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Contents november 2025
edible journeys 40 A dumpling is deceptively simple. At its most essential, it is just dough— sometimes wrapped around a filling, sometimes left plain—pinched, folded or rolled into shape before being boiled, steamed, baked or fried. WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN Browsing an outdoor market is one of life’s simple pleasures—especially when it means sampling delicious bites, discovering handmade treasures and supporting local makers. WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS The Sarasota coffee community, once small, has boomed in recent years. Local coffee shops with charm and character have opened their doors throughout the area, creating spaces for the community to connect, work and enjoy high-quality coffee. WRITTEN BY CECILIA MOULD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS Sake is one of the most ancient and, in the United States, misunderstood alcoholic beverages. Made from rice, water, yeast and koji, a type of mold used to ferment various foods in Japanese cuisine, sake is a drink of contradictions. WRITTEN BY DYLAN CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN Take a break from heavier fare and eat something that tastes good and makes you feel good. These salads are sure to satisfy your appetite while still tasting absolutely sensational. WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS/ WYATT KOSTYGAN
This page:
Blackberry Pecan Salad at Jack Dusty, photography by Jennifer Villagomez.
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contents november 2025
99 IN CONVERSATION INNOVATION IN HEALTH DR. JOSEPH M. BARAK
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Illustrator John Pirman, who has created editorial art for Vogue, Fortune, Wallpaper, Glamour, New York Magazine, Forbes, Travel and Leisure and Cosmopolitan Magazine among many others, captures local hometown icons starting with the brand new Aircraft Observation Area at SRQ Airport.
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63 HOME & DESIGN MAGAZINE KITCHEN DESIGN TRACEE MURPHY
The Sarasota County Off-Road Riders have created a mountain bike haven out of the previously untamed parts of greater Sarasota. How innovation is helping Daiquiri Deck break new ground.
Le Colonne lives on at Ciao Bella Organic Farmer’s Table. Bad Ass Coffee is bringing Hawaiian flavors to Lakewood Ranch. 131 Main strives for quality over quantity when it comes to curating menu items. America’s top gymnasts come to EVO Gymnastics to hone their skills.
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Storytellers flock to Sarasota for the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources 2025 Off the Page Literary Celebration. Architecture Sarasota celebrates its 12th annual MOD Weekend with Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100.
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Check out the latest apparel for horse-loving ladies.
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Trattoria Bella Napoli is serving up authentic Neapolitan fare with home-grown charm.
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Indulge in head-spa relaxation.
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Steve Townsend’s dedication to education, youth development and philanthropy.
This page: The Sarasota County off-Road Riders in action, photography by Wes Roberts; the pollo alla cacciatora, oven cooked chicken thighs with cherry tomatoes, onion and bell peppers from Trattoria Bella Napoli, photography by Wes Roberts; and, Tantalizing Textures, image courtesy of Campbell Cabinetry Designs. Cover: Broken Salmon Salad at Boca Sarasota., photography by Wyatt Kostygan.
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NOVEMBER 2025 CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF
LISL LIANG EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT
Ashley Grant ACCOUNTS + CLIENT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Robinson Valverde SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Suzanne Munroe SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Nichole Knutson Rob Wardlaw VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO
Wyatt Kostygan MANAGING EDITOR
Barbie Heit SENIOR EDITOR
Dylan Campbell CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
Gabriella Alfonso SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER
Lauren Sutter ART + VISUAL ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Jennifer Villagomez CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER
Virginia Jankovsky INTERN ASSOCIATES Cecilia Marty,
Cecilia Mould, Mobtagha Bejaoui Jack Coleman CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS
Andrew Fabian, Phil Lederer, Chris Leverett, Evan Olson, John Pirman, Kate Wight
SRQ MEDIA ADVERTISING GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x1 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x2
GET SRQ DAILY The magazine in your hands offers enormous insight into our community, but the most informed in our community follow our constant coverage of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area in SRQ Daily. The electronic newsletter is a must-read in thousands of inboxes. Check our special editions: Monday Business Edition, Tuesday Foodie Edition, Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, Thursday Family, Education and Sports Edition, Friday Weekend Edition and the much-discussed Saturday Perspectives Edition, featuring a diverse range of opinions from the region’s top pundits and newsmakers. SIGN UP ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SRQDAILY
ORIGINS OF “SRQ” The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home. PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, WELLEN PARK LIVING, LIVING LAKEWOOD, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE, SRQ ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS PROGRAM, SRQ HOME & DESIGN, SRQARTS: ANNUAL GUIDE TO FLORIDA’S CULTURAL COAST AND SHE ROARS MAGAZINE. 331 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Phone 941-365-7702 SRQMAG.COM / @SRQMAG
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ Magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 6-10 weeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 28, Issue 279 Copyright © 2025 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Local. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.
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local icon THE WING In March 2025, SRQ Airport unveiled a brand new Aircraft Observation Area at 8330 15th St East. Designed by Sweet Sparkman Architecture, the Observation Area is highlighted by a special shade structure reminiscent of an airplane wing. “We were trying to make it as aerodynamic as possible so that it cantilevers out into space and is clad in all aluminum,” says Todd Sweet. “Instead of just creating a shelter or a gazebo, our staff designed something very specific for this site, something that was exciting, unique and iconic.” The 825-square-foot SRQ Observation Area not only includes 27 parking spaces and an aviation-themed playground, but is also part museum—signage dedicated to the history of the airport’s development and a historical control tower beacon from the original airport are also on site. Observers can listen to aircraft communications from the FAA air traffic control tower through a speaker system built into the Observation Area. Illustration by John Pirman | Written by Dylan Campbell 12 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN Below: Through the dedicated work of Trail Thugs, SCORR has created and maintained a network of off-road riding trails throughout South Sarasota County.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
The Sarasota County Off-Road Riders have created a mountain bike haven. Dylan Campbell
WHEN A PATH DOESN’T EMERGE, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO CARVE ONE OUT YOURSELF. That’s what Eric Claessens, president of the Sarasota
County Off-Road Riders (SCORR) did 15 years ago. Claessens, an avid cyclist who moved to North Port in the late 1980s, was looking for a place to ride his mountain bike. After friends introduced him to the Carlton Reserve, a sprawling 24,565-acre preserve in South Sarasota County, he came up with a plan. “There was no organized way of riding whatsoever—people were riding illegal trails or through private property,” says Claessens. “It was like the wild west.” Claessens came into contact with the land managers at the Reserve and slowly, but surely, developed around 25 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. Today, the largely interconnected network of trails spans throughout the Reserve and the bordering areas of Carlton Ranch and Myakka River State Park. “When we first started, we weren’t allowed to use anything other than hand tools to create trails. We’d agree with the land manager on where the trail would be and then try to follow the path of least resistance,” says Claessens. “Everything is very flat here, so we tended to make winding, twisty trails because we thought that would be a lot more fun than just riding in straight lines.” Rated for beginner to intermediate riders, many of the trails link together. One of the particularly challenging trails to build was the Palmetto Trail—a five-mile route through the heart of the Myakka State Park to the Myakka River. “We had to remove hundreds of palmetto roots by hand to get those five miles of trail. We’d work all day and get maybe a quarter of a mile completed,” says Claessens. “Every fall we have to go back and mow and weedwhack all of the trails—it’s about two months' worth of weekends with our volunteers.” For Claessens and the rest of the dedicated volunteers, or “Trail Thugs,” their toil is well worth it. SCORR is not exclusive—simply ‘friending’ the page on Facebook essentially grants you membership—and hosts a bevy of trail rides throughout the season, which typically lasts from around September through June or July. “When we started 15 years ago, there was nobody in the Carlton Reserve parking lot on the weekends. Nowadays, it’s slammed with visitors, which is awesome,” says Claessens. “You get to see part of the state you never typically get to see. There is more to Florida than just the beaches—there is so much wildlife out there.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS
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This page: Behind the scenes with Daiquiri Deck's new patented filling systems. President and Co-owner Matt Grover and Brett McIntyre, director of facilities. Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village, 5250 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota, 941-349-8697, daiquirideck.com.
INNOVATION ON ICE
Daiquiri Deck is reinventing the frozen drink market. Kate Wight SINCE ITS FIRST LOCATION OPENED IN SIESTA KEY VILLAGE IN 1993, Daiquiri Deck has been a laid-back, sun-drenched sanctuary where locals and
tourists alike can unwind and enjoy the warm Gulf breeze and an icy cocktail. But behind the scenes of this popular beach bar, a quiet revolution has been brewing. Driven by a passion for creating the perfect frozen concoction, the Daiquiri Deck team has meticulously refined their process for making their signature drinks. What started out as a mission to craft a better product has now become a patent-pending system that’s poised to transform the frozen cocktail industry. Any restaurant or bar that sells frozen beverages at a high volume might have a similar setup to Daiquiri Deck, with a row of gleaming silver machines churning colorful slush concoctions. What sets Daiquiri Deck apart is the way they fill those machines. “The filling system started when we only had one location in Siesta Village, and the driving force behind it was the safety of our team and the experience of our customers,” says Daiquiri Deck president and co-owner Matt Grover. “To refill the machines originally, someone had to carry a five gallon bucket to the machine, hoist it up to their shoulder and pour it into the top of the machine. There are several reasons why that’s detrimental. First, it’s very easy for someone to throw their back out or get hurt. And second, it’s a very sloppy process. It’s very easy for the mix to pour all over the top of the machine and into the internals like the belts, the microswitches and the valves. That dramatically decreases the life expectancy of not only those parts, but the machine itself.” Brett McIntyre is the director of facilities at Daiquiri Deck and has been instrumental in engineering a new filling system. There have been several iterations over the years (Grover estimates this one is version 6.4). Instead of pouring drink mixes into the machines, the mixes are stored in stainless steel vessels in a walk-in cooler and drawn to the machines through a refrigerated trunk line, similar to a long-draw draft beer system. In addition to being more efficient, this system allows for drink quality to be more consistent at a high volume, which has helped take the Daiquiri Deck brand to unexpected levels. “We’re a proud partner of the Tampa Bay Rays and you can find us at Tropicana Field. We are a sponsor of the Valspar Open for the PGA and other professional sports have also shown interest in partnering with us,” Grover says. “We’ve had a major international hotel chain approach us because they want to turn their pool bars into Daiquiri Decks, and we’ve had high interest in developing a franchise program. This interest is all because of the filling system, which would not have come to fruition without Brett and all the people on our team who have brought so much to our energy and culture and approach.” The sky is the limit for Daiquiri Deck, and success couldn’t taste any sweeter. SRQ
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Below, left to right: The pasta is so fresh at Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer’s Table, you can watch it being made. Right: The homemade pasta is made with flour imported from Italy. Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer’s Table, 14 North Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 941-362-3276, organicfarmerstable.com.
FROM ROME TO TABLE
Le Colonne lives on at Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer’s Table. Kate Wight
IMMIGRATION HAS ALWAYS SHAPED THE WAY WE EAT, BY INTRODUCING NEW FLAVORS AND TRADITIONS TO UNFAMILIAR PLACES. When
Italian immigrants began arriving in America in large numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought with them the recipes and techniques of their homeland. Over time, those dishes—once cooked simply to preserve a sense of home—became woven into the fabric of American dining, turning pasta, pizza and other regional specialties into beloved and familiar staples. The story of Giulia Salustri and her family is, in some ways, a more distilled version of this tradition. Giulia Salustri and her parents, brothers and sisters moved from Rome to Sarasota, and before long they were sharing the flavors and culinary traditions of their homeland. Salustri’s parents opened Le Colonne on St. Armand’s Circle in 1998, and the intimate eatery soon became a favorite amongst locals and visitors thanks to its authentic Italian fare. With multiple generations of family members involved with the restaurant, it seemed poised to go on for several more decades. Sadly, Le Colonne was unexpectedly forced to shut its doors in later 2024 after sustaining devastating damage in Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But Giulia is keeping the family's traditions alive by reviving some of Le Colonne's most beloved dishes at her own restaurant, Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer's Table (formerly known as Organic Farmer’s Table). Giulia originally opened Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer’s Table in December of 2022 as a cafe and coffee shop, serving nutritious, organically-driven breakfast and lunch dishes with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. When Le Colonne closed down, many of the restaurant’s regulars were missing out on some of their favorite meals. Giulia made it her mission to incorporate them onto her menu. The eatery remains a cafe during the day, but at nighttime it is transformed into a rustic, yet elegant wonderland. It’s familiar and new all at once, like a long-forgotten song. “The homemade pastas were very popular, so we have ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccine and lasagna,” Giulia says. “But we also have dishes like osso bucco and eggplant parmesan.” All of the pasta is made in-house by Giulia’s sister, who also made the pasta at Le Colonne. She makes the pasta right in sight of the customers with flour that has been imported from Italy, giving a glimpse into just how fresh and homemade the cuisine is. This way, Giulia is able to balance the authenticity of the recipes while still staying true to her original concept. “Just because I added things to the menu, this doesn’t mean we’re compromising on the quality of the food,” says Giulia. “The ingredients are still organic whenever they’re available whether they’re local or imported.” SRQ 18 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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Below; Start the day off right with a freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast sandwich from Bad Ass Coffee. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, 6588 University Pkwy, Sarasota, 941-217-6001
A NEW ISLAND BREW
Bad Ass Coffee is bringing Hawaiian flavors to Lakewood Ranch. Cecilia Mould
DANIEL SLAVIN AND MICHAEL MILLER HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS. After retiring, they were looking for a new adventure—so
they decided to open a coffee shop together in Lakewood Ranch. They chose to bring the Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise to the community, inspired by a Naples trip which led them to discover the delicious coffee beans grown in the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Moloka’i and the Kona and Ka’u districts of Hawaii. “I tried Bad Ass Coffee down in Naples, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this coffee is better than anything else.’ We were both retired, so we decided, ‘why not open a new coffee shop?’” Slavin says. “The coffee is a game-changer. Everybody just loves the Hawaiian coffee. It's a smooth, wonderful cup.” At Slavin and Miller’s shop, there’s a brew for everyone. While Slavin prefers a simple black coffee, the shop also offers a variety of unique flavors, including hazelnut, white chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel and even lavender. “It's really interesting to see what everybody chooses. I wouldn't think about putting lavender in my coffee if the world was on fire, but people love it. It's fun to see how people like their coffee,” Slavin says. Bad Ass Coffee also brings a taste of Hawaii to Lakewood Ranch with its aloha breakfast sandwich, which combines ham, eggs, barbecue sauce, pineapple and swiss cheese for a surprising burst of flavor. The Bad Ass sandwich brings similar flavors but replaces the ham with a thin slice of spam, a staple on the Hawaiian islands. The brand’s name—eye-catching and, according to Slavin, a little cheeky—also has a story. In Hawaii, the donkeys of Kona carried coffee beans down the mountain after they were picked. Locals named these donkeys the “Bad Ass Ones” for their hardworking nature, and the legend of these donkeys now lives on in the franchise’s name. Bad Ass Coffee isn’t just a grab-and-go kind of place. Slavin says he takes pride in creating a welcoming, community-focused space, where customers come by to work, socialize or read a good book. “It's the old school coffee house where people actually come to hang out. The mission of encouraging people to sit, relax and enjoy being together and having conversations has been a really rewarding part of this journey,” he says. SRQ 20 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CECILIA MARTY.
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Below, left to right: Enjoy the freshest menu items and a peaceful atmosphere at 131 Main. 131 Main, 6608 University Pkwy, Sarasota, 941-394-0131, 131-main.com
AND NOW THERE WERE FIVE 131 Main Comes Home to Lakewood Ranch. Cecilia Mould
JOE DOUGLAS’S DECISION TO BRING HIS RESTAURANT, 131 MAIN, TO LAKEWOOD RANCH WAS A HOMECOMING OF SORTS. Born and raised
in Tampa, Douglas spent several of his teenage and young-adult years in Sarasota and later attended Florida State University, where he earned a degree in hospitality. Now, he’s bringing a new location of the restaurants he’s owned and run since 2004 to Lakewood Ranch. “I like to think I'm coming home to a market that is near and dear to me. I feel like a local, it’s not like I'm just going to some random city,” Douglas says about his decision to add a Lakewood Ranch restaurant to a collection of four 131 Main establishments in North Carolina. Although he runs several locations, Douglas doesn’t like to consider 131 Main a restaurant chain—each facility has a distinct atmosphere and feel, despite offering the same menu. The Lakewood Ranch location was modeled after Alys Beach, a community in northern Florida with bright white, Bermudan-style architecture. “It's a passion for us. We're not just out there to build as many restaurants as we can. We want to make sure we get it perfect,” Douglas says. The menu itself is identical across all four restaurants, and so are the high standards Douglas maintains across every dish. “We're all fresh, meaning we don't use any freezers for our food, other than for ice cream. We have very strict guidelines on shelf lives and quality standards. We do a taste plate every morning, and if it’s not perfect, we won’t serve it,” he says. To provide this level of freshness, Douglas has kept the menu to just 17 items, spanning starters, salads, sandwiches and an array of entrees. The restaurant uses a wood-burning grill to cook all of its steak, pork and fish—highlights on the menu include the popular prime-rib sandwich, served “au jus” with mayonnaise and fresh French fries. Each sandwich is served on freshlybaked bread, made in-house. Other popular entree options include the cedar plank salmon, served with whole-grain mustard butter and a chilled wild-rice salad, and the big island ribeye, a 14-ounce cut of high-quality steak marinated in sweet pineapple soy sauce. While he highlighted the most popular options, Douglas says that any item will be served with the same level of quality and intention. “We commit to being the best in our marketplace on every item. The reality is, no matter what you choose, it's going to be the best,” he says. SRQ 22 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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IMAGERY COURTESY OF 131 MAIN.
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Below, left to right: Sergei Pakanich, Men’s Junior Elite Head Coach. Sam Mikulak, Men’s Team Coach. Danila Leykin. Donnell Wittenburg. Jackson Harrison, Recreational Coach. Brody Malone. Stephen Nedoroscik. Alex Diab. Kevin Mazeika, EVO Gymnastics Executive Director. Syque Caesar, Men’s Senior Elite Head Coach.
STICKING THE LANDING
America’s top gymnasts come to EVO Gymnastics to hone their skills. Dylan Campbell
BRODY MALONE STOOD AT THE EDGE OF THE PLATFORM, STOCK STILL. He raised his right arm to the judges in salute—the crowd in
the gym roared in adulation—and then he turned, took a deep breath and faced the high bar. All of the elements of a top flight artistic gymnastics competition were present: there was Malone, one of the most decorated male gymnasts of all-time, flanked by his 2024 Olympic teammate and fellow bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik. Other elite gymnasts, like Donnell Whittenburg, a two-time national champion on vault and rings, and Malone’s longtime coach, former Olympian Syque Caesar, watched diligently. Even the air in the building was thick with competitive tension. There was just one crucial element missing from the competition—the results. Although the event looked and felt like a legitimate meet, it was a final inter-squad practice for Malone and his teammates at EVO Gymnastics in preparation for the upcoming Xfinity U.S. Championships held in New Orleans in early August. “You’ve probably heard the phrase 99% mental, 1% physical before,” says Caesar, the Men’s Senior Elite head coach at EVO. “We’re in that phase right now close to the competition where things don't look perfect because we’re honing in on that mental strength and emotional stress that comes with competing. These inter-squad practice meets are essentially a rehearsal for the real thing.” 24 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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The cheering, courtesy of friends, coaches and the larger EVO Gymnastics family, was a testament to the location—it is here, in a nondescript office park on the side of the road, that some of the best gymnasts in the world come to train. EVO was sending 11 male gymnasts, five Juniors and six Seniors, to the U.S. Championships, the final domestic elite event of the artistic season that would not only crown national champions, but cement U.S. Junior and Senior National team rosters for the coming year. For Malone, the practice marked a return to form. After helping the United States win bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games, Malone’s past year has been a whirlwind—the 25-year-old spent time traveling on the Gold Over America Tour with Simone Biles, married his long-time girlfriend Serena Ortiz and even got a new puppy. “I told my coach this year that I wanted to focus on being a person. My priority was not on gymnastics—I’m grateful for that, because gymnastics is a year-round sport,” says Malone. “We don’t get a lot of opportunities to take time for ourselves.” For two of EVO’s junior team members, 17-year-old Hunter Simpson and 16-year-old Jackson Kurecki, the U.S. Championships are an opportunity to make further inroads on their gymnastics journeys. Both Simpson and Kurecki, who attend school online and train at EVO during the day, are on the U.S. 26 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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Below, left to right: Jake Wazolek, Lincoln Dubin, Jakson Kurecki, Keegan Shemluck and Hunter Simpson. Brody Malone meeting with coaches. EVO Gymnastics, 7188 15th St East, Sarasota, 34234, 941-222-0888
National Junior team. Success in the upcoming U.S. Championships would ensure that they remain on the roster. “I’d say that I feel a little bit of pressure heading into the competition, because it’s my second U.S. Championship,” says Simpson, who placed second in 2024’s junior all-around competition. “I feel like I can show the new juniors the ropes. It’s a really fun competition if you can get all the nerves out and stay focused.” For Caesar, the practice is a chance to check in on the most crucial aspect of his athletes’ performance: their mental state. Some gymnasts had successful days. Others, like Nedoroscik, who won an individual bronze on pommel horse in Paris and was the national champion in the discipline in 2024, did not. When Nedoroscik, who was forced to wait for the entirety of the mock competition before attempting his routine, failed the stick the landing, frustration boiled over. “I had to remind him that it’s not always glorious. The tough parts of the sport are tough, but they make the wins that much greater,” says Caesar. “My message to him was number one, ‘I’m proud of what you’re doing.’ I know today didn’t go your way, but we’ve got a whole other shot at it next week. Number two was ‘remember to have fun.’ I know that you’re the guy, you’re “Clark Kent-Superman” and you feel pressure from the media, but you’re human and that’s okay.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.
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culture city LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE
This spread, left to right: Keynote speaker Amy Tan; children attend the Off the Page Literary Celebration; local bestselling author Lisa Daily.
BOOKWORMS UNITE storytellers flock to the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources 2025 Off the Page Literary Celebration. Dylan Campbell
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THIS NOVEMBER, STORYTELLING IS BACK IN SARASOTA. Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is hosting the 2025 Off
the Page Literary celebration, a month-long event that features bestselling authors, writing workshops and other events with all 10 library locations participating. The authors at Off the Page run the gamut from iconic bestselling authors like Amy Tan to local love gurus such as Lisa Daily and everything in between. SRQ Magazine profiled just a few of the authors, including Tan, Daily, Fort Myers native Annabelle Tometich and children’s author/illustrator Ben Clanton, to gain an inside look as to what storytelling means to them.
Finding Her Truth with Amy Tan “People think that fiction is a bunch of lies, but that is so far from what it really is,” says Amy Tan, author of seven New York Times bestselling books and the keynote author of the Off the Page Literary Celebration. “Yes, you make up the details. Do we call that a lie? It’s not a lie, it’s an imaginative part of storywriting. What is true is the sense of something, the sense of tragedy, of hope, of pure, unexpected joy.” Tan has been discovering her own truth through fiction since the debut of her first novel, The Joy Luck Club, in 1989. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Tan’s works have become integral to the American literary canon—often depicting the peaks and valleys of motherdaughter relationships, Tan’s novels are both deeply personal and highly relatable to millions of readers around the world. In 2024, Tan’s authorship took a turn when she penned The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a written and illustrated account of how birding has changed her life. Taking the time to be in nature, to truly ingest all that is around her, brought Tan solace in a time where she found it difficult to write. “I was somewhat distressed by the amount of racism in our country and I became much more aware of it directed towards Asian people,” says Tan. “I felt I couldn’t write, because when I’m writing I have to get into a certain kind of mood. I can’t be in despair when I’m writing.”
The act of chronicling the different types of birds Tan found in her backyard, of sketching them and thinking intently about their journeys, allowed her to access the parts of herself needed to create compelling characters. “I have to be compassionate to my characters when I write a story. And sometimes I don’t always feel compassionate. You know, I’ve had a bad day or bad experience with someone, but I have to regain that in my life,” says Tan. “I have to have a mystery, I have to have drama and every day with the birds, there’s drama in my yard. There’s a story unfolding and that gets me very excited.”
Looking for Love with Lisa Daily Lisa Daily knows a thing or two about love— and writing love stories. Daily is not only a USA Today bestselling author, having penned nonfiction works like Stop Getting Dumped and novels such as Fifteen Minutes of Shame alike, she is also a dating expert and a book coach. Better yet, she’s a Sarasota resident who loves to write on Siesta Key. In her program at the Off the Page Literary Celebration, Daily spoke on the keys to writing a good romance novel and how to take the ideas out of your brain and onto the page. One of the essential elements of a romance novel, Daily says, is the ending. “Romance novels always must have either a happy for now or happily ever after type of ending and this
IMAGES COURTESY OF SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES.
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is a challenge,” says Daily. “There are a lot of people who think if there is a romantic subplot or romance at all in the book that makes it a romance novel, but romance readers are very particular. They want their happily ever after ending and if you don’t deliver it, they’ll come after you with pitchforks.” Although romance stories have evolved from the early 2000s heyday of the rom-com— think more diverse characters and greater consideration of consent—the core tenets of a successful romance story remain the same. Daily follows a three act structure: “Act one put your characters in a tree. Act two set the tree on fire. Act three get your characters out of the tree.” In a romance novel, the story goal is the relationship—the couple must end up together. How the characters get to that point, the obstacles they encounter and the things that they learn about themselves along the way is what makes for a compelling read. “When you’re plotting romance, you need to determine the goal of each character, what is it that they’re trying to do throughout the story, aside from the relationship aspect, and what are the things that are holding them back in their lives?” says Daily. “Those are the pieces of the characters that writers need to focus on and it works best if they match up—if the flaw that I need to overcome is what sets off your personal journey—which is always the case in our strongest relationships. srq magazine_ NOV25 live local | 29
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Below, left to right: Fort Myers native Annabelle Tometich; Author/illustrator Ben Clanton.
of your childhood,’ and when I got to these memories it was fascinating how perfectly intact they were,” says Tometich. “What I learned from all of this is that I have enough distance from this time in my life to where it doesn’t hurt me anymore. That is a really nice place to have reached in my life.”
Inspiration in Imagination with Ben Clanton
Those are the relationships that make us grow as people and in a romance novel, that’s just compacted into 75,000 words.”
Stories Within with Annabelle Tometich There have always been stories inside of Annabelle Tometich. They just took some time to make it out of her head and onto the page. Tometich, who published her debut memoir, The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony, in 2024 to widespread acclaim, did not initially set out to write a memoir. In fact, Tometich, who’d worked as a food-critic and restaurant writer for The News-Press in her hometown of Fort Myers, first wanted to write a cookbook. “When I first started writing The Mango Tree, I had a very journalistic approach to it,” says Tometich. “I thought I could write this quirky cookbook, since I’m a food writer, that’s an essay collection with stories about the interesting childhood I had and put recipes in it that were tangential to the stories. I cobbled something together and it didn’t really make sense.” Tometich’s inspiration to write something different from her work came out of desperation. In 2019, Tometich had just turned down an offer to be the new food critic at the Tampa Bay Times. A “mid-life” crisis began— with Tometich questioning her career path—
which led to the idea to create a cookbook. What she found, however, after sharing the initial draft with her close friend and fellow memoirist Artis Henderson, were that the essays in the “cookbook” where Tometich laid herself bare were in fact the best parts. “She told me if I could get rid of the recipes and find a way to connect these essays, then I’d have a powerful memoir. She’d highlight these sections that were few and far between and said that ‘when you’re vulnerable and super honest, that’s your best writing,’ which is counterintuitive to everything you learn in journalism,” says Tometich. “I’d written all of these first-person restaurant reviews for a long time, and figured if I just leaned into that and mentally pretended it’s not my story that I’m telling, then we’ll see where it goes. Having written so much in the past, I did have a voice in a way I didn’t know existed.” The Mango Tree—named after the 2015 incident in which Tometich’s mother, a Filipina immigrant, was arrested for shooting a BB gun at a trespasser stealing mangos from her mango tree—is not always an easy read. The memoir delves into some of the toughest moments of Tometich’s upbringing and digs up the ghosts of her past in a sometimes humorous, but more often heartfelt manner. “It’s weird how not difficult it turned out to be. I felt in my head, ‘oh my gosh, you’re going to sit with some of the most traumatic moments
Writing, for many, can conjure up images of stress. Of emotional turmoil, of banging one’s head against the wall trying in vain to come up with some spark of creative inspiration. Sure, writing does have those moments—but it also contains countless moments of artistic joy, where the ideas in one’s head finally make it onto the page. Author and illustrator Ben Clanton knows this. Perhaps it’s because of the types of stories he tells—Clanton is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator of the Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series—but more than likely, it’s due to the endearing attitude he brings to his craft. Clanton, who will host a “Family Day” during the Off the Page Literary Celebration on November 8, has made a career working in children’s literature due to a willingness to explore the depths of his imagination. “It’s funny that I did become an author and illustrator as I wasn’t so sure about books as a kid. Learning to read was a big struggle for me,” says Clanton, who became interested in the children’s book space while volunteering at the school library in college. “I loved reading books with students. I found myself wondering, what would it look like if I tried making a book? Would I enjoy making them as much as I do reading them?” For Clanton, the whimsical and wacky characters that populate his books are often the product of doodling—years of it. Clanton says that he wants to get to know the characters so that they become real to him before writing their stories. When the characters have effectively become his “friends,” then crafting story arcs comes organically. “I often feel like the characters are doing that for me! I’m hanging onto Narwhal’s tail—just along for the ride. I might give Narwhal a scenario like ‘What would happen if your tusk broke?’ And soon that story starts to play out in my brain,” says Clanton. “It doesn’t typically all go smoothly at first. I have to play with the idea a lot.” SRQ
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BRICK BY BRICK
Architecture Sarasota celebrates its 12th annual MOD Weekend with Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100. Dylan Campbell “SARASOTA COUNTY HAS ADDED, ON AVERAGE, 15 TO 17 PEOPLE A DAY FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS,” says Morris (Marty) Hylton III, president of Architecture Sarasota. “Over 140,000 people have moved here and a lot of them are new and don’t have a connection or understanding of our history. Historic preservation is a dialogue between the past, present and future and for people to really understand the community they live in, they need to see how it evolved over time, because that’s going to inform how we make better decisions moving forward.”
Fostering that connection to the community is the driving force behind why Hylton and Architecture Sarasota continue to host the annual MOD Weekend, this year occurring on November 11-14. MOD Weekend 2025 is aptly themed Moderns That Matter, based on Architecture Sarasota’s exhibition and accompanying publication Moderns That Matter: The Sarasota 100. A chronological listing of 100 places and spaces that have shaped Sarasota from 1925 until present day, the Sarasota 100, was created to tell the story of Sarasota—from a small circus city to a center of art, culture and design on Florida’s Gulf Coast. “1925 was the year that Ralph Twitchell came to Sarasota to oversee the construction of the Ca’ d’Zan. We use 1925 as a starting point, because Twitchell is really the individual who introduced modern design principles to Sarasota,” says Hylton. “The Sarasota 100 chronicles 100 years of our architectural heritage and is a celebration of our built environment.” Organized across 10 different use categories, the Sarasota 100 is the product of a multi-year research and public nomination process that Architecture Sarasota first began in April 2023. The goal was to identify not only what is historically significant within Sarasota’s built environment—from single-family residences to public spaces to commercial buildings and beyond— but to also create a connection point for those who call Sarasota home. By showing the world the path that Sarasota has taken to where it is today, Hylton hopes to incite a better future for tomorrow. “It really focuses on that continuum of good design that makes up Sarasota and what we’re known for, and the idea that not everything is in the past. What are the projects being done today and the types of buildings that people think really represent our community?” says Hylton. “We surveyed 800 properties ourselves and looked at thousands of structures. We studied every cultural resource survey of Sarasota since 1977, we looked at every building or district on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the city and county registers, as well as a ton of archives and exhibitions.” 32 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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Architecture Sarasota’s internal efforts were mirrored by a 90-day public nomination process, which launched at MOD Weekend 2023, and garnered over 580 nominations. For Hylton, the objective of the nomination process wasn’t to just point out the obvious—properties like Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House, for instance, are iconic symbols of the Sarasota School of Architecture—but also to highlight buildings and districts that have personal and historic significance to the community. From local churches to the Bahia Vista Estates mobile home community, the places and spaces cataloged in the Sarasota 100 use the threads of design to weave together the fabric of our community. “Some people wrote, ‘I drive by this building on my way to work and it makes me smile,’” says Hylton. “Others mentioned that their grandparents got married in a certain church and they have a personal connection to it, which was really amazing.” MOD Weekend 2025 structures itself around the different aspects of the Sarasota 100. The weekend is bookended by tours that focus on the waterfront— no. 100 in the Sarasota 100—with Friday’s Moderns That Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour and Sunday’s Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100 Tour by the Water. The waterfront, a listing drawn from an anonymous nomination, plays a crucial role in telling the story of Sarasota’s development and charting the city’s future. “Our entire cultural identity in Sarasota is tied to the water, whether it’s the Bay, the Gulf, the Myakka River or the tributaries. The development of the waterfront in Sarasota over 100 years has been extraordinary,” says Hylton. “Our relationship with water has also changed and evolved over time.” The heart of MOD Weekend 2025, however, lies in Saturday’s programming. The day begins with the Moderns That Matter: Symposium, where the World Monuments Fund (WMF) will be presented with Architecture Sarasota’s Phillip Hanson Hiss Award, which honors champions of innovative design while commemorating Hiss, one of the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture. 2025 marks the 20th IMAGES COURTESY OF ARCHITECTURE SARASOTA.
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This spread, clockwise: Architecture Sarasota’s home in the historic McCulloch Pavilion; guests attend a lecture during MOD Weekend; the Hilton Leech Studio, designed by Jack West and Elizabeth Boylston Waters; Carl Abbot’s Dolphin House on Siesta Key; Hive Architect’s Shibusa on Siesta Key.
the 20th anniversary of WMF’s Modernism-at-Risk program, one of the first initiatives to bring attention to the threats facing modern architecture—the program’s first grant was to preserve Paul Rudoph’s historic Riverview High School. Following the symposium is a driving tour, either selfguided or in a shuttle, that takes participants on a journey through the different decades of the Sarasota 100. The residencies featured on the tour—Hylton hopes to share six to eight—are all representative of the different styles of architecture that have permeated throughout the last century of Sarasota. From 1949, the tour features the Lustron Home #1687, one of roughly 2,500 ‘kit homes’ from the Lustron Corporation, a prefabricated framework of porcelain-enameled steel plates; and the Nate and Muriel Eagle House, a shining example of the Art Deco Moderne style of the time. In addition to two mid-century modern homes from the South Gate neighborhood—number 27A on the list—the tour will
also feature contemporary examples of the Sarasota School of Architecture, which, according to Hylton, is still alive and well. Hive Architect’s heralded Shibusa house, built in 2020 on Siesta Key, consists of two raised, intersecting pavilions situated above the landscape, and is a testament to the lasting legacy of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The clean lines, raised structures and large windows are reminiscent of the original principles of the movement, as championed by architects such as Tim Seibert, Paul Rudolph and Phillip Hiss III. “People are drawn to Sarasota for different reasons. Of course there are the beaches, which are beautiful, but I think there are other elements to it that they might not be able to fully articulate—I think design is part of that,” says Hylton. “There are so many people here that don’t know about the Sarasota School of Architecture, that don’t understand architecture and design’s role in our community and that Sarasota is this global epicenter for design innovation.” SRQ srq magazine_ NOV25 live local | 33
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IN THE SADDLE
Where fashion takes the reins. Jennifer Villagomez
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MEET OUR MODEL Jessica Obiedzinski is a sixth-generation Floridian and St. Petersburg-based dance artist. A member of Sarasota Contemporary Dance since 2018, she serves as dancer, choreographer and rehearsal assistant. Certified in Simonson Technique, she teaches dance, yoga and Pilates in her Bay Area community. Her work has been featured in SCD’s main stage show, Voices and has produced evening length works for SCD’s in-studio series in 2023 and 2025. Jessica’s choreography is inspired by nature, mental health and the body’s resilience—guided by a deep commitment to movement as a form of healing, inquiry, and creative connection. ABOUT OUR LOCATION Sarasota Polo Club’s Ashlie Manno is the Director of the Sarasota Polo School. ”My base of operations is at the Sarasota Polo Club, where I conduct polo lessons on a weekly basis,” says Manno. “Regardless of what someone’s level of experience in polo is, my polo lessons can be tailored to each individual’s needs and I can accommodate almost any schedule. Polo lessons are roughly 4560 minutes long and my fee includes the rental of one of my fabulous school polo ponies, the use of real polo balls and mallets, as well as all the tack that is necessary for your equine partner. Participants are welcome to bring their own polo equipment (helmet, boots, etc.) or they may borrow from my rental equipment. We simply ask that each student arrives in long pants and closed-toed shoes, and brings an eagerness to learn the fabulous sport of polo.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS
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Below Kiki Kleinman-Ling and Eric Joseph Ling. RAREBIRD, 1282 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, 1282 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-362-4196.
BE UNIQUE
Local Boutique Wants Customers to Reconnect with Themselves. Barbie Heit
The phrase rare bird is often used to describe something or someone truly unique—fitting, then, that RAREBIRD, a one-of-a-kind boutique, opened its doors on Palm Avenue earlier this year. RAREBIRD lives up to its name, offering shoppers a fresh, stylish experience that encourages authenticity and individuality. Located just across the street from Kojo and Palm Avenue Deli, RAREBIRD is a thoughtfully curated boutique designed to resonate with both local shoppers and global visitors. Founded by avid travelers Kirsten Kleinman-Ling, who goes by “Kiki” and her husband, Eric, RAREBIRD was born from their desire to share a fresh perspective on the everyday items we all use and value. Inspired by the cultures, cuisines, music and communities they’ve encountered around the world, the couple is passionate about exploring diverse ways of living and bringing those influences home. “We offer slow fashion—meaning our pieces are produced in limited quantities, with a focus on ethical practices and sustainability, as opposed to the mass-produced world of fast fashion,” says Kiki. “These are brands we discovered abroad, and we took the time to ensure each item is thoughtful, unique and not redundant. We aim to support small communities, women and underprivileged areas and we prioritize minimizing the environmental impact with the brands we carry.” Current items found in the store include Kitty Van Coesant sweaters, MOA Concept Sneakers, a.k.a. My Own Action Sneakers and Inbar + Co. Skincare. After a 22-year career as a chef, Kiki discovered her passion for the fashion industry while working at an Anna Maria Island boutique. “I went from decorating plates to decorating people,” she says with a laugh. Since opening in February, her store has been well-received by the community for its unique brands. Future plans for RAREBIRD include adding men’s clothing and further developing its online presence. Eric will be an integral part of building both. At this time, though, the couple is really focused on establishing themselves in the community. “We have pop-ups scheduled at a few venues and are looking into doing more fashion shows around town as well,” shares Kiki. With a large portion of the items catering to women in their 40s through 70s, Kleinman-Ling wants to help her customers feel comfortable in their own skin when they see themselves aging and changing: “I want them to reconnect with themselves and be the rare, unique individuals that they are.” SRQ 38 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CECILIA MARTY.
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A DUMPLING IS DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE. At its most essential, it is just dough—sometimes wrapped around a filling, sometimes
left plain—pinched, folded or rolled into shape before being boiled, steamed, baked or fried. But that simplicity is precisely what makes it so universal. With only flour, water and whatever ingredients happen to be on hand, you can create something comforting and satisfying that feels both familiar and special. Because the idea is so straightforward, variations of dumplings are a staple in almost every culture around the world. They show up in different shapes, sizes and textures, sometimes plump and pillowy, other times delicate and thin. They can be spooned into soup, stacked high on a platter, or crisped until golden, each variation echoing the tastes and traditions of the place it comes from. That is what makes dumplings so fascinating. They may share the same foundation, but the subtle nuances and small details give insight into the culture that created them. Dumplings aren’t just food; they’re edible expressions of history, geography, and identity. WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
ADeepDiveInto TAKE A CULINARY JOURNEY TO EXPLORE DIFFERENT CULTURAL INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS UNIVERSAL DISH
This spread: At Garden of Joy, try the hearty khinkali dumpling packed with seasoned fillings and savory broth.The Empanada Girl, 4141 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-8702729, empanadagirl.com. Garden of Joy, 1938 Adams Ln, Sarasota, 941-362-3883. J’s Korean Food, 1962 Hillview St, Sarasota, 941-552-8492, jskoreanfood.com. Tikka Indian Cuisine, 5445 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 941-413-5691, tikkasarasota.com. The Original Wolfie’s Restaurant, 1420 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-3124072, originalwolfies.com.
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Dumpling Development THE WORD DUMPLING IS THOUGHT to have first ap-
peared in English in the early 1600s, referring to a small lump of dough cooked by steaming or simmering. Over time, the definition expanded to include filled dumplings. But as a concept, the dish existed long before this specific name. The origin of dumplings isn’t pinned to a single place or culture, because the concept is so simple that it likely developed independently in different parts of the world. The earliest written references are often traced back to China, where legend credits a physician named Zhang Zhongjing during the Eastern Han Dynasty (around 200 CE). He is said to have wrapped meat and herbs in dough to help people fend off frostbite in the winter, creating something very much like the dumplings we know today. At the same time, similar foods were appearing elsewhere. In the Middle East and Mediterranean, filled pastries and dough pockets were common in ancient times, while in Europe, dumplings developed both as hearty additions to soups and stews and as a way to stretch limited ingredients. Because “dumpling” is really an umbrella term for many different foods, it’s not so much that they originated in one place as that they emerged wherever people had flour, water and creativity.
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This spread. left to right: Similar to Chinese potstickers or Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu can be steamed or pan-fried. Upper right: Matzoh ball soup at The Original Wolfie’s is the quintessential comfort food. Bottom middle: The layered spice blends in a golden, crisp samosa are unique to regions and even households.
Pan-Asian Pleasures IF YOU WANT PROOF OF JUST HOW VERSATILE DUMPLINGS CAN BE, look no further than Asia. Within a single
continent, you can find an astonishing spectrum of styles. When people think of dumplings, Chinese varieties are often the first that come to mind. They are among the oldest and most diverse interpretations of the dish, with a history stretching back nearly two thousand years. Jiaozi are the classic dumplings, typically crescent-shaped and filled with meat, vegetables or a mix of both. They can be boiled, steamed or pan-fried. Potstickers, a popular variation, are pan-fried on one side until golden and crispy while the rest of the dough steams to tender perfection. Wontons are thinner-skinned dumplings, often filled with a simple mixture of meat or shrimp and commonly served in a light, flavorful broth. And these are just a few examples of China’s rich and varied dumpling landscape. Japan has taken the dumpling concept and made it distinctly its own. Gyoza are perhaps the most famous: thinskinned dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, typically pan-fried until the bottoms are crisp while the tops stay tender. Meanwhile, in Korea, mandu are the Korean version of dumplings and the word refers broadly to dumplings in general rather than one specific type. They can be filled with a mix of ingredients, including pork, beef, chicken, tofu, vegetables, kimchi and glass noodles. “The earliest records suggest that mandu were introduced to Korea sometime in the 14th century, during the Goryeo Dynasty. They may have arrived via the Silk Road through Mongol influence,” says Jeffrey Choi. Choi and his brother Bryan co-own J’s Korean Food, a fami-
ly-owned and operated Korean restaurant that opened in Sarasota in October of 2024. Their menu is built on recipes passed down from three generations. “Once adopted, Koreans made mandu their own by adjusting fillings, seasonings and preparations to suit Korean tastes,” Choi continues. “That’s how kimchi mandu, tofu and glass noodle mandu and other uniquely Korean versions came about.” These are just a few of the East Asian dumpling varieties. South Asia has its own rich take on dumplings, often hearty, spiced and deeply rooted in local culinary traditions. Momos, popular in Nepal, Tibet and northern India, are soft, steamed or fried dumplings typically filled with meat, vegetables, or paneer, and served with tangy dipping sauces. Samosas are also considered South Asian dumplings, though they’re a bit different from the steamed or boiled varieties you might think of. They are typically triangular, deep-fried or baked pastries. “Our samosa filling is made with ginger, garlic, onions, green peas, potatoes and garam masala,” says Joshy Pallavi, who co-owns Tikka Indian Cuisine in Venice and Sarasota and Spice Indian Cuisine in Sarasota. “In India, everyone has their own version of garam masala. Based on what region of India you are from, the filling could also contain beetroot or carrots.” At Tikka Indian Cuisine, the crispy, golden samosas are served with a sweet and sour tamarind chutney made with jaggery, a coarse dark brown sugar made in India. It’s a perfect representation of how local ingredients make different dumpling variations unique to the region. srq magazine_ NOV25 live local | 43
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European Eats LIKE ASIA, EUROPE IS HOME TO SEEMINGLY ENDLESS VARIETIES OF DUMPLINGS. Spaetzle, a soft, chewy
dumpling from Germany and Austria, is made from a simple batter of flour, eggs and water or milk, often served as a side to soak up rich sauces. In Central and Eastern Europe, pierogi are beloved staples. These soft pockets of dough are filled with potatoes, cheese, meat or even fruit, often boiled and then lightly pan-fried. In Scandinavia, dumplings appear in forms like kroppkakor, potato-based dumplings filled with pork and onions. And believe it or not, ravioli are technically considered dumplings. Garden of Joy restaurant opened in Sarasota in December of 2023 and serves a variety of regional dishes from Russia, Ukraine and Georgia as well as Central Asia. One of their menu mainstays is pelmeni, small Russian meat-filled dumplings that originated in Siberia. Pelmeni were ideally suited to the Siberian environment because of their practicality and durability. In the harsh winters, families could prepare large batches of the dumplings, freeze them outdoors and store them for months without spoiling, essentially creating an early form of frozen convenience food. Their small, uniform size made them easy to cook quickly by boiling, which was useful in regions where fuel could be scarce and efficiency mattered. The meat fillings provided much-needed protein and fat to sustain people through long, cold seasons, while the thin dough wrapper stretched those ingredients further, making the dish both economical and filling. Pelmeni also became popular among hunters and travelers, who could carry sacks of the frozen dumplings into the wilderness, then cook them easily over a campfire. This portability and preservation factor helped pelmeni become not just a household staple in Siberia but also a vital survival food in extreme climates. “Every family has its own recipe, and in our restaurant we prepare them just as our grandmother taught us,” says owner Oxana Li. “We make the dough with plenty of fresh eggs, knead it until smooth and let it rest. For the filling, we use a blend of beef and pork ground together with aromatic herbs and spices. The dough is rolled out, cut into small portions and filled with the savory mixture before being shaped into delicate dumplings. We serve our pelmeni with sour cream, as is customary in Europe, but at home they are often enjoyed with soy sauce.” In Li’s family, pelmeni are prepared for New Year’s Eve. One dumpling is made with a hidden coin inside as a sign of luck and hidden prosperity for whoever finds it. Just as pelmeni became a staple of Russian kitchens, Jewish communities in Eastern Europe developed their own distinctive dumpling traditions in kreplach and matzoh balls. Kreplach are small pockets of dough filled with meat, potatoes or other savory fillings, most often simmered in chicken soup. Their form and preparation show clear parallels with neighboring dumpling traditions like pierogi and pelmeni, reflecting how Jewish cooks adapt-
ed regional practices to fit within their own dietary laws and holiday rituals. Matzoh balls (or kneidlach) also originated among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe, where matzoh meal provided a flour substitute for dumplings during Passover, when leavened bread is forbidden. Over time, they became an everyday comfort food, often associated with Friday night dinners and holiday gatherings. While Ashkenazi Jews carried these dishes with them as they migrated, Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jewish communities developed their own versions, sometimes lighter or more herb-forward, showing how the dumpling form traveled and transformed across cultures. Together, kreplach and matzoh balls illustrate how Jewish culinary traditions were deeply rooted in the Eastern European landscape yet flexible enough to adapt, endure and spread worldwide. Both dumplings are menu staples at The Original Wolfie’s Restaurant in Sarasota, a Jewish deli with deep roots and a rich history specializing in comfort food. “There are many different ways you can cook kreplach. You can fry a kreplach, you can serve it in chicken broth and you can fill it with many different things,” says Jason Starkman, the operations manager at Wolfie’s. “In our kreplach, we use brisket and caramelized onion, and to give it a bit of extra flavor we put a little bit of chopped liver in it as well. There’s something about the mixture of putting the kreplach in the soup with shredded chicken and noodles. It’s just a great combination that never dies. It’s one of those things that’s lasting.” Matzoh is a staple ingredient in Jewish cuisine. This unleavened flatbread is made from just two ingredients, flour and water, and mixed and baked quickly to prevent natural fermentation or rising. The result is a crisp, cracker-like bread that holds deep cultural and religious significance in Jewish tradition. Matzoh is most closely associated with Passover (Pesach), the Jewish holiday that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. According to tradition, when the Israelites fled Egypt, they left in such haste that there was no time for their bread to rise. As a reminder of this story, Jews eat matzoh during the week of Passover. “When you go to a Jewish-style restaurant, there are certain items you can try to judge if the restaurant knows what they’re doing,” Starkman says. “One of those is matzoh balls.” Matzoh balls are dumplings made from matzoh meal (ground matzoh) that is mixed with eggs, seasonings, water or broth and fat (traditionally chicken schmaltz). The mixture is rolled into balls and simmered in broth. Matzoh ball soup is the quintessential comfort food, and is often lovingly referred to as Jewish penicillin because it’s such a go-to meal when you’re under the weather. Matzoh balls tend to be one to two inches in diameter, but Wolfie’s is famed for their generously-sized take on this traditional food. “A lot of people make smaller ones because they’re easier to control,” Starkman says. “When you get them really big like we make them, it takes a little more finesse.”
Above: Some call them hand pies, others call them dumplings; either way, empanadas are incredibly versatile, with sweet and savory variations.
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Latin American Delights EMPANADAS OCCUPY AN INTERESTING MIDDLE GROUND IN THE WORLD OF WRAPPED AND FILLED FOODS. Empanadas occupy an interesting
middle ground in the world of wrapped and filled foods. On one hand, they’re often described as hand pies: pastry pockets folded around savory or sweet fillings, then baked or fried to golden perfection. On the other hand, they fit neatly into the broad definition of a dumpling: dough encasing a filling and cooked through some method of heat. The reality is that empanadas could comfortably claim either identity. In a sense, they’re the Schrödinger’s dumpling of the culinary world—both dumpling and hand pie until you decide how to define them. For today’s purposes, though, we’ll open the box and firmly place them in the dumpling camp. Empanadas are thought to have originated in northwest Spain back in the 7th century, where they were originally a simple, portable meal for farmers and travelers. As Spanish colonizers journeyed across the globe from the 15th century onward, they brought empanadas with them. The concept of a stuffed pastry was readily embraced in Latin America, where it evolved to reflect local ingredients, tastes, and culinary traditions. Traditional Venezuelan empanadas are made with ground corn dough and a diverse array of fillings, while empanadillas in Puerto Rico are made of a flour base. Mexican empanadas are made of fried corn paste masa and are typically filled with taco ingredients. And in El Salvador, empanadas are made with plantain instead of a flour-based dough wrapping. Stefania Fochi is the owner of The Empanada Girl, a local business that started serving delicious handmade treats at the Sarasota Farmers Market in 2010. Fochi describes empanadas as “pockets full of deliciousness.” “My empanadas are made in Argentine style. This means the dough is a thin wheat dough that we make from scratch,” Fochi says. “Argentine empanada joints are known for making a wide variety of flavors which is what I specialize in—it’s the reason I only really offer empanadas, so that we can focus on that one product and make it to the best of our ability! In Argentina, our empanada fillings are all composed, which means each flavor has different ingredients and flavor profiles, but in the end are full meals. You get two empanadas, each of a different flavor, and you’ve got a whole meal!” At The Empanada Girl, you can find traditional Argentine flavors like beef, chicken, spinach, ham and cheese, but Fochi has also branched out into fusion flavors over the years. She offers a small variety of breakfast empanadas including her bestselling caramelized onion and mushroom recipe. She also has a guava and cheese dessert empanada that has been a perennial favorite for years. Her most popular flavors are also available with gluten free dough. “I began out of a passion for serving quality food that I could be proud of with the intention of spreading joy and comfort and serving our community nourishing food that could bring people together,” Fochi says. “Argentine empanadas happened to be the boat through which I was able to accomplish that.”
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WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS
NIGHTMOVES AS THE SUN GOES DOWN, ENJOY COOL FINDS AT THE WELLEN PARK NIGHT MARKET
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S This spread, left to right: Get the party started with flavorful First & Ten Hot Sauce, made in small batches by Andy Duffy. Stop by Pure Squeeze for a sweet treat you can feel good about.
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This spread, left to right: Handmade gourmet products from Mia’s Truffles & Extra Virgin Olive Oil make great gifts. Upper right: Gasparilla Roasting has now opened a coffee tasting room in Englewood. Bottom right: First & Ten Hot Sauces are vinegar-based and made with fresh produce.
BROWSING AN OUTDOOR MARKET IS ONE OF LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES— especially when it means sampling
delicious bites, discovering handmade treasures and supporting local makers. A farmers market is always a fun, family-friendly activity, but in Wellen Park the good times continue when the sun goes down. On the second Thursday of every month from 6 to 9 pm , head to Downtown Wellen to experience the Wellen Park Night Market. Featuring a rotating lineup of vendors from the weekly Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, the Night Market is a cooler way to shop, snack and soak up the vibes.
Pure Squeeze Juice & Smoothie Co.
First & Ten Hot Sauce
“I’VE ALWAYS CARED ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS AND I WAS DRAWN TO THE IDEA OF FUELING MY BODY WITH REAL, CLEAN INGREDIENTS,” says Emily Collins.
ANDY DUFFY KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT SAUCE.
Gasparilla Roasting
He owned a restaurant in Washington, DC, called Duffy’s Irish Pub which was renowned for its wings, made with a sauce of his own recipe. The sauce was so scrumptious, the wings were named to Food & Wine Magazine’s Top 25 Wings in the USA list for five years running. “When I closed my restaurant in 2017, everybody was kind of after me to bottle my sauce,” Duffy says. “At first I didn’t because I wanted to chill, but around 2020 I started bottling it and selling it at different farmers markets, and it’s doing pretty well.” Duffy offers a few flavors of his popular and piquant sauces. In addition to the Original Cayenne Garlic recipe that started it all, he also offers Garlic Habanero and the Mango Habanero. The simple vinegar-based sauces are all-natural with real garlic, peppers and fruit. Occasionally, he’ll get inspired and make small specialty batches, like a Strawberry Habanero. No matter what flavor you try, it’s sure to make an impression and will definitely take your wing game to the next level. First & Ten Hot Sauce, firstandtenhotsauce.com.
“WE ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE THAT LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DRINK BAD COFFEE,” says Steffen Capello, founder
Mia’s Truffles & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Collins started experimenting with cold-pressed juice in her kitchen, creating functional blends that helped her feel energized and balanced. She wanted to share what she had learned with others, and her boyfriend encouraged her to start Pure Squeeze. Collins started out selling her cold-pressed juices from her tent, and has now graduated to a food trailer where she also offers açaí bowls and smoothies. All of the smoothies are made with real, whole frozen fruit and no ice cubes, so they are packed with flavor as well as nutrients. Be sure to try the Instagram-worthy Pink Flamingo, which contains strawberries, pineapple, mango, orange juice, coconut water, vanilla Greek yogurt and red dragonfruit powder. Pure Squeeze Juice & Smoothie Co., instagram.com/puresqueezejuiceco.
of Gasparilla Roasting. He should know. A daily coffee drinker, Capello estimates he consumes around 1,000 cups of coffee per year. He tried ordering specialty coffee online, but because he couldn’t try it ahead of time he sometimes found himself stuck with roasts that weren’t to his liking. “So I started roasting my own and then got into the problem of having too much coffee,” Capello says. “I started giving it away to friends and family, but that didn’t quite cover what I was doing, and that’s when we started selling it at farmers markets.” While many roasters focus on traditional dark roasts and breakfast blends, Gasparilla Roasting specializes in fruitier, light roast coffees and often features exotic varieties like Honduras Geisha. In September, a brick-and-mortar location of Gasparilla Roasting opened in Englewood as a roastery and coffee tasting room. Gasparilla Roasting, 941-564-5351, gasparillaroasting.com.
“MY HUSBAND ARBER AND I STARTED OUR COMPANY IN MAY OF 2023 WITH TRUFFLE PRODUCTS,” says
Xhesika Mahmutaj.“We brought the truffles from Albania, because we are both Albanians. And everyone was like, ‘Well, what else can you bring?’” Many people don’t realize it, but Albania has a rich history of olive oil production dating back centuries. Arber and Xhesika have a family olive tree farm in Albania, so they started selling extra virgin olive oil alongside their other gourmet products, including truffle oil, truffle honey and various truffle salts. All of the products are handmade by the couple, who sell their wares at farmers markets throughout South Florida. Their truffle salt gift set with truffle-infused lava salt, Himalayan salt and gold flake finishing salt is a perfect gift for the gourmet cook in your life. Mia’s Truffles & EVOO, miastruffles.com.
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CUPPA
WRITTEN BY CECILIA MOULD PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS
HOME TO A RANGE OF LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS, ALL UNIQUE IN THEIR OWN WAYS
The Sarasota area coffee community, once small, has boomed in recent years. Local coffee shops with charm and character have opened their doors throughout the area, creating spaces for the community to connect, work and enjoy high-quality coffee. From Bradenton to Sarasota to Venice, each local spot offers a unique atmosphere and delicious brews for visitors and residents to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, a cup to jumpstart your morning or a new place to meet with friends, try one of these local coffee shops next time you’re reaching for a caffeinated beverage. PERQ COFFEE
PALMA COFFEE
OSCURA
BLACK GOLD COFFEE ROASTERS
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Perq Coffee Bar OPENED IN 2012 BY HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM KEITH AND ERIN ZOLNER, Perq Coffee Bar is a staple in Sarasota. After the two had
noticed a lack of local coffee choices in town, they decided to put Keith’s undergraduate degree in agricultural operations management to use, sourcing high-quality coffee beans and learning to brew to bring better coffee to the community. Perq Coffee Bar, 1821 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-955-8101
Tell us about your coffee beans. Sadly, there’s a lot of not great coffee out there. The majority of coffee is more commoditystyle coffee. It’s very, very generic profiles of blends of coffees. And what I had always enjoyed, personally, was searching for coffees that were more interesting, higher quality and single, small lots from unique farms. It’s really a very small percentage of other specialty beans that are out there and are high-scoring coffees with unique flavor characteristics. We find roasters who are doing amazing sourcing and passionate about what they’re doing, and we cherry-pick the best of the best coffees from all over to showcase.
What drink on your menu best captures your shop’s vibe? BREAKING WAVE COFFEE
The flat white for sure. We do Australia-style lattes, and probably introduced Sarasota to the flat white long before it was an offering anywhere else. The quality of coffee and the cafe vibes that they have over there were really something that we wanted to introduce here. It’s a little bit of a different style, velvety, smooth, single-origin coffee.
The Clever Cup CLOSE FRIENDS TRACY DE CHEVRON AND LINDSEY NICKEL com-
bined their love for coffee and art by opening The Clever Cup, a joint coffee shop and art gallery, nearly 10 years ago. Now, Nickel has moved away from Sarasota and the shop has shifted its focus towards coffee, but de Chevron has continued to support the local art community and display her own art around the space. The Clever Cup Coffee Shop, 6530 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 941-284-5503
What was your spark? I had just moved to America from England, and my kids were very young. I met another mother who also had kids of a similar age, and she took me to St. Petersburg, where we went to different coffee shops and galleries. I have an art background, and I was very inspired. We were walking around looking at the galleries and I said, ‘Yeah, we could do like a coffee shop/ gallery idea.’ COAST TO COAST COFFEE
How do you connect your love for coffee and art now? My specialty is actually painting with coffee, and I put some of my coffee and espresso paintings on the wall in the coffee shop. We have open mic nights and I invite my favorite local musicians to come perform regularly. We have Carey Chaney coming on the first Fridays of the month, to play acoustic in the corner of the shop for a few hours. Local high school students who are budding musicians also come for music nights, and I’ll put out a cheese board. It’s an intimate family atmosphere.
What drink on your menu best captures your shop’s vibe? We
Coast to Coast Coffee WHEN GABRIELLE BANIK AND PATRICK ROBINSON moved to
Sarasota in 2022, the couple decided it was time to pursue their dream of opening a coffee shop. But their store, Coast to Coast Coffee, isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s also a full skate shop. The shop is a reflection of the couple’s early days together, spent skateboarding around their town in New Jersey and trying new coffee shops. Coast to Coast Coffee, 2328 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, 941-210-3583
What made you decide to open a joint coffee-skateboard shop? Anytime we would go on a date, we would always skateboard the town and then stop and get a coffee. That’s why we decided, when we opened our coffee shop, that we should bring the skate world into our business, because that’s what we come from. It’s totally who we are.
What drink on your menu best captures your shop’s vibe? We’re known for our New Orleans cold brew, with our Sumatra dark roast and added chicory to give a really bold dark flavor. We also do small batch, limited sourcing from different farms, and call it our limited skater’s favorite. We name it after a fun skate trick, to keep the skate vibe.
If your shop had a theme song, what would it be? One Love by Bob Marley.
sell a lot of the honey lavender latte. I think it’s a very comforting drink, and you can have it iced or hot. It reflects our shop well, because people describe our shop as a home away from home, almost, and it’s cozy.
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Black Gold Coffee Roasters Orange Blossom Coffee ORANGE BLOSSOM COFFEE,
opened by mother-daughter duo Melissa and Kaitlyn Lilly in early 2023, brings a special meaning to the word local. Native Floridians and long-term Bradenton residents, the two always had a dream of opening a coffee shop together. Now, they source all of their products from local partners and have loved their first few years in the coffee shop business. Orange Blossom Coffee, 1166 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton, 941-896-3032
What was your spark? I opened it with my daughter. Since she was a little girl, when we would travel, or even locally as well, we would always go in coffee shops. And she’d always say, ‘I want to have a coffee shop together one day.’ When she became an adult, we moved pretty quickly to do that.
What drink on your menu best captures your shop’s vibe? We have the Americano sunrise, which is orange juice with espresso, and it’s delicious. We also have something called a lemon zinger, which is lemonade with espresso, and it’s very refreshing.
What makes your coffee special? We try to source everything locally. The coffee beans come from different countries, but we have an exclusive partnership with Banyan Coffee Company, so it is locally roasted in Palmetto.
If Orange Blossom had a theme song, what would it be? Beautiful Day by U2.
FOUNDED BY GARY LAUTERS IN 2010, Black Gold Coffee Roasters puts care into every coffee they roast on-site. The business also supplies roasted coffee beans to other local shops, a move that General Manager Alyssa Williams says brings a unique connection to the community. Through a thoughtful process in which Lauters sources beans directly from small farms across the world, Black Gold Coffee brings only the best coffees to the area. A second location in the second oldest house in Sarasota County—Lord-Higel House—will open soon as part of the business’s future plans. Black Gold Coffee Roasters, 2385 E Venice Ave., Venice, 941-488-8242
Why did Gary decide to start Black Gold Coffee? Growing up in Wisconsin, Gary has memories of his parents making breakfast and coffee on the weekends, and the coffee always smelled so good. He didn’t understand why they needed to fix it—adding cream and sugar. So he set out as a young kid to make coffee so that people didn’t have to fix.
What makes your coffee special? All of our coffee comes to us as raw green coffee beans, and it’s all roasted freshly on site—that’s part of what makes it special. That and the grade of the coffee. We carry some of the highest rated coffees in the world, and a lot of them that we offer are exclusive. We offer about 30 coffees from Indonesia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil and more. A number of coffees from small farms that we offer you can only purchase from us. These are family farms that the communities that they’re in really rely upon. It touches so many people.
Pastry Art Espresso Café & Dessert LONG-TIME FRIENDS DAVID “PJ” MALONI AND JON RAYNOR BOUGHT PASTRY ART IN JANUARY 2022, deciding to put their
business and creative skills together to create the coffee shop and restaurant that they had been looking for in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Since then, the two have brought high quality coffee, breakfast and lunch offerings to the area, featuring baked goods made in-house and an array of delicious coffees. Pastry Art Espresso Café & Dessert, 1512 Main St, Sarasota, 941-955-7545
How would you describe the vibe? It’s not your typical corporate coffee shop. It’s a home for a lot of people in the community. Before we were involved in Pastry Art, I went there and sat with a buddy of mine, and it was amazing to me how the baristas knew the regulars’ names. More than just a coffee shop, it’s a piece of the community, a staple of downtown. We have people that come every single day. They buy a cup of coffee and sit with their group of friends, and that’s part of their daily routine.
Project Coffee LOCAL COFFEE SHOP PROJECT COFFEE opened its first loca-
tion in 2019, offers a 100 percent vegan menu with delicious breakfast and coffee options. The supermatcha menu features tasty beverages crafted with premium matcha powder, made from stone-ground Japanese green tea leaves, for a boost of caffeine and added health benefits. For a fun pick-me-up, pair one of Project Coffee’s espresso or pour-over coffees, sourced from Ethiopia and Peru, with a sweet treat from their in-house bakery. Project Coffee, 538 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-313-2283; 1419 5th St, Sarasota, 941-313-2283
Seven Coffee and Pastries IN THE HEART OF VENICE,
Seven Coffee offers a specialty coffee experience with globally sourced ingredients and an in-house bakery. Beyond a range of classic, high-quality espresso drinks and smooth drip coffees, the store offers a special “espresso con panna,” a drink made with a shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream and originating in Vienna, Austria. Seven Coffee & Pastries, 203 Miami Ave W, Venice, 941-412-4849
What makes your coffee special? We use a local micro roastery now—Black Gold Coffee Roasters. Instead of just knowing what country the coffee comes from, we know exactly the farm they came from.
If Pastry Art had a theme song, what would it be? Where Everybody Knows Your Name, from the television show Cheers. That is the mission of Pastry Art. We are a community center. We are here to help build relationships, and we do that through our coffee and our baked goods.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS
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BLACK GOLD COFFEE ROASTERS
PERQ COFFEE
PALMA COFFEE
THE CLEVER CUP
BLACK GOLD COFFEE ROASTERS
THE CLEVER CUP
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O&A COFFEE AND SUPPLY
O&A COFFEE AND SUPPLY
ORANGE BLOSSOM COFFEE
OSCURA COFFEE AND COCKTAILS
PASTRY ART ESPRESSO & CAFÉ AND DESSERT
PASTRY ART ESPRESSO & CAFÉ AND DESSERT
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Palma Coffee Breaking Wave Coffee BREAKING WAVE MANAGER JULIANNA SCHLABACH has
seen the coffee shop through four years of growth, helping add their breakfast and lunch menus, which even feature a delicious array of pastries baked in-house. The shop sources its coffee beans from Cat & Cloud, a specialty roaster based in Santa Cruz, California, featuring quality and flavor in every drink served. “It’s just a warm, welcoming atmosphere, says Schlabach. “We always want Breaking Wave to be a peaceful place where people can come and talk or work. Good coffee, obviously, but good service as well. Anyone is welcome—we’ve even hosted parties. We have people come for all different things in life.” The Breaking Wave location on Main Street closed in early October—the owners plan to announce their new location soon.
TUCKED IN A COZY SPACE JUST OFF OF SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL is the coffee shop that owners and husband-and-wife duo Manuel Montenegro and Amanda Govic opened in 2022 after discovering their passion for the coffee industry. Palma Coffee has stepped into the Sarasota community to bring special seasonal rotations and handbrewed coffee from all over the world. Palma Coffee, 7362 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-923-9923
What was your spark? We are Colombian, so our culture really revolves around coffee. Around 2020, everybody was starting businesses online, and we saw the opportunity to start roasting and selling coffee online. As that grew and we got more into it, we saw the opportunity of opening a coffee shop here in Sarasota. We found a spot that fit our needs, something small, a little out of the way, where we could just make coffee. That’s really what we set out to do, just be around coffee, try coffee and share coffee with people.
What makes your coffee special? About a third of our coffee, if not half, comes from Colombia. We really try to focus on working directly with producers. Through the years, we’ve continued to buy more and more from the same producers, so we’ve built those bonds. We also buy coffee from Honduras, Indonesia and Mexico. We have a lot of fun going to visit producers. That’s what it really comes down to. We’ve really put the producers first and shared their stories. How would you describe shop’s vibe? Our goal is to make people feel comfortable. It’s a very welcoming, warm space where you don’t feel intimidated to ask questions about specialty coffee. If you’re learning about specialty coffee, we make it very approachable. The space itself reflects that—it’s warm and inviting and natural, and people always want to stay and hang out. It’s a small space, so you end up sharing stories with people who are sitting right next to you.
Oscura Coffee &Cocktails OSCURA COFFEE & COCKTAILS BRINGS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO THE BRADENTON AREA, blending
quality coffee, craft cocktails and live music. With a 400-person capacity, Oscura’s space is the perfect location for community events. The coffee shop operates under the Friendly City Foundation, a local non-profit that provides mentoring and resources to artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs in the area. Executive Director Olivia D’Amico says that everything Oscura does is aimed at supporting the local arts scene. Oscura Coffee & Cocktails, 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, oscura.live What was your spark? We focus on coffee, music and culture as our little pillars. Everything that we do, we focus on in-house—we make everything ourselves, developing our baristas and bartenders.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Oscura? Because we are also a music venue, it makes us a little more unique in our aesthetic. It’s definitely a little more retro, a little more punk. We’ve got sticker walls, and we’ve got areas that feel a little bit more like that, but we’ve also got really beautiful windows on one side, and there’s plenty of room for groups and events. We host the Friendly City Flea, which is our artist market. We try to use it as a community space, and there’s always something happening music-wise. What drink on your menu best captures your shop’s vibe? We have a drink called The Ozzy. It’s our coffee soda, with espresso, orange juice, soda and our vanilla syrup. It feels fun, and it’s a great afternoon drink that’s probably one of our biggest sellers. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.
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O&A Coffee and Suppy JUSTIN BANISTER, OWNER OF O&A COFFEE, has built his
business around more than just serving a good cup of coffee— for him, it’s about community, sustainability and creating real opportunities within the coffee industry. What started as a mobile coffee bar has grown into a Sarasota staple, where Banister continues to focus on connecting people. O&A Coffee and Supply, 1316 Main St, Sarasota, 941-552-8659
What was your spark? When I first started, we were just a mobile coffee bar that did pop-ups. We wanted to be in the community and connect with our community. We never want to lose sight of that. But I started to realize, after a while being mobile, that there actually wasn’t any place here in Sarasota for people who want to work in coffee, to actually grow into a career in coffee. That was really the inspiration for me. How would you describe the atmosphere of O&A? We try to highlight the farms and the coffee growers that we work with. Coffee is a humble beverage, and it should be served as such. We try to take more of that approach with really elevated coffees, but we realize that we’re just the last portion of that journey. Right now we work with a lot of Central and South American coffees and East African coffees. We also know all of our actual farmers, so I think that’s one of the big things that’s very unique about what we do, as well as the fact that it’s all roasted right here in Sarasota. I do all the roasting. Every bag that you get is always going to be super, super fresh.
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REVV UP YOUR GREENS WITH THESE GARDENS ON A PLATE
SATIATING SALADS
WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS/WYATT KOSTYGAN/ JENNIFER VILLAGOMEZ
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VILLANI & CO. Tropical Shrimp and Scallop Salad DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK HAS BECOME QUITE THE HOTSPOT, in part because of its burgeoning restaurant scene. Villani & Co. is one of the flagship restaurants in the area, and it’s become a hit with locals and visitors alike. The Tropical Shrimp & Scallop Salad has long been a lunchtime favorite, and has recently been added to the dinner menu as well. Chef Michael Leopold starts with a mixture of hand-selected greens and mixes them with pickled red onions, cucumbers and a combination of fresh berries (typically strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, but it always depends on what looks good). “Then we add fresh pineapple and toasted coconut, so that gives us our tropical vibe,” Leopold says. “I also like to use goat cheese because I think it’s important to get a nice creamy note to go with all the sharp, acidic fruits.” The salad is dressed with a house-made sweet-chili mango vinaigrette, then topped with three large shrimp and three nicely seared scallops, all cooked to order. Villani & Co, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd. Suite 101, North Port, 941-584-4434, villaniandcowellenpark.com.
This spread, left to right: The Chicken and Kale Salad at EVOQ starts with simple, fresh ingredients. P. 18: In Florida, the Tropical Shrimp and Scallop Salad from Villani & Co. is perfect for any season.
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EVOQ Chicken and Kale Salad COMBINING THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF KALE WITH THE SAVORY FLAVOR OF CHICKEN, EVOQ’s
Chicken Kale Salad allows you to indulge your palate the healthy way. This vibrant dish includes hearty, fall-friendly ingredients like sweet potato and fresh apples, boosted by nutritious elements like avocado and hard-boiled egg. These elements are rounded out by a creamy green goddess dressing, making every bite a vacation for the senses. EVOQ’s Chicken Kale Salad is a balanced option that energizes you without sacrificing flavor. “Whether you want to try something new or keep dinner healthy, this salad is perfect for any occasion,” says chef Ryan Ward. EVOQ Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, 941-260-8255, evoqsarasota.com.
BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT Farm Salad THE BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT PRIDES ITSELF ON USING SUSTAINABLE and locally-sourced ingredients,
and the restaurant’s farm salad is the perfect showcase. With ingredients including mixed greens, hothouse cucumbers, pickled onions, strawberries, feta cheese and citrus vinaigrette, this salad will wake up your senses with its combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Candied pecans add a touch of seasonal flair. “It’s light, refreshing and colorful,” says Daniel Sullivan, regional manager of Beachside Hospitality Group. Beach House, 200 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach, 941-779-2222, beachhousedining.com.
As the holiday season approaches, it starts to feel like every gathering revolves around food. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in Thanksgiving feasts or holiday sweets, it can be a relief to take a break from heavier fare and eat something that tastes good and makes you feel good. These salads are sure to satisfy your appetite while still tasting absolutely sensational. MAXIMILIAN’S CAFE Raspberry Pear Salad IF YOU LOVE SALADS AND YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT MAXIMILLIAN’S CAFE, YOU’RE IN FOR A TREAT. This small, family-owned cafe is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays, and specializes in sandwiches and salads, with a salad menu that’s more extensive than what you’ll find in most places. Eni Lauw, who owns the eatery with her husband Nick, is very particular about the ingredients they use. “We always make sure we have good, fresh vegetables, fruit and meat,” she says. “If it doesn’t look good, I don’t want that one.” The Raspberry Pear Salad is a great example of their creative flavor combinations. Spinach and mixed greens are tossed with crunchy candied walnuts, sliced Asian pears, dried cranberries, fresh raspberries, tomatoes, blue cheese and fat-free raspberry vinaigrette and topped with grilled chicken. But while they’ve put a lot of thought into their menu items, Lauw is happy to customize any menu item. In fact, many of her regular customers have put together their own salads. “You just have to say Joe’s salad or Derek’s salad and we know what to make,” she laughs. Maximilian’s Cafe, 1695 10th Street, Sarasota, 941-330-0245, maximillianscafe.com.
This spread, clockwise: Raspberry Pear is one of the inventive salad combinations at Maximilian’s Cafe. The Beach House restaurant goes beyond the grouper sandwich with their Farm Salad. The Blackberry Pecan Salad at Jack Dusty gives a light and refreshing take on holiday flavors.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS / WYATT KOSTYGAN/ JENNIFER VILLAGOMEZ. 58 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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JACK DUSTY Blackberry Pecan Salad YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON THE TEAM AT JACK DUSTY to put together drinks and dishes that are perfect
for every season. The Blackberry Pecan Salad is no exception. What seems like a simple salad is really a symphony of harmonious flavors and textures. The smooth, velvety texture of the whipped honey goat cheese contrasts against the crisp crunch of the apples and candied pecans, while fresh blackberries and pomegranate add a refreshing aspect to the dish. A house-made maple-syrup vinaigrette brings a sweet and tangy element to the dish. As always, the ingredients are locally-sourced whenever possible. Jack Dusty, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, 941-309-2266.
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CIAO BELLA AT ORGANIC FARMER’S TABLE Sunshine Salad GIULIA SALUSTRI OPENED CIAO BELLA at Organic Farmer’s Table in December of 2022 with a mission to showcase locally-sourced organic ingredients. The Sunshine Salad features arugula and spring mix, sweet strawberries, tart green apple and nutty jicama shavings, topped with a blueberry poppyseed vinaigrette dressing. It’s sweet and indulgent, yet light and refreshing. “We make all of our dressings homemade from scratch, so there are no preservatives,” Salustri says. “Just simple ingredients.” Ciao Bella at Organic Farmer’s Table, 14 North Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 941-362-3276, organicfarmerstable.com.
BOCA SARASOTA Broken Salmon Salad “WE THINK OF OURSELVES AS A FRIENDLY, LOCAL HANGOUT where
everything is done with passion and thoughtfulness,” says Bill Milner, general manager of Boca Sarasota. The Broken Salmon Salad is the perfect encapsulation of that philosophy. This flavorful and creative salad starts with a fresh spring mix with a bit of romaine mixed in. Each additional element brings a new layer of flavor. You get freshness from the cucumbers, tanginess from the pickled radishes and a touch of heat from grilled shishito peppers. Then of course there is the tender and citrusy salmon baked fresh every day. The salad is topped with everything bagel croutons made in-house, and the chef-driven house-made champagne vinaigrette will put you in the mood to celebrate. Boca, 19 South Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 941-256-3565, bocarestaurants.com. This page, top to bottom: The Sunshine Salad at Organic Farmer’s Table is as delicate as a sunrise. Flavorful and creative, the Broken Salmon Salad at Boca Sarasota is hearty enough to make a meal out of. Clasico’s Kale Salad is bursting with autumnal flavors.
CLASICO Kale Salad THE KALE SALAD AT CLASICO IS QUINTESSENTIALLY AUTUMNAL, packed with hearty ingredients that are
bursting with flavor. Earthier elements like black quinoa and brussels sprouts are brightened by sweet notes like corn, candied walnuts and tart dried cherries, while crispy pancetta and shaved parmesan round out the dish with a brinier note. “Most of the salad ingredients are made inhouse, including the candied walnuts, quinoa, creamy parmesan dressing, crispy pancetta and roasted corn,” says Nino Wardrip, director of operations at Clasico. “There is a lot of individual preparation for the separate ingredients that go into the kale salad.” Clasico Italian Chophouse, 1341 Main St., Sarasota, 941-203-5115, clasicosrq.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS / WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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FRO M T H E E D I TO R S O F S RQ MAGAZINE | NOVE MBE R 2025
H&D SRQ HOME AND DESIGN
FallDESIGN
INSPIRATION
YODER HOMES & REMODELING OCTOBER 2015 | SRQ 63
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H & D
Compiled and written by Kate Wight
KITCHEN LOVE
Revive your kitchen with these timeless yet on-trend tips
For most people, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and that’s never more evident than during the holiday season. In November and December, you’re likely opening your doors to friends and family and spending hours in the kitchen preparing large, family-style meals. That process can feel a lot less festive in an outdated kitchen. If this holiday season has made you feel like you’re ready for a revamp, it will be tempting to check out the latest design trends. But while there’s nothing wrong with incorporating elements that are currently in style, you don’t want to run the risk of investing in a kitchen that will feel dated again in a few years. Working with local design experts is a great way to figure out how to balance trends and timelessness in a way that aligns with your personal style.
FALL TRENDS
Tantalizing Textures
CUCINE RICCI
When it comes to cabinetry, dramatic details are making a comeback in a big way. “New textures are very much at the forefront right now. Fluted glass and ribbed wood are especially sought after, bringing a tactile richness to otherwise streamlined designs. These elements introduce depth and play with light in ways that feel both modern and timeless,” says Werner Venter. co-owner and CEO of Cucine Ricci. ”There are lots of different materials that you can mix into the cabinet doors themselves,” adds interior designer Carrie Riley. “They’re lined, they’re reeded, they have a shagreen inset. The actual cabinet doors themselves can have a threedimensional texture as well. We’re seeing many quirky details including fluting, scalloping and radiusing,” confirms Kate Walker, a designer with Campbell Cabinetry Designs. “Personal style is on display with bold colors, textures and custom panel moldings. We love to see the return to playful, personal expression.”
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HEART OF THE HOME A Cornucopia of Colors Color trends in interior design are ever evolving, but they are also such a keen indicator of personal style that it can be hard to know what direction to go when what’s in vogue isn’t your vibe. Right now, though, there are a range of color options making waves so you’re bound to find something that aligns with your taste. “We see a full variety of paint choices, from soft pastels to deep jewel tones,” says Walker. “The biggest trend that we’re loving is color-drenching. Whatever the color choice, these floor-to-ceiling washes of color have become popular for their unmatched impact.” Venter says, “We’re seeing a definite move toward warmer tones: taupes, golds and earthy neutrals are leading the palette. These shades bring a sense of comfort and balance, and they pair beautifully with natural finishes like wood or stone. They also create a striking contrast against the cooler, urban feel of concrete and steel, which makes them especially relevant in contemporary spaces. It’s a palette that feels both grounded and sophisticated.” Not everyone is okay with a big color commitment, though, and that’s okay. “White is always going to be timeless,” says Riley. “There are always articles that say white is going out and that’s just never the case. White is always going to be in. It may be a different shade of white, like a softer white or a deeper shade on the spectrum of white.” Amy Lepper, a kitchen and bath designer at Yoder Homes & Remodeling agrees, “White remains a timeless choice for painted cabinetry. Many of our clients are introducing a secondary color, like a rift cut oak with a light stain or a bold navy blue painted island as a statement piece. It breaks up the monotony of a typical white kitchen.”
CAMPBELL CABINETRY
CUCINE RICCI
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STOWING IT AWAY
Storage Secrets While open, floating shelving had its moment, these days, hidden storage is all the rage. And that comes in all kinds of forms. “Hidden pantries are probably the newer demand for additional storage,” says Amy Lepper. “They function like a butler’s pantry.” Riley adds, “Not only are we doing more pantries, we’re doing working kitchens, secondary kitchens, prep kitchens—whatever you want to call them. All of the appliances are back there, all of the cooking materials are back there, so the mess is all back there instead of what we would consider more of a showpiece in that front, major focal point kitchen area.” This kind of setup is ideal for a person who entertains on a regular basis, so they can serve food in the kitchen and keep the dirty dishes out of sight for later. It’s also a way to stage catering trays out of sight. Of course, not everyone has the space or budget or even the need for a full second kitchen. But there are still plenty of sneaky storage solutions on a smaller scale. “What we like to call the ‘wall of talls’ has become a favorite for our clients. As the need for storage increases and a more personalized look is requested, dropping the upper perimeter to the counter has been an excellent solution for both,” reports Walker. “Whether it’s done as a design statement to flank the range wall or purely for utilitarian purposes, it makes a tremendous impact in the finished design. It also serves our biggest design request, which is concealed storage.” Venter says, “Today, functionality is all about seamless integration. Clients want cabinetry that conceals appliances and accessories, keeping countertops uncluttered and preserving the purity of the design. A popular request is the pocket-door pantry: a tall cabinet that opens to reveal a hidden countertop, fully equipped as a breakfast center or coffee station. It disappears completely when closed, yet feels like a well-planned destination when in use. We’re also seeing more interest in deep pull-out drawers designed specifically for cookware. They make heavy pots and pans accessible without the struggle of bending into a base cabinet. Another favorite is tiered drawer systems for cutlery and utensils, which layer organization while keeping everything within easy reach. Ultimately, functionality is no longer just about storage: it’s about designing hidden layers of convenience that support daily rituals while maintaining a clean, cohesive aesthetic.”
CAMPBELL CABINETRY
RILEY INTERIOR DESIGN
SOURCES Campbell Cabinetry Designs, 1531 Main St., Sarasota, 941-378-3922, campbellcabinetrydesigns.com. Cucine Ricci, 1515 Main St., Sarasota, 941-554-8000, cucinericci.com. Riley Interior Design, 1929 South Osprey, Sarasota, 941-955-5522, riley-id.com. Yoder Homes & Remodeling, 500 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-5630, yoder-homes.com.
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Written by Kate Wight.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Since Tracee Murphy first launched Trade Mark Interiors in 2000, it has become one of Sarasota’s premier interior design firms. In that time, Murphy has established herself as a talented and knowledgeable designer with a unique process informed by her unexpected educational background. “I started my educational journey in psychology by happenstance,” Murphy recalls. “I took a mandatory psychology class and totally fell in love with it and just dove in.” Murphy graduated college with a degree in psychology and started working in the field immediately as a therapy assistant at a hospital working with young children in a burn unit. “It was super traumatic and super enlightening at the same time. I learned so much about what I didn’t know and how complicated the world of psychology is,” she says. “I was 21 years old. I cried every day. So I left the field. I had a very typical psychological response and went in a completely opposite direction and went into party planning.” After buying her first house, Murphy discovered a passion for design and went back to school to earn an interior design degree. She spent a few years working for other designers before striking out on her own with Trade Mark Interiors. “It was about five years into that when I started seeing and understanding the connection between psychology and design and how my background in psychology was really super beneficial to what I was doing in design,” says Murphy. Twenty years ago though, knowledge about the field of psychology wasn’t as easily accessible as it is today. There was still more of a stigma attached to it prior to the widespread use of social media. “For around ten years, psychology was really just something in my back pocket. I referred to it, I thought about it, I incorporated it. I knew that it was a benefit to my business, but I didn’t share it with anyone or discuss it,” she says. “But as times changed and access to information changed, so did my love for it, and my commitment to bringing it back to life. I’ve spent quite a bit of time over the last ten or fifteen years really embracing psychology and reading about how it specifically applies to designing a home and running a business.” Now Murphy is sharing her expertise with a series of courses she developed called The Designer Launch. Focused on interior designers and companies within the home furnishings industry, these classes allow designers to fulfill continuing education units (or CEU credits) through courses that have been approved by the International Design Continuing Educational Council (IDCEC). All of the classes are available online, although Murphy does also teach them in person at various industry events. “Being in this career for more than 25 years, I want to help and grow and change the 76 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local — S R Q H O M E & D E S I G N N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5
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industry,” Murphy says. “The Designer Launch is really geared toward helping other designers grow their businesses and help them become more successful by incorporating principles of psychology within what they’re doing every day.” The Designer Launch offers classes individually, but the best values are in the bundles. The Essential Business Bundle includes three business-focused courses: Money Matters, Make the Phone Ring - Marketing 101 and The Key 3 Business Building Blocks as well as a free bonus course, The Psychology of Color. The Psychology Bundle includes three psychology-focused courses: The Psychology of Color, The Psychology of Selling Luxury and The Psychology of Conflict Management as well as a free bonus course, The Key 3 Business Building Blocks. Murphy shared some insights into each class.
Money Matters “This is a really cool class. It’s one of my favorites. It is a fact of doing business that there will be an exchange of money. You need to talk about money in the same way that you would ask somebody to pass salt to you at a table. There should not be emotion to it. We need to be able to kind of break through the emotional barriers and hang-ups and the fear that we’ve learned and just to kind of talk about money in its very basic form, so we talk a lot about taking emotion out of it. We also talk about a lot of pricing strategies and being able to look at what you’re doing and present it so that your client understands the value of what you’re offering. Is there an equitable value exchange for your client and yourself? The allure of hiring an interior designer is that we provide a luxury service, and luxury costs money. That exchange of value is what we need to work on communicating and feeling really good about because at the end of the day, the clients want this beautiful home that feels good, that feels like them, that they can raise their families in and have their parties and but equally as important is the designer and the design business to be profitable and stay in business.”
Make the Phone Ring - Marketing 101 “Marketing is a beast. I love marketing. I love the idea behind marketing that I could get consumed in it and it could be a whole other fulltime job. But the fact is we just don’t have time to have a whole other full-time job. There’s so much psychology in marketing because you have to figure out who your clients are. We’re trying to influence consumer behavior. We’re trying to understand how people are thinking and acting to be able to get that message to them. For interior designers
specifically, we can’t create a specific marketing plan for every single client because in our industry every single client is different. But we need to create plans that are specific to the types of clients or the types of projects that we want with the hope that those people hear the message loud and clear. Do you want condos? Whatever it is that you want, if you’re looking for a location, if you’re looking for a design style, if you’re looking for people at a certain stage of life, whatever it is that that person or business is after, then that’s what kind of leads your marketing efforts. This course teaches designers how to dive in and gives them some tools to help really narrow their focus on what they’re after and then how to deliver those messages.”
The Key 3 Business Building Blocks “This course is really for a newbie designer. It’s for the person who’s really excited about the design part and then goes into business and is figuring out, oh my gosh, there’s so much more to uncover here. So this is really about understanding how you get started in your design business. What are the key components that you need to figure out? And what are some strategies to get those done?”
The Psychology of Color “In this course we dive into a little bit of the history and why and how color is important. Everybody sees and responds to color differently. The intersection here is the design part is what you see, but the psychology part is why does it look good and why does it feel good? Color is such a huge part of psychology because it does create these really powerful effects in your body and in your mind. It’s super powerful and sometimes we forget that it’s not just pretty and fun. In nature, color has a very specific purpose to protect, to warn, to attract.
The part of the brain that processes the color information is the same part of the brain that processes emotions, and that’s why it affects us so much.”
The Psychology of Selling Luxury “Selling luxury is understanding that it’s not really about the sofa, it’s about status. It’s not about the price, it’s about trust. It’s not about the specific table, it’s about a feeling. As designers, we’re creating feelings and we’re trying to create an atmosphere that speaks to who our clients are and what they want and how it’s going to make them feel. In this course we learn to work towards establishing that relationship and understanding what’s underneath what they’re saying so we can deliver on a level that has that great exchange of value that we were talking about.”
The Psychology of Conflict “In conflict management, the psychology part that we really focus on in that class is the value of conflict. Conflict is evolution and conflict builds trust. Conflict management can help resolve issues with your team, your clients, your contractors, your vendors. It can help you mediate between clients with different design styles. Conflict is inevitable, so embracing it and understanding yourself and engaging in active listening is what’s going to help you get through it.” If you’re intrigued by these classes but not ready for such a deep dive, you should check out Murphy’s latest course, The Psychology of Interior Design. This class gives a higher-level overview into many of the psychological and business practices explored more in-depth in the other courses. Murphy also has several more courses in development. “There are so many parts of psychology that can help elevate your business and enhance your client’s experience,” she says. “It’s just such a huge touch point.”
SOURCES Trade Mark Interiors, 3232 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-879-9494, trademarkinteriordesign.com, thedesignerlaunch.com. 78 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local — S R Q H O M E & D E S I G N N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5
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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE
Below The pollo alla cacciatora, oven cooked chicken thighs with cherry tomatoes, onion and bell peppers.
A TASTE OF HOME
Trattoria Bella Napoli is serving up authentic Neapolitan fare with home-grown charm. Dylan Campbell
IN A LIFETIME, THE AVERAGE PERSON WILL EAT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MEALS. Most will be forgotten. A select handful, however, will
be remembered. The meal they eat at Trattoria Bella Napoli is likely to be one of the few that leave a lasting impression. Trattoria Bella Napoli, loosely translated to “Beautiful Naples Eatery,” opened on Main Street in December 2024. It’s the product of Naples native Cesare Di Iorio, formerly the pizza chef at Osteria 500, and his business partner Maria Filomena Perrini. The restaurant, specializing in authentic Neapolitan cuisine, is a family affair—Cesare’s wife, Diana Mattera, serves as host. The staff, which includes Chef Roberto Spinozzi, are all Italian. Everything that Bella Napoli serves—from Di Iorio’s Neapolitan pizzas, which won second place at the 2024 International Pizza Challenge, to fresh, home-made pasta dishes and pastries—harkens back to a rich tradition of Neapolitan cuisine.
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The meal begins with a heaping platter, the antipasto bella napoli, which features a mound of imported burrata cheese, a slice of cherry tomato bruschetta, a portion of mozzarella in carrozza, eggplant parmigiana and a white-base arancini ball with ham. The flavor pairings are classic Italian cuisine executed to perfection. Creamy burrata slathered atop the bright cherry tomato bruschetta makes for a perfect, creamy, summery bite. The fried portions—the arancini and mozzarella in carrozza— are just as delectable. The mozzarella in carrozza, which translates to “mozzarella in a carriage,” makes mozzarella sticks look like an affront to cuisine. Chewy, imported mozzarella is fried in breadcrumbs and sandwiched together for easy consumption. The arrancini, a fried stuffed rice ball, is filled with chunks of ham and a creamy white base. At Bella Napoli, however, all things eventually come back to the oven. The tris montanare, or small fried pizzas, are three airy pillows of dough, each with a different 86 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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Below, left to right: The linguine alle vongole with clams and cherry tomatoes; home-made pasta sits in front of Trattoria Bella Napoli’s roaring pizza oven. Trattoria Bella Napoli, 1551 Main St, Sarasota, 941-330-9200
assortment of toppings. One features crispy, lightly fried zucchini chips atop a bed of zucchini pesto and stracciatella cheese—the same creamy filling found in burrata. Another is a classic—bright floral tomato sauce from San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and sprigs of fresh basil make the montanare sing. The third, however, is the real star of the trio. The montanare is slathered in a rich, decadent pistachio cream before piling on ricotta cheese, paper-thin mortadella and a dusting of pistachios for the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The Bella Napoli gnocchi, one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, also harkens back to the oven. Tender potato gnocchis, made in-house by Chef Spinnozi, are submerged in a bath of zucchini pesto, stracciatella cheese, fried speck and parmigiana, all of which are served in a basket made of the pizza dough. “Where I come from in Naples, we have what’s called ‘wallet pizza,’” says Di Iorio. “You can walk on the street, fold up the pizza and eat it with one hand. That gave us the idea to serve
the gnocchi in the pizza basket.” Although incredibly rich, the Bella Napoli gnocchi is a dish of balance. The depth of the zucchini pesto counters the intense umami flavors of the fried speck, a specialty in Southern Italy. The dish doesn’t need the pizza basket—but the opportunity to mop up any last bits of sauce certainly doesn’t hurt. The linguine alle vongole is a silky, light affair with fresh homemade linguine, clams and a smattering of light, broiled cherry tomatoes that make a diner’s taste buds sing. The pollo alla cacciatora also makes use of the pizza oven. Juicy chicken thighs are baked amongst cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and red wine that results in a simple, accessible and incredibly tasty bite. The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly the pizza. Consider it the pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow—every dish seems to build up to the finale, where Di Iorio’s award-winning pizza-making skills are on full display. The dough, made with imported OO flour, is allowed to ferment for anywhere PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.
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forage from 24-48 hours before being slid into a ripping hot 900-degree oven. The total cooking time? A whopping 90 seconds. “Our pizza is soft, not crispy like American pizza,” says Di Iorio of the cooking technique. “American pizza is a different style—it’s cooked at a lower temperature for a longer time—while we do have some crunch on the crust, it’s a softer pizza overall.” Di Iorio’s pizzas—perfectly chewy crusts with a smattering of char, with bright, pungent flavors from fresh ingredients—are delectable affairs that will make you fall in love with pizza all over again. Bella Napoli is not sparing in its menu either, offering a host of pizzas with a red, tomato sauce base such as the margherita, marinara and tartufina—a margherita base with confit cherry tomatoes, house-made sausage, shaved parmigiano and truffle oil—to bianche or white pies like the funghetta, a white pizza with mushroom, ham and caramelized onion and the mortazza, with mortadella, burrata cheese, pistachio cream and chopped pistachios. The menu also features a “gourmet” selection of pies which include a pizza with beef carpaccio,
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arugula, walnuts and lemon oil, the fichi made with fig jam and the proscuittella, with imported prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto and ricotta cheese. One of Di Iorio’s more unique and bestselling creations is the polpettina. The tender, yet sturdy dough supports a base layer of tomato sauce, followed by layers of milky mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano, an assortment of succulent meatballs and a mouth-watering ricotta-stuffed crust. “I make the meatballs how my grandma taught me to make them,” says Di Iorio. “We mix the ground beef with cheese, milk, basil, salt and pepper before cooking it in the marinara sauce like she taught me as a child. It’s a very special process, and if we deviate even one step, it’s not the same product.” The polpettina, with its crispy, creamy crust and juicy meatballs, exemplifies one of the things Bella Napoli does best—packaging an assortment of rich, heavy ingredients into a dish that is remarkably light and palatable. It’s an ode to the quality of the ingredients, Di Iorio’s mastery of his craft and the staff’s dedication to upholding a certain level
of Neapolitan cuisine. “If you don’t hold yourself to the highest standard possible, then your food will change every day. If you came today and tried my pizza or pasta or meatballs, we want to make sure that it is the same quality tomorrow, the next day and the day after that,” says Di Iorio. Di Iorio’s taste of home continues into the dessert menu, which includes the delizia al limone, a lemon-essence sponge cake that hails from the Campania region of Italy. The sponge cake—as moist a cake as one is bound to find anywhere—is filled with a delightful lemon cream and topped with a sweet, lemon glaze. The delizia al limone, as with every other dish on Bella Napoli’s menu, is a reminder that we all come from somewhere. For Di Iorio and the rest of the staff, their work at Bella Napoli proves every day that although they may have left their homes, their hometown traditions will never leave them. “You have to put your passion and your love into this job,” says Di Iorio. “We are a family restaurant, cooking is in our blood, and we pour all of ourselves into it.” SRQ
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SIPPING ON SAKE
No matter where you go, Sarasota is full of establishments featuring one of the world’s oldest and storied beverages, sake. Dylan Campbell
SAKE IS ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND, IN THE UNITED STATES, MISUNDERSTOOD ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Made from rice, water, yeast and koji, a type of mold used to ferment various foods in Japanese cuisine, sake is a drink of contradictions. While sake is lumped into the category of Japanese rice wine and, when clear, appears like a distilled spirit, the beverage is much more akin to that of a beer in both the brewing process and variety of flavor profiles. At 15-20% alcohol, sake can be enjoyed hot or cold—although most premium sakes are served chilled—on its own or as a part of a cocktail. While there are many different styles of sake, here are a couple of the basic things to keep in mind when enjoying your next drink. There are two main types of sake: Futsu-shu, or the equivalent of table wine, and Tokutei meishō-shu, or premium sake, which is defined by the rate at which the rice is milled down. There are eight different varieties of premium-grade sake, some of which include Daiginjo, in which at least 50% of the original rice is milled away, and Junmai, which refers to a sake brewed without any additional distilled alcohol. In Sarasota, all types of sake are plentiful, leaving it up to the diner to discover the wild, wondrous and at times wacky world of sake. 90 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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forage JPAN Sushi and Grill Variety is the spice of life when it comes to the sake offerings at JPAN Sushi and Grill. “When I set this menu up, I did it so that each bottle was very different from the next,” says Bar Director Max Wheeler. “One of our owners, Anderyas Putranto, and I had four different distributors come out and we tried 30-40 different sakes. Some are earthy and mushroomy. Some are really sweet, some are floral, some are almost mineral water-esque and dry, so there’s something for everybody.” One of the most distinct offerings JPAN features is the Kawatsuru Olive Junmai. “It comes from the only part of Japan that grows olive trees and they make olive oil there. That sake brewery wanted to use parts of olive trees and branches and leaves in the process, so it has this almost oily texture to it,” says Wheeler. “It’s not the most savory sake that I have, but it is definitely one of the most unique.” Wheeler’s personal favorite is the Senjo Junmai Daiginjo, a type of daiginjo sake made without any added distilled alcohol. The Senjo sake brewery, in Nagano, Japan, uses water from the Japanese Alps and has been brewing sake since 1866. “The water they use is so specific, the land that they grow the rice on is so specific, that it gives it this almost minty, honey, bright flavor that a lot of sake doesn’t have,” says Wheeler. “A lot of sake ends up tasting like a toasted rice or rice custard, but this one is very light, very floral and great with a meal.” Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill At Tsunami Sushi in Lakewood Ranch, beverage director/lead bartender David Roth has an agenda: to introduce customers to sake. Sometimes that means using sake in cocktails, with something like a sake-tini on the tamer side or a shaken cocktail with nigori or “cloudy” sake that tends to be sweeter. Other times, that means heating up Sho Chiku Bai’s classic junmai sake, a sake brewed without any added distilled alcohol. Most of the time, however, it means directing diners to Tsunami’s extensive list of cold bottled and premium sakes. “If you like your sake cold, I’ll ask some follow-up questions,” says Roth. “Do you like your sake sweeter, drier or somewhere in the middle? Then we go from there.” Every bottle has a unique flavor profile and behind it, a story. Take the Wildflowers Junmai from the Ichishima Sake Brewery,
for instance, with notes of lychee, apple and strawberry. The Ichishima Sake Brewery, which is over 200 years old, was one of the first breweries to accept the employment of female sake brewers. “For centuries, sake was a very male-dominated industry. Now, female sake brewers are being accepted and Wildflowers is one of those sakes—it’s light and sweet, but not cloying with lots of tropical fruit,” says Roth. One of the more unique offerings that Tsunami features—along with the flurry of off-the-menu sakes that Roth will bring in for guests to try in flights—is a taru sake from Kiku-Masamune. “It’s aged in Japanese cedar wood, which gives it that little extra note,” says Roth. “It’s fun and unique and something that you don’t see all the time.” KOJO The world of sake is vast and, to many, mystifying. The team at KOJO aims to break down those barriers, with a drink menu that features a variety of premium sakes in different styles. Premium sake is categorized, in part, by the extent to which the rice is milled. For a sake to be considered premium, it must have a rice polishing ratio of 70% or lower— meaning that at least 30% of the rice grain has been milled away. “Technically, after all the husk is shaved down, there are less bitter notes to the sake,” says Silvia Fridegotto, beverage director. “The more you shave into the rice, the more product you lose, but you end up with a finer, more refined taste, that in our opinion pairs better with our cuisine.” Kojo also looks to delve into the story behind the sakes, getting to know where they are brewed and the history behind them. It’s what allows the team to serve a vast array of sakes— and be able to tell the customer exactly where it came from and how it was made. The Yuki Otoko “Yeti” for instance, harkens back to local legends of snowmen in the Niigata Prefecture, and has a dry taste with hints of steamed rice
and banana. The Rhihaku “Dreamy Clouds” also from Niigata, is a junmai nigori, fit for the adventurous diner. “It’s got fermented papaya and pineapple skins and is a little strange and dry,” says Fridegotta. “The Kiwami Hijiri “Sacred Mist,” however, is another nigori that tastes almost like a pina colada.” Kojo also features a nama sake, or unpasteurized sake, in the Kamoizumi “Red Maple.” “It has to be cold the entire time it is shipped here from Japan. Anytime you see nama on a menu, you know you’re in for a treat,” says Fridegotto. “You get this almost effervescent experience with tiny little bubbles, because the fermentation is still taking place.” Namo Izakaya Ramen and Yakitori At Namo Izakaya Ramen and Yakitori, the sake offerings are as diverse as the different dishes on the menu. Like many establishments, if diners like their sake hot, then Namo Izakaya can serve them their house sake. If they prefer their sake cold, however, then a whole world opens up. While Namo Izakaya does serve unflavored, clear sakes—such as the smooth and ever-popular Bunraku Nihonjin—the restaurant features a host of nigori, or cloudy, sweet sakes, on its menu. Sakes such as Kukai Mango or nigori lychee or strawberry are served chilled, with a sweet, fruity flavor and a creamier texture. Nigori sakes have a distinct texture and mouthfeel because of the rice solids that are suspended in the liquid—nigori sake is pressed through a coarser filter than other sakes during the straining process. The nigori sakura is milky and pink, flavored with cherry blossoms and strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and tartness. The Sho Chiku Bai nigori comes in flavors such as pulpy tangerine, grapefruit and pineapple. “We also have Yuzu Shibori, which is a larger sake that comes in a bigger bottle,” says Kim Nguyen, operations manager at Namo Izakaya. “Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit that has a tangerine-lemon flavor.” SRQ
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LOCAL PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS Below, left to right: At Hair Spa of Sarasota, Christina Reiss provides a seven step scalp cleanse and scalp massage followed by a full blow dry and style for a truly relaxing experience. The halo waterfall at Holistica Headspa & Skin uses a gentle, rhythmic stream of water cascading around the head.
wellness HEAD RELAXATION
Indulge in true tranquility with a trip to a headspa. Barbie Heit
TREATING YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA—but have you ever given your scalp the attention it deserves? While head spas may feel like a new wellness trend, the practice has deep roots in Asian traditions, where it’s been used for centuries to promote balance, enhance well-being and encourage deep relaxation. For the ultimate in pre-holiday relaxation, check out one of our locally owned head spas. Indulge in luxurious scalp treatments designed to rejuvenate your roots, boost scalp health and deliver next-level self-care. Trust us—your mind, body and scalp will thank you. 94 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local
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Below, left to right: Erinn Earth, the owner of Hair & Earth Organic Salon, offers a full headspa experience in addition to other hair treatment services in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Bradenton native Sarah Fannin creates a harmonious blend of clinical expertise and holistic treatments to offer the best possible experience for her clients at Clareza Skin.
HOLISTICA HEADSPA & SKIN WITH OVER 25 YEARS AS AN ESTHETICIAN
and 10 years in medical aesthetics (plastic surgery and dermatology), Toni Droge, the founder of Holistica Headspa & Skin, blends holistic Asian scalp therapy with modern medical esthetics. Her unique approach was inspired by backpacking journeys across Asia, allowing her to create a distinctive and effective experience for her clientele. When a client comes in for a 70 or 90-minute headspa treatment, Droge and her trained staff will first do an in-depth scalp analysis. “A lot of people have underlying conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis that they're not even aware of,” she explains. “We work with a local dermatologist who may refer a client with a lot of scalp buildup. We can prep the skin for the medication that the doctors prescribe to penetrate and work better, giving them a clean slate to start with.” After the analysis, clients relax and rejuvenate with a custom scalp cleanse, exfoliation, PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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mask and essential oils. The treatment also comes with a mini facial, massage, warm towels, aromatherapy and a magical waterfall halo. The heavenly experience ends with a light blow-dry. Where other spas may use recycled water, Holistica’s treatment beds utilize unlimited fresh warm water running through a halo for the entire treatment. “It’s a holistic experience, it's all organic and the relaxation is so incredible that most people fall asleep. Our spa is decorated in an Asianlike, very relaxed vibe. It's very dark. We play very relaxing flute music and our clients leave feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated,” says Droge. “We truly work to improve your scalp health, not just clean it.” Holistica Headspa & Skin, 3060 University Parkway, Sarasota, 941287-0018, holisticaheadspa.com
HAIR SPA OF SARASOTA AT HAIR SPA OF SARASOTA, FOUNDER CHRISTINA REISS BELIEVES THAT TRUE BEAUTY BEGINS WITH BALANCE— of body,
mind and spirit. Her holistic approach to hair care is rooted in the idea that nurturing the whole person leads to deeper relaxation, better health and radiant results. Conveniently located on North Beneva Rd in Sarasota, Reiss has created a peaceful retreat where luxury hair care meets mindful self-care. Originally from Washington, D.C., Reiss began her journey as an assistant to a stylist. After relocating to Sarasota nearly 20 years ago, she quickly discovered the joy she brought her clients by helping them feel refreshed and at ease. That experience inspired her to build a business focused on creating the ultimate in relaxation and personalized care. Hair Spa of Sarasota offers a unique, fullbody massage bed experience paired with an indulgent, seven-step hair treatment. The ritual begins with a gentle exfoliation using a fine-tooth comb to remove dead skin cells from the scalp. A cooling tea tree scalp scrub follows, along with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate product buildup. Reiss then applies a deeply moisturizing shampoo and nutrientrich hair masque to hydrate and restore processed or dry hair. A soothing massage, srq magazine_ NOV25 live local | 95
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wellness aromatic steam treatment to open scalp pores and hair cuticles, and calming aromatherapy round out the spa-like experience. Each session concludes with a professional blow dry and style—an extra touch that sets her apart from others. In addition to the signature treatment, Reiss offers waterless “hair play” sessions on a flatbed and gentle sensory therapy, both designed to help clients unwind through touch and tranquility. “The Hair Spa treatment I offer is an affordable way to maintain scalp and hair health,” says Reiss. “It helps prevent skin conditions, removes buildup, promotes growth, exfoliates the scalp and improves circulation. And unlike many places, I always include a blow dry and style—it’s part of the complete experience.” An experienced barber who is certified in hair care and passionate about wellness, Reiss takes pride in understanding different hair types and matching them with the right products. She recommends monthly visits to maintain optimal hair and scalp health—and, most
importantly, to give yourself the gift of deep relaxation. Hair Spa of Sarasota, 501 N Beneva Rd #260, Sarasota, hairspaofsarasota.com/ ; instagram.com/hairspaofsarasota
HAIR & EARTH ORGANIC SALON AND HEADSPA HAIR & EARTH SALON, OWNED AND OPERATED BY ERINN EARTH, OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SALON SERVICES—cuts, color,
highlights and smoothing treatments—using safe, organic and effective products. Located on Central Avenue in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the salon provides a holistic and peaceful atmosphere that supports relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition to traditional hair services, Earth also offers red light therapy and specialized Ayurvedic scalp treatments. The Ayurvedic scalp massage at Hair & Earth integrates ancient healing techniques rooted in Ayurveda—an Indian system of medicine that means “knowledge of life.” These treatments
aim to restore balance and support the body’s natural energy systems. Each session begins with intentional breathing to help the client relax and become fully present. The massage includes work on the scalp, neck, jawline, face and ears, with a focus on lymphatic drainage and key pressure points. Warm oil is then gently poured onto the scalp, followed by a pressure point massage using stones. The massage ends with hot steam towels wrapped around the head and face to encourage deep relaxation. The 45-minute session can be followed by an optional shampoo, haircut and blow-dry. Beyond relaxation, these treatments have numerous potential health benefits. “Your scalp has pressure points that correspond to every part of the body,” Earth explains. “This therapy can support digestion, regulate heart rate, calm the nervous system, improve hormonal balance and help ease emotional conditions like depression and anxiety. When we slow down and engage with these ancient, tried and true healing methods, we can experience profound transformation.”
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wellness Originally from Illinois, Earth brings a unique blend of expertise to her practice that truly helps her connect with her clients. She is a certified yoga teacher with advanced training in massage techniques and a former social worker with a degree in psychology. With over 15 years of experience in the Sarasota area, she is deeply committed to helping others cultivate self-awareness, find calm and create inner peace. “When you connect to your breath,” she says, “you automatically begin to relax—and that’s where healing begins.” Hair & Earth, 200 Central Ave, Suite 18, Sarasota, 941-284-9563, hairandearth.glossgenius.com
CLAREZA SKIN BRADENTON NATIVE AND CERTIFIED SKINCARE SPECIALIST SARAH FANNIN FOUNDED CLAREZA SKIN IN 2023,
introducing the region’s first salon to specialize in headspa treatments. While many
advised her to open in more commercially bustling areas like Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, Fannin stayed true to her roots, launching the salon just a mile from her home. Her mission was clear: to offer highquality, specialized treatments in her own community—eliminating the need for local residents to travel elsewhere for advanced skincare services. Being a pioneer in the headspa space was, in Fannin’s words, “incredibly exciting—and a little terrifying,” but ultimately “nothing short of amazing.” Her vision was to build a sanctuary grounded in intention, depth and connection. That vision is paying off—not only is the Bradenton community embracing her, but clients are also now traveling hours just to experience what Clareza Skin has to offer. “What sets me apart from other headspas is that mine is skincare-focused—it’s more like a facial for your scalp,” Fannin explains. “The scalp is an extension of the face, so I treat its
skin with the same care and attention.” The signature 75-minute headspa treatment at Clareza begins with a cozy bed, robe and cover and a scalp analysis using a microscope—not for diagnosis, but to visually show clients what’s happening on their scalp. An eye mask is provided to help clients fully relax before a luxurious sequence begins: steam therapy, massage and a toner mist gently combed through the hair. Fannin then applies a hot oil that she creates herself and continues the massage. A scalp scrub—crafted with clay, tea tree oil and clarifying salts—follows. She enhances the treatment with tools like a vibrating comb for added relaxation. The deeply relaxing experience concludes with a gentle shampoo and post-treatment scalp analysis. Clients are sent home with a sample of Fannin’s custom-blended oil made with jojoba oil, rosemary, frankincense and myrrh. Clareza Skin, 401 60th St West, Bradenton, clarezaskin.com. SRQ
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In
ENGAGING READERS THROUGH STORYTELLING WITH LOCAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
TRENDS IN MEDICAL TREATMENT AND HEALTHCARE IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE
Conversation
INNOVATION IN MEDICINE A CONVERSATION WITH DR. JOSEPH M. BARAK, DPM, ABPM, CWS DR. JOSEPH M. BARAK is a board-certified podiatric physician/ surgeon and Certified Wound Specialist with over seventeen years of experience as a private practice owner and over a decade of service in wound care centers. Currently serving the Sarasota Region, Dr. Barak is deeply committed to advancing clinical excellence, surgical precision, and compassionate patient care. With extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex podiatric conditions, Dr. Barak specializes in fungal nails, plantar fasciitis, dermatological tissue conditions, bunions, hammertoes, varicose veins, biomechanical foot/ankle correction, diabetic foot care, sports medicine, geriatric care, foot/ankle surgical procedures, and the latest modalities in wound care treatment. He has worked closely with multidisciplinary teams—including vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, and orthopedic surgeons—to provide coordinated care across hospital, rehabilitation and home settings. Active hospital privileges include Sarasota Memorial Hospital and HCA Doctor’s Hospital. In his teaching role, Dr. Barak mentors residents in clinical, surgical and leadership skills, modeling best practices in patient care, note development, and in-house rounding. His dedication to continuous education and patient-centered treatment defines his approach, ensuring that each patient receives high-quality, evidence-based care with compassion and integrity.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. DR. JOSEPH M. BARAK I was born and raised in the Youngstown, Ohio area, and I was fortunate to complete my podiatric medical training and begin practicing in the community where I grew up. It was incredibly rewarding to care for people in a place that means so much to me. I built a successful podiatry practice there, which continues to thrive with the help of my two associates. While I still travel back periodically, the practice is well-established, allowing me to now spend 75–80%
of my time here. Our Youngstown/ Warren office has been recognized as the top podiatry practice in the region for the past three years and I’m proud of what we’ve built there and humbled by the recognition. My goal is to bring that same level of excellence to the Sarasota area—providing high-quality podiatry, wound care and foot and ankle services. Since 2012, I’ve specialized in wound care through my work with Mercy Health in Youngstown, a leading hospital in the region. I’m experienced in the latest techniques and state-
of-the-art treatments for healing lower-extremity wounds—from the knee down—and I look forward to bringing that expertise to patients here. TELL US ABOUT YOUR SARASOTA OFFICE. DR. BARAK The office is located at 4157 Clark Road. I’m currently working alongside Dr. Joan Koewler. I recently purchased the practice from Joan and we are working together as colleagues with equal standing. She has built a wonderful team and an outstanding patient base,
many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the past couple of months. The consistent praise I hear from patients is a testament to the high standard of care already in place. My role is to build on that and help maintain the quality that patients have come to expect. In addition, I’ll offer some expanded services that might not have previously been available, including more conservative treatment options as well as surgical procedures. I’m excited to provide a broad range of care to better serve our patients’ needs.
SRQ MAGAZINE BRANDED CONTENT PROGRAM | NOVEMBER 2025 | INTERVIEWED AND COMPILED BY BARBIE HEIT
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IN C ON VERSAT I ON
WHAT CORE SERVICES WILL YOU PROVIDE HERE? DR. BARAK I treat just about any issue related to the foot, ankle or lower leg—whether it’s something simple or more complex. My approach is always patient-focused, combining the latest treatments with a commitment to conservative, compassionate care. Some of the most common things I see are bunions and hammertoes.
medications and techniques to help heal wounds that haven’t healed on their own. We also treat things like varicose veins, swelling in the legs and ankles and circulation-related ulcers. Beyond that, I see patients with nerve-related issues like drop foot, or those who’ve lost some of the natural padding in their feet, which can make walking very uncomfortable. We have solutions
“SOME OF THE MOST COMMON THINGS I SEE ARE BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOES. THESE OFTEN REQUIRE SURGERY TO FULLY CORRECT, BUT I ALWAYS TALK THROUGH ALL THE OPTIONS WITH MY PATIENTS AND ONLY RECOMMEND SURGERY WHEN IT’S REALLY NECESSARY. IF SOMETHING IS PAINFUL OR STARTING TO AFFECT YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE, THAT’S WHEN WE WANT TO STEP IN AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.” — Dr. Joseph M. Barak, DPM, ABPM, CWS
These often require surgery to fully correct, but I always talk through all the options with my patients and only recommend surgery when it’s really necessary. If something is painful or starting to affect your quality of life, that’s when we want to step in and do something about it. Toenail issues—like painful or ingrown nails, or fungus—are also very common. We manage those regularly with everything from routine care to advanced treatments like laser therapy, which has come a long way in recent years. I also treat sports injuries, sprains, strains, fractures—anything from day-to-day pain to more serious injuries. For skin issues like plantar warts, we use modern treatments that are quick, effective and as painless as possible. Wound care is another big part of what I do, especially for patients with diabetes, circulation problems or nerve damage. I’ve been specializing in wound care since 2012, and I use state-of-the-art dressings,
like fat pad injections and even treatments for excessive sweating using medications like Botox. I always take time with every patient, explain all the options and try conservative treatments first. My goal is to help you feel better and get back to doing what you love, without jumping to surgery unless it’s truly needed. IF A PATIENT DOES REQUIRE SURGERY, WHERE WOULD THAT SURGERY TAKE PLACE? DR. BARAK We have an outpatient surgery center with Doctors Hospital and I have an active affi liation with that hospital. I am also affi liated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital. If there is something that needs to be addressed immediately—say a patient is in the hospital and they need me—I am there for them. I can come right to the hospital, and if they need surgical intervention that is immediate, we have both institutions there that can help out.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER LOCAL PODIATRISTS? DR. BARAK Being new to the area, I can’t speak for every podiatrist around here—I’ve only met a few, and they’ve been great. What I can speak to is how I approach my work. When you’re my patient, you have 100% of me. I care deeply about my patients, not just during treatment, but before and after as well. I personally handle all procedures and follow-ups. If something needs attention or if you have a concern, I’m the one you’ll talk to. I give patients my answering service number, and if you call, I will call you back. Whether it’s in the office, at the hospital, nursing home, rehab or assisted living. I’m in the office almost every day—even if I’m not seeing patients—just making sure everything runs smoothly and our care stays top-notch. At the end of the day, it comes down to compassionate, personalized care—and full accountability. That’s what I bring. CAN YOU SPEAK OF ANY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES OR TREATMENT METHODS THAT YOU WILL OFFER HERE? DR. BARAK We are planning to have a laser treatment that targets nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. It’s an issue we see all the time, especially in patients over 45—around 70 to 80 percent of people in that age group deal with some form of toenail fungus. The reason nail fungus is so tough to get rid of comes down to a few things. First, our toes go through constant trauma from walking and daily activity, which makes them more prone to infection. Also, our feet spend most of their time in shoes—dark, moist environments where fungus thrives. And since the toes are the farthest point from the heart, they don’t get the best circulation, which means the body
has a harder time delivering the immune support needed to fight off infection. We don’t just rely on oral or topical medications to combat the problem. We combine them with a state-of-the-art laser therapy that’s been very effective— studies show it works in about 80 to 90 percent of cases. We’re offering several other advanced treatments, too. For varicose veins in the legs, ankles or feet, we use an injection that helps shrink and clear the vein—this works best for mild to moderate cases. If you’re struggling with heel pain, especially from plantar fasciitis, we have shockwave therapy that helps reduce pain and promote healing. This can be especially helpful if you feel that sharp pain first thing in the morning or after being on your feet all day. For patients dealing with excessive foot sweating or odor, Botox injections on the soles of the feet can help significantly. We’re also offering specialized fat fillers for the bottoms of the feet. These are great if you’ve lost the natural cushioning and are feeling pain from walking or standing. For warts and skin blemishes, we use lasers in surgical settings to remove them. And for patients with wounds that are slow to heal, we offer advanced bioengineered skin grafts right here in the office, which can help speed up recovery. LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR BARAK PODIATRY IN SARASOTA OVER THE NEXT 1–2 YEARS? My goal is to provide the same level of quality, compassion and dedication to patient care that I brought to my practice in Youngstown, Ohio. I’m proud to be here, and I hope to earn the trust of the Sarasota community by delivering care that people feel confident recommending to their loved ones.
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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY
giving coast
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE SUCCEED Steve Townsend’s dedication to education, youth development and philanthropy. Barbie Heit
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giving coast OVER THE YEARS, STEVE TOWNSEND HAS COME TO REALIZE THAT HIS LIFE revolves around his family—and making each of them proud to carry the Townsend name. “I have been blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart, Marge, for almost 53 years. We are proud of our two daughters and, between them, we have four grandchildren ranging in age from seven to 22 years old. It’s our seven-year-old granddaughter who helps keep us young, along with all of the Townsend Scholars at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, where I also serve as Chair of the organization’s Foundation,” he shares. The Townsends moved to Lakewood Ranch from Connecticut in 2010, initially as snowbirds. Like many who fall in love with the area, they soon became fulltime residents. Steve spent most of his professional career at United Natural Foods, Inc., a company he helped start in 1981. Over the next 25 years, he helped grow it from a startup into a $5 billion public company, serving first as CFO and later as CEO and Chair.
Since retiring in 2006, Townsend has remained deeply involved in the business world through work with three private equity firms that invest in privately held companies. “We have taken two of these businesses public. My role is to build out the management teams of the businesses we own, and I sit on the various Boards. On these Boards, I have served as Chair of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees. In addition, I have also served both as Chair and Lead Director of certain Boards,” he explains. “I consider myself to be a serial entrepreneur!” Growing up with a single mother and juggling work, school and sports, Townsend learned the value of perseverance and hard work early in life. These experiences drive his passion for helping young people succeed. “Education has always been a shared passion for us. My wife and I were the first in our families to attend college. Since 1999, my passion has been to provide scholarships to ‘at-risk’ young people who generally do not expect to go any further than high school. We started by endowing the Townsend Scholarship Fund at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Connecticut. We gave our first scholarship to QVCC in 1999 and now do approximately 27 scholarships each year,” he says. When the couple relocated to Florida, they hoped to continue their philanthropic efforts. A close friend invited them to the Champions for Children Gala at the Boys & Girls Club, and they were immediately moved by the experience—especially by the young people. Inspired, they scheduled a meeting with Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Club, to explore opportunities to get
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.
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involved. In 2017, Townsend was invited to join the Foundation Board. The Townsends endowed and awarded their first scholarship in 2018. By 2025, they had awarded 31 twoyear scholarships. “Through 2025, we have now provided 458 scholarships at QVCC and 118 twoyear scholarships at our Boys & Girls Club. Plus, as part of our continued support for Boys & Girls Club, we also provided Club memberships for four local youth, allowing them to attend a local Club year-round and access all of its programs and services at no cost to their families—a commitment we’re proud to carry forward,” shares Townsend. The scholarships created in partnership with the Club are administered alongside Take Stock of Sarasota. “The young people we target are ‘at-risk’ youth who generally would not be able to attend a college, community college or trade school. In setting up the scholarships with the Club and Take Stock, we can provide support for these young people from both the Club and the Mentors provided by Take Stock,” he explains. “The Mentors help to keep these young people on track to successfully navigate high school and get prepared for their college or trade school journey.” Townsend lives by four guiding principles in his daily life that inspire his philanthropic spirit: Pay it Forward; The harder I work, the luckier I get; Failure is going to happen, so when it does, fail fast and learn from it; and Choose Better over Bitter. His philanthropic work has brought countless meaningful stories into his life. “The key is we want to pay it forward so we can see the impact of our philanthropy each and every day,” he says. “It’s so inspiring to
hear how grateful families are when we are able to provide a scholarship to one or more of their children to attend either a college or trade school. These interactions inspire us to want to provide scholarships to every deserving student! Because we have been doing scholarships for 25 years, we now see how the scholarships have created a career for these young people. We have recipients who have graduated and gone on to careers as nurses, HVAC techs, accountants, social workers, teachers, business owners and we even have two who have become college presidents.” Townsend believes anyone considering philanthropic involvement should begin by identifying their true passion and aligning their giving with it. “Giving has to be done with a sense of purpose for the giver. For us, it is to provide education opportunities to ‘at-risk’ young people who may not think that getting a post-secondary education is even possible.” While he is truly honored to even be considered for the Good Hero Award, Townsend emphasizes that recognition is not the motivation behind his giving. Instead, he and his wife are guided by two goals. “First, we hope to inspire others to seek out their life’s passion and to give both their time and money. And second, it’s to bring attention to the good work done by organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. With our six main Clubs and five satellite campuses, our Club now serves more than 3,700 Club Members in our community!” SRQ Steve Townsend was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2024.
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SARASOTA BRADENTON LAKEWOOD RANCH PALMETTO NORTH PORT
MEDICAL RESOURCE
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HONOREES
VENICE
SPECIAL ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY SRQ MAGAZINE
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WE ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to the medical and nursing professionals who are dedi-
cated to supporting the health and wellness of our Greater Sarasota community. The individuals who are being honored in this year's prestigious SRQ TOP DOCTORS | PEER REVIEW program have received the overwhelming support of colleagues in the medical professional communities of Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Venice and North Port, Florida. The Colorado-based team at DataJoe Research facilitates all aspects of the online peer-voting process and conducting government references. We appreciate the doctors who participated in the program this past summer by sharing their thoughtful nominations—it is their insight that makes it possible for us to provide the readers of SRQ Magazine with this noteworthy guide to the highly-regarded doctors in the region.
METHODOLOGY DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the “Top Doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and additional information, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.
6 | srq magazine_ NOV25 live local — 2025 top doctor honorees medical guide
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2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
ADDICTION MEDICINE
ANESTHESIOLOGY
D'Agostino, Mark
Austin, Russell W.
MD Behavioral Health PLLC 1343 Main St, Ste 706 Sarasota, FL 34236 203-414-7374 | License: ME144849
ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Alvarez, Alicia A. RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-366-9222 | License: ME147886 Aresery, Matthew
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-362-8640 | License: ME111116 Danziger, Roger
Roger Danziger MD Allergy Sinus Asthma 5404 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210-2815 941-761-1911 | License: ME58560 Dunn, Craig M.
Dunn Craig M MD 3912 Dearborn Ave Sarasota, FL 34231-4502 941-925-8000 | License: ME53001 Fergeson, Jennifer
Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888 | License: OS12455 Ly, Jean
Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888 | License: ME116920 Patel, Nilamben RISING STAR
Sunshine Allergy And Asthma 2565 Toledo Blade Blvd North Port, FL 34289 941-413-3143 | License: OS16686 Rucker, Rajivi
AllerVie Health 6050 State Road 70 East, Ste A Bradenton, FL 34203 941-251-3584 | License: ME84160 Windom, Hugh
Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888 | License: ME62095
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Sarasota Physicians Surgical Center 3201 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-5112 941-757-3205 | License: OS7002 Daley, Sean
Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360 | License: ME122394 Diaz, Erik M.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8720 | License: ME105439 Dreier, Jonathan D.
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Wittmann, Mark
Espinosa Ginic, Martin A.
CARDIOLOGY
Mollod, Michael
Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360 | License: ME81843
Ajithan, Chippy
Dr Chippy - The Mindful Cardiologist 2700 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 14 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME84450 Aldrich, Martin
Aldrich Cardiovascular Institute 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 330 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 941-359-8900 | License: ME85369 Bilkoo, Pareena
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8720| License: ME98842
Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238 941-922-6447 | License: ME103980
Kaminski, Alexa C.
Brown, Garrett H.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8720 | License: ME145891 Luzardo Granados, German E.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital 5731 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941-342-1100 | License: ME103190 Nutter, Thomas
Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 941-366-2360 | License: ME60076 Patel, Jainesh D. RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8720 | License: ME164500 Reichbach, Steven
Reichbach Center 2415 University Pkwy, Ste 215 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 941-909-3093 | License: ME119100 Swartz, Jeffrey A.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8720 | License: ME64236
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME136846 Buck Jr., David C.
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-4250 | License: OS14184 Calderon, Erick E.
Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 230 Bradenton, FL 34202-5177 941-907-1113 | License: ME77684 Class, Steven J.
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME79903 Culp, John R.
HCA Florida Healthcare 1250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-955-0229 | License: ME42292
Florida Cardiac Consultants Inc 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 401 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-0060 | License: ME150258 Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME72332 Molloy, Daniel L.
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-4250 | License: ME149416 Morsli, Hakim
Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 | License: ME103882 Pacifico, Daniel S.
Florida Cardiac Consultants Inc 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 401 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-0060 | License: ME70756 Ramos, Mark J.
Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 | License: ME100823 Satya, Y. Emmy
Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238 941-922-6447 | License: ME81682 Yamada, David M.
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME82014 Zellner, Christian A.
HCA Florida Blake Medical Specialists 2010 59th St W, Ste 4200 Bradenton, FL 34209-4687 941-538-5103 | License: ME135160
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Czak, Steven
Fong, Jonathan C.
Eckart, Robert
Golino, Alessandro
Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-366-1888 | Licence: OS17749 Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: OS11918
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 | License: ME80268 Riverview Cardiac Surgery 250 2nd St E, Ste 4G Bradenton, FL 34208 941-744-2640 | License: ME78246
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2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Hoffberger, Jonathan D.
Jonathan D Hoffberger DO FACOS 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 | License: OS10986 Sell, Jeffrey
First Physicians Group| SMHCS 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 | License: ME114933 Vesco, Paul A.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 941-917-8791 | License: ME108379 Walker, Kristen L. RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8791 | License: ME144948
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY Agarwal, Samir
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 401 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-1400 | License: ME145876 Das, Riva
Florida Incontinenc Treatment Institute 8610 E State Road 70 Bradenton, FL 34211 941-242-1929 | License: ME132403 Holl, Jennifer S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 401 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-1400 | License: ME162888
COSMETIC SURGERY Fezza, John P.
Center for Sight Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME76288 Jiles, Emily
Dr. Jiles Cosmetic Surgery 1958 Prospect St, Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34239-2222 941-867-7682 | License: OS15739 Leem, Winnie W.
Sarasota Surgical Arts 4143 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941-923-1736 | License: ME165401
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Sessa, Alberico J.
Sarasota Surgical Arts 4143 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233-2403 941-923-1736 | License: ME96256
DERMATOLOGY Adams, William B.
Skinsmart Dermatology 5911 N Honore Ave, Ste 210 Sarasota, FL 34243-2657 941-308-7546 | License: ME115221 Anderson, Heidi
PHDermatology 1801 S Osprey Ave, Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-925-3627 | License: ME102351 Arsenault, Emily F.
Arsenault Dermatology 230 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208-1932 941-907-0222 | License: ME87116 Bedi, Monica
Dermatology Associates 3830 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34233-1105 941-927-5178 | License: ME79670 Bogart, Megan
Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-7006 941-364-8220 | License: ME98324 Bracciano, David M.
Bracciano Dermatology 8430 Cooper Creek Blvd, Ste 102 University Park, FL 34201-2016 941-360-2255 | License: OS7345 Dodgen, Taylor
Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0022 | License: ME137069 Finkelstein, Robert P.
The Center For Skin Wellness 6771 Professional Pkwy W, Ste 203 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8482 941-841-7249 | License: OS8569 Gerber, Kate
Orchid Dermatology 5301 4th Avenue Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5623 941-761-2900 | License: ME114748
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Larabee, Heather S.
Sarasota Skin and Cancer Center 2179 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Osprey, FL 34229 941-966-0222 | License: ME96018 Milam, Cathy
Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-7006 941-364-8220 | License: ME46768 Newman, Joshua M.
Aesthetic Surgery And Dermatology 1370 E Venice Ave, Ste 205 Venice, FL 34285-9084 941-499-7823 | License: ME78791 O'Donoghue, J. Morgan
O'Donoghue Dermatology 1952 Field Rd Sarasota, FL 34231-2316 941-926-7546 | License: ME80793 Pennie, Michelle
Bliss Dermatology Group 315 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285 941-477-4007 | License: ME108521 Sax, David
University Park Dermatology & Medical Spa 8451 Shade Ave, Ste 205 Sarasota, FL 34243-2878 941-360-2477 | License: ME83474 Shareef, Shah
Coral Dermatology 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 570 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 941-369-8414 | License: OS15795 Stroble, Jennifer
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 5350 University Pkwy, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34243-5814 941-917-8300 | License: ME91036 Ulitsky, Olga
Wasserman Ulitsky Dermatology 1111 Avenida Del Circo Venice, FL 34285-4108 941-484-8222 | License: ME107449 Urato, Nadia
Satya Sarasota Dermatology 3231 Gulf Gate Dr, Ste 105 Sarasota, FL 34231 941-263-8866 | License: ME85461
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Blaustein, Philip A.
Dr Philip A Blaustein 804 40th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-749-5464 | License: ME66591 Macchi, Paul J.
SimonMed Imaging 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34233-5088 941-954-1900 | License:ME49083 Rozin, Roman
Partners Imaging Centers 1250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 941-951-2100 | License: ME81574 EMERGENCY MEDICINE Farmer, Jeffrey W.
HCA Florida Blake Hospital 2020 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4604 941-798-6176 | License: ME78121 Lesnick, Joseph S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8507 | License: ME136280 Rawe, Teresa R.
Manatee Memorial Hospital 206 2nd St E Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 | License: OS5702 Temple, Sarah R.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8507 | License: ME111890 ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM Agabani, Motaz
Dr. Motaz Agabani, MD 2650 Bahia Vista St, Ste 104 Sarasota, FL 34239-2611 941-330-8355 | License: ME75756 Boldo, Angela
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-3270 | License: ME119056 Eswaran, Manivel K.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-3270 | License: ME135708
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2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Geck, Zsofia
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750 | License: ME103132 Kozlow, Wende M.
Dukander, Jasmine
Shah, Nihar
Brus, Mark H.
Khazanchi, Arun
Southerland, John
Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0001 | License: OS9174
Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-379-1777 | License: ME100611 Lupo, Mark A.
Cooper, Christopher
Perez, Jesus
Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-379-1777 | License: ME86942 Piotrowska, Katarzyna
Cooper Family Medical 5123 4th Avenue Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5620 941-744-5510 | License: OS8142 Kalnoky, Achilles
Gulf Gate Family Medicine 7250 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34238-2806 941-921-0986 | License: ME115088 Orihuela, Armani
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750 | License: ME129870
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231 941-923-5882 | License: ME144056
Rand, Joseph
Sunshine Medical Center LLC 5937 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34238-2504 941-918-2011 | License: ME76860
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 425 Commercial Ct, Ste A Venice, FL 34292 941-261-0772 | License: ME58764 Sharma, Sonia
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-3270 | License: ME146947
FAMILY MEDICINE Arias, Carlos I.
Bayview Medical 5309 E State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 941-747-9818 | License: ME73571 Austin, Alexander
Intercoastal Medical Group 921 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-365-7390 | License: ME137199 Azuero, Mario A.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 5880 Rand Blvd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34238 941-917-2300 | License: ME128374
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Bentze, Michael
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-4029 941-923-5882 | License: ME69127
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 941-342-9750 | License: ME77141
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Prakash, Soordal O.
Rodriguez, Carlos F.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 5350 University Pkwy, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34243-5813 941-917-4675 | License: ME122673
GASTROENTEROLOGY Andari, Ronald
Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-361-1100 | License: ME140338 Bernstein, Marc
Gastroenterology Associates Of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 | License: ME137780 Byju, KR
Florida Digestive Health Specialists 2401 University Pkwy, Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34243-2973 941-360-2579 | License: ME83308
Gastroenterology Associates Of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 | License: ME145071 Premiere GI 11505 Palmbrush Trl, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-2904 941-334-9040 | License: ME86268 Kucera, Stephen T.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638 941-262-0400 | License: ME97935 Matheus, Tonantzin
Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-361-1100 | License: ME100744 Mishra, Avantika
Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-361-1100 | License: ME138694 Mitchel, Lee S.
Florida Digestive Health Specialists 1217 S East Ave, Ste 210 Sarasota, FL 34239-2356 941-366-4015 | License: ME51847 Murchie, Brent
Gastroenterology Associates Of Sarasota 2089 Hawthorne St, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 941-365-6556 | License: ME126633 Rahal, Kinan
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-342-8892 | License: ME130508 Rascon-Aguilar, Ivan Estuardo
Gastroenterology Associates Of Manatee 1886 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4630 941-794-1980 | License: ME93817 Rodriguez, Benjamin
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-0400 | License: ME145951 Sarkar, Souvik
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-342-8892 | License: ME155013
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638 941-262-0400 | License: ME136945 Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-5142 941-952-9223 | License: ME85007 Summerlee, Robert
Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 941-538-0092 | License: ME118680
GENERAL SURGERY Bada, Alvaro M.
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-362-8662 | License: ME129936 Briceno, Pedro J.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1950 Arlington St. Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-917-3400 | License: ME105330 Cordova, Alfredo C.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-7494 | License: ME129309 Dexter, David
Lakewood Ranch Medical Group General Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5180 941-254-6767 | License: ME147949 Halbreich, Steven L.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1950 Arlington St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300 | License: ME87228 Mets, Joseph
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042 | License: ME140716 Nora, John D.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1950 Arlington St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300 | License: ME56312
10/14/25 12:53 PM
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2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Novak, Russell W.
|
TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Chan, David
Kayali, Fadi
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1950 Arlington St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-6300 | License: ME41051
Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 941-485-1505 | License: ME113787
Stevens, Scott
Dillingham, Christopher L.
Lunin, Scott D.
LEGACY
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042 | License: ME81483 Toomey, Paul
Florida Surgical Specialists 607 Manatee Ave E, Ste 102 Bradenton, FL 34208-1158 941-216-3602 | License: ME108706 Yelverton, Samuel RISING STAR
Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5174 941-254-6767 | License: ME159729 Willkomm, Christopher M.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 101 North Venice, FL 34275-3670 941-261-2000 | License: ME107405
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Fiorica, James
First Physicians Group| SMHCS 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 | License: ME43069 Kilts, Toni P.
First Physicians Group| SMHCS 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 | License: OS16909 Long, Beverly J.
First Physicians Group| SMHCS 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-8383 | License: ME146963 South, Stacey
Manatee Physician Alliance Women's Oncology 3425 University Pkwy, Unit 102 Sarasota, FL 34243-4271 941-746-7507 | License: ME101589
Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine Hand to Shoulder Surgery 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100 | License: ME107087 Gordon, Michael
Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2471 941-955-6748 | License: ME93449 Hand, John D.
Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics PLLC 1950 Arlington St, Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 | License: ME73110 Moustoukas, Michael J.
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME131187 Sforzo, Christopher R.
Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine Hand to Shoulder Surgery 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 941-378-5100 | License: ME83510 Simmons, Sara P.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME113187 Westawski, Daniel B.
American Society Of Plastic Surgeons 2020 59th St West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-567-2876 | License: ME133838
HEMATOLOGY Chu, Luis
HAND SURGERY
Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 | License: ME70875
Boyette, Melissa M.
Harandi, Amir
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME103549
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Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 941-907-4737 | License: ME130266
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 941-907-4737 | License: ME106289 Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 | License: ME83359 Mamus, Steven W. LEGACY
Cancer Center Of Sarasota-Manatee 3830 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34233-1105 941-923-1872 | License: ME48231 Ning, Ke
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236 941-957-1000 | License: ME138915 Pelayo, Miguel
Florida Cancer Specialists 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 941-907-4737 | License: ME100373 Vugman, Galina
Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 941-200-1125 | License: ME103860
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE Gross, Joshua A.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-7572 | License: ME134564
INFECTIOUS DISEASE Demaio, James D.
Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711 | License: ME90472 Farooq, Ahmed O.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 517 Riviera St, Ste D Venice, FL 34285-2821 941-244-9524 | License: ME91511 Godofsky, Eliot W.
Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711 | License: ME65833
Gordillo, Manuel E.
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME62215 Kraitman, Natan
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME139743 Larkin, Julie A.
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME63725 Mercado, Roberto A.
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME79981 Milam, Michael W.
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME46769 Offner, Lenka
Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 941-366-9060 | License: ME112744 Offner, Stuart A.
Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 941-746-2711 | License: ME112752
INTERNAL MEDICINE Bhamidipati, Lalita
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-3500 | License: ME82613 Cabello, Stephanie S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-8409 941-917-7080 | License: ME136057 Cohen, Louis M.
Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-953-9080 | License: ME58080 Ejercito, Lorena L.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 605 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8100 | License: ME76113
10/14/25 2:36 PM
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10/14/25 12:54 PM
2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Elsishans, Phyllis
Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 941-366-5440 | License: ME84894 Ferreira, Gregory
Ward, Mindy
Reed Medical Group 544 Bay Isles Rd Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-677-7220 | License: OS18505 Mansour, Robin
Premier Physicians Of Sarasota 1843 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2937 941-951-3920 | License: ME93124
Dr. Robin Mansour MD 4020 Sawyer Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941-366-7475 | License: ME141326
Horiuchi, Todd K.
INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
Horiuchi Health Concierge Medicine 1875 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2937 941-667-6100 | License: ME83060 John, Gerald B.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 605 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8100 | License: ME73663 Lerner, Brad S. LEGACY
Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-953-9080 | License: ME40118 Lourie, John
Heart Attack Prevention Center 4900 Manatee Ave W, Ste 201 Bradenton, FL 34209-3859 941-746-5200 | License: ME68394 Porter, Kinga
Whole Health 6272 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 941-666-8757 | License: OS12305 Reichel, David T.
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-371-3337 | License: ME79284 Transleau, Manon C. RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-3500 | License: ME165385 Scarselletta, Sarah V.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 929 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Osprey, FL 34229 941-261-4700 | License: ME131526
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Bermudez, Edmund A.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 103 North Venice, FL 34275 941-261-0160 | License: ME98576 Caruso, Evan
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 941-917-4250 | License: ME155217
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
NEPHROLOGY
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY
Bhensdadia, Nishant
Cassidy, John R.
Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 | License: ME119186 Bilal, Jehanzeb
NKP-Renal Hypertension Center 3801 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-922-4498 | License: ME131099 Chauhan, Veeraish
NKP-Renal Hypertension Center 1935 Worth Ct Bradenton, FL 34211 941-251-4031 | License: ME112069 Cho Chung Hing, Lorraine S.
Florida Kidney Physicians 1500 E Venice Ave, Ste 103 Venice, FL 34292-1663 941-485-4700 | License: ME84851
Rossi, Jeffrey E.
Ghose, Ranjan
Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-4250 | License: ME142400
Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 | License: ME82366
Schreibman, David S.
Lawrence-Jackson, Janis S.
Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 941-917-4250 | License: ME90195 Sedillo, Gino J.
Cardiovascular Solutions Institute 2210 61st St W Bradenton, FL 34209-5527 941-747-8789 | License: ME76343 Yaryura, Ricardo A.
Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 941-366-1888 | License: ME73423
MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE Baron, Felice
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-6260 | License: ME68815 Matsumoto, Larry
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 941-917-6260 | License: ME138959
Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 306 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-8722 | License: OS12060 Patel, Bhavin
Renal Hypertension Center 517 Riviera St, Ste B Venice, FL 34285-2827 941-488-2881 | License: ME142834 Rodriguez, Betzaida
Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 | License: ME123162 Sastry, Ashok
Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6585 | License: ME95950 Toka, Hakan
Manatee Kidney Disease Consultants 3701 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-1711 941-746-5840 | License: ME128773
Neurosurgical Associates Cassidy & Guerin MD PA 842 Sunset Lake Blvd, Ste 302 Venice, FL 34292-7552 941-484-3404 | License: ME57567 Fine, Andrew D.
Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 | License: ME69377 Glasser, Ryan S.
Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 | License: ME58159 King, Michael A.
Neurospinal Associates PA 200 3rd Ave W, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34205-8633 941-794-3118 | License: ME57681 Knego, Robert S.
Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 | License: ME57684 Mayer, Peter L. LEGACY
Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 | License: ME68105 Vives, Kenneth P.
Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-308-5700 | License: ME121748 Wang, Huan John
Center for Brain & Spine 3534 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 941-893-2688 | License: ME120232
NEUROLOGY Cantero, Julio
Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 941-906-7155 | License: ME94218 Concha, Mauricio
Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 941-906-7155 | License: ME69547
10/14/25 12:54 PM
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10/14/25 12:54 PM
2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Cormie, Sarah
Osprey PolyClinic 1307 S Tamiami Trl Osprey, FL 34229 941-613-4285 | License: ME169805 Gonzalez, Ralph F.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8900 | License: ME73150 Hanes, Gregory
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 | License: ME88942 Khera, Davender S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 | License: ME134941 Lifton, Allen
The Neurology Center 200 Capri Isles Blvd, Ste 7D Venice, FL 34292-5350 941-485-2220 | License: ME73305 Sabodash, Valeriy
Negroski Neurology 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 530 Sarasota, FL 34233-5061 941-487-2160 | License: ME119014 Stone, David K.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 607 Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-262-3120 | License: ME123376 Sutherland, Dean P.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 | License: ME79474 Szabo, Zsofia
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8900 | License: ME146951 Thornley, Virginia
Dr. Virginia Thornley MD 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg B Suite A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-363-1370 | License: ME113264
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NEUROMUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE Barnum IV, Frederick O. RISING STAR
Karma Osteopathic 3148 Southgate Cir, Ste 2 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-529-6750 | License: OS17843
NEUROPATHY Swaim, Logan
The Roots Health Centers 8209 Natures Way, Unit 115 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4218 941-877-1507 | License: CH11541
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Aguin, Eduardo
Lotus Women's Health 1846 Rye Rd Bradenton, FL 34212 941-302-9977 | License: ME147685 Desai, Kinnari P.
Manatee Gynecology 2310 60th Street Ct W Bradenton, FL 34209-6609 941-792-4993 | License: ME107712 Easterling, Gary W.
Gulf Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology 1950 Arlington St, Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 941-379-6331 | License: ME59922 Finazzo, Michael S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 307 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-8565 | License: ME48470 Gard, Kathryn P.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME132813 Hamel, Kelly J.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME98993 Lichon, Jennifer
Swor Women's Care 1900 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239 941-330-8885 | License: OS16126
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Lipman, Malorie
Yelverton, Eden
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME149928
Her Health Gynecology 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 305 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-324-4966 | License: ME159686
RISING STAR
McCullen, Jennifer R.
GYN Women's Centre of Lakewood Ranch LLC 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5185 941-907-3008 | License: ME66257 Price, Ariella RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME158051 Ramirez Nessetti, Doris
AllCare Medical Centers PC 5860 Ranch Lake Blvd, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-3718 941-388-8997 | License: ME101123 Shedd-Hartman, Kelly-Anne
Swor Women's Care 1900 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3114 941-330-8885 | License: OS12471 Shepherd, Kristen
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME109734 Soendker, Anna
Lakewood Ranch Obstetrics & Gynecology 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 140 Bradenton, FL 34202-5183 941-907-9298 | License: ME140970 Somer, Sarah J.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 5880 Rand Blvd, Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34238 941-917-8565 | License: ME134643 Swanson, Jennifer L.
Lakewood Ranch Obstetrics & Gynecology 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 140 Bradenton, FL 34202-5183 941-907-9298 | License: ME96037 Towsley, Greg A
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-7888 | License: ME68910
RISING STAR
Yenari, Jon
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-379-1700 | License: ME87923
ONCOLOGY Berry, Brian T.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 3630 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-2557 941-792-1881 | License: ME73368 Dattoli, Michael J.
Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344 941-957-1221 | License: ME58562 Eakle, Janice F.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 600 N Cattleman Rd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-377-9993 | License: ME80481 Guancial, Elizabeth
Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 | License: ME135035 Marple, Andrew
Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 941-200-1125 | License: ME150864 Nair, Jayan
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 | License: ME104292 Patel, Anjan J.
Florida Cancer Specialists 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236-6908 941-957-1000 | License: ME117498
10/14/25 2:36 PM
EMILY F. ARSENAULT, MD, FAAD HONOREE | Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology
SPECIALTIES | Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery | Weight Loss & Wellness TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Since 2003, Arsenault
Dermatology has grown to seven convenient locations across Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, offering medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology services. With a talented team of 22 physicians and providers, including 3 master aesthetics injectors and two fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, we deliver expert care in skin cancer treatment through our onsite Mohs surgery center and lab. Known for our cutting-edge, compassionate care, we are proud to share that we consistently earn 5-star Google reviews and high patient satisfaction ratings. Whether patients seek preventative skin exams, advanced treatments, or cosmetic enhancements, we combine innovation with a personalized touch to help every individual feel confident in their skin.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Prevention is at the heart of our mission at
Arsenault Dermatology. We emphasize early detection through routine skin exams and dermoscopy, empowering patients to take a proactive role in their skin health. Our providers take the time to educate patients on sun safety, skin cancer warning signs, and personalized skincare routines tailored to age, lifestyle, and medical history. Through compassionate, one-on-one consultations and community outreach, we help patients understand how daily habits and timely care can prevent long-term issues. This commitment to education not only improves outcomes but has been the foundation of the trust we’ve earned among patients for the past 22 years.
DR. EMILY ARSENAULT, MD, FAAD, is the founder of Arsenault
Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience. A Florida native, she was accepted into medical school before graduating high school, earning her degree from the University of Miami’s prestigious Honors Program in Medicine. She completed her dermatology training at Boston University before returning home to Florida in 2003. Dr. Arsenault established her practice with a philosophy focusing on accessibility, pediatric care, and preventative skin exams using dermoscopy. She has found her calling building a team of talented professionals who resonate with her treatment philosophy. Today, she continues to innovate in skin health, offering cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care to patients of all ages.
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WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOUR PRACTICE? Mohs surgery is a specialized and highly effective treatment for skin cancer that removes cancerous tissue with precision, minimizing scarring and preserving healthy skin. At Arsenault Dermatology, our onsite Mohs surgical facility includes a state-of-the-art specimen lab, allowing our fellowship-trained surgeons to process slides quickly and accurately. This ensures optimal results and gives patients peace of mind, knowing their cancer cells have been successfully removed before they leave. We are committed to providing a concierge level experience. From the moment you arrive, a dedicated guide will walk you through every step, answering questions, offering support, and making sure your care is personalized, attentive, and exceeds expectations.
ARSENAULT DERMATOLOGY 8926 77th Terrace E. | Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34202 941.907.0222 | info@arsenaultdermatology.com arsenaultdermatology.com
10/14/25 12:58 PM
2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Soriano, Andres O.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5500 Pinebrook Rd, Ste 202 North Venice, FL 34275 941-408-0500 | License: ME118024 Tandra, Pavan Kumar
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236 941-957-1000 | License: ME158361
OPHTHALMOLOGY Abrams, Jody G.
Sarasota Retina Institute 3400 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-7243 941-921-5335 | License: ME109729 Banker, Tanuj P
Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME123104 Bhullar, Shaminder S.
Retina Treatment Center 1911 Manatee Ave, Ste 101 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-251-4930 | License: ME112489 Davis, Jeffrey M
Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208-1931 941-748-1818 | License: ME106434 De Rojas, Joaquin O.
Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME139893 Kim, Joshua W.
Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME93875 Lim, Renelle
Cashen, David V.
Mahoney, William A.
Schwartz, Thomas
Clare, Michael P.
Mehserle, William L.
Shoemaker, David W.
Cuff, Derek J.
Envision Eye Specialists 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg F Ste A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-921-7744 | License: ME61395 Eye Care Associates Of Sarasota 1219 S East Ave, Ste 105 Sarasota, FL 34239-2351 941-957-4216 | License: ME62433 Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME39238 Silverman, Scott
Coastal Eye Institute 111 S Pineapple Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-5766 941-748-1818 | License: ME68584 Stelton, Chris
SK Retina 1700 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239 941-777-5000 | License: ME125837
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Middleton, Scott
Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2902 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7117 941-926-9100 | License: ME91135 Reuter, Todd J.
Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2130 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3803 941-365-3388 | License: ME106595 Roemer, Scott C.
Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2130 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3803 941-365-3388 | License: ME133320
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Barre, Julie
Mathews, Priya
Bright, Adam S.
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Ross, Joseph
Institute Of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery 1617 S Tuttle Ave, Flr 3 Sarasota, FL 34239-3132 941-628-7005 | License: ME153736 Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 941-277-9041 | License: ME138784
|
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: ME113472 Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics 1950 Arlington St, Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 | License: ME70128
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME99185 360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: ME82208 Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 941-485-1505 | License: ME95587 Dingle, Sean R.
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME79112 Greenspoon, Joshua RISING STAR
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME161895 Guzman, Javier
Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 941-485-1505 | License: ME149660 Harkess, John W.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME132666 Holden, Christopher C.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-8525 | License: ME123245 Klima, Matthew L.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-8525 | License: OS11307 Lamar, Daniel S.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME88228
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: ME66743 Center For Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 1525 Tamiami Trl S, Ste 602 Venice, FL 34285-3568 941-497-2663 | License: ME65132 O'Daly, Andres E.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME126890 Otte, R. Stephen
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME141436 Pacana, Matthew RISING STAR
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 94212 941-792-1404 | License: ME157260 Page, Steven M.
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: ME89677 Schafer, Steven J.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME77986 Schofield, Brian A.
Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics 1950 Arlington St, Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-921-2600 | License: ME68192 Silverstein, Jeffrey A.
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 941-360-2233 | License: ME109120 Stewart Jr, Charles E.
Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine Hip to Knee Surgery 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-378-5100 | License: ME120483
10/14/25 1:01 PM
KRISTOPHER HAMWI, MD HONOREE | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES | Face and Body | Plastic Surgery | Awake Procedures
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? At Florida Plastic
Surgery and MedSpa, we set ourselves apart with Dr. Kristopher Hamwi's expertise in innovative awake surgeries, including highly precise awake lip suction and awake arm lift procedures. By utilizing local anesthesia, these procedures are performed with minimal discomfort, allowing for quicker recovery and real-time adjustments tailored to each patient’s needs. Our commitment extends beyond surgery, offering a full spectrum of top-tier medspa treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. This unique combination of advanced techniques, personalized care, and luxurious setting ensures an exceptional experience and superior outcomes, making our practice a leader in the field.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa,
we set ourselves apart not only through exceptional patient care but also by embracing innovation and comprehensive treatment options. Led by Dr. Kristopher Hamwi, our practice excels in multiple awake surgical options that permit precise, real-time adjustments and shortened recovery periods. We provide a full spectrum of bothsurgical and non-surgical procedures in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. Our expert team is dedicated to patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Additionally, we ensure meticulous follow-up care, supporting each Patient throughout their transformation journey.
DR. KRISTOPHER HAMWI, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is
renowned for his refined expertise in aesthetic procedures. He specializes in enhancing natural beauty through body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast surgery. His education spans prestigious institutions including Georgetown University, Indiana University, and Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, capped by a fellowship in aesthetics at Mount Sinai, New York. A Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Hamwi is celebrated for his dedication to safety and personalized patient care, employing the latest surgical techniques to achieve outstanding results. Based in Florida, his meticulous approach draws patients nationally.
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FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 5566 Broadcast Ct | Sarasota, Florida 34240 941.233.8597 | connect@floridaplasticsurgery.com floridaplasticsurgery.com
10/14/25 1:06 PM
DAVID S. SAX, MD TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At University Park
HONOREE Dermatology
Dermatology & Medical Spa, David S. Sax, MD offers his patients an exceptional combination: extensive dermatological expertise and a dedication to the highest quality, personalized medical and cosmetic patient care. Founded over 20 years ago, Dr. Sax is proud to welcome Heidi K. Anderson, MD at his newest location in Lakewood Ranch, in addition to Leah S. Cohen, MD. “We have a variety of highly successful regimens for improving our patient's most concerning skin issues, from acne to anti-aging." The combined cosmetic and medical services are exemplified in the practice's mission, "The Art of Beauty and Science of Skin Care."
SPECIALTIES Dermatology Mohs Micrographic Surgery
DAVID S. SAX, MD is double board certified in Dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery, having received an additional year of fellowship training and advanced surgical reconstruction. Utilizing his in-house laboratory, Dr. Sax performs this treatment as a convenient outpatient procedure. Dr. Sax is welcoming new patients and has integrated a comprehensive medical spa, offering concierge-level service and the latest cosmetic techniques, including numerous laser options, revolutionary body contouring, as well as traditional facial rejuvenation procedures.
UNIVERSITY PARK DERMATOLOGY AND MEDICAL SPA Sarasota: 8451 Shade Avenue | Unit 205 | Sarasota, Florida 34243 Lakewood Ranch: 5489 Lena Road | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941.360.2477 | upderm.com
NOW OPEN
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10/14/25 2:43 PM
2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
|
TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Stolarski, Edward J.
Marlowe, Andrew
Erb, Donald L.
Zacks, Jeffrey F.
Sugar, David A.
Marrs, Chad
Giraldo, Kenneth A.
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME84153 Sugar Orthopaedics 1630 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3108 941-556-6900 | License: ME73607 Talluri, Nicholas RISING STAR
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-365-0655 | License: ME145397 Thomas, John
Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 941-362-8662 | License: ME86993 Thomas, Samuel E.
Marlowe MD Ear Nose & Throat 4937 Clark Rd, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34233-3252 941-294-3574 | License: ME75996 Marrs Ear Nose & Throat 5310 Clark Rd, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34233-1515 941-231-1031 | License: ME114119 Nayak, Neil S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2932 941-366-9222 | License: ME141439 Patete, Michael
Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Center 213 Palermo Pl Venice, FL 34285-2821 941-485-7783 | License: ME57749 Phommachanh, Viengsouk
Manatee Memorial Hospital 206 2nd St E Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-4600 | License: OS16472
ENT & Allergy Specialists of SWFL 2401 University Pkwy, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34243-2894 941-355-2767 | License: ME98812
Valadie, Alan L.
Rosenberg, Seth I.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME70378 Valadie, Arthur L.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME71811
OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT Gurucharri, Michael J.
Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Manatee PA 701 Manatee Ave W, Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 941-748-2455 | License: ME45512 Hrelec, Candace M.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-3301 | License: ME133257 Kelley, Benjamin
Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Manatee PA 701 Manatee Ave W, Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 941-748-2455 | License: OS15670
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First Physicians Group | SMHCS 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 201 North Venice, FL 34275 941-366-9222 | License: ME51633 Tufano, Ralph P.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1901 Floyd St, Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-0500 | License: ME150290 Vosler, Peter S.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1901 Floyd St, Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-262-0500 | License: ME157388
PAIN MANAGEMENT Constant, Douglas
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 941-214-2864 | License: ME108659 Diaz-Ramirez, Myrdalis
PhysMed 2601 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34232 941-921-4884 | License: ME96703
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: OS7114 Dr Kenneth A Giraldo MD PA 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 941-343-1040 | License: ME71677 Job, Lindsey
Restore Medical Partners 333 Tamiami Trl S, Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285-2425 941-375-3006 | License: ME119800 Kotcharian, Ashot
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: ME135327 Ramos, Fabian
Ramos Center 100 3rd Ave W, Ste 210 Bradenton, FL 34205-8641 941-708-9555 | License: ME71496 Raye, Justin
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: OS14621 Satia, Paul
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME104779
Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239-5237 941-362-8900 | License: ME82395
Miller, Michelle
Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 5881 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238-5118 727-767-3333 | License: PN1348021
PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY ENT Shea, Roger M.
Shea ENT Clinic 5432 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 140 Sarasota, FL 34233-1512 941-371-2244 | License: ME65243
PEDIATRICS GENERAL Carroll, Briggs G.
Comprehensive Childcare Associates 2020 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34232-6284 941-955-5191 | License: ME80716 Featherman, D Scott Legacy
Comprehensive Childcare Associates 2020 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34232-6284 941-955-5191 | License: ME47974 Fleener, Carola
PATHOLOGY
Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-923-3667 | License: ME52202
Budke, Amy J.
Frias, Federico
Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-362-8900 | License: ME112560 Butcher, Monica
Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-362-8900 | License: ME162558 Stelton, Christina D.
Suncoast Pathology Inc 446 Tamiami Trl S, Flr 2 Venice, FL 34285-2630 941-483-3319 | License: ME126862
APC Pediatrics 5255 Office Park Blvd, Ste 110-111 Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-7000 | License: ME87970 Good, Virginia J.
Good Pediatrics 1961 Floyd St, Ste A Sarasota, FL 34239-2931 941-955-7337 | License: ME98981 Keeley, Katherine M.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 8430 Enterprise Cir, Ste 130 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4111 941-366-3000 | License: ME57672
10/14/25 1:06 PM
2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Landy, Barbara X.
Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 941-923-3667 | License: ME112055 Meyer, Ted LEGACY
Meyer Pediatrics 1666 Mound St Sarasota, FL 34236-7716 941-365-5898 | License: ME43654 Minella, Janet
Comprehensive Childcare Associates 2020 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 600 Sarasota, FL 34232-6284 941-955-5191 | License: ME81563 Scarano, Joseph LEGACY
Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics 4861 27th St W Bradenton, FL 34207-1726 941-755-0800 | License: ME55634 Sueiro, Rene
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-8409 941-917-7080 | License: ME102035 Tavarez, Jose A.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 8430 Enterprise Cir, Ste 130 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4107 941-366-3000 | License: ME130063 Taylor, A. Florentina
Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics 4861 27th St W Bradenton, FL 34207-1726 941-755-0800 | License: ME74027 Weiss, Robert A.
Weiss Pediatric Care 2201 Cantu Ct. Ste 117 Sarasota, FL 34232-6254 941-552-8341 | License: ME34530
PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Diaz, Carlos
Spine Sport & Physical Medicine Center 2030 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239-6108 941-845-0233 | License: ME80337 Hafner, Ryan C.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-8561 | License: ME156376
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|
TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Herman, Erik S.
Rodriguez, Charles L.
Graham, Jemaar
Ottaviani, Laura B.
Schultz, Jerette J.
Kepich, Candice A.
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME72591 Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: OS7921 Papuchis, Steven M. RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-917-8561 | License: OS17229
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Cicilioni, Orlando
Altiora Plastic Surgery & Med Spa 443 John Ringling Blvd, Ste K Sarasota, FL 34236-1427 941-388-1110 | License: ME65746 Derby, Brian M.
Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-203-1300 | License: ME122714 Engel, Scott J.
Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-203-1300 | License: ME101569 Hamwi, Kristopher B.
Florida Plastic Surgery & Medspa 5566 Broadcast Ct Sarasota, FL 34240 941-233-8597 | License: ME135896 Kotick, James D.
Renaissance Plastic Surgery 329 Nokomis Ave S, Ste K Venice, FL 34285 941-800-4305 | License: ME88067
RISING STAR
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-262-4001 | License: ME160313 Shulman, Alissa M.
Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington St, Ste 112 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-366-5476 | License: ME103128 Spellman, Andrea
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 941-355-3223 | License: OS13346 Van Vliet, Michael M.
HCA Florida Blake Hospital Burn and Plastic Surgery Center 2020 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4604 941-398-0759 | License: ME123837 Widmyer, Anna
Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery 6274 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 941-500-3350 | License: ME134153
Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-203-1300 | License: ME66996
Saltzman, Megan
West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 | License: PO4130 Vonherbulis, Eric
West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 | License: PO3826 Zdancewicz, Alissa
West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 | License: PO3140
PSYCHIATRY
Borge, Carlos A.
Dreyer, Mark A.
LEGACY
West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 941-753-9599 | License: PO2382
PODIATRY
Lambiris, Brandon
Mobley, David L.
Lasday, Stephen
Bixler, Robin
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 5504 Pinebrook Rd, Ste 205 North Venice, FL 34275 941-261-0060 | License: ME124629
Conti, Craig
West Coast Plastic Surgery 2677 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 3 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-269-3364 | License: ME148087
Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 941-917-6232 | License: PO3465
Yan, David
Envision Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 1561 Lakefront Drive, Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34240 941-822-8955 | License: ME121445 RISING STAR
360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-360-2233 | License: PO3906
Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-6232 | License: PO3244 Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 941-362-8662 | License: ME136210 Frimmel, Robert
Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 941-917-6232 | License: PO1919
Cohen & Associates 1217 S East Ave, Ste 209 Sarasota, FL 34239-2352 941-559-8500 | License: OS14917 Dr. Carlos Borge MD 80 S Tuttle Ave, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34237-6344 941-330-9080 | License: ME70690 Cohen, Rebecca
Cohen & Associates 1217 S East Ave, Ste 209 Sarasota, FL 34239-2329 941-559-8500 | License: ME112405 Greeter, Stacy
Stacy Greeter MD PLLC 2415 University Pkwy, Bldg 3 Ste 219 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 941-413-0834 | License: ME128423
10/14/25 1:28 PM
ALBERICO J. SESSA, MD HONOREE | Cosmetic Surgery SPECIALTIES | Facial Cosmetic Surgery | Body & Breast Cosmetic Surgery | Body Contouring Specialist
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Sarasota Surgical Arts, the name says it all! This is where surgical excellence, safety, and art collide. Alberico Sessa, MD is an artist. An expert in Cosmetic Surgery. An expert is defined as 10,000 hours performing a task. 16 years and 10,000 procedures completed at his surgical facility—Dr. Sessa considers himselftobeanexpert.It'sallinthetraining.AlbericoSessa,MD, is a perfectionist. The surgery is never completed until it is perfect. The first questions asked at a consultation are to find out exactly what is the patient’s idea of beauty and what they are concerned about. Then the journey begins. Sarasota Surgical Arts provides an array of Cosmetic surgery to help the breast, body, or the face. Some of theprocedures performed: facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, Laser skin resurfacing. Non-surgical options are also found at Sarasota Surgical Arts: Venus freeze—a skin-tightening procedure that works. Vanquish is an all-in-one treatment to dissolve fat and tighten skin, both painless and inexpensive. A medi-spa, along with a knowledgeable aesthetician, is also onsite. Skin peels, facials, derma planing, “PRP” facials (Vampire), microneedling, as well as micro-blading for eyebrows are performed. We also have our very own skin care line-DR AL’s RX. All Cosmetic Surgery is performed at his private surgical facility. This facility is certified by the Florida Board of Medicine yearly. The anesthesia is provided by a board certified practitioner with 32 years of experience.
DR. SESSA STARTED HIS CAREER IN DENTAL SCHOOL , where he
learned that a tenth of a millimeter can make all the difference. He then went to medical school and onto oral and maxillofacial surgery at Charity Hospital in New Orleans for six years. This is were he learned to take apart the bony structures of the head and face and put them back together better than before. The training culminated in a year long post-graduate fellowship in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. This is where it all came together. It was at this fellowship, that every day, he along side his mentor performed cosmetic surgery in a private facility. Under this tutelage, he was able to hone his skills performing complex breast, tummy, face, and nasal surgery. This expertise allowed him to come to Sarasota in 2007 and begin practicing at the highest level immediately. Thousands of surgeries completed, five patient choice awards, hundreds of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms, and thousands of thrilled patients. He is a diplomate of both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as well as the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fellowship director, and American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Board examiner for the past six years. Dr. Sessa publishes scientific papers yearly as a fellowship director.
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SARASOTA SURGICAL ARTS 4143 Clark Road | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.923.1736 | SarasotaSurgicalArts.com
10/14/25 1:28 PM
2024 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE 2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
Hollen, Jordana
Bluestone Psychiatry PLLC 5664 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 877-422-9355 | License: ME119785 Linares, Jesus E.
Centerstone Sarasota 4010 Sawyer Rd Sarasota, FL 34233-1272 941-782-4150 | License: ME69561 Lirio, Stephanie
Morgan, Kisha
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 | License: ME84177 Peters, John T.
Matrix Pulmonary 2401 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-4933 941-744-1336 | License: OS7555 Sheriff, Omar
Helping Families Cope 2601 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34232 941-702-9978 | License: ME110691
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239 941-366-5864 | License: ME156983
Privette, Michele
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Center Of Revitalizing Psychiatry 2033 Wood St, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237-7927 941-677-3366 | License: RN1906052 Thomas, Matthew P.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1650 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-2928 941-917-7760 | License: ME80452
PULMONOLOGY Aranibar, Richard
Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-4041 941-362-8662 | License: ME75531 Dunn, Ryan
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-379-1799 | License: ME158668 Ghamra, Ziad W.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 | License: ME105061 Goedicke, Heidi R.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 | License: ME123843 Hurwitz, Kenneth M.
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 | License: ME63644 Loutfi, Rabih
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 941-366-5864 | License: ME101610
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Biagioli, Matthew C.
Sarasota Memorial Radiation Oncology Center 5370 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-5813 941-917-7575 | License: ME95142 Fitch, Dwight L.
Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 941-220-6263 | License: ME95935 Hollen, Tyler
Florida Urology Specialists | GenesisCare 3210 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-6411 941-364-8887 | License: ME119644 Koshy, Mary
Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 941-220-6263 | License: ME92795 Saigal, Kunal
Brian D Jellison Cancer Institute 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 947-917-1981 | License: ME113123
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY Pabon, J. E.
Fertility Center & Applied Genetics Of Florida 5100 Station Way Sarasota, FL 34233-3221 941-342-1568 | License: ME68597
|
TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Crager, Kenneth H.
HCA Florida Blake Medical Specialists 315 75th St W, Ste A Bradenton, FL 34209-3201 941-352-5846 | License: ME64188 Greenfield, David
Restore Medical Partners 333 Tamiami Trl S, Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285-2425 941-375-3006 | License: ME46436 Guzman, Luis G.
Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-366-3062 | License: ME137093 Kelley III, Joe
Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 941-366-3062 | License: ME85515 Lyn Shue, Kimberly
Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 | License: ME134785 Manickam, Sampath
Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238-2901 941-497-4069 | License: ME133234 Manohar, Jaishree
Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 | License: ME116782
SLEEP MEDICINE McConnell, Jeremy D.
Florida Sleep Specialists 5517 21st Ave W, Ste F Bradenton, FL 34209-5604 941-792-8383 | License: ME83356 Scheer, Steven J.
Optimal Sleep Health 3900 Clark Rd, Ste B3-B4 Sarasota, FL 34233 941-342-3400 | License: ME90589
SPINE SURGERY
RHEUMATOLOGY
Chin, Matthew
Boodoo, Jesse
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME145861
Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 941-365-0770 | License: ME134952
RISING STAR
Kothari, Parth RISING STAR
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME167737 Nguyen, Lam
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME128077 Patel, Ashvin I.
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 941-365-0655 | License: ME67502 Sundberg, Eric B.
Coastal Orthopedics 8000 Sr 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-792-1404 | License: ME120448
SPORTS MEDICINE Moor, John
Advanced Sports Medicine Center 2446 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3809 941-957-1500 | License: ME55341 Torrance II, Ron
Regenexx 5630 Marquesas Cir Sarasota, FL 34233-3331 941-357-1773 | License: OS14664
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY Meredith, Kenneth
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1950 Arlington St, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 941-917-3400 | License: ME102313
UROLOGY Allen, Bryan
Atlas Urology 3303 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-8633 941-324-2550 | License: ME120341 Bergamo, Jeremy
Florida Urology Specialists | GenesisCare 1 S School Ave, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 941-309-7000 | License: ME150870
10/14/25 1:29 PM
2024 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
JORDANA HOLLEN, MD HONOREE Psychiatry SPECIALTIES Women’s Health Mood and Anxiety Disorders Psychopharmacology Psychotherapy Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Bluestone Psychiatry, a physicianfounded and led practice, we feel grateful to provide our patients and their families with a dignified, compassionate behavioral health experience. We partner with our patients to build solid connections and trust. Building upon this trust, we incorporate evidence-based treatments including psychotherapy and medication management, as appropriate. Bluestone Psychiatry encourages our patients to set goals, and more importantly, achieve these goals. We appreciate that everyone is unique, and we strive to tailor our treatment plans to each individual. It is an absolute privilege to build these relationships, and we will always strive to create an environment that facilitates the best treatment outcomes.
DR. JORDANA HOLLEN is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with extensive
training in psychopharmacology, mood and anxiety disorders, women’s health, ADHD, psychotherapy and TMS. Dr. Hollen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honors Program, and she completed her Psychiatry residency training at the University of Florida. She has experience as a medical director and psychiatry instructor for trainees, as well as fourteen years of outpatient psychiatric practice.
BLUESTONE PSYCHIATRY, LLC 5664 Bee Ridge Road | Suite 203 | Sarasota, FL 34233 1.877.422.9355 | jhollen@bluestone.health bluestone.health
WILLIAM L. MEHSERLE, MD HONOREE Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Adult Reconstruction
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?
Speaking with a caring human being when you call the office sets the stage for a personalized orthopedic experience with Dr. Mehserle. Each patient is evaluated and treated exclusively by Dr. Mehserle, who prioritizes non-surgical management for your orthopedic care. Dr. Mehserle believes that successful orthopaedic outcomes, both surgical and non-surgical, are a team effort, with the patient the most important part of the team. To that end he provides easy to understand individualized information to each patient about their specific orthopaedic situation. Come join your orthopaedic team with Dr. Mehserle and return to the joy of life.
WILLIAM L. MEHSERLE, M.D., a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon,
graduated from Emory University School of Medicine. An accomplished surgeon and pioneer in the field he has extensive experience with minimally invasive hip, knee and shoulder surgery. The focus of his practice has centered on reducing the post-operative pain and soft tissue trauma that most surgeons create with large routine surgical approaches. Prior to his current tenure, Dr. Mehserle trained orthopaedic surgeons at Brooke Army Medical Center.
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CENTER FOR ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE 1525 S. Tamiami Trail | Suite 602 | Venice, FL 34285 941.497.2663 | veniceorthopaedics.com
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2025 PEER REVIEW HONOREES
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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE
Bilik, Joseph
Perry, Matthew J.
Florida Urology Specialists | GenesisCare 1 S School Ave, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 941-309-7000 | License: ME97146
Lepore Jr., Michael R.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-294-5146 | License: ME81013
Suplee, Ryan
Carey, Robert I.
VASCULAR SURGERY
Nair, Deepak G.
Wagner, Michael Richard
Parrack, Inkyong K.
Wagner, Jason K.
Florida Urology Specialists | GenesisCare 1 S School Ave, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 941-309-7000 | License: ME73513 First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-5400 | License: ME90072 Cohen, Louis H.
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-379-1860 | License: ME111892 Kaplon, Daniel
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 941-917-5400 | License: ME104278
Edwards, Jeffrey B.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-294-5146 | License: ME132518
Sarasota Memorial Hospital 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 941-917-9000 | License: ME99082
First Physicians Group | SMHCS 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 101 North Venice, FL 34275 941-261-2000 | License: ME123960
Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-294-5146 | License: ME137320
Hershberger, Richard C.
Silverman, Steven H. Legacy
Gomero-Cure, Wadi S.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-294-5146 | License: ME128434
Tampa Bay Surgical Group 1215 S East Ave, Ste 307 Sarasota, FL 34239-2354 941-312-6196 | License: ME50587
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042 | License: ME124998 Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Bradenton, FL 34202 941-782-2100 | License: OS14515 Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 941-294-5146 | License: ME139385 Yeaney, Woodrow W.
The Vascular Group Of Bradenton 3204 Cortez Road W Bradenton, FL 34207 941-243-3991 | License: ME97295
MICHELE PRIVETTE, APRN-C HONOREE Psychiatry SPECIALTIES
Depression Anxiety ADHD PTSD Bi-Polar Disorder
ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At the Center of revitalizing Psychiatry we understand that strong mental health is essential in achieving success in personal and professional lives, and we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve it, so they can enjoy prosperous and joyous lives. We are a state licensed and industry accredited outpatient mental health clinic. Since 2003, our Center has helped thousands of patients with their mental health needs. In recognition of the high quality services provided over the years, we have received multiple awards and recognitions. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?
MICHELE PRIVETTE, APRN-C, has become a cornerstone of patient care
in the Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry with unwavering dedication, clinical excellence and a compassionate heart. A board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Michele specializes in Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that empowers individuals and families alike. With improved countless patient outcomes, Michele has also helped shape the next generation of healthcare professionals through mentoring, leadership, and education. Michele Privette, APRN-C is a clinician who exemplifies what it means to lead with knowledge, heal with heart, and serve with purpose.
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The Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry is a local family owned and women owned business, which was started by Dr. Marina Tourkova in 2003. As a family we value hard work, honesty and dedication; and we understand that strong mental health is essential in having success in personal and professional lives. We are dedicated to helping our clients to live fulfilling and healthy lives. In addition, we work with local organizations and support various community initiatives to promote mental health awareness. We are committed to continue our support and hard work within the mental health community.
CENTER OF REVITALIZING PSYCHIATRY 2033 Wood Street | Suite 220 | Sarasota FL 941.677.3366 | flcrp@crphelp.com RevitalizingPsychiatry.com
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JAMES D. KOTICK, MD, MBA HONOREE Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES
Plastic Surgery Reconstructive Surgery Hand Surgery Breast Surgery Body Contouring Nerve Reconstruction
ENVISION PLASTIC SURGERY offers advanced and minimally invasive plastic, reconstructive, aesthetic, and hand surgery in the Greater Sarasota area. Dr. James Kotick, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, has advanced training in complex breast reconstruction, nerve, and skin cancer reconstruction gained through his extensive surgical training. Throughout his career he has served as an educator at Harvard, Tufts, UM, and UCF, and is the official reconstructive surgeon of Sarasota Polo. Dr. Kotick continues to expand the field through teaching, research, and journal review.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?
At Envision Plastic Surgery, our highest patient experience response is feeling “heard” during the consultation. An individual and personalized treatment plan is created with you. We strive to provide patients with safe, results-driven plastic surgery in the most professional and comfortable environment possible. Our highly trained and empathetic staff provide open and honest communication. We utilize our collective expertise to ensure you achieve your aesthetic goals with an exceptional experience. Our practice also offers advanced peptide therapy and IV hydration. We are dedicated to helping you achieve results that look natural and beautiful, empower you, and uplift your self-image to the you that you Envision. Welcome to your transformation.
ENVISION PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 1561 Lakefront Drive | Suite 202 | Sarasota, Florida, 34240 941.822.8955 | info@envisionplasticsurgery.com envisionplasticsurgery.com
BETZAIDA (BETSY) RODRIGUEZ HONOREE Nephrology and Internal Medicine SPECIALTIES
Internal Medicine Nephrology
DR. RODRIGUEZ is Board Certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. She completed her Nephrology fellowship from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She did her internal medicine residency at Louisiana State University in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Rodriguez is on staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Hospital. Dr. Rodriguez is fluent in English and Spanish.
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HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? The Nephrology treatment provided to our
patients aims to delay progression of renal disease working as a team with our patients. Our practice also provides care and support for patients that require renal replacement therapy, including dialysis.
FLORIDA KIDNEY PHYSICIANS 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 | Sarasota, Fl, 34239 941.917.6585 | flkidney.com
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ALICIA A. ALVAREZ, MD HER PRACTICE FOCUS INCLUDES: • Allergy testing and treatment • Allergic rhinitis • Asthma testing and treatment • Primary Immunodeficiency • Hives and eczema • Allergen immunotherapy • Biologic therapies
HONOREE Allergy/Immunology SPECIALTIES Internal Medicine Allergy & Immunology
EDUCATION Medical School: SUNY Downstate Medical Center Residency: University of Michigan Internship: University of Michigan Fellowship: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
DR. ALVAREZ is an allergy and immunology specialist who treats adult and pediatric patients for a wide variety of allergic disorders. This includes testing and treatment of environmental, food, medication, and insect allergies. She specializes in advanced allergy and asthma therapies, such as allergen immunotherapy and biologic medications, and the evaluation and treatment of primary immunodeficiency.
FIRST PHYSICIANS GROUP 1901 Floyd Street | Sarasota FL 34239 p: 941.366.9222 | f: 941.365.2269 firstphysiciansgroup.com/doctors/alvarez-alicia-a-md
PEDRO J. BRICENO, MD, FACS HONOREE General Surgery SPECIALTIES
Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Gastrointestinal Oncology Laparoscopic Surgery
EDUCATION Medical School: Universidad Central de Venezuela Residency: Einstein Medical Center Internship: Hahnemann University Hospital Fellowship: Einstein Medical Center Se habla Español Jellison Cancer Institute Member
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DR. BRICENO is a board certified general surgeon who
is fellowship trained in multi-organ transplant and has practiced in Sarasota since 2012. His practice objective is to individualize treatment for the patient with as little risk and pain as possible. This objective can include minimally invasive surgery for colon cancer, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, hernia repair, and hepatobiliary surgery.
HIS PRACTICE FOCUS INCLUDES: • Gastrointestinal Surgery • Laparoscopic Surgery
FIRST PHYSICIANS GROUP 1950 Arlington Street | Suite 101 | Sarasota FL 34239 p: 941.917.3400 | f: 941.917.4300 firstphysiciansgroup.com/doctors/briceno-pedro-j-md
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KENNETH MEREDITH, MD, FACS HONOREE Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology SPECIALTIES
Gastrointestinal Oncology Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
EDUCATION Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine Residency: University of Wisconsin Medical School Internship: University of Kentucky College of Medicine/A.B. Chandler Medical Center Fellowship: Moffitt Cancer Center
for esophageal and pancreatic cancer today. In addition to active research, he leads on the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive tools and treatments for gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Meredith trains others surgeons in this complex subspecialty and lectures extensively across the world. HIS PRACTICE FOCUS INCLUDES: • Hepatopancreaticobiliary, esophageal,
and other GI malignancies
• Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Jellison Cancer Institute Member
DR. MEREDITH serves as Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Brian D. Jellison
Cancer Institute, as well as Medical Director for Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He has pioneered a number of minimally invasive and robotic techniques for treating gastrointestinal cancers and continues to rank among the highest volume robotic surgeons
FIRST PHYSICIANS GROUP 1950 Arlington Street | Suite 101 | Sarasota FL 34239 p: 941.917.3400 | f: 941.917.4300 firstphysiciansgroup.com/doctors/meredith-kenneth-md
JEFFREY SELL, MD, FACS HONOREE Cardiac Surgery SPECIALTIES Cardiovascular Surgery Thoracic Surgery General Surgery
EDUCATION Medical School: Harvard Medical School Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital Internship: Brigham and Women's Hospital Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital
DR. SELL's breadth of experience spans three decades as a highly
specialized surgeon, researcher and administrator in private practice, and a leader in hospital and academic settings. As Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, he helps guide our strong team of cardiologists and surgeons in adopting the latest innovations in cardiovascular and thoracic care.
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HIS SPECIALTIES AND PRACTICE FOCUS INCLUDE A FULL RANGE OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC CARE, INCLUDING: • Coronary artery bypass, arrhythmia and valve surgery • Repair of congenital heart conditions • Implantation of ventricular assist devices • Repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms • Valve replacement and repair
FIRST PHYSICIANS GROUP 1540 South Tamiami Trail | Suite 303, Sarasota FL 34239 p: 941.917.8791 | f: 941.917.8793 firstphysiciansgroup.com/doctors/sell-jeffrey-md
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JEREMY D. MCCONNELL, MD, FOMA HONOREE Sleep Medicine SPECIALTIES Sleep Medicine
JEREMY D. MCCONNELL, MD, MFOMA is the Chief Executive Officer
and Founder of Florida Sleep Specialists and Discover Health Obesity Medicine Clinics in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida. Dr. McConnell is board certified in family medicine, obesity medicine, and sleep medicine. Dr. McConnell is the recipient of the 2019 Obesity Medicine Association Clinician of the Year award and is a master fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association. In the field of Sleep Medicine, Dr. McConnell is an in-demand speaker and Key Opinion Leader, serving on the advisory boards of leading pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers.
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ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Our goal is to provide the highest level of evidence-based care to promote the safety, welfare, and well-being of our patients and to provide specialist support to their physicians. We believe in personal, patient-centered care, in which patients take an active role in their health and health care. We pride ourselves in taking time to explain things so patients can easily understand and comply with their treatment. We have found that the treatment of sleep disorders is particularly gratifying because of the vast improvement in the quality of life that many patients experience. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Six highly-trained and qualified healthcare providers solely dedicated to the treatment of sleep disorders. We are at the forefront of research and developing treatment options due to our close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies and device makers. Our practice is uniquely positioned to provide our patients with the best treatment options, the most well-trained providers and caring staff in the region.
FLORIDA SLEEP SPECIALISTS 5717 21st Ave. West | Bradenton, FL 34209 1215 S. East Ave | Suite 301 | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.792.8383 | flsleepspecialists.com
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CHAD MARRS, MD
HONOREE MARRS MARRS Ear, Nose and Throat
MARRS
MARRS
EAR, NOSE & THROAT SPECIALTIES
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
Inspire Sinusitis/Sinus Surgery Salivary Gland & Thyroid Surgery Ear Infections & Hearing Loss
MARRS Chad Marrs MD
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
4901 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 231-1031
Adult and pediatric ENT surgeon
CHAD MARRS, MD is a board-certified otolaryngologist who specializes in
the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric ear, nose, and throat problems. He graduated with distinction with his Bachelor of Arts and medical degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine in 1997. He then completed a general surgery internship at St. Louis University Health
MARRS
Sciences Center and an otolaryngology residency at the University of Tennessee–Memphis Health Science Center in 2003. After residency, he practiced as an otolaryngologist in Kansas City before he and his family moved to sunny Sarasota in 2013. Dr. Marrs always aspired to open his own private practice. Family, friends, and patients were thrilled as dreams became reality with the opening of Marrs Ear, Nose and Throat in the summer of 2023. In just a matter of months Dr. Marrs realized his practice had outgrown his new space due to his patient base covering the entire Gulf Coast. He is excited to announce that Marrs Ear, Nose and Throat will be relocating in late 2024 to a beautifully designed office at 5310 Clark Rd, Suite 102, conveniently located just west of I-75 at the cross-section of Clark and Honore. MARRS EAR, NOSE & THROAT 5310 Clark Road | Suite 102 | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.231.1031 | info@marrsent.net | marrsent.com
Chad Marrs MD
EAR, NOSE & THROAT
4901 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 231-1031
MARK D'AGOSTINO, MD, MS, MSc
Adult and pediatric ENT surgeon
HONOREE Psychiatry SPECIALTIES Psychiatry Addiction Medicine
MARRS EAR, NOSE & THROAT
Chad Marrs MD 4901 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 231-1031
Adult and pediatric ENT surgeon
DR. D'AGOSTINO is Board Certified in Psychiatry, with a subspecialty in Addiction Medicine. He specializes in medication management and psychotherapy for conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorders. His team of behavioral health professionals includes medical, nursing, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and licensed therapists with expertise in depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as EMDR for PTSD. Licensed in multiple states, he sees patients in person or remotely in FL, NC, NY, and CT.
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HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Behavioral health and substance
use disorders impact every facet of a patient’s life. With this in mind, we collaborate with families and support networks to create a 360-degree treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. This often includes both medication management and psychotherapy and may incorporate recovery coaching or other modalities to meet patients where they are. Our practice is rooted in a balanced understanding of biological and psychological factors, and we are dedicated to improving lives with compassionate, evidence based care. Recovery is an active and iterative process. Its impacts can be transformative, and we are here to help.
MD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, PLLC 1343 Main Street | Suite 706 | Sarasota, FL 34236 203.414.7374 | mdagostino@mdbehavioral.health mdbehavioral.health
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SAMPATH MANICKAM, MD HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Our practice improves the lives of patients
HONOREE Rheumatology
in several ways. Our practice is patient-focused. We spend time extensively counseling patients on their conditions. Our priority is to provide quality, safe medical care. Patients are taken care of by our friendly staff. We provide care in an updated facility. We have a full-feature infusion suite. We also have access to an ultrasound machine, and x-ray center. We look at the whole patient. We tailor treatment to the individual patient. Millennium Rheumatology is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care.
SPECIALTIES Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Osteoporosis Lupus
DR. MANICKAM studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of
Miami. He obtained his MD degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his Internal medicine residency at JFK Medical Center. He completed his rheumatology fellowship at Augusta University. He has provided medical care in Sarasota County for the past 6 years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His wife is a Family Medicine Doctor.
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP SAMPATH MANICKAM , MD 8383 South Tamiami Trail | Suite 115 | Sarasota, FL 34238 941.497.4069 | millenniumphysician.com
J MORGAN O'DONOGHUE, MD
HONOREE Dermatology SPECIALTIES
All diseases of the skin, hair, and nails Mohs Surgery Laser Treatments
BETTER HEALTHCARE BEGINS IMMEDIATELY UPON YOUR ARRIVAL at O’Donoghue Dermatology. The practice specializes in delivering state-of-the-art dermatologic care with a personalized touch. Celebrating 25 years as a board-certified dermatologist and proud graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. O’Donoghue continues to bring passion and dedication to every aspect of his work. "Our patients are my top priority and I love what I do. We cater to our patients' needs and treat them like family members, not numbers." As a patient, you will have quick access to a real person on the phone, availability for same-day appointments, you will be seen on time, and meet with a provider who listens. With his hands-on approach to medicine, Dr. O'Donoghue and his staff provide high-quality dermatology treatment with a caring, personal touch that sets them apart from the crowd.
Fillers & Botox Aesthetician & Skin Care Boutique
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CALL TODAY to schedule your skin check or cosmetic consultation!
O'DONOGHUE DERMATOLOGY 1952 Field Road | Sarasota, Florida 34231 | 941.926.7546 dermatologyexperts.com | Text us at 941.300.0642
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HUAN (JOHN) WANG, MD HONOREE Neurological Surgery SPECIALTIES Brain and Spine Surgery Neurocritical Care Regenerative Medicine
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Center for Brain and Spine in Sarasota, Florida, we are proud to provide a multi-modal approach for targeted, individualized patient care. Led by board-certified neurosurgeon, neurocritical care specialists, regenerative specialists, and medical specialists, Center for Brain and Spine Team strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate patient care with application of cutting edge, state-of-the-art neurological surgeries, neuromedical therapies, and regenerative procedures, both in the hospital and in the clinic. We understand that all our patients have different needs, challenges, values, and goals in the context of illness. Our creative, patient-centered approaches help our patients overcome challenges and achieve their goals of optimal health and well-being.
HUAN (JOHN) WANG, MD, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NEUROSURGERY, is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon with specific expertise in cerebro-vascular and skull-base neurosurgery. He also specializes in treatment of complex spinal surgery and complex brain tumors. Dr. Wang was awarded his medical degree at University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed his neurological surgery residency in University of Illinois College of Medicine, and subsequently advanced fellowship in neuro-endovascular intervention and skull-base neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School System. He is boardcertified in Neurosurgery, Neurocritical Care, and Regenerative Medicine. In addition to the practice of both brain and spine neurosurgery, Dr. Wang’s professional interests include the treatment of brain aneurysms, skull-base tumors, and regenerative treatment of sports-related neurological injuries as well as spine degenerative disc and joint diseases.
CENTER FOR BRAIN AND SPINE
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3534 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.893.2688 | brainandspinehealth.com
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DAVID CHAN, MD HONOREE Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Hand Surgery Endoscopic Carpel Tunnel Release Wrist Arthroscopy
Prior to attending medical school at the University of Florida, Dr. Chan practiced as a Senior Physical Therapist at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Medical Center for 5 years. It was there rehabilitating victims of head trauma and spinal cord injured quadriplegics that he learned the importance of hand function for independence and quality of life. He went on to complete a hand surgery fellowship at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand Center / Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS? We believe
DR. CHAN is a fellowship trained, Board Certified Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon.
He is a native Floridian, Chinese-American whose immigrant parents have given him the opportunity to pursue his interests in helping those in his community live a better quality of life. His interests include minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release and wrist arthroscopy, as well as treating other common maladies such as hand and wrist arthritis, trigger fingers, Dupuytren’s contractures, tendon ruptures, and cysts.
the most important aspects to providing quality care are establishing a relationship with our patients, educating them regarding their condition, and then presenting them with the appropriate treatment options. Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of athletic and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE 3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastorthopaedic.com
DEREK CUFF, MD HONOREE Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Shoulder Surgery Elbow Surgery
DR. CUFF specializes in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic
procedures as well as complex shoulder and elbow reconstruction. He utilizes state of the art surgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow problems. Dr. Cuff graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency in Baltimore, MD at the University of Maryland Medical System, and a portion of his training was also at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He went on to complete subspecialty fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Tampa, FL at The Florida Orthopaedic Institute prior to moving to the Sarasota area. On behalf of Newsweek and Statista, Derek J. Cuff, MD is being recognized among America's Leading Doctors 2025.
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WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS? In 2012 Dr. Cuff
was invited to join the prestigious American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society. This organization is comprised of the leading national and international orthopaedic surgeons specializing in surgery of the shoulder and elbow. Admission into ASES society is by nomination only and based on sustained academic and research contributions to the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. He is one of a small group of surgeons in the state of Florida to be given this honor, and he is one of the few select surgeons on the Gulf Coast of Florida to achieve Active Member status in this organization. Dr. Cuff has a strong interest in clinical and basic science research of the shoulder and elbow. He has published multiple articles in peer reviewed international journals on these topics.
SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE 3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastshoulder-elbow.com
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10/14/25 1:39 PM