourage residents to check in on neighbors and employees and ensure that they have plans for communication in case traditional methods are cut off. “I want people to know that they should be checking on their neighbors,” Myers says. “They should be making sure that their plans are consistent. If they know that their neighbors are not going to be home, that’s one less place that we might have to look if we’re having to do search and rescue.”
This page: Lauren Radakovich of Harmony Harbor Counseling and Wellness, helps her clients rekindle a sense of connection to their natural environment, their community and most importantly, themselves.
wellness
STEP OUTSIDE
Nature-based therapies are bringing mental and physical healthcare out of the office and into the wild. Stephanie Churn Lubow
WHEN PAT WOTTON ARRIVED AT HER WINTER HOME IN FLORIDA THIS YEAR, she wasn’t feeling the usual lift that comes with sunshine and sea air. Instead, she carried what she describes as a “heavy heart”— weighed down by personal challenges, a sense of cultural unease and a news cycle she found difficult to process. Scrolling through the events calendar at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, she paused over something called a “Forest Therapy Walk” at the Historic Spanish Point campus. She hesitated before signing up. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she says, “but I figured, how would things ever change if I didn’t try to change them?”
What Wotton found wasn’t therapy in the traditional sense, but a guided experience that slowed her mind and shifted her attention. “Through getting reintroduced to my senses,” she says, “I was able to lift the cloud over my head.” Wotton’s experience is part of a growing movement known as nature therapy, an umbrella term that includes forest therapy and ecotherapy. Rooted in ancient and Indigenous traditions and increasingly supported by modern research, nature therapy is gaining momentum as more people seek alternatives— or complements—to conventional mental and physical healthcare. In our area, local practitioners are helping people reconnect with themselves through intentional engagement with the natural world, using approaches that range from guided group walks to one-on-one therapeutic sessions outdoors.
The forest therapy walk that Wotton attended at Spanish Point was led by Deborah Skorupski, a certified nature and forest therapy guide who offers them regularly from October to April. “A lot of people don’t understand that there’s a difference between someone just taking you for a walk in the woods and a professionally guided forest therapy walk,” Skorupski says.
Skorupski became certified in 2021 through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy after discovering the practice during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a litigation attorney, she’d spent 25 years in high-stress environments and saw firsthand how disconnected people had become—from their bodies, from nature and from any sense of calm. “When the pandemic hit, the one place we could be was outside,” she says. “As I started learning more about the therapeutic benefits of forest therapy, I knew this was something I wanted to share with people.”
Forest therapy—sometimes referred to as “forest bathing”—has its modern origins in Japan, where the term shinrin-yoku was coined in the 1980s after
researchers noticed a rise in stress-related illnesses alongside increased technology use. Studies found that time in forests lowered blood pressure, improved sleep and reduced anxiety and depression—results compelling enough that Japan established designated forest therapy trails within its national parks and forests.
As a certified guide, Skorupski leads participants through an intentional sequence of simple “invitations” designed to slow neurological activity and heighten sensory awareness. Participants wander for a few minutes on their own, perhaps tuning in to certain colors or patterns, with no right or wrong way to engage. “If you get distracted by something unexpected,” she says, “then that’s exactly what your body needs in that moment.”
Central to the practice are two symbolic thresholds. “The first is connection,” Skorupski says. “You’re stepping out of the human world and into the natural world.” Some participants mark this moment by stepping over a stick placed on the ground. At the end of the walk, a tea ceremony signals the second threshold: incorporation. “It’s about setting the intention to bring what you experienced back into your daily life,” she says. Research shows that time in nature can reduce cortisol levels and inflammation in the body while also boosting immune function and white blood cell production. Skorupski explains that trees and plants release compounds called phytoncides into the air and soil to strengthen nearby trees under stress, and these compounds can also be absorbed by the human body. “When you spend time outside,” she says, “you’re actually helping your body create the exact cells it needs to heal.”
While often experienced in groups, nature therapy is also becoming an integral part of one-on-one mental healthcare. “We call nature the co-therapist,” says Lauren Radakovich, a licensed mental health counselor and certified ecotherapist at Harmony Harbor Counseling and Wellness in Sarasota. “She’s always present in
the background of the work we’re doing.” Radakovich’s path to ecotherapy began with an interest in biophilia—the idea that humans are biologically wired in our DNA to connect with nature. Her research came to life while working at a therapeutic school for at-risk girls in central Florida. “We basically lived in the woods with them for two years,” she says, “and the changes we saw from spending time in nature were incredible. The girls gained so much confidence.” After completing specialized training in ecopsychology in Portland, Oregon and working on a therapy farm there, she moved to Sarasota, where she noticed a gap in local offerings. “Florida is a great place for this,” she says. “We have the weather, the biodiversity and so many accessible natural spaces.”
Radakovich meets clients in parks and green spaces for walk-and-talk sessions or simply sits with them outdoors. “Some people find that more approachable than sitting in an office and making eye contact,” she says. “We can walk in silence if needed. Whatever shows
up in nature—a bird, the wind—can become part of the session.” Though the setting may appear idyllic, Radakovich emphasizes that ecotherapy is especially effective for deeper psychological work. “Finding a sense of safety in the body is what trauma work really entails,” she says. “We don’t always need to tell our stories to heal. Sometimes we need to learn how to stay present in the now without the past overriding it.” One of the first shifts Radakovich notices in her ecotherapy clients is a change in thought patterns. “Our brains tend to ruminate on negative thinking,” she says. “Nature helps people pause, take a beat and change the channel more quickly.”
By the end of her forest therapy walk at Spanish Point, Pat Wotton found herself moving differently—not just more slowly, but more attentively. One of the tools she took with her was simple: slowing her pace enough to truly notice what's around her. It's something she now carries into her daily life. SRQ Lauren Radakovich, harmony-harbor.com/lauren-radakovich/ Deborah Skorupski, deborah@fnft.earth
giving coast
Carey Houghton provides comfort and dignity to a Meals on Wheels recipient. Barbie Heit
CAREY HOUGHTON MAY BE A LOCAL NOW, BUT HER LIFE BEGAN WITH EXOTIC TRAVEL. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, she moved to London at 17. Her passion for travel led her to spend a year in Australia and work at a Swiss ski resort. She says, “I met my husband, Andrew, while we were working at the London Marriott, and thus began a 30-year expat journey around the world.” This journey included living in several countries, such as Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, China and the United States.
Andrew enjoyed a long career as a Marriott and Ritz Carlton General Manager and Area Vice President, while Carey enjoyed fun jobs during that time—from serving as the Social Secretary to the British Ambassador in Cairo, to being a flight attendant on a private jet in Riyadh, a personal shopper in Istanbul and a buyer for an historic house museum shop in Fort Lauderdale. Carey and Andrew chose Sarasota for their retirement, settling in the historic Avondale neighborhood, conveniently located near downtown. They frequently walk to the Bay in the mornings and enjoy the various dining options in Southside Village. During the quieter summer months, they often venture downtown for dinner before a short drive to Lido Beach to watch the sunset. Despite having only spent a single night in Sarasota previously, they were drawn to it because several couples they knew, especially former Marriott colleagues, had also retired there. Shortly after moving to Sarasota
on Wheels. “Their work is so vital to a diverse and often distressed community, those I would not have met otherwise,” she explains. “Having witnessed food insecurity in the international cities we have lived in, I felt compelled to help in my new hometown.” Carey’s commitment to her Meals on Wheels clients goes beyond simply delivering food. Having served the same individuals since she started, she’s built meaningful relationships. One client, named Greg, has always been polite and friendly when she comes to visit. When Carey discovered Greg was sleeping on unwashed sheets due to a broken washing machine in his very modest one-room rental—where he only had a bucket for hand-washing—she took immediate action. She purchased fresh sheets, pillows and a new pair of shoes for him. Greg had fallen on hard times after back surgery wiped out his savings and now relies on a walker with limited mobility. This act of purchasing simple items brought
his dignity. For Carey, witnessing the lack of modern conveniences among many recipients, like Greg, is a weekly reminder of how fortunate she is. “I’m happy to volunteer my time to remind me of my good fortune in life,” she says.
Carey continues to enjoy traveling. However, she remains a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels whenever she is home. “Luckily, we’re here a lot during the summer when the need for volunteers is greatest,” she notes. During other periods, she says, “we also volunteer—or beg— to look after friends and neighbors’ pets while they’re away.” Regarding the honor of being named a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine, Carey expresses her gratitude but humbly suggests that many other Meals on Wheels volunteers contribute far more. She has successfully recruited three members of her golf group to also deliver meals, adding, “I know they all go above and beyond every time.” SRQ Carey Houghton was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ
H&D
SEIBERT ARCHITECTS
FAMILY POOLS
Pool Deck Fire Features
Jardin Du Ciel
Punta Gorda
KRISTINE BISHOP DESIGN
Lunara
DSDG ARCHITECTS
Pool Cabana
DWYLA
H & D
CONTENTS
FALL 2026
Home design stories, inspiration and thoughtful architecture on the West Coast of Florida— from Anna Maria Island and Lakewood Ranch to Sarasota, Venice and the Barrier Islands.
8 OUTDOOR LIVING REIMAGINED
Driven by our region’s year-round tropical climate, outdoor living spaces have become important and sought-after extensions of modern homes. Homeowners are increasingly investing in custom landscaping, resort-style pools, outdoor kitchens and shaded gathering areas that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Prioritizing comfort, well-being and connection, today’s outdoor living spaces are being tailored to reflect each homeowner’s personal style while delivering the functionality of an additional living area. The result is a growing trend toward private, resort-inspired retreats that enhance both quality of life and long-term property value.
16 RAISED STANDARDS
From the street, Jardin du Ciel is a pale modernist structure, glass and concrete rising in composed planes above tropical growth. Inside, that restraint opens into a sequence of rooms and terraces that afford a view outward: a boat basin edged with mangroves to the north, native vegetation along the front, and beyond both, coastal light over the water.
20 PUNTA GORDA RETREAT
When Sarasota-based interior designer Kristine Bishop received a referral from her client to design a new build on the water in Punta Gorda, she eagerly jumped on board. With a background in both commercial and residential projects, she knew she could help the homeowners bring their dream home to life–a home that felt light, airy and timeless and reflected their love for traditional blue and white elements.
24 SOAK IT IN
Three bathrooms, three awards, three answers to the same question: what if a bath isn’t just a utility space but a retreat? One leans into coastal minimalism and Bay views. Another goes all-in on dark, high-contrast glamour. The third tests how far cabinetry can go before you even consider tile or stone.
This page and cover: With a Siesta Key residence so precisely conceived, Seibert Architects earns a Platinum Award for Best Overall Home Between $2-4 Million in SRQ’s 2026 Home of the Year—and a name affirming the ultimate success, according to its Principal Architect, Michael Epstein.
Written by Barbie Heit.
H & D POOL INSPIRATION
Driven by our region’s year-round tropical climate, outdoor living spaces have become important and sought-after extensions of modern homes. Homeowners are increasingly investing in custom landscaping, resort-style pools, outdoor kitchens and shaded gathering areas that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Prioritizing comfort, well-being and connection, today’s outdoor living spaces are being tailored to reflect each homeowner’s personal style while delivering the functionality of an additional living area. The result is a growing trend toward private, resort-inspired retreats that enhance both quality of life and long-term property value.
Fire Features
Fire has become a non-negotiable in high-end Sarasota pool builds, and it’s moved well beyond the standard fire pit. Automated fire and water bowls, sunken firepit seating areas and fire features integrated directly into pool walls and spa surrounds are showing up in nearly every custom build. The result is a backyard that’s just as compelling at 9pm as it is at noon. “One of the most striking iterations we’re seeing: a sunken fire pit wrapped in a 5-foot acrylic glass wall, creating a view directly into the pool’s deep end so swimmers and fire pit guests share the same space from different angles,” says Max Lautenschlager of Famliy Pools. “It’s the kind of feature that makes a backyard unforgettable.”
White Marble Decking + Turf Inlays
White marble is having a major moment in Sarasota backyards—and it’s not just about looks. As a natural stone, marble stays significantly cooler underfoot than concrete or dark pavers, sometimes testing 30 to 45 degrees cooler than dark concrete during peak afternoon sun. In a climate where you’re barefoot from April through November, that matters. What’s also trending alongside it: artificial turf inlays mixed into the decking.
Entertainment Upgrades
Outdoor living has officially crossed into home theater territory. “Homeowners are investing in oversized outdoor televisions–we’re talking 120 inches—mounted on raised pool walls and designed to be viewed from the water,” says Max Lautenschlager of Famly Pools. “Rain curtains with swings underneath, motorized pergolas over outdoor grills and putting greens. The backyard is no longer a place you go after the party—it’s where the party lives. These aren’t addons; they’re being designed into the pool build from day one.”
SOURCES The team at Family Pools—local experts in swimming pool construction and maintenance, led by brothers Max and Paul Lautenschlager. floridafamilypools.com
Written by Barbie Heit.
H & D MAKING A SPLASH
Swim Up Bars and Talking Pits
One of the most exciting trends shaping the future of pool and landscape design is the rise of sunken bars and conversation pits. Originally popularized in luxury homes during the 1960s and 1970s, conversation pits have made a major comeback—but with a modern outdoor twist. These features are transforming backyards from simple entertainment areas into immersive social experiences that rival luxury resorts and high-end hotels. For homeowners looking to create a truly unique outdoor environment, these architectural elements combine style, comfort and functionality in ways that traditional patio layouts simply cannot match.
Natural Landscaping & Organic Design
According to Gettle Pools Sales Manager Ashley Gettle, one of the biggest shifts shaping the future of pool construction is the move toward natural aesthetics. “We have witnessed a shift towards more organic designs inspired by natural elements and outlining these features with different LED landscape lighting.” Modern homeowners are incorporating: native plants and tropical landscaping, natural stone decking and coping, waterfalls and rock features, fire and water combinations and integrated greenery and privacy hedges. These features create outdoor environments that feel less manufactured and more connected to the surrounding landscape. Sustainable landscaping also reduces maintenance and water usage, an increasingly important consideration for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Smart Pools and Automation
The new age and ever-evolving technological world has transformed nearly every aspect of pool ownership. What once required hands-on manual maintenance can now be controlled from a smartphone or controller, and as the TV’S did—these systems are getting smaller. Smart pool systems allow homeowners to adjust temperature remotely, control lighting and water features, automate cleaning schedules, monitor chemical levels and reduce energy consumption. Automation not only improves convenience but also increases efficiency and extends the lifespan of equipment. As technology advances, pools are becoming easier to maintain while delivering a more customized experience.”For a company like Gettle Pools, embracing innovation while maintaining craftsmanship has become essential in serving the next generation of homeowners,” says Gettle. “The future of pool and landscape design is centered around community, sustainability, technology and lifestyle integration. Homeowners want outdoor spaces that reflect how they live today while remaining adaptable for tomorrow.”
SOURCES For more than four decades, Gettle Pools has helped homeowners transform ordinary backyards into personal retreats. Over the years, the pool and landscaping industry has evolved dramatically—from simple rectangular pools with basic decking to fully integrated outdoor living environments. gettlepools.com
Written by Barbie Heit
H & D LANDSCAPING TRENDS
Thoughtful landscaping can transform any home into a lush retreat while also making the outdoor space more functional. Vibrant greenery, flowering plants and well-placed trees enhance curb appeal and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Beyond aesthetics, the right landscaping can offer natural shade and increase property value.
Luxury Coastal Wellness Landscape
This landscape concept is envisioned as a refined coastal retreat that blends wellness, architecture and the natural character of Southwest Florida into a cohesive luxury residential experience. The design emphasizes a calm, resort-inspired atmosphere where outdoor spaces function as extensions of daily living, relaxation and social connection. Grounded in a “quiet luxury” aesthetic, the landscape utilizes restrained planting palettes, layered textures and soft coastal tones to create a timeless and highly curated environment. The pool, amenity decks and outdoor gathering spaces are designed as seamless indoor-outdoor environments with clean geometries, expansive paving and integrated wellness features. Materials are selected for both elegance and resilience, incorporating light natural woods, limestone-toned hardscape and softened architectural forms that complement the coastal climate while enhancing comfort, durability and visual warmth.
Branded Residential Living and HospitalityInspired Amenities
Luxury residential communities are increasingly influenced by branded hospitality environments where landscape and amenity design help define identity and lifestyle. Pool decks, arrival spaces and outdoor lounges are designed to feel immersive, curated and service-oriented rather than purely functional. This hospitality-driven approach emphasizes atmosphere, exclusivity and experiential quality through layered seating environments, wellness-focused amenities and thoughtfully integrated social spaces. The result is a landscape experience that elevates both the brand and long-term value of the community.
Storm Resiliency and ClimateResponsive Landscapes
In Southwest Florida, resilient landscape design has become an essential component of luxury development. The planting strategy prioritizes salt-tolerant, wind-resistant and climate-adapted species that support long-term durability while maintaining a refined coastal aesthetic. Permeable surfaces, strategic grading and resilient hardscape materials improve stormwater performance and environmental responsiveness without compromising visual quality.
SOURCES For over twenty-five years, David W. Young, ASLA, principal and founder of DWY Landscape Architects, has created knowledge-based designs that harmonize with nature and architecture. dwyla.com
Soft, Natural Material Palettes
Contemporary luxury landscapes are increasingly defined by warm, natural materials and softened architectural forms that create a more relaxed and timeless coastal atmosphere. Light woods, limestonecolored paving and warm neutral finishes establish a calm palette that reflects Florida’s natural light and coastal character. Radius corners, curvilinear walkways, softened seat walls and sculpted pool edges introduce fluidity and ease throughout the landscape. Together, these elements create outdoor spaces that feel inviting, refined and connected to the surrounding environment.
Written by Barbie Heit
H & D OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Kyle Nickell & Racquel Hanna, owners of Outdoor Kitchens of Sarasota, specialize in custom outdoor kitchen design, helping customers create stylish, sustainable outdoor living spaces that look and feel like luxury extensions of the home. Blending durability, coastal style and resort-inspired comfort, the outdoor kitchens are being built to last through all of Florida’s weather patterns. Nickell and Hanna offer three highly sought-after outdoor kitchen styles: HDPE, Paver Stone and NatureKast cabinetry—each designed to fit the Sarasota lifestyle of year-round entertaining.
Seamless Integration
Another design trend gaining momentum is the seamless integration of outdoor kitchens with pool decks and lanais. Paver Stone Kitchens accomplishes this by using the same materials found in high-end paver installations, allowing homeowners to create a fully coordinated outdoor living environment. The kitchens can be matched directly to existing pavers from the same manufacturer, creating a cohesive custom look that feels intentionally designed from edge to edge. Beyond aesthetics, these kitchens are built for resilience. As many homeowners along the Gulf Coast can attest, several featured installations have already endured hurricanes and remain standing —a testament to the strength and longevity of the materials.
SOURCES Outdoor Kitchens of Sarasota serves homeowners throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Englewood, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park—helping transform outdoor spaces into elegant, functional gathering places built for the Florida lifestyle. outdoorkitchenssrq.com
HDPE kitchens
HDPE kitchens continue to grow in popularity for their clean, modern appearance and unmatched durability. “HDPE cabinets are made entirely from High Density Polyethylene material,” explains Nickell. “Some manufacturers only use the material on the cabinet face, but ours are constructed from 100% HDPE with stainless steel connectors throughout.” Manufactured in nearby North Port by King Plastic Corporation under the well-known Starboard brand, the material earned its reputation in the boating industry, where products must withstand relentless sun, salt air and moisture. That same marine-grade performance now makes HDPE one of the top choices for luxury outdoor kitchens across Sarasota and the Gulf Coast. In addition to their contemporary appearance, the cabinets are backed by a lifetime warranty, giving homeowners confidence that style and function will last for years.
High Density Resin Systems
For homeowners drawn to the warmth of natural wood aesthetics without the maintenance concerns, NatureKast cabinetry has emerged as one of the hottest trends in luxury outdoor design. Constructed from a high-density resin system and waterproof PVC, NatureKast cabinets are engineered to look exactly like real distressed cypress or teak using specialized molding techniques. The result is a rich, authentic wood appearance that won’t rot, crack, warp or split in Florida’s climate. The combination of upscale design and weatherproof performance has made NatureKast especially popular in coastal communities where homeowners want refined style without sacrificing durability.
WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY
MIANO, PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF SEIBERT
ARCHITECTS, RYAN
GAMMA
This spread, clockwise: The front raised lawn terrace, surrounded by tropical growth The bathroom achieves “openness with privacy” On the terrace, a built-in kitchen and grill. An open-plan kitchen and living area for intimate gatherings
With a Siesta Key residence so precisely conceived, Seibert Architects earns a Platinum Award for Best Overall Home Between $2-4 Million in SRQ’s 2026 Home of the Year —and a name affirming the ultimate success.
RAISED STANDARDS
From the street, Jardin du Ciel is a pale modernist structure, glass and concrete rising in composed planes above tropical growth. Inside, that restraint opens into a sequence of rooms and terraces that afford a view outward: a boat basin edged with mangroves to the north, native vegetation along the front, and beyond both, coastal light over the water. Principal Architect Michael Epstein, AIA, of Seibert Architects, winner of the Platinum Award for Best Overall Home Between $2-4 Million, describes the design’s ambition: “The house was planned to create this kind of experience or lifestyle for its occupants,” he says, “a heavenly or elevated green space.” The owners named their Siesta Key home Jardin du Ciel—“garden in the sky” or “sky garden”—only after the project was complete. “For me, naming the house Jardin du Ciel is the ultimate confirmation of the success of this design.”
ON THE SEIBERT TEAM’S FIRST VISIT, an older residence, well below the current flood compliance standards, occupied the property. “There was an existing house on the site that was not flood compliant, but also blocked any comprehensive feel for the site,” Epstein recalls. The owners walked the team through, pointing out which angles they loved, which views they hoped to keep and which they hoped to gain. Those notes became the framework for everything that followed.
The owners wanted a home that suited their intended lifestyle. The house needed to accommodate intimate gatherings of eight to twelve as comfortably as it handled events of fifty or more. Seibert fulfilled that request with a plan built on the relationship between the house and landscape. The primary living level rises above flood elevation, exceeding code requirements, then extends outward as a terrace that, in Epstein’s words, “captures the views offered by the site and strengthens the natural qualities.” Below, a raised lawn terrace begins in front of the house, passes beneath the structure and continues across the rear, keeping the
ground plane “an open space for activities and views from many of the indoor and outdoor spaces.” For larger gatherings, a forecourt off the front terrace receives guests while a passage beneath the house leads into the backyard, where events take place. The terrace is equipped with a built-in kitchen and grill. A rectilinear pool extends from the back, its geometry echoing the house’s hard-edged modernism.
The entranceway introduces one of the home’s most considered features. A black floating steel stair “presides over the entry space as a sculpture in a gallery would,” says Epstein, its closed form giving no sign of the light-filled rooms beyond. By not quite touching the entry-level landing, the suspended stair is deliberately freed from utilitarian association, he explains. That unique stair, along with an exposed concrete element in the living room and in the primary bedroom, are the focal details worth noticing—details rooted in the demands of the site. Because the house has minimal ground contact, the team used a concrete box to brace the floor and roof structure, while also carving from it a storage space at ground level and an office
at the main level. That structural necessity became, in Epstein’s words, “a defining feature of the house.”
For Seibert Architects, the central design tension was how to keep the residence unrestricted without surrendering it to exposure. “Houses like this one are all about openness with privacy,” Epstein says. “Without privacy, blinds will be installed and closed, losing the openness and connection with the landscape.” Elevation addresses part of the challenge—raising the primary rooms above street sightlines—but more precise work happens at individual walls, fins and plantings. Long views stay unobstructed toward water and green, while nearer sightlines toward the street and neighboring houses are edited and screened. Crucially, the planting design was considered from the start. “The exterior landscape is always an integral part of our design solutions,” Epstein says. “Early conceptualization includes the landscape, instead of it being an afterthought.” That layer of privacy “can control views toward the house from certain vantage points.”
Inside, the rooms and terraces do not so much adjoin as converse. Sightlines travel through glass to distant treetops or back
across the layout to another wing entirely. Gardens and water features flow between them. “The openness of the house allows views from one [space] to the other, and all seem to communicate with each other,” Epstein says. The visual continuity is reinforced by an understated palette. The same colors and natural materials cross thresholds: off-white surfaces, anodized aluminum frames (making no pretense of being anything other than metal), glass that’s clear instead of tinted. “Generally, the house is in an off-white, which we like for its contrast with the natural world surrounding the house and its ability to be a neutral backdrop for furnishings and focal elements,” Epstein explains. Exposed concrete structures appear inside and out, blurring their distinction. Because those materials run unbroken, the terraces feel like an extension of interior rooms, and interior rooms borrow light and green from the outside. Those decisions keep the emphasis on light, structure and landscape rather than on surface finishes. This serenity is a deliberate response to the site’s coastal realities; the property occupies a flood zone. Wind-resistant requirements and code demands were baked into the design brief.
“Everything must be done to code, which includes wind resistance,” he says. “All of these factors are considered in the design of the house from the beginning, leaving nothing to rethink later.”
That discipline is no surprise considering the Seibert firm’s long run in Sarasota’s modernist tradition—a modernism shaped by the specific climate of the Gulf Coast and by a commitment to building in sympathy with the landscape, rather than in contest with it. “Materials have changed, the building code has changed, the zoning code has changed, computers have changed the way that we work,” Epstein says, “but this design grows from the same principles that have guided the work of this office for the last 70 years.”
On the day the photographs were taken, the owners made a point of offering their candid review: “spectacular.” And in giving the house its name, Jardin du Ciel, they confirmed what the design had achieved.
SRQH&D
Below: Passage beneath the house leads to an open backyard for hosting large events.
WRITTEN BY
HEIT,
When Sarasota-based interior designer Kristine Bishop received a referral from her client to design a new build on the water in Punta Gorda, she eagerly jumped on board. With a background in both commercial and residential projects, she knew she could help the homeowners bring their dream home to life—a home that felt light, airy and timeless and reflected their love for traditional blue and white elements.
Creating a polished yet inviting coastal residence
PUNTA GORDA RETREAT
THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT REVOLVED around the main living areas of the waterfront residence, which total 2,800 square feet (excluding the garage and lanai, which bring the overall square footage to over 5,800). This included a complete remodel of the kitchen, living room, dining area and powder room.
Given the home’s canal-front location with ocean access, the design objective was to implement a clean, coastal aesthetic that felt comfortable and thoughtfully curated, avoiding an over-decorated feel. Bishop was tasked with creating a durable, family-friendly space to support the clients’ active, boating lifestyle and comfortably host visiting family and grandchildren.
Challenges included the home’s narrow lot, budget constraints and hurricane considerations, which led the Punta Gorda builder, Thornberry Custom Homes, to raise the structure and use more durable materials—decisions that also shaped Bishop’s design. For instance, vinyl plank flooring was selected over wood to reduce flood risk. To stay on budget while raising the
This page, left to right: The kitchen includes a stock island with details that make it look like a piece of furniture and a walk-in pantry that is hidden behind doors that look like cabinetry doors. The bathroom is designed with wallpaper that is similar to that used the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande. Interior Design: Kristine Bishop Design, Sarasota. Builder: Thornberry Custom Homes, Punta Gorda. Photographer: Tara Correa Photography, Sarasota.
H & D
traditional design beyond typical builder-grade finishes, Bishop paired standard materials with carefully chosen, high-quality upgrades. Performance fabrics were used for the sofa, bar stools and dining chairs, while leather was selected for the reclining chairs for its durability against scratches and stains.
She established the desired coastal aesthetic by primarily utilizing a color palette of blues and creams, inspired by the hues of the ocean and sand. This was paired with dark woods and specific textures and materials, such as rattan-backed counter stools, rope detailing on the sofa table and various wood tones. She integrated the client’s blue and white chinoiserie vases and pottery as accents, along with touches of navy in the throw pillows and drapery trim to complement
the coastal design. The family room was designed with custom-built-ins with a limestone fireplace. The kitchen includes a stock island with details that make it look like a piece of furniture, a walk-in pantry that is hidden behind doors that look like cabinetry doors. For the bathroom, Bishop learned that her client loves the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, and so she chose similar wallpaper to the one used at the beloved island retreat.
“I think we did an excellent job making the house feel elevated and elegant,” Bishop says. “My clients are very outdoorsy, active people. They wanted a space that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor lifestyle, and I think we achieved that.” The outcome—a polished yet inviting coastal residence. Its cohesive design is perfect for daily life and waterfront activities. SRQH&D
Below,left to right: Bishop designed the Punta Gorda home with a focus on clean coastal design that feels collected rather than overly styled throughout.
Written by Sarah Emily Miano.
SOURCE Imagery courtesy of Tara Correa Photography. Trade Mark Interiors, Inc, 3232 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 9441-8799494, trademarkinteriordesign.com.
Three award-winning designs rethink the room you rush through.
SOAK IT IN
Three bathrooms, three awards, three answers to the same question: what if a bath isn’t just a utility space but a retreat? One leans into coastal minimalism and Bay views. Another goes all-in on dark, high-contrast glamour. The third tests how far cabinetry can go before you even consider tile or stone.
TRACEE MURPHY, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT TRADE MARK INTERIORS, designed Palm Noir for a client who loved black and wanted the room to feel like a boutique hotel escape. A dark bathroom calls for equal amounts of nerve and precision. Commit halfway and the whole affair dies. Murphy and her team went all in. “We leaned into high-contrast elements: ebony tones, luminous brass and organic patterns—to craft a space that feels both dramatic and indulgently serene,” she says. The vision was “a bold, transportive retreat” that infused warmth and glamour into its daring palette. Enter, and the room centers on a freestanding soaking tub, positioned as a sculptural piece. Behind it, floor-to-ceiling drapery serves as a backdrop and a light filter—what Murphy considers the room’s defining feature. “Beyond its visual impact, it diffuses light beautifully and creates a spa-like, cocooning effect that elevates the bathing experience,” she says. Across from the tub, a frameless glass shower keeps the sight lines open while showcasing the tilework inside. Aged brass fixtures catch and bounce light throughout the room. “We balanced the depth of the dark palette by layering in abundant natural light, soft sheers and reflective finishes like brass and crisp quartz,” Murphy says. The layout is open and symmetrical, “allowing light to move freely while grounding the space with materials that feel intentional, not overwhelming.” Natural marble on the toilet and shower floors introduces texture and variation against the ebony. Wood-like tile on the floor adds warmth, while quartz countertops keep things functional enough for your average Tuesday morning. Executing that level of detail under construction deadlines proved challenging. “We stayed closely involved throughout the process,” Murphy says, pointing to constant collaboration and adjustments to keep the room aligned with the original vision. The result? “A refined balance between richness and livability.”
PALM NOIR/TRADE MARK INTERIORS-SILVER, BEST BATHROOM
SCOTT GROSS, AIA, NCARB, PARTNER AT DSDG ARCHITECTS, SAYS THAT THE LUNARA BATHROOM NEARLY LOOKED NOTHING LIKE THE FINAL VERSION. It went through five design revisions and three tubs on site before a fourth was installed. Then, during framing, the orientations of the bedroom and bathroom were completely flipped. “The original concept was very much divided between bathroom space and bedroom space,” Gross says. The initial plan called for a half-height wall between the two, where light would spill over the top. A beach-pebble perimeter encircled the tub. A biofuel linear fireplace sat under a large panoramic window. The client’s inspiration? “Always a dark, moody scene with sharp light contrasts,” he says. The view was secondary. “The focus was reaching zen inside the bath.” Then the owners walked the site and spotted the construction crew walling off the Bay views. “Once they saw what they could lose with the initial design, their goals with the space shifted,” Gross says. The redesign changed quite a lot. The team relocated plumbing, reworked window openings and reoriented the room toward Sarasota Bay and the Ringling Bridge. Corner sliding glass doors turn the new orientation into a panoramic experience. “Things look differently in real life rather than on paper.” The finished bathroom has no conventional separation from the bedroom. A custom-colored soaking tub sits at the center, backed by floor-to-ceiling frosted glass panels that can slide closed or totally retract. When open, the room extends toward the water through expansive glass walls, ushering in light, breezes and long Bay views. With the panels shut, light is filtered, turning the suite into a quieter, more cocooned retreat. Along the vanity, bronze and zinc-toned cabinetry pairs with a locally poured concrete countertop, the sink molded directly into its surface. The shower shows restraint despite its scale: two large stone slabs form the walls, interrupted only by LED-lit niches recessed into the seams. The palette draws from Tulum without feeling theme-driven. Earth tones and stone textures echo rugged coastal structures.
LUNARA/DSDG ARCHITECTS-PLATINUM, BEST BATHROOM
“The color of the sand in contrast to the ocean is very similar to Sarasota,” says Gross. “And the color of thatch roofs and relaxation is captured with taupe neutrals.” The detailing is immaculate. No joints in sight; no baseboards. Stone tile continues from the exterior into the interior through panes of glass. Thin metal channels and precision-cut edges replace bulkier transitions. The glass walls between the bathroom and bedroom can switch from clear to frosted, catering to privacy needs on demand. “On bright, sunny mornings with sun flowing in, everything can be open to the view because the contrast of sun and shadow creates the privacy,” Gross describes. At night, the walls can close. “Walls do not need to be placed for a vanity or to complete the four walls of a room,” he says. “Like walls that once divided dining rooms from kitchens have come down, so can intimate walls. The bedroom is already a private place.” Lighting softens the space rather than calling attention to itself—hiding behind the mirrors, beneath the cabinetry and inside recessed wall channels. At night, the effect feels closer to a tranquil retreat than a brightly lit primary bath. For complete darkness and open air, the exterior balcony includes a spa overlooking the bay, affording moments “to take in the city lights,” says Gross. Privacy and minimalism, he argues, can coexist—and the Lunara bathroom is living proof.
Written by Sarah Emily Miano
SIESTA SANCTUARY EARNED GOLD FOR A TRIO OF BATHROOMS UNIFIED BY RIFT-CUT WHITE OAK CABINETRY BY
MAGNOLIA CABINET CO.
with interior design by EMCY. Across all three spaces, the custom cabinetry establishes the visual language, and everything else responds to it. Senior designer Chloe Weatherford of EMCY wanted each room to feel like a luxury retreat while still working for daily life. “Through soft materials, warm tones and thoughtful layering,” she says, “we designed a bathroom that feels calming, timeless and effortlessly inviting.” In the primary bathroom, a freestanding soaking tub sits below open oak shelving that climbs the wall behind it. The linear grain of the oak draws the eye upward, while the shelves extend the cabinetry line, leaving the area around the tub spare and welcoming. The second bathroom takes a more architectural approach. The vanity’s triangular form is given a split detail that divides two traditional cabinet sections. That geometry makes it more like freestanding furniture instead of your standard built-in. “Every cabinetry detail was thoughtfully designed to meet ADA-compliant requirements while still maintaining a warm, elevated aesthetic,” says Magnolia’s General Manager, Melvin Stoltzfus. Nothing about the ADA compliance was incidental. Clearances had to be exact. Fixture placement for the toilet, shower and vanity revolved around accessibility. “That level of precision ultimately pushed the design in a more intentional and architectural direction, which became one of our favorite aspects of the project.” The third space, a guest-facing powder room, is defined by a wall-mounted vanity in rift-cut white oak with built-in lighting underneath. The illumination throws a glow off the wood, and the entire piece looks suspended. For a smaller room, it makes a confident first impression. Weatherford points to the shower as the standout. “Its scale, material selections and clean detailing create a beautiful focal point while reinforcing the overall sense of calm,” she says. Light does the rest. The EMCY team combined daylight with decorative and functional fixtures so the rooms stay both practical and inviting. The rift-cut white oak brings “natural warmth, texture and a calming organic quality to the space,” says Stolzfus, underpinning the bathroom’s sanctuary-like atmosphere. Across all three rooms, frameless construction keeps the surfaces clean and uninterrupted, with no visible hardware competing for attention. Serenity, here, comes down to grain, geometry and craft.
SIESTA SANCTUARY/MAGNOLIA CABINET CO.-GOLD, BEST BATHROOM
