SRQ Magazine | February 2022 | Engaging With the Titans of Business

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Contents

february 2022

friendly skies

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Two years after a pandemic reduced passenger traffic to nearly nothing, SRQ International Airport just closed a record year. Now there’s a $60 million expansion with a new terminal opening soon. Written by Jacob Ogles | Photography by Wyatt Kostygan

medical advance

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Even as it faces a public health crisis, Sarasota Memorial Hospital reached upward and outward in 2021, serving the community in more places and ways than ever before.Written by Jacob Ogles | Photography by Wyatt Kostygan

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SRQ Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo on the tarmac, photo

by Wyatt Kostygan.

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contents

february 2022

MARKETING FEATURES 13 BRANDSTORY STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA SARASOTAMANATEE 31

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TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES MORTON’S MARKET SARASOTA TROPHY IN CONVERSATION LEGAL INSIGHTS IN ESTATE AND FAMILY LAW WITH TOP ELITE ATTORNEY NATAYLA EVANS OF YOUR FAMILY MATTERS LAW FIRM.

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Vital Wetsuits brings sustainable, 2mm warmth for female surfers battling those cold-front spells.

Get lost in a hardbound at Bookstore1’s new space, where print lives on bigger than before.

culture city

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Music Director Bramwell Tovey will write Sarasota Orchestra’s next chapter—and his own as well. Tenor William Davenport

returns to Sarasota Opera House for Donizetti’s romantic comedy ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’.

cargo

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Find a golden pop of spring in popcorn-colored goods.

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Grecian blues reign supreme at Kefi Streetside Cafe’s walk-up window, where Mediterranean-inspired coffee and cuisine bring joy

TOP ELITE ATTORNEYS 67 SPECIAL SECTION SECOND PRINTING OF TOP ATTORNEYS 2021 Explore the 2021 Top Elite Attorneys Peer-Review Program Honorees in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. In this edition’s In Conversation, we hear from Natayla Evans of Your Family Matters Law Firm on their insights in family law.

to the everyday. Cracking open some flagship beer cans from our hyper-local breweries and craft taprooms.

giving coast 60 Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Barbara Van Essen sparks the [camp]fire for young, underprivileged girls.

The pandemic expanded the number of students turning to telehealth for mental health care.

Cover: David Verinder and Lorrie Liang of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare, photography by Wyatt Kostygan. This page: Popcorn-inspired Popcorn-inspired goods, Kefi’s Streetside Café and Vital Wetsuits, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

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FEBRUARY 2022 CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF

LISL LIANG VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Wyatt Kostygan MANAGING + BRANDED CONTENT EDITOR

Barbie Heit

SRQ MEDIA ADVERTISING GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x1 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x2

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE

Chloe Cuyler CONTRIBUTING SENIOR EDITORS

Andrew Fabian, Phil Lederer, Brittany Mattie, Jacob Ogles CONTRIBUTING EDITORS AND ARTISTS

Chris Leverett, Abby Weingarten, Woody Woodman DESIGN CONTRIBUTOR Winona Nasser EDITORIAL + DESIGN INTERNS Grace Castilow, Nilyana Rodriguez, Emma Tufano EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Ashley Ryan Cannon DIGITAL MARKETING + ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Hannah Peterson SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES

Suzanne Munroe Julie Mayer Magnifico Rob Wardlaw BRANDED CONTENT AND SOCIAl MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kellianne Hoton CLIENT SERVICES ASSOCIATE

Gabriella Alfonso

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: the Monday Business Edition, the Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, the 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.

LOCAL PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, LIVING LAKEWOOD, ROCKETKIDS, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE, SRQ ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS PROGRAM, SRQ HOME & DESIGN, SHE ROARS, LIVING BRADENTON AREA, LOVE LOCAL GUIDEBOOK AND SRQ DAILY.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print 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. 25, Issue 242 Copyright © 2022 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Locall. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.

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B R A N D S T O R Y

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B O LD LY LEAD I N G AS TH E R E G I O N’S FI R ST C H O I C E I N H I G H E R E D U CATI O N

State College of Florida, Venice Campus

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA MANATEE-SARASOTA Thousands of students make the choice each year to pursue higher education at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). They come from a wide array of ages, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their lives are at different stages with varying circumstances. SCF is boldly leading as the region’s first choice in higher education for these students. “At SCF, we will always do what we say, deliver on our promises and provide a strong return on investment for our students, donors and taxpayers.” – Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, President

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SCF, WE’RE EVERYONE’S COLLEGE©

FIRST-TIME-IN-COLLEGE STUDENTS A graduating high school senior who needs to save money can affordably enroll at SCF with the confidence they will be well prepared to reach their long-term educational goals.

WORKING PROFESSIONALS

SCF OFFERS STUDENTS THE FLEXIBILITY OF “COLLEGE WHEN YOU CAN, THE WAY YOU WANT.” With campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and a future Parrish campus, along with online learning, everyone can find a time and place to improve their life and career with education. Classes are available throughout the year with staggered star t dates, accelerated completion timelines, evening and weekend options, and online courses with the choice of self-paced or live instruction. Work, family and personal commitments can be real obstacles to students. The array of flexible class times gives students control over how education can fit their schedule.

SCF has a proud six-decade history of offering highly acclaimed two-year degrees to prepare students for continuing their education at a university or to jumpstar t their career. As a state college, SCF provides more than two-year paths to success.

Four-year degrees are available to power professionals to new heights in high-demand fields like health care, business, education and public safety.

Not everyone can commit to being a full-time degree-seeking student. With that in mind, SCF offers more than three dozen workforce cer tificate programs as a path to rapidly earning a new credential. Workforce cer tificates allow students to quickly add knowledge, skills and qualifications for their resume.

Students make the choice to seek higher education at different times in life – as children, working adults, and lifelong learners. While some have lived near SCF their whole life, others have come from overseas. No matter what the motivation for seeking higher education, SCF has something to offer. No matter the barriers – real or perceived – one faces when considering a college degree, SCF can help them find their way. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college©.

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A business professional with an associate degree may hit a roadblock to advancement in their career.

A bachelor’s degree from SCF could launch them to the next level.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn tuition-free college credits, completing their diploma while laying the foundation for their college degree.

WORKFORCE READY A career change can become necessary at any age. A workforce certificate at SCF is a fast, efficient way to pursue different options.

No matter what the motivation for seeking higher education, SCF has something to offer. No matter the barriers – real or perceived – one faces when considering a college degree, SCF can help them find their way.

At SCF, we meet you where you are.

We’re everyone’s college.©

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M E ETI N G STU D E NTS W H E R E T H E Y A R E

Students attending college for the first time, transfer students in need of a more personalized learning environment, working professionals and lifelong learners all come together at SCF. Some come to a campus daily, while others complete online work in the evening. There are students accelerating through a full schedule of courses and others making progress one class at a time. Juwaan Jenkins moved away from Florida after high school to chase his dream of playing college football. When things didn’t go as planned, Jenkins sought the familiarity of his home. After transferring to SCF, Jenkins immersed himself in campus life, becoming president of the Student Government Association and being recognized as a Florida College System Activities Association Student of the Month. He graduated in December 2021. Autumn Nelson didn’t go to college immediately after high school. Now she balances working full time and raising her son with her studies at SCF. Nelson paces herself by taking one class at a time but uses SCF’s accelerated classes with flexible start dates to still finish multiple classes each semester. With a steady, dedicated approach, she has earned a two-year degree and is making progress on a four-year degree and workforce certificate simultaneously. SCF students all start somewhere different and have different end points in mind. We help all of them find their way. At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college©.

1 MELISSA LARKIN-SKINNER, CEO OF CENTERSTONE FLORIDA Attended SCF as a dual-enrolled student and has spent nearly 25 years as an advocate for mental health and fighting widespread addiction in Florida.

2 MIGUEL GARCIA, SARASOTA FIRE DEPARTMENT BATTALION CHIEF Earned an associate degree to advance his career in 2011, then returned to take the next step with a bachelor’s degree in 2018. 3 ROB MCKITTRICK, SCREENWRITER AND DIRECTOR Attended SCF as a first-time-in-college student and rose to fame after writing the hit film “Waiting.” 4 TOM KNIGHT, FORMER SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF Attended SCF as a first-time-in-college student, going on to have a 34-year career in law enforcement. 5 VIRGINIA VILLEGAS ROMERO, NURSE Attended SCF as a four-year degree-seeking student and has earned multiple associate and bachelor’s degrees from the College. 6 CRYSTAL BERARDUCCI, VETERINARIAN Transferred to SCF when she moved to Florida from California with her family. She now owns two local animal hospitals. 7 SEAN CHAN, INVENTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR After attending SCF as a firsttime-in-college student, Chan gained national acclaim when the prototypes of his electric unicycle, 1 the Uno Bolt, appeared in a James Cameron film.

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B O L D LY LEAD I N G STR ATEG I C P L A N 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 6 SCF is committed to boldly leading in the region and the higher education industry. This commitment is reflected in the four tenets of SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan: OPPORTUNITY Be the region’s first choice in higher education and cultural enrichment, a premier employer and a high-impact choice for donors.

GROWTH Develop and deliver programs, services and activities to a changing economic, social and educational environment, and build a Parrish presence that meets students’ needs and the local economy.

QUALITY Be the community’s academic cornerstone as the only four-year, full-college experience.

DIVERSIFICATION Embody our community’s socioeconomic vision with expanded oppor tunities for our minority, international and lifelong learner populations and increased experiential learning oppor tunities for all students through our community par tners.

W E ’ R E E V E R Y O N E ’ S C O L L E G E ©.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY! SCF BRADENTON 5840 26TH ST. W. BRADENTON, FL 34207

SCF Bradenton

SCF VENICE 8000 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL VENICE, FL 34293 SCF LAKEWOOD RANCH 7131 PROFESSIONAL PARKWAY SARASOTA, FL 34240 SCF.EDU | 941-752-5050 | TEXT 941-304-5443

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

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AQUATIC VITALITY Gulf coaster Keera Belviy of Vital Wetsuits channels surf sustainability. Britt Mattie

WE’RE IN THE MIDST OF “WINTER” HERE ON THE GULF COAST. NIP-TASTIC TEMPERATURES ARE ALIVE AND POKING. The average

spring/summer bikinis simply don’t bear enough skin-coverage to stay in the water for very long before hair-raising shivers of the extremities beckon you to scamper out and dry off on the warm, dry sand. But winter waterplay can be easily remedied with an extra layer to trap and insulate the wearer’s body heat with thermal protection. Enter a special kind of suit not worn in boardrooms, but, instead, on boards. We’re talking wetsuits. Zoom the satellite in locally, and you’ll find Vital Wetsuits. Founded locally by gulf coast gurfer (girl surfer), Keera Belviy left her long-time, relentless career as a hairstylist in Venice, FL in 2019 to create Vital. “I wanted to break free to serve a greater purpose/mission that better aligned with my personal aspirations,” Belviy shares.

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srqist This page: Ethical fashion, flattering silhouettes and sport functionality are key components in the Signature Recycled Bikini Top ‘Terrazzo Sun’ and Signature Eco Wetsuit Leggings, designed and modeled by Keera Belviy of Vital Wetsuits at Lido Beach. Source it at vitalsurfgear.com, @vitalwetsuits.

ALWAYS STRUGGLING TO FIND PROPER FITTING SURF ATTIRE, and not keen on

having to buy mens’ wetsuits that did not account for curves and lack of broad shoulders, her 6-ft stature was determined to be that change for the surf industry. “Being a tall, fullfigured woman myself, I was inspired to design wetsuits and swimwear that complemented my frame,” says Belviy. “I knew I couldn’t be the only one that had an issue finding proper fitting water apparel. I find it truly essential in this day in age that there be a surf brand showcasing all waterwomen in their truest form.” Launched this past June, Vital’s collection caters to women of all shapes, sizes and body types, and is specifically designed— while keeping the planet in mind—for the temperatures of the Gulf.

On top of being a body positive brand, Vital Wetsuits remains mindful of its environmental impact and carbon footprint— shipping all over North America without plastic packaging. “Starting local, we did a basic Google search of ‘surf manufacturers’, which led us to a rashguard manufacturer here in Florida,” she says. “We politely asked them a few questions and they got us in touch with a proprietary wetsuit patternmaker out in California. We hired them to make a pattern of our now Signature Wetsuit Legging I could 18 | srq magazine_ FEB22 live local

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only have dreamed of, and they kindly got us in touch with their overseas manufacturer.

They were no doubt our impetus to success with overseas manufacturing.” Vital locked in a manufacturer that agreed to use Belviy’s preferred and eco-friendly textile she had in mind: Yulex, a FSC-certified renewable material made from rubber trees, and a stretchy alternative to the widely-used Neoprene (traditional limestone Neoprene uses 23 times more kilowatts to manufacture).

“Unbeknownst to us, they already have a partnership with Yulex, and therefore, we did not have to ‘supply’ this sustainable material for them,” she says. However, due to recent supply and demand chain delays overseas, Belviy has since had to find another, more readily-available material that is as sustainable and durable as Yulex, which has become “unsecurable” at this time. With winter fast approaching, Belviy and her team quickly discovered another amazing neoprene alternative made from seashells. The mermaidbearing textile is called Bioprene. “We know the fishing industry creates a ton of shell byproduct waste that can be recycled into greater things,” she says, “so we are having black wetsuit tops made from this new material, and should have new swimwear merchandise as well for the summer months ahead!”

Beyond the 2mm-thick material that ultimately keeps the bumps at bay, Vital’s environmental stewardship can be seen in the inner lining, which is made entirely from recycled polyester and laminated with solvent free, water-based glue. Belviy and her team even influenced her overseas manufacturers and suppliers to use as little plastic as possible. “Fortunately, we were able to reduce a ton of plastic waste by requesting our merchandise be grouped together in larger amounts, instead of individually wrapped,” she explains. “Even when we ship our merchandise out to our customers we use no plastic packaging, just paper. And the tape we use is cellulose-based and biodegradable.”

As eco-minded as Vital’s collection is from start-to-finish, it doesn’t hurt that it’s just as functional and fashionable, too. The simple yet stylish black designs—equipped with handy key pockets and that barrier of blubberlike thermal protection—Vital proves its vitality for winter wardrobe essentials and womanly water adventures. Whether paddleboarding, wakeboarding, diving or surfing, when that next cold snap of the season hits and water temps dip below 70°F, you won’t ever have to complain again that your ankles are too cold to hang in for another hour of submerged sporting. SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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PRINT PHOENIX

BOOKSTORE1 is moving to a bigger space where bibliophiles can stretch their reading muscles. Brittany Mattie

Above: Bookstore1 owner, Georgia Court in the active construction of the store’s new downtown location inside The Mark. Shop Bookstore1 online at sarasotabooks.com.

WE MAY BE BIASED, BUT WE HOPE PRINT NEVER DIES. Nothing quite beats the palpable smell of opening a new book. The tactile feeling of

holding pages between the tips of your fingers. Doggy ear-ing or highlighting a favorite quote or particularly poignant paragraph. Devouring a hardbound or paperback cover-to-cover for dinner you just couldn’t bear to put down. Admit it, peering over at a stacked bookshelf of colored spines and inviting titles evokes an air of scholarly prestige that a Kindle, audiobook or social media platform simply cannot provide. So we especially love to see small businesses in the business procuring publications for pleasure succeed. Having opened in 2011 to bring a high-quality, independent bookstore to the Sarasota area, Bookstore1 celebrates its tenth-anniversary with an exciting move to continue providing book lovers—patrons and authors alike—an intimate, personable shopping experience. Bookstore1 will say goodbye to its downtown location at the corner of Palm Avenue and Main Street, where its window displays with the latest and greatest reads recommended by Bookstore1 employees lured passersby closer. But, it’s not a forever goodbye, it’s a come see us off State Sreet and Lemon Avenue, a few blocks over. As retailers start to fill in the open-air breezeway on the ground floor of The Mark, Bookstore1 officially opens its new doors later this month with a bit over 4,000 sq-feet—1,000 sq-feet more than its original space. “The new location will give us more space for book-club meetings, poetry readings, book signings and workshops now because we’ll have a mezzanine where groups can gather apart from the bustle of the retail store,” shares Owner Georgia Court. “Before, we had limited workshops—except for those online in recent years—because there was no good space to hold them.

Now we have that space.” And more. The new location will also help assure the long-term life of the bookstore, says Court. “I had been looking for an appropriate site for a couple of years and I’m really excited to be in The Mark which, I think, is the coolest condo building in the area.”

Purchasing a space, instead of leasing, gives Court greater control in securing the existence and evolution of her prime retail space downtown dedicated to the not-so-dying art of storytelling and printed perusal. SRQ 20 | srq magazine_ FEB22 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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WRITTEN BY JACOB OGLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

FRIENDLY SKIES SRQ Airport just might be the fastestgrowing airport in the world. Now executives are booking plans for a bigger future.

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Passenger traffic was already on the rise at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at the start of 2020, but the coronavirus changed everything. COVID-19 impacted all sectors of the economy, but travel took a particular blow. At an airport that saw just under 2 million passenger flights in 2019, traffic in April of 2020 dropped to less than 10,000 passengers, the bulk of those leaving town.

“THE THOUGHT WAS HOW DO WE GET THROUGH THAT?” recalls SRQ airport CEO Fredrick Piccolo.

“How can we cut back as much as possible?” But that was then. Less than two years later, there’s greater traffic than ever before. Airlines who stopped flights to Sarasota years ago have once again charted courses to the landing strips at SRQ. A new terminal is under construction as part of a $60-million expansion and Sarasota has become the envy of the aviation universe.

“The growth at SRQ has been phenomenal,” Piccolo said. “We’re the fastest growing airport in the United States, if not in the world. Traffic is up 150% over last year, and yes it was a COVID year, but for us, the numbers didn’t really go down.” Well, a close look at the numbers does show total traffic dropped from 1.96 million passenger flights in 2019 to 1.24 million in 2020, but that type of decline is nothing compared to what many airports around the globe suffered. While SRQ traffic declined 37%, traffic in and out of Atlanta International Airport declined by almost 43%. At the Miami International Airport, it dropped 59%.

Regardless, by the time 2021 began, the airport remained healthy with steady growth in flights. Not a single employee of the airport was ever laid off — private airlines don’t disclose their location-specific layoffs — but Piccolo had airlines calling about how to add routes into the facility. In September, the airport surpassed 2 million passenger flights for the year for the first time in its history with three months of travelers yet to lift off.

Piccolo recalls that just three years ago, the airport felt comfortable closing the year with just under 1.4 million passenger flights. Now the airport executive in November was hoping to reach 2.5 million passengers through the airport before the end of the calendar year. So what spurred this?

Piccolo said it’s hard to ignore Florida’s statewide policies in response to the pandemic. While Florida, like many states, entered a month-down lockdown in the spring of 2020, it quickly began a reopening process. Governor Ron DeSantis in September of 2020 announced a major marketing campaign funded through Visit Florida to encourage in-state travel, and the policies of Florida were highly publicized in national media as far less limited than other states. While DeSantis withered criticism from public health advocates on national airwaves, business leaders in a state where tourism serves as the number 1 industry heralded the move.

Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota, said this market benefitted as well because so many amenities here are outdoors. From beaches to popular kayaking routes, eco-tourism became more popular than ever as travelers sought ways to get out of their homes without going to destinations with indoor entertainment, environments more at risk of seeing virus infections spread.

Piccolo said that spurred a spike in recreational tourism. “In the early socially distanced days, we had plenty of beaches, golf, fishing, just a lot of outdoor activities. The fact that the Governor kept our state open brought huge economic activity. And as you and I both know, this place is wonderful. This place is paradise.”

But what’s most shocking about the growth at SRQ airport is that it has exceeded the expansions happening anywhere in Florida or beyond. That has to do with the type of travel the airport relies on now more than ever. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association announced that the tourism industry in Florida expected to see a $5.3 billion loss in business travel for 2021, which has delivered consequences across the state even as recreational travel returned to Florida in force the same year. That loss in business conventions and trips represents the second largest loss in the nation.

“Sarasota is a little different than many areas of the state because it has always been dominated by leisure travel,” Haley said. From October 2020 through September, Sarasota County collected $27.6 million

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Airport History The airport’s beginnings date back to early 1939 when government and business leaders from Sarasota and Manatee counties agreed to construct an airport together, designed to serve the aviation needs of the two-county area. A 620-acre site was selected on the Sarasota-Manatee County line through a Federal WPA-CCA Grant. In May 1941, resolutions were passed creating the Sarasota Manatee Joint Airport Authority made up of one representative each from Sarasota County, Manatee County, the City of Sarasota and the City of Bradenton. A resolution also established the name of the new facility as the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Aviation facilities were completed by early 1942 at a cost of nearly $1 million.

The Authority leased the land to the Army Air Corps later in 1942 as a fighter pilot training base during World War II. During the war, the federal government spent several million dollars in improvements at Sarasota Bradenton Airport and added another 250 acres to airport land. By late 1947, transfer of land and facilities back to the Airport Authority was completed.

in tourist development taxes, a record amount for a fiscal year. That happened even as large convention spaces remained vacant because hotel swimming pools still brimmed with families on vacation.

So can this last? Piccolo predicts that at some point, recreational travel will level off. Pent up demand from the lockdown days will taper. Family gatherings put off for a year will take place and a normal level of recreational visitors will return. Hopefully, business travel will also come back up to regular levels. There’s already some sign of that with hybrid conventions booking space and more business travelers relishing the chance to network in person again.

A ban on international travel, one of the longestlasting restrictions of the pandemic era, finally lifted in early November. Visitors from outside the United States have historically made up 10% of travelers to the airport, so the airport feels excited to bring its customs inspections back up and running. But Piccolo said that won’t be an immediate bounce back. Air Canada, the largest source of international travelers for the airport, won’t start up flights to Sarasota until this fall. “They were originally scheduled to come back in February but customs and borders still isn’t staffing adequately in Toronto,” Piccolo said.

But in all honesty, Piccolo said a drop-off in recreational travel won’t necessarily hurt the airport.

“It could give us time to breathe,” he said. No one expects another all-stop lockdown like what the country experienced when COVID-19 was still a novel virus. A decline at the moment could help the airport manage and catch up its infrastructure.

Whenever new travel comes in, SRQ airport should be more than ready for it, just as it will soon be able to handle much more domestic travel even than it sees now. The airport has already kicked off a $60 million

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expansion of facilities, including the construction of an entire new terminal. The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority in August hired DeAngelis DiamondMagnum Builders to construct a new concourse. That will be a ground-level passenger terminal with five new gates. The expansion also includes construction of four more temporary parking lots and a new baggage claim and ground check space.

That will mean more jobs in the area, even beyond the 40 new jobs added by the airport this year to accommodate the existing travel boom.

Meanwhile, there’s interest from airlines in planning routes and seizing space at the still small airport. And SRQ has a working relationship once again with some private partners once less-than-popular in these parts.

Southwest Airlines, for example, has flights in and out of the airport each day. The airline returned to Sarasota in February and now has three gates and 19 nonstop destinations connected to SRQ. That’s quite a shock considering a decade ago, Piccolo was asking business groups outright not to fly Southwest after the airline shut down AirTran, a subsidy of the airline, at the airport. Piccolo today downplays the acrimony. “I wouldn’t call it bad blood,” he says, “but it was a disappointment.” The decision to shut down AirTran came not long after Southwest-branded flights had stopped service to Sarasota, making for a double-sting that hindered the airport for years. “We didn’t feel it was the right decision at the time.”

That’s the past now, and SRQ boasts good relationships with every major carrier. “We always kept communication lines open,” Piccolo says. It didn’t take much in the last year to convince the unconverted that Sarasota was the place to fly. Now the only problem is finding space for everyone that needs a place to land. SRQ

This spread: Looking back at a monumental year, SRQ airport CEO Fredrick Piccolo looks forward to continued success for the country’s fastest growing airport.

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MEDICAL Sarasota Memorial is expanding upward and outward.

An aquamarine sheen reflects the paradise of Sarasota in the pans of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute Oncology Tower at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The instantly iconic addition to Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) stands strong as a part of the city’s skyline as doctors inside serve patients from around the region suffering or threatened by cancer. Meanwhile, a new campus for Sarasota Memorial hospital redefines the Laurel Road interchange on Interstate-75 from a truck stop to a critical destination for those in need of medical care. The multi-million dollar facility extends the physical presence of SMH with a full-service public hospital, serving the south county for the first time in history. It’s all part of an unprecedented expansion in the hospital system’s footprint and regional facilities, and one that’s not ending anytime soon.

WRITTEN BY JACOB OGLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

“OUR VISION IS TO ESTABLISH HOSPITALS IN KEY LOCATIONS, FIRST ON LAUREL ROAD AND THEN IN NORTH PORT, TO BRING CONVENIENT ACUTE CARE TO THESE GROWING COMMUNITIES. WE BELIEVE IT’S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD.” —DAVID VERINDER, CEO SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

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ADVANCE

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RISING UP Plans for an oncology tower come as cancer cases continue to rise in the region and nationally. SMH officials decided in 2015 that as part of the system’s strategic plan, improvements to the region’s cancer services would be critical. Lorrie Liang, president of the Sarasota campus for SMH, said as the hospital collected data on what the community needed moving forward, they learned a startling fact.

“About 50% of individuals that are diagnosed here at SMH leave our county for cancer care,” Liang said.

“That was really kind of astounding and shocking for us, that people felt with such a sometimes-dire diagnosis, you needed to get in your car or a plane to get the care that you need.” And so the hospital set about constructing the new oncology tower, a 180,000-square-foot facility with 56 dedicated private suites for cancer patients spread over two floors. Nine operating rooms were specially equipped with Da Vinci robotic equipment for treating cancer. To increase patient and family comfort, the oncology tower even has dedicated kitchens, waiting facilities and a rooftop juice bar and café with a nutrition-focused menu and 8th floor views of Sarasota Bay. The decision on what to include in the cancer center came after a conclusive assessment of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the region and the greatest needs for preventative and surgical care. The goal was to find a comprehensive level of care to help patients from the diagnosis level on. The goal every step of the way was to make sure nobody living in Sarasota would ever have to leave this region to obtain the highest quality of care as they embarked on a fight for their own lives. Radiation, infusion technology and other medical oncology treatments available for major forms of cancer are now available within the facility or off campus, including at a radiation center on University Parkway which opened in August 2020.

“We’re really thrilled because we’ve been hiring a lot of fellowship trained oncologists, oncology surgeons that are specific in tumor sites, breast, thyroid, parathyroid, an ENT, thoracic etc.,” Liang said. “We’re excited to be hiring some really great surgeons to augment our already existing staff. And we knew that the caliber of physicians that we wanted, would not come or stay if we didn’t have this comprehensive approach.”

It’s not just cancer treatment that’s expanding at the Sarasota campus. The hospital is in the process of retiring the existing Bayside Center for Behavioral Health facility on Osprey Avenue that officials say has outlived its usefulness. “Behavioral health needs are on the rise, and we have individuals that are diagnosed with needing behavioral health services that are going outside of this county­—or are going untreated,” Liang said.

Now SMH has in the works a $65-million inpatientoutpatient facility dedicated to helping patients work through crises and preserve their mental health. Liang

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Previous page and this page: SMH leaders, David Verinder and Lorrie Liang proudly pose in front of the hospital’s new oncology tower.

said a continuum of service will be provided there. It will include a 16-bed geriatric unit, a 22-bed unit for children and adolescents, 24 beds for adults and then a 22-bed acute care unit. The hospital expects to break ground there this month.

RAISING MILLIONS The improvements to the hospital have demanded a heavy investment, more than what’s available simply through a tax-base, even one that’s countywide in a community with high property values. The new behavioral health facility is possible in large part thanks to a $10-million donation from the retail giant Brian Cornell, CEO of Target, and wife Martha. The facility will bear the family’s name.

“I have the privilege of leading a team of more than 350,000 people, and have seen firsthand the power of creating a culture that is built on care, prioritizes mental health and wellbeing, and provides resources, space and support for all families,” Brian Cornell said in a statement. “I’ve also recognized the importance of humanizing this topic­— eliminating the stigma that discourages some from seeking the support they need, while increasing access to care that places people at the center. I hope this project shines much-needed light on the importance of comprehensive behavioral health care, and spurs others to support this project and others like it across the country.”

Martha Cornell added: “We’re proud to play a role in the creation of this state-of-the-art behavioral health pavilion, whose centralized approach fills an immense need by providing convenient, comprehensive care under one roof. We know it will change countless lives in Sarasota, a community that has been dear to our family for years, and we hope it inspires change all across the country.” But this is just one of the philanthropic missions currently underway led by the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. The oncology tower is being paid for through a $75-million capital campaign, a dollar amount to cover the new radiation center and Sarasota tower but also a planned Venice tower that will mirror the facilities in Sarasota.

Foundation spokeswoman Tricia Mahler said private support helps to make expansion of new facilities move forward aggressively as the public revenue generated for the hospital keeps ongoing operations running.

The growth cements SMH’s position as dominant health care provider for the region, though in the midst of a global pandemic, executives at the facility remain confident there’s a need for all hospitals in the region to continue serving the public.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital, since its beginnings as a public facility, served the entirety of Sarasota County— charging taxes from residents from the North Trail to North Port to support the state-of-the-art facility. SRQ

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SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

RECOGNIZING BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE | SRQ MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2022

HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET SARASOTA TROPHY

FEB 2022

As a locally grown, locally owned company, SRQ MEDIA pays tribute to our community’s visionary local businesses and the people behind them who work hard to create economic opportunities every day on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

“I’m bullish on the business climate for Southwest Florida.

It’s exciting for our

team to navigate the rapid pace of change and to guide our clients on the impact

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2018 OAK TERRACE, SUITE 102 SARASOTA | 941.926.4687 HOWARDCPAS.COM

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MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET “The continuing changing business environment has caused many challenges, one has been employee attrition and retirements however, we have stepped up

our hiring efforts through the many sources, created cross training opportunities and have been able to offer the same service that customers expect.

Safety

measures have enhanced the customer experience, but we will always offer that

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

friendly hometown flavor. Regardless of size of order, our experienced staff

are ready for your requests on the phone, on-line or in the market. We revel in happy customers, so please stop by to say hello, anytime.”

— Eddie Morton, Co-owner

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been Sarasota’s go-to place for all things related to find the best foods, wine, recognizable, unique and highly prestigious brands. The business led by father and son Eddie and Todd Morton has been continuously family owned and managed at the same Osprey Avenue address since inception.

Shoppers will enjoy full-scale deli and gourmet prepared mealsto-go specialties, some Florida sourced items in addition to an extensive selection of prime meats, seafood and a wonderful bakery with coffee bar. When thinking of entertaining or hosting, Morton’s has all one needs for any size event or gathering including an impressive array of fine wines, craft beers, exotic cheeses, and beautiful floral arrangements. Locals and visitors look to Morton’s during the holidays and special occasions for hand selected, hard to secure and exclusive offerings and custom gift baskets. Morton’s is well known throughout the region for their award-winning catering department, which handles events of all sizes offering a full menu of party favorites and custom planning services for any size social or business gathering. As some customers still prefer to have the staff do the shopping, full-service curb side pick-up and delivery service is available.

Morton’s sister location Siesta Key Market is a smaller version of the original concept, with an island twist, and offers a variety of staple groceries, fresh produce, meat and dairy. They stock a wide selection of beer and wine, as well as to-go prepared foods for easy picnics. Next door Siesta Village, the Village’s only fullservice liquor store offers top shelf and name brand liquors, beer, wines, cigars, bar accessories and delivery on the key.

As family members continue to join the team, The Morton family will always be an integral part of the Sarasota community. One of the many ways they give back to the community is the family established and maintained Morton Culinary Education Fund which through customer purchases awards scholarships to Sarasota County students interested in pursuing a culinary career. A major event in funding the Culinary Fund has been the Chili Cook-off which skipped a year; however, the return was more successful than ever and one that is anticipated to carry on for many years.

1924 S. OSPREY AVENUE, SARASOTA MORTONSMARKET.COM 941-955-9856

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TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

SARASOTA TROPHY “The quality of our business is largely thanks to the

experience of our dedicated team and their contribution to an atmosphere that clients trust.” — Ken Levanti, owner

IF YOU WEAR A NAMETAG FOR YOUR JOB EVERY DAY THAT WAS PURCHASED LOCALLY, CHANCES ARE THAT IT WAS PRINTED OR ENGRAVED WITH YOUR NAME BY THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE AT SARASOTA TROPHY. Since opening his custom engraving and trophy business in 1984 with

his father, Ken Levanti and his loyal employees have delivered smiles to everyone from thousands of little league athletes commemorating ballpark victories to corporate employees in recognition of their service and achievements. Located in Gulf Gate, Sarasota Trophy was the first company in Sarasota to adopt laser engraving. While trophies will always be a major portion of Sarasota Trophy’s business, they also use cutting-edge technology and custom designs to deliver large-scale projects and detailed engraving. Sarasota Trophy has a heightened focus on major corporate projects like a custom display on Main Street at Walt Disney World in Orlando and has provided high-volume orders for major sporting events like The Tournament Players Club with The Professional Golfers’ Association of America. With each project, Sarasota Trophy provides a level of service expected from a local business and professionalism on par with that of a major corporation, which Ken attributes to the business’ roots and employees, some of whom have been on his team for over 15 years. Sarasota Trophy is an active member of three local business chamber organizations and has been consistently recognized for small business excellence since 2004 by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Sarasota Trophy won the the Sarasota Chamber’s Small Business Award for Products and Services in 2018. As Sarasota Trophy continues to serve local businesses and corporations, Ken and his team stay involved with the community through various board participation and volunteerism. Sarasota Trophy, established in 1984 is a premier supplier of engraved awards, plaques, trophies and imprinted products. However, their passion is delivering custom, high quality solutions using cutting edge technology and ideas. From sandblasting, deep metal routing and even jewelry engraving, the Sarasota Trophy team can accommodate projects large and incredibly small. Located in Gulf Gate, owner Ken Levanti and his team of designers and customer service representatives are dedicated to providing the utmost in service. 6601 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34231 | 941.921.4339 | SARASOTATROPHY.COM

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LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE

culture city CONDUCTING A FUTURE I​​ t’s onward and upward for Sarasota Orchestra and its new music director Bramwell Tovey. Andrew Fabian WHEN BRAMWELL TOVEY MOVES TO SARASOTA IN THE FALL TO ASSUME HIS NEW ROLE AS MUSIC DIRECTOR FOR THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA, he relocates to a city long revered

as a premier destination for retirees, a city with a reputation as a place where people can take their foot off the gas and enjoy their twilight years. On a visit to Sarasota last February in which he performed as guest conductor, Tovey remembers getting off the plane—which disembarked from Vancouver—and thinking to himself, what’s not to like? If he so desired, he could bring his 40-plus years of experience into his role at a well-established, well-funded organization and ride the wave of its existing momentum into a comfortable sunset.

Tovey and the Sarasota Orchestra have no such lukewarm aspirations.

He and the orchestra both experienced a similar existential crucible through 2020 and 2021, the latter through a cancelled season, the former through a bout of cancer. “Coming out of the pandemic and overcoming some health issues during that time, I feel like my career is entering an exciting new chapter,” says Tovey. And that momentum borne out of crises bodes well for an organization opening its own new chapter. Before Tovey’s arrival, the orchestra already stood on the cusp of big moves. Amidst all the gleaming construction downtown and at The Bay project, the organization finds itself in search of a dedicated, permanent home—a search for which Tovey is well suited from his experience helping both the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra Philharmonie de Luxembourg site and build concert halls. “With the Vancouver concert hall, I was involved right from the ground-breaking,” says Tovey, “and it enriched my understanding of how to construct a space that gives a sympathetic account of the sound you’re producing.”

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This page: Getting in tune with newly appointed Music Director Designate of Sarasota Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey.

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Orchestra.

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culture city

THOUGH HIS EXPERT EARS WILL ASSUREDLY COME IN HANDY

when planning a new concert hall and his musical pedigree promises to carry on the orchestra’s legacy of excellence—his resume is simply too long to fit on the page—it’s the social and personnel responsibilities that Tovey is most excited to assume. “Since the pandemic, there’s been this great push for more diversity and inclusion in the arts,” he says, “and that’s something I’m excited to champion.” In his view, diversity has done nothing but improve the quality and style of classical music. “There was a hardness and abrasiveness 3-4 decades ago that’s considered unfashionable now in classical music,” he says, “and I think orchestras have grown more creative and constructive as they’ve gotten more inclusive.”

To that end, Tovey hopes to get out in the community and encourage historically unsolicited populations into the world of classical music. As artistic advisor to the Rhode Island Philharmonic, he oversaw programs that provided music instruments to underserved communities. “I just love getting out in the community and getting my hands dirty, so to speak,” he says, “and I think it’s a way for us to give back and do our part to improve equity, particularly by trying to entice more African American and Hispanic musicians to enter the field.”

Well before he begins to craft initiatives to that end, however, Tovey will make several trips to Sarasota that offer his first opportunities to leave a lasting mark on the orchestra. Throughout the year, Tovey will oversee auditions to fill out the roster—and the importance of such an endeavor is not lost on him. “The orchestra has already had a 40 | srq magazine_ FEB22 live local

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This page: Bramwell as captured by Tyler Boye (left) and David Cooper (right).

fantastic last decade of recruitment,” he says, “but whoever I select to fill these open positions will be a part of the orchestra for a long time.

These are important decisions.” Still, Tovey will hardly be “planting the garden from scratch,” he says. The orchestra’s existing personnel certainly boasts some terrific talent already. “When I came down in mid-February of last year to guest conduct a very difficult piece with the Orchestra, I was thrilled at how well prepared they were for it,” says Tovey, “there’s great energy and they’re all very keen.”

But it’s the administrative and organizational side of operations that Tovey felt really rounded out the appeal of taking the position.

“It’s run with artistic excellence, to be sure,” he says, “but it’s also run with fiscal responsibility. There’s no reason to be excellent if you’re broke, and Joe [McKenna] and I feel the same about how those two should balance.” Altogether, Tovey and the orchestra are practically buzzing with excitement as they look to a promising year in spite of the continued presence of the pandemic. The visceral, emotional experience that Tovey has facilitated throughout his career now has the added fuel of a deeply personal resurgence, a yearning for the sweet sound of a symphony.

“The orchestra is an incredible invention that I’ve been blessed to be around for so long,” he says. “But after going through cancer and cancelled shows, I’m coming back to it with a heightened appreciation.

The sound really wraps itself around you and moves the spirit. I’m finding myself more stimulated by it than I’ve been in some time, and I’m beyond excited to share that with Sarasota audiences.” SRQ IMAGES COURTESY OF SARASOTA ORCHESTRA.

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culture city

​​SCALING THE HIGH CS

Tenor William Davenport ascends the Mount Everest of arias at Sarasota Opera. Phil Lederer

“AH! MES AMIS, QUEL JOUR DE FETE!” It’s the aria that launched Luciano Pavarotti to legendary status as “King of the High Cs,” when he belted it out full voice at the Metropolitan Opera in 1972, and the only one that could justify breaking the strict “No Encores” rule at La Scala—a dictate that held for 74 years before Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flores couldn’t resist a reprise. And when Daughter of the Regiment opens at Sarasota Opera on February 19, tenor William Davenport returns to the Sarasota Opera House with expectations as high as the notes themselves. “It’s really like tightrope-walking,” he says. “Terrifying, but thrilling.”

Most of the music in Donizetti’s opera-comique appears innocuous enough, but for this aria at the end of Act I, with a whopping eight high Cs jutting upward on the page in quick succession like some operatic Alps separating would-be Hannibals from their lesser imitators. It’s a height Davenport has reached for the Sarasota audience before, in La Boheme as Rodolfo, but nine of them? (A ninth high

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C is not written but almost always added at the end, because once you’ve locked into this sort of thing, the instinct is simply to push it as far as it can go.)

“To hear somebody go to a big high C, full voice, and throw themselves into it with reckless abandon makes everybody sit on the edge of their seat,” Davenport says.

“But you have to be smart about how you practice. You don’t want to sing this aria 10 times a day or you might hurt yourself.” So he isolates bits and pieces to work on, never forcing or fighting through fatigue, which only invites injury and bad habits. Besides, Davenport knows he can hit the note. The bigger challenge will likely be psychological. “Especially with this aria,” he says. So he works on cultivating the psychological calmness that will allow him to not only sing his best, but perform at his best, as the love-struck Tonio.

“The real treat is when you can do it without getting out of character and when you can use the character to fuel the technique,” Davenport says. “Ultimately, the goal is to forget all of this and just go up there and be Tonio.” SRQ

This page: Tenor William

Davenport’s comedic style shines as Tonio in The Daughter of the Regiment. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Opera.

Top right: Rigoletto: William Davenport as the Duke of Mantua, 2019, photo by Rod Millington. Bottom right: La Boheme : William Davenport as Rodolfo, 2020, photo courtesy of Sarasota Opera.

IMAGES COURTESY OF SARASOTA OPERA.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE

Below: The “fancy-like” avocado toast goes Greek with feta, sundried tomatoes and olives.

FUN ON THE RUN

Affordable, fresh, casual—Kefi Streetside Café helps define downtown B-town. Andrew Fabian EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, a new restaurant comes along that manages to find the right attributes in the nuanced calculus that determines success—location, timing, concept and price point. These rare occasions yield something special, something that both defines and grows organically from a particular context. As downtown Bradenton continues to forge its identity as the more affordable, younger, more casual neighbor of its more recognized sister city south of University Parkway, the aspiring foodie can look to Kefi Streetside Café as the embodiment of Bradenton’s aspirations.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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forage

The Greek café and coffee shop operates out of what used to be a bank-teller window on 6th Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. Opened, owned and operated by partners Jason Simpson and Eleni Sokos, the young 30-somethings represent the new wave of young entrepreneurs rising up in a city whose story has tread into a new and exciting chapter. Sokos also owns a marketing firm while Simpson comes from a successful career in beverage sales, and the two came together to create a café that celebrates Sokos’ Greek roots and offers the hustling downtown crowd something bright and healthy for breakfast and lunch.

For its coffee program, Kefi adopted the offerings from Buddy Brew, a Tampa-based third wave roaster that provided barista training for the Kefi crew. That means the Greek café’s caffeine game lives up to the standards of aficionados. An iced honey oat latte quickly became a big seller when the café opened in December. The oat milk brings down the heft of most lattes and helps make this a refreshing vehicle for a smooth pour of espresso.

A matcha latte tastes textbook, with the slightly vegetal and bitter powder requiring the occasional stir to get it swirling through the cup, but that’s not to say that Kefi shies away from experimenting with other beverages.

A seasonal caramel apple cold brew latte pits two seemingly dissonant flavors—apple and coffee—into a 54 | srq magazine_ FEB22 live local

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snazzy seasonal alternative to the guilty pleasure of the pumpkin spice latte (which Kefi still has on the menu).

Baked breakfast treats come courtesy of Sweets Bake House, who Sokos and Simpson collaborated with on some specialty items. Out of that collaboration came an oatmeal tsai cookie (“tsai” is “chai” in Greek).

The buttery morsel comes refreshingly accented with chai spices, perfect for dipping in a warm cup of tea.

Another standout pastry is the lemon blueberry goat cheese muffin. Whether or not the product description needs a comma between all of those delicious modifiers is beside the point—this muffin achieves a richness few muffins do. The goat cheese in particular is a nice (and Greek) touch that adds creaminess and a touch of salt.

An assortment of avocado toast options work for both breakfast and lunch. The “basic” option comes with smashed avocado smeared onto pieces of multigrain toast, then topped with cucumber slices marinated in olive oil and spices. A microgreen garnish adds to the toast’s vibrant, healthy appeal. The “fancy like” toast gets the full Greek treatment, specifically the Peloponnese.

Sokos’ family hails from the Kalamata region of the peninsula, where the selfsame olive also comes from.

The “fancy like” features diced kalamata olives to go along with sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, a sprinkling of oregano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Briny,

Above left to right: Ownders Eleni Sokos and Jason Simpson. The Greek salad is loaded and fresh.

Spanakopita comes with a tzatziki sauce loaded with dill flavors. A chickpea salad tossed in Green dressing. An assortment of caffeinated beverages for discerning palates.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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tangy and vegetal, the exciting flavor profile is all held together by the creamy base of smashed avocado, while the cheese helps make this a respectably filling lunch.

In the absence of a fully-vented kitchen, Sokos and Simpson had to get creative for the delicious Greek salad on the menu that comes topped with chicken.

Rather than deal with the permitting and construction nightmare of drilling a massive hole in the older structure, Kefi utilizes the sous vide method. But the use of carefully regulated hot water to cook vacuumsealed food also has the added benefit of almost never overcooking its contents—the food can only cook to the temperature of the water. Once ready, the chicken gets tossed in a light lemon and herb sauce before coming to rest on a bed of greens. A generous pour of the accompanying extra virgin olive oil is advised.

As delicious as all the food is, its greatest strength is accessibility. Kefi never tries to tout itself as a chef-driven operation intent on wow-ing culinary adventure-seekers.

Rather, it’s a community driven café meant for gathering, to enjoy a quick, healthy, fresh bite made from locally sourced goodies. An outgrowth of the friendly hustle in downtown Bradenton, the word Kefi itself could very well describe the city. Though no direct translation exists, “kefi” describes a feeling of joy from being alive. SRQ

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CANNED CREATIONS

Cracking open some flagship beer cans from our hyper-local breweries and craft taprooms. Brittany Mattie

CALUSA

The Florida Flavor Hoppy Pilsner (a collaboration with Sarasota lifestyle apparel brand, The Florida Flavor); Zote India Pale Ale; Dissonance Breakfast American Brown Ale; Quasimythical Double New England IPA (a collaboration with Sideward Brewing); Calusa Brewing, 5701 Derek Ave., Sarasota, 941-922-8150, calusabrewing.com, @ calusabrewing. BIG TOP Circus City English-style India Pale Ale; Intercoastal Amber Ale; Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Ale; Hawaiian Lion Coconut Coffee Porter (not pictured); Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattleman Rd., Sarasota, 941-371-2939, bigtopbrewing.com, @bigtopbrewco. MOTORWORKS Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA; Intellectual Property American IPA; VTwin Vienna Lager (not pictured); 1014 9th St. W, Bradenton, 941-567-6218, motorworksbrewing.com, @motorworksbrewing. DARWIN Cyan Spirulina Pineapple Sour; Circa 1926 Tangerine Wheat Ale (not pictured); Summadayze West Coast Style IPA; Darwin Brewing Co., 803 17th Ave. W, Bradenton, 941-7471970, darwinbrewingco.com, @darwinbrewingco. 99 BOTTLES On your Suncoast brewery tour, don’t forget to stop into this neighborhood sud haven for a rotating selection of specially-curated draught beer. The beauty of these 34 ever-changing taps of craft varieties is that if you don’t find what you’re looking for in cans from the wall-towall selection of packaged to-go items, the draught beer of your choosing can be poured into a crowler (32oz tall aluminum can) after being purged with CO2, then canned onsite by 99 Bottle’s beertenders using a clutch-driven seamer machine that gets the job done in about fice seconds flat. Package your favorite Florida liquids on tap, take it to-go and crack open where it deems best. 99 Bottles Taproom + Bottleshop, 1445 2nd St., Sarasota, 941-487-7874, 99bottles.net, @99bottles.sarasota.

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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

giving coast GIRLHOOD TO WOMANHOOD Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Barbara Van Essen sparks the campfire for underprivileged girls to experience coming-of-age field trips that help pave life’s path. Brittany Mattie Photo by Wyatt Kostygan

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giving coast SHE GREW UP IN A SMALL NEW ENGLAND TOWN WITH A ONE-ROOM LIBRARY. When she was about 11

years old, a few of her friends got together to organize a fair to benefit their local library. That first year Barbara Van Essen and her childhood comrades earned $17 with their little fundraiser in a friend’s backyard. They would go on to continue putting on Library Benefit Fairs for three more years—moving it to the town hall next to the library and adding to it each year. “I have a copy of the long list of books for children and young adults that the library was able to buy with the proceeds of our last fair,” Van Essen shares. Between her book-loving, philanthropic endeavors and becoming a Girl Scout, from second grade through high school—earning the First Class award, which was the highest award for girls in Girl Scouts at the time—Van Essen has grown to become an avid humanitarian, mentor and heroine for young women in her community.

When she and her husband moved to southwest Florida years later, one of the first things she did was look for a Girl Scout troop for her daughter. “I volunteered to help the leader and, a few months later, she asked me to take over the troop for her,” she says. “I led my daughter’s troop from third grade through high school ,with seven of the girls earning the Gold Award, which is the highest award a girl in Girl Scouts can earn now.”

Van Essen began to take on other Girl Scout volunteer roles at the county level: organizing large events for girls, training new leaders, continuing to mentor as the girls from her troop headed off to college. In 1997, she was asked to join the staff of the Council, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “At first, I was charged with planning events for the older Girl Scouts throughout the Council which served girls from Manatee County to Collier,” she says. “Then, my position became more focused on serving girls in our lowest income communities in Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.”

After retiring from her full time position in 2017, after almost 20 years, Van Essen realized that the Gulfcoast’s Girl Scout program in Immokalee—a small town northeast of Naples—would not be able to continue without someone to oversee it. The majority of the families there have come from Mexico, Guatemala or Haiti to work in agriculture. Van Essen didn’t want to see the 230-some Girl Scouts in Immokalee, or the ones who would follow them, lose their opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts. So she stayed on to continue working with them in her free time. “Whenever I take the younger Girl Scouts from Immokalee to Naples for an event or a trip to the zoo, we also go to the Naples Pier so the girls can walk out and see the Gulf of Mexico and

the dolphins and pelicans,” she says. “For more than half of them, it’s their first time to see the beach, even though they live less than an hour away. And camping is most girls’ first time away from home overnight. I love their excitement when they get to cook the meals, go canoeing or do archery.”

Van Essen has also taken older Girl Scouts to see our state government at work in Tallahassee, to tour the White House (years ago when that was possible), horseback riding, white water rafting in North Carolina, and even to Pennsylvania to represent our Council at a large national Girl Scout event where her group of eight girls chose from workshops on STEM topics, career planning, arts, sports and more. “At that event, our group of girls—whose families were from Haiti, Mexico and Ecuador, as well as the USA—performed a dance which they had carefully choreographed to a medley of popular songs representing each of their cultures,” she says. But by far the most exciting trip for her she was able to arrange, was a five day bus trip where a group of about 25 high school girls got to tour seven U.S. colleges and participate in sessions with college staff about admissions, financial aid, dorm life, choosing a major, etc.

“One thing that really moves me is when I hear from a girl who was in one of my Immokalee troops years ago,” Van Essen says. “One of my alumni had a scholarship to attend college in Michigan. She earned her degree and went on to law school. She has now passed her bar exam and is practicing law in Michigan. She told me her parents worked long hours to keep food on the table and weren’t interested in the kids having fun.

She said she wouldn’t have had a childhood if it hadn’t been for Girl Scouts and wouldn’t have learned about community service.”

Van Essen has kept in touch with many of her alumna over the years—even as the young girls grow into successful women—including one who is traveling the nation for her job, one who is teaching in North Carolina, one who teaches locally, one who just finished her nursing training in New York and one who recently joined the team of Gulfcoast Girl Scout leaders in Immokalee. “Hearing about all their successes is what means the most to me,” Van Essen says. The program has finally restarted in-person Girl Scout troops in Immokalee after over a year of having to trade experiential field trips for Zoom meetings with the girls. “It’s so fun to finally see the girls again,” she says. “I can’t wait to start taking them camping and on field trips again.” SRQ

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giving coast AN SRQ SERIES | PART 2 of 2

This is the second of a two-part series on telehealth for student mental health care. The first part can be found in the December 2021 edition. Written by Jacob Ogles

THERAPY

BY ZOOM John Annis, senior vice president of Collaboration and Impact for the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, still recalls last year as he finalized the grant awards that would be given in the health arena, only for the coronavirus to surface in this region before anywhere on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Suddenly, he found himself calling applicants back, their applications now dated by a health crisis, and asked them if they instead needed help repurposing for the challenges ahead.

“SOME OF THE NONPROFITS CHANGED THE WAY THEY WERE DOING BUSINESS,.

such as with tele-counseling,” Annis said.

And whether the service providers needed to use grants for reaching clients or just connecting with employees now working remotely, everyone focused on video-conferencing and telecommunications that could be deployed as rapidly as possible.

The most important aspect of a switch to telehealth then was avoiding an interruption in care. Fortunately, software and hardware in most cases could be deployed within a couple of weeks. There were privacy concerns. Any health provider working over telehealth has to use secure connections so any half-decent hacker couldn’t listen in and gain personal information. Electronic records had to become accessible through the home computers of patients and medical professionals.

But therapists soon realized other benefits existed as well. Patients who in the tumult of regular life had trouble scheduling sessions and programming in commute times suddenly just had to open a computer. When more people worked at home, this made it all the better to be able to reach care over Zoom.

These days, Giacolone said it’s been a priority to make sure students at every Sarasota County School have access to in-person care first. That personal connection between therapists and students has been important to restore. But telehealth capability has changed the reach those experts have.

The Florida Center no longer has to rely on what can be gleaned from a student who gives up their 45-minute lunch for a mid-day session. They can connect if need be at times outside the school day, and perhaps most important, they can beam into families’ homes to also speak with guardians.

Call it another byproduct of the pandemic. As clients lost access to school campuses even after students returned to class, clinicians could connect through video and help students deal with mental crises large and small. “Parents were very grateful to see telehealth as something available to them, and I see it as something here to stay forever and ever amen,” said Skoglund. But while many patients just familiarized themselves with the term telehealth in the last 18 months, medical professionals have studied the possibilities for years. The pandemic accelerated everything for sure. Skoglund said the Florida Center already was preparing to increase its virtual offerings in the near term “Things we planned to implement in fall of 2020, it forced us to introduce virtual therapy earlier,” she said. That meant quickly developing systems for sharing digital links with parents and students about therapy, but many of the

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privacy rules had already been explored. “We need to know who is listening. Are there people not aware of the boundaries set within families?” Skoglund said. “We were newly exploring telehealth ourselves, but once we learned policies and procedures, we had to connect with our families and try to help them understand.”

Certainly, telehealth has its limits. For very young children, where therapy involved as much play as talk, it proved difficult to work with patients in their homes without the typical tools of an early development clinic. Group therapy at some outlets also brought challenges, with some struggling to find speaking space while meeting in a Brady Bunch teleconference call, and many simply stopped engaging with peers or clinicians at all.

The negative impacts of mass social isolation already have inspired academic research.

Dr. Todd Manini, an epidemiologist with the

University of Florida, has conducted studies for more than a year on long-lasting impacts of the pandemic from the shifts in medication habits among seniors to the emotional consequences of self-isolation on a major scale like that seen last year. “I want to know the impact on loneliness, which is a risk factor for lots of health conditions,” he said in a release.

He’s focusing on seniors, doing his research through the Institute of Aging. But other researchers have dug into the impacts on adolescents. A review by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of 63 similar studies last year on the impacts of isolation on children found disturbing consistencies in the results.

“Children and adolescents are probably more likely to experience high rates of depression and most likely anxiety during and after enforced isolation ends,” the Journal concludes. “This may increase as enforced isolation continues. Clinical services should offer preventive support and early intervention where possible and be prepared for an increase in mental health problems.”

Other factors also exacerbate concerns.

The pandemic disrupted the school calendar repeatedly in the past two years, creating unexpected breaks with no school and shortening summer vacation in 2021 to barely six weeks. “Our second grade has never had a normal year of school,” Coker said.

Jewish Family & Children Services of the Suncoast dealt with instantly higher demand at the start of the pandemic at precisely the moment when it needed to change how it offered services. “Like everyone, we had to shut down at once, and for our psychotherapy clients everything went to telehealth,” says Dr. Stacy Lang, JFCS Chief of Behavioral Health Services. “Care groups. Support groups.

Everything went online.”

Considering the low economic flexibility of some of the clients relying on social services, that meant some patients largely lost out on care because they lacked access to video-conferencing technology. A few programs continued with strict social protocols in place, such as drug intervention pro-

grams. But about 95% of clients remained engaged through telehealth. From there, every social program offered became a bit of an experiment on what worked remotely and what did not. Group sessions did not work, particularly those dealing exclusively with less-than-tech-savvy seniors.

But then, there remain some patients who today continue to choose remote service.

And because that care remains available, the reach of JFCS has grown. “Our offices are in Sarasota, but we are able to see clients in Venice, Englewood and Bradenton who couldn’t get transportation or did not drive,” Lang said. “If you live an hour away, you make that drive and then have counseling for an hour, then drive back. For a lot of people, an hour of psychotherapy online worked better than an in-person session.” Frankly, that also allowed more productivity for mental health providers themselves, able now to move from one appointment to the next in a few seconds rather than going through the exercise of clearing out an office of one client before the next can be served.

Carla Johanns, chief program officer at Forty Carrots Family Center, feels confident remote access has become a permanent part of social services in a post-pandemic world.

“Virtual, I think, is here to stay,” she said.

The family service provider has continued to offer its slate of offerings online, including individual and group sessions for new parents. The organization found success with bringing many families together online, with five-year-old chatting over screens to one another to stay connected with others their age in a world so disconnected last year. Many of those families eagerly returned to in-person sessions offered in libraries, Johanns said, but many have elected to continue internet sessions.

Similar stories come from professionals across the social service and therapy spectrum. Many patients feel more comfortable in their own kitchens than they do in sterile doctor’s offices or the low-budget interiors of social services offices. Therapists have found some patients far more willing to srq magazine_ FEB22 live local | 63

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share their inner thoughts and feelings while in their own homes. For those with mood disorders, anxiety over relationships and survivors of major trauma, that made a huge difference in the quality of therapy. And depending on the type of care provided, telehealth has offered a window into clients’ lives.

Melissa Larkin-Skinner, CEO for Centerstone of Florida, said in the world of substance abuse, patients don’t often want to share every facet of their lives. The Bradenton provider didn’t offer telehealth service before the pandemic, but like so many implemented a program last year. That has been eye-opening even to specialists who have worked with specific patients for years.

“It often gives a glimpse into their life you wouldn’t otherwise have,” she said. “If you can see someone’s house in the background, you may be able to see how well they are taking care of themselves. If you think about someone dealing with mental health issues or even in the throes of addiction you might see a change in their living space.” That includes insight into the lives of roughly 6,000 teenagers Centerstone connects with through partnerships with schools.

Centerstone connects with individuals in-person and online these days. But telehealth has been a boon, particularly if a tablet or smartphone device can provide a ready portal conveniently connecting clients to services. But one thing exposed by the pandemic, according to Larkin-Skinner, has been the size of the population still living on the other side of a digital divide. Many, even within the social services realm, assumed before the pandemic, that internet access had become universal, and that even the poorest individuals had cell phone service through a reliable provider. That’s not the case. But if nothing else, COVID-19 created a consciousness of a need. Philanthropists became willing to donate money for the purpose of buying personal technology for patients. And the whole world saw vividly, in most cases having their eyes opened for the first time, how critical a video camera connected to the world wide web could be in connecting people to the services they most need.

“We’ve wanted telehealth for a good 15 years, but our funders would never approve it,” Larkin-Skinner said.

“I do believe it is now here to stay.” SRQ

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FEBRUARY 2022

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S P E C I A L AWA R D S S E C T I O N

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SECOND PRINTING PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DATAJOE RESEARCH TO FACILITATE THE COMPLIANCE RESEARCH AND ONLINE PEER-VOTING PROCESS.

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In

ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS

Conversation

NATALYA EVANS YOUR FAMILY MATTERS LAW FIRM

IN CONVERSATION WITH NATALYA EVANS OF YOUR FAMILY MATTERS LAW FIRM, DISCUSSING FAMILY LAW AND ESTATE PLANNING. INTERVIEW FACILITATED BY WES ROBERTS | COMPILED BY BARBIE HEIT

SHARE WITH OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT SERVICES YOU PROVIDE. NATALYA EVANS: I'm the founder and managing attorney at Your Family Matters.

We are a law firm specializing in keeping families out of court and out of conflict. That's what we do, it is our passion. We focus on family law and estate planning. I started my practice almost 11 years ago now. My background is in business and I initially started practicing in business law, but I didn't feel like I was making a difference.

So, when I had an opportunity to start my own practice, it gave me a chance to sit back and think about what I want

to do, and that was to make an impact in our community. I started practicing in the area of family law and learned that for the majority of families, going to court is a process that is just adversarial. It adds fuel to the fire. Couples go through this adversarial process, throw mud in each other's face, and then, at the end of the process, they’re supposed to walk out and somehow co-parent their children together and be civil toward each other. It takes a long time. It's very expensive. l decided to get trained in collaborative law which is actually a team-based approach.

Everybody that's part of the process agrees and commits to working through peacefully,

to reach a resolution. And, just seeing the difference in the outcomes of families going to court versus collaborative…I couldn't do court anymore. So, I stopped taking litigation cases a little over five years ago, and really focused on keeping families out of court, whether it's the whole collaborative process, mediation, negotiation, whatever it is, just trying to help them make it through with as much dignity intact as possible, and really focusing on their kids or getting to the other side and rebuilding their lives, starting over.

Estate planning is another area where I felt I could make an impact. I was a single mom for a while. I remember when

I did my own estate plan, I just felt like such a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I always had the fear of what would happen to my kids if something happened to me, so I started taking every class I could in estate planning. I initially started focusing on families with minor children because that is a demographic that is just so widely underserved by the estate planning industry, which is usually focused on serving the elderly population. A good example of that is, most estate planning attorneys, as a matter of practice, just put a guardian nomination into a will. Well, what if a parent is incapacitat-

ENGAGING READERS THROUGH BRANDED STORYTELLING.

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I N C O N V E R S AT I O N

ed and doesn't pass away? That will doesn't take effect. You really have to do a freestanding guardian nomination case of incapacity. And, there's a lot of other pieces that go into it. And, that's really what we do now.

We've added asset protection to our state planning practice, helping families qualify for Medicaid for long-term care to preserve some of the assets for their care.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS IN MORE DETAIL? Yes, let’s take the kitchen table divorce for example. That's for spouses that really don't have a whole lot. They are a couple that can sit down together at the kitchen table and say, "Okay, here's how we're going to divide things." And, they can either write up the agreement themselves, one of them can retain an attorney to write it up, file with the court, they're done.

Another option is for them to hire a mediator. A mediator is a neutral person who helps them facilitate communication. It's highly recommended that they use a mediator who's an attorney, because unfortunately, there are mediators who mean well, but they don't know the law and misguide people. But even an attorney should not be giving advice, but they can put together the agreement, make sure it's complete when

it comes to an agreement. Mediation can be attended with or without attorneys. The next out of court option is collaborative.

In the Florida statutes, for it to be a collaborative process, each party has to have their own attorney, preferably collaboratively trained. It's a completely different approach and mindset from what they teach us in law school. In a collaborative participant agreement, all parties sign, saying that we're not going to litigate, and that there are ground rules for the process by being transparent, forthcoming, and not playing silly games. When I represent a client in a collaborative case, if I see that they're not disclosing information that's relevant, I have to actually tell them they have to disclose it or I have to withdraw.

DO YOU BRING IN OTHER PROFESSIONALS FOR A COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE? We often utilize other professionals. We use a neutral financial professional, so instead of each attorney looking at all the finances, exchanging them, reviewing them, triple doing the same work, we have one financial person, who typically bills at a lower rate, more efficiently, and only does the work once.

They collect all the financials and put together one complete picture, and help both spouses make it more of an educated

business decision, instead of emotional. And then, we typically use an initial facilitator, who helps steer the process.

We like to use somebody with a mental-health background.

They're the ones who will work with parents on putting together a parenting plan based on what the child needs, not what a parent wants. If for any reason, anybody decides to go ahead and go to court, all the professionals have to withdraw.

FOR SOME CLIENTS, THIS IS PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME THEY’VE MET WITH AN ATTORNEY. WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT WHEN THEY MEET YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME? Whether it's collaborative or not, I typically do a 50 minute phone call with a client first, just so we can introduce ourselves. If they want to move forward, they come in and discuss everything. It is a very stressful process to go through for anybody, whether or not kids are involved. So, it's really important to focus on making our clients as comfortable as possible. Our office has a very calm and relaxing feel. Our staff is made up of very kind people.

Fortunately, most of the clients that come in are just looking for somebody to listen to them, to give them some clarity and direction, and that's what we try to do.

WHAT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING CASE THAT YOU COULD TELL ME ABOUT, WITH IDENTITIES REMOVED? I handled this case years ago, collaborative wasn't a thing yet, but I've always handled my cases that way, whenever possible.

I had this father come in to see me, who had gone through mediation, unfortunately entered into an agreement that wasn't very well drafted, and was suffering the consequences of not being able to spend as much time with his daughter as he really should have. He came to see me to see if we could modify it. He had already remarried at this time to a wonderful lady.

She still writes me letters, and every time she comes in, she tells me how our work together completely changed their family. When they first came to see me, the dad and the mother of the little girl couldn't even talk to each other. There was so much conflict, co-parenting was next to impossible. Now, she's a teenager. They are doing birthday celebrations together. The little girl is flying to another state to see grandparents. And, they're both working through it. That's how families should be. And they told me the big thing that made it click for them when I was representing them, was when I said "Whatever decision you want to make, think about the importance of that decision

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I N C ON VERSATION

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANT NATALYA S. EVANS, P.A. A orney Natalya Evans’ estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. She excels in guiding her clients through the o en-confusing maze of financial and legal decisions to create plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Her areas of focus include family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals.

Natalya graduated from Stetson University College of Law. Although her initial plan was to practice in the area of business law, she quickly realized that her true calling was in helping families, and that a courtroom was not the proper place to do that.

Whether a custody ba le or a ba le over a loved one’s assets, litigation adds fuel to the fire of an already emotionally strained situation. It is her passion to educate families to help them avoid conflict and if conflict arises, to resolve it peacefully and privately. She focuses on helping individuals establish proper plans to protect their loved ones in the event they are no longer here to do so themselves and assists families in resolving their family law related cases effectively, efficiently and peacefully.

Your Family Ma ers™, P.A. 3277 Fruitville Rd, Suite F2 Sarasota, FL 34237; 941.275-2785; Natalya @YourFamily.Legal; Your familyma erslaw.com

and how that request or what you're asking for is going to affect your child, how that's going to affect your long term goal. Is that a really productive request or decision, or is it counterproductive?" They are truly co-parenting together now. It's amazing. That's why I do what I do.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS IN WORKING WITH A CLIENT? WHAT IS A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME? A successful outcome is having a family who is better off when they're leaving my office than they were when they came in. Pretty simple, I think. To us, your family matters.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOAL, FOR YOURSELF AND/OR YOUR PRACTICE? In my practice, I want to help and educate as many local families as I can. A lot of times, unfortunately, as younger parents, we research the highest rated car seat and the most protective helmet for our kids. And, most parents know they need to do something in case something happens to them, but they don't even know where to start looking. So, I really try hard to get out in the community and put on seminars just to educate families about estate planning so they know, and if they come to use me, great. And if they use someone else, that's fine,

as long as they get things in place to protect themselves and the kids in case something happens. That's a huge goal of mine. And obviously, with divorce, just try to keep things as amicable and positive as possible, and not lose sight of the kids in the process. The hardest thing when I did litigate was seeing kids, whether intentionally or not, being stuck in the middle. And unfortunately, at times, being used to get what one of the spouses wants. And, that is just the most heartbreaking thing to see.

ARE THERE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN YOUR FIELD OR IN THE LEGAL STATUTES THAT YOU FEEL ARE SUCCESSFUL AND BENEFICIAL IN MAKING THESE PROCESSES BETTER? ARE THERE OTHER ONES AS WELL? Absolutely. I was in an inaugural leadership Institute of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, I've been a member of it for many years. We work really hard to educate a lot of the attorneys.

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and Florida Academy have worked to make sure that there are uniform laws in place in the Florida statutes, so that everybody's practicing properly. Unfortunately, there are still attorneys who say, "Hey, I'm collaborative." Because it's a buzzword out there. They

really haven't been trained in knowing how to handle those cases. So, if that's that process that somebody's interested in, they really need to look to see what kind of training and experience the attorney has, because it is a completely polar opposite approach and mindset from what we were taught in law school.

IN YOUR PROCESS OF BECOMING AN ATTORNEY, HAVE YOU HAD GREAT MENTORS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT WAS YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY LIKE IN THAT WAY? I definitely have. When I first started my practice, as I mentioned, I was doing business law. So, I went into family law, and I had to learn everything from scratch; went to a big state conference, again, did every class I could find, but still, having other colleagues that I could turn to anytime I had a question or an issue was really, really important. And, I feel like our local bars in Sarasota County and Manatee County are just so incredible. People are really willing to help each other, so just having a community of other attorneys who are there to support one another and mentor one another is very instrumental. SRQ

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Natalya@yourfamily.legal

3277 Fruitville Rd, Ste F2 Sarasota, FL 34237

YourFamily.legal

(941) 275-2785

TOP

ATTORNEYS

Natalya S. Evans HONOREE Family Law

BIO Natalya is a graduate of Stetson University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Business Administration as well as Juris Doctor (law) degrees.

Natalya has been a member of the Florida and Sarasota Bar associations since 2009 and had the incredible honor to be sworn into the US Supreme Court Bar in Washington DC by the Supreme Court Justices in 2018. Natalya is the founding and managing attorney at Your Family Matters, P.A. which she opened 10 years ago with the goal of bringing a positive change to our community. As a mother of 4 young kids, Natalya has a passion for protecting children and families. She has quickly found that two places that families often crumble is during times of loss, such as loss of a family unit or loss of a loved one and the stress that it creates. Natalya and her team focus on helping families protect their children, wealth and relationships through peaceful resolution of family matters and through comprehensive estate planning that keep families out of Court and out of conflict so that they can focus on what matters most, their family!

MISSION At Your Family Matters, P.A., our mission is to empower, preserve and protect your family through unforeseen circumstances of life. We do this by facilitating peaceful resolution

LAW FIRM

FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION

LICENSES

2009

Florida Bar. US Supreme Court Bar since 2018.

Certified by Florida Supreme Court as Circuit Court Family Law Mediator since 2018. Qualified by the Florida Supreme Court as an Arbitrator since 2018

DEGREES JD: Stetson University College of Law 2008.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Stetson University 2003

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of divorce and custody matters and comprehensive estate planning that protect you, your children, your relationships and your assets so that you can focus on living your life to the fullest with those you love.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Natalya is a past president and 8 year board member of the Family Court Professionals Collaborative, member of Next Generation Divorce, active member of FACP and IACP as well as Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar and US Supreme Court Bar. Natalya volunteers her time by serving on various community boards, appears as a guest lecturer at the Keiser paralegal program, and is a pro bono attorney for the Child Protection Team in Sarasota.

Natalya has presented multiple educational seminars to various Bar Associations, regional practice groups and at 2020 and 2021 Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals annual Conferences. Natalya is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Family Law Mediator.

TESTIMONIALS “From the first meeting, Natalya proved that she is organized, thorough, and strives to deliver a plan that works for the needs of her clients. While there is no "one-size-fits-all" plan that works for everybody, Natalya took time to get to know our family so she could guide us through the process of developing an estate plan. We were forced to consider many different scenarios, and while we pray that nothing happens to us for many years, I sleep peacefully knowing that my children and our assets are protected. Thank you Natalya!” — Christian Becker “Natalya was able to handle my divorce with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. She put it into the perspective of putting my childrens' best interests first, and letting me know what outcomes were realistic. She thinks of the wellbeing of the entire family, not just her client. She also has the experience to help you navigate the process with as little trauma to your family as possible. It was a pleasure to work with her, and I look forward to working with her on my estate planning, in the near future.” —Rebecca Pendergast.

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ELITE

TOP

ATTORNEYS

ARBITRATION & MEDIATION O'Day, Sharon O'Day Resolutions 1858 Ringling Blvd Ste 110 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-228-8571; Lic.#415472

ATTORNEYS FOR NON PROFITS Pennewill, Betsy Community Foundation of Sarasota County 2635 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 941-556-7152; Lic.#156140

BANKING & FINANCIAL Jensen, Adria Maria Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2739; Lic.#11690

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Pitchford, Malcolm J Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2705; Lic.#175403

BANKRUPTCY & WORKOUT Hildreth, Mark D Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2747; Lic.#454893

FeaturedHonorees / BUSINESS LAW DeLeo, Daniel J Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2740; Lic.#14268

SECOND PRINTING Abridged listings excerpted from the original printing of the complete 2021 Elite Top Attorneys honorees in September 2021.

Snell, Maris K V Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2767; Lic.#125585

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Norton, Hunter G Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2771; Lic.#30534

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Chase, Steven J Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2708; Lic.#210277

Ruberg, Jodi M Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#99985

Dominko, Przemyslaw L Hutton & Dominko PLLC 2639 Fruitville Rd Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-364-9292; Lic.#74143

Schembri, Jenifer S Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#154458

France, Michael A France Litigation Group 1515 Ringling Blvd Ste 800 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-3600; Lic.#521345

Whitney, Jonathan P Lutz Bobo & Telfair PA 2 N Tamiami Trl Fl 5th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1800; Lic.#14874

Rising Star 5 Years in Practice Gurley, Alex Gurley & Associates 601 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-556-1492; Lic.#126321

CIVIL LAW LITIGATION McLain, G Robert Jr Schipani, Norman and McLain, PA 1605 Main St Ste 1110 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-499-8154; Lic.#84475

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Hutton, Steven D Hutton & Dominko PLLC 2639 Fruitville Rd Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-364-9292; Lic.#342221 Johnson, Charles F Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#898937

Moore, Fred E Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#273480 Serrano, Meghan O Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2783; Lic.#53124 Stall, Tyler B Hutton & Dominko PLLC 2639 Fruitville Rd Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-364-9292; Lic.#116074 Swaim, Yuliya V Hutton & Dominko PLLC 2639 Fruitville Rd Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-364-9292; Lic.#100406 Van Hise, Christian T Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2711; Lic.#58459

CONSTRUCTION Legacy 30 Years in Practice Abate, Anthony J Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2707; Lic.#289558 Fant Jr, Michael A Gurley & Associates 601 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-556-1489; Lic.#100713

Program Methodology SUMMARY To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. 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 list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments. FINAL NOTE We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list. DISCLAIMERS DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. QUESTIONS For research/ methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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ELITE

CONTACT INFORMATION

1605 Main St, Ste. 1003 Sarasota, Florida 34236

minfanti@ilfpllc.com

infantilawfirm.com

(941) 926-6352

TOP

ATTORNEYS

Michael Infanti HONOREE Real Estate Law

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION 2001

DEGREES JD: Stetson University College of Law; MBA Stetson University.

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PRACTICE AREAS Banking Business Finance and Investments Real Estate/Land Development

BIO

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Michael Infanti is the Founder and Managing Partner of Infanti Law Firm, PLLC. He is a third generation Sarasotan and has specialized in the areas of general real estate, banking and business law for more than twenty (20) years. Prior to founding his own firm, Michael practiced at a national law firm, as well as a local firm for many years. He has significant experience with the negotiation, drafting and preparation of virtually all forms of commercial contracts and agreements, and routinely represents Fortune 500 companies, banks, regional and national development firms, commercial businesses, family held offices and individuals in the acquisition, financing, sale, lease and development of real estate projects throughout the state of Florida. Originally from Massachusetts, Michael has been a Sarasota resident for over 40 years. After graduating from Sarasota High School, he attended the University of Florida and graduated with dual degrees in Finance and Economics.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Mr. Infanti attended Stetson University College of Law, where he simultaneously obtained both a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration Degree. Michael and his wife Jennifer have been married for almost 15 years and have two children.

When he’s not practicing law, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, and working to advance the interests of his community.

Michael has been active over the years in a variety of civic and professional organizations. Recently, Michael was unanimously elected to serve on the City and County’s Affordable Housing Committees. In that capacity, Michael was able to utilize his extensive real estate knowledge and expertise to work with various community leaders to present a final review, analysis and recommendation to the Boards of the City and County Commissioners.

Michael has also served on various boards including Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Sarasota Boys & Girls Club, Sarasota County Bar Association, and the Florida Bar’s Condominium and Planned Development Committee.

LAW FIRM

TESTIMONIALS “Mr. Infanti is a seasoned attorney who’s input and advice can add value to virtually any transaction. His business knowledge and practical application of the law make him an important advisor to have on your side.” —Lawrence Fineberg, Executive Director, Benderson Development “I have personally known Mr. Infanti for several years and have had the pleasure of working with him on various transactions. Mr. Infanti is a proficient lawyer and a relentless advocate for his clients. His knowledge and experience make him equipped to handle the simple to the most complex. He remains a trusted advisor to our company.” —Michael Chadwick, Managing Director, Casto SE “During my 29 year real estate career in the state of Florida, I have worked with many highly skilled attorneys in the state.

I highly recommend Michael Infanti due to his attention to detail and creative business solutions. His positive attitude and willingness to explore all options makes him a valuable member of my team.” —Wayne Ruben, CEO, Ruben Development Companies

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TOP

ATTORNEYS

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Gurley, David E Gurley & Associates 601 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-556-1480; Lic.#402214 Hanson, Erik M Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3774; Lic.#98529 Henson, Brett M Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2752; Lic.#84259 Sanchez, Albert A Sanchez Law, PLLC 2055 Wood St Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-366-0001; Lic.#267953 Staine, Christopher A Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2718; Lic.#572861

CORPORATE FINANCE, MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Hanan, Benjamin R Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2788; Lic.#89559 Lapointe, Matthew J Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#16138

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Byrd, Derek The Byrd Law Firm 2151 Main St Ste 201 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-954-3400; Lic.#81167

FeaturedHonorees /

SECOND PRINTING Abridged listings excerpted from the original printing of the complete 2021 Elite Top Attorneys honorees in September 2021.

Delgado, Jim Shapiro | Delgado 308 Cocoanut Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-954-4000; Lic.#155446

Norman, Colleen Schipani & Norman PA 1605 Main St Ste 1110 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-499-8154; Lic.#63306

Collier, Jason A Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2791; Lic.#733318

ELDER LAW

Schipani, Philip J Schipani & Norman, PA 1605 Main St Ste 1110 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-499-8154; Lic.#557528

Compton, Jennifer B Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2754; Lic.#128041

GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Duggan, Patrick J Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2735; Lic.#899461

Smith, Daniel H Law Office of Wiesner Smith 328 N Rhodes Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 941-242-7270; Lic.#1006829

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Wiesner, Ira S Law Office of Wiesner Smith 328 N Rhodes Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 941-242-7270; Lic.#222887

FAMILY LAW Bates-Buchanan, Dawn Marie Bates-Buchanan & Savitsky Law Group PA 333 Tamiami Trl S Ste 298V enice, FL 34285 941-799-3015; Lic.#179183 Burns, Jennifer Boeller Law PA 3260 Fruitville Rd Ste B Sarasota, FL 34237 941-876-5200; Lic.#112404 Evans, Natalya Your Family Matters PA 3277 Fruitville Rd Ste F2 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-275-2785; Lic.#67277 Guy, Jeffrey M Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2714; Lic.#92428 Martell, Matthew Z Law Offices of Matthew Z Martell PA 9040 Town Center Pkwy Ste 111 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-556-7020; Lic.#149853

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Barnebey, Mark P Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#370827

HEALTH CARE LAW Rosenberg, Alexis Rosenberg Law, P.A. 1895 Floyd St Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239 941-373-6777; Lic.#335400 Rosenberg, Bruce Rosenberg Law PA 1895 Floyd St Ste B Sarasota, FL 34239 941-373-6777; Lic.#994782 Stroud, Robert S Blalock Walters P.A. 2 N Tamiami Trl Ste 408 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-748-0100; Lic.#783781

INTELLECTURAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Cherry, Douglas A Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2738; Lic.#333130

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Chapman, Anne W Blalock Walters PA 2 N Tamiami Trl Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-748-0100; Lic.#828491

Sensenig, Christine Sensenig Law Firm PA 1515 Ringling Blvd Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-2828; Lic.#74276

LAND USE, ENVIRONMENT Colburn, Casey The Colburn Firm 7321 Merchant Ct Ste A, Sarasota, FL 34240 941-928-6801; Lic.#647551 Powers, Marisa J Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#795771 Rudacille, Scott E Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#866121

PERSONAL INJURY Battaglia, Alyson Legler Murphy & Battaglia, LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599; Lic.#56548 Fernandez, Stephen Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh 3550 S Tamiami Trl Fl 3rd Sarasota, FL 34239 941-954-1234; Lic.#723673

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ELITE

CONTACT INFORMATION

889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236

damian@mallardperez.com

mallardperez.com

(941) 952-1682

TOP

ATTORNEYS

Damian Mallard HONOREE Personal Injury

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION April 30, 1991.

All Florida State Courts and the Federal Middle and Southern Districts of Florida as well as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal.

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BIO

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Damian Mallard is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney with 30 years of experience with an emphasis in Catastrophic Personal Injury Law. He is active in many legal and philanthropic groups. Annually since 2016, he has been nominated as a “Super Lawyer” by his peers and was given an anonymous rating of “AV Preeminent” by his peers and in surveys of judges with knowledge of his skills. He has tried cases in fourteen different cities in Florida and has obtained several million dollar or multimillion-dollar verdicts or settlements.

Mr. Mallard has represented men, women, and children in claims for sexual abuse against schools, churches, day care centers and private organizations most notably, the Boy Scouts of America. He also handles catastrophic auto negligence cases, trucking accidents, premises liability cases, medical malpractice cases, Negligent Security cases, Nursing Home and ALF abuse matters.

Mr. Mallard graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1990 where he served on the Editorial Board of the Stetson Law Review. He has authored books on Auto Negligence Law, Nursing Home/ALF Abuse, and Child Abuse/Injury cases. He has been married to Sara Mallard for 27 years and has two daughters.

Mallard Perez is extensively involved in the Community. This includes supporting MADD, Special Olympics, the Salvation Army Toy Drive each Christmas and many other worthwhile endeavors.

DEGREES

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

J.D. Stetson University College of Law, 1990.

30 years. Certified Civil Trial Attorney.

AV Rated. Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association

MISSION Mallard Perez provides legal services to individuals who have been harmed in Nursing Homes, Catastrophic Auto accidents, Child/sex abuse matters, Construction injuries, Medical Malpractice and Premises Liability situations. We treat each client with compassion and respect providing oneone personal assistance with each case.

TESTIMONIALS “There are no words to express our overwhelming thanks. May God pour out blessings on every one of you.”

“The compassion and professionalism from everyone at your firm helped me get through this most devastating event.”

LAW FIRM

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ELITE

TOP

ATTORNEYS

Goldman, David L Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh 3550 S Tamiami Trl Fl 3rd Sarasota, FL 34239 941-954-1234; Lic.#724300 Legler, Kennedy Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599; Lic.#570184 Linehan, Gregory P Wittmer & Linehan PLLC 2014 4th St Sarasota, FL 34237 941-263-8314; Lic.#87970 Mallard, Damian Mallard Law Firm 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1682; Lic.#882348 Murphy, Daniel Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh 3550 S Tamiami Trl Fl 3rd Sarasota, FL 34239 941-954-1234; Lic.#119576 Perez, Alan L Mallard Law Firm 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1682; Lic.#60409 Reeves, Grace Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599; Lic.#119586 Robertson, Bill The Robertson Law Firm 1990 9th St Ste 100 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-919-3959; Lic.#436607 Shapiro, David Shapiro | Delgado 308 Cocoanut Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-954-4000; Lic.#508764

FeaturedHonorees /

SECOND PRINTING Abridged listings excerpted from the original printing of the complete 2021 Elite Top Attorneys honorees in September 2021.

Telfair, Charles W Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A. 2 N Tamiami Trl Fl 5 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1800; Lic.#883964

Pike, Peter J Pike Law 4901 26th St W Bradenton, FL 34207 941-312-2580; Lic.#38833

Walsh, Bernard F Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh 3550 S Tamiami Trail, 3rd Floor Sarasota, FL 34239 941-954-1234; Lic.#263826

Pitchford, Jan W Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2710; Lic.#507784

PRODUCT LIABILITY Rising Star 5 Years in Practice Cowgill, Michael J Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A. 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#88005 Maglio, Altom M Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A. 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#88005 Sayeg, Ilyas Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A. 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#99140 Stephan, Michele S Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A. 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#96628

REAL ESTATE Christy, Erin Hope Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2732; Lic.#60510 Infanti, Michael P Infanti Law Firm LLC PO Box 5292 Sarasota, FL 34277 941-926-6352; Lic.#483590

Plummer, Matthew R Blalock Walters PA 2 N Tamiami Trl Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-748-0100; Lic.#5140

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Shaw, Timothy S Blalock Walters P.A. 2 N Tamiami Trl Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-748-0100; Lic.#331661 Tullidge, Amanda C Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#106698 Villaveces, Juan C Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2765; Lic.#188042

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Walters III, Clifford L Blalock Walters PA 802 11th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0100; Lic.#221971

SPORTS LAW Unkel, Christina E Maglio Christopher & Toale PA 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#99203

TAX LAW King, Mary E Law Office of Mary E King PL 3389 Magic Oak Ln Sarasota, FL 34232 941-906-7585; Lic.#987001

TRIBAL LAW Levinson, Pamela G Maglio Christopher & Toale PA 1605 Main St Ste 710 Sarasota, FL 34236 888-952-5242; Lic.#538345

WILLS Bartirome, Anthony D Blalock Walters PA 2 N Tamiami Trl Ste 400 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-748-0100; Lic.#606316 Burchett, Charla M Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3780; Lic.#813230 Goethe, Jeffrey S Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, & Shea, PLLC 3119 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-741-8224; Lic.#861420

Legacy 30 Years in Practice Gordon, Cheryl L Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2706; Lic.#284483 Heedy, David B Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 240 S Pineapple Ave Fl 10th Sarasota, FL 34236 941-364-2794; Lic.#119196 Robinson, M Brandon Barnes Walker Goethe Perron & Shea PLLC 3119 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-741-8224; Lic.#119364

WORKER'S COMPENSATION Murphy, Edward Legler Murphy & Battaglia LLP 2411 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-5599; Lic.#67792

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HONOREE Commercial Litigation

ELITE

TOP

BIO Michael is a dedicated Commercial Litigator. First ATTORNEYS starting out in New Orleans where he handled admiralty issues, such as application of the Jones Act and insurance claims involving the development and construction of offshore oil rigs. Upon moving to Florida, he practiced with Matthews Eastmoore before opening his own firm in 2008 and growing France Litigation Group. When he is not in the office, Michael can be found with family. Michael and his family enjoy cooking, boating and fishing. MISSION We take on business cases, large and small, simple and complex. No matter the scope of your legal issue, we will work tirelessly to achieve a positive resolution.

Michael A. France FRANCE LITIGATION GROUP

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION October 2001 He is a member of the Sarasota County Bar association, American Bar Association, and the Louisiana State Bar Association.

DEGREES

CONTACT INFORMATION

Loyola University New Orleans School of Law.

Sarasota Office 1515 Ringling Blvd, Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236

PRACTICE AREAS

Venice Office 355 West Venice Avenue Venice, FL 34285

Commercial Litigation.

Contract, Insurance Disputes, and Real Estate Law.

(941) 953-3600 mfrancelaw.com

Thank you for voting us among the “Top” Law Firms for Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

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HONOREE Construction

TOP

BIO David E. Gurley is the principal shareholder of Gurley & Associates. He has been Florida Board Certified as an expert in Construction Law since 2005. Mr. Gurley’s practice for the ATTORNEYS last thirty-seven years has concentrated on matters relating to the construction and design of private and public development projects including, contract negotiation and drafting; project oversight and Board of Claims proceedings; construction and design defect analysis and documentation; scheduling and delay claims; lender issues; project takeovers and completions for sureties; surety indemnity actions; construction licensing and disciplinary matters; and, the mediation, arbitration and litigation of construction and design disputes. MISSION Gurley & Associates is a commercial litigation, construction and surety boutique law firm with a national and international reach.

Gurley & Associates provides the responsiveness and personal service of a boutique law firm, with the experience and attention to detail that are hallmarks of larger firms.

David Gurley

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION 1984

DEGREES J.D., Florida State University, 1983.

B.S., Florida State University, 1981.

GURLEY & ASSOCIATES

PRACTICES Construction Law, Surety Law Business and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense, Insurance Coverage, Condominium Law, Trial Practice

CONTACT INFORMATION Dgurley@GurleyAssociates.com 601 S Osprey Ave Sarasota, FL 34236.

(941) 556-1480 GurleyAssociates.com

HONOREE Labor and Employment BIO Christine Sensenig is the managing partner of The Sensenig Law Firm, P.A. She provides human resources and employment law advice as well as litigation defense to employers of all sizes in all aspects of the employment relationship. To build strong long-term relationships with clients, the Firm explores the “why” behind a client’s concerns. In employment law, clients have needs in “real time” and the Firm believes in being an accessible resource to our clients. Christine Sensenig is grateful to have been recognized in her community by colleagues that she respects and admires as a member of SRQ Magazine’s Elite Top Attorneys.

“I do my best because I am counting on you counting on me.” — Maya Angelou

Christine Sensenig

DEGREES

RECOGNITION

1995 JD University of Florida Levin College of Law. 1992 Master of Liberal Arts University of South Florida. 1988 BA English Education & BA Humanities University of South Florida.

Florida Trend Legal Elite, 2009-2021.

SuperLawyer, 2015-2021.

University of Florida Alumni Leader of the Year, 2009.

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell

CONTACT INFORMATION csensenig@ senseniglawfirm.com 1515 Ringling Blvd., Ste. 230 Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-2828 senseniglawfirm.com

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HONOREE LAND USE & ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

ELITE

TOP

BIO In 25 years of practicing transactional real estate, Casey has represented a diverse clientele, from Dow 30 conglomerates to fixed-income seniors. Casey’s local clients and professional ATTORNEYS colleagues often engage him to help navigate and assess byzantine, illogical, and politically-charged local, state and federal bureaucratic processes for sustainability, zoning, land development, waterfronts and docks, wetlands, and other permitting challenges. Casey also assists clients nationwide with environmental due diligence for shopping center and portfolio transactions. “Being recognized again this year by my local colleagues is the highest honor.” MISSION The Colburn Firm helps solve real estate matters complicated by federal, state and local government regulation and enforcement, waterfront, land use and development issues, green building, environmental permitting, due diligence and docks.

PRACTICE AREAS

Casey Colburn THE COLBURN FIRM, PL

Zoning, Land Use & Conservation Environmental Permitting and Enforcement. Cleanup, Remediation and Redevelopment. Federal, State and Local Approvals. Real Estate Due Diligence and Development. Shopping Center Law. Green Building. Code Enforcement. Federal, State and Local Legislation. Waterfront Permitting and Development.

Docks and Riparian Rights

CONTACT INFORMATION casey.colburn@icloud.com 7321 Merchant Ct, Suite A Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 928-6801 (850) 692-9656 caseycolburn.com

Licensed in Florida and Pennsylvannia.

HONOREE Tax Law BIO Mary has been a practicing attorney since 1993 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. Her career in law has primarily focused in IRS tax defense, as well as estate planning and probate. In addition to her law firm, she has also opened her own title company, King Title, LLC. Mary is a member of the Florida Bar, as well as the Sarasota County Bar Association. She is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell; the highest rating an attorney can attain. As a native Floridian, she grew up in St. Petersburg, and has lived in Sarasota since 1999. As an attorney, she wants to give her clients the feeling that they can relax and put their trust in her to handle their case, whether it is an IRS tax matter, probate or a real estate closing. Her goal is to relieve her clients stress and pressure of worrying about their legal matters on a day to day basis

Mary E. King LAW OFFICE OF MARY E. KING, PL

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

1993

28 years

DEGREES University of Florida, Bachelor of Business Administration, 1988 Wake Forest University, Masters of Business Administration, 1990 Stetson University, College of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1993

CONTACT INFORMATION tax@kinglawpl.com 3389 Magic Oak Lane Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 906-7585 taxlawyerflorida.com

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ELITE

HONOREE Family Law

TOP

BIO In 2000, Attorney Matthew Martell founded his law firm which earned a reputation in the community for honesty, hard work, and success due to his commitment to his client’s legal problems. Born in ATTORNEYS a small college town in Ohio, he was raised by a respected attorney who later became a judge. Mr. Martell is "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, has an Avvo rating of "10", and has received numerous other professional awards for his excellent legal representation.

Mr. Martell is dedicated to helping his clients to move their divorce along fairly and professionally through the Sarasota County and Manatee County family law court system. TESTIMONIAL "Martell's knowledge of divorce law is top notch. He offered sound advice and fought for me in a professional manner. His commitment was steadfast. Martell’s communications skills, and tenacity are excellent.

I would highly recommend him to anyone needing the best legal representation." — Mike Miller

Matthew Z. Martell Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A.

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

PRACTICE AREAS

October 1998

Divorce; High Net Worth Divorces; Equitable Distribution; Custody & Visitation; Mediation, Alimony; Child Support, Post-Divorce Modifications; Post Divorce Enforcements

DEGREES J.D. at University of Akron School of Law in 1998.

B.A.- Political Science at University of Michigan in 1994

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 28 years

CONTACT INFORMATION casemanager@mzmlaw.com 9040 Town Center Pkwy.

Suites 111 - B & C Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 1990 Main St., Ste. 750 Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 941-556-7020 mzmlaw.com

HONOREE Personal Injury BIO Charles W. Telfair IV is a Personal Injury Attorney. Mr. Telfair began his career at Holland and Knight back in 1989. Holland and Knight chose to relocate to Tampa and Lutz, Bobo and Telfair opened its doors in April of 1992. Through his career Mr. Telfair has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest corporations in the world – Tropicana, Volvo Penta, Stanely Bostich, to name a few... Mr. Telfair believes accessibility and honesty are what his client’s appreciate the most. Personal Injury law is personal.

Mr. Telfair puts forth his energy, knowledge and time to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients. MISSION Lutz, Bobo & Telfair is an AV rated law firm, by Martindale Hubbell. This means that our peers have given us the highest rating for both ethics and legal ability. Here at Lutz, Bobo & Telfair we are privileged to work with you, and we are honored to share our experience with you. At Lutz, Bobo and Telfair we treat our client’s the way we prefer to be treated.

Charles W. Telfair IV LUTZ, BOBO & TELFAIR TRIAL LAWYERS

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION 1991

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science from the University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship, in 1987. Attended Officer Basic School at Fort McClellan (1988). Juris Doctorate received from Stetson University College of Law in 1990, as well as the Stanley Milledge Award. Retired from the US Army Reserves as a Captain 2000.

CONTACT INFORMATION cwtelfair@lutzbobo.com 2 North Tamiami Trl. 5th Floor Sarasota, Florida, 34236 (941) 951-1800 lbtlaw.com

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ELITE

HONOREE Real Estate

TOP

BIO Peter J. Pike is Florida board certified in real estate law.

Before founding the Pike Law Firm, Mr. Pike worked for ATTORNEYS Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, as their Legal and Branch Education Manager, then as Commercial Senior Underwriting Counsel. In NY and Florida Mr. Pike has been involved in teaching real estate brokers and agents at the pre-licensure and continuing education levels. In his “spare time” Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine and their two cats, Dale and Loki. MISSION Pike Law Firm provides exceptional legal services for real estate and business transactions.

We provide quality, competitive and innovative services and education. We recognize that each transaction is the most important transaction to our client, and we aim to deliver a seamless and smooth transactional experience.

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

Peter J. Pike PIKE LAW FIRM

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June 2007

DEGREES J.D. St. John’s University School of Law, 1984 B.A. Chemistry – New York University, 1980

AFFILIATIONS Florida Bar Board Certified in Real Estate Law Licensed Florida Real Estate Instructor

CONTACT INFORMATION Peter@PikeRELaw.com 4901 26th St. W., Ste. B Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 312-2580 PikeRELaw.com

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2021

ELITE

TOP

Jaime Delgado SHAPIRO DELGADO

HONOREE CRIMINAL DEFENSE

BIO Jaime Delgado was always driven to serve. The calling led him to enlist in the United States Airforce at a young age ATTORNEYS before it later inspired his law career. After starting as a public defender, Jimmy has spent the last 23 years seeking justice for injured victims in Sarasota and Manatee counties. A bilingual attorney, he’s remained active in his native Latino community and bringing their voice to local nonprofit Organizations.

TESTIMONIAL “ Mr. Delgado is extremely persistent, professional, and transparent. I know it can be hard to trust lawyers as some don’t always have their client’s best interests at hand.

But I can definitely say that that is NOT the case with Jim. My case was very complicated and took awhile to solve, there was a point where I thought that they would give up. Instead, they encouraged me every step of the way and maintained open lines of communication with me. Highly recommend Mr. Delgado” — Maria Rios MISSION Our mission at Shapiro | Delgado is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible through diligent, attentive, and aggressive advocacy.

CONTACT INFORMATION

DEGREES B.B.A. From InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico.

Received a joint JD/MBA Stetson University.

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

jdelgado@getmejustice.com 5279 Office Park Blvd Bradenton, FL., 34203

October 1998 (941) 749-1446 getmejustice.com

HONOREE PERSONAL INJURY BIO David Shapiro has focused his life on helping others improve their own. As a Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer, he’s represented injured clients in Sarasota and Manatee Counties for over 30 years. And as an active member in the community, David serves on the board of several charitable and non-profit organizations that lift families, children, and veterans. “It’s nice to be recognized,” Shapiro said, “and honored that so many entrusted me to serve as their advocate in their time of need.”

MISSION Our mission at Shapiro | Delgado is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible through diligent, attentive, and aggressive advocacy.

DEGREES

M. David Shapiro

University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 1981 Florida State University College of Law, Juris Doctorate, with honors, 1985

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION 1985.

Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and a Florida Bar Board Certified Mediator.

CONTACT INFORMATION DShapiro@GetMeJustice.com 308 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 954-4000 (800) 954-4014 getmejustice.com

SHAPIRO DELGADO

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ELITE

HONOREE ELDER LAW

TOP

BIO Daniel H. Smith is an attorney at Advocates in Aging focusing on Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Veterans ATTORNEYS Benefits, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Long-Term Care Issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia.

Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, representing veterans and their families in appeals of VA Benefits decisions. Daniel serves on the Board of Sarasota County Aging Network (SCAN).

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Board Member & Past Vice President, Sarasota County Aging Network (SCAN). Member, Sarasota-Manatee Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee.

Mentor, Faces of Accomplishment, Booker High School. MISSION Our mission is to help protect the assets, preserve the independence, and maintain the dignity and security of our clients as they confront the issues of aging or illness.

Daniel Hooper Smith

DEGREES

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

J.D. cum laude, George Mason University School of Law, 2015.

2018.

Elder Law Section, Guardianship Committee.

B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2005.

Real Property, Probate & Trust Section

ADVOCATES IN AGING LAW OFFICE OF WIESNER SMITH ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING

CONTACT INFORMATION daniel@wiesnerlaw.com 328 N Rhodes Ave Sarasota, Florida 34237 (941) 365-9900 wiesnerlaw.com

HONOREE ELDER LAW BIO Ira Stewart Wiesner is founder of Advocates in Aging, Sarasota’s first dedicated Elder Law firm. For almost 40 years he has guided clients on issues of aging and disability, preserving assets and accessing care. He was a founding member and Chair of the Florida Bar Elder Law Section. Ira’s contributions to the emerging field earned him election as President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and selection as a Fellow of the Academy. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Recipient of the First Theresa Award of the Theresa Foundation, 1995. Witness before Congressional Older Americans Caucus, Chair Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy, III. Guest on Today Show, Bryant Gumbel, October 1996. MISSION Our mission is to help protect the assets, preserve the independence, and maintain the dignity and security of our clients as they confront the issues of aging or illness.

DEGREES

Ira Stewart Wiesner ADVOCATES IN AGING LAW OFFICE OF WIESNER SMITH ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING

SUNY at Buffalo, B.A. in political science and philosophy, cum laude, 1973.

JD 1976.

University of Florida, LL.M. Master of Laws in Taxation, 1978.

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

CONTACT INFORMATION

1976.

ira@wiesnerlaw.com

Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

328 N Rhodes Ave Sarasota, Florida 34237

Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law.

wiesnerlaw.com

(941) 365-9900

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F ROM THE EDITO R S O F S RQ M AGAZ I N E | S P R I N G 2022

KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS

COUNTER CULTURE

A QUICK FIX(TURE) THE FLOOR IS YOURS

NEO-MODERN BIRD KEY NEST ECHT-ARCHITECTS CRAFTS AN INSPIRED RENOVATION

ON THE COFFEE TABLE

NEW RELEASES HOME DESIGN

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2022

Home design stories, inspiration and thoughtful architecture on the West Coast of Florida—from Anna Maria Island and Lakewood Ranch to Sarasota, Venice and the Barrier Islands.

The Main NEO-MODERN NEST The design of the posh Sarasota residence— situated on a 21,605-square-foot lot on the corner of a waterfront street—originally wrapped construction in February 2019. Solidly built in 1968, the existing 6,364-square-foot home was equipped with four bedrooms and five-and-ahalf bathrooms, but the homeowner set out to reimagine the interiors in a more contemporary style (to complement their highly eclectic art collection). The overarching goals of the renovation were to modernize the entire space, harmonize the home’s angles and heights, make the oversized entry area and living room more inviting, add an artist’s studio and maximize the views of downtown Sarasota across the Bay from Bird Key.

Kitchen Trends COUNTER CULTURE A good countertop can make or break a kitchen.

With something that takes so much abuse—whether it be from a spontaneous art project or a tomato that was a little too juicy for the cutting board to keep under control—this kitchen necessity needs to be not only functional and durable, but also stylish.

A QUICK FIX(TURE) Whether you want a brightly lit room that allows you to easily read the new recipe you are mastering or a dimly lit, moody space to relax with a hot cup of tea, lighting is an essential element in any kitchen.

THE FLOOR IS YOURS Most consider looking at the floor a bad thing —a sign of being uncomfortable, self-conscious or bored. But it doesn’t have to be. Giving your kitchen floor a makeover will have you staring at the floor all day in awe.

Books Newly released architectural pages come bound and printed for the ardent designers, planners, builders and appreciators.

COVER AND THIS PAGE Neo-Modern Nest on Bird Key by Echt-Architects, photography by Ryan Gamma Photography.

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SRQ | HOME&DESIGN MAGAZINE SPRING 2022 | HOME PORTFOLIO

YOU DREAM IT, WE CREATE IT.

F

rom a task as simple as hanging a television to a complete remodel that includes gutting an entire house and turning it into a new and unique luxury home, JDE Installations literally does it all. Ten years

strong, A.J. Lawrence, owner of JDE Installations, started small. With only one employee who still happens to be with the firm, JDE began as a “general handyman” type company mainly focusing on builds and audio visual, installing TVs and surround sound systems and IKEA furniture. Today, with about 26 plus employees, the firm has grown to be one of the largest residential remodeling companies in the area, with a 4,000-square-foot showroom in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

Right from the very beginning, Lawrence saved his earnings and put the money into teaming up with or owning all the companies that worked around him. Fast-forward to today, they are offering a custom carpentry and paint team, direct fabrication of countertops and stone, partnering with their own kitchendesign warehouse, creating 100 percent custom kitchens, and furniture and more. “Everything we do is all in house, from kitchens to carpentry, to tile work,” shares Lawrence. “We don’t buy any type of custom templates. We make everything ourselves and most of the time right in front of our customers’ eyes.” While they often make the cabinets for remodeling customers, they also wholesale them to other contractors and builders. “We are the manufacturer, the retailer and the installer. We’re all of it,” Lawrence says proudly. He jokes that “JDE” stands for “Just Do Everything”--the firm was actually named for his three dogs, Jax,

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Dee, and Ella—when in fact, the company slogan printed on their logo is “big or small, we do it all”—and they do. Celebrating their newest venture, Lawrence reports that the firm is in the process of acquiring a piece of land to set up an entire neighborhood and build it from scratch which has been a dream of Lawrence’s from the conception of the company. At the moment, the majority of their remodel work is being done in brand-new neighborhoods.

“SOUTH BEACH IS PRETTY “Before the pandemic and because MODERN AND ABSTRACT. of it, lots of folks have been moving THAT’S MY STYLE. WE DO SO to the area,” says Lawrence. “They buy MANY AMAZING CONTEMPOvery basic homes, we come in as soon RARY DESIGNS THAT WHEN THE WORD ‘MODERN’ IS as they close—before they even move USED, MY MOUTH WATERS.” in—and we turn the place into the home of their dreams with our custom work.”

—AJ Lawrence, Owner Lawrence credits JDE’s success to his team of employees. “We are bigger than I ever wanted to be in the beginning, but I love it and couldn’t do it without my team,” he says. “We keep this like a tight-knit family. Everybody is happy to come to work. Everybody is passionate about it. Day in and day out we do some pretty amazing things in these houses and we do it as a team. From the lowest on the totem pole to the owner, we are a family.”

Trending these days in Lakewood Ranch is modern and mid-century modern. Having been born and raised in Miami, Lawrence’s heart lies in modern design, so this current trend is music to his ears. “South Beach is pretty modern and

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3D MODELS ARE CREATED TO MAKE THE WHOLE PROESS AS EASY AND SEAMLESS AS POSSIBLE. DON’T STRESS. I’VE GOT IT! EVERY FIRDAY, THE HOMEOWNER WILL GE AN UPDATE WITH PHOTOS. WHEN THE PROJECT IS DONE, THE HOMEOWNER RECEIVES A BOTTLE OF WINE AND A PHOTO BOOK FILLED WITH BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES. abstract. That’s my style,” he says. “We do so many amazing contemporary designs that when the word ‘modern’ is used, my mouth waters.” For an upcoming job, Lawrence shares his plans with exuberance, “I’m going to convert the whole house to ‘Miami modern’, gut it all to include a master bathroom upstairs and downstairs, full flooring throughout the home, modern high-gloss kitchen with matte countertops and hidden appliances, a double L-shaped high gloss floating entertainment wall with glass shelving, LED lights and flat screen mounted tv, glass stairs and railing, full 20-foot tall wall of wave tile and much more—some really cool things are about to happen for this homeowner.”

While every job has its challenges, Lawrence’s biggest challenge to date was definitely his recent battle with Covid.

Hospitalized and very ill with 11 projects in the works, people wondered how the firm would survive without the owner, the face of the company at the helm. Again, he credits the strength of his crew. “For three months straight of me not being able to even function, my team showed me how strong my company really has become and how much everybody actually cares.

Coming together in hard times to hold the company together through our hardest time to date, and here we are. Every single member of my team plays a vital role. It’s a team effort--me and them together making it all happen.”

When a homeowner signs on to work with JDE, they instantly know they’re in the right hands. After an initial meeting at the home, whether they’re planning a bathroom or an entire

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home remodel, Lawrence learns what the client really wants.

The next phase involves getting the client into the showroom to present designs. Once everyone is comfortable, a quote is prepared, and if approved, a deposit is given. 3D models are created to make the whole process as easy and seamless as possible. Lawrence knows that construction, remodeling, even hanging a TV is stressful for the homeowner. He tells them at the start: “It’s my house now. I own this house until I’m out of it. Don’t stress. Don’t micromanage. Don’t worry, I’ve got it!” Every Friday, the homeowner will get an update with photos. When the project is done, the homeowner receives a bottle of wine and a photo book filled with before and after pictures, to say “Hey, we appreciate you and thank you for letting us create something amazing,” says Lawrence. “Never forget where you came from,” says Lawrence. “We started with nothing but a Honda Element, hard work and a dream.

It doesn’t matter if we build 100 million neighborhoods. We remember where we came from.”

JDE INSTALLS 4715 LENA ROAD, UNIT 107 BRADENTON, FL 34212 941-479-1533 JDEINSTALLS@JDEINSTALLS.COM All photos courtesy of Alec Paris Photography

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Counter Culture A good countertop can make or break a kitchen. With something that takes so much abuse—whether it be from a spontaneous art project or a tomato that was a little too juicy for the cutting board to keep under control—this kitchen necessity needs to be not only functional and durable, but also stylish. So whether you are in the market for a new kitchen countertop or like many of us and just like to stay up-to-date on home improvement topics, here are kitchen countertop trends that designers and suppliers alike have seen rising in popularity. W R I T T E N B Y Chloe Cuyler

SOURCE IT Kati Ramage, Abide Designs, 941-587-1364, katiramage@abide designsinteriors.com; Emily Moss, Emily Moss Concepts and Designs, 941-219-9377, emily@emilymossdesigns.com; Jennifer Horvat, Florida Design Works, 941-355-2703 x 134, jennifer. horvat@floridadesignworks.com

MANY ARE BREAKING UP WITH NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH THEIR MAN-MADE COUNTERPARTS. “The durability and versatility make it a solid option

for so many homeowners in our area, from young families to retirees,” says owner, operator and lead designer of Abide Designs, Kati Ramage. “In an open floor plan, the kitchen island can truly become the hub of the home, with everything from homework completion to dinner prep to online shopping all taking place on your countertop. Quartz offers the comfort of knowing that your counters are beautiful and functional for all tasks.” And though engineered stones will never be able to replace those of natural origin, many of them now come in designs that mimic the likes of marble, limestone and granite.

Embrace the curves. We get it. Straight lines give off a look of modern elegance that no other shape can. But they can sometimes feel unnatural. Life is all about bends, dips and curves. So with organic-style decor gaining so much popularity in 2021, it should come to no surprise that the shapes of our countertops are beginning to follow suit. “Whether it’s because people are moving past the pristine, Instagram-esque, minimalist look, or 10

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just looking for warmth and fun in their design, we are definitely seeing the use of soft curves in countertops edges,” says Emily Moss, owner and principal designer at Emily Moss Concepts and Designs. She notes that the curved countertop edges can add a softer, more natural aesthetic to your kitchen.

While quartz countertops are all-the-rage for those wanting to cut down on their in-kitchen maintenance projects, many others still enjoy a good natural stone. One that has been gaining traction is quartzite. This stone is often confused with quartz—an understandable mistake, given their similar names—but, whereas quartz is man made, quartzite is of a natural origin. “Quartzite is the most popular and growing trend in countertop,” says Jennifer Horvat, marketing director for Florida Design Works. “The very hard, metamorphic rock originates from sandstone and when processed with high heat and pressurization, it is transformed into an extremely strong and durable natural stone.” Quartzite often resembles marble, with its glossiness and veiny patterns. And though it does require maintenance and upkeep, the natural stone is harder and more durable than marble. SRQH&D

Left: Quartzite island. Right: Blue Roma Quartzite Slab 3/4” Honed Stone by Artistic Tile.

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A QUICK FIX TURE , Is there anything more important than lighting? In some situations—sure—but as far as the kitchen is involved, lighting is king. Whether you want a brightly lit room that allows you to easily read the new recipe you are mastering or a dimly lit, moody space to relax with a hot cup of tea, lighting is an essential element in any kitchen.

W R I T T E N B Y Chloe Cuyler

SOURCE IT Kati Ramage, Abide Designs, 941-587-1364, katiramage@abidedesignsinteriors.com; Rob Barnard, Bee Ridge Lighting and Design, 941922-2626, rob@beeridgelighting.com;

THE 70’S IS CALLING. VINYL RECORDS. POLAROID CAMERAS. MACRAMÉ. Some of the most popular vintage trends are making a comeback. One becoming quite the trend being rattan.

This woven grass phenomena that was a staple in almost any 70’s home has been popping up everywhere—even in the form of kitchen lighting fixtures. Maybe it is due to their ability to instantly make the harshest of kitchens feel more homey. Kati Ramage, owner, operator and lead designer of Abide Designs has been enjoying this trend lately. “I love a good woven pendant or chandelier when we need to soften a space or if a client is seeking a coastal look,” Ramage says. “When a kitchen is full of hard surfaces from countertops to cabinets to appliances, it’s nice to warm things up with a woven fixture.”Layers aren’t 12

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just for hair. What’s an easy fix when you’re bored with your hair? Adding layers. Layers can take your hair from dull and lifeless to fun and full of character. Why not do the same with your kitchen? Rob Barnard, manager of Bee Ridge Lighting and Design, says, “The kitchen, more than any other room, benefits from multiple “layers’’ of light. Typically there is the main lighting in the form of recessed or decorative lighting. Most homes also have accent pendants located over the island. These contribute to the overall lumen output and also add aesthetics.

The last, and most important layer is the undercabinet lighting.

There are a few forms—pucks, linear fixtures and tape lighting.

This layer fills in the light right where you need it most—on your counter for meal prep and cleaning.” SRQH&D

Top right: Sago rounded rattan pendant light, CB2. Bottom right: Bee Ridge Lighting.

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THE FLOOR IS YOURS Most consider looking at the floor a bad thing—a sign of being uncomfortable, self-conscious or bored.

But it doesn’t have to be. Giving your kitchen floor a makeover will have you staring at the floor all day in awe.

W R I T T E N B Y Chloe Cuyler

SOURCE IT Kati Ramage, Abide Designs, 941-587-1364, katiramage@abidedesignsinteriors.com; Rob Barnard, Bee Ridge Lighting and Design, 941922-2626, rob@beeridgelighting.com;

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GRAY IS THE NEW BEIGE. You’ve probably heard of the Pantone Color of the Year. With last year’s being Ultimate (gray) and this year’s being Very Peri (blue with a violet-red undertone), it should come as no surprise that warm-toned colors are out and cool neutral tones are in. One particularly popular shade, as far as kitchen flooring is concerned, is gray. For years, warm beiges have been the go-to colors for flooring. They make for an easy base for any kitchen, however, their red, brown and yellow-y undertones make them difficult to pair with cooler colors like blues, purples and even whites. That’s where grays come in. They provide all the simplicity we love in a beige, while also being neutral enough to match with pretty much every color in the rainbow. BLEACH ISN’T JUST FOR BLONDES Hardwood flooring gives any space a timeless appearance. It also doesn’t hurt that they are easy to clean and have quite the lasting power. But hardwood floors can oftentimes look…hard. Many of the colors available tend to be dark and/or rich—which while fantastic and beautiful, leaves something to be desired by those of who enjoy lighter and softer color palettes. Perhaps that is why bleached wood has been getting more attention lately. Bleached wood is exactly as it sounds—wood that has undergone a chemical process to remove the color or stain that was once applied to it. The result is a soft, ash-toned wood, which manages to showcase all of the wood’s natural texture without the harshness of the stain. MOTIF IS JUST A FANCY WORD FOR PATTERN. The perfect compromise between subtle and standout is patterned flooring. Some popular types of patterned flooring include parquet, herringbone and chevron. They all have their distinct differences, parquet consists of small blocks of wood fitted together to create a series of geographic patterns, herringbone and chevron, while often used simultaneously to describe the same pattern, actually have a few distinctions from each other. The chevron pattern is composed of a series of wooden planks that are each cut at an angle.

When these angles are paired together, they form a continuous v-shape. Herringbone, on the other hand, is made up of non-angled wood planks.

These planks still form a v, but do so by one overlapping the other. Each pattern can be used to add a touch of excitement to your kitchen, along with a touch of European elegance. SRQH&D Left: Image courtesy of Benjamin Moore paints.

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HOMES WITH A VISION Newly released home design reads come bound and printed for the home.

C O M P I L E D B Y Chloe Cuyler

VICTORIA HAGAN: LIVE NOW When a design book is written by a member of the AD100 and the Interior Design Hall of Fame, you know it’s going to be good. This book by acclaimed interior designer, Victoria Hagan is no exception. Featuring 12 dwellings of different styles but of equal tranquility, this is the perfect source of inspiration for transforming your humble abode into a relaxing sanctuary that helps you appreciate the simple things in life. CHARLES AND RAY EAMES: OBJECTS AND FURNITURE DESIGN Edited by Sandra Dachs, Patricia de Muga, Laura García Hintze. Introduction by Mathias Remmele. Best known for their contributions to architecture, furniture design, industrial design, film and photography, Charles and Ray Eames remain among the most renowned American designers of the 20th century. The couple married in 1941 and moved to California, where they pursued their furniture design in molded plywood. Polígrafa, releases March 15. ARCHITECTURAL GARDENS: INSIDE THE LANDSCAPES OF LUCAS & LUCAS A portfolio of ten lushly illustrated residential landscape projects in California’s wine country, each a lesson in the alchemy of garden design, created by landscape architecture firm Lucas & Lucas. The work of landscape architecture firm Lucas & Lucas extends the architecture of the house into the garden through carefully selected elements of design. Each of the ten projects in Architectural Gardens includes a design narrative that addresses the interconnections between home and land, detailed captions, and a site plan. Readers will learn how to implement features such as landscape windows, breeze-catching grasses, cascading concrete waterfalls, and trees with thoughtfully cast shadows to transform their landscape. Princeton Architectural Press, releases March 15.

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SOURCE IT Special order from local bookseller Bookstore1, 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-7900, sarasotabooks.com; artbook.com and papress.com.

IN THE MOOD FOR COLOR: PERFECT PALETTES FOR CREATIVE INTERIORS Color is a powerful phenomenon. It can affect our moods, drawing different emotions to the surface, depending upon its hue. Art director and interior stylist, Hans Blomquist, proves this in his recent work, motivating readers to add a little color to their spaces with five collections of interiors inspired by the many colors in nature, ranging from the crisp white of winter snow to the rich, enveloping black of the midnight sky. HOUSE STORY: INSIDER SECRETS TO THE PERFECT HOME RENOVATION Penned by Jasmine Roth, the star of HGTV’s Hidden Potential and HELP! I Wrecked My House, and photographed by Dabito, this book makes the home design process as easy as can be by providing detailed breakdowns of the four most familiar design types and their various subcategories. Topics cover a wide range of home improvement needs, from creating curb appeal and designing outdoor lighting setups to knocking down walls and finishing floors. COZY WHITE COTTAGE SEASONS: 100 WAYS TO BE COZY ALL YEAR LONG Interior design doesn’t have to be left to a group of professions and Liz Marie Galvan—do-it-yourself interior designer, blogger and owner of the Found Cottage in Hudsonville, Michigan—does a wonderful job of proving just that. This book of full-color photography provides readers with all they need to keep their homes feeling cozy, no matter the time of year. Fun ideas for holiday decorating are also sprinkled inside. SIMPLER LIVING, SECOND EDITION—REVISED AND UPDATED: A BACK TO BASICS GUIDE TO CLEANING, FURNISHING, STORING, DECLUTTERING, STREAMLINING, ORGANIZING In need to declutter and make the most of your time and life? With this book, written by author, Jeff Davidson, streamlining and organizing your home has never been easier. Filled with 1,500 ways in which to simplify your life, all organized into easy to access categories, you can finally wave goodbye to that obligatory kitchen junk drawer. SRQH&D

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WRITTEN BY Abby Weingarten PHOTOS BY Ryan Gamma Photography

NEOMODERN NEST Award-winning and awe-inspiring, a recent home renovation by Sarasota’s Echt-Architects epitomizes neo-modern magic on Bird Key.

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H & D THE DESIGN OF THE POSH SARASOTA RESIDENCE—situated on a 21,605-square-foot lot on the corner of a waterfront street—began in January 2018, and construction wrapped in February 2019.

Solidly built in 1968, the existing 6,364-square-foot home was equipped with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, but the homeowner set out to reimagine the interiors in a more contemporary style (to complement their highly eclectic art collection). Echt-Architects worked closely with the owner to execute this vision, and enlisted the expertise of Interior Designer Marie Bowman, ASID, NCIDQ; and General Contractor Nathan Cross.

“The owners love the way the home has been transformed to better suit them and reflect their tastes, passions and lifestyle,” says Architect Andrew Etter of Echt-Architects.

So what did the transformation entail, exactly? A wealth of additions and creative revamps would ultimately refresh the great room, upstairs bedroom, family room, kitchen, living room, bar area, studio, powder bath, stairways and balcony.

The overarching goals of the redo were to modernize the entire space, harmonize the home’s angles and heights, make the oversized entry area and living room more inviting, add an artist’s studio, and maximize the views of downtown Sarasota across the bay from Bird Key. The refreshed spaces are now opened inward toward each other and outward toward the bay—with large-format, concrete-looking porcelain tiles blending the spaces together. The tall, wooden, walnut-stained front door welcomes guests into the living room with its custom concrete fireplace surround (complete with tapering edges) and walnut-paneled overmantel.

A large threshold overlooks the dining area, and the open kitchen dazzles with its rich walnut and lacquer finishes.

An elegant stairway, with a center stringer and wood block treads, brings visitors upstairs to the impressive guest suites.

Alongside the family room, a custom concrete bar top with a waterfall and tapering details provides plenty of space for relaxation and recreation. The room, like the rest of the home, is both luxurious and livable.

“Before the project renovation, the living room was rarely used, and it was described as too large and difficult to furnish,” says Architect Kortnee Gonzalez, NCARB, of Echt-Architects.

“Through layers of architectural elements—including a new fireplace with a statement concrete floating hearth, balanced by a soaring wood ceiling element—we were able to bring a sense of scale to the space (as well as a focal point that is inviting but also allows one to still appreciate the incredible view just outside the sliding glass doors).”

This inviting warmth and livability extends into every facet of the home, such as the utilitarian and eye-catching kitchen.

“Continuity of materials helps tie the spaces together,” Gonzalez says. “Glossy kitchen cabinets and a mirrored bar backsplash reflect the incredible water views and allow one to appreciate the site even when seated facing away.” Incorporating design elements that would expertly spotlight the homeowner’s art collection was paramount.

“We worked closely with the client, contractor and interior designer to mix the owner’s existing furniture with new elements, achieve playfulness with scale and allow room for the client’s art collection to shine,” Gonzalez says.

Bowman was essential to that execution. “We kept the interior wall paint a clean white to allow for the client’s artwork to really pop,” Bowman says. “A museum-quality light fixture highlights the client’s statue in the stairway and creates a beautiful play on the shadows that dance on the walls.”

Not only was the handling—and appreciation—of the homeowner’s art a critical component of the remodel (to preserve for current and future generations), but longevity was a general theme throughout the project. With this in mind, the design team steered toward eco-conscious, long-lasting materials. The flooring was sourced from a manufacturer with a strong commitment to sustainable practices and low emissions. The wood selection features a natural oil finish with no added chemicals to promote healthier indoor air quality. And the main tile flooring has a GreenGuard Gold certification for reduced total volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

“The Caesarstone® kitchen countertops incorporate up to 42 percent recycled quartz that offsets waste in the landfills,” Bowman says. “These countertops never need sealing and are nonporous, so they host no bacteria, mold or mildew, and they remain safe and sanitary for ultimate cleanliness.”

Knowing that the home combines elements of the past and present—from its exaltation of timeless art to its penchant for forward-thinking, planet-friendly finishes—was an especially interesting aspect of the project for the team at Echt-ArchiSRQ M AGA Z I N E |

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tects. “The most rewarding part [of a project] is getting to explore the juxtaposition between the contemporary and traditional elements, which is always exciting for us,” Etter says.

It’s something the team at Echt-Architects has savored during multiple projects. Founded in 2016, Echt-Architects is a full-service architectural firm dedicated to design “that contributes meaningfully to the built environment,” the firm’s founders say. Etter has led teams of architects and designers on projects in Japan, the Middle East and across the United States, and he spent more than a decade working with world-renowned architect Richard Landry. Gonzalez has devoted her career to designing and managing custom high-end residential projects in all stages—from conceptual sketches to construction.

The firm has won numerous awards and garnered accolades for its residences along the Manatee River, Casey Key, Little Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Whether the team from Echt-Architects is designing a high-rise condominium or a coastal mansion, the designers are adept at maximizing indoor-outdoor living spaces and seaside views—all while taking into account the history of the respective landscape and the architecture’s relationship to it.

“We collaborate with our clients to thoroughly understand their lifestyle, needs and desires,” the firm’s founders say. “By honoring each client’s visions, we can embark on a unique journey together that leads to architecture that endures and inspires.” The remodeled Bird Key home is just one soaring example. SRQH&D

Credits Echt-Architects: 8437 Tuttle Ave., Suite 355, Sarasota, 941-302-3490, echt-architects.com, @echtarchitects. Architect Andrew Etter of Echt-Architects. Interior Designer Marie Bowman, ASID, NCIDQ and General Contractor Nathan Cross.

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