SRQ MAGAZINE | November 2026

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Contents november 2026

This page: A fresh seafood omelet is a standout brunch item at Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, photography by Wyatt Kostygan. Cover: Shell pasta with creamy vodka sauce, Calabrian chile and pancetta from Acqua Pazza, photography by Wes Roberts.

korean table 46

brunch o’clock 58

Somewhere between a K-drama binge and a first bite of fried chicken, Americans fell hard for Korean food. The romance began on screen, with heroines slurping ramyeon at midnight, and ended up in the grocery cart, where tubs of gochujang now nestle beside ketchup. Korean restaurant chains now multiply faster than you can say tteokbokki, outpacing nearly every other cuisine. WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY MIANO |

Brunch has become a favorite pastime in our region and what better time to indulge than autumn, when holiday plans start to hit and the weather begins to cool. These local gems make it socially acceptable to enjoy your first meal of the day with a Bloody Mary, mimosa and anything from bacon and eggs to a hearty burger. WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT | PHOTOGRA-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

fresh on ice 52 You can sleep soundly at night knowing exactly where your seafood comes from at these seafood markets in Sarasota, Bradenton and Cortez. Whether you seek fresh catches or made-to-order dishes at adjacent restaurants, there is no shortage of sustainable and locally sourced seafood, right in your backyard. WRITTEN BY MALLORY EVANS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

PHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

long rise of sourdough 64 By sunrise, bakers across Sarasota have been awake for hours. They’ve worked the dough, checked their starters, silenced one timer after another. Three hours in, the deck ovens throw enough heat for the first batch. Steam rolls out when the doors open, and the aroma of fresh bread fills the bakery. WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY MIANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

WES ROBERTS

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contents november 2026

73 IN CONVERSATION ON LUXURY REAL ESTATE DARCIE DUNCAN JUDI TAULBEE FLIPBOOK 2026 TOP DOCTOR MEDICAL GUIDE FEATURING THE PROGRAM HONOREES

local icon 7

John Pirman captures the local spirit with his Floating Ice Cream Truck artwork.

srqist 11

David Steiner’s Surf Siren gave way to a new series—and new chapter—in the longtime Sarasota

artist’s career. Florida’s first Piña Colada Fest brings island heat to Palmetto. Brooklyn Blues blends live music and Eastern European delicacies in Gulf Gate.Waffle Monkey serves up freshness with a splash of fun. Author Sara Ann helps women achieve a work-life balance beginning with their space.

cameo 28

Italian artist Keziat brought her unique penmanship to 502 Gallery for the American premiere of her exhibition.

interview with 32

Nik Wallenda, King of the High Wire, dishes on what it takes to walk that fine line.

culture city 36

A behind the scenes look at The Ringling’s Art of Performance 2026-27 season.

news2srq 40

Karie Friling, the new Sarasota City Manager, shares her day-to-day, what makes her proud and why she loves the local community..

cargo 43

Carry in style with this season’s latest handbags.

home&design 75

On Manasota Key, DSDG Architects designs for the Gulf’s beauty and its hazards. An Anna Maria landscape got “garden” in every direction. Clive Daniel Home and Stock Luxury Homes unite on a new Lakeside Model. Echt-Architects turns a wine cellar into a centerpiece.

forage 103

Acqua Pazza brings coastal Italian with Jersey flair to Wellen Park.

giving coast 113

Mike Martella believes in making a difference everywhere he goes. This page, clockwise: Nik Wallenda, photography by Wes Roberts; Lakeside Model designed by Stock Luxury Homes and Clive Daniel Home, imagery courtesy of Clive Daniel Home; Art of Performance, image courtesy of The Ringling.

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NOVEMBER 2026 CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF

LISL LIANG EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant ADVERTISING 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 SALES + MARKETING COORDINATOR

Taylor Smith CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky INTERN ASSOCIATES

Alex Alfaro, Mallory Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS

Andrew Fabian, Phil Lederer, Chris Leverett, Stephanie Chum Lubow, Sarah Emily Miano, John Pirman, Daniel Wagner

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 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. 29, Issue 289 Copyright © 2026 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 FLOATING ICE CREAM TRUCK Artist John Pirman captures the vibrant spirit of Sarasota in this playful illustration featuring Tropicool, the world’s only floating ice cream truck. Cruising along the local beaches, Tropicool brings ice cream, cold drinks and snacks right to the shoreline. As its familiar music drifts across the water, beachgoers of all ages smile, wave and hurry toward the shore for a cool treat on a hot day. Pirman’s bright blue skies and aquagreen waters evoke the carefree joy of a sunny Florida day. The scene celebrates the beaches and surrounding waters of Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island and beyond, where Tropicool brings a little extra fun to every day.—B.Heit Illustration by John Pirman

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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN Below: The “old man” of Sarasota's art scene, Steiner's paintings have taken on a new life with his Doyennes series.

DANCES WITH CANVAS

David Steiner’s Surf Siren gave way to a new series—and new chapter— in the longtime Sarasota artist’s career. Dylan Campbell IN A CITY FULL OF ARTISTS, ART COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS, DAVID STEINER IS SOMETHING OF AN OUTLIER. Steiner is not only all of the above, but also a longtime resident of Sarasota’s art scene. The gallery that he opened with his ex-wife, Tre Michel, State of the Arts Gallery, has propounded the works of local fine artists since 2005. Steiner, a contemporary painter and photographer, has seen the scene change and take shape over the past two decades. “There’s been an up and down evolution with the art galleries in town,” says Steiner, from his eponymous gallery and studio in the Rosemary District. “A lot of the older galleries have gone by the wayside, largely because of real estate and rent prices going up. That being said, there are a lot more artists in town and I think that the quality of artwork in this city is better than it’s ever been.” Steiner, who estimates that he’s sold north of 1,500-2,000 paintings over his career in Sarasota, thinks of himself as something of the “old man” in town. He’s hoping that his latest series can draw fresh eyes upon his work. Much of Steiner’s paintings—large-scale, acrylic works often on canvases that he builds himself—can be grouped into three major categories: Totems, Refractions and Quays. His latest series, Doyennes, is the culmination of the Abstract Expressionistic techniques displayed in the series, particularly Totems and Refractions. His piece Surf Siren was featured at the The Chicago Network’s Women in Forefront Luncheon this past June in Chicago and launched a future solo exhibition at Sarasota’s Art Ovation Hotel in 2027. Surf Siren features an abstract take on the silhouette of a woman holding a surfboard, her powerful figure rising out of thin air, almost mid-stride. “The abstract parts in the back of the paintings and the technique that I use to get this paint feel is very subtractive," says Steiner. "I fill the canvas with all kinds of color and then I subtract out what I don’t want to keep." For Steiner, painting is a dance. He uses raw canvases, so the paint is almost staining it, and works in multiple steps, layering paint and washing it off to create his desired effect, akin to the canvas developing a patina. Inside of that patina, are where his creations live. “It gives space for happy accidents to happen. I can’t control what the water’s going to do. It ties into the Japanese concept of wabi–sabi, the beauty and decay or lifecycle of something,” says Steiner. “I’m eroding the surface of the painting over and over again, and what pops up is always a surprise.” SRQ

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Below: A traditional piña colada with Coco Lopez coconut cream at the Palmetto Marriott beach club; blackened mahi-mahi with sweet mango-pineapple salsa.

TROPICAL TOAST

Florida’s First Piña Colada Fest Brings Island Heat to Palmetto. Sarah Emily Miano

CARIBBEAN STEEL DRUM MELODIES FROM STEELY PAN DRIFTED THROUGH THE LOBBY of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, setting an

island mood. Dressed in breezy floral prints, guests stepped into the summer sun, icy cold drinks in hand. Frothy, fruity and refreshing, the cocktails were the undisputed guests of honor. While cities across the globe celebrate National Piña Colada Day each July, the inaugural festival introduced that tradition in Florida, drawing more than 200 attendees to mark the 72nd anniversary of Puerto Rico’s national drink. “Everybody loves piña coladas,” said Frances Vives, founder of VD Brands and the event’s producer. “There are festivals where the drink was first created in San Juan, and we wanted to bring that multicultural celebration here.” For Vives, the gathering offered the community an immersive way to connect with island culture and culinary heritage. The resort’s pool deck stayed packed through the afternoon with a tiki bar center stage, vendor booths and tasting stations. Sunbathers and swimmers dipped in and out of the water. Others joined a poolside salsa lesson before musical sets by Combo Fusion and DJ Platinum kept the crowd moving. Cocktails honored the authentic 1954 recipe with presenting sponsor Coco López cream of coconut, whipped smooth with sweet-tart pineapple juice, garnished with a pineapple wedge. Rum tastings flowed from Lakeland’s family-owned, Puerto Rican-run Lugo’s Craft Distillery, operated by Peter Lugo, his wife Ana and master distiller son Christian. “We distill our rums four times, and we go through an aging process,” Peter Lugo said. “None of our rums have artificial flavor, added colors or additives.” Pours included citrus rum steeped in orange and lemon peels and a rum infused with whole Guatemalan coffee beans. Lugo’s coconut rum, aged six months over chopped toasted coconut meat, showed visible oil through the glass. “Our rums are truly getting their color from real fruits and spices,” he noted. Visual art brought another creative dimension. Jing Herman showcased American flag canvases textured with coastal sand and shells. Puerto Rican artist Ed Pérez painted live, capturing a vibrant portrait of a piña colada on canvas. “Most of my paintings are related to my country because of the color,” Pérez said of his expressionist work. “Coming from the island, it’s something I still attach to my youth. It represents my roots in the Caribbean.” To match the beverage lineup, Palmetto Marriott Executive Chef Anthony Castro designed an exclusive Caribbean menu. Castro, who cooked at Miami luxury hotels including the Ritz-Carlton, prepared jerk-seasoned chicken skewers, slow-grilled and served with seasoned rice and black beans. Blackened mahi-mahi remained succulent beneath a savory sear, finished with sweet mangopineapple salsa. Guests grazed on crispy, twice-fried tostones tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and sea salt, paired with a creamy sofrito aioli. SRQ 20 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX ALFARO

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Below, left to right: The dichotomy of Brooklyn Blues Restaurant with live music on one side and authentic Eastern European eats on the other. Brooklyn Blues Restaurant, 2238 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, brooklynbluesfl.com.

MUSIC AND MASH

Brooklyn Blues Restaurant blends live music and Eastern European delicacies in Gulf Gate. Dylan Campbell ON ONE SIDE IS A LUNCHROOM. Counters of freshly prepared Eastern European cuisine line the room, the aroma of pierogi, stuffed cabbage, beef stew and baked goods fill the space. This business—essentially a new Eastern European-themed luncheonette in Gulf Gate, is a story in and of itself. But at the Brooklyn Blues Restaurant, which opened this past summer, the luncheonette is only half the story. On the other side of the restaurant lies a banquet hall, with white table cloths, darker wood walls and a small stage. This is where Brooklyn Blues comes alive, three nights a week, with live music. The music, says owner Leonid Golfeld, isn’t just restricted to the Blues or jazz, which happens at least once a month. All types of musicians, from rock bands to saxophone players, come to perform in the musically-themed banquet hall, where vinyl records line the ceilings and keyboards and guitars are hung on the walls. “I wanted to make something that wasn’t modern,” says Golfeld, of the banquet hall’s vibe. “We have a lot of modern restaurants in this area, and I wanted to create something with an old-fashioned feel.” Golfeld comes from Philadelphia by way of Ukraine and has made his career previously in the wholesale food industry. Golfeld decided to open Brooklyn Blues after the success his sister Marina Polischuk-Rasin had with her Eastern-European eatery, Little Brooklyn Food House, in North Port. North Port has a large Eastern European and Slavic community, a factor that has led to Little Brooklyn’s success. While some of the initial customer base of Brooklyn Blues has drawn from the Eastern European community here in Sarasota, Golfeld is hoping that the live music and authentic food—all made in house—bring a larger crowd, especially to the lunch room. “It’s all about food and entertainment,” says Golfeld. “A lot of people know about the restaurant, but not the lunch room. We have all types of Ukrainian, Polish, Hungarian and EasternEuropean food. We make everything in house and smoke our own meats too.” SRQ

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Below, left to right: Pete Collins, Sierra Cunningham and Kathryn Collins at Waffle Monkey; Sweet and savory waffles and full breakfast offerings make Waffle Monkey the go-to spot for a brunch outing. Waffle Monkey, 52 South Palm Ave, Sarasota 941-210-3830, wafflemonkey.net

MONKEYING AROUND

Waffle Monkey serves up freshness with a splash of fun. Barbie Heit

COSTA RICAN ROOTS ARE WOVEN THROUGHOUT WAFFLE MONKEY’S DOWNTOWN SARASOTA LOCATION. With its laid-back, beach-inspired

atmosphere, the café is independently owned and operated by Pete Collins and his wife, Kathryn. The couple was inspired by their close friends who founded Waffle Monkey in Costa Rica a decade ago. When Pete and Kathryn moved to Sarasota a few years ago, they saw an opportunity to bring the concept to the states, believing the relaxed coastal vibe of the Suncoast was the closest thing to the Cayman Islands they had found. “There are two Waffle Monkeys in Costa Rica now, one in the Cayman Islands and one in Bonita Springs, which opened up three years ago, but we're the only location with a jungle theme,” shares Collins. “All the rest are beach themes because they're on or very close to a beach. We opted to go for this theme, and we commissioned a guy in Australia to do our mural for us, which is monkeys eating waffles, monkeys wearing sunglasses, bees, parrots, peacocks and butterflies.” The restaurant operates by four principles, all starting with F: Freshly prepared, family friendly, fun lovin’ and firmly flexible. The waffles are freshly made to order—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—with the freshest of toppings and the coffee is sourced from Costa Rican growers and pulled with care. They love having children of all ages to join them in their fun-loving environment and they welcome special requests. Wanting to honor his roots and bring a distinctly English flavor to the menu, Collins introduced a traditional full English breakfast—featuring two sausages, English bacon, eggs, grilled tomato, baked beans and toast—along with his own homemade sausage rolls. Made with seasoned sausage meat and red onion wrapped in flaky puff pastry, the sausage rolls quickly became a customer favorite. “When I first added sausage rolls to the menu, my wife looked at me and said, ‘Honey, Americans don’t know what sausage rolls are,’” Collins recalls. “I told her not to worry—they soon would. Now we're becoming quite famous for it. We sell out of them every single day.” There are 16 different gourmet Belgian waffles on the menu, including gluten-free and vegan options. Because of special diet restrictions among his patrons, Collins is especially mindful about avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen. “We're very popular with the Celiac Society and word has gotten out that we have gluten-free options. We are super careful so that everyone can eat healthy at the Waffle Monkey,” he adds. Besides its regular opening hours, Waffle Monkey frequently hosts special evening events, including trivia nights with live music. During these events, guests can enjoy a limited dinner menu featuring dishes such as fish and chips, beef brisket burgers and cottage pie—a dish made with minced beef rather than lamb, which distinguishes it from Shepherd’s pie. Visit the website for the latest event schedules and updates. SRQ 24 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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Left to right: With Room for Home: A Woman’s Guide to Work-Life Balance Beginning With Your Space Sara Ann hopes to help women reduce stress through their living spaces. To learn more, visit jadescottdesign.com

Below: Members of Sarasota Crew pull with all their might at the US Rowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park this past June.

WELLNESS IN THE HOME In her book, Room for Home, author Sara Ann helps women achieve a work-life balance beginning with their space. Barbie Heit

IF YOU’RE FEELING MENTALLY OVERLOADED, EMOTIONALLY DRAINED AND UNSUPPORTED IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE, DON’T DESPAIR.

Room for Home: A Woman’s Guide to Work-Life Balance Beginning With Your Space offers a calm, approachable path to feeling more grounded, supported and at ease—starting with the space you call home. The book is written by Sara Ann—founder of Mind Body Home™ and Jade Scott Design, a Tampa Bay-based lifestyle and wellness brand—and aims to provide a fresh take on work-life balance by exploring the connection between burnout, mental load, emotional well-being and the spaces we live in. An online coach who began her career in corporate healthcare, Sara Ann started her own interior design studio, which she ran for several years in Pittsburgh, after deciding she wanted a more creative outlet. During the pandemic, she found herself drawn to Feng Shui—the ancient Chinese practice meaning "wind-water"—as well as energy work and personal development. As she began weaving those principles into her own life, she realized they could help other women, too, and so the idea for Room for Home was born. As she began her research for the book, Sara Ann created a Facebook survey in which she asked, “What's one thing right now that feels overwhelming?" and about 90% of the women who responded said it had something to do with their home. “A lot of women these days are overwhelmed with their home—it's another thing to maintain and they just can't keep up. These are the things I typically hear in my sessions,” says Sara Ann. “I help them reframe that by using their home as a source of support throughout some of the practices that I introduce in the book.” Rather than offering rigid systems or unrealistic self-help advice, the book focuses on small, meaningful shifts that help women create more calm, clarity and balance in their daily lives. Through short, easy-to-read chapters, Sara Ann explores topics like burnout, clutter, nervous system stress, emotional overwhelm, seasonal living and the connection between our environment and our wellbeing. Homes play a significant and emotional role in professional health, Sara Ann explains. “We go to bed there at night. It's our safe space and I think that the pandemic really exposed that for people.” She says that the fix is not complicated. “We don't need to create meditation rooms and spaces to experience that. I think that we can experience that just through the rhythms that we move through each day.” She hopes the book encourages readers to rethink what work-life balance really means. “When I think of balance, I think of the scales and for something to be in balance, it's to hold equal weight on both sides. And that's just not realistic. The reframe I like to offer is alignment instead—being okay with things being out of balance. Coming back into alignment just means acknowledging what your values are for yourself and your family and what's important to you at home.” SRQ 26 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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SKETCHBOOK OF THE MIND Italian artist Keziat brought her unique penmanship to 502 Gallery for the American premiere of her exhibition, Stelèa: Visions Beyond Time. Dylan Campbell

THERE ARE CREATIVE-MINDED PEOPLE AND THEN THERE ARE CREATORS. The Italian artist Keziat is one of the latter. Kezia Terracciano, who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Foggia, Italy in 1998, has created a completely distinctive visual language which permeates throughout her practice. First working in oil painting, Keziat made the shift to developing works of art using ballpoint pen in 2009 and, after exhibiting all over the world, has never looked back. This September, Keziat brought her unique artistry to Sarasota, for the American premiere of her exhibition Stelèa: Visions Beyond Time at 502 Gallery. The show, which features sketches, installations and video-performance work, is emblematic of everything Keziat represents as an artist. Keziat sat down with SRQ Magazine to discuss her exhibition, artistic progression and what drives her practice.

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This spread, left to right: Italian contemporary artist Keziat brought Sarasota audiences into her mind, with a show featuring imaginative works on paper and canvas using only pen.

SRQ: Can you tell me about Stelèa and the different ideas that drove the creation of this show? keziat Everything is exposed. The works are all made with just pen on canvas or paper, such as newspaper. I like to draw with a pen because it’s intuitive and instinctive. I use just normal pens—this one in my hand is a Bic—in blue, red and every color. I start with a small detail and continue on without making a sketch first, like a stream of consciousness. I never have a plan before starting my work. Stelea was created to move some emotions inside of me. It’s connected to my perception of the outside world. Everything that you see here are my emotions and memories—my mind is very imaginative. Many things have meaning for me—doors, small houses, the people without faces or heads. They symbolize the craziness of imagination that makes your head go up in the clouds. I’ll depict characters in flight, because my imagination is something that isn’t rooted to the ground.

Why do you use newspapers as the backdrop for some of your sketches? I like changing the reality of what is presented. Newspaper is the idea of the reality of what’s happening in the world and I like to change that with my artistic vision. Sometimes I leave the writing that has meaning for the drawing, but much of the time I like to cover everything with art, because the art can be just as powerful as reality. It shows the juxtaposition between reality and imagination. Before I draw on the newspaper, I’ll use some medium to fix the newspaper together. Oftentimes I’ll choose the particular pieces of newspaper because of the titles or the stories inside. Other times, it’s more just about the way that it looks or is chosen completely at random.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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Is your artwork a way to process and channel emotions and things that you feel and memories? It absolutely is. There are many memories of mine that went into the making of this show. I have a need to be in contact with nature, and that’s something that comes out in the work in Stelèa. In some works, the motif of the bird with the eggs is about motherhood.

What does the title of this exhibition mean and why did you pick it? Stelèa is an imaginary name for stele. In Italy, the stele is a very old or ancient sculpture of a man or a woman. They are typically mystical stone reliefs, portraying gods or mythical figures. In many old works, there are imaginary symbols. I’ve researched some of those symbols of the ancient works and I see a connection between the symbols of the past and the symbols that appear in my work. Birds, the depictions of people as silhouettes, eyes and hands are all common throughout Stelea—I’ll feature the use of hands in my video performance works as well.

When people come in here and witness all of this, is there a particular story that you want to tell, or a way that you want people to feel? Every work tells a story. For example, there is a work titled Ho Raccolto dei Fiori Per Te or I Picked Some Flowers For You. Throughout the flowers, there are many eyes; in the work there are gaps in space, chairs without anybody sitting on them. It tells a story of solitude. Every detail is significant and works to tell a story. In Respiro Di Vento or The Breath of Wind, it was initially an installation with pieces of paper that were supposed to fly and move, hanging from the ceiling.

Has your practice evolved over time? Before I made the switch to using a pen, I painted a lot with oil. In 2009, I made the switch to pen—I wanted to be fast and intuitive. The use of pen felt more like myself. At first, I drew with only a black pen on small sheets of paper, before I started using colored pen on bigger and bigger canvases. I also started to incorporate video and installation into my practice. SRQ srq magazine_ NOV26 live local | 29

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interview with

Right: Nik Wallenda, who has spent a lifetime defying gravity, has also worked tirelessly to master his mind.

LIFE ON THE WIRE

Nik Wallenda, King of the High Wire, shares what it takes to walk that fine line. Dylan Campbell FOR SEVEN GENERATIONS, the Wallenda family has dared to do what others deemed impossible. The Flying Wallendas—as coined by the press in the 1940s—began with circus roots dating back to the late 18th century, came to Sarasota in 1927 with John Ringling, when the businessman brought the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus to the suncoast. Nearly a century later, Nik Wallenda has continued to carry out that legacy. The “King of the High Wire,” Wallenda is a multi-time Guinness World Record holder, known internationally for death defying stunts such as crossing Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon on a tightrope. Wallenda, along with his wife, Erendira, is also the producer of Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Circus—now in its fourth year in Sarasota—a part owner of the Big Apple Circus Group and a motivational speaker. The Sarasota native sat down with SRQ Magazine to discuss mental fortitude, life as a performer and what the future holds for the Wallenda family name.

SRQ: You’ve spent your life in the circus. You’ve spent your life as a performer. What still drives you to perform? nik wallenda I say this a lot, but my great-grandfather said, “Life is on the wire. Everything else is just waiting.” And for us, as a family, it’s like you getting up every morning and brushing your teeth and putting your clothes on and spending your day doing whatever. What we do is everyday life to us. I wouldn’t know any other way to live. I absolutely love performing. I love entertaining, but more so I love inspiring. That’s where I found my purpose. I think we’re always looking for, “What’s our purpose?” I’ve learned that what I do often inspires people, especially when I’m pursuing these crazy dreams like Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, those sorts of things. Those acts inspire people to pursue their dreams, even though they may seem wild or impossible, or people around them or themselves have told them that it’s not possible. It’s not going to happen. The joy that I get out of what I do is that I get letters, emails and social media messages from people that say, “You know what? When you walked across Niagara Falls, it inspired me. I wanted to run a triathlon. So I knew that even though it seemed impossible, with what you did, showed me I could do it.” It’s what drives me to continue to do what I do. Every show that we produce, Wonderland, we always say we’re “a circus with a purpose,” because there’s a message behind it, a message of inspiration. Generally, there’s a character that’s overcoming some challenge of some sort. And again, that’s where I get my fulfillment. Hopefully, we people

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come to Wonderland, or when I’m speaking to them, they’re forgetting about all the challenges they’re facing. Do I love being on the wire? Absolutely. Do I love performing, entertaining? Yes. Do I get a rush? Very, very rarely. It’s not about that, a rush. I believe that I’m fulfilling my calling. When you’re doing what you’re called to do—well, it’s joyful, for sure.

You’ve told us before that, “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my life from walking the wires is that we’re in control of our thoughts. They are not in control of us.” Are there times where that’s been particularly tested throughout your career? Or is it a constant battle? All the time. In every walk of life. When I’m getting ready to go on stage and speak to a group of people, it’s not like I’m immune to that. It’s funny. People think, “He walks a wire. He’s fearless.” No, I’m far from it. Fear tries to take control of my thoughts before I go out on stage and talk to people. What I’ve learned is that I can redirect my thoughts. I can stop them in their tracks. I will tell you, it is a daily struggle in all sorts of walks of my life. I mean, as a producer, you’re always worried about selling tickets. It costs a lot of money to do Wonderland, well over seven figures. It’s a big risk. I talk about in my second book, Facing Fear, where my family struggled as “starving artists” just like most artists do. They went bankrupt, because of that, finances are probably my greatest fear. It’s frightening sometimes—“oh my gosh, I hope we sell enough tickets”—for me, it’s about PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

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breaking even. I pay my bills by corporate speaking and doing these big walks, but Wonderland is kind of a gift to Sarasota. Once I break even, I can breathe. We don’t always break even, but we’re giving something back to a community and, again, using our gifts to inspire them. But as far as controlling your thoughts, it is literally a constant battle of, “Oh my God, we’re not going to sell enough tickets,” and then I’ll be like, “No, don’t even think that way.” You can’t change the future,

“Even when I'm in that valley—and they've been as dark and deep as you can imagine—I always think to myself ‘Okay, I'm in this valley for a season, but this season will end’ and every valley I've been in, that season has ended.” — Nik Wallenda

so don’t try to predict it. We worry about things that might happen that rarely ever happen more than anything. When it comes to wire walking, it is, “No, I’m not going to focus on the fact that I could fall. I’m going to focus on the fact that I trained and if I do fall, I can hold on and wait for help.” I’m not going to focus on the strong winds. I’m not going to focus on the fact that they’re going to knock me off. I’m going to focus on the fact that I trained in 90-mile-an-hour winds and they couldn’t knock me off. Our minds are so powerful. I truly believe that anyone can accomplish anything, without physical limitations, obviously, that they set their mind to. It’s just mind over matter. Do I want to be a doctor? Do I want to be a scientist? Do I want to be an astronaut? I can do any of those things. It’s our minds that tell us, “No, you can’t do that. It’s not going to happen. Not possible.” We then have to say, “No, I’m in control here. Who says I can’t?”

What do you hope the Wallenda name will represent 50 years from now, given all that you do from speaking engagements to producing circuses such as Wonderland to performing? My passion is inspiring, and I hope that through what I did, I inspired the next generation. Either the next generation of circus performers or the next generation of circus fans—that’s a big passion of ours—is how do we reinvent an age-old industry? How do we take something that is sort of in the past, that is almost looked negatively upon because the next generation doesn’t necessarily understand it 100%, and they’re like, “Oh, it’s the circus. I’ve heard about it. I’ve seen cheesy stuff in cartoons, I don’t want to go be a part of that.” One of the greatest challenges my wife and I face is how do we reinvent the wheel? How do we make it exciting and entertaining for the new generation who is TikTok, swiping constantly? Wonderland is certainly Broadway, circus and American Ninja Warrior combined. Our goal is to tell a story through what we’re doing and keep every generation entertained, which gets harder and harder with social media.

With Wonderland, how do you kind of balance spectacle with telling an emotional story? What comes first, the story or the stunts? To give insight on the business side, we are struggling with that. The current administration, obviously, has closed all its borders, and a lot of the greatest talent in the world comes from around the world. Obtaining Visas to get the great talent that we want is very difficult. In fact, we have had several already denied—an act was coming from Ukraine, we have another from somewhere else that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. What makes it even more challenging, is that we write the story first. As we write the story, we’ll go, “Remember when we saw that show in Germany and saw that act? That would go perfectly right here.” Then we’ll contract these acts—I’ve already signed contracts with acts from outside of the country for the 2029 season. However, Visas aren’t issued until three months prior to the travel date. Last season, my wife had made costumes for seven performers, edited their music, written their storylines, when their visas were denied within seven weeks of the show’s start. We then had to rewrite those storylines with the new talent that we’d found inside of the U.S. Those are the challenges that people don’t see, but it always works out. That’s an analogy I use in life—even in the worst of times, it’s made me a better person, so it always works out. Even when I’m in that valley—and they’ve been as dark and deep as you can imagine—I always think to myself, “OK, I’m in this valley for a season, but this season will end and every valley I’ve been in, that season has ended.” People continue to come to Wonderland. This is our fourth season. It certainly is becoming a family tradition for many in this area. We believe that it’ll continue to grow. My plan is that my kids take this over and in 50 years from now, it’s still going on.

What does Sarasota mean to the Wallenda’s? We moved here in 1927. We lived in the Ca’ d’Zan with John Ringling for a couple weeks during an offseason. Because I travel so much, this is—people say, “Where’s your favorite place to vacation?” It’s home. One, we have an amazing beach. We have an amazing community. But it’s being home. I promote this city like crazy. No matter where I go, I’m talking about Sarasota. No matter what television special or network I'm on, there’s parts that are featuring Sarasota. I’m working on a deal with Netflix, which I can’t divulge the specifics of just yet, but there’ll be a segment on Sarasota. People don’t like that I always promote it, because we are becoming more and more crowded. Traffic is getting worse and worse. We obviously need to upgrade our infrastructure in a huge way. However, I’ve traveled again around the world and my favorite place to be is Sarasota. People always say, “Why don’t you live in LA? Why don’t you live in New York?” Because I would not want to live in New York or LA. This is home for me. This is the greatest place to live. SRQ

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culture city LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE

PERFORMANCE IN FOCUS

A behind the scenes look at The Ringling’s Art of Performance 2026-27 season. Dylan Campbell THE RINGLING’S ART OF PERFORMANCE IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE OFFERINGS, year to year, in Sarasota’s artistic landscape. Bringing an eclectic mix of musical, dance, theatrical and interdisciplinary performances to The Ringling—often times in the Historic Asolo Theater (HAT)—the Art of Performance series embodies the living legacy of John Ringling: a town where artists, of all disciplines, come together to perform, bring joy and show the best parts of themselves to audiences. Elizabeth Doud, The Ringling’s CurrieKohlman Curator of Performance, is the one tasked with piecing together each season. Below is a behind the scenes look at the various performances this year at The Ringling, filled in with detail from Doud herself. The Art of Performance season kicks off with a bang—literally. The conclusion of The Ringling’s Wonder Symposium is the Night of Wonder, featuring most prominently Grammynominated artist Jose “Pepito” Gomez and his ensemble, La Royal Orquesta. Held outside on The Ringling’s grounds, Gomez, who works in the realm of Cuban popular music, will perform his signature retro sound. “He harkens back to the 1950’s big band sound of salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha—those kinds of you know big ballroom event sounds from Havana—and he’s a great vocalist,” says Doud. “He’s also a well regarded researcher, in that he’ll do covers of well known standards in the genre, but with his own twist.” 36 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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This spread, left to right: Choreographer Leila Ka brings a trio of performances to the HAT; Sarasota native LaMichael Leonard Jr. brings SKIN NOISE to The Ringling’s galleries in February; Acclaimed theater collective Agrupación Señor Serrano’s “Birdie” makes its Sarasota premiere.

That retro sound continues when jazz vocalist Georgia Heers comes to town. Heers, an artist in her twenties who Doud discovered in New York City’s Winter Jazzfest under two years ago, has quickly risen to the top of the jazz scene. Much like Gomez, Heers, a graduate of the Juilliard School who has performed at esteemed venues such as the Kennedy Center, is an innovator. Well known classics are brought into the 21st century—when Heers sings, time seems to slow, even move backwards. A performance of Heers makes the audience feel as if they slipped into an absinthe bar in the French Quarter, the tinkle of piano keys and brass of the trumpet pouring out into the cobbled streets, beckoning one inside. “She’s a very soulful performer, but also has this elegant lightness to her. There is a lot of innovation and reframing of works from the jazz cannon,” says Doud. “It’s the right size for the HAT and one of the things that I love about Georgia is that she’s an up and coming artist, she’s somebody that we’re going to be hearing a lot about in the future.” Heers’ performance this season is emblematic of why it’s critical for Doud to see the artists that she brings to The Ringling live. It is only then, that she can truly gauge what they bring to the table and how they will be additive to Sarasota’s bustling arts scene. In just 20 minutes at Winter Jazzfest two years ago, Doud could sense that Heers was a force to be reckoned with. The final of The Ringling’s strictly musical acts this season is another Grammy-nominated artist, Valerie June. June, who has written a string of best-selling solo albums, is not an artist easily penned in. While June has visibility within popular music, she does not work in the sound of “pop.” The singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalist is perhaps as American as an American artist can be. The Tennessee native draws from Appalachian folk, soul, blues, gospel and psychedelic rock to create her own, distinctive, banjo-wielding sound. “She’s this crossgenre artist out of Tennessee working in this space of

IMAGERY COURTESY OF THE RINGLING ART OF PERFORMANCE.

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Appalachian-rock-neo-folk if you will. She’s a guitarist, she plays the banjo and as a frontwoman, her ability to command the mastery over that instrument is amazing,” says Doud. All of the season’s musical offerings take place between October and mid-December. For Doud, this allows her the flexibility of staging the acts in different areas across The Ringling’s campus. Where Heers’ performance will be set in the more intimate HAT, June’s concert will take place outside at the Bolger Campiello, a waterfront venue adjacent to the Ca’ d’Zan. “The HAT is a great venue and it’s wonderful for many different things—for something that requires complicated lighting or a certain amount of sound isolation, we can’t do that outside,” says Doud. Where one thread of The Ringling’s Art of Performance season ends, another one joyfully picks up. Doud curates the season to be mult-disciplinary, not just for the sake of it, but to truly bring an eclectic and inspiring mix of artists to Sarasota. Dance, be it contemporary or classical or from the far corners of the world, such as last year’s standout performance from Odissi master Bijayini Satpathy, is always in play. French choreographer and dancer Leila Ka brings a trilogy of three contemporary choreographies to the HAT with Bouffées, You’re the one we love, and Pode Ser. “It’s a solo, a duet and a quintet. While I usually don’t go for a kind of rep program with three different pieces put together for one evening, this has an extremely satisfying, well-defined choreographic language,” says Doud. “Using an all-female cast, Ka talks a lot about bodily autonomy, feminine identities and feminine expression. It’s arresting and highly visceral.” Ka, who began her dance career as a hip-hop and urban street performer at 16, is known for an emotionally charged dance language, featuring exhibitions of strength. In Bouffées, You’re the one we love and Pode Ser, Ka injects that language with intimate moments of vulnerability, creating a truly distinct body of works. srq magazine_ NOV26 live local | 37

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culture city In February, Sarasota-native and Artistin-Residence at The Ringling, LaMichael Leonard Jr. will present SKIN NOISE. Leonard, an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer and instructor, showcased the first iteration of SKIN NOISE last February at the HAT. One year later, Leonard’s full creation will be staged in Galleries 1 and 2 at the The Ringling Museum of Art. “The work is made for the galleries themselves,” says Doud. “It’ll be performed there in conversation with the space itself.” The season’s interdisciplinary offerings also begin in February with Agrupacion Senor Serrano’s performance of Birdie. The internationally-acclaimed theater collective from Barcelona comes to Sarasota for the very first time, with a performance that Doud affectionately refers to as, “a wild collage of something that I would call a mix of live cinema and object theater.” Birdie draws from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, creating a multi-media performance that is both playful and pointed. The group employs over 2,000 miniature figures onto a green carpet, then

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mixes a live camera feed of their own acting and manipulation of the figures with clippings from The Birds, newspaper headlines and images of birds in flight and descent. “The script starts to take you through different ideas—when you look at something, are you seeing everything that is really there? Birdie is about what is perceived versus what is real and how those two concepts form our opinions about reality,” says Doud. In March, the Art of Performance season heads off-campus with Robin Frohardt’s Shopping Center of the Universe, at the Sarasota Opera House. Produced in collaboration with the Science and Environmental Council for EcoSummit 2027, Universe creates a commentary on consumer culture through the use of puppetry, film, prose and music. Frohardt, a puppet artist and animator, has recreated a replica of a big box store and parking lot using repurposed card board cutouts. Performers manipulate this miniature set, their actions projected onto a live-video feed, accompanied by narration and an original score. “The projection acts as a conduit for us to see the world she’s created, and then she does this very interesting live animating of it on stage. It becomes a

meditation on consumer culture—what is the shopping mall? There’s an ecological emptiness in these shopping malls and giant parking lots because we’ve paved over everything that was there before it,” says Doud. In April, the Art of Performance’s season rounds out with Returns Department, a theatrical circus performance from reallife twin sisters, the Kif-Kif Sisters, before giving way to MicroWIP 2027, excerpts of performances from artists from Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Through it all, Doud hopes to bring a level of excellence and artistic integrity to the community that she serves. “I’m always trying to make sure that there are new artists, new inputs and that we’re filling a gap that is not being filled by another peer organization. We want to bring in artists from beyond our borders, who are touring internationally as well those from within,” says Doud. “I think about what our duty is as a museum and an educational institution. We want the performances shown to be a service to the community and relate to the legacy of John and Mable Ringling.” SRQ The Ringling, ringling.org, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota

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HER NEW HOME GROUND The new Sarasota City Manager shares her day-to-day, what makes her proud and why she loves the local community. Mallory Evans What is your favorite thing about living in Sarasota? Can I only pick one thing? I love how everything is at your fingertips. It’s a very walkable city: I can go to one of our great local businesses for lunch. On the weekends, I can walk to the beach and the farmers market.

describe a typical day in the life as City Manager? There is no typical day and that’s one of the reasons that I love being a City Manager. Each day is different, but they all usually involve meeting with a variety of people from every walk of life. During the first 100 days, I have had over 350 meetings, which has helped me better understand our City and the opportunities and challenges we face together. I do work about 60+ hours a week, depending on what various events and activities that are going on throughout the community. I love getting out of City Hall, visiting with our employees, meeting residents, and seeing firsthand the work being done throughout our community.

What’s your favorite local spot in Sarasota? If you want to know one place you can find me on a Saturday, it’s going to be Lido Beach.

What’s still on your Sarasota bucket list? I haven’t been to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens yet, and I really want to visit. I can’t wait to go to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game this winter. ON AUGUST 31, KARIE FRILING CELEBRATED HER 90TH DAY AS THE NEW SARASOTA CITY MANAGER. The Chicago native has

worked in local government for over 30 years, and as she reflected on her first 90 days, she expressed optimism for the opportunity to live in Sarasota and have one grand adventure left. “I was planning on retiring from my job in DuPage County, and honestly, I thought I might come to Florida to be a waitress,” Friling said. Her friend sent her the recruiting page for Sarasota City Manager, and the rest fell into place. Although Friling says her job is very hectic, she still wakes up with a smile on her face, excited to come to work. “After being here for three months, I really do feel like this is my home,” she says.

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Share a future goal you have? Someday, when I’m done with this adventure, I will be a parttime waitress somewhere. I think it would be fun to just work the breakfast shift somewhere in the Keys, chit-chat with the fishermen, hang up my apron and go off to the beach for the rest of the day.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m a speed-reader. It served me very well when I was in college.

If you could pick any dish for your last supper meal, what would it be? A really good salad to start, an iced cold bottle of Coca Cola and a golden, thick crust deep dish pizza.

What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy? I always connected with Winnie-the-Pooh, and I think it’s because my father always called me “Pooh Bear.” I decorated my twins’ nursery with Winnie-the-Pooh items. Pooh Bear is kind, caring and nice.

If you could invite one person to be on a podcast with you–living or passed– who would it be? Without hesitation, it would be my dad. He passed away a few years ago, but he remains one of the most influential people in my life. He was one of the humblest and kindest people I’ve ever known. He lived his life working hard, with integrity and believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult or when no one was watching. He taught me the importance of keeping your word and standing by your principles. Those lessons I’ve carried with me throughout my public service career. I hope that I have made him proud.

What is your favorite music/playlist? I’m a big fan of Van Morrison. I love music that has soul, tells a story, and makes you feel something. His music is timeless, and it’s the kind I can listen to no matter what type of day I’ve had. One my favorite songs of his, is Days Like This.

What are you most proud of? My four daughters. I have tried to raise them to be strong females and to know that anything they put their minds to, they can accomplish —and that they need to care about the world and the impact they have on it. SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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KOREAN TABLE FIVE KITCHENS AND TRUCKS ACROSS SARASOTA AND BRADENTON COOK THEIR FAMILIES’ KOREAN RECIPES, FROM TABLESIDE WAGYU TO BURIAL-POT KIMCHI.

WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY MIANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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This spread, left to right: Marbled beef ready for the tabletop grill at Kore Steakhouse; Crispy Korean fried chicken from J’s Korean Food.

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KOREAN TABLE

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN A K-DRAMA BINGE AND A FIRST BITE OF FRIED CHICKEN, Americans fell hard for

Korean food. The romance began on screen, with heroines slurping ramyeon at midnight, and ended up in the grocery cart, where tubs of gochujang now nestle beside ketchup. Even Seoul has noticed: when South Korea’s culture ministry polled fans abroad this year, food edged out K-pop as their favorite part of Korean culture. Over here, Korean restaurant chains now multiply faster than you can say tteokbokki, outpacing nearly every other cuisine. That appetite has reached the Gulf Coast. A stone bowl hisses with bibimbap in Bradenton. Pork ribs braise in kimchi off Fruitville. Wagyu sizzles on a tabletop grill in Lakewood Ranch. Most local cooks learned at a parent’s elbow rather than in culinary school: the sisters of Sunny Seoul, the Choi brothers of J’s Korean Food, the Namgoong family of Korean Ssam Bar, Justin Nam’s Mr. Bulgogi trucks and Chef Clark Jinsung Park at Kore Steakhouse. The recipes cross generations, from clay pots of kimchi buried in winter to a mother consulted by phone from Seoul. What follows is a guide to those five tables, from a lunchroom steps from the hospital to a Korean steakhouse serving up Japanese A5.

KORÊ STEAKHOUSE A KOREAN FEAST OFTEN OPENS WITH YUKHOE, A COUSIN OF STEAK TARTARE: finely minced raw meat traditionally topped with a raw egg yolk. At Korê Steakhouse in Lakewood Ranch, the kitchen gives it a modern finish: mandolined slices of green apple, black tobiko, tempura crunch, scallions and sesame seeds, the whole plate perfumed with truffle oil. It’s all about texture: each bite brings crunch and an explosion of flavor. Tobiko pops and apple snaps against the silky beef, with a crackle of fried batter in every bite. Settle into a pale wooden booth, where a grill waits in the center of the dark tabletop. Gray stone floors give the room a sleek, modern polish, yet the booths invite a long meal. Despite a fire at every table, the air stays clear; vents draw the smoke down and away from diners. Clark Park, Kore’s executive chef and a partner in the restaurant, started cooking in Seoul restaurants at 19. He later spent eight years at JPAN’s UTC location, the popular sushi spot that served its last rolls this past September after a decade. He conceived Kore with JPAN owner Daniel Dokko and Anderyas Putranto, working out everything from the dining room to the marinades. For the Korean recipes, though, Park calls home. “For most of the recipes, I ask my mother,” he says. “How to make kimchi or, you know, all the stuff, like side dishes.” The kitchen makes a fresh batch of kimchi every week, and “the salad, the soup and pancake are my mom’s recipes,” he adds. Park couldn’t predict how American diners would respond. “They don’t know about Korean food, but if they come here and the flavor is good, they are going to eat it,” Park says. “So I just focus on that.” Where his mother’s versions needed adjusting, he pushed for more flavor, testing and tweaking until each dish satisfied him. His own favorite, kimchi jjigae, turns up on tables all over Korea. Park’s version simmers pork and tofu in a fiery, sour kimchi broth, hearty enough to stand alone as lunch. In Korea, he explains, the stew doubles as a cure

the morning after a night of drinking. “You can just eat soup,” he says. “It’s good for your gut and everything.” The grill program treats the tableside format with steakhouse seriousness. Raw meat and seafood appear in portions of three to four ounces for diners to cook themselves, and the beef list rivals any chophouse’s. Australian producer Jacks Creek supplies an eight-ounce Wagyu strip and a Wagyu ribeye cap, while a separate menu offers certified Japanese A5, some of it seared on a volcanic rock at the table. A server, who hails from Seoul, sets down a tray of divided golden plates, each labeled: pork collar, picanha, galbi short ribs and filet mignon, raw and flecked with parsley. A dial controls the grill. The server fires it up and hands over the chopsticks, then—if you so require—calls each piece when it reaches the right doneness. Koreans grill this way all over the country, even in train stations between departures. Between rounds over the fire, shareable plates crowd the table. Cheesy corn bakes sweet kernels with mayo and mozzarella into a creamy dish with a golden, blistered top. Haemul pajeon, the popular seafood pancake, packs squid, mussels, shrimp and octopus into a round with crisp edges, big enough for the whole group. Lunch deserves more attention, in Park’s view. “People don’t come inside at lunchtime,” he says, still puzzled. “We have a really good lunch here.” Midday diners can fire up the tabletop grills too, and he touts the lunch special. Kore can pass for a splurge reserved for special occasions, yet the room welcomes a weekday visit, and the friendly staff walks first-timers through every step. With JPAN’s UTC doors closed, the partners have carved a small sushi counter inside Kore, bringing several JPAN favorites to the menu. Wagyu and sushi rolls share the table, with a dish of Park’s kimchi, his mother’s recipe, between them. Korê Steakhouse, 1561 Lakefront Drive #111, Sarasota, 941-928-5673, koresteakhouse.com

This spread, clockwise: J’s Korean Food. Traditional kimchi soup with tofu and pork at Korê Steakhouse; Beef tartare with black tobiko and truffle oil at Korê Steakhouse; house favorite spicy pork with Banchan at Korean Ssam Bar.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN. 48 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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J’S KOREAN FOOD AT J’S KOREAN FOOD ON HILLVIEW STREET, A SHORT WALK FROM SARASOTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, the chicken takes two turns in the fryer. The double fry leaves a crust that crackles at first bite over juicy meat and keeps going. Cubes of chikin-mu, the sweet and sour pickled daikon served with fried chicken all over Korea, wait on the side to reset the palate, with rice or fries to round out the plate. “Korean fried chicken is our number one seller here,” says Jeffrey Choi, 29, who manages the front of house. His brother Brian, 24, leads the kitchen as head chef. The brothers grew up in New York and have lived in the Sarasota-Bradenton area for about 20 years. The recipes belong to their father, who cooked at home and for the family’s church. He spent the restaurant’s first year beside Brian at the stove, training him, before the

brothers “fully retired” him last November. The Chois opened in October 2024 with confidence in the food and, by Jeffrey’s admission, little else. “My dad and my younger brother, they never worked a day in the restaurant,” he says. “So we opened this business a little blind.” Jeffrey brought the industry experience, from years in front- and back-of-house roles to stints as a sushi chef and a hibachi chef. Location helps. “We got a prime location,” he says, “and people over in the hospital, they really enjoy our food.” Weekday lunches outdraw dinner, and weekends fill both services. Beyond the occasional Facebook or Instagram post, the brothers skip advertising and let customers spread the word. One diner’s TikTok “really blew up business,” Jeffrey says, and fans now drive over from Fort Lauderdale. The menu mir-

rors a Korean home kitchen: bulgogi, bibimbap, japchae and dumplings, plus kimchi jjigae with pork belly and tofu, and jjajangmyeon, noodles in glossy black bean sauce. Kimbap lines up ten slices per order, each a cross-section of carrot, egg, lettuce and sweet pickled yellow radish ringed in rice and seaweed, with beef or just vegetables at its core. “When you think of Korean food, you think of kimchi,” Jeffrey says. The brothers make theirs in-house, along with every banchan. “It’s all family-style recipes,” he adds. “Everything’s made nice and fresh.” Those recipes reach back further than their father. “They’re my dad’s recipes,” Jeffrey says, “but it’s from his grandparents that he learned how to cook.” J’s Korean Food, 1962 Hillview St, Sarasota, 941-919-3774, jskoreanfood.com srq magazine_ NOV26 live local | 49

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KOREAN SSAM BAR AT KOREAN SSAM BAR, THE KIMCHI JJIM BUBBLES IN ITS POT: pork ribs braised with kimchi until the broth turns tangy and mellow and the sour bite of fermented cabbage melts into the pork. “That’s my soul food,” says co-owner Yun Namgoong, who orders it for her own dinner. The family moved Ssam Bar on May 1 to a new home at Beneva and Fruitville roads. Five of its tables now house grills for Korean barbecue, while the rest serve a steady lunch crowd. Yun co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Yup Namgoong, who cooked for years at Sam Oh Jung in Bradenton, and her mother and sister work beside the couple. “It’s all family, kind of a family-owned restaurant,” Yun says. She arrived in Sarasota at 17 and spent more than 20 years as a social worker. “The recipes come from my mom and my grandma, because I grew up with my grandma,” she says. “It’s more of my grandma’s taste.” Her childhood kimchi lived in the ground. Each year in late October or early November, before winter set in, the family gathered 50 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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for two days to salt and season some 200 heads of cabbage. “I remember gathering around with my mom, everybody, sitting around to make a kimchi,” Yun says. The finished kimchi went into clay pots she remembers as five feet long, sunk into the earth. “You dig in the ground, then you put that clay pot in it,” she explains. Those pots fed the family through winter and spring. Today Yun keeps her kimchi mild and vegan. She skips fish sauce, grinding onion with apples and pears to sweeten the paste, so vegan customers stock up by the pint or quart. “It’s so healthy,” she says, crediting its “live probiotics.” The menu follows suit. The stone-pot bibimbap crackles as the rice toasts against the hot bowl, and diners top it with beef, pork, chicken or tofu; vegans skip the egg and add broccoli. “We have a lot of vegan options actually,” Yun says. Dinner brings the spicy pork, a house favorite: thin slices with very little fat, marinated in a spicy sauce and served sizzling on a silver platter. Heat climbs from zero to five, a

scale that also governs the stews; level three satisfies most spice lovers. Banchan accompanies every dinner: radish, cucumber pickle, bean sprouts, kimchi and chayote Yun pickles herself. Lunch plates swap in ginger salad and stir-fried vegetables. Tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes simmered with slices of fish cake in sweet gochujang sauce, outsells every other appetizer on the menu, with young K-pop fans leading the charge. “A lot of people order it,” Yun says. The galbi pairs rice with grilled short ribs. At the grill tables, portions feed two to four and carry a set price rather than a per-person charge, so a party of four can order for three and nobody leaves hungry. When Ssam Bar opened on North Washington Boulevard in 2017, it ranked among the first restaurants to broaden Sarasota’s Korean dining scene. Nine years on, the new room adds live fire to the formula, and the kimchi still leaves by the quart. Korean SSam Bar, 501 N. Beneva Rd #240, Sarasota, 941-413-5080, cloveronline.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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KOREAN TABLE

MR. BULGOGI

AT THE WINDOW OF A MR. BULGOGI TRUCK, owner Justin Nam assembles the Ultimate Bowl in seconds: rice, a nest of japchae, two dumplings and a choice of meat, with crisp lettuce for crunch. The Ultimate Combo loads up further. “The ultimate combo has three meats, which is the beef bulgogi, teriyaki chicken and spicy pork bulgogi,” Nam says. Tastes swing from day to day between chicken and beef, he says, but “I would say the most popular one would be the bulgogi.” Nam and his wife, Soung-Ja, drive the two trucks, which rotate around Cattlemen and Clark roads. They prep everything at a commissary before each shift and keep the components in warmers, assembling bowls as orders roll in. With nothing cooked on site, the line moves fast. Each truck serves 30 to 35 orders per shift, often parked at apartment complexes during a 5-to-7pm dinner window. Nam grew up on an island in South Korea, where “we’re all surrounded by the ocean,” and knew seafood from childhood. When he was 13 or 14, his parents opened a restaurant, and he pitched in. “I watched them over their shoulder to learn how to cook,” he says. After moving to the United States in 2012, he worked as a sushi chef before striking out on his own. His first truck, K9 Style, sold Korean-Mexican tacos and quesadillas in 2018. The couple later opened Cannon Korean Barbecue at Clark and Beneva roads, then closed it in June 2025 to concentrate on Mr. Bulgogi. The trucks suit the couple for now. “We’re gonna stick with this concept for at least a few more years,” Nam says, though a brick-and-mortar restaurant remains on his wish list. “We’re gonna see what opens up.” Mr. Bulgogi, 330 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, 941-993-0020, mister-bulgogi.com

SUNNY SEOUL KOREAN KITCHEN

Opposite page, left to right: Hot stone bibimbap with bulgogi beef next to japchae, sweet potato glass noodles, at Sunny Seoul Korean Kitchen in Bradenton; The Ultimate Bowl topped with house mayo from the Mr. Bulgogi truck.

AT SUNNY SEOUL KOREAN KITCHEN IN BRADENTON, hot stone bibimbap hisses in the black ceramic bowl: bulgogi beef tangled with carrots, zucchini, spinach, pickled cucumber, mushrooms and bean sprouts, a fried egg bubbling over top. Drizzle in gochujang sauce and let the bowl sit so the rice turns crisp against the stone, then stir. “Korean cuisine, I love it because there’s so much variety in flavors,” co-owner Mary Pierson says. “There’s the sweet, the spicy, the salty, and then you have crunchy and all the chewy.” For traditional seating, slip off your shoes at the hanok corner and settle onto floor cushions at a low table. “That’s how we grew up,” says Pierson’s sister Katherine Kim, co-owner and chef. “Sitting on the floor, eating and watching TV. I wanted everybody to experience the traditional hanok.” Korean calligraphy that belonged to their late parents hangs on the wall. “To remember my roots,” Kim says. Pale slatted screens frame the alcove from the main room, where diners order at the counter. Kim calls it “elevated fast casual,” freshly made food at an affordable price, a common style across Korea. Contractor Tommy Nguyen ran with her vision: two-top tables against floating wood shelves, and cushioned benches on a bamboo base, all set off by gray walls with a gallery polish that belies the tray-return sign. Dishes and utensils hail from Korea. A self-serve drinks case offers a glimpse of Asian convenience-store culture: Milkis, Chilsung Cider, chilled rice punch and rotating Demisoda flavors beside choco pies and honey tea cookies. Kim’s housemade kimchi never lasts long. Kim and Pierson grew up in Queens, NY, children of hardworking immigrants. Kim cooks in their family’s northern Korean style, lighter than the highly spiced food of the south. She taught high school chemistry; Pierson worked in fashion design. The restaurant idea took shape in New Jersey after “we did our careers and raised our kids,” Kim says, but it was Pierson’s move to Lakewood Ranch that pulled her sister south. “There’s a need for it here,” Pierson told her, meaning Korean food for a broader audience. Korean fried chicken has become a modern phenomenon: boneless, crackling at first bite. TikTok influencers arrive to film that satisfying crunch, and viewers follow the sound to Bradenton. Kim fries in beef tallow, never seed oils. “We’re very aware of the damage that’s done,” she says. The crunch holds up through every dunk in sweet-

and-spicy dipping sauce. Vegetable fried rice, heaped on the mat, scatters a few runaway peas. The galbi platter begs for sharing. Bone-in short ribs reach the table charred at the edges and lacquered in a sweet soy marinade, the meat yielding to the teeth. Gooey onions melt into the juices, while sesame seeds and scallions add bite. Smoke and sugar meet fermented tang, the balance at the heart of Korean barbecue. Banchan rotates daily; expect kimchi beside the likes of pickled cucumber and seasoned spinach. The family earned this dining room the hard way. After the lease was signed, county permits stalled the build-out, so the landlord offered a workaround: a food trailer in the lot. Kim and her son Justin, with a few high schoolers pitching in, cooked out of that cramped space for almost a year and won a loyal following. Justin Kim now manages the front of house. Kim’s daughters split signage, menus, marketing and social media among them. Japchae, sweet potato noodles, offer a glassy chew, slippery with sesame oil, while the vegetables keep their bite. For the mandu, Kim hand-mixes the filling before feeding it into a dumpling machine. They’re steamed, then pan-fried, so a toasty outer crust gives way to a tender, earthy center. “I found the right balance,” Kim says. “it represents the Korean dumpling.” A fried version keeps winning converts. Son-mat, literally “hand taste,” is Pierson’s word for the gift she and her sister share: a feel for flavor that belongs to the cook alone. They learned by watching their mother and grandmother, then eventually took over. They were working 14, 16 hours a day, so we just had to fend for ourselves,” Kim recalls. “And when we got older, we would entertain a lot.” What began as necessity became son-mat. Their father instilled the standard. “When we wanted Chinese food, he would take us to Chinatown,” Pierson says. “If we wanted seafood, we would go to City Island and have fresh king crabs. He was very into authentic things.” Korean customers test that authenticity. “I kind of cringe,” Kim jokes, “because they’ll be the worst critics. But we’ve been getting positive feedback.” Newcomers seek out kimbap, the seaweed-wrapped rice roll familiar from K-dramas. Save room for bungeoppang, housemade fishshaped waffle cakes griddled to order, filled with sweetened red bean. “People are enjoying my vision,” Kim says. “That’s what I wanted.” Sunny Seoul Korean Kitchen, 9750 FL-64, Bradenton, 941-398-5942, sunnyseoulkitchen.com SRQ srq magazine_ NOV26 live local | 51

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FRESH ON ICE

YOU CAN SLEEP SOUNDLY AT NIGHT knowing exactly where your seafood comes from at these seafood markets in Sarasota, Bradenton and Cortez. Whether you seek fresh catches or madeto-order dishes at adjacent restaurants, there is no shortage of sustainable and locally sourced seafood, right in your backyard. WRITTEN BY MALLORY EVANS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

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WALT’S FISH MARKET, RESTAURANT AND TIKI BAR

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FRESH ON ICE

Walt’s Fish Market, Restaurant and Tiki Bar FOR OVER A CENTURY, WALT’S FISH MARKET HAS BEEN SERVING fresh Gulf seafood to the Sarasota community. As a family business spanning four generations, it began as a fish market in Garden Lane on Siesta Key where fishermen would tie their boats. “Whitaker Bayou was the first fish market where my great-grandfather began the market,” says owner Brett Wallin, whose great-grandfather, Claus, opened Walt’s in 1918. Wallin’s grandfather, Walter Sr., and father, Tom, had their time as owners, and now Wallin has been running the market since 2006. Walt’s specializes in Gulf seafood ranging from pink shrimp to local pompano, along with whole fish, fillets and shellfish. Along with its popular stone crabs and soft shell crabs, Wallin says the market is the only establishment in town that sells live blue crabs. “Lots of stuff is seasonal when we catch it, and I do a pretty good job with all of our local fishermen to keep everyone in the game,” he says. “It’s not just paying them; I like to be out with the fishermen, too.” The restaurant, which opened in the ’60s, serves calamari, peel-and-eat shrimp, gator bites, grouper sandwiches, gumbo, fried baskets and a plethora of sides. Guests can visit the Tiki Bar for specialty cocktails and local craft beers. Wallin says the market’s daily selection of fresh-sourced items is what makes his business distinct in Sarasota. At Walt’s, seafood is often caught the same day you buy it. “We have the largest display case in this area of fresh seafood that is caught within 24-hours,” he says. “Our customer service is amazing, and we treat the Sarasota community like part of the community.” In Wallin’s eyes, Walt’s proves that there are local establishments and small businesses that can last for decades and can promote Sarasota’s culture and flair. He says he is always trying to bring in more products, buy more stone crab permits and purchase more fishing boats. The restaurant is growing its live music scene, as well. “I’ll always be growing—never stopping—and that’s what keeps the business thriving,” Wallin says. 4144 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-921-4605, dylan@waltsfish.com

Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grille WHEN DEVON PROVOST, HIS WIFE AND HIS PARENTS WERE VACATIONING IN ISLA MUJERES, a small island off of Mexico, they noticed the abundance of fresh fish in the area and realized there were limited seafood spots in Sarasota. This led the four of them to open Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill in 2017. “It was originally meant to be a market, but then the restaurant took off,” Provost says. The market and grill opened simultaneously, and Provost embraced a mission of providing local fresh fish to the Sarasota community. At Fresh Catch, everything is made from scratch and is cut-to-order. “You can see us cutting your order, and then it goes straight to the kitchen,” Provost says. “You’re getting exactly what’s available.” Customers can peruse 7-10 fish varieties at the market, with about six being Gulf-based. These include black grouper, red snapper, triple tail, mahi-mahi, swordfish, black cod and others. Fresh Catch also sells oysters, shrimp and double lump crab cakes. “We mostly source fish from St. Pete,” Provost says. “We also have our own fish catcher who travels from Venice to Bradenton during stone crab season.” The restaurant menu includes various soups, salads, smoked fish spread, shrimp cocktails, baked oysters, crab pots, sandwiches and key lime pie—which was named the best pie in Florida by Yelp in 2024. Provost says his family frequently updates the menu, with a recent addition of blowfish tails that are lightly blackened with a lemon panko crust and served with lemon butter. Provost says Fresh Catch tries to promote a healthier side of seafood by not frying any products. Looking ahead to the future of the market and grill, along with possible expansions, Provost keeps a steady mindset. “We want to keep things simple,” he says. 7119 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-413-7133, freshcatchfishmarketandgrill@gmail.com

Captain Brian’s Seafood Market and Restaurant LOCALS WHO VISIT CAPTAIN BRIAN’S SEAFOOD ARE REGULARS, says owner Chris Pineda,

and they know all of the servers by name. “Our locals have been here ever since we’ve opened,” Pineda says. “We’ve seen them come in with their parents, and then they bring their kids.” In 1984, a local fisherman named Captain Brian Bochan created the market and restaurant in its current location next to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Over 40 years later, the seafood establishment still has just as much charm and character, as visitors ask for specially made-to-order products and flock to the market on Fridays before the smoked salmon sells out. “Any way customers want their seafood prepared—blackened, sautéed, grilled—we can make it,” Pineda says. The restaurant’s most popular dishes are the grouper baskets and grilled red snapper. At the market, customers can purchase haddock, halibut, Norwegian salmon, mussels, oysters on the half shell and fresh shrimp from Apalaches Seafood Company of Florida. “It’s like a family here; we’ve been doing this for almost 45 years,” he says. “Everything we serve, we prepare ourselves, down to the coleslaw and potatoes.” Pineda says his team takes pride in their work and always tries to listen to customer comments about the food they serve. “I think that’s why we’ve been so successful for so long,” he says. “We appreciate the customers for returning and keeping us afloat.” 8421 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-351-4492, captainbriansseafood@outlook.com

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FRESH CATCH FISH MARKET & GRILLE

GULF COAST CRAB AND SEAFOOD

BIG WATER FISH MARKET

CAPTAIN BRIAN’S SEAFOOD MARKET

CORTEZ BAIT & SEAFOOD

STAR FISH COMPANY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

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Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood WHAT BEGAN AS A MOBILE BUSINESS SELLING FISH FROM CAPTAINS

GULF COAST CRAB & SEAFOOD

CORTEZ BAIT & SEAFOOD

FRESH CATCH FISH MARKET & GRILLE

STAR FISH COMPANY

FRESH CATCH FISH MARKET & GRILLE

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BIG WATER FISH MARKET

in Cortez is now a thriving brick-andmortar establishment in Sarasota. Husband-and-wife owners Rich and Kim Demarse opened Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood in October 2024, and this permanent location has allowed the Demarses to expand into selling more fish, shellfish, crabs and prepared meals. “We have a couple of independent captains that work specifically for us, and we’re getting everything as fresh as we can,” Rich says. Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood sells fish filets by the pound, Sarasota blue crabs, shellfish, shrimp and lobster tails. While still sourcing seafood from Cortez, the market also brings in tuna from Hawaii, northern seafood from Portland, Maine and even wild salmon from the West Coast. A trained chef and graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, Rich says he offers prepared foods to showcase the shop’s wide variety of seafood. “ At the market, we have crabcakes, shrimp salad, smoked fish dip, smoked mullet, smoked salmon, key lime pie and also some lunch for takeout,” Rich says. Kim says customers can order off-property catering for steam pots and crab boils. The Demarses source grass-fed beef from Tampa and are working on bringing in more protein sources, as well. “We strive for the freshest fish—locally sourced by someone we know,” Rich says. “We know exactly where the fish came from, and even the name of the boat.” From coordinating with captains in Cortez to sourcing seafood from the shrimp docks in Fort Myers Beach, the Demarses say their relationships with producers is what makes their market stand out in the Sarasota community. “I’ve heard from a lot of people that they’ve changed their diets because they now have access to fresh seafood,” Kim says. “In the long run, we’re helping people eat healthier.” 6986 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, 941-685-2657, chefrichardd@hotmail.com

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FRESH ON ICE

Star Fish Company

Cortez Bait & Seafood

SINCE 1923, STAR FISH COMPANY HAS PRIDED ITSELF ON MAKING SEAFOOD-TOORDER. Everything is wild-caught, not farm-raised. Nothing is pre-made. While it was

AS A FOURTH GENERATION COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN,

originally a wholesale and retail store, it was also a spot where fishermen could bring their catches of the day. “Eventually, the industry started growing to the point where the building wasn’t large enough to handle all the fish products, so they ended up building A.P. Bell and turning it into total retail,” says manager Jim Gowett. Karen Bell, the head of A.P. Bell Fish Co., purchased Star Fish Company’s building in Cortez in 1999, and the restaurant developed a full menu. Even without any advertising, the business quickly grew by word of mouth. “I would dare say that for our size, we’re doing more business per capita than anybody in town,” Gowett says. Its restaurant was originally a walk-up window with three employees, but increasing popularity prompted Star Fish Company to add a bar and additional cooks, bartenders and food runners. “Summers are much busier than they used to be. We go from insane busy to busy, and we still have to have both kitchens open as much as we can,” Gowett says. Star Fish Company sells three different types of shrimp in the market—Argentina Royal Reds, Gulf Whites and Gulf Pinks—as well as grouper, sea scallops, sushi, mahi-mahi and sword fish. Customers can also try the seafood salad, smoked salmon and mullet dip. “Mullet is what put Cortez on the map,” Gowett says. “It’s still a stable food and a stable income for a lot of fishermen. We try to keep everything local, or we pull from Mexico.” Adjacent to the market, restaurant-goers can enjoy outdoor seating and try the popular Cortez special of picking any two items from the highlights menu. Gowett says some of the bestsellers include mullet, oysters, marinated mahi-mahi, calamari, burgers and the extensive craft beer selections. From catering parties to serving at weddings, Gowett says the secret to Star Fish Company’s continued growth lies in consistency. “Two of the main cooks have been there almost as long as I have; I’m going on 25 years,” he says. “The food has been consistent. We have the luxury of the same cooks cooking everyday.” 12306 46th Ave. W, Cortez, 941-794-1243, info@starfishcompany.com

Big Water Fish Market ON NOVEMBER 11, 2011, Big Water Fish Market opened its doors and made its first fish delivery at 11 a.m.“It

was 11/11/11,” says owner Scott Dolan. “Those are our magic numbers, I guess.” Specializing in local, sustainable and fresh-never-frozen fish and shellfish, Big Water opened as a retail fish market, and less than a year later, it started serving prepared foods. Now, the market is a booming lunch and dinner spot. “You can’t leave Florida without saying you’ve had a grouper sandwich and a slice of key lime pie,” Dolan says. Customers can buy retail fish at the fish market counter, from grouper and snappers to tripletail and mahi-mahi. Shellfish selections include oysters, mussels, clams, scallops and lobster. “It is a full-scale fish market, and you can order from the fish case and have shrimp steamed,” Dolan says. “We also do a lot of prepared foods that we make in-house. We have a smoker out back and we make a phenomenal smoked fish dip.” Dolan says the most popular prepared foods are the smoked fish dip and ceviche, as well as Big Water’s homemade key lime pie. The pie’s recipe was created by Dolan’s mother about 15 years ago, and the market currently sells around 15 pies every day. Big Water Fish Market recently acquired the unit next door to its main building—which Dolan is the landlord of. This new unit is now a private dining room that can sit large reservations or private parties. Now, both buildings can seat a total of 64 people. “The new location next door to us has given us the elbow room that we need to take care of all the folks so no one gets turned away anymore,” Dolan says. Dolan’s business also expanded to Happy Clams and Hams on Bee Ridge Road, another seafood market with a raw bar and NYC-style deli that opened on June 8. “You can get things like grouper sandwiches and lobster rolls all the way to corned beef reubens and hot pastrami sandwiches,” Dolan says. With a priority of providing fresh local seafood, Dolan says that Big Water Fish Market and Happy Clams and Hams now offer seafood and sandwiches to residents and visitors within a 10-mile radius. “We’re giving the people of Sarasota an opportunity to buy fresh, sustainable fish without having to go to a grocery store to buy a previously frozen, farm-raised fish,” he says. 6639 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, 941-554-8101, bigwaterseafood@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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John Banyas understands the commitment to providing fresh local seafood to his community. In Cortez—one of the last working fishing villages in Florida—Banyas is the owner and president of Cortez Bait & Seafood, which he founded in 1996. “We’ve grown a lot, but we’ve tried to keep it what it always has been: a working fish-house and a historic fishing village,” he says. Cortez Bait & Seafood specializes in handling and selling seafood and bait directly to the public. Fresh seafood is displayed in the store’s case whenever available, and customers can buy grouper, snapper, shrimp, smoked mullet, clams and seasonal items inside the retail market. Banyas’s business also operates wholesale seafood and bait—along with a fish-house service for distributors, restaurants, bait shops and working fishermen. “Our customers benefit from the same supply chain that serves our commercial customers,” he says. What makes Cortez Bait & Seafood different from other companies, Banyas says, is that his team buys directly from local Gulf Coast fishermen, including boats operating in Cortez. His ultimate goal is to keep Cortez a working fishing village by continuing to grow and improve the fish-house and market. Banyas also wants to create more opportunities for locally harvested seafood to stay local. “We don’t want Cortez to become a place where people only talk about how commercial fishing used to be,” he says. “We want people to still be doing it. Cortez isn’t historic just because of its buildings; it’s historic because people keep doing the work.” 12110 Cortez Rd. W, Bradenton, 941-794-1547, erin@ cortezbaitandseafood.com SRQ

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This page: Simon’s Coffee House avocado toast breakfast plate packs the perfect balance of fresh, zesty and colorful for a healthy morning meal.

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IT’S NOT BREAKFAST AND IT’S NOT LUNCH. It’s the best of both combined! Brunch has become a favorite pastime in our region and what better time to indulge than autumn, when holiday plans start to hit and the weather starts to cool. These local gems make it socially acceptable to enjoy your first meal of the day with a Bloody Mary, mimosa and anything from bacon and eggs to a hearty burger.

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This spread, clockwise: Tripletail Seafood’s crab and shrimp omelet, a milliondollar bacon and a mimosa from Cask & Ale and huevos rancheros from Sun Garden Café —everything you need to start the day right.

TRIPLETAIL SEAFOOD & SPIRITS NESTLED IN THE BUSTLING LANDINGS PLAZA, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits offers a tranquil escape, earning its reputation as one of Sarasota’s hidden gems. The nautical ambiance is enhanced by lush greenery, privacy walls and a stunning 10-foot waterfall. Tripletail has been honored with multiple awards, including Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Oysters and Best Cocktails. The acclaimed culinary experience is guided by Chef Cesareo Carnesdas, who has developed the restaurant’s award-winning dishes for the past five years. Tripletail offers a leisurely Sunday brunch from 11am-3pm. Guests can choose from the refined indoor setting of the bar or dining room, or the air-conditioned, covered outdoor patio, ensuring a perfect setting year-round. Chief Operating Officer Fiona Farrell describes it as “the perfect way to round out a weekend in Sarasota.” General Manager Meagan Smith adds that “Good brunch is not just great food—it’s the way friends and families linger, laugh and create new memories together.” Guests agree, with Shaney Brasher stating, “Sundays are made for mimosas at Tripletail,” and Trish Gowan chiming in, “Love muchin’ and brunchin’ on Sundays at Tripletail. The menu features luxurious twists on classics: The crab & shrimp omelet is made with three eggs folded around delicate blue lump crab and blackened Gulf shrimp, finished with Gruyère cheese for a nutty, creamy complexity. The crème brûlée French toast is made with Brioche bread soaked in a custardy crème brûlée mixture, grilled to a caramelized with a crackly brûléed top. It is crowned with mixed berries and whipped cream and served with a side of maple syrup for a mellow sweetness. As a special welcome, the first Bloody Mary or mimosa is complimentary with the purchase of a Brunch dish. Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-529-0555, tripletailsrq.com

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CASK & ALE CO-OWNED BY MIKE QUILLEN AND CHIP WHITE, Cask & Ale has been a Downtown Sarasota staple since 2017, known for craft cocktails and inventive cuisine in a lively setting. Garnishes and simple syrups are made in-house, and the bar program follows the seasons, showcasing fresh, timely ingredients. Weekend brunch—especially on the patio—is a standout. The newly launched menu leans into bold comfort flavors with dishes like house-sliced Million Dollar Bacon, chilaquiles and build-your-own omelets. The “I’m Being Good” section adds lighter, health-focused options, staying true to the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, flavorful fare. Cask & Ale also embraces the low- to no-alcohol movement with a creative lineup of mocktails featuring housemade syrups, fresh juices, bubbles and playful garnishes tailored to any mood. “We love being a part of the upbeat bustle vibe of the downtown business and social scene and above all, we pride ourselves on our exceptional hospitality,” says Quillen. “Our guests are our neighbors and our friends; knowing and delivering on their preferences is a part of our culture. We truly enjoy offering exceptional, small batch spirits and the collaborative nature of developing our guests’ personal liquor lockers, which consist of limited offer spirits or their own favorites. But as important as our food, drink and atmosphere are to us, our most valuable asset is our team who truly bring the Cask guest experience to a different level.” Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, 941-702-8740, caskalesrq.com

SUN GARDEN CAFÉ A BELOVED SIESTA KEY VILLAGE FIXTURE FOR OVER 18 YEARS, Sun Garden Café is a family-owned and operated gem, just steps from Siesta Key Beach. Sun Garden offers a relaxed escape for breakfast, lunch and brunch, served in their bright, bungalow-style dining room or outdoors, in their flower-framed outdoor garden patio. “What sets us apart is a culture our team built around music,” explains Chef Rick Munroe, who owns the Café with his wife Suzanne. “Every breakfast and lunch dish on the menu is named after a song or an artist who shaped the island lifestyle—Mississippi Queen, Ziggy Stardust, Ramblin’ Man, Carlos Santana, Baba O’Riley, Travelling Wilbury. The menu opens with a Mick Jagger lyric and closes with Glenn Frey. It started as a love letter to the records the kitchen plays every morning, and 18 years later it is still the heartbeat of the place.” The kitchen is genuinely from-scratch. Pancakes are made with a custom mix milled by Adluh Mills in South Carolina. Hollandaise is whisked fresh every morning. Biscuits, muffins and breads are made in their in-house bakery. “We source local and organic where we can, and we cook everything to order—which is why guests will tell you the wait outside the gate is part of the ritual,” adds Munroe. The café is celebrated for its signature dishes, all infused with a distinctive Southern, soul-inspired flair. The Cajun Benedict showcases a house hollandaise made fresh every morning. For those seeking a spicy kick, the Huevos Rancheros remains a long-running guest favorite, offering citrus notes and abundant texture. Team member Ashley inspired her namesake, Ashley’s Avocado Toast, designed to be the benchmark for all others. The menu also features unapologetically generous and crispy plates, like Elvis’ Fried Chicken Plate, a popular nod to the King, and the ultimate comfort food: Helen’s Biscuits & Wavy Gravy, a true taste of Lagrange, NC, straight from Grandma Helen’s recipe. Moving to the sweeter side, the decadent Cookie Butter French Toast, menu-dubbed “a biscoffapalooza for your mouth,” is easily the café’s most-Instagrammed plate. “It really feels like family here,” shares Manager, Kim Bard. We’re right by the beach in this little garden spot, the food is amazing and people just come to relax and be taken care of—that’s what keeps them coming back.” Sun Garden Café is open daily, 7:30am – 1:30pm. Breakfast and lunch are served all day. Pets are welcomed in the outdoor garden area. 210 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, Sarasota, sungardencafe.com

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BRUNCH O’CLOCK

CAFÉ ON ST. ARMANDS A MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED DINING DESTINATION in the heart of St. Armands Circle. Reimagined for 2025 un-

der Oysters Rock Hospitality (ORH), Café blends vibrant Southern European and Middle Eastern influences with a fresh Sarasota feel. Guests can enjoy coffee and pastries from Café Soleil, a full brunch experience in the main dining room, and a lively bar scene at The Wet Bar. The team is led by General Manager Abby Elliott, culinary leadership from Chef Sevin Aksamit and ORH Head of Culinary Will Parard, while Café Soleil’s pastry program is led by Chef Jayna Saulo. Some of the café’s best-known brunch offerings include baklava pancakes with cardamom caramel and pistachio walnut crumble, the flight of three Benedict featuring lobster, mushroom and traditional Benedict styles, quiche lorraine, steak and eggs, the Apollo pita and house-made pastries from Café Soleil. Soleil also offers Buddy Brew coffee and breakfast beverages, which have quickly become part of the daytime experience. “Café on St. Armands was created to feel vibrant, welcoming and a little different from anywhere else on the Circle. Brunch here is about slowing down, enjoying good food with good people, and taking in the energy of St. Armands,” says ORH Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Kim Cartano. Whether guests are taking a break from shopping, meeting friends for coffee, or settling in for a leisurely brunch, the Café offers an inviting indoor setting, bright flavors and a daytime experience that feels both easy and elevated. “What makes brunch at Café on St. Armands stand out is that it never feels rushed. There is this energy on the Circle where people are already in a good mood, strolling, shopping and enjoying the day, and we get to be part of that,” says Assistant General Manager, Jason Simpson. “Brunch here can start with coffee and pastries, turn into a great meal and maybe lead to bottomless mimosas with friends. It feels like a little daytime escape, and our team does a great job making people feel welcome and taken care of.” Cafe at St. Armands, 431 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, 941-761-7797, OystersRock.net

Below: Golden bites of peach and ricotta toast— deliciousness topped with fresh microgreens and bursting with flavor from Café on St Armands.

SIMON’S COFFEE HOUSE ANY LOCAL WHO LOVES CLEAN, NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FOOD is likely

familiar with Simon’s Coffee House, the local shop on Tamiami Trail that has been serving Sarasota since 2001. “It all got started up by my mom and dad after they had moved to Sarasota from England in 1991,” explains Tyler Kirby, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Maya. “My parents owned a breakfast restaurant on Siesta Key for a couple of years, but wanted to serve more locals. They opened Simon’s with the ethos of serving the local community healthy, creative food made with love. Since then, we have been known for offering a variety of food from vegan/vegetarian to gluten-free to omnivore items as well. In 2024, my wife Maya and I were able to take over the restaurant and keep my family’s legacy alive.” Simon’s serves a solid lineup of “house favorites” daily (except Sundays, 8am–3pm). Standouts include vegan blueberry pancakes with housemade jam and coconut whip and avocado toast on Bread Bandits sourdough with pickled onions and a choice of eggs or tofu eggs. Skillets and omelets are crowd favorites, too. For lunch, the Zorba the Greek pairs sesame hummus with spanakopita and a Greek salad. The Bollywood Burger—a beet patty with cashew cheese, Indian pickle sauce, carrots and spinach on Sami’s millet lavash—is a top vegan, gluten-free pick. Traditionalists can opt for the London panini with braised beef, horseradish, mustard, mayo, tomato, onion and cheddar—“you can never go wrong with that,” says Tyler. Salads are fresh across the board; the French salad with apples, craisins, walnuts and goat cheese in house balsamic is a standout—especially with Tyler’s tip to add chicken salad. “We make a lot in-house—sauces, dressings, hot sauces, pickled onions and jalapeños, and coffee syrups,” Tyler adds. “We source locally when we can: coffee from Sun Soaked Coffee, matcha from Haraki-Gordon, teas from The Local Tea Company, kombucha from Flobucha and booster shots from Neighborhood Juices. We also make fresh chai and golden milk daily—they’re very popular. We also like to say ‘show love, spread love’ because Simon’s is definitely a place where we want everyone to feel connected, supported and celebrated.” Simon’s Coffee House, 5900 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-926-7151, simonstogo.com SRQ 62 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY MIANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | WES ROBERTS

LONG RISE OF SOURDOUGH

Below: Classic sourdough from The Bakero on Main Street.

THREE BAKERS, THREE OVENS, ONE SMELL DRIFTING FROM THEIR DOORWAYS BEFORE THE REST OF US ARE EVEN UP. BY SUNRISE, BAKERS ACROSS SARASOTA HAVE BEEN AWAKE FOR HOURS. They’ve worked the dough,

checked their starters, silenced one timer after another. Three hours in, the deck ovens throw enough heat for the first batch. Steam rolls out when the doors open, and the aroma of fresh bread fills the bakery. M.F.K. Fisher, the influential American food writer, called that smell “indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight.” Loaves emerge golden brown, ticking as they cool. Before commercial yeast appeared in the nineteenth century, bread began with flour and water left to ferment; wild yeasts and naturally occurring bacteria made it rise. Egyptians baked like this around 1500 BC. Gold Rush miners helped make sourdough a San Francisco habit. In 2010, Chad Robertson’s Tartine Bread handed the artisan bread movement a blueprint: natural leaven, barely handled dough, long fermentation. The ideal loaf emerged with a crackling crust and an open, custardy crumb. Sixteen years later, people want sourdough more than ever. The bakers that local folks ask for by name are making it in small batches, by hand, because they can’t help themselves.

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THE LONG RISE OF SOURDOUGH

Left to right: Bread Bandits loaves made with French Bagatelle flour; Michael Toporowski of Camelot Breads pulls fresh bread from the oven

OWNER AND HEAD BAKER OF THE NEWLY OPENED THE BAKERO, Natalia Lugowska,

learned her craft in Warsaw before moving to Sarasota in 2024 with her family. Years of experience taught her that “it’s difficult to have everything under control.” A proof answers to any number of things, not to a clock, so she adjusts her morning to whatever the dough is doing. “Sometimes it’s ready today faster than yesterday, so you need to react,” she says. The most important factor: all-organic flour, she says, which keeps out glyphosate, a.k.a Roundup, which Florida testing found in most supermarket loaves. She settled on Central Milling Company in Utah. Her fermentation takes three or four warm hours, then some nineteen in the cold. “The gluten develops for so long. It helps the bread to be very easy to digest,” she explains. High hydration and steam off the oven’s hot stone crisp the crust without hardening it. “It’s very similar to how our grandmas were making bread in a stone oven.” Slice a loaf and the crumb webs into pockets. Bite the heel for crunch, then take the long chew. It’s the lightest of the three breads here, great for tearing, though it toasts up beautifully, too.

The Main Street cafe offers a classic white, a whole-wheat, a five-seed of sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame and poppy, a baguette with a crisp golden shell and a bread of the week. Order the Bakero Plate and the sourdough becomes the centerpiece of breakfast: whipped European butter, an organic soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, aged gruyère, half an avocado, a scatter of flaky salt, plus ham or smoked salmon. It’s continental-style breakfast at its best, and a clear expression of Lugowska’s vision: simple quality ingredients, prepared carefully, with bread at the forefront. The bakery opens at half past six and closes at two. Lugowska starts at four or five and finishes when the doors do. “The most important thing for me is to have a nap after work, and then I recover and continue my day,” she says—a baker’s schedule summarized in one sentence. You have likely eaten the bonny loaves of Bread Bandits, since they supply the St. Regis, Indigenous, Pura Vida and other kitchens around town. Jules Thuet is a sixth-generation baker in his family. “The first part happened over a hundred years ago,” he says. His father moved from France

to Canada, toting the family starter, out of Alsace, which is more than a century old. Jules brought it south. “I smuggled it down here. To keep it alive. Much like wine, our sourdough, it’s like a terroir.” His business partner, Brad Rutledge, came up through the Thuet family bakery and rose to head baker, then took the same post at Blackbird in Canada. Jules made the pitch: “These people, they want good bread. Let’s bring it to them.” So Rutledge packed up his life, too. Bread Bandits uses Bagatelle flour from Moulins Foricher, an independent family mill that strictly sources and grinds its grains in the Loire Valley. Thuet likes it because, as he puts it, this terroir produces high-quality, sustainable wheat certified under French CRC standards, and that character shows up in the loaf with a creamy flavor and soft, open interior. Filtered water, sea salt, flour, starter. Zero yeast, a point Thuet makes passionately. “Tons of people say, this is sourdough bread, and then you look at the ingredients, and it has yeast,” he says. “In France, they would put you in prison for that.” The dough ferments for thirty to forty-six hours. “People started introducing machines, and these profit-driven methods, which sped

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THE LONG RISE OF SOURDOUGH

up the process,” Thuet says, sacrificing the time needed for the bread to predigest itself. “That’s what sourdough does. It’s breaking down a lot of the things naturally, and turns into a completely different product. It’s easy to digest and also has tons of beneficial nutrients.” The menu shows hydration figures like a wine list shows vintages: multigrain, seventy-one percent; rye, sixty-nine. Baguettes are seventy-three percent, the backbone of the popular Tuna Bandit sandwich with tarragon aioli and crispy onions. “We filter our water of all chlorine and PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “forever chemicals”]. But the natural minerals left that we have in our Sarasota water make incredible bread,” Thuet says. “The NYC water myth has gone too far! Great bread can be made on the Gulf Coast. Crediting water for people’s bread would be the same as crediting the ball for a Messi goal.”

Specials rotate daily: cranberry walnut, challah, potato cheddar, olive-rosemary. There are even sourdough croutons. The multigrain is Thuet’s own pick, thanks in part to twelve hours of toasting before the grains ever meet dough. “Other loaves, they’re just throwing birdseed in there. There’s no flavor added, and it actually soaks up a lot of water. Whereas ours has a beautiful, nutty, toasted flavor.” Every slice feels indulgent as much as virtuous, so you go back for another whether you care about fiber or not. Walk into Bread Bandits on South Osprey seven days, or visit the Venice and Lakewood Ranch markets. A second location recently opened in Lakewood Ranch, with a pastry test kitchen, so they can expand their offerings.

Below: Bakero head chef and owner Natalia Lugowska perfected her craft in Warsaw before moving to Sarasota with her family in 2024.

Down on Swift Road, in a plaza you would drive past a gazillion times without braking, Michael Toporowski of Camelot Breads works behind a two-century-old dough trough he found in a small town in Provence. The owners declined to sell. “As long as you take out enough money, things can happen,” he says. Fifty loaves’ worth of dough can rise in that wooden hull at a go, then two people can lift it by the handles and flip the mass onto the table. “This is the way they used to do it,” he says. A flaxseed linen cloth, also a callback of hundreds of years, covers the dough without sticking. Toporowski came to this late, with intention. “I retired from banking at 55, sat around for a couple of months, my golf wasn’t very good, so I decided to go back to school and got a culinary degree,” he says. He wanted to see how commercial kitchens operated, and to learn the correct methods for safety and scaling up. Every year since, he has taken a class from another master baker. “Here I am, an old student. But you find your passion, you find your dream, and that’s where you go.” Bread here starts with the mill. In the front room sits a stone flour mill, made in Ukraine on the German pattern, crickety and loud as it works. Stone grinding treats the grain gently and keeps its nutrition intact; the mill handles fifty pounds in half an hour and sifts to any grade from fine to coarse. Ancient grains—spelt, einkorn, kamut, sprouted Red Fife—come from Central Milling. Rye berries arrive from Jack Melton’s family farm near Dade City. “We try to incorporate all the grains,” he says, handfeeding the hopper while flour spills out below. Today’s starter comes up white, glossy and bubbling, fully alive and ready to work. With digestion in mind, he aims for a total acidity near four, and fermentation lasts twenty-six to forty-eight hours. “We want the bread to be fermented enough that when you eat it, the digestive process has already started enough.” Hand-mixing the dough, he talks structure. “Flour has a disulfide bond,” he says. “The gluten structure when it forms is

long and stringy, so if we use a mixer, we’re going to break that bond. That’s similar to taking a pane of glass and shattering it, and then trying to put it back together. You’ll have a bunch of little pieces.” The stretch-andfold method keeps the network intact, opens more surface to the yeast and bacteria and evens the temperature through the mass. The dough holds enough water that the loaves go straight into baskets afterward. Leave them on the counter and gravity interferes. Camelot’s miche follows Poilâne’s lead, one massive country round (3kg, 9 to 10 lbs) that he portions into quarters, its flours— organic wheat, spelt and rye—milled on baking day. Toporowski scores the dough so the wheel won’t tear as it rises. The crust comes up very dark, then gets dusted through stencils so each loaf gets marked with diagonal stripes, wheat fronds or whatever holiday pattern is apt. The miche eats like a robust table bread, dense and husky with a mild sourness that stands up to stew, yet never heavy. It also makes a terrific ham-andcheese—or croque-monsieur, if you will. Multigrain—wheat and millet to flax and barley—comes out with a nubbier crumb, gently tangy. Toporowski bakes a shelf of ryes, one with sauerkraut. There’s an epi scored so it tears apart into rolls. “Little buns ready to go,” he says. The focaccia emerges with whole rosemary sprigs, sea salt and good olive oil, a masterpiece he insists anyone can manage at home. “You just get it in your hands, and you want to play the piano to stretch it out.” Nothing leaves Swift Road for a supermarket or restaurant. Saturdays, Camelot sets up at the Sarasota Farmers Market; Sundays in Lakewood Ranch. Miss both, you wait a week. And yet people do wait. In season, the line wraps around the block, and Camelot produces 1,000 to 1,200 loaves a week. For a baker working this way, the demand tells you plenty. “There aren’t many people doing this sort of thing around town,” he adds. Long fermentation does what these bakers claim. Phytic acid breaks down so more iron and zinc reach you; bacteria consume the carbohydrates that cause bloating; blood-sugar climbs more gently after a meal. Most supermarket sourdough skips that process entirely. Commercial yeast manages the rising in an hour or two, and vinegar or citric acid fakes the tang. One taste reveals the difference. SRQ

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H H&D

PU B L IS HE D BY S RQ MAGA Z IN E | W IN T ER 2 02 6

THE ART OF HOLDING GROUND GROWN IN WILD BLUE, WATERSIDE CELLAR DOOR POLICY

DSD G A RCH IT ECTS

Manasota Sand

MIC HAEL A. G I LK E Y

Anna Maria Island

C L I V E DAN I EL H O ME

ECH T-A RCH IT ECTS

Organic Modern

The Manor

OCTOBER 2015 | SRQ 75

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WRITTEN BY SARAH E M I LY M I A N O . PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RYA N G A M M A

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A Manasota Key house pairs expansive views and paredback architecture with the serious structural work required to withstand storm surge and shifting sand.

H & D

THE ART OF HOLDING GROUND

House on Sand sits on the ridge of a dune on Manasota Key, the barrier island strung between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. From the road, the 5,300-square-foot house looks modest: a low stack of thick horizontal planes seated in the sand. The front door measures five feet across and swings on a single pivot. Push, and the Gulf appears before your eyes. The living room climbs two stories. Glass replaces most of the far wall, and the horizon crosses the room. THE OWNERS HELD THE BEACHFRONT PARCEL for

years before approaching DSDG Architects. Then they showed up with site reports on gopher tortoises, indigo snakes and scrub jays, plus tree and invasive-species surveys. “They had done their homework,” says Scott Gross, the firm’s design lead. House on Sand was one of the first homes he designed from the ground up after making partner. DSDG starts with the owner’s wishlist before, in Gross’s words, “solving the puzzle of the floor plan.” The design needed few changes: the rooftop hot tub came out for budget, and the entry procession changed. The dune’s grade rose above the site’s base flood elevation and ate into the height the county allows, so DSDG cut four feet into the bluff instead of raising the roof. “It’s a massive home, and because we dug into the dune it dramatically brought the scale and height down,” says Gross. As for the lot, its side lines run at a diagonal to the road and water, so the architects rotated the floor plan toward the Gulf instead of squaring it to property lines, matching the neighboring houses up and down the beach. The turn improved the view but pushed parts of the house close to the county’s limits. One tight spot became a flourish: the primary bathroom projects beyond the lower roof deck, supported by round concrete columns.

“This was one of my favorite moments in the house and on the exterior,” Gross says. The bigger variable was the storm that hadn’t happened yet. DSDG hired a civil engineer to model a direct hurricane strike, “a worst-case scenario of direction and landfall of a storm on Manasota Beach,” as Gross puts it. The model predicted maximum surge and wave height, along with the potential for erosion below the house. A rig drilled 25-foot holes down to the bedrock, and pile caps disperse the load. Above them rises what Gross calls “a birdcage with a concrete superstructure,” with openings and walls as infill. Ground-floor walls exist to fail, “to break away from the waves crashing into it so the concrete structure itself can survive,” Gross says. With the house still a bare concrete frame, the 2024 season arrived for real. Helene flooded the key; Milton came ashore up the coast, and its surge rose to the pool fence, roughly 11 feet above sea level, swallowing the key and shoving the neighbors’ sand onto the site from the Intracoastal side. “Little did we know, but the home was tested in 2024 and was unscathed mid-construction,” Gross says. The paperwork proved nearly as demanding, with three rounds of review from county to state to local. The state alone wanted replacement sand samples

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor: Trinity Custom Homes Interior Designer: Trinity Design LLC Cabinetry: SRQ Cabinetry Fixtures/ Kitchen: Gormans Bath Gallery Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Bath Gallery Flooring: 6051 Design Source AV: Advanced ESI Landscape Design: Bordon Landscape Design Security/Surveillance: Advanced ESI Pool: Platinum Pools Roofing: New Wave Roofing Furnishings/Furniture: Trinity Design LLC Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

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H & D

to glass samples for glare. The front entry stair alone went through five revisions before approval. “You will not find another staircase like it in its flood zone,” he says. “We had to invent that area because it was not in the code books.” Forty-five feet of sliding glass crosses the three main living spaces. At full open, the largest clears room to park two cars side by side. In the primary bedroom, three motorized panels glide back to stack against a fixed fourth at the push of a button. ES Windows manufactured the windows and doors. All the beach-facing glass uses Solarban R100, bluer and more reflective than the firm typically specifies; the beach belongs to nesting sea turtles first. After dark, amber lighting helps keep hatchlings oriented toward the sea. Arrival unfolds in stages. The exterior stair meanders through elevated planter boxes to the pivot door. Inside, a switchback stair climbs toward the second floor. The elevator conceals the view until its doors part. “We wanted the moment that you enter the house to be filled with relaxation that you finally can be on vacation at the beach,” Gross says. His favorite vantage? One level up on the bridge, where

furniture and door frames vanish along the neighboring rooftops. “Strictly water and sky, very relaxing to me.” DSDG terraced the roof into three tiers so the deck wouldn’t become, in Gross’s words, “a sea of concrete pavers.” An outdoor kitchen and fire pit occupy the middle tier. An observation deck sits in the spot once reserved for the hot tub, serving stargazers instead. Solar panels cover the topmost roof, with extra insulation that helped the house reach NGBS Gold certification. Most of the house runs itself. Andrew Guenther, owner of Advanced ESI, designed the electronics. His first move: eliminate what he calls “wall acne.” A single keypad with four to six buttons can replace a dozen or more switches, each button triggering a lighting scene. An astronomical clock brings up certain lights before sunset, dims them at dawn. Motorized Lutron shades track the sun to reduce glare. Josh AI listens through microphones in the walls. Unlike Alexa, Guenther says, it accepts any word order you throw at it. “It’s real AI, not semi-AI.” The system is wired. “Wireless stuff is BS and doesn’t work.” Guenther describes security only as “like Fort Knox.” The rest he describes gladly.

Full-color RGB lighting can turn ceilings blue or pink on a whim. In the primary bedroom, a side-wall television swings out on a motorized arm to face the bed. Beside the pool, four-foot ambisonic bollards carry 360-degree sound. Guenther says “it sounds like a rock concert back there.” Ask Josh for Frank Sinatra and Sinatra obliges, in almost every room. Ask Gross which part best captures the project, and he points to the ground level, “transparent for light, breeze and vegetation to co-habitate with the house.” Round concrete columns meet terraced retaining walls of coral stone quarried in Turkey. Seagrape and cocoplum creep beneath, toward the pool. The pool deck brings the fun: a sculptural waterslide by Splinter Works. Nobody had put one this far south, so the contractor, Trinity Custom Homes, became a certified installer and met the challenges of the warm and salty climate. Poolside swings ensure a good time. “It’s a great feeling when the finished home is better than the renderings,” Gross says, “everything perfectly coordinated, aligned, without compromise.” What remains is water and sky. SRQH&D

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H & D WRITTEN BY S A R A H E M I LY MIANO. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RYA N G A M M A

GROWN IN A thirty-foot oak, a grass driveway and a backyard that ends in dune: how Michael A. Gilkey won Platinum for landscape at the 2026 SRQ Home of the Year Awards.

TWO FICUS TREES FLANK THE DRIVEWAY OF NORTH SHORE ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND, THEIR CANOPY STILL TO COME. A clipped podocarpus hedge screens the view, and for a moment,

you could be rolling into any long-settled garden. Then the hedge ends at a pair of masonry columns and the lawn spreads out beneath the tires. The house reveals itself, two white stories rising above the grass. That lawn is the driveway. Michael A. Gilkey, the landscape architect whose Sarasota studio, Michael A. Gilkey, Inc., designs and installs its own work, laid turf block across the whole approach. Grass grows up through the grid and takes the weight of a car, so the green continues unbroken from the street to the front door. In the autocourt, reclaimed clay pavers tighten into a pattern that echoes the house. Mast trees and Sylvester palms supply the verticals. A clay brick walk, edged with pots, carries you the final few steps to the door. “I’m in love with the driveway,” Gilkey says. “Typically, driveways take away from the green environment. On this project, it takes a backseat to the garden, while being functional and in use every single day.” The judges of the 2026 SRQ Home of the Year Awards shared Gilkey’s affection. The project, North Shore, took Platinum in the Best Landscape Design/Pool/Outdoors category, the top prize for outdoor work. The team included architects Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson, builder Ross Built Custom Homes and pool contractor Tom Sanger Pools, working with Gilkey on the Gulf-front lot. With two living stories above parking level, the house needed something substantial around it; Gilkey’s job was to give it scale. The brief began short and sweet. “In a word: garden,” Gilkey says. “These clients were interested in the feeling of a garden that would create a welcoming family retreat.” And a garden of that character usually needs a decade to mature. Since the family preferred not to wait, Gilkey sourced already-grown trees. The live oak went in at thirty feet tall and twenty feet wide. The two ficus joined it over the drive. A kapok took its place at the side of the house, where a deck now sits at its base. With such a large canopy, the property looked settled by the time the crew packed up. Gilkey planned the arrival to get increasingly more private. Existing sea grapes, bolstered by new cabbage palms and live oaks, shield the garden from the street. As the ficus grow in, their canopy will compress the view, and the autocourt will reopen it. “We would refer to this as moving from public to semipublic to semiprivate to private space,” he says. At the back of the property, that progression stops short.

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This page, left to right: The pool at North Shore, with a water view, intact; Florida-friendly plants in the backyard create a welcoming family retreat. Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Builder: Ross Built Custom Homes Contractor: Ross Built Custom Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Pool: Tom Sanger Pools Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography.

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Below: An elevated pool deck with access to the Gulf.

The backyard, normally the most private area, has to stay open to the water, and Gilkey wanted the owners to see that water the second they got home. “We purposely left this view through the breezeway open, so the owners get a shot to the Gulf every time they arrive.” He pruned the existing sea grapes and positioned every new plant to frame the horizon. Salt and wind decided what he could root where, so the planting has two different palettes. In front, where the structure shelters the beds from the worst of it, the mix leans subtropical: podocarpus, clusia and farfugium interspersed with natives like thatch palms, cocoplum and live oaks. Sea grapes and cabbage palms carry through from front to back. Turns out, though, there was a more formidable adversary. “Groundcovers have been really problematic in our area over the past five years due to an influx of rabbits,” Gilkey says. He chose Liriope and peperomia, along with native sword fern, because our furry friends generally leave these alone. At the back, only plants that already grow on the dune made the cut. “Florida-friendly,” Gilkey describes it. “We live by the mantra ‘right plant, right place.’” Cabbage palms, sea grapes, muhly grass, dune sunflower and Indian blanketflower grow naturally on AMI’s beaches. A keyway path to the sand threads through sea grapes that predate the house, pruned only for access. “As we exit to the Gulf yard, the landscape feels so relaxed you don’t know where landscape starts and dune stops.” Don’t let that windblown look fool you. Gilkey did more than due diligence, walking through the placement of every window and deck. He then set plants at heights that hide the neighboring houses while leaving the

water view, basically 180 degrees, intact. Friends get their own special route in. “We created a beautiful Ipe wood pathway that acts as a friends’ entrance, winding around the eventual canopy of the kapok tree,” Gilkey says. The path reaches a deck at the tree’s base, which overlooks a saltwater lagoon and continues along the side of the house. Plans include a swing that will hang from the tree branches as they grow. On the elevated pool deck, Gilkey added self-watering planters styled to match the architecture, so greenery stays level with the living floors. After dark, gas fixtures light the garden. “All lighting on this project had to be turtle-compliant, which means no uplights at all and any lighting installed must meet the amber lighting requirements,” Gilkey says. The flames throw a warm glow across stucco and frond. Construction on a tight island lot rarely leaves room for a landscape crew until the end. “As it comes time to install the hardscape and landscape, we start to lose access… logistically there was a lot of movement and dancing so the project could keep moving,” Gilkey says. None of that changed the design. Gilkey credits his clients for the outcome. “The focus the owners put on the garden aesthetic allowed us to create this wonderful outdoor space, as well as their commitment to bringing in large material,” he says. The owners asked for one word and got it in every direction: garden at the curb, garden beneath the tires, garden to the point where the dune takes over; and, as Gilkey puts it, you can’t tell where one stops and the other starts. SRQH&D

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Compiled by Barbie Heit

BELOW A bedroom where rich textures and soft natural hues come together creates the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication; A stunning space defined by bold design and a dramatic chandelier makes for an inviting dining area. wildbluelwr.com

Clive Daniel Home and Stock Luxury Homes Unite on New Lakeside Model at Wild Blue at Waterside.

WILD BLUE

Now fully realized, this one-of-a-kind residence brings to life a sophisticated interpretation of Organic Modern design, thoughtfully curated by Sarasota-based designer Ryann Aoukar. The home stands as both a design showcase and the official Sales Center for Stock Luxury Homes, seamlessly blending inspired living with purposeful function. Spanning 3,854 square feet under air and 4,077 total square feet, the Madison II Model at 259 Crystal Waters Drive, Sarasota, embodies a harmonious balance of architecture, materiality and environment—crafted to reflect its serene lakeside setting while delivering an elevated, livable luxury experience.

CLIVE DANIEL HOME AND STOCK LUXURY HOMES

THE COMPLETED INTERIORS REVEAL A COHESIVE NARRATIVE ROOTED IN NATURAL TEXTURES, architectural detail and intentional simplicity. From the moment of entry, the design establishes a rhythm of scale and craftsmanship: Ceiling details—from coffered wood inlays to geometric architectural features—anchor each space with depth and dimension. Statement lighting acts as functional sculpture, from the dramatic dining chandelier to the fluid, artful fixture cascading above the primary bedroom. Custom millwork and reeded wood finishes introduce tactile richness, particularly within the kitchen and built-in cabinetry. The kitchen embodies contrast and balance—pairing clean-lined white cabinetry with richly grained wood elements, natural stone surfaces and subtle textural backsplash detailing. It reflects both modern precision and organic warmth. The study/office balances functionality with architectural interest, framed by custom built-ins and a striking chandelier that adds sculptural warmth. The dining space feels intimate yet elevated, with a glass-topped table beneath a bold, layered fixture that plays with light and shadow. The primary bedroom introduces softness and movement, with a dramatic ceiling treatment and lighting that evokes a sense of calm and artistry. Each space is unified by a curated palette of soft whites, warm woods, muted greens and subtle metallic accents, reflecting the tranquil influence of the lake beyond. “This home represents the full realization of a shared vision,” said designer Ryann Aoukar. “We wanted every detail to feel intentional—where materials, light and form come together to create a sense of calm, beauty and livability. It’s a space that invites you in and allows you to experience design in a very personal way.” Expansive openings lead to a thoughtfully designed lanai, where soft, neutral furnishings and layered textures create an inviting extension of the interior. The outdoor living space embraces the surrounding landscape, allowing the home to breathe with its environment—a core principle of the Organic Modern aesthetic. The Madison II Model is a showcase of the continued partnership between Clive Daniel Home and Stock Luxury Homes, with a mutual commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and design excellence. SRQH&D 96 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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Written by Sarah Emily Miano

Architect: Echt-Architects LLC Contractor: Christner Brothers Inc. Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Cabinetry: Yoder Kitchen Corp. Fixtures/Kitchen: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Fixtures/Bathroom: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Flooring: Angela Rodriguez Interiors AV: American Audio Furnishings/Furniture: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Photographer: Marmar Films

Echt-Architects earns Platinum for Best Remodel/Renovation, turning a wine cellar into the centerpiece of The Manor at Lakewood Ranch.

CELLAR DOOR

Most wine cellars reside at the bottom of a house’s priorities, somewhere near the laundry. At The Manor at Lakewood Ranch, the cellar sits adjacent to the kitchen, woven into the home’s main gathering spaces, built to be experienced, not merely stocked. Arched black steel and glass doors open straight off the kitchen; a second at the far end gives onto the hallway serving the butler’s pantry and dining room, so anyone crossing the house can wend through the collection. Echt-Architects won Platinum for Best Remodel/Renovation in SRQ Magazine’s 2026 Home of the Year awards, thanks in part to that room. The Sarasota firm treated the cellar as the main event in the renovation’s plot.

ECHT-ARCHITECTS’ THE MANOR AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

“THE WINE CELLAR WAS ONE OF THE CLIENT’S HIGHEST PRIORITIES,” says Kortnee

Gonzalez, NCARB, of Echt-Architects. “They wanted it to be a prominent feature of the home and an integral part of entertaining, rather than simply a place to store a collection.” The homeowners had three wishes: a signature cellar, more daylight and improved flow. The finished home should feel like an evolution of its original character, not a break from it. While the existing structure had good bones, says Gonzalez, its layout worked against the family’s wishes. The kitchen sat isolated from the gathering areas. The family room’s angled geometry limited furniture placement and natural light. The dining room: disconnected. And the original wine room? Undersized, lacking presence. “Rather than simply enlarging the wine cellar, we rethought the relationships between each of these spaces,” Gonzalez says.

Rooms now connect; revised openings and new skylights flood them with daylight. The cellar became the centerpiece: one continuous room, tucked behind the kitchen, tying the spaces together visually and functionally. “These substantial changes feel seamless, as though they were always part of the home’s design.” Wine demands cool, steady air, but the machinery that supplies it makes a poor conversation piece. So Echt-Architects worked closely with builder Christner Brothers, interior designer Angela Rodriguez Interiors and specialty consultants to integrate the climate and humidity systems. “We ensured the mechanical systems remained discreet,” Gonzalez says, “allowing the craftsmanship, materials, interior design and wine collection to become the focal point.” The craftsmanship shows in the materials. Fieldstone climbs the walls in rough, stacked courses. Cobbles pave the floor beneath a

brick vault, and heavy timber faux beams cross overhead. An oak barrel with a round top serves as the tasting table—a natural setting for Lamborghini premium tequila— leather stools tucked beneath its lip. At the far end, a bar recess coddles bottles of port and spirits, glassware glinting above the hand-hewn millwork. Lighting shows restraint. No overhead wash. A small iron chandelier hangs from the vault; sconces mark the arch and walkway. Warm accent lighting glows inside the custom millwork, picking out stone, timber and glass. Rodriguez led the finish selections, guided by the owners, while the architects checked each against the language of the wider house. Early on, Echt-Architects fixed the cellar’s location, character and capacity, then provided photorealistic renderings the clients could adjust on screen. Rodriguez’s team tailored the display, bottle organization and crate storage to the collection: cabinets with drawers of bottles, diamond racks of pale wood, specialty racks for choice bottles. “Rather than feeling like a room filled with wine racks,” Gonzalez says, “the space was designed as an architectural destination where the collection itself becomes part of the overall experience.” The hardest task, Gonzalez says, was new construction stitched into an old house so cleanly that nobody would notice. “Every material transition, arch, stone joint and millwork detail had to feel intentional and timeless.” Asked what she’s proudest of, Gonzalez declines to choose. “The wine cellar may be one of the home’s signature features, but it succeeds because it is part of a broader architectural transformation.” SRQH&D

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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE

Below: Shell pasta with creamy vodka sauce, Calabrian chile and pancetta: a persuasive case for falling in love.

SALT OF THE SEA

At Acqua Pazza,the menu follows Italy’s fishing villages, with room for a Jersey meatball. Sarah Emily Miano

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forage

THE FOCACCIA REACHES THE TABLE IN WARM, GOLDEN BATONS, ITS DIMPLES GLINTING WITH COARSE SALT AND FLECKED WITH ROSEMARY.

At Acqua Pazza, a stretch of Italian shoreline dropped into Downtown Wellen Park, the kitchen bakes it fresh every day. Beyond an arch of majolica-style tile, the dining room glows sky blue and white over marble floors. Partner David Valentino gestures to the details. “Amalfi, certainly,” he says. “Those splashes of yellow, those seaside pastel colors.” Valentino weaves his story with a lawyer’s eye for detail and a grandson’s pride. Born in New Jersey, he moved with his family to Scotland at around 14, where they ran a small hotel with a restaurant and pub. “My mother’s family goes back in the restaurant business to some of the oldest establishments in New York City,” he says. By 21, his parents had relocated to Florida. Visiting them on spring break, he set foot on Siesta Key Beach and wrote his university a letter: he would not return. “I was just enamored with it here.” After law school, he practiced corporate law in Atlanta before a brief stint as a Sarasota County prosecutor. In 2003, he and his brother Dennis took over Donato’s, the Port Charlotte restaurant their father had opened seven years earlier. Valentino assumed he would keep practicing law alongside the new venture. “A very naive idea,” Valentino says. More than two decades on, the brothers and their partner Mark Costanzo run D&D Restaurants, which operates eight dining rooms across Southwest Florida, from the coal-fired Bocca Lupo pizzerias to The Banyan House across the street, where nephew Derek Valentino now captains the kitchen. From the bar, the Strawberry Serenade blushes pink from rose and fresh juice, mixed with elderflower and vanilla, a strawberry balanced on the rim. The Roman artichokes make a persuasive opener. Halved and fried, their outer leaves crunch while the hearts turn tender in parmesan cream. “Simple but pretty,” Valentino says. The name Acqua Pazza, meaning “crazy water,” belongs to a southern Italian dish of white fish poached in a light tomato broth. Folklore supplies saltier roots: one old Neapolitan story has fishermen cooking the day’s catch in a roiling pot of seawater with aromatics and whatever was on hand, salt too dear. “It’s probably romanticized,” Valentino says, 104 | srq magazine_ NOV26 live local

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“but all the best things in life are.” Here, the brothers plot the menu along Italy’s coastlines. “I guess if Donato’s is New Jersey, this is a little more Positano.” Linguine vongole features Cedar Key middleneck clams in a white wine sauce. “Being local is perfectly Italian, right?” Valentino asks. So is the right glass. The clams call for Dalia delle Venezie, a Pinot Grigio from Italy’s northeast, all green apple and pear, its lively acidity meeting the brine. Shrimp di Amalfi perches grilled shrimp on a bird’s nest of linguine in lemon cream sharpened by crisp capers; housemade lobster ravioli wade in velvety bisque sauce. Even so, the menu meanders inland. “We wound up being a little broader than the original vision,” he says. Rome made the cut, and with it a lasagna nothing like his grandmother’s, still served up the road. Hers calls for ricotta; the Roman version swaps in béchamel. “They’re both beautiful,” he says. “I love serving them both. I love eating them both.” More focaccia arrives to chase the last of the sauce, baked by manager Angela Stinett, who has opened four concepts with D&D.

This spread, left to right: Spaghetti and meatballs deliver Valentino family-table comfort; Roman artichokes with crispy leaves and tender hearts; Pistachio tiramisu, a silken, nutty pick-me-up to close the night; and, grilled shrimp over linguine in caper-flecked lemon cream conjures the Amalfi coast. Acqua Pazza, 19750 Wellen Park Blvd. Unit D, Venice, 941-244-5147, acquapazzaitalian.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

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The Jersey side of the family claims a menu stalwart: burly meatballs of beef, pork and veal with airy, whipped ricotta. “They escaped the poverty of southern Italy and wound up in the poverty of tenement life in New York,” Valentino says of the immigrants who created this cuisine. “And it was still an abundance by those standards.” The meatball tells the tale in miniature, or rather, in magnum. In southern Italy, cooks padded polpette with bread when meat grew scarce. In America, meat fell within reach, and the meatball swelled into a heavyweight. “Pasta is always king,” Valentino says, and the pasta d’amore claims the throne outright. Large shells cup vodka cream in their curves, with clinging bits of pancetta and Calabrian chile. The cream coats the tongue first; the heat strikes a moment later. A recent trip to Puglia, the heel of the boot, sent Valentino home talking orecchiette, or “little ears,” tossed with sausage and broccoli rabe. “We took four trips this year. Very deliberate research trips,” he says. Mention stale bread, and Valentino turns erudite. In Matera, Basilicata’s cave city, he marveled at what

cooks do with a loaf, and how Italy’s upscale spots now serve bread meatballs, celebrating “cuisine born out of necessity.” He smuggles versions of those dishes onto the specials board, as “the way I keep my own personal hand in.” The panzanella here always calls for yesterday’s bread. “My mother didn’t throw bread away; my grandparents didn’t throw bread away,” he recalls. Jersey sneaks back in with the bone-in veal chop parmigiana, rigatoni riding shotgun and veal tender to the bone. The dish demands appetite and abandon. Farina’s Valpolicella Ripasso answers in kind, picking up dried cherry and a thread of spice, with enough grip to stand up to exuberant veal and cheese. Pistachio tiramisu closes the meal, its gentle nuttiness bright against espresso, unctuous but never cloying. By November, a new season menu joins the lineup. “Butternut squash ravioli, pumpkin tiramisu. We’re leaning into flavors,” Valentino says. Order artichokes first, tiramisu last. With so many restaurants to tend, Valentino won’t always be tableside to wax poetic about Matera or meatballs. Those nights, the specials board speaks for him. SRQ srq magazine_ NOV26 live local | 105

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ENGAGING READERS THROUGH STORYTELLING

In

TRENDS IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Conversation

LUXURY REALESTATE DARCIE DUNCAN Broker and Owner, Duncan Real Estate

AS OUR REGION’S LUXURY REAL ESTATE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY FACTORS THAT ARE DRIVING TODAY’S MARKET? JUDI TAULBEE: Definitely price, quality and the incentives that builders and sellers are offering. Location is always key, as well. People like walkability with restaurants and shops nearby. A lot of people are looking for bundled golf communities, too. We have a lot of golfers here and buyers don’t want to leave their homes—they want everything all in the same place, other than going out for shopping. They want all of their amenities close by. DARCIE DUNCAN: It has a lot to do with lifestyle. People have hybrid work modes where they can work remotely so they can be flexible with ownership, whether they are looking for their primary residence or second or third home. We are seeing a lot of relocation too because of Midwest and Northeast taxes and because people want warmer weather. They’re looking at tax benefits and truly trying to slow down a little bit. The weather keeps us strong and the scarcity of

A CONVERSATION WITH DARCIE DUNCAN, DUNCAN REAL ESTATE AND JUDI TAULBEE, FINE PROPERTIES

good coastal property—there’s not much left of it, so, I do think that keeps our demand up as well. WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY MOTIVATIONS FOR LOCAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE BUYERS RIGHT NOW? DUNCAN: Here on the island, people like the family laid-back lifestyle. They see a community. They like being on an island, on a luxury waterfront, but still having accessibility outside of that that’s not far away. They like having an international airport, great restaurants and so much culture within reach. They like move-in-ready products that we have that make it easy. They also like the nice waterfront, big legacy properties for their families because everybody will come back here—it brings them together. Our big amenity here would be our community center, our art guild, those things that draw people into what we call the center of Anna Maria Island—our gathering place—and we’ve created that within our infrastructure here. Those are big driving factors for a lot of our buyers. TAULBEE: Again,

incentives. The lifestyles that are provided within the community, proximity to beaches, outdoor living, restaurants and a maintenance-free community because people don’t want to have to bother with their yards. A view is also important—a beautiful backyard view, a water or preserve view. Buyers are looking for easy and fun so they can just enjoy living. DESCRIBE THE USES OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE MARKETING AND SELLING OF A HOME AND HOW THIS HAS AFFECTED YOUR APPROACH TO WORKING WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS ALIKE. DUNCAN: The photography, the virtual staging, the creating of a lifestyle with 3D animation—people love that. It’s especially helpful when so many of our buyers or clients are not always here with boots on the ground. We use Matterport for house scans where you can step in and redesign the home yourself, so we’re using a lot of neat AI features, so to speak. We do all the social media, the emails and paid campaigns to make sure that we’re targeting the right audience and

JUDI TAULBEE Real Estate Agent, Fine Properties the right income levels and we use a lot of analytics in the background to make sure that we’re targeting our dollars in the right ways. I’m fascinated by AI—it’s all great and it keeps us on our toes—but at the end of the day, you need a personal touch and none of this will replace that. Technology makes us work smarter, not harder, but we’re never going to step back from the personal approach of this business. I don’t care what technology piece you use; you’re never going to learn the local knowledge that I have as a broker in the 35 years doing it and as someone who has lived here her whole life, as I have. TAULBEE: Technology has come a long way and it has transformed the whole buying process. With just like a click of a button, you can shop for homes anywhere in the world. Professional photos, 3D tours, virtual tours, drone footage, social media—these are all what helps sell a home. Basically, you can shop 24/7 from your TV, from your phone or any device. It’s all about convenience. Technology will never replace a personal relationship that you get with a realtor, though. Nothing can replace a human for

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IN C ON VERSAT I ON DARCIE DUNCAN DUNCAN REAL ESTATE Darcie Duncan is a lifelong resident of Anna Maria Island. With more than 35 years of real estate experience, her knowledge of the Island extends beyond market trends to the history, character and community that make each part of it distinct. Her long-standing relationships, local insight and understanding of Anna Maria Island’s continued growth allow her to guide clients through an increasingly complex coastal real estate market. Darcie established Duncan Real Estate in 2001, growing the company from a one-person operation into a full-service real estate organization specializing in residential and commercial sales, vacation rental management, annual property management, Home Watch, maintenance and concierge services. Duncan Real Estate is now celebrating 25 years of serving Anna Maria Island and the surrounding communities. A Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute, Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Darcie combines extensive market knowledge with a direct, hands-on approach to client service. Darcie’s commitment extends well beyond real estate. Her record of community leadership includes serving as Chair of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Her individual honors include the Spirit of Manatee Award, the Pat Glass Community Leadership Award, Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year and Business Person of the Year. Under her leadership, Duncan Real Estate has also been recognized as Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year and Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

SRQ MAGAZINE | TRENDS IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

personal attention, communication and guidance. Technology gives tools to the buyer, but they still need someone to help with negotiating and going through the whole process. Technology is great for when you’re shopping for a home, but when you do find that home, you need the right realtor to get you through the whole process. NEW CONSTRUCTION AND LUXURY DEVELOPMENT CONTINUE TO RESHAPE THE REGION. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES—AND CHALLENGES—DO YOU SEE AS DEVELOPERS RESPOND TO CHANGING BUYER EXPECTATIONS, CONSTRUCTION COSTS, INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS AND THE LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF LAND? DUNCAN: I work with developers who are building very specific homes. We’ve got to find the right property, the right location, the walkability—all these little boxes to check. I’m still seeing a strong demand for that modern, more resilient move-in-ready home. So, as far as opportunities, I still see a demand for that. Buyers value the new building features like impact-rated construction, updated elevation standards, energy efficiency and sustainability features–those are great opportunities as builders and developers— especially spec builders—move forward. I think from a challenge perspective, it’s labor. You’ve also got the construction costs and builders have rising insurance costs. Flood regulation requirements are all great and wonderful but also more hoops for everyone to jump through which is time-consuming. Here, we also have three municipalities and three different sets of building departments to deal with. From a developer standpoint, the red tape and the changing of the guard make it challenging. Permitting timelines can also be tough for buyers who want to be here as soon as possible. TAULBEE: As everyone is aware, land is an issue because, especially in Sarasota County, there is no land left. That’s why everyone’s moving east and northeast. The

problem is also higher insurance costs because of what Florida has been through with hurricanes. Our costs are higher and in turn it’s higher for everyone, whether it’s the builder or the buyer–insurance costs are up. Buyers have to settle for smaller lots, compromising privacy, just to have a new home. Very few builders offer large lots because it’s not cost-effective. If you do want a larger lot and you do want privacy, you either have to buy something resale in an established community, or you have to go way out east. There are very few builders that you can find that will actually build on a large lot that gives you that privacy. TELL US ABOUT THE EXPECTATIONS THAT SELLERS HAVE FOR YOU AS THEIR AGENT IN THE CURRENT LUXURY MARKET, AS WELL AS THE EXPECTATIONS OF BUYERS IN THE SAME SITUATION. TAULBEE: Pricing homes correctly and competitively is really important. Photography, including drone photography, best represents a home and best features a home. Buyers want an agent to be able to negotiate the price as well as the terms and repairs. Sellers do expect us to price their home properly and of course they always want to price it a little higher, but we always have to have that talk about being realistic in this market. The market is very good, better than it’s been in a couple of years. If your home is getting shown a lot, then you do have it priced right. But if it isn’t getting shown or it’s only getting shown maybe once every two weeks, then you have it overpriced. A home that’s priced right will go under contract. It is a buyer’s market, and the buyers are looking for deals. I do find that they are a little slower to pull the trigger on a home—they want to be sure. They’re very careful and they want to get the best deal and negotiate the best possible closing costs in that contract. DUNCAN: They want accurate pricing baced by actual data. In the couple of years prior to this, coming out of a COVID market and then recover-

:: NOVEMBER 2026

ing and then having hurricanes, we were challenged with pricing. But I think accurate pricing is important. People want high-quality marketing; they want broad exposure. My clients want strong negotiation, clear, concise answers. Communication is everything and that’s my specialty. People have a level of trust in me from the start because I’ve been doing it for so long. I like to sit down with my clients and make sure we understand each other’s goals. Then I can do my job for them when I understand what their expectations are. We’re very hands-on. We walk through these homes–we don’t just throw a lock box on a house. We are in the house with every single showing. Those are what make a difference for us in this market. And those are the expectations of a seller. For the buyers, it’s very much the same. When you’re investing this kind of money, you want to know they have an agent that understands the market and conditions. I don’t do this for a hobby; this is my career. I try to keep the process as stress-free as possible. I deal with financial advisors in the background, trust attorneys, good closing agents and I have a good team behind me, which makes all the difference in the world. WHEN A LUXURY PROPERTY IS COMPETING WITH OTHERS, WHAT SEPARATES THE HOMES THAT ATTRACT IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM THOSE THAT SIT LONGER—AND HOW SHOULD SELLERS RESPOND? DUNCAN: Homes that are going to move in a timely manner are priced appropriately from day one. These homes need to be professionally presented—staged and photographed properly. That’s a big piece of moving these houses—the turnkey condition of it. Homes that are sitting there are usually overpriced, they’re dated or they’re poorly presented.TAULBEE: Photos tell the story and the home has to be staged correctly. When I get a listing, no matter small or large, I go in and I stage it to be sure that it’s got clean lines and it looks good.

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IN C ON VERSAT I O N JUDI TAULBEE FINE PROPERTIES When Judi Taulbee stepped into real estate part-time in 2003, she likely didn’t imagine she would one day become one of the top-producing agents in the region, including at Fine Properties. Over the course of her career, Judi has assisted over 700 families in buying or selling their homes, generating $267,264,676 in total sales volume. She is currently ranked in the top 1% locally at #91 among more than 9,000 REALTORS® in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Her work has been featured multiple times in Forbes and SRQ Magazine, and most recently in Fortune magazine’s February/March 2026 issue, and 5 Star professional agent for 8 years, recognizing her as a leading real estate professional. For Judi, success has always been about more than recognition. When reflecting on what fueled her growth, she credits both technology and tenacity. Equally important is her work ethic and ability to manage the many moving parts of a transaction. The relationships she built over decades continue to generate referrals from people who know, like, and trust her. Behind every smooth closing is a team of professionals working in sync. Judi has spent years building a network of trusted vendors who align with her standards for communication, efficiency, and follow-through. By surrounding herself with experts who support both her business and her clients, she ensures that every detail, from inspections to repairs to financing, is handled with care. It’s a collaborative approach that protects her clients’ interests and strengthens the long-term relationships at the heart of her success. A proud Sarasota resident for 50 years, Judi was born in Miami before her family relocated in 1977. A er earning a degree in criminology, she worked in mortgages then obtained her real estate license in 2003. Judi is focused on real estate full-time, building a career rooted in meaningful relationships and results.

SRQ MAGAZINE | TRENDS IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Curb appeal is very important. You want to capture those people as soon as or before they even go in the door. Amenities are also important—people love amenities. JUDI, FOR FAMILIES MOVING TO OUR AREA CONSIDERING MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES FROM PARRISH TO LAKEWOOD RANCH, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THINGS THEY SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT THEM AS THEY LOOK FOR ONE THAT IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR THEIR FAMILY? TAULBEE: Schools are probably top priority and we do have the best schools in those areas and probably among the best schools in the state. Families who move here want to have a safe place to go for their kids with an athletic center, which Lakewood Ranch does provide. They want close proximity to hospitals, restaurants, shopping—everything within a 10-minute ride. Although people love the beach, they realize that it’s expensive to live near the beach. Insurance costs are very high, but as far as a whole community goes, Lakewood Ranch and Parrish probably have the best communities for families with unlimited things to do. In Lakewood Ranch, there are farmers markets and Wednesday Nights at the Ranch, live music, food trucks, volleyball, cornhole and more. They have 70 different clubs that you can join for any kind of thing that you like to do. This is what people like and this is what they look for. The people that move to Florida want to live year-round outside doing things that they love to do. DARCIE, AS SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZES IN ANNA MARIA ISLAND REAL ESTATE, YOU ARE UNIQUELY QUALIFIED AS AN EXPERT ON MARKET TRENDS AND TO FORECAST WHERE THE MARKET IS HEADED. PLEASE TELL OUR READERS YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT ANNA MARIA ISLAND PROPERTIES WITH INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS. DUNCAN: Our demand is still strong for pri-

mary and secondary homes and the rental market is not heavily driven by investors. What I am seeing in our market now is that people are looking at these more as primary homes. If there’s some rental income, great, but it’s not the main factor anymore. Our supply has come down dramatically post hurricane. I think for the island, having height limits where we don’t have big condos everywhere, is very attractive to our island in particular. I think insurance and things like that will be more of a challenge in general and that’s going to be for the overall market, not just a luxury home market. I foresee that we’re going to move through this market and through 2027 pretty stable and flat. I do not see a big jump in pricing, but I also like to point out that I don’t feel anybody lost value. People look at the market as a falling market but it really wasn’t. Here on the island, especially in the absolutely incredible resilient community we have, it has shown that our market in a coastal barrier island has held up strong through hurricanes. It hasn’t affected the value too much at all, so I feel positive for the market overall. Our rental side is doing very well too. As for the condo market, I think that’s where we’re going to see a big shift in the market with the changes to the underwriting that’ll be taking effect as of January of 27. I can’t foresee what that’s going to be, but I think it’s going to become more of a challenge for condominium buyers and sellers. On the positive side, a lot of these condos now have gone through such major revamping since the storms so people are walking into new structures where everything has been redone and they can have the good feeling of knowing they won’t be hit with a big assessment next year or the year after. JUDI, IN A REAL ESTATE MARKET AS DYNAMIC AS THIS ONE, WHAT KEY ADVANTAGES DO YOU PROVIDE THAT A BUYER OR SELLER SIMPLY CAN’T GET ON THEIR OWN, AND WHAT VALUE DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

:: NOVEMBER 2026

FOR YOUR CLIENTS? TAULBEE: It starts with the whole home shopping process. It includes negotiating and then, when the inspection is done, negotiating the repairs or credit to the buyer and making sure they have the right loan officer who is available all the time, all the way to the closing table. I have an electrician if you need one. I have a floor company if you need one. I have the handyman and the plumber. I provide my clients with guidance through the whole process. If you look at my Zillow reviews, all they talk about is how I provided all the right directions to go to get through the whole process because most people don’t know who to get for a home inspector or who to use for an electrician. All of these people I have worked with for years and they have my stamp of approval. It’s important for me to take people under my wing, and I treat them like family. Through the entire process, they remain important to me and I try to ensure that we get through seamlessly without any issues. DARCIE, WHAT SETS ANNA MARIA ISLAND APART FROM OTHER POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR THE BUYERS OF LUXURY COASTAL FLORIDA REAL ESTATE? DUNCAN: It still has a small town old Florida feel. We don’t have any chain heavy, strip malls and franchise businesses, which is kind of rare versus other coastal markets. Our beaches are always ranked in the top in Florida and our sunsets are amazing. We’re walkable, bikable, golf cart friendly and we have a lot of little restaurants and shops that people love. We’re welcoming. We’re not hurried, you don’t feel like you’re in a big city. People come here for long-term value—and Anna Maria holds its value. Here, people step out and they see the beach and the most beautiful sunset, seagrass and white sand and that’s what they’re here for. This island is legacy to a lot of people. It brings everybody back. It’s the anchor of families for generations.

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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

giving coast

Below: Mike Martella and his wife Kathy, left, have made an impact in Sarasota’s philanthropic community through hard work and a spirit of generosity.

GETTING INVOLVED

Mike Martella believes in making a difference everywhere he goes. Barbie Heit “WE MAY NOT HAVE HAD MUCH, BUT OUR HOME WAS FULL OF LOVE,” Mike Martella recalls as he reflects on his upbringing. “As far as I

can remember, we never truly felt like we were missing anything.” Born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of two hard-working parents, Mike Martella feels fortunate to have two wonderful brothers and a sister. His dad was a hard worker, never earning a high salary, and his mom was responsible for raising the four kids while her husband worked two or sometimes three jobs at a time. Martella was an accomplished baseball pitcher in high school and tried out for two major league teams in his senior year—the Montreal Expos and the Baltimore Orioles. In his freshman year of college, however, he decided that pursuing a life with his future wife was more important than baseball. “I met my wife Kathy in high school and we have been married for almost 48 years,” he shares. “We have three outstanding daughters, Marisa, Kim and Kelly, and eight grandchildren.” In 1977, Martella started working for Boar’s Head Provisions, where he has remained for close to 49 years. He was asked to relocate to Midlothian, Virginia in 1987 to open a manufacturing facility there and he accepted. “Midlothian was a fantastic area to raise our children and we enjoyed our 15 years there,” he says.

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giving coast IN 2002, BOAR’S HEAD RELOCATED THEIR HEADQUARTERS TO SARASOTA AND AGAIN, Martella was asked to relocate with the company.

He was promoted to president shortly after relocating and held that position for almost 20 years, until he retired from it in 2021. Today he is employed as an advisor for Boar’s Head, a company which he feels proud to be a part of. During COVID in 2020, Martella owned a restaurant in the Rosemary District called The Overton. Knowing there was a food shortage for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, he reached out to the organization’s president/CEO, Bill Sadlo and asked what he could do to help. This was his first exposure to the Club. For four months, The Overton donated 250 lunches a day to the Newtown Club. Lunch consisted of a turkey sandwich, a fruit, a bottle of water and a cookie. “We delivered every day by 11:30am, and each and every day, the line grew longer,” he recalls. “I then asked Dick Vitale for a donation and he supplied money for me to continue for an additional month.” After the pandemic, Bill Sadlo and board member Lee Dileto visited Martella at the restaurant and asked him to join the board. After visiting to get a better understanding of what was involved, he accepted. “The continued effort that the staff and board members make to develop and enhance the Club kids’ skills continues to amaze me. I can only hope that more kids, as well as adults, take the time to learn what the Boys & Girls Club is all about,” he says. Beyond his philanthropic involvement with the Club, Martella dedicated nearly 19 years to the Van Wezel board, serving as chairman for six of those years before stepping down in June 2024. He also holds positions on two other business boards. His wife, Kathy, contributes to the community through her work with Meals on Wheels and Tidwell Hospice. The notion of giving back seems simple to Martella. “I’ve

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been very fortunate to be in the place I’m in. I’ve worked hard for what our family has and was never really given anything without working for it,” he says. “I truly believe that if you have the resources to help others—time, talent and treasure, it’s your responsibility to do so.” He feels that this quote, often attributed to Winston Churchill, says it all: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Martella says with confidence that every single day, he treats others the way he wants to be treated. “If you ask the people in my life, I believe they would say the same thing,” he says. “Since I started at one of the lowest positions at Boar’s Head Provisions in 1977 and then ascended to the highest position in 2002, I give credit to all the people who helped me. Most of the credit is pointed to the line employees in the Virginia manufacturing facility that I worked with from 1987 to 2002. They taught me how to work hard and to be a leader and I will forever be grateful to them. I experienced all the highs and lows during that time and used those experiences to help others accomplish their goals, too.” For those hoping to become more philanthropically involved, Martella shares this advice: “First, decide what’s important to your family, your values and seek out an organization that matches those values. Sarasota has many organizations that need your help. Don’t just concentrate on one organization if you have the capacity to do more. Once on the board, get involved as a board member. Don’t just say you’re on the board, make a difference on the board.” On being recognized as a good hero, Martella is grateful that his efforts are appreciated. “You do it because it’s what’s in your heart and part of your core DNA,” he says. “I hope that it will encourage others who are sitting on the sidelines to get involved.” SRQ Mike Martella was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2025.

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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 dedicated

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.

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

ADDICTION MEDICINE

ANESTHESIOLOGY

CARDIOLOGY

Amen, Samuel A.

Abello, David

Ajithan, Chippy

D'Agostino, Mark

Dreier, Jonathan D.

Ramos Center 2540 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME139510 | 941-708-9555 MD Behavioral Health PLLC 1343 Main St, Ste 706 Sarasota, FL 34236 License: ME144849 | 877-422-9355

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Alvarez, Alicia A.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME147886 | 941-366-9222 Aresery, Matthew

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME111116 | 941-362-8640 Danziger, Roger

Dr. Roger Danziger, MDAllergy & Asthma 5404 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210-2815 License: ME58560 | 941-761-1911 Dunn, Neha

Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME159245 | 941-927-4888 Ly, Jean

Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 License: ME116920 | 941-927-4888 Patel, Nilamben

Sunshine Allergy and Asthma 2565 Toledo Blade Blvd North Port, FL 34289 License: OS16686 | 941-413-3143 Rucker, Rajivi

AllerVie Health 871 Venetia Bay Blvd, Suite 380 Venice, FL 34285 License: ME84160 | 941-251-3584 Windom, Hugh

Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 License: ME62095 | 941-927-4888

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Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME62642 | 941-917-8720 Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME98842 | 941-917-8720 Glover, Alan M.

Dr Chippy - The Mindful Cardiologist 2700 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 14 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME84450 | 941-917-4250 Aldrich, Martin

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

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME58958 | 941-917-8720

Bilkoo, Pareena

Kaminski, Alexa C.

Brown, Garrett H.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME145891 | 941-917-8720 Nutter, Thomas

Sarasota Anesthesiologists PA 1261 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-2219 License: ME60076 | 941-366-2360 Patel, Jainesh D. RISING STAR

Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238 License: ME103980 | 941-922-6447 Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME136846 | 941-917-4250 Buck Jr., David C.

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS14184 | 941-917-4250 Calderon, Erick E.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME164500 | 941-917-8720

Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 230 Bradenton, FL 34202-5177 License: ME77684 | 941-907-1113

Reichbach, Steven

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME79903 | 941-917-4250

Reichbach Center 2415 University Pkwy, Ste 215 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 License: ME119100 | 941-213-4444 Rosenthal, Mark L.

Manatee Memorial Hospital 206 2nd St E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME89801 | 941-745-6829 Vilasi, John V.

Manatee Memorial Hospital 206 Second St East Bradenton, FL 34208 License: OS7600 | 941-746-5111 Waldron, Matthew O.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME154360 | 941-917-8720 Wittmann, Mark M.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME81843 | 941-917-8720

Class, Steven J.

Czak, Steven

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 License: OS17749 | 941-366-1888 Davis, Christopher J.

Reveal Vitality & Longevity Institute 1990 Main St, Ste 800 Sarasota, FL 34236 License: ME95617 | 941-217-2777 Eckart, Robert

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: OS11918 | 941-917-4250 Koshy, N. Mathew

HCA Florida | Max Health 1250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME33862 | 941-955-0229

Kumar, Vivek

Heartcare Consultants 9423 Town Center Pkwy Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 License: OS13436 | 941-907-8951 Lutton, Suzanne

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME128682 | 941-379-1850 Mollod, Michael

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME72332 | 941-917-4250 Morsli, Hakim

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 License: ME103882 | 941-366-1888 Omar, Sabry A.

Cardiovascular Associates of Venice and Sarasota 901 Venetia Bay Blvd, Ste 200 Venice, FL 34285 License: ME127844 | 941-837-2922 Ramos, Mark J.

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 License: ME100823 | 941-366-1888 Sanchez, Eulogio J.

Cardiovascular & Vein Center 6100 Pointe W Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME57079 | 941-792-1717 Satya, Y. Emmy

Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238 License: ME81682 | 941-922-6447 Skidmore, Anthony C.

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland PKwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: OS9306 | 941-538-0088 Yamada, David M.

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME82014 | 941-917-4250 Zellner, Christian A.

HCA Florida 2010 59th St W, Ste 4200 Bradenton, FL 34209-4687 License: ME135160 | 941-538-5103

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Fong, Jonathan C.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 License: ME80268 | 941-917-8791 Golino, Alessandro

Riverview Cardiac Surgery 300 Riverside Dr E, Ste 3100 Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME78246 | 941-744-2640 Hoffberger, Jonathan D.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 License: OS10986 | 941-917-8791 Sell, Jeffrey

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 License: ME114933 | 941-917-8791 Vesco, Paul A.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239-2921 License: ME108379 | 941-917-8791 Walker, Kristen L.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME144948 | 941-917-8791

COLORECTAL SURGERY Das, Riva

Florida Incontinence Treatment Institute 8610 E SR 70 Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME132403 | 941-242-1929 Golub, Richard W.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME85935 | 941-341-0042

COSMETIC SURGERY Bhanot, Sumeet

Bhanot Facial Plastic Surgery 2038 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME88314 | 941-926-2300 Engel, Scott J.

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME102341 | 941-368-8883

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Fezza, John P.

Dodgen, Taylor

Holcomb, J. David

Fernandez, Alfredo D.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME74805 | 941-921-1458 Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery 1 S School Ave, Ste 800 Sarasota, FL 34237 License: ME70984 | 941-365-8679 Jiles, Emily

Dr. Emily Jiles Cosmetic Surgery 1958 Prospect St, Ste 103 Sarasota, FL 34239-2222 License: OS15739 | 941-867-7682 Lee, Winnie W.

Sarasota Surgical Arts 4143 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME165401 | 941-202-1293 Sessa, Alberico J.

Sarasota Surgical Arts 4143 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME96256 | 941-202-1293

DERMATOLOGY Adams, William B.

Skinsmart Dermatology 5911 N Honore Ave, Ste 210 Sarasota FL 34243-2657 License: ME115221 | 941-308-7546 Anderson, Heidi K.

Skin Vitality MD 5489 Lena Rd Bradenton FL 34211 License: ME102351 | 941-360-2477 Arsenault, Emily F.

Arsenault Dermatology 8926 77th Terrace E, Ste 101 Bradenton, FL 34202 License: ME87116 | 941-907-0222 Bogart, Megan

Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL 34231-7006 License: ME98324 | 941-364-8220 Burnett, S. Mark

PhDermatology By Dermatology Medical Partners 1801 S Osprey Ave, Ste 201 Sarasota FL 34239 License: ME49399 | 941-957-4767 Caradonna, Stephanie A.

Sarasota Skin And Cancer Center 2179 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Osprey FL 34229 License: ME87302 | 941-966-0222

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton FL 34211-9529 License: ME137069 | 941-538-0022 ADF Dermatology 2426 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME71519 | 941-906-7546 Finkelstein, Robert P.

The Center For Skin Wellness 6771 Professional Pkwy W, Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34240-8482 License: OS8569 | 941-882-9459 Foss, Michael G. RISING STAR

Luminary Dermatology 2101 61st St W Bradenton, FL 34209 License: OS17790 | 941-926-6553 Gerber, Kate

Orchid Dermatology 5304 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5623 License: ME114748 | 941-761-2900 Greenberg, Adam S.

Sunshine State Dermatology 1415 E Venice Ave Venice FL 34292 License: ME75565 | 941-282-3376 Hopkins, Terrence T.

Manatee Dermatology 6011 Cortez Rd W Bradenton FL 34210 License: ME68372 | 941-792-5040 Larabee, Heather S.

Sarasota Skin And Cancer Center 2179 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Osprey FL 34229 License: ME96018 | 941-966-0222 Long, Erin M.

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota FL 34232 License: ME91760 | 941-379-1703 Milam, Cathy

Milam Bogart Dermatology 7400 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL 34231-7006 License: ME46768 | 941-364-8220 Pennie, Michelle

Bliss Dermatology + Wellness 315 Nokomis Ave S Venice FL 34285 License: ME108521 | 941-477-4007

Sax, David

University Park Dermatology & Medical Spa 8451 Shade Ave, Ste 205 Sarasota FL 34243-2878 License: ME83474 | 941-254-2321 Shareef, Shah

Coral Dermatology 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 570 Sarasota FL 34233-1504 License: OS15795 | 941-279-3127 Yohn, Joseph J.

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota FL 34232 License: ME80438 | 941-379-1703

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Blaustein, Philip A.

Dr Philip A Blaustein 804 40th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME66591 | 941-749-5464 Lee, Justin

Sarasota IR Associates | Justin Lee MD 2001 Siesta Drive, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME124915 | 941-777-4723 Rozin, Roman

Partners Imaging Centers 1250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221 License: ME81574 | 941-951-2100

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Arrieta, Julio M.

FSU | College Of Medicine 5560 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste D-5 Sarasota, FL 34233-1508 License: ME122510 | 941-316-8120 Avila, J. Albert

The Center for Urgent Care 10940 East SR 70, Ste 103 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: ME58034 | 941-243-3088 Farmer, Jeffrey W.

Dr. Jeffrey W. Farmer, MD 2020 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4604 License: ME78121 | 941-798-6176 Hierholzer, Danny M.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: OS11234 | 941-782-2100 Kruglick, Bruce A. LEGACY

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME48212 | 941-917-8507

10/8/26 1:52 PM

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10/8/26 1:52 PM

2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Lesnick, Joseph S.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME136280 | 941-917-8507 Rawe, Teresa R.

Manatee Memorial Hospital 206 2nd St E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: OS5702 | 941-746-5111 Selph, Scott M.

HCA Florida | Blake Hospital 2020 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME120096 | 941-792-6611 Temple, Sarah R.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME111890 | 941-917-8507

ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM Betancourt, Jessica L.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME135521 | 941-917-3270 Boldo, Angela

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 512 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME119056 | 941-917-3270 Geck, Zsofia

Majchel, Deborah

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME123174 | 941-538-0077 Perez, Jesus

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 License: ME86942 | 941-379-1777 Piotrowska, Katarzyna

Cooper, Christopher

Cooper Family Medical 5123 4th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34208-5620 License: OS8142 | 941-744-5510 Dunn, Kevin J.

Kalnoky, Achilles

Bradenton Endocrinology 1906 59th St W, Ste B Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME63167 | 941-795-1915

FAMILY MEDICINE Anderson, Matthew D.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: OS16090 | 941-917-7080 Arias, Carlos I.

Bayview Medical 5309 E State Rd 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 License: ME73571 | 941-747-9818 Austin, Alexander

Intercoastal Medical Group 921 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 License: ME137199 | 941-365-7390

Bentze, Michael

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 5350 University Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34243 License: ME128374 | 941-917-2300 Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 License: OS9174 | 941-538-0001 Brus, Mark H.

Manatee Memorial Hospital 200 3rd Ave W, Ste 100 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME152653 | 941-337-8936

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-4029 License: ME69127 | 941-923-5882

Lupo, Mark A.

Cabello, Stephanie S.

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The Beauty and Wellness Institute 6114 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34209 License: OS14096 | 941-554-7546

Placheril, Lillibet M.

Kozlow, Wende M.

Thyroid & Endocrine Center Of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 License: ME77141 | 941-342-9750

Chapman, Pamela C.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 6128 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231-4029 License: ME76570 | 941-923-5882

Azuero, Mario A.

Lubrano, Antonio RISING STAR

TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Thyroid & Endocrine Center Of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 License: ME129870 | 941-342-9750

Thyroid & Endocrine Center Of Florida 3050 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7101 License: ME103132 | 941-342-9750 Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 License: ME100611 | 941-379-1777

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Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-8409 License: ME136057 | 941-917-7080

Gulf Gate Family Medicine 7250 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34238-2806 License: ME115088 | 941-921-0986 Mohr, David

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 License: OS16871 | 941-379-5121 Orihuela, Armani

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 6128 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231 License: ME144056 | 941-923-5882 Ramos-Rivera, Diego LEGACY

Intercoastal Medical Group 921 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME63647 | 941-365-7390 Rodriguez, Carlos F.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 5350 University Pkwy, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34243-5813 License: ME122673 | 941-917-4675 Sakellarios, Nicholas E.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS16406 | 941-917-3500 Scarselletta, Sarah V.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 929 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Osprey, FL 34229 License: ME131526 | 941-261-4700 Shah, Bhavesh A.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME145449 | 941-917-3500

Ward, Mindy

Key Concierge Medicine 2677 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 4 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS18505 | 941-541-8025 Whapshare, Gavin C.

Guardian Health 300 S Tamiami Trl Unit 1 Venice, FL 34285 License: OS12953 | 941-303-5713

FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Porter, Kinga

Whole Health 6272 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 License: OS12305 | 941-666-8757

GASTROENTEROLOGY Agnello, Katie R.

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 825 Venetian Pkwy Venice, FL 34285-7163 License: ME121751 | 941-483-5730 Albert, Dustin

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME154927 | 941-262-0400 Andari, Ronald

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 License: ME140338 | 941-361-1100 Bernstein, Marc

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME137780 | 941-365-6556 Brown, Jackson E. RISING STAR

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME174640 | 941-262-0400 Caire, Michael

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 101 Riverfront Blvd, Ste 700 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME117430 | 941-748-2417 Chun, Sooyun

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME146144 | 941-262-0400

10/8/26 1:52 PM

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Khazanchi, Arun

Premiere GI 11505 Palmbrush Trl, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-2904 License: ME86268 | 941-334-9040 Kucera, Stephen T.

Shah, Nihar

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638 License: ME136945 | 941-262-0400

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638 License: ME97935 | 941-262-0400

Southerland, John

Lopez-Valle, Ricardo L.

Summerlee, Robert

RISING STAR

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 825 Venetian Pkwy Venice, FL 34285 License: ME168476 | 941-483-5730 Matheus, Tonantzin

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 License: ME100744 | 941-361-1100 Mishra, Avantika

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 301 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 License: ME138694 | 941-361-1100 Mitchel, Lee S.

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 1217 S East Ave, Ste 210 Sarasota, FL 34239-2356 License: ME51847 | 941-366-4015 Murchie, Brent

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-2301 License: ME126633 | 941-365-6556 Papper, Michael

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 101 Riverfront Blvd, Ste 700 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME143339 | 941-748-2417 Rahal, Kinan

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME130508 | 941-342-8892 Rascon-Aguilar, Ivan Estuardo

Gastroenterology Associates Of Manatee 1886 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4630 License: ME93817 | 941-794-1980 Rodriguez, Benjamin

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME145951 | 941-262-0400

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Florida Digestive Health Specialists 3325 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-5142 License: ME85007 | 941-952-9223 Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529 License: ME118680 | 941-538-0092 Taylor, Caren B.

Florida Digestive Health Specialists 825 Venetian Pkwy Venice, FL 34285 License: ME133740 | 941-483-5730

GENERAL SURGERY Bada, Alvaro M.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME129936 | 941-362-8662 Cordova, Alfredo C.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME129309 | 941-917-7494 Dexter, David

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group General Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5180 License: ME147949 | 941-254-6767 Erbella, Jose

Manatee Physician Alliance 714 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME84834 | 941-212-2010 Gomero-Cure, Wadi S.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 101 Nokomis, FL 34275 License: ME123960 | 941-261-2000 Halbreich, Steven L.

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Kulman, Harold L. LEGACY

Farino, Gregory C.

Mets, Joseph

Hand, John D.

Center for Hernia Repair 1435 S Osprey Ave, Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME23154 | 941-953-5917 Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME140716 | 941-341-0042 Novak, Russell W.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME41051 | 941-917-6300 Reddy, Nikalesh

Manatee Physician Alliance 714 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME144107 | 941-212-2010 Stevens, Scott

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME81483 | 941-341-0042 Willkomm, Christopher M.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 101 Nokomis, FL 34275 License: ME107405 | 941-261-2000

Schofield Hand & Bright Orthopaedics PLLC 1950 Arlington St, Ste 111 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 License: ME73110 | 941-921-2600 Sforzo, Christopher R.

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 License: ME83510 | 941-378-5100 Simmons, Sara P.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME113187 | 941-792-1404 Westawski, Daniel B.

HCA Florida | Blake Burn and Plastic Reconstruction 2020 59th St West Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME133838 | 941-567-2876

HEMATOLOGY Harandi, Amir

Yelverton, Samuel RISING STAR

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 License: ME130266 | 941-907-4737

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Kayali, Fadi

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5174 License: ME159729 | 941-254-6767

Kilts, Toni P.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1941 Waldemere St, 6th Flr Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS16909 | 941-917-8383 Long, Beverly J.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1941 Waldemere St, 6th Flr Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME146963 | 941-917-8383

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1950 Arlington St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME87228 | 941-917-6300

South, Stacey

Hernandez, Sergio E. RISING STAR

HAND SURGERY

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME159656 | 941-362-8662

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME86132 | 941-360-2233

Manatee Physician Alliance 3425 University Pkwy, Unit 102 Sarasota, FL 34243-4271 License: ME101589 | 941-746-7507

Boyette, Melissa M.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME103549 | 941-792-1404

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 License: ME106289 | 941-907-4737 Ning, Ke

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME138915 | 941-957-1000 Pelayo, Miguel

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34211-1291 License: ME100373 | 941-907-4737 Soriano, Andres O.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 5500 Pinebrook Rd, Ste 202 North Venice, FL 34275 License: ME118024 | 941-408-0500

10/8/26 1:52 PM

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Vugman, Galina

Velasco, Jon Karl D.

Kurzner, Mitchell E.

Caruso, Evan RISING STAR

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Lerner, Brad S. LEGACY

Molloy, Daniel L.

Gross, Joshua A.

Precision Health 3550 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME147263 | 341-366-4422

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME103860 | 941-200-1125

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME134564 | 941-917-7572

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Demaio, James D.

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 License: ME90472 | 941-746-2711 Farooq, Ahmed O.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Group 517 Riviera St, Ste D Venice, FL 34285-2821 License: ME91511 | 941-244-9524 Godofsky, Eliot W. LEGACY

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 License: ME65833 | 941-746-2711 Gordillo, Manuel E.

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 License: ME62215 | 941-315-6496 Kraitman, Natan

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 License: ME139743 | 941-315-6496 Mercado, Roberto A.

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 License: ME79981 | 941-315-6496 Milam, Michael W.

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME143924 | 941-746-2711

Asi, Zyad

Asterita, Ryan

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME132211 | 941-907-6016 Cohen, Louis M.

Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME58080 | 941-953-9080 Creevy, Joseph J.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME84149 | 941-371-3337 Elsishans, Phyllis

Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 License: ME84894 | 941-366-5440 Ferreira, Gregory

Premier Physicians Of Sarasota 1843 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2937 License: ME93124 | 941-951-3920 Gomez de Tavarez, Brunel

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: ME130101 | 941-917-7080 Horiuchi, Todd K.

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 License: ME46769 | 941-315-6496

Horiuchi Health Concierge Medicine 1875 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2937 License: ME83060 | 941-667-6100

Offner, Stuart A.

John, Gerald B.

Bach & Godofsky Infectious Diseases 6010 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209-5531 License: ME112752 | 941-746-2711 Offner, Lenka

Infectious Diseases Associates 1425 S Osprey Ave, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34239-2900 License: ME112744 | 941-315-6496

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Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 605 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME73663 | 941-917-8100 Kahane, Ian M.

Complete Care 3303 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-2550 License: ME139133 | 941-748-8069

Mitchell Kurner MD PA 677 N Washington Blvd, Ste 120 Sarasota, FL 34236-4241 License: ME37851 | 941-893-4595 Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME40118 | 941-953-9080 Lourie, John K.

HCA Florida Heart Attack Prevention Center 4900 Manatee Ave W, Ste 201 Bradenton, FL 34209-3859 License: ME68394 | 941-746-5200 Meyer Jr., John W.

Dr John W Meyer Jr MD 6813 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231 License: ME57727 | 941-923-5862 Mullen, Patrick S.

Precision Health 3550 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME170535 | 941-366-4422 Reichel, David T.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME79284 | 941-371-3337 Schwartz, Leslie E.

WRS Health 8936 77th Terrace E, Ste 102 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: ME112765 | 941-361-1177 Spielberg, Sheena

Precision Health 3550 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME133018 | 341-366-4422 Transleau, Manon C. RISING STAR

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 405 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME165385 | 941-917-3500 Vigil, Juan Carlos

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: OS14510 | 941-538-0001

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY Bermudez, Edmund A.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 103 North Venice, FL 34275 License: ME98576 | 941-261-0160

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 License: ME155217 | 941-917-4250 Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME149416 | 941-917-4250 Rossi, Jeffrey E.

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME142400 | 941-917-4250 Schreibman, David S.

Heart Specialists Of Sarasota 1950 Arlington St, Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34239-3513 License: ME90195 | 941-917-4250 Sedillo, Gino J.

Cardiovascular Solutions Institute 2210 61st St W Bradenton, FL 34209-5527 License: ME76343 | 941-747-8789 Yaryura, Ricardo A.

Intercoastal Medical Group 965 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2401 License: ME73423 | 941-366-1888

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE Baron, Felice

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 License: ME68815 | 941-917-6260 Matsumoto, Larry

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1888 Hillview St Sarasota, FL 34239-3605 License: ME138959 | 941-917-6260

NEPHROLOGY Bilal, Jehanzeb

Nkp-Renal Hypertension Center 3801 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME131099 | 941-922-4498 Chauhan, Veeraish

Nkp-Renal Hypertension Center 1935 Worth Ct., Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME112069 | 941-251-4031 Cho Chung Hing, Lorraine S.

Florida Kidney Physicians 1500 E Venice Ave, Ste 103 Venice, FL 34292-1663 License: ME84851 | 941-485-4700

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Ghose, Ranjan

Knego, Robert S.

Sabodash, Valeriy

Lawrence-Jackson, Janis S.

Mayer, Peter L.

Stone, David K.

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME82366 | 941-917-6585 Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 306 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: OS12060 | 941-917-8722 Patel, Bhavin

Renal Hypertension Center 517 Riviera St, Ste B Venice, FL 34285-2827 License: ME142834 | 941-488-2881 Ramamurthy, Guruswamy LEGACY

Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME57684 | 941-308-5700 Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME68105 | 941-308-5700 Tiesi, James A.

Neurospinal Associates PA 200 3rd Ave W, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME59348 | 941-794-3118 Vives, Kenneth P.

National Kidney Partners 508 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME62822 | 941-744-0024

Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME121748 | 941-308-5700

Rodriguez, Betzaida

Wang, Huan John

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME123162 | 941-917-6585 Sastry, Ashok

Florida Kidney Physicians 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 413 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME95950 | 941-917-6585 Toka, Hakan

Manatee Kidney Disease Consultants 3701 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-1711 License: ME128773 | 941-746-5840

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Cassidy, John R.

Neurosurgical Associates Cassidy & Guerin Md PA 842 Sunset Lake Blvd, Ste 302 Venice, FL 34292-7552 License: ME57567 | 941-484-3404 Farahvar, Arash

HCA Florida | Neurosurgery 600 Bird Bay Dr W Venice, FL 34285 License: ME129861 | 941-389-3875 Fine, Andrew D.

Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME69377 | 941-308-5700 6Glasser, Ryan S. Neurosurgery And Spine Specialists 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME58159 | 941-308-5700

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Center For Brain & Spine 3534 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 License: ME120232 | 941-893-2688

NEUROLOGY Cantero, Julio

Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 License: ME94218 | 941-906-7155 Concha, Mauricio

Intercoastal Medical Group 2881 Hyde Park St Sarasota, FL 34239-3228 License: ME69547 | 941-906-7155 Esparza, Francisco H.

HCA Florida | Blake Medical Specialists 2010 59th St W, Ste 3600 Bradenton, FL 34209 License: ME72147 | 941-297-6535 Gruber, Stacey

Negroski Neurology 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 530 Sarasota, FL 34233-5061 License: ME119014 | 941-487-2160 Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 607 Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME123376 | 941-262-3120 Sutherland, Dean P.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME79474 | 941-917-8900 Szabo, Zsofia

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME146951 | 941-917-8900

NEUROMUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE Barnum IV, Frederick O. RISING STAR

Karma Osteopathic 3148 Southgate Cir, Ste 2 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS17843 | 941-529-6750

NEUROPATHY Swaim, Logan

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

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Aguin, Eduardo

Lotus Women's Health 1846 Rye Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME147685 | 941-302-9977

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME151851 | 941-538-0088

Easterling, Gary W.

Hanes, Gregory

Gard, Kathryn P.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 701 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME88942 | 941-917-8900 Rotta, Francisco

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME139605 | 941-538-0088

Gulf Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology 1950 Arlington St, Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34239-3516 License: ME59922 | 941-379-6331 Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME132813 | 941-917-7888 Lichon, Jennifer

Swor Women's Care 1900 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS16126 | 941-330-8885

Lipman, Malorie

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME149928 | 941-917-7888 McCullen, Jennifer R.

Obgyn Women's Centre Of Lakewood Ranch LLC 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5185 License: ME66257 | 941-907-3008 Price, Ariella RISING STAR

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME158051 | 941-917-7888 Ramirez Nessetti, Doris

Allcare Medical Centers PC 5860 Ranch Lake Blvd, Ste 200 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-3718 License: ME101123 | 941-388-8997 Shedd-Hartman, Kelly-Anne

Swor Women's Care 1900 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3114 License: OS12471 | 941-330-8885 Shepherd, Kristen

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME109734 | 941-917-7888 Shroder, Michael M.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME33051 | 941-917-8720 Towsley, Greg A.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 802 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME68910 | 941-917-7888 Yelverton, Eden

Her Health Gynecology 6600 University Pkwy, Ste 305 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 License: ME159686 | 941-324-4966 Yenari, Jon

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME87923 | 941-379-1700

10/8/26 1:52 PM

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

ONCOLOGY Berry, Brian T.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 3630 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-2557 License: ME73368 | 941-792-1881 Chu, Luis

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME70875 | 941-957-1000 Dattoli, Michael J.

Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344 License: ME58562 | 941-957-1221 Guancial, Elizabeth

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME135035 | 941-957-1000 Konkel, Brandon D.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME140066 | 941-957-1000 Marple, Andrew RISING STAR

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME150864 | 941-200-1125 Nair, Jayan

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME104292 | 941-957-1000 Patel, Anjan J.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1941 Waldemere St, 4th Fl Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME117498 | 941-957-1000 Tandra, Pavan Kumar

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 1970 Golf St Sarasota, FL 34236 License: ME158361 | 941-957-1000

OPHTHALMOLOGY Abrams, Jody G.

Coastal Eye Institute 111 S Pineapple Ave, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34236 License: ME109729 | 941-748-1818

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|

TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Adler, Jonathan

Stelton, Chris

Banker, Tanuj P.

Strom Jr., Paul J.

Adler Eye Institute 1509 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2866 License: ME58865 | 941-753-0220 Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 License: ME123104 | 941-925-2020 Castanos Toral, Maria V. RISING STAR

Shane Retina 2401 University Pkwy, Ste 205 Sarasota, FL 34243 License: ME170793 | 941-351-1200 Friedberg, Murray

Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME59944 | 941-748-1818 Khator, Pooja

Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME93105 | 941-748-1818 Kim, Joshua W.

Center For Sight 2601 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-4504 License: ME93875 | 941-925-2020 Konkel, Courtney

The Eye Associates 2111 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS16634 | 866-865-2020 Levy, Marc H.

Sarasota Retina Institute 3400 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-7243 License: ME43426 | 941-921-5335

SK Retina 1700 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3110 License: ME125837 | 941-777-5000 Strom Eye Center 2020 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME86885 | 941-365-9700

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Middleton, Scott

Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2902 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL 34239-7117 License: ME91135 | 941-926-9100 Reuter, Todd J.

Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2130 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3803 License: ME106595 | 941-365-3388 Roemer, Scott C.

Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery 2130 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3803 License: ME133320 | 941-365-3388

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Bakos, Matthew P.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS16826 | 941-917-8525 Boubekri, Amir M. RISING STAR

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME173556 | 941-362-8662 Bright, Adam S.

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

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

Schwartz, Thomas

Cashen, David V.

Ross, Joseph

Eye Care Associates Of Sarasota 1219 S East Ave, Ste 105 Sarasota, FL 34239-2351 License: ME62433 | 941-957-4216

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME99185 | 941-792-1404

Skopis, George P.

Suncoast Orthopaedic Institute 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 License: ME113787 | 941-485-1505

Retina Group Of Florida 2601 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME162681 | 941-924-0303

Chan, David

Clare, Michael P.

Dr Michael Clare Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon 5985 Silver Falls Run, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: ME82208 | 941-951-2663 Cuff, Derek J.

Suncoast Orthopaedic Institute 3030 Executive Dr Venice, FL 34292-7556 License: ME95587 | 941-485-1505 Dillingham, Christopher L.

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5090 License: ME107087 | 941-378-5100 Dingle, Sean R.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME79112 | 941-365-0655 Ebert, Frank

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME84726 | 941-378-5100 Gordon, Michael

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2471 License: ME93449 | 941-955-6748 Greenspoon, Joshua RISING STAR

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME161895 | 941-792-1404 Harkess, John W.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME132666 | 941-792-1404 Holden, Christopher C.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 License: ME123245 | 941-917-8525 Klima, Matthew L.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: OS11307 | 941-917-8525

10/8/26 1:53 PM

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10/8/26 1:53 PM

2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Koscso, Jonathan M.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME157802 | 941-365-0655

Schafer, Steven J.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME77986 | 941-792-1404 Schofield, Brian A.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME88228 | 941-792-1404

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

Mahoney, William A.

Silverstein, Jeffrey A.

Lamar, Daniel S.

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME66743 | 941-360-2233 Moustoukas, Michael J.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME131187 | 941-365-0655 Mundy, Andrew

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 License: ME109120 | 941-360-2233 Stewart, Charles E. Jr

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233-5089 License: ME120483 | 941-378-5100

Synergy One Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 3277 Fruitville Rd, Bldg A Ste 2 Sarasota, FL 34237 License: ME149789 | 941-500-2736

Stolarski, Edward J.

Ng, Tracy

Sugar, David A.

Advanced Orthopedic Center 836 Sunset Lake Blvd, Ste 102 Venice, FL 34292 License: OS13388 | 941-497-1771 O'Daly, Andres E.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME126890 | 941-792-1404 Oettinger, Jeffrey M.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME86126 | 941-955-6748 Otte, R. Stephen

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME141436 | 941-792-1404 Pacana, Matthew J. RISING STAR

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME157260 | 941-792-1404 Page, Steven M.

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME89677 | 941-360-2233

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Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME84153 | 941-365-0655 Sugar Orthopaedics 1630 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-3108 License: ME73607 | 941-556-6900 Talluri, Nicholas

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME145397 | 941-365-0655 Thomas, Samuel E.

Advanced Orthopedic Center 836 Sunset Lake Blvd, Ste 102 Venice, FL 34292 License: OS16472 | 941-629-6262 Thomas, John

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: ME86993 | 941-362-8662 Valadie, Arthur L. LEGACY

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME71811 | 941-792-1404 Valadie, Alan L.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME70378 | 941-792-1404

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT Cicco-Brown, Christine M.

Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211 License: OS10183 | 941-538-0018 Hrelec, Candace M.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME133257 | 941-262-3301 Kelley, Benjamin

Ear Nose & Throat Associates Of Manatee 701 Manatee Ave W, Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205-8624 License: OS15670 | 941-748-2455 Kelley, Rachel L.

Ear Nose & Throat Associates Of Manatee 701 Manatee Ave W, Ste 202 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: OS16250 | 941-748-2455 Marlowe, Andrew

Marlowe Md Ear Nose & Throat 4937 Clark Rd, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34233-3252 License: ME75996 | 941-379-3277 Marrs, Chad

Marrs Ear Nose & Throat 5310 Clark Rd, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34233-1515 License: ME114119 | 941-231-1031 Mcilwain, Wesley R.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St, Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME168242 | 941-262-0500 Nayak, Neil S.

Rosenberg, Seth I.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 200 Healthcare Way, Ste 201 North Venice, FL 34275 License: ME51633 | 941-366-9222 Schwartz, Arthur

Dr Arthur Schwartz MD 8451 Shade Ave, Ste 107 Sarasota, FL 34243-2894 License: ME98734 | 941-355-2767 Tufano, Ralph P.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St, Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME150290 | 941-262-0500 Vosler, Peter S.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St, Ste 304 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME157388 | 941-262-0500

PAIN MANAGEMENT Callahan, Morgan K.

Pain Medicine Group 2621 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME144402 | 941-313-8529 Cassell, Lance S.

The Shoreline Clinic 4441 S Tamiami Trl S Sarasota, FL 34231 License: ME86655 | 941-371-5002 Constant, Douglas

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 License: ME108659 | 941-360-2233 Erb, Donald L.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: OS7114 | 941-365-0655

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239-2932 License: ME141439 | 941-366-9222

Job, Lindsey

Patete, Michael

Kola, Sandeep

Ear Nose Throat & Sinus Center 213 Palermo Pl Venice, FL 34285-2821 License: ME57749 | 941-485-7783 Phommachanh, Viengsouk

ENT & Allergy Specialists Of SWFL 2401 University Pkwy, Ste 102 Sarasota, FL 34243-2894 License: ME98812 | 941-355-2767

Restore Medical Partners 333 Tamiami Trl S, Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285-2425 License: ME119800 | 941-375-3006 OrthoMed PAin & Sports Medicine 4071 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 101 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: OS15549 | 941-371-7171 Kotcharian, Ashot

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME135327 | 941-360-2233

10/8/26 1:53 PM

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10/8/26 1:53 PM

2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Leiber, James D.

Regenexx At New Regeneration Orthopedics 5630 Marquesas Cir Sarasota, FL 34233 License: OS9810 | 941-357-1773 Nickerson Jr., Gerald L.

Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285 License: ME95990 | 941-375-3006 Ramos, Fabian

Ramos Center 100 3rd Ave W, Ste 210 Bradenton, FL 34205-8641 License: ME71496 | 941-708-9555 Raye, Justin

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: OS14621 | 941-360-2233 Satia, Paul

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME104779 | 941-365-0655

PATHOLOGY Budke-Arias, Amy J.

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Karjoo, Sara

Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 4040 Sawyer Rd, Ste A Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME116025 | 941-960-1314

PEDIATRIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT Shea, Roger M.

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

PEDIATRICS GENERAL Cocco, James R.

Lerner Cohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 814 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME89734 | 941-953-9080 Fleener, Carola LEGACY

Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg A Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 License: ME52202 | 941-923-3667 Fleener-Landy, Barbara X.

SaraPath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME112560 | 941-362-8900

Sarasota Children's Clinic 3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg A Ste C Sarasota, FL 34233-1207 License: ME112055 | 941-923-3667

Hery, Adrienne L.

Frias, Federico

Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME103571 | 941-362-8900 Stelton, Christina D.

Manatee Pathology Associates 206 2nd St E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME126862 | 941-745-7461 Warner, Christina L.

Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME106176 | 941-362-8900 Zacks, Jeffrey F.

Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239-5237 License: ME82395 | 941-362-8900

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Miller, Michelle

Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 5881 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238-5118 License: PN1348021 | 727-767-3333

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APC Pediatrics 5255 Office Park Blvd, Ste 110 Bradenton, FL 34203 License: ME87970 | 941-755-7000 Gonzalez-Abello, Lisa M.

Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 5881 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238 License: ME71260 | 727-767-8917 Good, Virginia J.

Good Pediatrics 1961 Floyd St, Ste A Sarasota, FL 34239-2931 License: ME98981 | 941-955-7337 Meyer, Ted

Pediatrica of Laurel Park 1666 Mound St Sarasota, FL 34236-7716 License: ME43654 | 941-365-5898 Sueiro, Rene

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 14405 Arbor Green Trl, Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-8409 License: ME102035 | 941-917-7080

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Tavarez, Jose A.

Papuchis, Steven M.

Weiss, Robert A.

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 8430 Enterprise Cir, Ste 130 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-4107 License: ME130063 | 941-366-3000 Weiss Pediatric Care 2201 Cantu Ct, Ste 117 Sarasota, FL 34232-6254 License: ME34530 | 941-552-8341

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Bajorek, Alexander J.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME132066 | 941-917-8561 Dejesus, Alexander

HCA Florida | Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 6400 Edgelake Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240 License: ME77137 | 941-921-8645 Diaz, Carlos

Spine Sport & Physical Medicine Center 2030 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239-6108 License: ME80337 | 941-845-0233 Dickson, Cristina

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS18044 | 941-917-8561 Hafner, Ryan C.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME156376 | 941-917-8561 Herman, Erik S.

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME72591 | 941-365-0655 Lento, Paul H.

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME90421 | 941-951-2663 Ottaviani, Laura B.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: OS7921 | 941-792-1404

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 610 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: OS17229 | 941-917-8561

Cicilioni, Orlando

Orlando Cosmetic Surgery LLC 443 John Ringling Blvd, Ste K Sarasota, FL 34236-1427 License: ME65746 | 941-388-1110 Derby, Brian M.

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 License: ME122714 | 941-203-1300 Hamwi, Kristopher B.

Florida Plastic Surgery And Medspa 5566 Broadcast Ct Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8471 License: ME135896 | 941-800-2000 Kotick, James D.

Envision Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 1561 Lakefront Dr, Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34240 License: ME121445 | 941-822-8955 Kreithen, Joshua C.

Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa 1 S School Ave, Ste 800 Sarasota, FL 34237 License: ME89315 | 941-348-1243 Lambiris, Brandon

West Coast Plastic Surgery 2677 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 3 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME148087 | 941-366-9818 Mobley, David L.

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center 2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 License: ME66996 | 941-203-1300 Rodriguez, Charles L.

Renaissance Plastic Surgery 329 Nokomis Ave S Venice, FL 34285 License: ME88067 | 941-800-4305 Royce, Jacqueline F.

Royce Plastic Surgery 357 6th Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205 License: OS8381 | 941-358-3223 Shulman, Alissa M.

Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington St, Ste 112 Sarasota, FL 34239-3508 License: ME103128 | 941-366-5476

10/8/26 1:53 PM

JAMES D. KOTICK, MD, MBA HONOREE | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

SPECIALTIES | Hand and Microsurgery | Breast and Auto Augmentation Specialist Breast and Skin Cancer Reconstruction | Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body Lymphatic Microvascular Surgery 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. 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. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Plastic surgery can make a difference in every-

day life. Breast reconstruction can help patients regain a sense of wholeness after cancer treatment. Hand surgery can improve function, while breast reduction can ease physical discomfort. Aesthetic procedures can help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance. At Envision, we start by understanding what improvement means to each person. Our goal is to connect the surgical plan to that individual priority, whether it is returning to an activity, feeling more at ease in clothing or rebuilding confidence after a difficult chapter. With a comprehensive background in advanced reconstruction, a truer understanding of the human form shapes our aesthetic and body contouring practice helping to achieve a natural and beautiful cosmetic result.

JAMES D. KOTICK, MD, MBA, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Envision Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Sarasota. A Florida native, he earned his medical degree with Research Distinction at the University of Miami, completed general surgery residency at Orlando Health, and pursued fellowship training in plastic, reconstructive, microsurgery and hand surgery at Beth Isreal / Lahey Clinic in Boston. His practice combines complex breast and skin cancer reconstruction, microsurgery and hand surgery with aesthetic and cosmetic body shaping and contouring surgery. An assistant professor of surgery at Florida State University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kotick brings a commitment to education, cutting edge research and thoughtful, individualized care to patients throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton.

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ENVISION PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 1561 Lakefront Drive | Suite 202 | Sarasota, FL, 34240 941.822.8955 | info@envisionplasticsurgery.com envisionplasticsurgery.com

10/8/26 1:53 PM

2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Spellman, Andrea

Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 License: OS13346 | 941-355-3223 Van Vliet, Michael M.

Breast Surgery of Florida 2010 59th St. W Ste 5800 Bradenton FL 34209 License: ME123837 | 941-799-1151 Widmyer, Anna

Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery 6274 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425 License: ME134153 | 941-500-3350 Wright, Harry V.

Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: ME115144 | 941-355-3223 Yan, David

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 5504 Pinebrook Rd, Ste 205 North Venice, FL 34275 License: ME124629 | 941-261-0060

PODIATRY Conti, Craig

Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: PO3244 | 941-917-6232 Cottom, James M.

Alexander Orthopaedic Associates 5911 N Honore Ave, Ste 120 Sarasota, FL 34243 License: PO3305 | 727-547-4700 Cropper, Robert M.

HCA Florida 7109 Curtiss Ave Sarasota, FL 34231 License: PO1426 | 941-922-3840 Frimmel, Robert LEGACY

Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 License: PO1919 | 941-917-6232 Graham, Jemaar

Excel Foot & Ankle 2750 Bahia Vista St, Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: PO3906 | 941-951-2663 Herbold Jr., Robert F.

Accredited Podiatry 4717 Swi Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 License: PO2764 | 941-929-1234

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Holewinski, Jean

Von Herbulis, Eric

Katz, Michael H.

Zdancewicz, Alissa

West Coast Podiatry Center 1961 Floyd St, Ste D, Sarasota, FL 34239 License: PO2825 | 941-366-2627 Restore Medical Partners 333 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 101 Venice, FL 34285 License: PO964 | 941-375-3006 Kepich, Candice A.

Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239-5243 License: PO3465 | 941-917-6232 Lasday, Stephen LEGACY

West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 License: PO2382 | 941-753-9599 Liwski, Matthew C.

West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 License: PO3826 | 941-753-9599 West Coast Podiatry Center 1611 53rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34207-2868 License: PO3140 | 941-753-9599

PSYCHIATRY Bixler, Robin

Cohen & Associates 1217 S East Ave, Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34239-2352 License: OS14917 | 941-559-8500 Cohen, Rebecca

Cohen & Associates 1217 S East Ave, Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34239-2329 License: ME112405 | 941-559-8500

Sarasota Foot Care Center 2000 Webber St, Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: PO4321 | 941-917-6232

Edlund, Matthew

Panicco, Jordan

Greeter, Stacy

AMA Health Providers 2816 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 License: PO4019 | 941-741-2030 Rell, Brian C.

Southwest Foot And Ankle 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 230 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 License: PO2993 | 941-256-3873 Saltzman, Megan

West Coast Podiatry Center 1961 Floyd St, Ste D Sarasota, FL 34239 License: PO4130 | 941-366-2627 Shanahan, Sean D.

The Podiatry Clinic 300 Riverside Dr E, Ste 2000 Bradenton, FL 34208 License: PO3134 | 941-666-5088 Shannon, Logan T.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: PO4392 | 941-316-0133 Spector, Jason

Florida Foot And Ankle Specialists 8636 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202 License: PO4062 | 941-241-5333

The Rest Doctor 1241 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME56856 | 941-365-4308 Stacy Greeter MD PLLC 2415 University Pkwy, Bldg 3 Ste 219 Sarasota, FL 34243-2809 License: ME128423 | 941-413-0834 Hollen, Jordana

Bluestone Psychiatry PLLC 5664 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 203 Sarasota, FL 34233-1504 License: ME119785 | 877-422-9355 Kosman, Jenny

Art of Psychiatry PA 2477 Stickney Point Rd, Ste 115-B Sarasota, FL 34231 License: ME117639 | 941-951-1794 La Rosa, Eduardo

Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry 2033 Wood St, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237 License: APRN9302277 | 941-677-3366 Lirio, Stephanie

Helping Families Cope 2601 Cattlemen Rd, Ste 504 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME110691 | 941-702-9978 Lorenzen, Jason A.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1540 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME135577 | 941-917-2660

Privette, Michele

Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry 2033 Wood St, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237-7927 License: RN1906052 | 941-677-3366 Thomas, Matthew P.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1650 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-2928 License: ME80452 | 941-917-7760

PULMONOLOGY Ahmad, Faisal

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME125584 | 941-379-1799 Aranibar, Richard

Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-4041 License: ME75531 | 941-362-8662 Dunn, Ryan

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME158668 | 941-379-1799 Ghamra, Ziad W.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME105061 | 941-366-5864 Ghobrial, Victor G.

HCA Florida Associates in Respiratory Medicine 250 2nd St E, Ste 3-A Bradenton, FL 34208-1027 License: ME87238 | 941-746-7444 Goedicke, Heidi R.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME123843 | 941-366-5864 Hurwitz, Kenneth M.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME63644 | 941-366-5864 Liebling, Maryjane L.

Matrix Pulmonary 2401 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 License: OS12582 | 941-744-1336 Morgan, Kisha

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME84177 | 941-366-5864

10/8/26 1:53 PM

ARUN KHAZANCHI, MD HONOREE | Gastroenterology

SPECIALTIES | Concierge Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At the heart of Dr. Khazanchi’s practice is the relationship he builds with each patient. Through his concierge medicine program with Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, he is able to offer longer visits, closer connections with patients, and a more personal approach to care. Rather than feeling rushed through an appointment, patients have time to ask questions, talk through concerns, and have meaningful conversations about their health. Dr. Khazanchi works alongside an experienced team of nurses, medical assistants, front desk staff, and management professionals who share his commitment to providing thoughtful, attentive care and creating an experience where patients feel known, heard, and supported. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? For Dr. Khazanchi, one of the greatest

benefits of concierge medicine is having the time to truly know his patients. With a smaller patient panel and the support of Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, conversations can go beyond the immediate reason for a visit to include a patient’s health history, lifestyle, goals, and concerns. That deeper understanding helps him provide care that feels personal rather than one-size-fits-all, while allowing patients to better understand their own health. Over time, that continuity builds trust and allows Dr. Khazanchi and his patients to work together toward his patients’ long-term health goals.

KNOWN FOR HIS COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING, CLINICAL EXPERTISE, AND TIRELESS WORK ETHIC, Arun Khazanchi, MD,

has made a meaningful impact on his patients. For 30 years, he has practiced with a deeply personal philosophy: Take the time to listen, understand the whole person, and be there when it matters. That philosophy led him to launch his concierge medicine program with Castle Connolly Private Health Partners. Dr. Khazanchi’s dedication was inspired early on by his mother, who was also a physician, and strengthened by his family, including his wife of 27 years, Rimi, who has been closely involved in his transition to concierge medicine, and their daughter, Mira, a Duke University graduate who shares his passion for science and discovery. Outside of medicine, Dr. Khazanchi enjoys boating, traveling, playing poker, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and giving back to his community through charities meaningful to his family.

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WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Dr. Khazanchi’s approach goes beyond treating illness to help patients stay well and plan for their long-term health. Through Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, members have access to a wellness program focused on prevention, healthy aging, and longevity, including advanced health assessments and testing that can identify opportunities to improve their health. Members can also work one-on-one with dedicated health coaches who help turn those insights into realistic changes in areas such as nutrition, movement, sleep, and overall well-being. Together, these resources complement Dr. Khazanchi’s care and give patients additional support to take a more proactive role in their health.

CASTLE CONNOLLY PRIVATE HEALTH PARTNERS 11505 Palmbrush Trail | Suite 200 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.315.6084 | ccphp.net/srq

10/8/26 1:53 PM

2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

Shah, Amit N.

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME120616 | 941-366-5864 Sheriff, Omar RISING STAR

Sarasota Memorial | First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME156983 | 941-366-5864

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Biagioli, Matthew C.

Sarasota Memorial Radiation Oncology Center 5370 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-5813 License: ME95142 | 941-917-7575 Fitch, Dwight L.

Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Rd 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 License: ME95935 | 941-220-6263 Hollen, Tyler

Sunstate Medical Specialists 3210 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-6411 License: ME119644 | 941-364-8887 Koshy, Mary

Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Rd 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534 License: ME92795 | 941-220-6263 Lawenda, Brian

Advocate Radiation Oncology 8026 S Tamiami Trl Venice, FL 34293 License: ME167833 | 941-220-6460

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY Pabon, J. E.

Fertility Center & Applied Genetics Of Florida 5100 Station Way Sarasota, FL 34233-3221 License: ME68597 | 941-342-1568

RHEUMATOLOGY Boodoo, Jesse

Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St Sarasota, FL 34239-6900 License: ME134952 | 941-365-0770

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Crager, Kenneth H.

HCA Florida | Blake Medical Specialists 2010 59th St W, Ste 2600-C Bradenton, FL 34209-3201 License: ME64188 | 941-538-5970 Guzman, Luis G.

Intercoastal Medical Group 5951 Cattleridge Ave Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME137093 | 941-366-3062 Kelley, Joe III

Intercoastal Medical Group 943 S Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-2476 License: ME85515 | 941-366-3062 Manickam, Sampath

Millennium Physician Group 8383 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 115 Sarasota, FL 34238-2901 License: ME133234 | 941-497-4069 Yonker, Richard A.

Sarasota Arthritis Center 1945 Versailles St, 2nd Flr Sarasota, FL 34239 License: OS4255 | 941-365-0770

SLEEP MEDICINE Loutfi, Rabih

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 705 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913 License: ME101610 | 941-366-5864 McConnell, Jeremy D.

Florida Sleep Specialists 5517 21st Ave W, Ste F Bradenton, FL 34209-5604 License: ME83356 | 941-792-8383 Scheer, Steven J.

Optimal Sleep Health 3900 Clark Rd, Ste B3-B4 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME90589 | 941-342-3400

SPINE SURGERY Chin, Matthew

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME145861 | 941-365-0655 Ibrahim, George S.

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME171594 | 941-360-2233

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TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Nguyen, Lam

Meredith, Kenneth

Patel, Ashvin I.

UROLOGY

Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME128077 | 941-365-0655 Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014 License: ME67502 | 941-365-0655 Ponnappan, Ravi Kumar

Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine 5831 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME178953 | 941-378-5100 Sundberg, Eric B.

Coastal Orthopedics 8000 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 License: ME120448 | 941-792-1404

SPORTS MEDICINE

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1941 Waldemere St, 6th Flr Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME102313 | 941-917-3400

Allen, Bryan

Atlas Urology 3303 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-8633 License: ME120341 | 941-324-2550 Bilik, Joseph

Sunstate Medical Specialists 1 S School Ave, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 License: ME73513 | 941-309-7000 Carey, Robert I.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME90072 | 941-917-5400

Barre, Julie

Cohen, Louis H.

Moor, John

Curtis, Gerard A.

360 Orthopedics 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Ste 450 Sarasota, FL 34233 License: ME113472 | 941-360-2233 Advanced Sports Medicine Center 2446 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3809 License: ME55341 | 941-957-1500

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME111892 | 941-379-1860 Advanced Urology of Sarasota 6130 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231 License: ME69572 | 941-271-9100

Torrance, Ron II

Greene, Kristie A.

Regenexx 5630 Marquesas Cir Sarasota, FL 34233-3331 License: OS14664 | 941-357-1773

Florida Female Urology 1617 S Tuttle Ave, Ste 1-A Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME106607 | 941-799-5753

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Herrman, Edward

Briceno, Pedro J.

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1941 Waldemere St, 6th Flr Sarasota, FL 34239 License: ME105330 | 941-917-3400 Emrani, Heidi

Breast Surgery of Florida 1720 Manatee Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME145382 | 941-757-5445 Erbella, Alexander A. RISING STAR

Manatee Physician Alliance 714 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 License: ME167989 | 941-212-2010

Urology Partners of Manatee 200 3rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME62922 | 941-421-5999 Kaplon, Daniel

Sarasota Memorial First Physicians Group 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 310 Sarasota, FL 34239-2941 License: ME104278 | 941-917-5400 Perry, Matthew J.

Sunstate Medical Specialists 1 S School Ave, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34237-6047 License: ME97146 | 941-309-7000

10/8/26 1:53 PM

KRISTOPHER HAMWI, MD HONOREE | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

SPECIALTIES | Natural Results | Face, Breast & Body | Awake Surgery Innovation

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we believe exceptional results begin with listening. Every patient has unique goals, anatomy, and expectations, which is why every treatment plan is thoughtfully customized rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Hamwi performs a full range of facial, breast, and body procedures, combining advanced surgical techniques with a conservative artistic approach that prioritizes safety, precision, and natural-looking results. While our practice has become internationally recognized for advanced awake body contouring, including awake arm lift and awake liposuction performed under local anesthesia, these specialized procedures represent just one aspect of the comprehensive care we provide. Whether a patient is seeking facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, body contouring, or nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, our philosophy remains the same: deliver beautiful, balanced results that complement each patient's natural features rather than changing who they are. For appropriately selected patients, our awake procedures offer the added benefits of enhanced precision, real-time refinements during surgery, and a more comfortable recovery experience without general anesthesia. Regardless of the procedure, every recommendation is guided by what is most likely to achieve the safest, most successful long-term outcome for that individual patient. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Plastic surgery is about much more

DR. KRISTOPHER HAMWI, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his refined surgical technique, natural-looking results, and thoughtful, individualized approach to aesthetic surgery. While he performs the full spectrum of cosmetic procedures for the face, breasts, and body, he has become especially recognized for his expertise in advanced awake body contouring, including awake arm lift and awake liposuction procedures. His education includes Georgetown University, Indiana University, Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, and an aesthetic surgery fellowship at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Hamwi has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and by RealSelf as one of the most contacted arm lift surgeons worldwide. Patients travel from across the country and around the world to Sarasota seeking his expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to achieving results that are balanced, natural, and tailored to each individual.

than changing someone's appearance. At its best, it restores confidence, improves comfort, and helps patients feel like the best version of themselves. One of the principles that defines our practice is honesty. We believe patients deserve thoughtful recommendations, realistic expectations, and the confidence of knowing their surgeon is focused on what is truly in their best interest. That means taking the time to educate patients, answer questions thoroughly, and recommend the procedure that is most appropriate for their goals, even if that means advising against surgery or suggesting a different approach. From the initial consultation through recovery, our experienced team is committed to providing personalized care, comprehensive education, and meticulous follow-up. By combining advanced surgical expertise with genuine compassion and individualized attention, we strive to create not only exceptional aesthetic outcomes but an experience that leaves every patient feeling confident, supported, and cared for throughout their journey.

FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 5566 Broadcast Ct | Sarasota, Florida 34240 941.800.2000 | connect@floridaplasticsurgery.com floridaplasticsurgery.com

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10/8/26 1:53 PM

IAN M. KAHANE, MD MBA HONOREE | Internal Medicine SPECIALTIES

| All Internal Medicine TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Complete Care is a tried

and true primary care practice. We do not just refer out for every little problem. We try to take care of the whole family and offer services not seen in most primary care practices today. From joint injections, to allergy testing, to skin dermasensors, to full service autoimmune and in house Ultrasound, Complete Care does it all!

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHER?

We are a local, family owned practice that likes to treat everyone like they are members of our family. If you come in with a positive and kind attitude, we return that kindness and positivity ten fold. We love trying to help our patients lives be easy, better, and healthier HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Complete Care really focuses heavily

on preventing disease and getting to the root cause of a disorder. If a physician just hands you a pill and doesn't explain its importance, why would anyone take it? Instead we use shared decision making with our patients to come to conclusions that actually improve health. If we can delay surgery or giving a medicine, that is always our goal.

DR KAHANE has wanted to become a physician since the age of 3.

Very few children complete grade school, middle school, high school and beyond with a singular career vision in mind. However, Dr. Kahane never wavered from his dream to become a physician. For him medicine has been a calling that landed him into the bedrock of Bradenton by becoming a part of the first ever residency class at Blake Medical Center. While there he served as Chief Internal Medicine resident. Since then he has opened Complete Care and grew it to one of the largest physician practices in Manatee County. He was also elected in 2026 to serve as one Governors on the Florida Medical Associations board, representing 22,000 physicians across the state of Florida.

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COMPLETE CARE 3007 Manatee Ave W | Bradenton FL 34205 941.748.8069 | completecaredocs.com

10/8/26 1:53 PM

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10/8/26 1:53 PM

J. DAVID HOLCOMB, MD HONOREE | Cosmetic Surgery

SPECIALTIES | Board Certified Plastic Surgeon | Cosmetic Plastic Surgery TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa has established itself as a leader in aesthetic care across Sarasota and Tampa/Carrollwood. The practice is led by three board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. J. David Holcomb, Dr. Joshua Kreithen, and Dr. Marc J. Salzman whose combined experience spans more than 80 years and 150,000+ surgeries. Designated a Castle Connolly Top Doctors Practice Center of Excellence, Holcomb-Kreithen offers comprehensive surgical services in body, breast, face, and nasal procedures, along with an extensive MedSpa menu of injectables, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation earning the trust of patients throughout the region. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

What sets Holcomb-Kreithen apart is the depth of expertise under one roof. Three board-certified plastic surgeons, each with distinct specialties, bringing a combined 80+ years of experience and over 150,000+ surgeries performed. Dr. Holcomb is double boardcertified in facial plastic surgery and has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman bring extensive breast and body expertise across tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and breast procedures. Our recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctors Practice Center of Excellence reflects a standard built on credentials, experience, and genuine continuity with patients across decades in this community. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? At Holcomb-Kreithen, we believe how patients

feel matters as much as how they look. Every consultation starts with listening and understanding what a patient hopes to achieve and helping them make an informed, unhurried decision. With three board-certified surgeons offering deep specialization across face, breast, and body, patients get expertise matched precisely to their goals, backed by decades of surgical experience. Beyond the operating room, our MedSpa services support patients seeking more gradual, non-surgical paths to renewed confidence. Ultimately, our goal is to help each patient feel more like themselves, comfortable, confident, and cared for at every step of the process.

DR. J. DAVID HOLCOMB is a double board-certified facial plastic

surgeon, certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He has practiced in Sarasota since 2000, bringing more than 26 years of experience to his patients. Dr. Holcomb helped create a targeted facial contouring procedure and specializes in facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, neck contouring, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, revision surgery, and laser skin resurfacing. A respected leader in his field, he is a past president of both the Sarasota County Medical Society and the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

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HOLCOMB KREITHEN PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 1 S. School Ave | Ste. 800 | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.365.8679 | hkplasticsurgery.com

10/8/26 1:53 PM

JOSHUA C. KREITHEN, MD HONOREE | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

SPECIALTIES | Aesthetic Breast Surgery and Body Contouring TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Kreithen’s practice is devoted to aesthetic breast surgery and body contouring, with particular expertise in breast augmentation and revision, breast lift and reduction, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, liposuction, and surgery after major weight loss. He has cared for Sarasota patients since 2004, and much of his work centers on restoring proportion after pregnancy, aging, weight change, or prior surgery. Each consultation begins with a careful examination and an indepth conversation about the patient’s goals, health, lifestyle, and expectations. Every surgical plan is tailored to the individual, with honest guidance about the likely benefits, limitations, recovery, and long-term considerations. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Patients seek Dr. Kreithen’s care because a

concern has begun to affect comfort, confidence, daily life, or self-image. He takes time to understand what each person hopes to change and why it matters, then presents options in direct, realistic terms. Perfection and someone else’s ideal are never the standard. The desired result should feel balanced and natural for the individual. Thoughtful preparation and attentive follow-up are central to the process, and patients should understand the plan as clearly as the surgeon does. Dr. Kreithen’s goal is to help patients feel more comfortable in their bodies and more like themselves. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

Experience and technical skill matter, but surgical judgment matters more. With more than 30 years in surgery and over 10,000 procedures performed, Dr. Kreithen understands when a patient may benefit from a comprehensive operation and when a simpler approach may be the better choice. He combines surgical precision, advanced imaging, high-resolution ultrasound, modern implant options, and energy assisted technology with the eye of a working artist. Technology is used only when it adds meaningful value to planning, safety, recovery, or result quality. His decisions are guided by balance, proportion, thoughtful scar placement, and how the outcome is likely to age.

DR. JOSHUA C. KREITHEN is certified by the American Board of

Plastic Surgery and has performed aesthetic surgery in Sarasota since 2004. He specializes in aesthetic breast surgery and body contouring. Dr. Kreithen has more than 30 years of surgical experience and is known for combining precise technique with an artist’s eye for proportion and extraordinary results. He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and his training culminated in a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Florida. A Castle Connolly Top Doctor and former Chief of Surgery at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, he has expertise in breast surgery, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, liposuction, and body contouring after major weight loss.

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HOLCOMB KREITHEN PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 1 S. School Ave | Ste. 800 | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.365.8679 | hkplasticsurgery.com

10/8/26 1:53 PM

JESSE BOODOO, MD HONOREE | Rheumatology

SPECIALTIES | Arthritis | Autoimmune Conditions | Osteoporosis | Rheumatic Diseases TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Sarasota Arthritis Center is a physician-led rheumatology practice providing comprehensive, compassionate care for patients with arthritis, autoimmune conditions, osteoporosis, and other rheumatic diseases. With locations in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, our experienced rheumatologists and advanced practice providers deliver personalized, evidence-based care. Our services include infusion therapy, advanced osteoporosis care, and access to clinical research and innovative treatments. For nearly 50 years, Sarasota Arthritis Center has proudly served Florida’s Gulf Coast, combining clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach focused on helping patients manage complex conditions, maintain independence, and achieve a better quality of life. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

What sets us apart is the depth of care available within one specialized practice—from experienced rheumatologists and advanced practice providers to infusion therapy, osteoporosis care, and clinical research offering access to innovative treatments. Our physicians are also committed to advancing the field through research and medical education. Across our three locations, we combine decades of expertise and leading-edge treatment options with the personalized, compassionate care of a practice deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

DR. JESSE BOODOO was born in Trinidad and earned his B.S. in

Biology, magna cum laude, from the University of Tampa. He received his M.D. from Florida State University College of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of South Carolina, and his Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Virginia. Dr. Boodoo joined Sarasota Arthritis Center in 2018 and is a Partner and rheumatologist, with patient care at the heart of his work. He also serves as a Principal Investigator for the practice’s Clinical Research Department and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, teaching medical students and residents. Outside of medicine, Dr. Boodoo enjoys spending time with family and friends, DIY projects, and woodworking.

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SARASOTA ARTHRITIS CENTERS 1945 Versailles Street | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.365.0770 | arthritiscenters.net

10/8/26 1:53 PM

JUSTIN S. LEE, MD HONOREE | Diagnostic Radiology SPECIALTIES

| Interventional Radiology | Interventional Oncology | Diagnostic Radiology TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Sarasota IR Associates is

an independent outpatient practice dedicated to interventional radiology. Dr. Lee founded the practice to bring advanced, minimally invasive procedures outside the traditional hospital setting while creating an environment where patients have more time with their care team. Patients meet directly with Dr. Lee and his clinical staff, review their imaging together and have time to understand their condition and treatment options. The practice treats conditions ranging from enlarged prostate and uterine fibroids to chronic pain and cancer, using image-guided techniques performed in a private interventional suite. All procedures are outpatient, allowing patients to return home the same day.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

Sarasota IR Associates was built around a simple idea: patients deserve time, personal attention and a clear understanding of their treatment options. As an independent practice, our team can focus specifically on interventional radiology and create a more personal experience without many of the layers that can come with a large hospital system. Patients have direct access to Dr. Lee and his clinical team, appointments allow time for questions and treatment decisions are centered on the individual patient. Our dedicated outpatient facility combines advanced imaging and interventional technology with a smaller, specialized team, allowing us to provide sophisticated care in an environment designed specifically for the procedures we perform.

JUSTIN S. LEE, MD, is a board-certified interventional radiologist and founder of Sarasota IR Associates. After beginning his medical career in surgery, Dr. Lee transitioned to interventional radiology and began his career at Georgetown University Hospital. He later spent more than a decade at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he helped build its interventional radiology program and served as Medical Director of the Department of Radiology. In 2012, Dr. Lee traveled to Brazil as part of a small group of physicians studying prostate artery embolization (PAE). He later performed Sarasota’s first PAE and established the hospital’s PAE and interventional oncology programs. Today, he brings that experience and leadership to Sarasota IR Associates, the independent practice he founded, continuing to expand access to advanced imageguided treatments.

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SARASOTA IR ASSOCIATES 2001 Siesta Dr | Suite 100 | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.777.4723 | info@sarasotair.com | sarasotair.com

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PAMELA CHAPMAN, DO, DABOM HONOREE | Family Medicine SPECIALTIES | Obesity Medicine

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Legacy Concierge Medicine is a private, in-home primary care practice serving patients throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties. We bring comprehensive medical care directly to the patient, creating an experience that is personal, convenient, and intentionally unhurried. Our care includes preventive medicine, chronic disease management, longevity and metabolic health, and coordination with specialists and other members of a patient’s care team. Seeing patients in their own environment gives us valuable context and the time to understand the full picture of their health, allowing us to provide thoughtful, highly individualized care built around their goals and lifestyle. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

What sets Legacy Concierge Medicine apart is the physicianpatient relationship. Our patients have direct access to their medical provider, longer visits, and care that is never built around a rushed office schedule. My background in family medicine, obesity medicine, medical directorship, and functional medicine allows me to look beyond a single diagnosis and consider the broader factors influencing health. We combine evidence-based medicine with a highly personalized, whole-person approach, giving patients a physician who knows their history, priorities, lifestyle, and goals—not simply their problem list. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Our goal is not simply to treat illness, but to

help patients feel healthier, stronger, and more supported. We partner closely with patients and, when appropriate, their families to navigate complex health decisions, coordinate care, identify risks early, and create realistic strategies for long-term wellness. For some, that means optimizing strength, hormones, metabolic health, or healthy aging; for others, it may mean helping an adult child navigate a parent’s care. By providing continuity, accessibility, and a physician who knows the full picture, we make healthcare feel more manageable, proactive, and personal for the entire family. PAMELA CHAPMAN, DO, is a dual board-certified physician in Family

Medicine and Obesity Medicine whose career has been shaped by a commitment to thoughtful, highly personalized care. A lifelong learner and experienced medical leader, she has built practices, served as medical director for respected senior living communities, and developed expertise in preventive medicine, metabolic health, functional medicine, and healthy aging. Dr. Chapman believes the most meaningful medicine begins with truly knowing the person behind the chart. Her approach is warm, discerning, and highly individualized, combining clinical rigor with curiosity, connection, and an appreciation for the many factors that shape a person’s health. Above all, she values the trust built with patients and the privilege of caring for them through every season of life.

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LEGACY CONCIERGE MEDICINE 6114 Manatee Ave W | Bradenton, FL 34209 941.401.1001 | legacyconciergemedicine.com

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COURTNEY R. KONKEL, DO, MS HONOREE | Ophthalmology

SPECIALTIES | Refractive Cataract Surgery | Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At The Eye Associates, I'm fortunate to provide personalized cataract care alongside specialists in optometry, retina, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. With locations throughout Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice and beyond, our patients benefit from convenient access and seamless coordination among providers. We pride ourselves on being a warm, family-oriented practice where every patient feels heard, respected, and cared for. Practicing for over a decade, I combine extensive surgical expertise with a compassionate approach. From consultation through surgery and follow-up, I take time to understand each patient’s needs and tailor treatment using advanced technology to achieve their best vision while complementing their lifestyle and personal goals. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?

Patient education is at the heart of our practice. The Eye Associates provides educational programming through our ABC7 television series, Sight For Life and So Much More, which airs Sunday mornings at 10:30am, and through community lectures, patient Q&As, and other events covering topics like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, vision correction, oculoplastics, and more. That commitment continues in my exam room. I believe patients make better decisions when they truly understand their eye health. I take time to explain conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease, discuss treatment options, and answer questions. My goal is for every patient to leave feeling informed, confident, and empowered to participate in decisions about their vision, treatment, and long-term eye health and care.

COURTNEY KONKEL, DO, MS, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist

specializing in refractive cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma care. A graduate of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, she was selected for a United States Air Force scholarship, completing her surgical and ophthalmology training through the military. Dr. Konkel later served as Chief of Ophthalmology at MacDill Air Force Base, earning multiple honors, including “Best of the Best” recognition within the Department of Defense and the Meritorious Service Medal. Now practicing at The Eye Associates, she is recognized for her expertise in advanced intraocular lens technology and innovative glaucoma treatments. Dr. Konkel has lectured nationally, including at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting and locally among her colleagues. She has a strong commitment to outstanding, patient-centered eye care.

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THE EYE ASSOCIATES 2111 Bee Ridge Road | Sarasota, FL 34239 866.865.2020 | sight4life.com

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2026 PEER REVIEW HONOREES

VASCULAR SURGERY Colvard, Benjamin

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME180689 | 941-294-5146 Edwards, Jeffrey B.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 License: ME132518 | 941-294-5146 Ghobrial, Gaby RISING STAR

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME168580 | 941-341-0042

|

TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Hershberger, Richard C.

Parrack, Inkyong K.

Kazil, Jenna

Suplee, Ryan

Lepore Jr., Michael R.

Wagner, Jason K.

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 License: ME128434 | 941-294-5146 Florida Surgical Clinic 701 Manatee Ave W, Ste 105 Bradenton, FL 34205 License: ME126038 | 727-787-4379 Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 License: ME81013 | 941-294-5146

Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 License: ME137320 | 941-294-5146 Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 License: ME124998 | 941-341-0042 Sarasota Vascular Specialists 600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422 License: ME139385 | 941-294-5146

Nair, Deepak G.

Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 License: ME99082 | 941-341-0042

MICHELLE PENNIE, MD HONOREE Dermatology and Wellness SPECIALTIES

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Dermatology

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Bliss Dermatology + Wellness provides medical dermatology, skin cancer care, Mohs surgery, cosmetic treatments, lasers, and wellness services in our Englewood and Venice offices. We take time to understand each patient’s concerns and recommend care that fits their needs and goals. Whether you’re here for a skin check, treatment for skin cancer, or help feeling more confident in your skin, our team is committed to helping you achieve healthy, radiant skin.

BLISS DERMATOLOGY + WELLNESS blissdermatologygroup.com | 941.477.4007 315 Nokomis Ave S | Venice, FL 34285

DR. MICHELLE PENNIE is one of the few double board-certified and

699 S Indiana Avenue | Englewood, FL 34223

fellowship-trained dermatologists and Mohs surgeons on the West Coast of Florida. She earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, completed medical school and residency at Emory University, and received Mohs fellowship training with Dr. George Hruza in Chesterfield, Missouri. Dr. Pennie’s expertise includes Mohs micrographic surgery, advanced reconstructions, as well as laser and cosmetic treatments.

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EMILY JILES, DO HONOREE Cosmetic Surgery SPECIALTIES Body and Facial Cosmetic Surgery

DR. EMILY JILES is a cosmetic surgeon with extensive fellowship training

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

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WHAT SETS DR JILES APART is the personal connection she

builds with each patient. She listens closely to what they want, explains what is realistically achievable, and creates a surgical plan that fits their individual body, lifestyle and goals. Dr Jiles believes the best results should look natural – not “done”- and reflect the person the patient already is. Her patients value her honesty, meticulous attention to detail, and continued involvement form the first consultation through recovery, creating an experience that feels personal, reassuring and never rushed.

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

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ANDREW MARLOWE, MD HONOREE Otolaryngology Ear Nose Throat

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?

What sets our practice apart is simple: we still believe medicine starts and ends with a human connection. Every call is answered by a real person, every patient is given the time and attention they deserve, and every visit is grounded in genuine empathy and respect. We don't rush relationships — we build them, one conversation at a time. That commitment to personal, compassionate care is why our patients keep coming back, and why they've recognized us with honors like "Most Compassionate Doctor," "Most Highly Regarded Doctor in Google Reviews," and a Lifetime Achievement Award. For us, those awards reflect one thing: patients who feel truly cared for.

SPECIALTIES Otolaryngology Aesthetics Audiology Hearing Instrument Dispensing ENT

CENTER FOR HEARING

DR. MARLOWE is both healer and scientist, recognized as Sarasota's go-to ENT specialist for over 28 years. Patients receive compassionate, high-quality care

from a friendly, professional staff. His biomedical engineering background, combined with medical and surgical expertise in the hearing system, uniquely qualifies him to offer every hearing loss solution — surgery, hearing aids, and implantable devices. He's also built Sarasota's true med spa, with hands-on physician involvement, an aesthetic eye, and proven safety, all aimed at helping patients feel better.

MARLOWE MD ENT 4937 Clark Rd. | Ste. 101 | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.379.3277 | jemarlowe@entaaf.com marlowemd.com

JULIO E. PABON, MD, F.A.C.O.G. HONOREE Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility TOP DOCTOR SINCE 2013 SPECIALTIES Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

JULIO E. PABON, MD, FACOG, is a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor College of Medicine, He completed his OB-GYN residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, and completed fellowship training at the University of Louisville. Dr. Pabon’s research advanced embryo-culture technology. He is the father of 2 young men, has been married 37 yrs, and enjoys Sarasota life.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Julio E. Pabon, MD, FACOG is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist serving Florida’s Gulf Coast. With decades of experience in fertility diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Pabon provides individualized care for patients pursuing parenthood. His practice offers comprehensive infertility evaluation and treatment, including IVF, preimplantation genetic testing, fertility preservation, treatment for female and male infertility, and outpatient microsurgical tubal reversal. Dr. Pabon’s program achieved its first pregnancy following preimplantation genetic screening in 2000 and is among the region’s most experienced centers for advanced reproductive genetic services. Dr. Pabon is committed to combining leading reproductive technologies with compassionate, personal care.

FERTILITY CENTER & APPLIED GENETICS OF FLORIDA 5100 Station Way | Sarasota, Florida 34233 941.342.1568 | geneticsandfertility.com

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MICHAEL CAIRE, MD HONOREE Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES Gastroenterology

DR. MICHAEL CAIRE is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Bradenton specializing in colorectal cancer screening and esophageal disorders. He completed his internal medicine residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was named Most Outstanding Senior Resident. Dr. Caire earned his medical degree and completed his gastroenterology fellowship at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, serving as Chief Fellow and earning induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is a well-accomplished author.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?

Suncoast GI Associates works to improve the lives of our patients in our region while expanding access to care. In the last year, we have done so to help meet the needs of our community. Manatee County is rapidly growing, and this has placed an increased demand on the limited number of gastroenterologists in the area. I have fostered close relationships with community providers to effectively coordinate care for our patients and beyond.

SUNCOAST GI ASSOCIATES 101 Riverfront Blvd. | Suite 700 | Bradenton, FL 34205 p: 941.748.2417 | f: 941.748.3694 | FDHS.com

RICARDO LÓPEZ-VALLE, MD HONOREE Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES Gastroenterology

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?

In my practice, I recognize that digestive health care should be individualized. This entails careful listening to the patient's concerns. I encourage open discussion in the clinic rather than having the patient follow the doctor's directives without question. Nothing in medicine should be "one size fits all.” With this in mind, we recognize that to arrive at a solution, it is very important for me to make sure that the patients understand the how and the why behind our recommendations.

VENICE GASTROENTEROLOGY 825 Venetian Pkwy | Venice, FL 34285 p: 941.483.5730 | f: 941.483.5740 | FDHS.com

DR. LÓPEZ-VALLE was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He treats comprehensive digestive health and liver disorders, with a special interest in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). He is fluent in English and Spanish.

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BETZAIDA (BETSY) RODRIGUEZ HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? The Nephrology treatment provided to our

HONOREE Nephrology and Internal Medicine

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.

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.

FLORIDA KIDNEY PHYSICIANS 1921 Waldemere St | Ste 413 | Sarasota, Fl, 34239 941.917.6585 | flkidney.com

VIVEK KUMAR, DO FACC FSCAI HONOREE Cardiology SPECIALTIES Interventional Cardiology General Cardiology Nuclear Cardiology

is a full service cardiovascular practice located in Lakewood Ranch, serving Lakewood Ranch Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital. The office offers cardiac and vascular ultrasound imaging, stress testing, cardiac PET, holter and event monitoring, pacemaker/ICD/loop recorder monitoring. Dr. Kumar’s team includes highly qualified Nurse Practitioners with many years of experience in Cardiovascular Medicine. The HeartCare staff provides compassionate, high quality care with the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE The goal of HeartCare Consultants is to treat every patient with a care plan that brings them peace of mind with a knowledge and understanding of the

DR. VIVEK KUMAR is board certified in General, Interventional and Nuclear Cardiology. He received his degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA and completed his residency with Western Pennsylvania Hospital and Cardiovascular Fellowships with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Western Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Kumar performs diagnostic and interventional cardiac catherizations, high risk PCI, pacemakers and ICD implantation and replacement, peripheral vascular intervention, loop recorder implantation, pulmonary embolism and DVT intervention and management. HeartCare

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HEARTCARE CONSULTANTS 9423 Town Center Pkwy | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.907.8951 | srqheartcare.com

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MICHAEL FOSS, DO TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Luminary Dermatology

HONOREE Dermatology

is a comprehensive dermatology practice dedicated to providing exceptional medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin care across Florida. Our team combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized, patient-centered approach, offering services ranging from routine dermatologic care and skin cancer detection to Mohs surgery, advanced treatments, and cosmetic dermatology. With multiple convenient locations and a commitment to innovation, quality, and compassionate care, Luminary Dermatology strives to help every patient achieve healthier skin while providing an experience built on trust, expertise, and individualized attention.

SPECIALTIES Dermatology Mohs Surgery Cosmetic Dermatology

MICHAEL G. FOSS, DO is a double board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, with expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstructive techniques. Known for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach, Dr. Foss combines advanced dermatologic care with a commitment to excellent clinical outcomes. He has contributed to published dermatology research and brings extensive training and experience to Luminary Dermatology, providing comprehensive care for a wide range of skin conditions. Color

Grayscale

Grayscale

LUMINARY DERMATOLOGY, PA 2032 Hawthorne St. | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.926.6553 | info@luminarydermatology.com luminarymedicalgroup.com

Black and white

CHAD MARRS, MD MARRS MARRS HONOREE Ear, Nose and Throat EAR, NOSE EAR, NOSE & THROAT SPECIALTIES

& THROAT

MARRS

MARRS

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. In 1997, he received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed an otolaryngology residency at the University of Tennessee – Memphis in 2003. He then practiced in Kansas City before he and his family moved to sunny Sarasota in 2013. Family, friends and patients from allMARRS over the Gulf Coast wereChad thrilled when Dr. Marrs opened his private Marrs MD practice in 2023. Dr. Marrs is on the cutting edge of medical technology with EAR, NOSE & THROAT

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the latest being Inspire, a mask-free treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that gives patients the freedom to dream. Our thriving audiology and hearing aid practice is led by Jennifer Duncan, AuD, whom Dr. Marrs considers the finest audiologist he has ever worked alongside. He is driven by a patients first philosophy and desire to listen. Dr.Marrs has an exceptional team that provides personal and professional care from the very first phone call through their entire experience. In his spare time, Dr. Marrs enjoys spending time with his family exploring the sun and sands of Florida, smoking meats harkening back to his Kansas City days, watching his favorite sports teams, collecting animation art, and enjoying fine dark chocolate. Marrs Ear, Nose & Throat is a beautifully designed office, 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

4901 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 231-1031

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MARK D'AGOSTINO, MD, MS, MSc HONOREE Psychiatry SPECIALTIES Psychiatry Addiction Medicine

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.

DR. D'AGOSTINO is Board Certified in Psychiatry, with a subspecialty in

Addiction Medicine. He specializes in medication management and psycho-therapy 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 CBT for insomnia and EMDR for PTSD. Licensed in multiple states, he sees patients in person or remotely in FL, NC, NY, MA, CO and CT.

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MD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, PLLC 1343 Main Street | Suite 706 | Sarasota, FL 34236 203.441.7374 | mdagostino@mdbehavioral.health mdbehavioral.health

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CHARLES L. RODRIGUEZ, MD HONOREE Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

RENAISSANCE PLASTIC SURGERY is the practice of Charles L. Rodriguez,

M.D., a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon proudly serving Venice and the Southwest Florida community. With a unique blend of surgical expertise and genuine compassion, Dr. Rodriguez focuses on helping patients feel confident, restored, and whole. He offers everything from aesthetic surgery and injectables to skin cancer removal and reconstructive plastic surgery. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, and every patient is treated like family. Dr. Rodriguez has been serving the Venice community for 23 years. Most of Dr. Rodriguez's patients are referrals, showing that the community of Venice recommends and trusts his care and results. From breast augmentation and liposuction to facelifts and body contouring, our practice offers a comprehensive range of surgical procedures tailored to meet your individual needs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Rodriguez is a boardcertified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 15 consecutive years and has been featured repeatedly in Sarasota Magazine for his excellence in plastic surgery. Known for his meticulous technique and thoughtful approach, Dr. Rodriguez specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, delivering results that are refined, natural-looking, and tailored to each patient. A graduate of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Rodriguez completed his general surgery residency at North Shore University Hospital, followed by a plastic surgery fellowship at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He maintains hospital privileges at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital–Venice Campus, and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. Patients throughout Southwest Florida trust Dr. Rodriguez for his expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to exceptional outcomes and personalized care.

RENAISSANCE PLASTIC SURGERY, PA 329 Nokomis Avenue South | Suite K and M | Venice, FL 34285 941.800.4305 | charlesrodriguezmd@gmail.com charlesrodriguezplasticsurgeryvenice.com

REBECCA S. COHEN, MD Adult Psychiatry Psychopharmacology Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? I have always approached patient care by recognizing that each person's experience is shaped by a unique combination of biological, psychological, and life circumstances. Our goal at Cohen & Associates is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where patients feel heard, informed and empowered in their care. Together, we work to relieve current challenges while building a path toward greater health and well-being. Today, Interventional Psychiatry offers some of the most innovative and rapidly acting treatment options available, and my clinical team is proud to help make these advances accessible.

DR. COHEN is an interventional psychiatrist specializing in adult

REBECCA S. COHEN, MD

HONOREE Psychiatry SPECIALTIES

psychopharmacology and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. She also serves as Medical Director of HOPE Therapeutics, where she works with healthcare innovators to establish state-of-the-art clinics throughout Florida and across the country. For more than a decade, Cohen & Associates has been a trusted leader in clinical psychiatry, providing innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based care to patients throughout our region.

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1217 South East Avenue | Suite 201 | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.559.8500 | drrebeccacohen.com

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DAVID A. SUGAR, MD, PA HONOREE Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Orthopaedics

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Our office provides patient

care that is individualized for each of our patients. Delivering a concierge level of attention and service, we are able to treat every patient as if they were a member of our own family. Our Orthopaedic services are offered for patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric. Dr. Sugar is humbled by this honor as a “Top Doctor”, and he is grateful for the support he receives from his amazing team.

DAVID A. SUGAR, MD is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

specializing in Pediatric and Adult Orthopaedic care. He has been practicing as an Orthopaedist for 30 years. In addition to providing patient care in Sarasota, Dr. Sugar is proud of the work he has done for those in need in Haiti, regularly traveling there since 2010. He currently hosts UnProcessed Sugar, a podcast designed to share information on achieving and maintaining good health.

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DAVID A. SUGAR, MD, PA 1630 S. Tuttle Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.556.5326 | davidsugarmd.com

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ALISSA M. SHULMAN, MD HONOREE Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES Plastic Surgery

SOVEREIGN PLASTIC SURGERY

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?

Dr. Shulman is "down to earth" and "kindly honest" She prioritizes surgical risks, expected outcomes, and overall "cost". She has spent her life studying the human form, with attention to how it ages. In practice for almost 30 years, she has educated thousands of patients as to what can and cannot be "fixed" and helped them find their own best potential. As a sculptor (Bachelor of Fine Arts), she applies her knowledge to fat grafting to expertly sculpt the body. She believes that a patient's time is just as valuable as hers; and is easily accessible--before and after surgery.

SARASOTA

DR. SHULMAN is a board-certified plastic surgeon-- M.D. from SUNY

Buffalo, General Surgery Resident at University of Texas, Plastic Surgery Fellow from Medical College of Ohio. After practicing in Indiana, she established Sovereign Plastic Surgery in 2009. She distinguished herself at SMH as Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, Chief of Plastic Surgery and Physician of the Year. She served as President of Sarasota Medical Society and Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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SOVEREIGN PLASTIC SURGERY 1950 Arlington Street | Suite 112 | Sarasota, FL 34239 p: 941.366.5476 | f: 941.366.5477 | Char@sovereignps.com sovereignps.com

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DAVID CHAN, MD 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.

HONOREE Orthopaedic Surgery SPECIALTIES Hand Surgery Endoscopic Carpel Tunnel Release Wrist Arthroscopy

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS? We believe the

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.

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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ADAM S. GREENBERG, MD, FAAD HONOREE Dermatology SPECIALTIES

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Skin Cancer Surgery All diseases of the skin, hair and nails Fillers and Botox, Dysport Laser Treatments Aesthetician Medical Grade Skincare Products

ADAM S. GREENBERG, MD, FAAD is a double Board-Certified Dermatologist

and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon and medical director of Sunshine State Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Venice and North Port, Florida. With 25 years of experience, he specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, and general dermatology. Dr. Greenberg earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine and completed his dermatology training at the University of Miami. He and his team provide compassionate, personalized, family-oriented care for patients of all ages.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Sunshine State Dermatology

and Skin Cancer Center provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care to patients throughout Southwest Florida. With locations in Venice and North Port, our physician-owned practice is dedicated to delivering expert, personalized care in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Led by Adam S. Greenberg, M.D., FAAD a double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, our team specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, general, and cosmetic dermatology. We are committed to building lasting relationships with our patients and referring physicians while providing compassiona te, advanced care for patients of all ages. Call today to schedule your annual skin check or cosmetic consultation! Accepting new patients!

SUNSHINE STATE DERMATOLOGY AND SKIN CANCER CENTER 1415 East Venice Avenue | Venice, FL 34292 12497 Tamiami Trail S | Suite 1 | North Port, FL 34287 941.282.3376 | sunshinestatederm.com

HEIDI K. ANDERSON, MD HONOREE Dermatology SPECIALTIES Dermatology

DR. HEIDI ANDERSON has reached a stage in her career where her love of medicine and teaching combined with desire to be a lifelong learner, naturally come together. Her goal is not only to treat patients, but to educate and empower them to better understand their skin and participate in their care. Her interest in medicine began even before her years at Princeton University, where she majored in Molecular Biology and developed a passion for research. She went on to Wake Forest University School of Medicine, followed by residencies in pediatrics and dermatology at the University of Cincinnati. After owning her own dermatology practice for 15 years, Dr. Anderson continues to focus in clinic on what has always mattered most to her: providing thoughtful, individualized medical and surgical dermatologic care and building lasting relationships with her patients.

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HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? The Art & Science of Healthy Skin" encompasses

how I approach both the practice and study of dermatology. My goal is to educate and engage my patients while providing compassionate, comprehensive care. I strive to be an attentive listener and a skilled diagnostician-and, just as important, to explain causes, treatment options and lifestyle options. Over the years, I have learned the value of accessibility, accountability and thorough communication. I also added in a supportive way to e ducate through our website, articles and handouts. The SarasotaManatee community has given me wonderful opportunities to share what I have learned and give back, from community skin cancer screenings, sun-safety education and active volunteerism.

SKIN VITALITY MD AT UNIVERSITY PARK DERMATOLOGY UPDerm | 5489 Lena Rd. | Bradenton, FL 34211 941.360.2477 | SkinVitalityMD.com | UPDerm.com

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DAVID S. SAX, MD HONOREE Dermatology 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.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At University Park 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. "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." Founded over 20 years ago, Dr. Sax continues to expand his practice and is proud to be serving South Sarasota with the newest location in Gulf Gate.

UNIVERSITY PARK DERMATOLOGY AND MEDICAL SPA NEW! Gulf Gate: 3231 Gulf Gate Drive | Unit 105 | Sarasota, FL 34231 Sarasota: 8451 Shade Avenue | Unit 205 | Sarasota, FL 34243 Lakewood Ranch: 5489 Lena Road | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941.360.2477 | upderm.com

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HARRY WRIGHT, MD HONOREE Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES

Facial Plastic Surgery Otolaryngology

Tell Us About Your Practice. Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery is

a highly-acclaimed facial plastic surgery practice dedicated to personalized aesthetic treatments. Dr. Spellman and Dr. Wright are nationally-renowned experts in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and they leverage their extensive experience and artistic intuition to help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS?

DR. HARRY WRIGHT is a double Board-certified, fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon who brings two decades of experience to Florida and, increasingly, to patients across the nation. He earned his medical degree on scholarship from the Medical College of Virginia, completed residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Tampa, Florida. Known for his precision and artistry, Dr. Wright has built a reputation for exceptional results in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation & reconstructive surgery. His patients consistently praise his exacting results and thoughtful, unhurried approach, taking the time to understand each individual’s goals when developing a surgical plan, and standing by his patients through every step of recovery. Whether refining facial aesthetics or restoring function after trauma, he approaches every case with the same goal: nothing less than exceptional results, delivered with kindness & compassion.

Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery takes a personal and educational approach to each patient’s treatment. Patients who understand their options, and every aspect of the treatment have a significantly better experience before, during, and after surgery. To that end, our surgeons offer extended consultations to discuss your concerns, highlight the possible treatment options, and describe every aspect of the treatment process and recovery. We also support you through every stage of your aesthetic journey to ensure optimal care.

WRIGHT SPELLMAN PLASTIC SURGERY 6310 Health Park Way | Suite #110 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.355.3223 | dr.hvwright@gmail.com wrightspellman.com

ANDREA SPELLMAN, DO, FACS HONOREE Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery SPECIALTIES

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Facial Rejuvenation Surgery Rhinoplasty and Nasal Surgery Minimally Invasive Facial Aesthetics

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS? At Wright Spellman

Plastic Surgery, Facial aesthetics are our specialty. Our fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons bring an understanding of facial anatomy, function and aesthetics to every treatment. From Facial Rejuvenation surgery and Rhinoplasty to physician performed injectables, advanced laser treatments, medical spa services and medical grade skincare, we offer a comprehensive approach to facial aesthetics. We believe that exceptional results begin with listening. Every patient has unique features, goals and concerns, so treatment should never feel "one size fits all". Our goal is not to make patients look unrecognizable, but to create refined, natural results that enhance their individuality and help them look and feel their best.

DR. ANDREA SPELLMAN is a board-certified, fellowship-trained facial

plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a distinction reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of surgical care and professionalism. With more than a decade of surgical experience, her practice focuses on facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck, including facelift and neck lift surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid and brow surgery, and minimally invasive facial aesthetics. She is known for an individualized approach and refined, natural-looking results designed to enhance rather than change a patient's unique features. Her approach to facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty combines meticulous surgical planning with an eye for balance and proportion, creating results that feel natural and distinctly personal.

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WRIGHT SPELLMAN PLASTIC SURGERY 6310 Health Park Way | Suite #110 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.355.3223 | info@wrightspellman.com wrightspellman.com

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