Chloe Crnojevich (on L.Spa): L. Spa has the best and most knowledgeable skincare staff that not only makes you feel relaxed, but their treatments really make a difference in your skin. These girls have a passion for skincare, and it shows. Diane Lane (on The Face of Paris): A French facial with luxurious French products. All I can say is, “Oui, c’est bon et ooooh la la.” Lynne OKeefe (on Fresh Salon): Two fabulous aestheticians. Kind, welcoming and extremely good at their craft. Platinum Winner- L.Spa / Gold WinnerThe Face of Paris / Silver Winner- Sarasota Facial Aesthetics / Bronze Winner- Fresh Salon & Spa.
CONSUMER SERVICES BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Sarasota Ford SARASOTA FORD cruised to an easy victory in
this reader contest, lapping the competition in Platinum. But in the Gold position, WILDE LEXUS OF SARASOTA secured its own luxury spot on the podium, followed by sister dealership WILDE HONDA SARASOTA in Silver. Manatee County made a showing on the track, with GETTEL TOYOTA OF BRADENTON clocking in with a Bronze finish. Honorable Mentions got to Sunset Subaru and Gettel Toyota of Lakewood Ranch.-JO Steve Schwalbe (on Wilde Lexus): I bought a new Lexus in January 2020, and the experience was awesome. No pressure, very helpful salesman, very fair deal. I have used them for years to service an older Lexus, and they have always been great in service too. Sandi VanSickle (on Wilde Honda): We purchased a used Nissan that we spotted on their lot. We were treated as if we were buying a brand new vehicle. No-hassle, best price, couldn’t have been happier. The salesperson stayed in contact with us well after we drove off the lot. Very nice, to the point we waited for him to get off work and bought him dinner—couldn’t have asked for more. Duy Steinbock (on Wilde Honda): I did purchase a vehicle from Wilde Honda, and the experience overall was really great. It didn’t feel like it took forever to make the purchase itself, the test drive was amazing and really let me see the highlights of the technology of the car, and all the maintenance done by their service department is easy to schedule and performed thoroughly. Platinum Winner- Sarasota Ford / Gold Winner- Wilde Lexus of Sarasota / Silver Winner- Wilde Honda of Sarasota / Bronze Winner- Gettel Toyota of Bradenton.
BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSE
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Nothing quite captures the beauty of Florida’s lush landscape and sunshine than perfectlymanicured golf courses studding the state. Electric green grass, pristine white flags and rays of light bouncing off silver clubs make this sport instantly picturesque. LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB scored a hole in one in Platinum, while SARA BAY COUNTRY CLUB earned the Gold.
THE CONCESSION put the tee in Silver and THE FOUNDERS CLUB was par for the course at Bronze.
Almost making it onto the green this year were the Honorable Mentions, University Park Country Club and Serenoa Golf Club. -AC John and Cathy Schweppe (on Sara Bay Country Club): Best little private golf club in the area. Designed by Donald Ross and established in 1926, it’s only ten minutes from downtown SRQ and maybe twenty minutes from the barrier islands. The small number of members ensures no wait for tee times all day, every day. The golfing activities and the full range of social events throughout the year together with robust reciprocal arrangements complete the package—a rare opportunity to belong to and play one of the top golf courses in Florida. Bailee Brandt (on Serenoa Golf Club): This small little gem is a great course for all golfers, from beginner to professional. Just east of I-75, it is easily accessible and provides a glimpse of all FL wildlife. Platinum Winner- Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club / Gold Winner- SaraBay Country Club / Silver Winner- The Concession / Bronze Winner- The Founders Club.
BEST SAILING / BOATING CLUB Sarasota Sailing Squadron
For those with the horizon on their mind and a yearning to see beyond the shore, sailing is a great way to explore Florida’s waters. Carried by the wind and a great test of skill, these local clubs easily sailed into the top spots. SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON will definitely have cause for sail-ibration in Platinum, while SARASOTA YACHT CLUB takes Gold. LONGBOAT KEY CLUB MOORINGS ties the knot for Silver, and our readers went craysea about Bronze winner BRADENTON YACHT CLUB. Another boat-ally great choice is Honorable Mention, Key Sailing. -AC Diane Lane (on Sailing Squadron): The Luffing Lassie has the most wonderful group of women who support their incoming sailors in the most kind and loving way. They make learning to sail a complete pleasure. Tim Rocklin (on Bradenton Yacht Club): The 75-year-young Bradenton Yacht Club (BYC) is renowned in the Florida boating community as one of the friendliest anywhere. No pretense, no stuffiness, just a welcoming, family-friendly club with top-notch modern facilities, a terrific menu, Olympic-sized heated pool, and a view to die for. Hundreds of feet of transient dock space are available for visitors, and BYC’s dock-side Tiki Bar is very casual and pet-friendly to boot. It may be a well-kept secret, but its members love it! Platinum Winner- Sarasota Sailing Squadron / Gold WinnerSarasota Yacht Club / Silver Winner- Longboat Key Club Moorings / Bronze Winner- Bradenton Yacht Club
BEST LOCAL VETERINARIAN Animal Health Center
As one of the most voted-for categories in the competition, it’s clear the community holds veterinarians to a high pedigree. And having spent
more quality time quarantined with our pets this past year, working from home and trading nights out downtown with cuddle sessions on the couch, we feel closer than ever to our pets. Coming in Platinum as the top dog is ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER. In Gold is SARASOTA ANIMAL HOSPITAL and Silver, CLARK ROAD ANIMAL CLINIC. BAY ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL snags Bronze while Forest Lakes Animal Clinic just missed the ranking but deserving of Honorable Mention. -BM Hallie Harris (on Animal Health): We absolutely love Animal Health Center. Every time we have needed them for our animal babies, they have provided efficient, compassionate and affordable care. We have been SO thankful for them in good and tough times for our fur babies. There is no one we trust more! Ann Potenza (on Sarasota Animal): Sarasota Animal Hospital has been our pets’ veterinarian for the past seven years. The vets and their staff are always so caring and professional. Platinum Winner- Animal Health Centre / Gold Winner- Sarasota Animal Hospital / Silver WinnerClark Road Animal Clinic / Bronze Winner- Bay Road Animal Hospital.
BEST PET RESORT AND BOARDING Bayside Pet Resort
Pet owners don’t leave their precious pets with just anyone. Our voters take great consideration in who they choose to bring their furry family members to pet-sit while out of town. BAYSIDE PET RESORT took Platinum by a long shot while POOCHIE’S PAMPERED PUPS snuggled into Gold. DOGGY RESORT SRQ tailed in Silver, BRADENTON DOGSTARS raised its paw to Bronze while Fetch Pet Care of Sarasota rallies with an Honorable Mention. -BM Ann Potenza (on Bayside): Our dogs have been going to Bayside Pet Resort and Spa for seven years. They are always well cared for. The services offered are exceptional. Sammy especially loves the quality ball throwing he gets and can’t wait to get in the door. Bayside is kept exceptionally clean. Diane Lane (on Doggy Resort): Jason Beasley, in his British manner, brings dog boarding and dog training to a splendid level. The dogs love being there as much as he enjoys hosting and training them. Jason was really great about taking my grand pups at the last minute so my girls and I could get away for a weekend excursion. I love that he posts on Instagram, so we get to see their sweet smiles. Platinum Winner- Bayside Pet Resort / Gold WinnerPoochie’s Pampered Pups / Silver Winner- Doggy Resort SRQ / Bronze Winner- Bradenton Dogstars.
BEST LOCAL PET SUPPLY STORE Wet Noses Sarasota
When it’s time to run to the pet store to grab some more kibble and bones, our readers head to these local pet lover retailers. WET NOSES SARASOTA keeps bellies full, nails clipped and tails wagging in Platinum. DOGPERFECT claims the Gold position. THREE DOG BAKERY & GROOMING knows who’s srq magazine_ APR21 live local | 111