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Contents march 2026

home of the year 59 This page and cover: Vertical

ustom Home’s Coastal Farmhouse, Platinum Winner of the Overall Home Over $4 Million, photography by Ryan Gamma Photography.

Home remains the most meaningful architectural space we experience throughout our lives. It reflects individuality, togetherness, privacy, stability and inspiration. As we continue to explore the role homes play in our everyday lives, the annual SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Competition invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape artists to share fresh perspectives on residential living by submitting their recent projects. Year after year, the competition reimagines the spaces where we live and thrive—expanding the conversation around what a home represents and what it can become through today’s building innovations, renovation approaches and regional influences. From seaside to streetside, inside and out, these award-winning homes celebrate and shape a growing legacy of inspired residential design. COMPETITION PRODUCED BY SRQ MAGAZINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES.

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contents march 2026

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BRANDSTORY THE HERMITAGE ARTIST RETREAT

37

TOP DOCTORS FEATURED HONOREES

51

ELITE REAL ESTATE AGENTS LEARN THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR THESE REGIONAL AGENTS

51

SRQ HOME+ DESIGN SPRING TRENDS

131 SRQ WOMEN WHO ROAR SPECIAL AWARDS SECTION

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John Pirman’s Umbrella House.

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Keenan Perren is an artist with an unusual medium: broken skateboards. Architecture Sarasota uncovers the history of manufactured housing communities—or “trailer parks”—in Sarasota County.

Local farming company, West Coast Tomato, has been supplying the country with the freshest tomatoes for over 50 years.

John Cannon and Wayne Visbeen have found that not only are they great business partners, but also close friends. The redevelopment of Atlanta’s Summerhill

neighborhood is a case study in preserving heritage in the midst of radical change. Legendary documentarian Ken Burns talks filmmaking, the creative process and what areas of American history fascinate him the most. After spending their entire lives in Maryland, Betsy and Pete Pakenas relocated to Sarasota this year.

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Michael Stephen Brown’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy will make its world premiere at Sarasota’s La Musica Chamber Music Festival.

The Bradenton Art and Music Festival returns to the riverwalk for its second year in 2026

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Edward Zaki and the team at Mimi Brasserie have transformed the former Adeline into a 1920’s, Prohibition-themed restaurant and speakeasy. Ganges in The Meadows celebrates color and explodes with flavor.

Mariscos Azteca is serving up fresh seafood with Mexican flavors. Maria Contreras brings her passion for cooking to the region with Miss Empanada.

giving coast 136 Kari-Jo Koshes demonstrated complete selflessness and bravery during Hurricane Milton.

This page, clockwise: Artist Keenan Perren, Mariscos Azteca, photography by Wes Roberts. Steinmetz, Joseph Janney, Man fishing from boat at a Venice trailer park. 1953. State Archives of Florida, coutesy of Architecture Sarasota.

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MARCH 2026 CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF

LISL LIANG EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant ACCOUNTS + CLIENT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Robinson Valverde SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Suzanne Munroe SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Nichole Knutson Rob Wardlaw VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Wyatt Kostygan MANAGING EDITOR

Barbie Heit SENIOR EDITOR

Dylan Campbell CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

Gabriella Alfonso SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER

Lauren Sutter ART + VISUAL ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Jennifer Villagomez CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky INTERN ASSOCIATES Cecilia Mould,

Jack Coleman, Rachel Constant, Eden Shames, Kaitlyn Carey CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS

Andrew Fabian, Phil Lederer, Chris Leverett, Stephanie Lubow, Sarah Emily Miano, Evan Olson, John Pirman, Kate Wight

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

GET SRQ DAILY The magazine in your hands offers enormous insight into our community, but the most informed in our community follow our constant coverage of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area in SRQ Daily. The electronic newsletter is a must-read in thousands of inboxes. Check our special editions: Monday Business Edition, Tuesday Foodie Edition, Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, Thursday Family, Education and Sports Edition, Friday Weekend Edition and the much-discussed Saturday Perspectives Edition, featuring a diverse range of opinions from the region’s top pundits and newsmakers. SIGN UP ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SRQDAILY

ORIGINS OF “SRQ” The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

“SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home.

PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, WELLEN PARK LIVING, LIVING LAKEWOOD, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE, SRQ ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS PROGRAM, SRQ HOME & DESIGN, SRQARTS: ANNUAL GUIDE AND SHE ROARS MAGAZINE. 331 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone 941-365-7702 SRQMAG.COM / @SRQMAG

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ Magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 6-10 weeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 29, Issue 283 Copyright © 2026 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Local. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.

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T H E H E R M I TA G E A R T I S T R E T R E AT B R A N D S T O R Y F E AT U R E | S R Q M A G A Z I N E | M A R C H 2 0 2 6

Theater... Music... Visual Art... Literature... Dance... where it all begins.

Shaping the Global Future of the Arts

A Hermitage Beach Program on Manasota Key

On an exquisite stretch of beachfront on Manasota Key, the Hermitage Artist Retreat offers something increasingly rare in the cultural landscape: uninterrupted time, space, and freedom for accomplished creators to explore new ideas. This internationally celebrated institution is a vital incubator for new work across disciplines, inviting leading artists in theater, music, literature, visual art, dance, film, and interdisciplinary practice to live and create during their residency.

The Hermitage is a place where ideas begin, artists take risks, and visionary creators discover

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what their work wants to become. Its reputation as one of the most respected arts development organizations in the United States is indisputable.

Each year, nearly 100 world-renowned artists grace our Gulf Coast community. Hermitage Fellows have included 18 Pulitzer Prize winners; Tony, Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winners and nominees; MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellows; Poets Laureate; and some of the most influential creative voices defining the arts today. The work they develop on Manasota Key goes on to reach audiences in major theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world. Cultural leaders from across the globe view the Hermitage as the place

where the next generation of groundbreaking work is born.

The Hermitage offers robust public programming that brings world-class artists directly into conversation with the community. From beachfront concerts and artist talks to open studios and theatrical performances, residents and visitors alike are invited to witness the creative process up close. These events invite audiences to see the earliest sparks of ideas that may later appear on iconic stages and in distinguished arts venues. The Hermitage is known as the place where you can “see it here first.”

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The Newly Gifted Hermitage South Residences on Manasota Key

A Transformational Leap Forward The Hermitage is now entering a transformational new chapter with an unprecedented gift of land and property on Manasota Key. In honor of their parents, the Morrison and Steans families have gifted three adjacent Gulf-to-Bay properties, spanning 6.5 acres and valued at approximately $12,000,000, to the Hermitage Artist Retreat – one of the largest land gifts of its kind to a nonprofit arts organization. This new property more than doubles the Hermitage’s capacity for its celebrated residency program. $12,000,000 Gifted Properties from Morrison & Steans Families

The significance of this gift is both meaningful and strategic. The Morrison and Steans families have used these homes as a family retreat for four decades.

They believe deeply in the Hermitage mission, its values, and the organization’s role in both the cultural life of Manasota Key and the greater artistic landscape.

They understand that the property will remain a place of creativity, collaboration, and ecological stewardship. Their trust in the Hermitage is a testament to the organization’s integrity and its impact.

Strategically, the gift is transformative. The additional space allows the Hermitage to host more artists, support collaborative project residencies, and expand its worldclass programming.

The Visionary Behind the Momentum At the center of the Hermitage’s swift and impressive rise is Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. Beyond his role at the Hermitage, Sandberg has a distinguished career as a director, writer, and Tony Award-winning producer, with projects spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, and major regional theaters. At age 25, he became the youngest producer in history to win a Tony Award for the Broadway revival of Hair. His work as a director has been widely celebrated for his commitment to new work and artist development.

Since stepping into his role at the Hermitage in January of 2020, Sandberg has reshaped the organization with an ambitious vision. His tenure has coincided with a period of profound change in the arts and in the world at large. Under his guidance, the Hermitage has not only weathered these changes, but has emerged stronger, more visible, and more deeply connected to both its local community and the broader cultural landscape.

In his role as Artistic Director and CEO, Sandberg has established the organization as one of the preeminent new works incubators in the United States, celebrating and elevating the voices of diverse and accomplished artists. Under Sandberg’s leadership, the Hermitage has dramatically expanded its live programming to over 50 unique events per year; introduced dozens of new national, international, and regional collaborations; and grown two of the largest unrestricted arts commissioning initiatives in America.

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Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg

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A Community Asset with Worldwide Impact The Hermitage is a creative engine whose influence extends far beyond the shores of Manasota Key. Work that begins along the Hermitage beachfront often shapes conversations across the cultural landscape.

Hermitage Fellows have developed plays that go on to premiere in New York, London, and leading arts centers across the globe. Some of the most celebrated works in contemporary theater first took root during Hermitage residencies, with early ideas shared on the Gulf Coast before reaching acclaimed national and international stages. Tony Award-nominated playwright and Hermitage alumna Bess Wohl wrote and developed much of her original play Liberation while in residence at the Hermitage; she shared some of her earliest excerpts on the Hermitage Beach. Hermitage Greenfield Prize and Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok’s newly imagined version of her play Queens was commissioned by the Hermitage Greenfield Prize, culminating in an impressive run Off-Broadway. Golden Globe Award-winning songwriter Mark Sonnenblick performed an early version of Billboard’s Song of the Year “Golden” on the Hermitage Beach months before the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters achieved global recognition. Sonnenblick is nominated for both a Grammy Award and Academy Award for his hit song. Grounded, a new opera from two-time Tony Award-winning Hermitage Fellow Jeanine Tesori, with a libretto by Hermitage Fellow George Brant, made its debut at The Metropolitan Opera in 2024, following development at the Hermitage.

This pattern holds across disciplines. Composers refine scores that later debut in renowned concert halls. Visual artists explore new concepts that evolve into exhibitions at prominent museums and galleries. Writers draft manuscripts that become award-winning books. Filmmakers and television creators develop stories that ultimately reach millions. Such far-reaching impact stems from the Hermitage’s commitment to supporting artists at the most essential stage of their process. By offering time, space, and creative freedom, the organization helps cultivate work that is bold, original, and deeply resonant.

Tony Award Nominee Bess Wohl / Wrote ‘Liberation’ at the Hermitage

Pulitzer Prize Winner and Hermitage Greenfield Prize Winner Martyna Majok

Two-Time Tony Award-Winning Composer Jeanine Tesori

Internally, Sandberg has strengthened the Hermitage’s infrastructure and stewarded major gifts that fueled rapid growth and long-term stability, including the new property expansion gift from the Morrison and Steans family. He has elevated the Hermitage’s national profile and deepened curatorial partnerships, drawing on longstanding relationships with leading artists and institutions. With Flora Major and generous support from the Kutya Major Foundation, he launched the Hermitage Major Theater Award, now one of the nation’s most impactful new commissions for playwrights and theater makers. Together with the Hermitage Greenfield Prize, the organization awards two of the largest nonprofit artist commissions in the United States.

Three months after his arrival, Sandberg was faced with a global pandemic, a moment when many arts institutions were forced to close or scale back. Sandberg and his team moved quickly to develop a plan to safely expand outdoor events, making the Hermitage one of the first arts organizations in the nation to resume live arts programs and performances. Out of this challenging period came remarkable momentum and a dramatic expansion of the organization’s public programming. These events are a core expression of the Hermitage’s mission and a testament to how world-class artistry and broad community engagement can thrive side by side. Sandberg has subsequently steered the organization through a period of significant artistic and financial growth while weathering three of the most devastating hurricanes in Manasota Key’s history. When asked how he managed this while also writing two of the Hallmark Channel’s most popular movies (Haul Out the Holly and Five More Minutes), his Hermitage colleagues noted he could often be seen paddle boarding home at 2am with a headlamp.

Sandberg’s leadership offers a model for how arts organizations can navigate a complex and rapidly changing world. The Hermitage demonstrates that it is possible to be artist-centered and community-focused at the same time; that creative ambition and financial stewardship can reinforce one another rather than compete.

The Hermitage is a shining example that a major regional institution can have national and global impact without losing its sense of place.

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Andy Sandberg ‘commuting’ to work on Lemon Bay

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A Future Built Together The Hermitage Artist Retreat stands at a pivotal moment. It has a clear mission and an ambitious vision. The organization is positioned to deepen its role on the Gulf Coast while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the wider cultural world.

The growth of the Manasota Key campus, the evolution of the residency program, and the widening reach of Hermitage-developed work all rely on those who believe in the enduring importance of the arts.

Philanthropic support keeps the Hermitage free to the public, accessible to students, and indispensable to the artists who create here.

To support the Hermitage is to champion the ideas that will become the stories, images, and sounds of the future. It is to stand behind the creators whose work will help define our cultural moment.

Hermitage Alumni Reunion in NYC

Learn more about the Hermitage: HermitageArtistRetreat.org

The Hermitage is more than a residency. It is a catalyst for creativity, a champion of artistic freedom, and a beacon for what is possible when vision, community, and generosity align. It demonstrates how sustained support for the arts can ripple outward, enriching audiences and communities in meaningful ways. The Hermitage is building a future that invites us all to take part – and shape the future of the arts throughout the world.

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local icon UMBRELLA HOUSE Designed by Paul Rudolph and completed in 1953 for civic visionary Philip Hiss, the Umbrella House is a defining work of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Developer of Lido Shores, founder of New College of Florida, and an advocate for progressive public schools, Hiss helped cultivate a regional modernism that gained international recognition by the mid-20th century. The Sarasota School adapted modern architectural principles to the subtropical climate, coastal geography and social life of South Florida’s Gulf Coast. Named for its iconic shade structure, the Umbrella House exemplifies this climate-responsive approach. Designed before air conditioning, it relies on passive cooling strategies, including two-story jalousie windows for cross-ventilation, an open plan articulated through shifting floor levels and ceiling heights and a blend of locally sourced materials and prefabricated industrial elements. After the original shade structure was destroyed by a hurricane in 1966, it remained unrealized until 2015, when current owners Anne and Robert Essner completed its reconstruction. In recognition of their preservation efforts, the Essners received the inaugural Stewardship Award for Modernist Homes from the World Monuments Fund during the 2026 Palm Springs Modernism Week. Illustration by John Pirman | Written by Morris [Marty] Hylton III, President, Architecture Sarasota srq magazine_ MAR26 live local | 17

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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN Below: Keenan Perren at home surrounded by his unique work.

UNTIL THE WHEELS FALL OFF

Keenan Perren is an artist with an unusual medium: broken skateboards. Dylan Campbell

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Below: Keenan Perren’s work can be found on his Instagram page, @ayekeenbean and has been shown at various galleries around Sarasota and in Michigan.

KEENAN PERREN LIKES TO HOLD ONTO THINGS. Specifically, skateboards. For the 31-year-old artist based out of Bradenton, however, the

skateboards he keeps aren’t just for sentimental value. They are the very medium through which he works. “When I left New Jersey, I brought my broken boards with me,” says Perren, who moved to Bradenton from South Jersey in 2012. “I’d always kept my boards and I didn’t really know what to do with them. Eventually, I started cutting them into squares with a jigsaw and sort of collaging them together.” What began as a way to stave off boredom has evolved into a full-fledged artistic practice. Perren likens his work to stained glass—using just the boards themselves, without the use of added paint—he manipulates pieces of skateboards to create various types of sculptures and reliefs. Oftentimes, these sculptures are depictions of his friends and fellow skaters; other times, they are more abstract, such as figurines that use the wheels of the boards as “heads.” “I’ll often take pictures or drawings that I have and put them together on my iPad to make a template or pattern for the piece, similar to a mosaic. A skateboard is curved, so I have to use smaller pieces of each board to make the work flat,” says Perren. “I print out a pattern—like if you were creating a template for stained glass—and then build it piece by piece, using a scroll saw to cut up the boards before sanding them down and putting it together like a puzzle.” The skateboards themselves are a product of Perren’s community, coming from his friends, local shops like Compound Boardshop or even fans online. Skateboards are typically either made from seven layers or nine layers of hard-pressed maple. Underneath the graphics that adorn the deck of every board are layers of differently colored wood that Perren can reveal with a sander. “It’s similar to if you were creating a collage from a magazine, seeking out the different colors. If I need blues or greens, I just look for a bunch of boards with those colors, whether they’re in the graphic itself or underneath it,” says Perren. “I try to keep parts of the graphic so that people can tell the board has been skated, that it had a life to it.” SRQ 20 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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This page, left to right: A man tends to his plants at Lakeside Trailer Park in Clearwater, 1957; Polynesian Village manufactured housing community in Englewood.

MORE THAN A MOBILE HOME Architecture Sarasota uncovers the history of manufactured housing communities—or “trailer parks”—in Sarasota County. Dylan Campbell

TRAILER PARKS. That’s the name often associated with manufactured housing communities, a name that on its own, has a negative connotation.

A trailer park brings up images of run-down single-wides, parked out on a desolate scrubland; of broken homes and domestic strife. A trailer park, stereotypically, is not a place that people flock to. It’s a place that people run from. But what if I told you that that stereotype could not be further from the truth? That in Sarasota County, especially, manufactured housing communities are an indelible aspect of the area’s built history—and an essential part of Sarasota’s built environment today. There are more than 60 manufactured housing communities in Sarasota County, home to over 57,000 year-round residents. In 2025, Architecture Sarasota, in collaboration with the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, completed a yearlong study on Sarasota’s manufactured housing communities. The cultural resource survey, which culminated in the publication, Modern Dwelling: Manufactured Housing Communities of Sarasota, Florida, was funded in part by a grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources, was also accompanied by a 100-page technical report. The goal of the study was preservation. By uncovering the history of manufactured housing communities in Sarasota County, a better understanding of the current built environment and the issues it faces, could be obtained. Architecture Sarasota identified 60 manufactured housing communities in the County built prior to 1980—per state regulations a place has to be at least 50 years old to be designated historic—and designated 10 potential sites that could qualify for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). “We were interested in the communities—some of which are quite large—because they’ve never been looked at as a potential historic district, like Laurel Park,” says Morris (Marty) Hylton, president of Architecture Sarasota. “There isn’t one manufactured housing community on the National Register of Historic Places.

We identified 10 that could meet that criteria—making those communities a historic district would also help protect them in the long run.” Although the thought of a “mobile home” is usually met with derision, the history of manufactured housing communities in Sarasota County mirrors that of the American dream. Starting in the 1920s and ‘30s, tin can tourists flocked to Florida, escaping the harsh Northern winters. Those tourists turned in their travel trailers for proper “mobile homes” in the ‘40s-’60s, before “manufactured houses,” as constructed per the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, took over. “In the 1920s, it exploded,” says Kristine Ziedina, director of research and documentation at Architecture Sarasota. “In the beginning, they were just homemade structures that you could tow with your car, before it evolved into a huge industry.” A true manufactured home is defined as a factory-built house that is constructed on a steel chassis with axles, for ease of transportation.

In Sarasota County, the different styles of manufactured homes are resemblant of the changes within the housing industry—the post-World War II boom brought on a surge of plastics and metals, with companies like Spartan creating mid-century modern mobile homes and the industry taking off. As the industry blossomed, manufactured houses began to look more and more like “typical homes”, ditching the curved edges and round roofs for flatter structures with additions like carports and screened-in porches. A look at the Modern Dwelling publication reveals, perhaps more so than anything, that the “trailer parks” of Sarasota County are so much more than their stereotype. They are communities, blossoming with life, pride and personality. “The people who live there love it. They’re very happy and there’s a sense of community,” says Hylton. “Many of these communities are so densely packed together that it promotes social interaction—you might have little alleys and courtyards that you share with your neighbors.” SRQ

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IMAGES COURTESY OF ARCHIECTURE SARASOTA.

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Below: At West Coast Tomato, Bob Spencer says the company’s roots can all be traced back to a love of the land.

YOU SAY (WEST COAST) TOMATO Local farming company, West Coast Tomato has been supplying the country with the freshest tomatoes for over 50 years. Barbie Heit

AS EVERY GOOD SALAD KNOWS, TOMATOES MAKE EVERYTHING JUST RIPE– especially when those tomatoes are the round or Roma variety from

Palmetto’s own, West Coast Tomato. Bob Spencer is the president of West Coast Tomato, a family farm located in Manatee County. The business's origins trace back to the 1950s when John McClure, Spencer's wife's grandfather, founded it after moving from Virginia in pursuit of farming opportunities in Florida. In those early days, farming was characterized by numerous small operations, typically five to seven acres. Farmers would grow and pack their produce, then transport it to a central location for shipping, primarily to the Northeast. This reliance on rail transport meant that most packing houses were built close to railroad lines. Over time, Spencer's father-in-law, Dan Peyton McClure—a prominent community figure, having served 16 years as a county commissioner and 20 years on the airport authority—became involved in the company. Spencer, who met his wife when they were both in law school in Atlanta, joined the company in 1989, three years after practicing law. While his wife continues to practice today, Spencer was much more interested in a business career. He initially focused on sales, working alongside his father-in-law. Today, he co-manages the business: he oversees the packing house and land operations, while his brother-in-law manages the farming side. West Coast Tomato is a major local employer, with approximately 170 people working in the packing house and around 80 on the farms, plus more during the harvesting season. They grow their tomatoes in Manatee County and shift operations to Immokalee, east of Naples, during colder months for warmer temperatures. Although Florida once had about 25 tomato farms, West Coast Tomato is now one of only about five remaining competitors, which collaborate effectively. The company packages and ships its produce throughout the entire country. Despite thriving for over fifty years, the business has faced challenges, including current labor issues, extreme weather and pest infestations. However, according to Spencer, these struggles have ultimately led the company to become more efficient and smarter in its operations. “I tell people that the rookies go to Vegas, the real gamblers go into produce,” he says with a chuckle. “There are no guarantees—the upside is you don’t have a lot of new people getting in because it’s so risky, but the downside is that you can lose a lot of money. We’ve learned to be very careful and operate with a long-term approach. We have become wise in how we plant and we’ve learned to have a positive attitude because there are a lot of negative things that can happen,” recalling a deep freeze back in 1989 that caused the company to lose almost all of its harvest. Spencer hopes the business will continue to grow over the years, noting that they will remain careful in how they move forward. He shares that they have been blessed with land that they’ve been able to sell as it matures, which has been very helpful for the company. “It’s been 36 years for me here—not something I would have anticipated in law school but it’s been a lot of fun,” says Spencer. “It’s truly a joy when you're helping to feed the country with American produce.” SRQ 24 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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Below: Cannon and Visbeen blend their friendship with their respective talents to streamline design and construction, delivering higher-quality custom homes at lower costs for clients. John Cannon Homes, 6710 Professional Pkwy W #100, Sarasota, 941-924-5935, johncannonhomes.com

CUSTOM PARTNERS

John Cannon and Wayne Visbeen have found that not only are they great business partners, but also close friends. Cecilia Mould

WHEN JOHN CANNON AND WAYNE VISBEEN TEAMED UP AS BUSINESS PARTNERS IN MAY 2025, they quickly discovered that their professional

chemistry came with an unexpected bonus: a genuine friendship. “Do Wayne and I work well together? Yes, we do. But we've also become friends.

I truly enjoy his company,” says Cannon. “We’ve really taken that time to fully understand one another on a personal level, which makes the professional relationship that much more enduring.” Their collaboration began last summer when John Cannon Homes, of which Cannon is CEO and President, and Visbeen Architects, Visbeen’s firm specializing in custom residential and commercial design, started a partnership focused on streamlining the design and construction process at a lower cost and higher quality for clients. Through this partnership, Visbeen has joined John Cannon Homes’ in-house design team and works with clients through the process to create their ideal custom homes. Their work together has been highly successful, in large part, because Cannon’s and Visbeen’s personalities complement each other—Cannon describes Visbeen as an extrovert, always first to jump in with new ideas, which Cannon can then build on with his own input. “Something tells me that we're going to be doing this a long time,” he says. Visbeen notes that the two are able to develop and enhance each other’s ideas. “When John speaks, everybody listens. The difference is, when John speaks to me, I listen, and then I challenge him,” Visbeen says. “It’s nice for John to have somebody challenging him. Otherwise, people are afraid to disagree with him, because he's so good at what he does, but I love to challenge everything.” Working together is not just enjoyable for the partners—they’ve also found that combining their expertise has allowed them to provide homes with higher value and lower construction costs to customers. Architects usually work independently from contractors, charging 7 to 12 percent of construction costs in fees. By uniting Visbeen’s design process with Cannon’s contracting team, John Cannon Homes has been able to save clients those costs. Because of this collaboration, Cannon adds, the firm can provide fixed cost estimates to clients before the design process even begins. Looking ahead, Cannon and Visbeen are excited to see their early projects result in finished homes—while many are still works-in-progress, they’ve already begun collaborating on a range of builds, all in different stages of the design and construction processes. “I look forward to many more finished houses where John and I stand together, proud of the fact that we did it together to take the company to a new level,” says Visbeen. For Cannon, the bottom line is creating increased value for clients. “If we do that, we will have plenty of grand openings, and we will have many new, beautiful models. I want to prove to people that no one else is providing what Wayne and I are providing in terms of benefits for clients.” SRQ 26 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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Below: Commercial real estate developer David Nelson spearheaded the project to revitalize Atlanta’s historic Summerhill neighborhood.

SUMMERHILL TO SARASOTA The redevelopment of Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood is a case study in preserving heritage in the midst of radical change. Dylan Campbell

THE SUMMERHILL NEIGHBORHOOD OF ATLANTA IS ABOUT EIGHT HOURS, GIVE OR TAKE, FROM SARASOTA BY CAR, DEPENDING ON THE TRAFFIC ON I-75. Located just south of downtown Atlanta, Summerhill is one of the city’s oldest and most culturally distinct neighborhoods—

established after the Civil War in 1865, the area’s first inhabitants were freed slaves and Jewish immigrants. The 80-acre district has a proud sporting heritage—it housed the Atlanta Braves and Hank Aaron from 1966 to 2016 and hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics at Turner Field—but had fallen into disarray over the years. Highways promising jobs and through traffic cut off circulation, rendering Summerhill into a fragment of the spirited, economically sustainable, neighborhood that it once was. Summerhill, ostensibly, does not have a lot to do with Sarasota. However, the story of the neighborhood’s rebirth—from a prideful, yet neglected and deteriorating community to a vibrant civic center once again—is a case study for how an area can be renewed while retaining its cultural and historical identity. In November, as a part of its 2025 Urban Studies Speaker Series, Hoyt Architects welcomed David Nelson, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate developer, for his talk, Preserving a Legacy: The Summerhill Case Study. Summerhill’s revitalization began in 2017—after the Atlanta Braves announced their departure from Turner Field—real estate investment and development firm Carter and Georgia State University purchased the property around the stadium with the intention of redeveloping Summerhill into the neighborhood it once was. “Summerhill went from being a place that was effectively an empty 70-acre parking lot to an area that actually has mixed-use development on the south side of Atlanta, in a historically Black neighborhood where developers said, ‘this couldn’t be done,’” says Nelson, who led the team at Carter for the Summerhill project. The process started, however, with creating a basis of trust between the developers and the residents of the neighborhood. Promises of development had been made before, and each time, the changes in infrastructure had hurt the neighborhood. “In one of the first meetings we had, before we’d even purchased the property, we had 200 people basically explaining the ill wills of why they didn’t want GSU, a state body, to build athletic facilities there,” says Nelson. “There was a lot of mistrust there—the first thing we had to do was figure out what the neighborhood was saying to us, what can we learn from its history and how can that influence what we’re trying to do?” Over the next few years, Nelson and the team at Carter worked hand in hand with community members and third-party businesses to revamp Summerhill. Georgia Avenue, along the center of commerce in the neighborhood, was entirely revitalized into a retail and residential strip. Thousands of surveillance cameras have been installed at the behest of the community. Apartment buildings, townhouses and a student housing complex have been built into the surrounding streets and a Publix recently opened on the adjacent Hank Aaron Drive, with space for retail along the front of the building, feeding more foot traffic into the neighborhood. Even the retainment of the name— Summerhill—was essential in keeping the spirit of the neighborhood. “We wanted it to be real, we wanted it to be organic and for it to be Atlanta.

The real name has all this history, the neighborhood is really strong—so we just decided we’re not going to name it somethign else,” says Nelson. SRQ 28 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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Below: Ken Burns engages with the media ahead of his appearance on Ringling College’s Town Hall Speaker Series.

AMERICAN STORYTELLER

Iconic documentarian Ken Burns talks filmmaking, the creative process and what areas of American history fascinate him the most. Dylan Campbell

ON JANUARY 12, ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER KEN BURNS kicked off Ringling College of Art and Design’s Town Hall Speaker Series with a lecture at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Burns, one of the most lauded voices in documentary filmmaking, is known best for his works related to American history, including The Civil War, Baseball and Prohibition. His most recent television miniseries, The American Revolution, debuted on PBS in November 2025.

films. One of us passed away, but he’d still be making films if he were alive. The other thing is perseverance. There are a lot more talented people than there are spaces or funds to make films. There’s a real need to persevere. I live in rural New Hampshire, which I moved to 47 years ago, in order to offset what I thought at the time was taking a vow of anonymity and poverty—becoming a documentary filmmaker on American history on PBS. I’m very happy to report that didn’t happen, but we still have that same kind of freelancer mentality as we did when we began.

IS THERE AN AREA OF AMERICAN HISTORY THAT YOU HAVE YET TO EXPLORE OR A TOPIC THAT YOU’D LIKE TO DELVE DEEPER INTO? I’ve said that if

WHAT KIND OF EFFECT WILL THE LOSS OF FUNDING OF THE CORPORATION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING HAVE ON FILMMAKERS' AND DOCUMENTARIANS' ABILITY TO PRODUCE NEW WORK? KEN BURNS The rescission vote this past

summer that eliminated the funding and called back the funding for CPB is going to be incredibly difficult to overcome. I know that for me, I lost maybe $14 million in funding—$4 million that was already in contracted work, which I might still get—and then another $10 million for future projects that we were in discussion for. I think that I’ll do okay, I’ll just redouble my efforts. I’m worried about that new filmmaker coming up and what their chances are of being able to succeed. More importantly, I think that the rescission vote is going to harm the rural news stations, both PBS and NPR, and create 30 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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news deserts in places where we’re the only signal. That’s a terrible consequence to come in a democracy in which you’re really looking forward to people throwing fastballs down the middle of the plate and calling balls and strikes. It’s going to be difficult to climb out of it, but the response amongst people who have dug a little deeper has been awesome.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG FILMMAKERS? My advice is the

advice that I found the most helpful, which is you have to know who you are. I was in film classes in college that were really oversubscribed, and then all of a sudden, the next semester, there were half as many students. And then half as many as that the next semester. In my small school, Hampshire College, in Massachusetts, three of us ended up graduating and we’re all still making

I were given 1,000 years to live, I would not run out of topics in American history, which is true. We’ve got maybe 30 or 40 topics I’d love to delve into and we’re already working on several—on LBJ and the Great Society, on the history of reconstruction called Emancipation to Exodus. I’ve been filming with a lot of folks who worked early on with Dr. Martin Luther King in anticipation of a project there, I’ve had the great privilege of interviewing Barack Obama for eight twohour interviews and still have a couple of sessions to go, I’m talking to a lot of scholars and ex-CIA agents to do a project on the history of the CIA. There are eight to ten other ideas bouncing around like lottery balls in my head.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT PIECES OF AMERICAN HISTORY TO EXPLORE IN YOUR WORK? The glib answer is that

they choose me, and there’s some accuracy to that. In the case of The American Buffalo, which came out in 2023, it took me 30 years to make. We were talking in the ‘90s about doing something on the buffalo, but I’m PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

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srqist so glad that we waited because it allowed the scholarship, particularly the Native American scholarship, to catch up. Here are people who have more than 600 generations’ worth of experience with this animal and we have maybe eight or nine, so wouldn’t it be great to hear from those Native Americans who have a sense and a relationship to the arc of the buffalo? While I was fundraising for The American Buffalo in Texas, my friend asked me “Would you ever think about country music?” and from the word music, I was making Country Music. I went to Dayton Duncan, one of my production partners, who had been working on something else in early development with me and said, “We don’t have to put this aside, but what about country music?” We’ve never spoken about that other project to this day. I’m fortunate enough, however, to say that every project I’ve fully started, I have finished. Because of public broadcasting, every film is a director’s cut— there are no suits hanging around telling you what to leave in and leave out.

IN TODAY'S AGE OF DIGITAL MEDIA, WHERE SCREENS ARE A CONSTANT PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES, HAVE YOU NOTICED A SHIFT IN WHO YOUR AUDIENCE IS AND HOW THEY CONSUME YOUR WORK? We’ve held on and retained,

I'm very happy to say, that sort of PBS audience, which is growing older, but we’ve also been able to add younger parents because of our children’s content. I buried the lead, however. The great news is that for the first time in the history of PBS, one of my programs, The American Revolution, broke into Nielsen’s top 10 streaming list.

We know that people aren’t reading books anymore. Nobody is reading books, we are constantly distracted by the thing in our pocket. Because there is so much content out there to stream, however, we are selfcurating or binge-watching, as people like to call it. When Civil War, Baseball, Jazz and the National Parks came out, everybody was always lamenting, “nobody’s going to watch this.” And of course, those programs had huge audiences. They didn’t say that when The Roosevelts came out in 2014, because by that time, everybody was already bingewatching, which is self-curating. My kids will spend the weekend watching 20 episodes

of something, which is way longer than any film I’ve ever made. There’s some bad news, which is the erosion of attention and the ability to not read books—which are the greatest mechanical invention—but then there is also the proliferation of all these digital possibilities that make it possible for people who you wouldn’t necessarily think to be in our traditional audience to watch, digest and respond to our work.

WHERE DID YOUR PROCESS BEGIN WITH THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND HAS THAT PROCESS CHANGED AT ALL OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER? The process hasn’t changed

insofar as we’re different from the way others do it. Traditionally, you’d have a set research period, then a set writing period and then with whatever was produced, the script would inform the shooting and the editing. We never stop researching, we never stop writing and we’re constantly shooting, even to the end. So when we’ve locked the series—which means you’ve promised the sound editors that you’re not going to change the relationship of the sound—we unlocked American Revolution a hundred times, easily, sometimes just to find a single word that our narrator, Peter Coyote, had said. That kind of practice has never changed from Brooklyn Bridge, the first film I did with PBS. We have really actively, for the last 10 years, engaged our scholars in such an important way. In American Revolution, we represent almost two dozen different scholars’ work—not their points of view, not their philosophies or theories—because we’re narrative film, we’re telling a story. That allows us to escape this limiting factor of anybody’s theory of history. In regard to the American founding, there are at least two if not three competing, “absolute” visions of how the story should be told, and we can rise above that. We’ve adopted a scholarly rigor and discipline for telling stories in filmmaking in that we want to make sure that it's right. In my editing room, I have a neon sign that reads “it’s complicated” in lowercase cursive, and it’s right on so many levels. Human nature is complicated. If you’re a filmmaker and a scene is working, you don’t want to touch it. But if you find new and destabilizing information, then you have to change it. In

the case of the tension between the facts and art, you always want the facts to win—that’s not easy to do, however, because sometimes those facts don’t cooperate with storytelling.

Our main job is to have the willingness, the enthusiasm even, to change things to match those facts, even if it makes the scene lesser or not as good as it was.

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FILMMAKING PROCESS? You

would assume that filmmaking is additive.

I just put out a six-part, 12-hour series on the history of the American Revolution.

It’s actually subtractive. We collect 40 to 50 times that amount of material and I have to be aware of what’s left out, because it’s a story. It’s not an encyclopedia—not every general or battle or founding father or British soldier is included—but we have this large chorus of characters that we get to know and I hope to put a real and more human dimension on the familiar boldface names, the Washingtons, the Jeffersons, the Adams.

But we also introduce you to scores of people that you’ve never heard of before like Mercy Otis Warren, a philosopher, satirist and poet who wrote the first history of the American Revolution. Now all of a sudden the idea of the Revolution, which is men in Philadelphia thinking great thoughts, is offset by the fact that there were lots of women, lots of Blacks—both free and enslaved—Native Americans, Germans, French and all sorts of other dynamics to this time that we don’t acknowledge in our rush to make the Revolution digestible. People say that we’re so divided today and we are, but it’s nothing like the Revolution. As difficult a truth as that is to understand, it may be ultimately optimistic that history is a great teacher, because it reminds you of how our views of the past are almost clouded by a simplicity, a superficiality and a desire to wrap these time periods into a known, quantifiable thing.

The past is very malleable; it changes as we discover new things, new people, new diaries, new records and new ways of understanding it. That’s thrilling—in 15 years, somebody else could make a film about the American Revolution that has new ways of looking at it. SRQ

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FINDING A NEW COMMUNITY Betsy and Pete Pakenas. Cecilia Mould

What has been your favorite thing about moving to Sarasota? betsy Sarasota is such a welcoming community. If you're looking for community, ways to get involved, engagement, fellowship, community involvement and volunteerism, any or all of the above, it's a very easy place to find those things. I don't think every place necessarily is like that. Frederick and Sarasota are also roughly the same size in terms of the city and in the surrounding counties.

I think that gave us comfort when moving here.

What surprised you the most about Sarasota once you moved here? betsy I travel frequently for work, and so I knew moving here, that wouldn't be diminishing. But I'm disappointed how much I need to be gone because I want to be here. The amount of disappointment I feel when I need to leave, versus my excitement coming back, that's been surprising pete I'm a big sports fan, and I was surprised by how easy it was for me to find my groups with similar interests, not just in the sports themselves, but in the teams as well.

Share a brief description of a recent day in the life. pete Payne Park for tennis, The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar to watch a Chelsea soccer game and Tamiami Tap for trivia.

What are you currently reading or looking forward to reading? pete Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. betsy The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

AFTER GROWING UP AND SPENDING THEIR ENTIRE LIVES IN FREDERICK, MARYLAND, Pete and Betsy Pakenas decided that

2025 would be the year they would pick up and move to Florida.

After their two children graduated from college and moved away, Pete—who started Pakenas Consulting LLC during COVID— was already working remotely, and Betsy—a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley—had a growing client base in Florida. They had been visiting Fort Lauderdale every winter, and realized in 2024 that they could move down to the state full-time. Sarasota’s size and location for Betsy’s work made it the perfect place for the couple to settle.

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What would you do with two more hours in the day? betsy I’d pick tennis back up, kayak and go to afternoon yoga class.

Your favorite music artists. pete Son Volt and The Turnpike Troubadours.

If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be? pete Winston Churchill.

If you could undo one invention in the world, what would it be? betsy Cell phones.

Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button in your life? betsy A pause button.

Favorite family tradition? betsy Visiting the Outer Banks every summer.

What song best describes your life right now? betsy I'm in a Hurry (And Don't Know Why) by Alabama. pete What’s Happening? by The Byrds

What is your favorite local spot and why? pete The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar, to go watch soccer games. It's cozy, it's not a very big place. Everybody knows one another, yeah, that's one of my go-tos. betsy Owen’s Fish Camp. We love going to sit out back listening to an acoustic guitar player. The atmosphere of that place is great.

What is one thing at the top of your bucket list? betsy We’re hoping to visit Anna Maria Island and also go to a comedy show soon.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? pete Time travel.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? betsy Surprising my boyfriend (now husband) in Massachusetts from Maryland (wound up on the Canada border accidentally, before GPS, another story! ) pete Surprising girlfriend (now wife) driving from Massachusetts to Virginia overnight.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be? pete Cryptocurrency. SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

2/11/26 4:08 PM

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Join us to taste and experience 40+ restaurant and boutique booths representing official honorees of SRQ Magazine’s 2026 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. Signature Bites. Cocktails. Live Art. Share a hip and happening evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies!

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Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience. A Florida native, she was accepted into medical school before graduating high school, earning her degree from the University of Miami’s prestigious Honors Program in Medicine. She completed her dermatology training at Boston University before returning home to Florida in 2003. Dr. Arsenault established her practice with a philosophy focusing on accessibility, pediatric care, and preventative skin exams using dermoscopy. She has found her calling building a team of talented professionals who resonate with her treatment philosophy. Today, she continues to innovate in skin health, offering cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care to patients of all ages.

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culture city LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE

This spread: Michael Stephen Brown’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders takes the listener through a fantastical day in the lives of exotic creatures.

THE SOUND OF RARE WONDERS

Michael Stephen Brown’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy will make its world premiere at Sarasota’s La Musica Chamber Music Festival. Dylan Campbell

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culture city All of the species depicted in A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy Orangutans Blue Whales Javan Rhinos Manatees, Sea Turtles and Coral. *Part of MOTE Marine Aquarium’s living collection Sawfish Buff-Cheeked Gibbons Pianists Amur Leopards Vaquita Porpoises Axolotls Cassowary Puerto Rican Parrot

A FEW YEARS AGO, MICHAEL STEPHEN BROWN FOUND HIMSELF ON A HIKE IN SEDONA, ARIZONA, winding through the red rocks and slot canyons with fellow

musicians, where he began to think. Brown, a classical pianist and composer, had recently played Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals, a humorous musical suite of 14 movements composed for two pianos and a chamber music ensemble. Saint-Saens’ The Carnival takes the audience on a wondrous journey through the animal kingdom, with each movement highlighting a different member of the animal kingdom, such as tortoises, elephants and lions.

There is, however, an air of melancholy around the piece. Saint-Saens, recovering from a disastrous concert tour from 1885-86, wrote the suite largely in secret—afraid that the “humorous” work would tarnish his reputation, he prohibited public performances until after his death. In 1922, one year after his passing, The Carnival of the Animals was published and has endured as one of the French composer’s best-known works.

Audiences in Sarasota are fortunate. They won’t have to wait over two decades to hear Brown’s Saint-Saens’ inspired work—this April, A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy will make its world premiere at Sarasota’s La Musica Chamber Music Festival. The program, titled 2 Carnivals, One World Premiere will also feature works from Vivaldi, Saint-Saens’ The Carnival and Tarantella and Golijov’s Mariel for cello and marimba. Brown is a lauded composer and performer in his own right—a graduate of Juilliard, he is an artist in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, has performed at some of the world’s premier concert halls, and in February, released Twelve Blocks, his first album of entirely his own music. In short, if anyone was to take on the challenge of creating a work inspired by Saint-Saens’ iconic The Carnival of the Animals, Brown’s your guy.

Brown’s inspiration to create Endangered Wonders was driven by two factors: the unique instrumentation of Saint-Saens’ suite and his love of animals. “That piece by Saint-Saens is a very odd instrumentation,” says Brown. “It’s two pianos, strings, flute, clarinet and percussion—it’s 10 musicians—you get those 10 musicians together and you can only play that piece. There’s nothing else for that combination of instruments.”

Similar to Carnival of Animals, Endangered Wonders is broken up into 14 movements, each highlighting an endangered animal over the course of one fantastical day. While there are moments when all 10 instruments play at once, Brown was interested in exploring the multitude of sonic combinations that come from pairing particular instruments

together. “The majority of the movements are smaller combinations, similar to how Saint-Saens composed his work. It gives every member of the ensemble a moment to shine,” says Brown. “The individual musician and the collective ensemble play off each other.”

The more nominal source of inspiration, however, was the animals. Brown travels internationally with some frequency—both for business and for pleasure—and has had the opportunity to come across a wide variety of exotic animals. Spurred on by the illustrative power of Carnival of Animals, Brown wanted to use his artistry to highlight certain members of the animal kingdom.

“I’ve encountered a lot of endangered species, some of them I’ve seen in the wild, others I’ve just read about, and I was fascinated by the fact that no one knows a lot about these animals,” says Brown. “Some of the animals that I portray in the piece are very obscure. Even if my own feelings on the matter are subjective, why not give a voice to these creatures that are in peril?”

And so the process began. In the case of Endangered Wonders, it might be best to think of Brown as an illustrator rather than a composer—each note of music is a brush stroke, painting a scene for each animal to inhabit.

Endangered Wonders, as Brown envisioned it, takes the audience around the world on a 24-hour journey from sunrise to sunset. While strolling through Hong Kong at dawn, he encountered an enclosure of buff-cheeked gibbons, frolicking about their habitat. “I was so moved by that at sunrise and then I thought, that’s something that I can see and experience with my own eyes—but how would that be if I were to imagine that musically?” says Brown. “Then the piece evolved into thinking about these animals at different times of day. I wanted a mix of land animals and aquatic creatures that have different stories to tell—I thought, musically, that would keep it fun.”

The list of animals ranges from land-based primates such as orangutans and buff-cheeked gibbons (and even pianists, satirized as animals in Saint-Saens’ Carnival) to marine life like Vaquita porpoises and manatees to birds such as the cassowary, each portrayed through a unique soundscape that draws on different combinations of the ensemble. The movement highlighting the sawfish, for instance, employs the musical saw. “I’m thinking about creating different textures and different soundworlds throughout the work,” says Brown. “The Amur leopard, for instance, and all of the land creatures have, generally, a much drier and acoustically rhythmic soundworld than that of the aquatic creatures.”

Co-commissioned by four organizations, including La Musica, Endangered Wonders will be played for the first time in front of audiences in Sarasota. Over the years of its creation, the work has been amended, certain species added on and others removed, but the intention—to personify and bring credence to the animal world through a composition reminiscent of Saint-Saens’—has remained the same. “There is a cyclical, hopeful message to this piece. It’s not overly tragic or dire—it’s meant to raise awareness, but also to let these species speak and shine,” says Brown. SRQ

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culture city

BAM! FEST

The Bradenton Art and Music Festival returns to the Riverwalk. Dylan Campbell SOMETIMES THE BEST KEPT SECRETS ARE THOSE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. In the case of Karen Corbin, executive director of the nonprofit organization Realize Bradenton, that “secret” was the Bradenton Riverwalk. Located on the banks of the Manatee River, the 1.5 mile-long public green space between the Green and Desoto Bridges is more than just where downtown Bradenton ends. The Riverwalk, which includes a five-acre park, is a conduit for life in Bradenton—the space is home to a skate park, a day dock for boaters, a 400-seat amphitheater and more. “I’ve been at Realize Bradenton for five years now and I’ve come to understand that the Riverwalk is special,” says Corbin. “We are a place-making, place-branding organization and I did not feel that the Riverwalk was utilized enough. One of the reasons is that the public and the community don’t necessarily know everything that it could be.”

Corbin’s desire to place the Riverwalk further into the spotlight was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Bradenton Art and Music Festival, or BAM! Fest. Held for the first time ever on April 5, 2025, BAM! Fest was a free-admission, one-day festival celebrating the diverse artistic community of the area, replete with live music, food vendors, pop-up performances, interactive art installations and more, all along one mile of the Riverwalk.

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culture city To understand all that BAM! Fest has to offer, it’s best to take a walk through the stretch of the Riverwalk that was transformed in 2025. Starting by the grassy area next to the fishing pier by Green Bridge, was Great Big Art, a collection of tents with artists, artisans and musicians with large-scale interactive art opportunities for all ages. Continuing down the path was the Art Tower, where local artists created live paintings over the course of the festival. “We took four artists and attached six-foot canvases onto the tower, so that they could paint above the ground all day long,” says Corbin. “We also attached a long canvas onto the railing of the Riverwalk where we created a community mural, which turned out to be absolutely beautiful.”

Further down the Riverwalk is the Mosaic Amphitheater, where the festival held the BAM! SLAM. “We had an assortment of local talent performing from dance groups to schools, there was even a magician. The amphitheater was filled with people all day long,” says Corbin. “As you continued your walk, you reached the Pavilion Party at the Rossi Park Pavilion—we had about five big

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bands performing there all day, there were community tents, food vendors and a lot of activities.” Finishing out the stretch was the Meandering Market, with all sorts of local vendors and artisans, and the surprise hit, Sand Castle Beach. Important to Corbin and the team at Realize Bradenton were one, the types of artists that were involved in BAM!Fest and two, making admission to the festival free. “When we decided the theme of each space, we sought out specific artists to fit each niche. We pay all of our artists and all of our musicians, but we still handpicked almost everybody that came,” says Corbin.

While BAM!Fest 2026 is dedicated to bringing back the same great vibes, with local artists, musical acts and vendors. The festival will also feature new components. St. Pete’s Marine Exploration Center’s mobile aquarium is set to make an appearance as is Palmetto-based non-profit Oyster River Ecology. The mobile aquarium, equipped with interactive touch tanks, provides unique educational experiences for children to learn about critical conservation issues. With Oyster River Ecology, the non-profit will host

a hands-on workshop on how to build ragpots, a low-cost solution for subtidal oyster reef restoration. “When the rag pots are created, the nonprofit takes them out to different parts of the Manatee River and the Gulf for oysters to grow on,” says Corbin. “It’s an eco-friendly experience that merges artistic creativity with conservation.”

Returning is BAM!Fest’s dedication to showcasing local, innovative artists. One such artist is Bradenton native and commercial painter, Andrew Viera. Viera, who recently completed the murals at the new Mote Marine Aquarium and has seen his work populate various popular local restaurants, will be live painting a 60in x 48in horizontal painting.

“I have an idea of what the painting will be,” says Viera. “A while ago I did a painting of Sarasota, with landmarks like the Ringling Bridge and Siesta Key Beach, all on the back of a loggerhead turtle. With this, I’m envisioning a manatee with Bradenton and Anna Maria Island on its back—restaurants like Skinny’s Place, Rod and Reel Pier, Anna Maria Oyster Bar and other elements that incorporate everything that this area has to offer.” SRQ

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S R Q M A G A Z I N E | S P E C I A L B R A N D E D C O N T E N T F E AT U R E | m a r c h 2 0 2 6

2026 SRQ MAGAZINE

ELITE REAL E S TAT E A G E N T S A D N A N D E D I C / C O M P A S S R E A L E S TAT E J U D I TA U L B E E / F I N E P R O P E R T I E S S A N D I D I E T R I C H / M I C H A E L S A U N D E R S & C O M PA N Y MUGSIE QUINLAN / PREMIER PROPERTIES S A R A S O TA G U L F C O A S T H O M E S / K E L L E R W I L L I A M S

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2026 ELITE AGENTS

Adnan Dedic “From escaping war-torn Bosnia to building a successful life in America, my journey has been defined by resilience and an unwavering drive to succeed. My family and I arrived as refugees with little more than hope, and watching my parents work tirelessly to create a better life instilled in me the belief that success is not just an aspiration, but an obligation.”

Starting in real estate ten years ago, I rose to become one of the top 500 brokers nationwide out of 2 million, closing in on $1 billion in sales. My entrepreneurial journey also led me to multiple successful tech startups and recognition in Forbes Magazine, Yahoo Finance, “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by Buzzprize, and 35 under 35 by SRQ Magazine. Ranked among the top 1% of real estate agents, I take pride in building lasting relationships with clients and empowering others to reach their potential. mission To empower individuals and communities

through resilient leadership, innovative entrepreneurship, and exceptional real estate expertise, transforming challenges into opportunities for lasting success and fulfillment, drawing from my own journey of overcoming adversity to inspire others to achieve their highest potential.

Adnan Dedic Compass Real Estate - Sarasota 1575 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 941.726.2917 e: adnan.dedic@compass.com adnandedic.com | instagram: adnandedic

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2026 ELITE AGENTS

I am genuinely passionate about bringing my client’s dreams to life!

As a distinguished recipient of the Five Star Agent Award 5 years in a row, I have also been recognized in Forbes Magazine in 2020 and 2023, and Top Agent Magazine in 2024. I am truly committed to serving each client with exceptional personal, and first class service.

JUDI TAULBEE

HIGHLY SKILLED IN THE ACQUISITION AND MARKETING OF RESIDENTIAL, LUXURY AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES,

I offer exceptional representation and am dedicated to providing crucial, in-depth local market knowledge.

I caringly provide each client with individual attention, enthusiasm and intimate knowledge into the Greater Sarasota Real Estate Market. From Sarasota to Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Venice and across to The Islands. My love for the coastal lifestyle is very present as I caringly serve my client’s specific real estate goals.

At every interaction, I proficient counsel, trusted insights and deep commitment are clearly demonstrated. I am very Creative, Strategic and offer a smart solution-oriented and responsive approach. When working with Sellers, I design a highlighted and impactful listing presentation that skillfully leverages each listing’s visibility. I accurately address each critical issue to clearly accentuate each property’s specific features and stand out in the marketplace by incorporating professionally produced photography and presentation in print and on numerous websites.

In working with buyers, I diligently align and apply myself, so that I may clearly understand my client’s specific priorities and locate a residence and distinguished setting that meets their lifestyle requirements. I deliver impressive results by covering and clearly anticipating every angle found in the multitude of details in each transaction My clients enjoy the personal touches, and heartfelt care and it is truly my joy to ultimately fulfill the request throughout the transaction and graciously serve you. I provide immediate accessibility, answer timely questions, and trusted guidance that make me invaluable to my clients. I am Masterful at finding creative and equitable solutions to make each transaction come together with positive results. My dedication to providing an unprecedented depth of real estate expertise. That is all part of the design that allows me to always accomplish truly elevated achievements for my clients.

Judi Taulbee Fine Properties 5220 Paylor Lane Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941.544.6227 e: juditaulbee@gmail.com taulbeerealestate.com

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2026 ELITE AGENTS

Sandi Dietrich “Helping others discover the community and quality of life that inspired me to raise my family here is what I love most about my job.”

Sandi Dietrich is a leading residential real estate expert in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton,

and Sarasota with over $200 Million in sales.

Since relocating from Columbus, Ohio in 1999, she has combined deep local knowledge with over a decade of experience to serve her clients with exceptional care. Specializing in luxury real estate, new construction, resales, relocations, and property staging, Sandi has earned top honors such as the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Million Dollar Guild designations. She is ranked among the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide and the top 1% locally— recognition of her dedication and outstanding results. Known for her integrity, attention to detail, and strong Midwestern work ethic, Sandi is committed to continuous education. She holds the prestigious GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designation, earned by only 19% of Realtors nationwide. What sets Sandi apart is her personalized approach. She understands that each client’s journey is unique and works tirelessly to create a seamless, rewarding experience - from marketing to negotiation.

Her passion is helping clients find their ideal piece of Florida paradise.

MISSION Michael Saunders & Company is a

full-service real estate organization dedicated to a long-standing tradition of excellence, professionalism and integrity with a focus on delivering an exceptional real estate experience to all stakeholders.

Sandi Dietrich, REALTOR®, GRI, CLHMS Guild Michael Saunders & Company 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Direct: 941.704.0697 | Office: 941.907.9595 e: SandiDietrich@MichaelSaunders.com SandiDietrich.com

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2026 ELITE AGENTS

mugsie quinlAN My exceptional knowledge of the active lifestyle options in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Parrish have provided the highest quality of service to my customers.

My career is defined by a solid track record in marketing, negotiating, and selling homes.

I possess a nuanced understanding of the real estate market and am adept at quickly grasping a client’s goals, drawing on my extensive experience across diverse communities and property styles.

Transparency is paramount in my approach, and I am committed to a collaborative process that professionally navigates all sides of a transaction to ensure my clients’ desired results. My dedication is validated by my consistent recognition as a Five Star Professional for ten consecutive years, an award based on client nominations. This honor, along with numerous testimonials and repeat referrals, is a testament to the trust I’ve earned.

MISSION “I am passionate about connecting people to their homes and communities, understanding

that relationships are at the heart of every successful real estate transaction.”

Mugsie Quinlan, Realtor®, GRI, SRS Premier Properties of SRQ, LLC 6289 Lake Osprey Drive | Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941.350.2833 e: mugsiequinlan@mugsiesellshomes.com | mugsiequinlan.com | social:MugsieQinlan

Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes

“We’re Holding the Keys to Your Future!”

Led by Matt and Laura Rode, This elite group of professionals are your market experts for all things real estate in both Sarasota & Manatee counties. For the majority of people, the purchase or sale of a home is their largest single investment. The team’s goal

is to guide you successfully and easily through the contractual investment and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process. They are committed to providing you, your friends and family with superior service and expertise. The team’s commitment to their clients shows as Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes quickly became the #1 Keller Williams Team in Sarasota/Manatee County, the #1 Keller Williams Team in the North Florida Region, and the #5 Keller Williams Team in Florida. Overall, the team ranks within America’s top 1.5% of real estate teams.

The SGCH team has sold over $875 million dollars in real estate volume and has served over 1500 families, with over 500 Five-Star reviews.

This full-service team strives to modernize the experience of buying and selling real estate. They are your local knowledge brokers.

Keller Williams Coastal Living III 2001 Siesta Drive, STE 202, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941.241.7949 roderealestate@gmail.com | GulfCoastHomesSearch.com | @sarasotagulfcoasthomes

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2026

HOME YEAR P R E S E N T S

T H E

OF THE

Home remains the most meaningful architectural space we experience throughout our lives. It reflects individuality, togetherness, privacy, stability and inspiration. As we continue to explore the role homes play in our everyday lives, the annual SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Competition invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape artists to share fresh perspectives on residential living by submi ing their recent projects. Year a er year, the competition reimagines the spaces where we live and thrive—expanding the conversation around what a home represents and what it can become through today’s building innovations, renovation approaches and regional influences. From seaside to streetside, inside and out, these award-winning homes celebrate and shape a growing legacy of inspired residential design.

COMPETITION PRODUCED BY SRQ MAGAZINE | LAUREN SUTTER THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES, LISTED ON PAGE 105.

PROGRAM PARTNER

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BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $4 MILLION

PL ATINUM

COASTAL FARMHOUSE V E R T I C A L C U S TO M H O M E S

The Coastal Farmhouse is a refined coastal-contemporary home designed to meet the environmental demands of its Gulf-front site on Siesta Key. Elevated above floodplain requirements, the house balances a traditional gabled form with modern strategies for resilience and passive performance. Two volumes are separated by a central breezeway, promoting cross ventilation and drawing natural light into the heart of the home. Deep recesses, shaded porches and carefully oriented glazing reduce solar heat gain, while durable materials such as fiber cement siding and standing seam metal roofing ensure longevity in the harsh coastal climate. The design emphasizes simplicity, comfort and connection to the environment, resulting in a home that performs reliably under extreme conditions while maintaining a quiet architectural presence along the shoreline.

Architect: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors Contractor: Vertical Custom Homes Interior Designer: Sweet Sparkman Architects Cabinetry: Renaissance Design Studio Fixtures/Kitchen: Rohl Fixtures/Bathroom: Rohl/Toto Flooring: Carlisle Wood Flooring AV: SmartHouse Integration Landscape Design: John Wheeler Landscape, Inc. Security/Surveillance: SmartHouse Integration Pool: Freestyle Pools Roofing: Avery Roof Services Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

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BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $4 MILLION

PL ATINUM

WATERSOUND N AU T I LU S H O M E S

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Ellen Hanson Designs Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Ge le Pools Roofing: New Wave Roofing Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Completed in June 2024, Watersound seamlessly blends timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance on a premier corner lot. This residence embodies a relaxed Florida vernacular style, wrapping around an interior courtyard that draws in natural light and coastal breezes. With a layout that fosters a deep connection to nature, the home feels as though it has been cherished by a family for generations yet maintains a fresh, vibrant ambiance. The entrance is marked by a welcoming porch, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court, creating a harmonious arrival experience. Inside, the living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The grand porch—designed for living, dining and cooking—is central to the home’s outdoor lifestyle, featuring a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring. Interior details showcase vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry and a Lacanche range that anchor the living and kitchen spaces. The charm of Watersound unfolds through thoughtful accents including herringbone wood flooring, terra co a tiles, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper and penny round tiles. Cra ed with meticulous a ention to detail, Watersound is built to endure as a timeless sanctuary for generations. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, the team sourced high-quality materials and relied on a dedicated core team and trusted subcontractors to bring this vision to life.

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GOLD

LUNARA DSDG ARCHITECTS

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: Dara Nassif, Michelle Bilodeau Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Fixtures/Bathroom: Gorman’s Gallery Flooring: Sticks and Stones AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Mulle Brothers Landscaping Pool: Water Designs Roofing: Mullet’s Aluminum Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Glass – Railings / Shower / Wine: Mullet’s Aluminum

Sarasota’s cultural legacy is distilled into a forward-looking architectural expression—Lunara. Situated in Sapphire Shores, one of the city’s most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods, the home commands expansive views of Sarasota Bay and the downtown skyline, using its se ing as both inspiration and organizing principle. The design transforms the site constraints of an elevated flood zone into opportunity through a composition of intersecting volumes and floating planes, creating a new habitable horizon datum. State-of-the-art materials sourced globally are refined through the cra smanship of local artisans. Light, water and horizon are treated as architectural elements, shaping every façade, interior space and moment of arrival. Entry is marked by an 11-foot pivot door opening into a double-height living space. Framing the view, an automated glass wall fully pockets to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, extending to a trellised sun deck beyond. Every room opens into this great room, as a no-hallway planning strategy reinforces fluid movement throughout the home, ensuring that despite its scale, the experience remains intimate and energized. At the core of the plan, an elegant kitchen connects the opposing bar to the dining room, outdoor balconies and pool area through corner pocketing sliding glass walls. This spatial strategy is mirrored above in the primary suite, where a movable privacy glass wall allows the bath to shi between open vista and secluded spa as integrated views extend three rooms deep into the plan. Amenity spaces are conceived as architectural experiences rather than add-ons. A two-level pool cascades from an infinity edge into a dedicated lap lane, merging sculptural presence with purposeful use. A roo op deck serves as a stage for Sarasota’s unforge able sunsets and provides a flexible outdoor retreat designed for social gathering, featuring a pu ing green, firepit and adaptable open space. Lunara exemplifies architecture as both art and habitation, where innovation is grounded in cra , luxury is livable and scale is carefully moderated. The result is a residence that becomes both sanctuary and enduring icon.

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GOLD

SUNSET HILL N AU T I LU S H O M E S

Sunset Hill is a thoughtfully cra ed response to a challenging hillside site, shaped by its natural topography, neighborhood context and the realities of building in coastal Florida. Nestled within a mature residential se ing, the home balances contemporary living with a deep respect for privacy, resilience and connection to its surroundings. From the outset, the design was guided by a desire to create a calm, welcoming retreat that feels intuitive, protected and effortlessly livable. The sloping terrain presented one of the project’s primary challenges. With a pronounced grade change from the rear property line to the street, careful site planning was essential to maintain appropriate scale and proportion. The home was strategically lowered within the site, achieving a more harmonious relationship between the structure and the natural slope while preserving sightlines and reducing perceived height from the street. This decision allowed the architecture to feel grounded and integrated rather than imposed. Privacy was another critical consideration.

Due to the downward slope, rear neighbors sat significantly higher, creating visual exposure at the back of the property. Rather than compromising outdoor living, the pool was relocated to the front of the home and discreetly screened with a site wall. This solution transformed a potential limitation into a defining feature, creating a private, resort-like environment that remains invisible from both the street and neighboring homes. Sunset Hill ultimately reflects a synthesis of design intelligence and execution. It is a home defined not by adversity, but by how those challenges were anticipated, addressed and transformed into lasting strength, comfort and quiet innovation.

Architect: Sto Cooney Architects Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Landscape: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Water Designs Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

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S I LV E R

SKYHOOK

SOLSTICE PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

The vision for this 5,180 sq. . home on Sarasota Bay was to create a residence that supports aging in place while embracing life on the water. The challenge was designing a home for a retired couple and their family that performs effectively today and for decades to come while meeting strict high velocity (VE) flood zone requirements. The main living level was elevated 17 feet above grade to create the impression of “floating” over the landscape.

Cantilevered spaces and walls of glass capture sweeping views of the bay and canal, and the west-facing pool—Sarasota’s first elevated pool permi ed in a VE Zone—anchors outdoor living and frames sunset vistas; obtaining approval for the elevated pool required a two year code review. Aging-in-place features appear throughout: wide entry doors, flush showers, easy-to-rotate handles, wheelchair-accommodating countertop heights and an elevator for full vertical access. A custom three-level staircase celebrates the daily journey from ground level to the uppermost floor. The home also incorporates performanceforward and sustainability technologies that enhance comfort and resilience. Carefully placed operable windows and sliding doors provide daylighting, ventilation, and seasonal breezes, reducing reliance on mechanical systems, while targeted shading improves yearround usability of outdoor areas. Automated controls coordinate these passive strategies with high-performance insulation and an optimized building envelope, contributing to exceptionally low energy use and a HERS rating of -3 (beyond net zero). Active systems include solar energy capture, the use of renewable/recycled materials, rainwater collection, indoor air purification and integrated data/automation. The home has earned LEED Platinum, Florida Green Building Coalition Platinum and EPA Energy Star Highest Standards, among other sustainability certifications. The result is a resilient waterfront home that enables comfortable living today, connects daily life to the surrounding neighborhood / waterways and is grounded in the future through sustainable design.

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp Interior Designer: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa Roofing: Avery Roof Services Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox, Cartano Creative Other: Railings and Stairwell: Mullets Aluminum

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S I LV E R

HOUSE ON SAND/ MANASOTA

DUAL ENTRANTS | TRINITY CUSTOM HOMES / DSDG ARCHITECTS Building House on Sand on Manasota Key meant bringing together serious technical execution with a level of cra smanship that matches the beauty of the site. The deep pilings and foundation work set the stage, but the real story is in what rises above it—a home that feels both substantial and effortless against the Gulf. The home itself is stunning. Longboard ceilings flow seamlessly from interior to exterior, creating warmth and continuity throughout. Custom glass railings preserve unobstructed water views. A sculptural waterfall anchors the outdoor space while a Splinter Works slide adds an element of pure joy.

Floor-to-ceiling glass opens entire walls to the Gulf, and every material choice—from the stone selections to the custom millwork—was made to complement the coastal se ing while standing up to it. Translating this level of design intent into reality required meticulous execution and constant coordination across dozens of specialized trades. Then there was the performance side. The owners wanted more than beautiful— they wanted sustainable, smart, efficient. We delivered NGBS Gold certification with a HERS rating of - 1718, meaning this home actually produces far more energy than it uses. JOSH AI runs the whole property by voice. Gaggenau appliances, automated systems, specialty trades working in tight coordination—it all had to come together without compromising quality. What we’re proudest of isn’t just that we built it—it’s that we built it to last. This home will be standing strong and performing flawlessly long a er we’re gone. That was the real challenge.

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

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $2 – $4 MILLION

Architect: Seibert Architects, PA (Michael Epstein) Contractor: Dti Contracting Interior Designer: Seibert Architects, PA (Pamela Holladay) Cabinetry: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Fixtures/Kitchen: Gormans Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio Flooring: Porcelanosa Landscape Design: John Wheeler Landscape Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota Roofing: Avery Roof Services Furnishings/Furniture: Home Resource Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Structural Engineer: Hees & Associates

JARDIN DU CIEL SEIBERT ARCHITECTS, PA PL ATINUM The owners requested a house that would accommodate parties of eight to twelve friends and events of fi y or more, while maximizing natural light and openness to surrounding on-site and off-site vegetation. Situated within an old private enclave known for its lush tropical vegetation, the site formerly hosted an at grade residence well below the current flood elevation. The new design elevates the home to exceed flood regulations and maintains neighborhood requirements for separation and vegetative screening. The bold form and hard edges of the house stand in stark contrast with its informal tropical landscape as a foil to each other. The house captures views into the surrounding landscape and boat basin, allowing interior spaces to be defined by their relationship to exterior views. Li ing the house provides views for inhabitants that are otherwise not available from ground level and allows the landscape to pass beneath the house for a more expansive landscape experience where the front, side, and rear yard are visible to each other, and the house overhead defines each from the other. The raised lawn terrace sweeps beneath the elevated house, visually joining the different yard areas into one larger ground plane expression.

For large events, the extension of the terrace into the front yard serves as a forecourt for outdoor functions, with passage beneath the house as the threshold/entry into the open rear yard area where events occur. The ground-level entry features a steel stair as a closed form suspended in the entry space from above. The closed form of the stair conceals the openness to the light-filled spaces above that one experiences in the stair itself as one rises into the light-filled spaces on the main level.

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $2 – $4 MILLION

WATER’S EDGE RESIDENCE LEAR STUDIO ARCHITECTS PL ATINUM

This contemporary Sarasota residence is designed as a calm, airy refuge that celebrates the relationship between architecture, water and landscape. The home’s long, linear form rests lightly above a 48-foot lap pool and a continuous water feature that mirrors the full length of the structure. This elevated composition creates the impression that the house is floating, allowing the pool and surrounding landscape to play an essential role in the overall design. Along the main living areas, large glass walls pocket completely out of view, opening the home to the tropical oasis that surrounds it. When these walls disappear, the interior becomes an openair pavilion where breezes move freely through the great room, kitchen and dining spaces.

Reflections from the pool cast so , shi ing pa erns across the architecture throughout the day, reinforcing a subtle connection to the natural environment. Strategic consideration shaped the home’s form to filter out unwanted views while preserving only lush tropical vistas from every room. The result is a se ing that feels curated yet effortless, allowing the built environment and natural elements to reinforce one another. Inside, materials were selected for warmth, clarity and quiet sophistication. Natural stone, white oak and coastal-inspired finishes create continuity from room to room. Every detail was considered to enhance flow and comfort while maintaining the home’s refined aesthetic. This residence reflects a thoughtful dedication to livable modern design. It functions as both a private sanctuary and a place for gathering, shaped by Sarasota’s light, climate and lifestyle. The architecture invites an easy rhythm of indoor and outdoor living, creating a home that feels balanced, timeless and distinctly of its place.

Architect: Lear Studio Architects Contractor: Bluewater Construction Interior Designer: Lear Studio Architects Landscape Design: Lear Studio Architects Pool: Ge le Pools Roofing: Wolff Roofing Furnishings/Furniture: Dwell Photographer: Nicholas Ferris Photography

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $2 – $4 MILLION

SEA-LA VIE DSD G ARCH I T ECTS

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: DSDG Architects Cabinetry: Campbell Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Fixtures/Bathroom: Ferguson Flooring: Sticks & Stones Flooring AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Siesta Key Landscape Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

A deliberate fusion of architecture, climate and livability, this 4,300-square-foot bayfront residence transforms site constraints into opportunity. Positioned along a protected canal, the design curates a continuous spatial and visual dialogue between water, landscape and interior life. Conventional boundaries dissolve so daylight, breezes and long axial water views become defining architectural elements rather than peripheral amenities. Massing strategies prioritize visual orientation and outdoor engagement. The building is expressed through intersecting angled volumes and deep horizontal overhangs that temper Florida sun exposure while reinforcing a crisp sculptural presence from both the street and the water. Early studies examined view corridors and passive shading, ultimately leading to an angled living room volume that frames long-distance canal perspectives without compromising privacy. Exterior finishes reinforce a coastal material identity. A checkerboard interplay of buff-toned tabby stucco, conventional stucco and floor-to-ceiling glazing creates subtle texture and modulation as shi ing daylight moves across the façade. The home reads as layered rather than monolithic, an elevated composition grounded in proportion, shadow and restraint. Inside, the architecture maintains a minimal tactile pale e that heightens daylight and accentuates cra ed focal moments. A sculptural open stair of steel, wood and glass floats above a bed of white river rock, anchoring the entry sequence with gallery-like transparency. Throughout the home, textured feature walls, woven natural materials and concealed lighting introduce warmth to the modern language and invite moments of pause. Programmatically, private zones are elevated to maximize views and breeze exposure, while the ground floor is reserved for transparent living spaces that connect directly to the pool terrace, dock and waterfront landscape. Within the primary suite, a woven feature wall and full-height glazing create a balanced dialogue between intimacy and panorama. Across every level, the architecture maintains a refined focus on human scale, climate response and the experiential qualities of coastal living. The residence stands as an example of contemporary Florida architecture that is elegant, high-performing and deeply connected to place.

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN $2 – $4 MILLION

S I LV E R

CAMPANIA GRANDE II AT STAR FARMS LAKEWOOD RANCH HOMES BY WESTBAY

The Campania Grande II was conceived as a modern expression of Florida luxury—one that balances architectural presence with warmth, livability, and thoughtful functionality. The design challenge was to create a grand statementmaking residence that still feels approachable and intuitive for today’s homeowners, while showcasing the flexibility of the floorplan. The solution lies in a carefully curated blend of scale, flow,and refinement. Upon entry, expansive ceiling heights and clear axial views immediately establish a sense of openness and sophistication. The home’s layout is intentionally zoned to support both everyday living and elevated entertaining, with seamless transitions between formal and casual spaces. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, functioning as both a visual anchor and a highly functional gathering space that connects effortlessly to the great room and outdoor living areas. Material selections emphasize timeless appeal through layered textures, so neutral tones and architectural detailing that adds depth without excess. With intuitive circulation, integrated storage and strong indoor-outdoor connections, the Campania Grande II exemplifies homes that feel effortless, enduring, and thoughtfully cra ed.

Architect: Homes by WestBay Contractor: Homes by WestBay Cabinetry: Elite Building Solutions Fixtures/Kitchen: The Lighting Gallery Fixtures/Bathroom: The Lighting Gallery Flooring Barry Neal Carpets, Inc AV: Vitex Systems Landscape Design: Sunrise Landscape Pool: Coast to Coast Pools Roofing: Hugh MacDonald Construction Furnishings/Furniture: Builders Design Photographer: Diana Todorova Photography

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BELOW $2 MILLION Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture Contractor: Modus Builders Interior Designer: SOLSTICE Planning & Architecture with Owner Cabinetry: O’Connor Cabinetry Designs Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Home Fixtures/Bathroom: Ferguson Home Flooring: ProSource AV: Advanced ESI Landscape Design: Arbor Landscapes Security/Surveillance: Advanced ESI Pool: Family Pools Photographer: Jaquelyn Marie & Dylan Jon Wade Cox

PL ATINUM

3WALLS S O L ST I C E P L A N N I N G A N D A RC H I T ECT U R E

3Walls is located on a quarter-acre lot in Sarasota’s historic Avondale neighborhood. Conceived as deeply site-responsive and accessible, the 3,350 square-foot home introduces the idea of a modern bungalow. Thoughtfully addressing the scale of neighboring historic residences, the principal house is one story and opens onto an integrated pool terrace and a two-story studio and garage at the rear capped by roo op decks. The home takes its name from three walls of custom breezeblock manufactured by local cra smen. Selected a er studying dozens of options, this distinctive pa ern is incorporated on three walls, the entryway, an outdoor hallway leading to a roo op garden terrace and the upper roo op deck overlooking the pool. Together, these elements tie the site together through light, air and material continuity. Accessibility was the primary design challenge. The entire residence, including front and back entrances, circulation, bathrooms and pool deck, is fully wheelchair accessible. Rather than treating accessibility as an overlay, the design seamlessly integrates generous turning radii, roll-in showers, hidden ramps, flush thresholds and wide doorways quietly embedded within the architecture of the house. Inside, the layout focuses views and activity outward to the pool deck. Daylight reaches every room, including closets and pantries, reinforcing the project’s commitment to wellness, functionality and thoughtful modern living. The secondary structure houses an outdoor kitchen, pool bath, garage and studio. Two roo op decks provide additional areas for entertaining, gardening and framed views of the treetops, while a custom pool enclosure reinforces the home’s geometry. The residence is elevated above street level for flood resiliency and includes energy efficient windows, LED lighting, EnergyStar appliances, low-flow fixtures and a highly insulated building envelope. During design and construction, a mature live oak was preserved and thoughtfully integrated into the overall site plan.

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BEST OVERALL HOME — BELOW $2 MILLION

ISLE ROYAL AT SUNSTONE LAKESIDE AT WELLEN PARK M AT TA M Y H O M E S

The Isle Royal at Sunstone at Lakeside is a thoughtfully designed home that reflects the way families live today, blending innovation, comfort and flexibility into a spacious and highly livable floorplan. Created with both growing families and multigenerational households in mind, the Isle Royal offers intentional separation of space while maintaining a strong sense of connection throughout the home. At the heart of the design is an open concept living area that brings the kitchen, dining space and Great Room together in a seamless flow. This central gathering space is ideal for everyday living as well as entertaining, filled with natural light and designed to encourage connection. The kitchen functions as both a practical workspace and a social hub, featuring generous storage, expansive countertops and clear sightlines to surrounding living areas. What truly sets the Isle Royal apart is its adaptability.

Multiple bedroom suites provide privacy and flexibility, making the home especially well suited for multigenerational living, whether accommodating in-laws, adult children or long-term guests. A dedicated guest suite with nearby bath access allows extended family members to enjoy comfort and independence, while shared spaces foster togetherness. Additional flex spaces throughout the home offer opportunities to personalize the layout to meet evolving needs. These areas can easily become a home office, media room, fitness space or playroom, ensuring the home grows and adapts with its residents over time. The Isle Royal strikes a smart balance between thoughtful design and everyday functionality.

Architect: Ma amy Homes Contractor: Elliot Broders Interior Design: Intermark Design Group Cabinetry: Timberlake Fixtures/Kitchen: Moen Fixtures/Bathroom: Moen Landscape: Impact Photographer: Grey Street Studios

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BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

PL ATINUM

WATERSOUND NAUTILUS HOMES

A relaxed Florida vernacular welcoming generations of an extended family is embodied in this light-filled home. Drawing Gulf breezes from all sides, Watersound maintains privacy and a connection to nature. The interiors were designed to create family-friendly spaces while maintaining an aura of sophistication and ease. The pale e is inspired by cra sman-style houses, interpreted in fresh, vibrant ways. Familiar materials like oak, terraco a, ceramic, and plaster evoke a sense of history. Every room offers seating options for all ages, from li les to grands. The great room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive glass doors, creating a fluid transition between indoors and out. The furniture layout provides ample options for socializing in small or large groups. The distinct sleeping quarters are spread across separate floors, with multi-layered window treatments—from blackout to sheer—respecting all circadian needs. Bespoke offices for adults and a generous playroom for children allow everyone to work, study, and play in dedicated spaces tailored to their needs. A thoughtfully curated selection of art, lighting and rugs elevates each space with a sophisticated use of color, texture and volume.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Design: Ellen Hanson Designs Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Ge le Pools Roofing: New Wave Roofing Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

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BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

PL ATINUM

WATERCLUB

TRACTION ARCHITECTURE

Perched high above the Gulf of Mexico in a condominium tower on Longboat Key, the Waterclub project replaces an awkward 1980s interior with an airy, serene residence that celebrates the deep blue and green hues of the surrounding water. The renovation transforms a dated plan into a calm, light-filled retreat with clear sight lines, intuitive circulation and a strong connection to the horizon beyond. The design began with a complete interior gut, removing all finishes, fixtures and wall framing to establish a clean slate. Working within the constraints of existing plumbing, HVAC chases and structural elements, the floor plan was carefully reconfigured to open views across the Great Room and improve flow between spaces. The resulting layout emphasizes clarity, balance and visual continuity. Smooth white walls are grounded by white oak flooring, bringing warmth and texture throughout the home. That same white oak reappears on dropped ceiling planes in the Kitchen and Hallway, reinforcing a more intimate scale and creating a sense of enclosure through natural materials.

These lower, wood-clad ceilings heighten the experience of the Great Room, where a tall ceiling and large glass sliders draw the eye outward toward the shimmering Gulf. To maintain clean ceiling planes, recessed downlights were minimized in favor of perimeter cove lighting with concealed LED strips. This indirect illumination washes the walls and subtly separates horizontal and vertical planes, while minimalist linear pendants accent larger spaces. Custom built-ins establish a cohesive language of oak and carefully placed color. A gray oak cabinetry block defines the transition between Entry Hall and Kitchen, integrating entry storage, seating, pantry space and appliances. Finishes throughout echo the Gulf’s shi ing blues and greens, with moments of whimsy such as a periwinkle tile backsplash, an internal kitchen window and a glossy blue powder room faucet adding brightness within an otherwise serene pale e.

Architect: Traction Architecture Contractor: Frieler Construction Inc Interior Design: Traction Architecture Cabinetry: Space Theory Fixtures/Kitchen: Dornbracht Fixtures/Bathroom: Artos, Toto, Kohler, Vola, Nood Flooring: Naples Flooring Company / Legno Bastone Furnishings/Furniture: Design Within Reach, Arper, Bludot, Herman Miller, Henrybuilt, Loll Photographer: Seamus Payne

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BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

SOUTHERN CHARMER B U KY C O N S T R U C T I O N

Experience the inviting ambiance of old Southern Florida charm in this brand-new custom coastal residence, where thoughtful cra smanship and elegant details greet you at every turn. From the moment you arrive, the home’s architecture blends classic coastal co age elements with clean modern lines, creating an exterior that feels both timeless and fresh. So colors, breezy balconies and lush tropical landscaping set the tone for the relaxed sophistication found throughout the interior.

Inside, sun-filled spaces and an open airy layout evoke the gentle rhythm of coastal living. Large windows and glass doors invite natural light and frame tranquil views, enhancing the home’s warm welcoming atmosphere. Every room reflects a balance of refinement and comfort, with carefully curated fixtures, finishes and architectural touches adding depth and character. Whether through the soothing color pale e, beautifully cra ed millwork or the graceful flow from room to room, the home exudes effortless Southern elegance. Unique spaces such as a serene built-in library nook finished in calming coastal hues offer quiet retreats ideal for reading, unwinding or simply enjoying a moment of stillness. Thoughtful design ensures that each corner of the home feels intentional and inspiring, blending practicality with beauty.

This residence brings together the nostalgia of classic Florida styling and the ease of contemporary living. It captures the essence of true Southern hospitality while embracing the clean breezy feel of modern coastal design. The result is a home that feels instantly welcoming, richly detailed and perfectly suited for those seeking charm, comfort and a refined coastal lifestyle.

Architect: Beacon Home Design Contractor: Buky Construction Inc Interior Design: Adrian Griffin Interiors Cabinetry: Progressive Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Moen Weymouth Collections Fixtures/Bathroom: Moen Weymouth Collections Flooring: CSI Tile Design Inc AV: Gulf Coast Technology Landscape Design: Empire Greens Roofing: Blue Vision Furnishings/Furniture: Hand picked antiques, Wayfair, CB2, Adrian Griffin Interiors, Po ery Barn Photographer: Virtually LLC

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BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

SKYHOOK S O L ST I C E P L A N N I N G AND ARCHITECTURE

The goal in designing this 5,180 sq. . Sarasota Bay home for a retired couple and their two children was to create interiors that feel light, modern and deeply connected to water on two sides. The design emphasizes simple straightforward silhoue es, organic shapes, quiet fabrications and functionality. The pale e features an array of whites and neutrals for a relaxed yet elegant finish, paired with wood grains and natural materials that frame both the views and the activity within. Expansive sliding doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors, extending living spaces onto terraces and the elevated pool deck. Breezes, reflections and natural light become part of the interior experience. Continuous light wood flooring flows throughout to unify spaces and add warmth, while high ceilings and open-concept rooms amplify daylight and spatial clarity.

The interior design is intentionally gallery-like, using white planes, refined lighting and deliberate restraint to elevate the owners’ art collection.

Every piece holds significance, whether painted by a friend, created by an artist from their hometown or made by a member of the family. A custom three-level staircase celebrates the daily journey from ground level to the uppermost floor. Floating wood steps with glass railings form a sculptural centerpiece that unites the levels without interrupting views. In the kitchen, marble countertops introduce refined texture within a restrained pale e that enhances rather than competes with the proximity to the water. Unique hanging lights add modern drama and vertical emphasis while preserving the minimalist aesthetic. The resulting interior is serene, elegant and timeless. Spaces feel expansive yet calm. The home elevates everyday comfort and sets the stage for memorable entertaining while celebrating the surrounding water at every turn.

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa Roofing: Avery Roofing Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

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BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

Architect: Anchor Home Builders Contractor/Builder: Anchor Home Builders Interior Design: Riley Interior Design Cabinetry: Woodmode / Brookhaven Fixtures/ Kitchen: Gormans Gallery Plumbing Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Gallery Plumbing Flooring: International Wood Flooring and Design Works Pool: Water Designs Furnishings/Furniture: Riley Interior Design Photographer: Blaine Johnathan

S I LV E R

ANCHOR MARTINIQUE II MODEL RILEY INTERIOR DESIGN

As a model home, the residence was designed to resonate with a broad and discerning audience, while still feeling layered, intentional and emotionally engaging. Our approach centered on creating a space that felt versatile yet distinctive, one that could appeal to a wide range of lifestyles without sacrificing character or warmth. Throughout the home, we introduced a thoughtful mix of textures, tonal variation and subtle moments of surprise that keep the interiors feeling elevated, welcoming and deeply connected to the surrounding natural landscape. The overarching goal for the project was to cra a light-filled, transitional home that balances refined design with everyday livability. So neutral tones, warm wood elements and gently arched architectural details were used to establish a cohesive visual language that flows seamlessly from space to space. These elements unify the interiors while allowing each room to feel purposeful and thoughtfully composed. The result is a home that feels calm and grounded, yet rich with detail and visual interest. A key challenge was maintaining a sense of visual restraint within an open-concept floor plan, while still accommodating the functional needs of a modern household. Ample storage, professional-grade appliances and generous preparation and gathering areas were carefully integrated, so that function never disrupted the home’s sense of openness and ease. Strategic planning of cabinetry elevations, concealed storage solutions and clean sightlines allowed the spaces to feel expansive, organized and unclu ered. Another consideration was working within a predominantly light and monochromatic pale e, which can risk feeling flat or sterile if not handled with care. To counter this, we layered in warmth and dimension through textured materials, natural finishes, tailored millwork details, and sculptural lighting. These elements introduce depth, so ness, and a sense of quiet luxury, resulting in a home that feels both serene and dynamic, timeless yet distinctly personal.

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BEST KITCHEN

PL ATINUM

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor/Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: Dara Nassif & Michelle Bilodeau Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring: Sticks and Stones AV: Wicked Smart Homes Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

LUNARA DSDG ARCHITECTS

The owner and interior designer describes the residence as an expression of a refined pale e defined by sophistication and calm. Steeped in a forward-looking sensibility, Lunara transforms state-of-the-art materials from around the world through the enduring cra of local artisans. With design influences drawn from Spain, Tulum and California, every angle captures the shimmer of water, every surface plays with light and every room invites a life surrounded by beauty in Sarasota. The statement kitchen serves as both a showstopping feature and the energetic heart of the home.

Situated on a peninsula wing, the living space extends well beyond its perimeter walls. Corner pocketing glass panels open fully to cascade entertaining outdoors to an al fresco kitchen, dining area and pool deck. Hidden drainage is captured below the paver deck, allowing the transition between interior and exterior spaces to remain seamless and level. The cabinetry becomes a chromatic expression of Spanish opulence through a custom finish known as zinc bronze, paired with a so taupe pale e inspired by the sands of Tulum, Mexico. Dekton countertops and backsplash introduce a factory-made stone surface that anchors the space with earthen striations and exceptional durability. The backsplash itself conceals a key entertaining feature, it slides open to discreetly transfer used dishes into a hidden prep kitchen behind, allowing the primary space to remain pristine until the gathering concludes. Flanking the kitchen is a coordinating zinc bronze bar top with stone detailing and a metal racking display wall. The floating bar integrates refrigeration, a chilled wine display and a countertop pop-up TopBrewer designed to dispense seltzer and juices for any preprogrammed cocktail. Throughout the home, Lunara reflects a refined balance of innovation and cra smanship. Light, water and materiality are treated as architectural elements, creating spaces that feel intentional, immersive and deeply connected to their coastal se ing.

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BEST KITCHEN

WATERSOUND N AU T I LU S H O M E S Watersound’s kitchen is a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern functionality, striking a balance between sophistication and warmth. Custom cabinetry and a Lacanche range position the kitchen as the heart of the home, designed to support both family gatherings and elevated entertaining.

Inspired by the Gulf Coast, the color pale e and finishes convey a refined coastal sensibility that reflects the vibrant energy of the homeowners. Every detail, from the herringbone-pa erned wood flooring to the decorative lighting, was carefully selected to create a harmonious fusion of traditional charm and modern design. The project presented unique challenges as COVID-19 disrupted supply chains and staffing availability. Despite these obstacles, highquality materials were successfully sourced, and staffing shortages were addressed through the dedication of a core team and trusted subcontractors. The result is a kitchen that embodies enduring elegance while remaining fresh and contemporary, serving as a true centerpiece of the home’s architectural and interior vision.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Design: Ellen Hanson Designs Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Ge le Pools Roofing: New Wave Roofing Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

HOLMES BEACH CUCINE RICCI This kitchen and bar area blends conversational seating, cooking locations, a wet bar, streamlined handrail tracks and earthy colors, forming the foundation of the home’s first-floor centerpiece. The design intent was to create a calm monolithic composition that integrates extensive functionality while remaining visually restrained. A primary challenge was maintaining long flowing lines without sacrificing function. The handrail system allowed for the removal of most handles, while continuous cabinet runs guide the eye throughout the space. Equally critical was preserving fluid circulation between cooking, dining and entertaining zones while maintaining long sightlines and a unified spatial experience. Tall cabinetry is treated as an architectural backdrop rather than furniture, allowing appliances and storage to disappear into uninterrupted planes. Textured taupe surfaces are paired with deep charcoal accents below to introduce contrast and depth while grounding the island and avoiding visual noise. Functionality is organized around two distinct zones within the island. The primary area supports preparation, cooking and daily tasks, while the island’s extension encourages socialized seating and togetherness. This approach enables simultaneous use, improves workflow and reinforces the kitchen’s role as a social anchor within the home. Integrated seating further blurs the boundary between the kitchen, living space and the outdoor area beyond the glass.

Innovation is expressed through layered detailing and moments of intentional relief. Open metal shelving introduces lightness and display while maintaining architectural rigor. A recessed niche creates spatial depth and a focal point highlighted by an earthy sculpture, breaking the mass of cabinetry without disrupting continuity. Carefully integrated lighting emphasizes geometry, texture and material transitions throughout the day and evening.

Architect: Moss Custom Building s Contractor: Moss Custom Building Interior Designer: HSH Designs Cabinetry: Cucine Ricci Photographer: Maxine Kennaugh with SRQ Home Photography

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BEST KITCHEN

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NAUTILUS HOMES

Sunset Hill is a study in thoughtful restraint, where architectural clarity, site intelligence and refined cra smanship come together to create a home that feels effortless despite its complexity. Set on a sloping hillside, the project required careful consideration of grade, privacy and long-term resilience while delivering a warm, highly functional living environment centered on the kitchen as the heart of the home.

The kitchen was conceived as both a visual anchor and a daily workhorse. Symmetry and proportion guide the layout, with a substantial island grounding the space and encouraging gathering, casual dining and connection. Crisp white cabinetry is layered with subtle detailing, balanced by the depth and texture of a custom dark-stained island and a sculptural metal range hood that introduces a refined industrial note. Light-filled sightlines to the exterior reinforce a sense of openness while maintaining privacy, a recurring theme throughout the home. Site challenges shaped key design decisions. The home was lowered within the slope to achieve a more harmonious relationship between grade and street, improving scale and livability. Privacy concerns at the rear caused by higher neighboring homes led to an innovative solution, relocating the pool to the front of the property and concealing it behind a privacy wall. This move transformed a constraint into an amenity, preserving views, intimacy and surprise. Resilience became an unplanned but defining aspect of the project. Construction coincided with Hurricane Ian and was followed by one of the most active storm seasons in recent history. Through meticulous planning, sequencing and execution, the home sustained no damage, underscoring the strength of its design and construction.

At Sunset Hill, elegance is purposeful, innovation is quiet and every solution enhances how the home lives, beautifully and enduringly.

Architect: Sto Cooney Architects Contractor/Builder: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Water Designs Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

S I LV E R

SUNSET HILL

OAKS MANOR

COASTAL TIDE CONSTRUCTION

Oaks Manor is a reimagined masterpiece where past meets present, born from the complete transformation of a sprawling 7,800-square-foot home with an a ached guest house. This visionary project marries cu ing-edge technology with timeless luxury, resulting in a residence that is as functional as it is awe-inspiring. The journey begins at the main entry, where an impressive iron door welcomes guests with electrified interlayer glass. With the flick of a switch, the glass transitions from clear to frosted, combining privacy with contemporary elegance. The entryway leads into a dramatic foyer with 26- foot ceilings, se ing the tone for the grandeur that unfolds throughout the home. A true culinary haven, Oaks Manor features not one but two kitchens. The main kitchen, located on the first floor, is a chef’s dream, designed for seamless entertaining with top-tier appliances and luxurious finishes. On the second level, a secondary kitchen offers added convenience and versatility, perfect for hosting or day-to-day living. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring an exceptional master bathroom with spa-like amenities and impeccable cra smanship.

The adjoining closet is just as impressive, offering an elevated level of sophistication with runway chic closet vibe, complete with a dedicated fur coat refrigeration unit to ensure even the finest garments remain perfectly preserved. Even pets are treated to luxury, with a custom laundry room that includes a dog shower and a built-in food pantry. Throughout the home, every detail has been meticulously considered, from the luxurious finishes to the integration of innovative technology. With its expansive layout, stunning guest house, and unparalleled features, Oaks Manor is a testament to bold vision and impeccable design, a residence that redefines modern luxury living.

Architect: Coastal Tide Construction Contractor: Coastal Tide Construction Interior Designer: Chic on the Cheap Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring: Coastal Tide Construction AV: Kontrol Freaks Photographer: Nicholas Ferris / Piper Creative Group

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BEST BATHROOM

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LUNARA DSDG ARCHITECTS

Lunara transforms state-of-the-art materials from around the world through the enduring cra of local artisans. A sophisticated and calm pale e welcomes you into a life surrounded by beauty in Sarasota. While each bathroom throughout Lunara is thoughtfully designed with unique tile mosaics or stone slab specimens, the primary bathroom stands as the project’s greatest accomplishment, sophistication refined to its most natural elements. A sandy taupe pale e provides earthen grounding as walls open to bring nature indoors.

Traditional boundaries between bedroom and bath are intentionally removed, creating a resort-style spa experience typically found only in tropical retreats. Bay-facing sliding glass walls invite fresh breezes, natural light and expansive views deep into the home, transforming one of the most private spaces into a serene sanctuary. Soaking in a custom-colored tub with layers of enclosure peeled away to reveal the outdoors creates an intimate and immersive experience. When privacy is desired, movable floor-to-ceiling frosted glass walls effortlessly transform the space. With the glass closed, filtered light creates a muted and calming atmosphere that works in harmony with the stone slab shower, zinc and bronze-toned Spanish cabinetry and a custom concrete countertop featuring an integral warped sink molded locally for this space. A quieter moment of escape is found at the north-facing outdoor shower balcony, accessed directly from the shower through sliding glass doors. Throughout the bathroom, subtle layered lighting including mirror backlighting, under-cabinet illumination and a vertical niche light within the shower enhances texture and mood, reinforcing a sense of calm and retreat. It is rare to find a residence that is both a work of art and a place of refuge, where scale feels human and luxury feels livable. At Lunara, architecture becomes a lifestyle.

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor/Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: Dara Nassif & Michelle Bilodeau Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring: Sticks and Stones AV: Wicked Smart Homes Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Glass/Shower: Mullet’s Aluminum

SIESTA SANCTUARY M A G N O L I A C A B I N E T C O. Siesta Sanctuary is a collection of three thoughtfully cra ed bathroom environments connected through a shared design language of natural materiality, refined geometry and calm coastal-inspired warmth. Custom cabinetry is featured throughout, with ri -cut white oak serving as the unifying element across all spaces. The primary bathroom showcases ri -cut white oak cabinetry paired with floating shelves above a freestanding soaking tub. The so linear grain of the oak introduces quiet movement, while the floating shelving visually extends the cabinetry and keeps the room feeling open and serene. The result is a spa-like and organic environment defined by balance and simplicity. The second bathroom takes a more architectural approach. Here, the vanity is angled into a triangular form, with a split detail separating two traditional cabinet sections. This sculptural geometry transforms the vanity into a true design feature, offering unexpected visual interest while maintaining full functionality. It demonstrates how cabinetry can influence both aesthetic character and spatial flow. The third space is an elegant powder room anchored by a floating ri -cut white oak vanity with integrated lighting. The illumination creates a so glow that highlights the natural wood grain and gives the vanity a light contemporary presence. As a guest-facing space, it delivers a memorable yet understated design moment. Across all three rooms, frameless cabinet construction ensures clean lines and precise detailing.

The emphasis remains on proportion, texture and cra smanship rather than embellishment. Siesta Sanctuary reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, where thoughtful cabinetry design enhances everyday experience and brings warmth and tranquility into the home.

Architect: Caro i Engineering LLC Contractor: Talon Homes Interior Design: EMCY Cabinetry: Magnolia Cabinet Co. Photographer: Vadim, Motion Media

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BEST BATHROOM

S I LV E R

PALM NOIR

TRADE MARK INTERIORS

This primary bathroom remodel invites you into a serene world of refined Southern living, thoughtfully reimagined as a timeless spa retreat. Rooted in the tranquility of Southern landscapes and elevated by classic design principles, the space blends traditional elegance with modern luxury to create a boutique hotel-inspired experience within the home. A layered, soothing pale e establishes a sense of calm while adding depth and richness to the space. These hues are balanced by accents of antique black, introducing a sense of history and gravitas that grounds the design.

The result is a bathroom that feels indulgent and enduring, luxurious without feeling overstated. At the heart of the space, a freestanding soaking tub serves as a sculptural focal point designed for moments of quiet retreat. The walk-in shower features seamless glass enclosures and refined tilework that enhances openness while highlighting cra smanship. Carefully selected materials and finishes work in harmony, from the tile selections to the fixtures, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic. Lighting plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere, so ly illuminating the space to enhance its spa-like quality. Every detail was thoughtfully curated to balance beauty and functionality, ensuring the bathroom supports daily routines with ease while maintaining a sense of calm. This primary bathroom transformation embodies a sophisticated interpretation of Southern comfort, featuring timeless restorative elements tailored to modern living. It offers the homeowners a private sanctuary designed for relaxation and renewal.

Contractor: Sarabay Kitchen & Bath Interior Designer: Trade Mark Interiors Cabinetry: Sarabay Kitchen & Bath Fixtures/Bathroom: Moen Flooring: Floor and Décor and Design Works Furnishings/Furniture: Trade Mark Interiors Photographer: Tara Correa

BEST REMODEL/RENOVATION

PL ATINUM

OAKS MANOR C O A S TA L T I D E C O N S T R U C T I O N

Oaks Manor is a reimagined masterpiece where past meets present, born from the complete transformation of a sprawling 7,800-square-foot home with an a ached guest house. This visionary project marries cu ing-edge technology with timeless luxury, resulting in a residence that is as functional as it is awe-inspiring. The journey begins at the main entry, where an impressive iron door welcomes guests with electrified interlayer glass. With the flick of a switch, the glass transitions from clear to frosted, combining privacy with contemporary elegance.

The entryway leads into a dramatic foyer with 26-foot ceilings, se ing the tone for the grandeur that unfolds throughout the home. A true culinary haven, Oaks Manor features not one but two kitchens. The main kitchen, located on the first floor, is a chef’s dream, designed for seamless entertaining with top-tier appliances and luxurious finishes.

On the second level, a secondary kitchen offers added convenience and versatility, perfect for hosting or day-to-day living. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring an exceptional master bathroom with spa-like amenities and impeccable cra smanship.

The adjoining closet is just as impressive, offering an elevated level of sophistication with runway chic closet vibe, complete with a dedicated fur coat refrigeration unit to ensure even the finest garments remain perfectly preserved. Even pets are treated to luxury, with a custom laundry room that includes a dog shower and a built-in food pantry. Throughout the home, every detail has been meticulously considered, from the luxurious finishes to the integration of innovative technology. With its expansive layout, stunning guest house, and unparalleled features, Oaks Manor is a testament to bold vision and impeccable design, a residence that redefines modern luxury living.

Architect: Coastal Tide Construction Contractor: Coastal Tide Construction Interior Designer: Chic on the Cheap Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring: Coastal Tide Construction AV: Kontrol Freaks Photographer: Nicholas Ferris / Piper Creative Group

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BEST REMODEL/RENOVATION

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THE MANOR AT LAKEWOOD RANCH E C H T- A R C H I T E C T S L L C

This renovation reimagines the heart of the home through a comprehensive transformation of the living room, family room, kitchen, wine room and supporting spaces, guided by a clear directive to create a cohesive, light-filled environment that feels intentional, timeless and inviting. The original layout suffered from poor spatial relationships, inefficient circulation and a kitchen and family room configuration that blocked natural light, views and connection between spaces. Despite generous square footage, the home felt compartmentalized and underutilized. The design solution focused on rebalancing scale, orientation and flow while honoring the home’s architectural character. Walls and visual barriers were reworked to improve sightlines and daylight penetration, allowing natural light to reach deep into the interior. The kitchen was repositioned and refined as the true heart of the home, both functionally and experientially, supporting daily living, entertaining and visual connection to adjacent spaces. Materiality and detailing were carefully curated to unify the renovation across rooms. Warm wood tones, refined stone and custom millwork establish continuity while introducing a lighter, more contemporary pale e.

The wine room was elevated from a secondary feature to a destination space, designed as both functional storage and architectural focal point. Its cra smanship, lighting and intimacy create a striking counterpoint to the openness of the surrounding living areas. Throughout the renovation, the goal was not simply an aesthetic refresh but a correction and enhancement of space. By addressing light, proportion and use, the design breathes new life into the home, transforming once-disconnected rooms into a cohesive, dynamic environment that supports modern living while celebrating comfort, cra smanship and gathering.

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

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BEST REMODEL/RENOVATION

BAYSO MEDITERRANEAN M A G N O L I A C A B I N E T C O. Bayso Mediterranean is a richly layered study in bespoke cra smanship, conceived as a fully custom home office rooted in European character and artistry. The vision was to create a highly detailed Mediterranean-inspired environment where every surface, trim and cabinet detail feels intentional and finely worked. The design embraces bold elements including pa erned wallpaper, sculptural lighting and curated furnishings, all unified through intricate custom millwork. The cabinetry is the architectural soul of the space. Each piece was designed and fabricated specifically for this room, featuring engraved decorative detailing and custom-profiled edges cra ed in Pennsylvania.

Shelving was precisely dimensioned to display the homeowners’ collected vases and treasured objects, allowing the cabinetry to function as both a display canvas and a structural element. A seamlessly integrated panel conceals the Sub-Zero wine cooler, allowing it to disappear into the surrounding woodwork and preserve uninterrupted cabinet elevations.

A leather-wrapped table adds tactile richness and reinforces the refined old-world sensibility of the room. Every curve, profile and proportion was considered with the care traditionally reserved for fine furniture, elevating the space beyond a standard home office. The result is a room that feels collected, storied and deeply personal rather than manufactured. Bayso Mediterranean reflects a commitment to artistry and technical precision, where European-influenced detailing meets modern performance and integration. The space feels luxurious, intimate and timeless, a bespoke environment cra ed entirely around lifestyle, beauty and individuality.

Contractor: Magnolia Cabinet Co. Interior Designer: Magnolia Cabinet Co. Cabinetry: Magnolia Cabinet Co. Photographer: Sergio Krutash

S I LV E R

HARBOR CAY DSDG ARCHITECTS

The third renovation of this home focused exclusively on transforming the exterior, shi ing it away from its original stark white cubism toward a warmer, more expressive presence. Without altering the structure or interior, the design introduces color for contrast, wood tones for warmth, stone cladding for grounding and raw metals to animate the façade through shi ing light and shadow. These updates reflect a deliberate embrace of contemporary tropical modern design, aligning the home with Sarasota’s evolving market while enhancing its resale value. A layered material pale e adds texture and refinement, giving depth and character to the previously minimal exterior. Two louvered trellises were introduced along the horizontal roof planes, filtering sunlight and casting ever-changing pa erns across the façade throughout the day. The entry sequence was also reimagined, with former water feature pools removed and replaced by lush vegetation. While the open pools recalled the home’s earlier stark iterations, the new plantings draw nature closer to the front door, creating a more welcoming and grounded arrival experience.

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor: Justin Clark, Clark Development Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Louvers: Mullets Aluminum

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BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN/POOL/OUTDOORS

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NORTH SHORE RESIDENCE M I C H A E L A . G I L K E Y, I N C

The design concept for the landscape of this Anna Maria home embraces its coastal context through the use of native and salt-resilient species while creating privacy and density that balance the structure, allowing it to feel as though it has always belonged on this special island. A primary challenge was creating a garden oasis that provides appropriate scale for two living stories over a parking area without feeling imposing. This was achieved by sourcing and transplanting unique mature trees that establish a sense of compression beneath their canopy. The impact of hardscape was so ened through the use of a permeable paving system that allows grass to grow and remain driveable. A gradual textural experience guides users and guests through the site. At the entry, reduced hardscape creates the feeling of driving directly into the garden as it opens around you. Reclaimed pavers add warmth and texture along the circulation path, leading to the autocourt where permeable turf block and reclaimed brick pa erns reflect the architecture and establish a more formal sense of arrival. On the Gulf side, the rear yard was designed to feel untouched. An exclusively native dune pale e defines a keyway beach path woven through existing sea grapes, which were selectively pruned for access. Additional native sea grapes, muhly grasses and dune sunflower enhance the coastal ecosystem, resulting in a natural Florida backdrop that frames Anna Maria’s iconic sunset views.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Builder: Ross Built Custom Homes Contractor: Ross Built Custom Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Pool: Tom Sanger Pools Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

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BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN/POOL/OUTDOORS

VACATION MODE FA M I LY P O O L S This project was designed with a clear business objective, to a ract bookings, increase nightly value and create a resort-style experience within a limited footprint. Every design decision ensures the outdoor space photographs beautifully, functions effortlessly for guests and delivers a memorable stay that stands out in a competitive Airbnb market. Despite its compact size, the backyard delivers a full resort feel. A spa fully wrapped in tile serves as the visual anchor, enhanced by color-changing LED lighting that transforms the space from day to night. A sun shelf provides a relaxed entry point for lounging, while turf with custom shell inlays adds texture and coastal character underfoot. A pergola and fire pit create layered gathering zones, allowing guests to enjoy the space across seasons and times of day. To elevate the guest experience beyond the expected, the design incorporates playful and interactive features including a pu ing green, integrated lighting and thoughtfully placed palm trees that reinforce the vacation atmosphere. Each element was selected for durability, ease of maintenance and maximum visual impact, ensuring the space remains guest-ready year-round. The result is a compact yet powerful outdoor retreat that feels intentional, immersive and unmistakably resort inspired.

This project demonstrates how strategic design can transform limited space into a high-performing amenity that drives demand, encourages longer stays and leaves guests eager to return.

Landscape Design: Family Pools Pool: Family Pools Photographer: Tony Brier | Family Pools

S I LV E R

SKYHOOK

SOLSTICE PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE The vision for this 5,180 sq. . Sarasota Bay home was to create a residence that embraces life on the water through continuous indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by water on two sides, the design integrates multiple levels of outdoor space, encouraging time spent outside in every season. Covered balconies provide shade and protection from the elements, allowing uninterrupted enjoyment of views and breezes year-round. Expansive terraces and elevated entertainment areas extend the living experience beyond the walls, creating generous spaces for dining and gathering while overlooking the bay. The centerpiece of the outdoor design is a dramatic cantilevered pool, suspended 17 feet above grade and visually merging with the bay beyond. As the first elevated pool permi ed in a VE Zone in Sarasota, it anchors the home’s outdoor living concept and frames sweeping sunset vistas to the west. Its position creates the sensation that pool and bay are nearly continuous, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature. Balconies and terraces flow seamlessly from interior spaces, reinforcing the connection between indoors and outdoors while offering panoramic views from every angle. The landscape design complements this vision with native plantings that minimize irrigation and harmonize with the coastal se ing. Large outdoor entertainment zones, shaded seating areas and water-facing balconies create a layered experience that celebrates the site’s unique relationship with Sarasota Bay. The result is a home where architecture and landscape work in concert, delivering a lifestyle centered on nature, light and water, an elevated retreat designed for relaxation, entertaining and timeless waterfront living.

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa Roofing: Avery Roofing Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

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BEST SUSTAINABILITY/GREEN DESIGN

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Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA Contractor/Builder: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa Roofing: Avery Roofing Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

SKYHOOK S OL ST I C E P L A N N IN G AN D ARCHIT ECT URE

The 5,180 sq. . Sarasota Bay residence was conceived as the house of the future today, prioritizing sustainability, resiliency and reduced dependency on the power grid with a strong connection to nature. Designed beyond code requirements for a VE flood zone, the home is elevated 17 feet above grade to protect against storm surge and future environmental flooding. Safety zones, impact-resistant glazing and fortified construction ensure durability against Florida’s extreme weather. Even a direct hit from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 resulted in no damage. Cantilevered forms and walls of glass maximize views while harvesting daylight and breezes for natural ventilation. A high-performance building envelope reduces reliance on mechanical systems, while windows introduce daylight into every room, including closets and pantries, creating a seamless fusion of light and architecture. Operable windows and sliding doors enable cross ventilation, and targeted shading enhances outdoor comfort yearround. Energy-efficient systems and passive design strategies are supported by advanced technologies. Automated controls coordinate ventilation, shading and lighting to minimize energy use, while solar panels provide backup power during outages. The home achieves a HERS rating of -3, performing beyond net zero. Water-saving measures include low-flow fixtures, efficient hot-water distribution and rainwater collection. The landscape design emphasizes shade, native plantings and low-irrigation strategies, while eco-conscious grading protects Sarasota Bay from nutrient runoff and erosion. Third-party certifications confirm performance, including LEED Platinum, Florida Green Building Coalition Platinum, EPA Energy Star Highest Standards, Indoor airPLUS and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home. The result is a resilient, future-ready waterfront home that harmonizes protection, performance and place, living with the water while delivering measurable sustainability at every scale.

HOUSE ON SAND T R I N I T Y C U S TO M H O M E S Building House on Sand meant more than creating a beautiful beachfront home, it meant building responsibly for the future. From the outset, the team commi ed to achieving NGBS Gold Certification and pushing energy performance beyond previous benchmarks. The result is a HERS rating of -1718, meaning the home produces significantly more energy than it consumes annually. It is not just energy efficient, it is energy positive. A solar PV system was integrated to generate substantial power while maintaining clean architectural lines and a refined coastal aesthetic. Low-E windows with turtle glass protect interior comfort while minimizing impact on nesting sea turtles along Manasota Key. The landscape design relies exclusively on native and non-invasive vegetation that thrives in coastal conditions without excessive irrigation or maintenance. Every sustainable decision required careful coordination. Achieving NGBS Gold standards while maintaining the level of luxury and performance expected by the owners demanded continuous problem solving. Specialized consultants were engaged, green building inspections were coordinated throughout construction and documentation was maintained for every sustainable practice implemented, from material selections to energy systems and water conservation measures. What sets the project apart is that sustainability never compromises livability or beauty. The owners enjoy a home that performs exceptionally, costs less to operate and protects the coastal environment that defines its se ing. House on Sand demonstrates that luxury and responsibility can coexist, delivering long-term performance without sacrificing design excellence.

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

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2026 HOME OF THE YEAR JUDGES NICOLE CULLER, ASID, IDS, ALLIED ASID HIGH POINT LIAISON, HOUSE OF CULLER INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Nicole Culler is the visionary founder behind House of Culler, a distinguished interior design studio renowned for its innovative approach and deep rooted passion for blending art, architecture and design. Born in Germany, Nicole was exposed to the rich tapestry of European, old-world design from an early age. The beauty of historical architecture, luxurious fabrics, classical art and timeless furniture captured her imagination during summers spent in Germany, laying the foundational stones of her future. From the cobblestones of Europe to the vibrant landscapes of Asia, Nicole’s design philosophy has been profoundly influenced by her global travels. Living in Ho Chi Minh, Nicole immersed herself in the culture and was mesmerized by the intricate French architecture that characterizes the city. A brief but impactful stint in Cebu further broadened her appreciation for design, where the Spanish influence le an indelible mark on her aesthetic sensibilities. The inception of House of Culler was a natural progression of Nicole’s lifelong passion for design. Nicole’s work transcends mere aesthetics; it is a celebration of cultures, histories and stories that inspire spaces where beauty and functionality coexist harmoniously. With her unique blend of artistic vision, cultural richness and innate love for design, Nicole continues to create environments that are not only visually stunning but are also a testament to the diverse influences that have shaped her journey.

MARK RUDOLF, AIA, VELLUM Mark Rudolf is the founding principal of Vellum Architecture & Design, a boutique practice focused on luxury hospitality and custom residential design. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Mark brings over 23 years of experience and a distinct global perspective to each project. He is licensed in Virginia, Colorado and North Carolina and holds a Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism. Mark’s portfolio includes a number of internationally recognized resorts. Castello di Casole in Tuscany was named the #2 hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure, and The Sebastian in Vail ranked among the top resorts in the continental U.S. His work on Brasada Ranch in Bend, Oregon— recognized as the first resort in the U.S. to earn LEED Gold—earned accolades including Sustainable Community of the Year. These projects reflect his long-standing leadership in sustainable, site-sensitive design. A native of Virginia Beach and graduate of Virginia Tech, Mark’s architecture is grounded in the concept of placemaking: creating spaces that are both responsive to their surroundings and deeply resonant. His extensive travels—over 40 countries and significant time spent in Spain and Italy—inform a design language that is elegant, context-driven and timeless. His work reflects a belief that truly exceptional design enhances not just the landscape, but the lives of those who experience it.

BRUCE SPARANO, AIA, BRUCE SPARANO ARCHITECT Bruce Sparano is a licensed architect in the Untied States. He practices residential, municipal and commercial architecture, in addition to real estate consultation and development. Bruce is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the United States Green Building Council, the Preservation League of New York State and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

BRAD TOMECEK, FAIA, LEED BD+C, TOMECEK STUDIO ARCHITECTURE The founder of Tomecek Studio Architecture, Brad graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Design and Masters of Architecture. He worked in smaller award winning firms in Colorado and Florida before launching the studio. His work has been recognized by Architectural Record, Architect, Builder Magazine, international books and local magazines. Brad is actively involved with the local AIA and is the AIA Denver President for 2017. His outreach takes the form of speaking nationally on methods and manifestations of meaningful projects. Currently, Brad combines practice with teaching design studios at the University of Colorado College of Architecture and Planning. His explorations blur the boundaries between poetic solutions and innovative building systems. He was recently awarded the AIA Colorado Architect of the Year Award and was elevated to the AIA National College of Fellows.

CANDACE WONG, AIA, LEED AP, cwA+D, LLC Candace Wong, an Austin native and Texas A&M undergrad, is the founding principal of cwA+D, LLC. A er a long stint of life, school and jobs in Texas, Candace followed her heart and career to Los Angeles to earn a Master of Architecture at the University of Southern California, found a home at the award-winning firm KAA Design and became a licensed Architect in 2015. A er 6 years of soaking up California sun and modern architecture influence, Candace returned to Texas to start up Candace Wong Architecture + Design, a custom-residential design practice specializing in modern design for lifestyles and fun. Outside of her practice, Candace serves on the NCARB Forms Commi ee and AIA Austin Homes Tour Commi ee, is active in the Terry Scholar Alumni Association and maintains licensure in California and Texas.

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TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

MINDY WEBB DESIGN “We aren’t just about luxury design, but also designing with purpose and meaningful collaboration.”

FINDING ALIGNMENT BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE CAN BE DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY IN BUSINESS, HOWEVER WHEN CONGRUENT BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE A UNIFIED SENSE OF PURPOSE, AND ALIGN ON VALUES, IT SEEMS ONLY NATURAL TO PARTNER TOGETHER ON THAT SHARED VISION.

Mindy Webb Barcomb and Joe Clark have found that to be true, as they have been working together on and off now for many years. Combined with a renewed sense of passion for an industry they both love, and a realization that now may be the right time, they have decided to partner together and grow the already thriving design business! Each bring an important yet complimentary skill set to the table. Mindy has a design background starting in Southwest Florida and later in Chicago, with extensive experience in hotel and restaurant design, combined with expertise in high end residential projects, she is also a licensed real estate professional and a founder of Mindy Webb Design and Development. Joe has an extensive background in engineering and lighting design, combined with years of experience in project managing, building and construction, he also has extensive design expertise in commercial and residential real estate.

Both have been featured in high end design publications, design features in television, and have a combined experience of over 40 years in the building and design industries, so partnering together came naturally. Mindy Webb Design is a full-service design firm, specializing in luxury design, with projects like the Rosewood Residences as part of our portfolio.

We consult on the whole aesthetic…inside and out…to design and build with purpose and create spaces for our clients that reflect their individuality, bringing in a sense of luxury and sophistication. From room-by-room space planning and furniture packages to full scale remodels and new home builds, we can take our clients from start to finish for any of their design, construction, and building needs.

Why, you may ask, would you integrate your companies together? We both have a passion for great design, and cultivating and elevating those around us, so we felt that joining together would bring us an even greater opportunity to do what we both love…and for that we are incredibly excited and grateful!

394 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE SARASOTA, FL 34234 | 941.343.7565 MINDY@MINDYWEBBDESIGN.COM MINDYWEBBDESIGN.COM | INSTAGRAM: MINDY_WEBB_DESIGN

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DESIGN INSPIRATION TRADE MARK INTERIORS PHOTO BY RYAN GAMMA

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Compiled and written by Kate Wight

SENSORY SPRING

This spring, embrace patina and texture in interior design.

This spring, interior design is less about embarking on a dramatic style overhaul and more about embracing a softer kind of luxury, one rooted in texture, patina and a sense of lived-in ease. As much as we all might aspire to have a home that looks like it leapt off the pages of a magazine, that kind of picture-perfect design can come across cold and impersonal. Incorporating layered natural materials and unique pieces with character can bring your home to life and imbue it with warmth and personality. Christiana Engert, owner of Frond & Fern Design and Tracee Murphy, owner of Trade Mark Interiors, are two local interior design experts who shared insights on how to lean into the subtle yet chic sensory experience trending in interior design this spring.

SPRING TRENDS

Cozy Colors

TRADE MARK INTERIORS PHOTO BY NATIVE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re looking to update your interior design with the change of the seasons, freshening up your color palette is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make a notable visual change. “This spring, interiors feel lighter and more emotionally grounding. There’s a sense of quiet optimism and softness without tipping into anything overly sweet,” says Murphy.

“That mindset is showing up through palettes that are warm, fresh and rooted in nature, which psychologically tend to signal safety and ease. Soft greens, butter yellows, clay and terracotta tones, muted blues and gentle blushes are being layered with warm neutrals to create environments that feel supportive rather than demanding.”

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H & D

Compiled and written by Kate Wight.

HABITAT HUES Go Au Naturale Spring’s color palettes are rooted in nature, and so are the materials.

Design experts are seeing a strong emphasis on natural, touchable materials in design, ranging from limewash and clay plaster walls to unlacquered woods, cork, rattan and woven grasses. “These finishes bring softness and variation which psychologically read as calming and authentic,” Murphy says. “Stone is still big, but in more honed, brushed or leathered finishes rather than high polish, so it feels grounding instead of formal.

SPRING TRENDS

TRADE MARK INTERIORS PHOTO BY NICHOLAS FERRIS

TRADE MARK INTERIORS PHOTO BY RYAN GAMMA

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H & D

Compiled and written by Kate Wight.

HISTORIC TEXTURE Put On Some Patina

SPRING TRENDS

If you want to make a room feel lived-in instead of styled, look for pieces with some patina or natural wear and incorporate some patina finishes. “When you can see that a piece has been used and handled over time, it immediately feels more human,” Engert explains.

“There’s a grace to the evolution of a patina that can’t truly be replicated. Spaces that appear too perfect can feel untouchable, like a formal sitting room no one is allowed to enter. Patina removes that barrier, softening the environment and giving people permission to actually enjoy the space.” Patina finishes can actually be a great day-to-day choice for homes with kids and pets. “They’re incredibly forgiving. Scratches, fingerprints or paw prints, water spots and everyday wear blend into the surface instead of standing out. In a busy household, that means less maintenance stress and less pressure to keep everything immaculate,” says Engert. “With patina, daily use enhances the finish rather than detracts from it. The home actually becomes more beautiful as it’s lived in.”

SOURCES Frond and Fern Design, 941-504-5975, frondandferndesign.com. Trade Mark Interiors, 3232 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-879-9494, trademarkinteriordesign.com, thedesignerlaunch.com.

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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE

This page: The chicken liver mousse with homemade sourdough bread.

STARTING ANEW Edward Zaki and the team at Mimi Brasserie have transformed the former Adeline into a 1920’s, Prohibition-themed restaurant and speakeasy. Dylan Campbell

IN OCTOBER 2025, LOCAL RESTAURATEUR EDWARD ZAKI SAT IN THE BACK CORNER OF ADELINE, the heralded small-plate, fine-dining

restaurant he co-owned, and thought about what was missing. The restaurant had closed its doors on October 4—there were no customers joining Zaki, who also owns 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails and Lucky 8. Instead, he was flanked by his partners at 1592—including his wife, Mila Aguiar—and business partners Bethany Melendez and Anthony Double. “Adeline felt to me, not necessarily to everyone, but felt to me like a place that was missing warmth,” admits Zaki. “It was missing the little lamp on the table—you didn’t feel like you were here to have an experience other than just enjoying the food. It was purely a culinary experience, where I think a restaurant needs to engage all five senses. If it does not do that, then it’s not a success.” So Zaki and his team got to work. A little over a month—and a lot of elbow grease—later, the team had completely renovated the space, transforming Adeline into Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy. The 1920s, Prohibition-styled brasserie—a type of casual French restaurant—is Sarasota’s newest social destination, featuring a full restaurant and bar in addition to a “hidden” speakeasy, replete with its own menu of Prohibition-themed cocktails and spirits. srq magazine_ MAR26 live local | 121

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There is a warmth one feels when walking through the doors, but an unexpected one at that. Moody ambient lighting, ornate wooden furniture, glittering chandeliers and velvet curtains make Mimi feel stuck in time, the type of place where Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald might stop in for a drink. “We want Mimi to feel like a place where people meet on a regular basis, almost as if it were a social club,” says Zaki. “The cuisine will be new European, with our executive chef Anthony’s flair on it. A lot of it will be French and Portuguese-based, but with our own twist on it.”

“We want it to be a place where you want to be every week,” echoes Melendez, the general manager of Mimi. “Because of the atmosphere and the ambiance, because of the quality of the food and access to the different wine and spirits that we get, we want Mimi to be a comforting place, but also feel like a new experience every time you come in.”

Zaki, Melendez, Double and the rest of the team didn’t hire a contractor or painter to assist with renovations. Just as with the interior, the menu Double has curated includes influences of the owner’s tastes, travels and respective cuisines in every dish. Double and Melendez— who are together—both hail from Texas. Zaki is Greek, but his business partners all hail from Montreal and Aguiar, his wife is Portuguese.

“We wanted to pay homage to all of these cities that we love to visit and maybe dining here will pique your interest in traveling there yourself,” says Double. “You always want to have a dining experience where you’re learning as you eat—perhaps you’ll want to go to Lisbon or Montreal after learning what those cities 122 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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Below: Fried quail with potato and honey-thyme butter. Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy, 1920 Hillview St, Sarasota

taste like.” The Portuguese influence comes to life with the cod croquettes, one of the many tasty starters to get the meal on track.

Puffy, golden-fried pillows of potato, salted cod, herbs and macerated lemons give what appears to be a simple snack a surprisingly layer of depth. The Lisboa tartar sauce, using dijon mustard and garlic as its base, incorporates the brininess of crushed capers to elevate the entire dish. “Salt cod was traditionally used to preserve the fish back in the old days. It comes in a wooden box, fully salted—if you try to eat it in that form, it’s not great,” says Chef Double. “You rinse it overnight to get that salt out, mince it up with some potatoes, bind it with an egg and fry it in sunflower oil and it’s delicious.”

The chicken liver mousse, is a silky, elegant affair served atop homemade sourdough, is a labor of love that is well worth it. Made with VSOP cognac, the mousse is earthy, certainly buttery, but with a deceptive sweetness due to the flambe cognac. Rounding out the entrylevel fare are the pomme frites, an experience in and of itself. As any fry aficionado worth their salt can attest, the crispness and constitution of said fries can make or break them. At Mimi, Chef Double achieves a nearperfect level of crunch by first blanching the fries at 300 degrees before freezing them, allowing the fry to reconstitute and then tossing back into the oil bath. The goldenbrown slivers are anointed with a dusting of Grana Padano cheese and a touch of beef fat, giving them a rich mouthfeel reminiscent of a steak dinner. Complimenting the pomme frites is a serving of charred onion gravy,

adding a scorched, barbeque-esque flavor to the fries. Double and Melendez’s Texas roots show up in the fried quail, with potato-mole and honey-thyme butter. The potato-mole sauce adds a touch of heat to the delicately battered, sweet meat of the quail. “You can always get a basket of fried chicken and fries and you know that it’s going to be good. Before you even bite into it, you know what’s going to happen,” says Double. “With the quail, you’re biting it in different ways, the legs are leaner, the thighs are a bit juicier. Then you start to dip it into the mole and you get the honey and thyme of the butter and every bit can change.”

The Mimi burger, with two succulent patties parceled together from steak trimmings, is nestled between a homemade brioche bun. A wonderful beefiness exudes from the seared patties, creamy aged gouda and bright, acidic pickles balance out the palate, but the star of the show is the onion mostarda spread across the bottom bun. “Think of it almost as an onion jam, but the base is made with mustard and balsamic vinegar. We’re not going the traditional jam route which just puts the sugars in and uses the pectin, the natural sugar of the onion,” says Double. “The base of balsamic vinegar reduces and caramelizes into a glaze which we mix with mustard and charred onion jus.”

A brasserie wouldn’t be complete without steak frites and Mimi’s doesn’t disappoint.

Juicy ribeye steak is seared to perfection, basted in a bath of garlic and butter, before being smothered in a rich au poivre vert. The “vert” is a nod to the sauce’s use of green peppercorns, which lend a tangier, more aromatic flavor to the sauce. The dish is also a testament to time—the sauce, reduced from beef fat trimmings, stock and tomato paste— takes about seven hours to come together before becoming the creamy pan sauce diners love.

Round out the meal with the delectable pecan maple tart. Topped with a perfectly sweet banana cream, the buttery crust—pate sucree—is filled with gooey, rich maple syrup filling. “Our influences were the maple syrup from Montreal and being from Texas, we wanted to give it some of that Southern charm, so we thought to incorporate banana cream pie, which is one of our favorite desserts,” says Double. “Bananas and maple make for seamless harmony. We heat the maple syrup until it’s about boiling—it’s called cracking the syrup—which keeps it runny, before adding cinnamon and cardamom to it.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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This spread, left to right: The Chilean sea bass cafreal steams and smokes with aromatics when it emerges from its banana leaf wrapping; The lotus kaapi-misu is a rich dessert with a cinematic presentation; Tofu dynamite is a croquette wrapped in kataifi threads and served atop a smoky roasted red pepper sauce. Ganges Restaurant & Bar, 5013 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, 941-203-5933, gangessarasota.com/

FESTIVAL OF COLORS Ganges in The Meadows celebrates color and explodes with flavor. Andrew Fabian

IT’S SAID THAT WE EAT WITH OUR EYES FIRST. For most, it happens subconsciously. We perceive the colors and textures. We assess the

arrangement—the garnishes, the layers, the shape, even the plate itself. And, before a knife or fork breaks the form, expectations have been set. At Ganges—the Indian restaurant that opened in The Meadows in the fall of last year—what arrives at the table sets an expectation for high-concept dishes and bold flavors. And the food exceeds even its own lofty presentation on all fronts. Here, bright, striking colors signal extraordinary flavors that feel both familiar and entirely new. Aromatics remain the foundation of each dish, with complex notes of anise and cardamom, cumin and coriander, onion and mustard seeds—all the traditional scents of Indian cuisine. But the way Chef Satpal Singh and his team—who have worked in fine dining establishments in Toronto and New York City—have infused the unexpected into the menu deserves celebration.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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Take the appearance of “butter chicken” on the menu. The dish, most often served with basmati rice, is considered a staple of and gateway into Indian cuisine. At Ganges, it appears on the menu next to “pizza” and “burrata.” The butter chicken pizza comes served on flatbread, with the creamy, tomatobased makhani sauce replacing the marinara found on traditional pizzas. Then it’s topped with a bit of arugula and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It’s a savory, unexpected fusion that successfully manages to satisfy a craving for both pizza and butter chicken.

The burrata butter chicken skews a little more traditional, with the burrata perfectly complementing the already-creamy profile of the rich, orange sauce. When it arrives in its beautiful white bowl, the server pours piping hot makhani sauce over it to melt the cheese.

The gulabi kachori appetizer is equal parts fine art and savory pastry. A bright pink beet and yogurt sauce is poured over a thin, crispy shell, stuffed with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, and garnished with edible flowers, pomegranate seeds and sprouts. It’s almost a pity to break into the shell, where the mild kick of the filling is further punctuated by the green chutney that comes on the side. It’s almost big enough to work as an entree on its own, but is better shared with two or more people.

Sun-dried tomato prawns are a charred triumph of smoky flavor. Basted on the outside with an apple fennel balsamic sauce, it captures all the comfort of the more common tandoori chicken, but with the lightness of seafood. The server slides the

prawns off the skewer tableside, then places them on a lovely bronze tray. Keep in mind, prawns are quite a bit larger than shrimp.

This dish, which comes with a mint chutney on the side, is a hearty serving of protein.

The Sikandari Raan checks the box for those who crave even more animal protein— or who want an entree big enough to share.

This tender plate of slow-cooked lamb comes wrapped around a bone like a prehistoric still life. It has a bit of a vindaloo flavor profile, with a prominent hint of smoked chili. On the side, a good, clean blend of seasonal vegetables.

Though simple in concept—mainly rice, spices, protein—biryani dishes are often some of the most complex in Indian cuisine.

At Ganges, Chef Sakpal takes it a step further by finishing the dish with a flaky puff pastry crust topped with fennel and sesame seeds.

The crust rolls over the edges of the bowl, leaving the biryani inside to steam and compound its flavors even more. This novel, pie-like fusion is most often found in Britain.

Good luck finding it prepared this way anywhere else in southwest Florida. Or in the Southeastern United States, for that matter.

Try the ghost biryani (the one with lamb) for an even richer flavor.

The true star of the entree offerings is arguably the Chilean sea bass cafreal. Like several dishes at Ganges, this one gets a bit of a tableside presentation. Wrapped in banana leaves, the tender cut of fish is revealed with a few scissor snips. Inside, a generous cut of sea bass enveloped in a deep green cafreal marinade, a tangy, mildly spicy

blend of cilantro, chilies and—you guessed it—aromatics. The Portuguese-influenced cafreal marinade is typically reserved for chicken. Here, it adds a wonderful punch to a mild, flaky fish that’s the blank canvas for many a fusion dish. The accompanying pineapple mango salsa and beetroot malai sauce bring an amount of flavors that’s, frankly, difficult to describe. Earthy, herbaceous, tangy, sweet, a bit spicy—it’s everything all at once.

Desserts are no afterthought. The lotus kaapi-misu looks like a science experiment and eats like a fudge popsicle on a bed of frozen custard. It arrives in two parts. One, a large glass bowl brimming with a cold fog.

That’s the saffron-spiced basundi, a creamy, sweetened milk that’s flash-frozen by liquid nitrogen. The second part is a coffee sabayon that looks like a fudge popsicle, topped with a Lotus biscuit (the kind you get on airplanes).

The basundi is scooped out of the liquid nitrogen onto a plate, then smashed into bits with a spoon. The sabayon is laid on this bed of melt-in-your-mouth, custard-like candy, then the whole thing is drizzled with salted toffee syrup and dehydrated raspberry.

At Ganges, the flavors are perhaps some of the most adventurous in Sarasota, the presentation among the most exciting. But, like the Hindu Festival of Colors, it’s the bright pinks and greens and yellows and oranges that truly set this menu apart. So, eat first with your eyes. Then take a bite and close them. SRQ srq magazine_ MAR26 live local | 125

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Below: The mariscada azteca with shrimp, clams, mussels, fish, calamari and octopus served in a house-made tomato clam sauce. Mariscos Azteca, 1100 N. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, 941-210-3873, mariscosazteca.com

SPICE, CITRUS AND THE SEA

Mariscos Azteca is serving up fresh seafood with Mexican flavors. Dylan Campbell

THERE IS A WARMTH THAT EMANATES FROM MARISCOS AZTECA, AND IT DOESN’T JUST COME FROM THE KITCHEN. It can be felt as soon as you step foot through the restaurant’s wooden door, tucked away in the spectacularly mundane Grand Slam Plaza on Tuttle Avenue, the windows covered with images of seafood against a tropical beachscape. It’s the type of warmth that makes a stranger feel comfortable, that entices the wary to try Mexican seafood and has produced a loyal slew of regulars since owners Mariela and Juan Pineda opened the spot in 2013. For the Pinedas, who previously owned Cinco De Mayo in downtown Sarasota, that level of hospitality is critical to what they do. Mariscos Azteca—which translates to Aztec Seafood—is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place of comfort, the type of restaurant that has opened on its off-day for special occasions such as feeding the family of a beloved regular who recently passed away. “We’ve been here long enough that a lot of our customers are very familiar with our food and feel at home here,” says Mariela, who manages the front of the house. “I love our customers and their reactions to the food. All of our plates are empty at the end of the meal.” Mariscos prides itself on an eclectic menu, full of big, bold flavors derived from Juan, the head chef’s, experience in area kitchens such as Mi Pueblo, Hemingway’s Retreat, Columbia Restaurant and Two Senoritas. Dishes such as the raw tuna tostada or the pina en aguachile (pineapple in chili-lime marinade), showcase Mariscos’ unique approach to seafood. It’s an approach that has been honed over the years, some of which have been more difficult than others. When the Pinedas first opened, business was slow—to the point that three years in, the family almost shut down the Tuttle Ave location. “Our first year here, nobody knew who we were and we didn’t get the office crowd that we used to downtown. In our second year, a 7-Eleven was being built nearby and people weren’t coming in because of the construction,” says Mariela.

“That next August, we went to our landlords and thanked them for the opportunity, but told them that we couldn’t pay rent and had to leave. They said, “no, you guys have worked so hard for this, your food is good, let’s get through this season and talk next August.’” From there, the Pineda’s hard work began to finally pay off, with customers beginning to fill the tables and, in quick succession, clean their plates. It was a gamble that paid off—a once hole-in-the-wall seafood spot is now a must-eat destination for bold, Mexican flavors. For the Pinedas, Mariscos Azteca is an extension of their home, every dish reminiscent of who they are, how they operate and how they care for those who eat their food. SRQ 126 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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Below: At Miss Empanadas y Más, everything’s handmade, full of flavor and as authentic as it gets. Miss Empanadas Y Más, 300 N Washington Blvd., Sarasota, missempanadasymas.com

FROM GAS STATION TO STOREFRONT

Maria Contreras is passionate about bringing empanadas to the community. Cecilia Mould

MARIA CONTRERAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT COOKING. When she opened Miss Empanadas y Más in 2021, she never expected how well the business would be received by the community. “My favorite part of this business is that when I tell somebody, ‘you should try empanadas,’ and then they call me and say, ‘I just bought some for my family, and we just love it,’” says Contreras. Making empanadas is a serious practice in Latin America, especially in Venezuela, Contreras says. She began Miss Empanadas in a small trailer parked at a gas station, and within two days she was completely sold out. This began a pattern—every week, Contreras was selling out of the empanadas she made from scratch in her own kitchen, and just five months later, she was upgraded to a larger trailer. Now, Miss Empanadas has expanded to five full-service food trucks in Bradenton, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, and opened its first brick-and-mortar storefront in December 2025. “The good thing is that people know the name, the product,” says Contreras. “When people see Miss Empanadas, they know us from our other locations in the community.” Miss Empanadas’ most popular products are the shredded beef or chicken empanadas, but Contreras also recommends the chicken and cheese empanada, her personal favorite. “With our American customers, I love seeing them try empanadas for the first time, and I see their faces light up and they say. ‘This is delicious,’” says Contreras. “With our Venezuelan customers, I love seeing how they feel that they’re eating in our country. It’s the same flavors, the same memories, the same food as in Venezuela.” Looking ahead, Contreras plans to continue expanding her business in the community, living by her motto “When we start the day with empanadas, we know it’s going to be a good day.” “Our customers have become our friends, because they come back so often, and it’s so beautiful when we have a new customer come back again and again,” she says. SRQ 128 | srq magazine_ MAR26 live local

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

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W O M E N W H O R O A R | F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 2 5 | S P E C I A L C O M P E T I T I O N A W A R D S S E C T I O N

P O W E R E D B Y T H E W O M E N W H O R O A R I N I T I AT I V E

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2026 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE HONOREES GERI CHAFFEE

WOMEN WHO ROAR INITIATIVE SRQ Magazine formed the Women Who Roar Initiative as a year-round

Founder, Director Community Engagement Dreamers Academy + Por Nuestros Niños radio show & podcast

program engaging the participants in

ALEXANDRIA DAVIS

the annual Women Who Roar Com-

Owner AGA Tax and Accounting Services

petition to create highly-dynamic personal networking that catalyzes community leadership through the science and art of mentorship.

Every year, we host the Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon recognizing the past years’ Women Who Roar Leadership Circle Class and announcing the honorees of the current year’s Women Who Roar Competition comprising the new inductees to the Leadership Circle.

We celebrate the nominees, honorees and

judges

in

the

of

the

December

competition edition

of

SRQ Magazine in a special awards section.

Programs

powered

by

the Women Who Roar Initiative include SkillSHARE: Mentorship at the Speed of Life and SMARTgirl:

ERIN DIFAZIO Program Director Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation

CEO Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center

ERICA GREGORY District Director The Congressional Office of Greg Stuebe

TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR

JENNIFER INFANTI Co-Founder/Team Captain Holiday House

FLORAL SPONSOR

HEATHER KASTEN President/CEO Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

VICKIE OLDHAM M.F.A. President/CEO Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc.

SAVE THE DATE

AMANDA PARRISH

POP-UPS OPEN: 10:30AM REGISTRATION: 11AM LUNCHEON: 11:30AM

LEADERSHIP SPONSOR

ALEXANDRA ELMAN-FOLEY

Mentorship Summit and Luncheon.

2026 WOMEN WHO ROAR LEADERSHIP & AWARDS LUNCHEON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 MICHAEL’S ON EAST BALLROOM

PRESENTING SPONSOR

HAIR & MAKEUP SPONSOR

Partner, Chief Operations Officer Fawley Bryant Architecture

CHRIS PFAHLER Vice President of Philanthropy Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay

MEGHAN SERRANO Partner Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP

VERONICA THAMES CEO Manatee Community Foundation

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WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINEE | 2026

MICHELLE GRIMSLEY SHINDANO

MANATEE COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

“Women Who Roar reflects the truth that women’s leadership, especially when they build together, can change a community for generations.”

AS CHAIR OF BOTH THE MANATEE HABITAT BOARD AND THE WOMEN BUILD INITIATIVE, MICHELLE LEADS A MOVEMENT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER WOMEN FROM EVERY BACKGROUND—

Michelle Grimsley Shindano: A Homegrown Leader Building Homes and Hope for Women. Michelle Grimsley Shindano believes that when women come together, entire communities rise, and she’s spent her life proving it right here in Manatee County. A third-generation Bradenton native, Michelle has spent her career advocating for equitable opportunities and strengthening the systems that support local families. Today, she channels that lifelong purpose into one of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s most inspiring annual campaigns: Women Build. Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build campaign is a powerful movement that empowers women from all walks of life to come together and provide a single mother and her family with a safe, affordable place to call home.

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professionals,community leaders, mothers, students, and volunteers—around a shared mission: lifting up a local single mother through homeownership. While Women Build is a homebuilding effort, it is also a celebration of the strength, resilience, and collective power of women to transform communities.

Michelle’s leadership is shaped by her own lived experience and years of service, from supporting families at Manatee Elementary School to advocating for vulnerable residents through nonprofit and legislative work. Those experiences gave her a firsthand under-standing of the challenges many women face: economic barriers, caregiving responsibilities, and the persistent gap in access to affordable housing.

Women Build, she believes, is a platform for women to lift one another and to show what is possible when they unite with purpose.

Under Michelle’s guidance, Women Build continues to grow, inspiring hundreds of women to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and champion Habitat’s mission. Her vision is clear: empower women to take action, deepen their sense of community, and help create lasting change one home at a time.

We proudly recognize Michelle Grimsley Shindano, a leader who embodies service, compassion, and the unwavering belief that women, working together, can build the future.

Women across Manatee County are invited to get involved and join this powerful movement at: manateehabitat.org/ womenbuild.

1901 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 941.748.9100 MANATEEHABITAT.ORG

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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

giving coast COASTAL COURAGE Kari-Jo Koshes demonstrated complete selflessness and bravery by assisting a friend during Hurricane Milton. Barbie Heit

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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giving coast

KARI-JO KOSHES, THE 40-YEAR-OLD DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT DUTCHCRAFTERS, is a Sarasota native with a deep passion for the

local community and the arts. DutchCrafters is an Amish furniture company known for custom, heirloom-quality pieces, with showrooms in Sarasota and Alpharetta, Georgia and nationwide sales. Although she is an avid traveler who dreams of visiting every country, Koshes always enjoys returning home to the city she calls the best place in the world.

Koshes was honored as a “storm hero” at SRQ Magazine’s annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards ceremony last year. Her nominator, Lee-En Chung, shared a story highlighting Koshes’ selflessness during Hurricane Milton.

“After exhausting hours/days of hurricane debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene, I decided to evacuate from SRQ to NYC prior to Hurricane Milton,” Chung explained.

“Unfortunately, Milton’s tremendous hurricane winds destroyed structures, while toppling a 50-year-old ficus tree approximately four stories high in our front yard, which uprooted the concrete driveway and ripped apart the sewer line.”

Koshes rode her bike all the way to Siesta Key simply out of the goodness of her heart to update Chung on the damages at her childhood home, calling as soon as she arrived—an act Chung never asked for or expected.

Chung called Koshes a “storm trooper and hero,” adding, “Rebuilding our Siesta Key home may take a year or more; however, I will be forever grateful for Kari-Jo Koshes!”

Chung also offered Koshes “hurricane hugs,” a phrase Chung herself coined because she said it made the post-storm cleanup a bit more comforting.

“As a native of Sarasota, the 2024 hurricane season was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I watched family and friends lose everything, and while I was one of the lucky ones, I knew how devastating that loss could be,” explained Koshes. “My dear friend, LeeEn Chung, was fortunate enough to evacuate the area before the storm, but, like many, was unable to return because of the destruction

in the area. I knew the fear of not knowing what was happening to her childhood home was torturing her, and I decided I could not sit around and do nothing while she suffered and waited to get potentially more bad news after the past destruction from previous storms.”

Koshes learned from a young age the importance of giving back when you can.

“In this case, I counted myself lucky that I could give in a way that was so meaningful to Lee-En. At first, I struggled to figure out how to help. The bridges were closed to cars, and there was no news coverage of the islands; however, my parents taught me to be a creative problem-solver. Ultimately, my boyfriend and I took our bikes on the island, navigating the mostly closed roads, but we were courageous and determined to help. We made it, knowing success meant reassuring a friend in her time of need,” she says. “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer— this quote sums up my trip over the bridge on my bike. Soon after the hurricane, as I worried about downed power lines and potentially dangerous debris. I thought, this is for Lee-En, and I only need to be brave a little while longer.”

Beyond her role at DutchCrafters, Koshes is actively involved in community philanthropy.

She is the CEO and founder of Brand New Chapters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making books accessible to everyone by giving new life to old ones. Brand New Chapters rehomes donated books and establishes little libraries in affordable housing communities and for other nonprofits, ensuring residents and clients have access to reading materials.

Additionally, Koshes holds board positions

with several key community groups, including the Sarasota County Library Advisory Board, the Human Services Advisory Board, the Junior League of Sarasota and the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

“Always take time to be selfless,” Koshes advises. “It is easy to get busy with everything in our lives, but when we take a few minutes to be totally selfless, we create space for something meaningful to happen.”

Koshes considers it an unbelievable honor to be recognized as a Good Hero. “I never thought that riding my bike across a bridge would matter more than making Lee-En feel assured. Realizing that it was so impactful feels good, and I hope my simple act inspires others to do the same, because we could benefit from more Good Heroes!” SRQ KariJo Koshes was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2024.

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LAKEWOOD RANCH AND BEYOND | LIVE LOCAL. LOVE LOCAL.

PUBLISHED BY SRQ MEDIA | 2026 SPRING EDITION

LIVING LAKEWOOD

TM

VIBRANT SALADS ALLSWELL FLOWER CHILD FORKED AT WATERSIDE GROVE LIBBY’S

LIBBY’S | SANTA FE SALAD

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

WRITTEN BY SARAH EMILY MIANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS.

FIVE LAKEWOOD RANCH EATERIES PROVE THAT CLEAN EATING CHANGES WITH THE LIGHT.

A Salad’s Many Hours

LAKEWOOD RANCH EATS CLEAN, BUT CLEAN LOOKS DIFFERENT DEPENDING ON THE OCCASION OR EVEN THE HOUR. Five restaurants

scattered across the neighborhood prove that healthy eating—namely, the salad—has range. At noon inside Flower Child, which specializes in guilt-free meals, regulars call out their orders before hitting the counter.

Others, fresh from a workout, weigh chicken against tofu to crown their ancient grains or “forbidden” rice. Two friends split the turkey avocado cobb, its edges spilling organically, to save room for a chocolate chip cashew cookie. Rattan lights dangle from high ceilings as a bright pinkand-turquoise mirror bears the message: “Reflect Goodness.” The Ginger Miso salad delivers a sweet, peppery crunch: carrot zoodles mingle with ribbons of zucchini and cabbage while fresh mint and cilantro cut the tangy Asian dressing flecked with sesame. Start with a vegan and gluten-free base, then add grilled shrimp or salmon if you choose. Fox Restaurant Concepts invented this formula elsewhere, but after nine months in Sarasota, it already feels native.

Down the road at Waterside Place, where sidewalks lead directly to eatery doors, the pace softens. Enter Forked, and greenery bursts over the walls as a bold, scripted bulb sets the tone: “Be the reason someone

smiles today.” The Steak by the Ocean arrives with slices of grilled beef fanned atop Arcadian blend lettuce, roasted pecans and dried cranberries. Avocado and red onion glisten with champagne vinaigrette.

Perch at the small bar, watch the game and order the steak as you prefer—even rare, the way Bourdain would. Grilled pita makes scooping each bite easy. Co-workers linger at al fresco cafe tables, tucking into chicken chilaquiles; families settle into booths for French toast beneath exposed ductwork. Forked’s adventurous but approachable salads might accompany a breakfast crepe or stand alone for lunch.

By 7pm, those same diners appear at Allswell gastropub with permission to indulge. Sipping house-crafted cocktails, they declare steak on iceberg a proper dinner. The 60-degree Wedge delivers: draped in applewood-smoked bacon, crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives, a balsamic drizzle awaiting crisp valleys. Tender slices of petite filet mignon skirt alongside. Art Deco meets mid-century modern: a long wood bar, tufted leather banquettes, gilded ceiling coffers floating above saturated teal walls. Bottles of liqueur glow behind glass like an apothecary. Or choose the Tavern Salad: shredded kale and shaved Brussels cradling kalamata olives, crumbled feta, drunken cherries,

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This sperad, left to right: A glistening Steak by the Ocean at Forked; Libby’s plentifully high Santa Fe tower; A show-stopping Seafood Cobb at Grove.

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

Below: left to right: Signature Tavern Salad on Allswell’s wooden bar; A sweet, crunchy Ginger Miso at Flower Child. Flower Child, 6652 University Parkway, Sarasota, 941-373-0199, iamaflowerchild.com. Forked at Waterside, 7600 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota, 941-355-3672, forkedeats.com. Allswell, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Suite 102, Sarasota, 941-233-5448, allswellsarasota.com. Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941-893-4321, groveLWR.com. Libby’s, 8445 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch, 941-357-1570, libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com

craggy granola. Pair either with a Marie Selby signature (vodka and prosecco with hibiscus and elderflower) or a Cold Brew martini crafted with neighboring Duck Donuts coffee. “We’re happy to be here,” says owner Tory Delany, who hails from Ireland via New York. “We’re the new kid on the block, and we’re putting our best foot forward.”

Grove, meanwhile, takes a classical approach with an innovative chef guiding flavor. Refined but understated, intimate booths surround a square bar where patrons gather for happy hour. Outside on the patio, a fire pit wards off the evening chill. The Tuna Niçoise does France proud: seared tuna tataki laid over sharp arugula and haricot verts cooked crisptender, with fingerling potatoes adding substance. Tangy, house-made olive tapenade punctuates each bite. The Seafood Cobb is a showstopper of mixed lettuces supporting jumbo shrimp, lump crab and lobster tail with peas, avocado, cherry tomatoes and onion rings. Hearty enough for two. The bread, made in-house daily, is an enticing accompaniment. A Blackberry Bramble Fizz—blackberry purée, fresh mint, house-made

sour, sparkling soda—cleanses the palate between bites.

Libby’s, a Sarasota mainstay five years into its Lakewood Ranch presence, offers comfort without pretense. Brasserie-style, it’s a place to get comfortable and wave to familiar faces. The Santa Fe, piled plentifully high in a tower with tortilla strips like kindling, “features grilled corn cut fresh from the cob, locally sourced tomatoes, ripe avocado, and our signature cilantro lime vinaigrette,” says Executive Chef, Alex Castillo. “We use only the freshest ingredients,” he adds.

The result is piquant and vibrant, but for Cajun-heat, add blackened Gulf shrimp. It’s all about local, seasonal produce with minimal fuss and just enough drama to make the experience fun. A salad in Lakewood Ranch evolves with the hour: your post-workout fuel at noon, a brunch companion near the water, that elegant wedge beneath Art Deco coffers, a seafood showcase at a bustling bar, the Southwestern tower for settling in. Same clientele, different appetites, all fulfilled within a few miles. LL

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

WRITTEN BY CECILIA MOULD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

Where Pets Play and Shop

Below: Lakewood Ranch offers plenty of outlets for your four-legged family members to play, train and board. Left: Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Right: Bob Gardner Community Park.

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND MORE FOR YOUR PETS IN LAKEWOOD RANCH.

AS LAKEWOOD RANCH CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, the area is not only

increasing its residents but also the number of pets in the community. With this growth, Lakewood Ranch is super pet-friendly, with thoughtfully-designed dog parks, specialized food stores and tailored training programs for pets of all sizes, ages and breeds.

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This page, left to right: From dog parks to rescues to pet stores, Lakewood Ranch is a haven for man’s best friend.

LIVING LAKEWOOD

Bob Gardner Community Park Bob Gardner Community Park and its caninefocused corner, Bob Gardner Dog Park, are standout spots in Lakewood Ranch for owners and dogs to visit to enjoy sunshine, space and social time. Tucked into a scenic, 40-acre community park lined with wetland preserves, walking paths, playgrounds and sports fields, the dog park adds a layer of pet-focused fun to the area. The fenced park is designed for off-leash play in a secure setting, letting dogs roam freely while owners relax or mingle.

Beyond the fenced zones, the community park’s extensive nature trails and open fields make it easy to turn a dog park visit into a longer outdoor adventure, with shaded paths for peaceful walks through Florida’s natural landscape. Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd, Lakewood Ranch

Greenbrook Adventure Park At the heart of the Greenbrook Village community in Lakewood Ranch, Greenbrook Adventure Park brings together outdoor fun for families and pets alike. Known for a mix of sports fields, trails and playgrounds, one of the

park’s standout features is its dedicated dog area, a place for pets to run, play and socialize.

Set within a spacious, fenced-in section of the park, the Greenbrook Adventure Dog Park is thoughtfully designed with separate areas for large and small dogs, allowing pets to burn energy safely. Water stations and shaded seating make it comfortable for both dogs and their owners, while agility equipment adds an extra element of play and challenge. The atmosphere of the park is just as much about community for owners as it is for dogs—meeting other regulars while dogs enjoy time playing provides the opportunity for social gatherings. Whether it’s a spirited round of fetch or a laid-back chat on a bench, the dog park provides a vibrant destination for local visitors. Beyond its fencedin dog park, the adventure park’s trails and open green spaces invited leashed dogs and humans to explore together. Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PI, Lakewood Ranch

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Over nearly two decades, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue has quietly become one of Lakewood Ranch’s most powerful forces for animal welfare. Founded in 2008, the organization

has grown into a large-scale rescue operation saving thousands of dogs and cats each year.

Development Director Rob Oglesby notes that Nate’s Honor focuses on pulling animals from overcrowded rural shelters across North Florida and Georgia, where euthanasia for space is common and spay-and-neuter resources are limited. “We’re really their only hope of getting out,” he says. “These animals don’t have a chance of making it out unless we pull them.”

Nate’s Honor currently adopts out around 1,500 animals annually—a number that Oglesby expects to double in the coming year as major facility expansions near completion.

“We’re just about doubling our dog capacity, and we’re going to widely expand our cat capacity,” says Oglesby.

Beyond rescue and adoption, Nate’s Honor is investing heavily in prevention. “All the shelters are at capacity,” says Oglesby. “There are too many animals. So what we can do to resolve that is to keep animals in their homes in the first place.” He notes that three main reasons pets are surrendered to shelters are because families cannot afford food, training or veterinary care. To combat these challenges, Nate’s Honor maintains a pet food bank and offers low-cost training. Later this year, the organization will also open a veterinary clinic to provide care to pets in need. Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, 4951 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, nateshonoranimalrescue.org

DOGPerfect DOGPerfect, a locally-owned pet supply and grooming business, features a carefully curated selection of pet food and toys. Focused on personalized nutrition and pet health, the store offers expert advice about the right food for your pet and toys to enrich pets’ daily lives.

Owners Rob and Linda Emery founded DOGPerfect to provide a dog-friendly, destination shopping location for local pet owners. The storefront is designed with dogs in mind—it features wide aisles for pets to explore and pass each other comfortably, as well as lower-height displays and a play area for dogs to socialize. “In most pet stores, you find very tall racks of dog food that you cannot see past or through. And we wanted it to be more open and engaging,” says Rob. “We just tried to set it up in a way that people could move around easily, maintain a happy environment and really encourage people to bring dogs to the store, which is what we really love.”

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

Below: Canine pals get plenty of playtime at the Woofdorf Astoria.

groom options. Woofdorf Astoria of Lakewood Ranch, 10615 Technology Terrace #104, Bradenton, www.woofdorflakewoodranch.com

The K9 Kamp

The Emerys focus on providing high-quality food to customers, and their team is trained to provide nutritional consultations and advise owners on the best plan for their pets. Rob says that they focus on selecting only the best products and providing a range of options, including frozen, gently cooked and freezedried foods. “Just because the food is super high quality doesn’t mean it’s expensive,” he notes. “There are always opportunities for people to get great quality nutrition for reasonable prices.”

“I love when I’m in the store and dogs come in and our team greets and knows the dog because its owner is a regular,” Linda says.

“I love seeing when a dog is super happy to be in the store.” DOGPerfect, 11605 FL-70 E, Lakewood Ranch, dogperfect.com

Woofdorf Astoria Leaving pets at home for work or vacation is always a challenge, but the Woofdorf Astoria provides resort-style daycare and boarding for dogs. With 24/7 care, every day of the year, expert staff are always on-site to ensure pets are safe and comfortable. The facility features 10,000 square feet of artificial turf

and both indoor and outdoor play areas.

General Manager Kelsie Phaneuf notes that the Woofdorf Astoria began as a concept focused on offering a more fun, engaging and enriching experience for dogs than typical boarding facilities. “Our resort operates with a structured environment that prioritizes animal interaction and supervised play,” she says.

All-day group play for boarding and daycare dogs features outdoor splash pools and separate spaces for small and large dogs.

“Woofdorf was established as a full-service dog daycare and boarding resort offering play-all-day daycare, supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, and overnight boarding in comfortable rooms,” says Phaneuf.

If boarding dogs are not comfortable with group play, they’ll receive six daily walks as a replacement activity. Staff members are trained in pack management, canine communication, body language and behavior, as well as canine health education focused on first aid, bloat and heat risks.

The Woofdorf Astoria also offers grooming and bathing services tailored to dogs’ unique needs—including breed-specific styles and custom coat-maintenance plans. Services range across full groom, haircut and mini-

At The K9 Kamp, any age, size or breed is welcome to attend specialized training camps.

The business offers “stay & train Kamps,” private lessons and puppy programs to teach owners how to communicate and strengthen trust with pets while also addressing negative behaviors. Owner Miles Little says he saw a need for trustworthy and effective family dog training when he moved to the area, and hopes to serve Lakewood Ranch families looking for training.

The K9 Kamp offers a customized program tailored to individual pets and goals, and all training begins with an initial consultation.

Little has spent more than 19 years in the dog training industry and offers expertise in a range of training areas and breeds. “The most rewarding part for me is when people see their dogs’ transformations,” he says. “A lot of people struggle with training their pets, so it’s great to show them that change can happen and see their peace of mind increase with that.”

Little’s training philosophy focuses on meeting individual needs and using positive reinforcement methods. The K9 Kamp includes overnight boarding, small group playtime, individual and group training sessions and field trip options, all held within the 5,000 square foot facility. Little also offers private lessons at clients’ homes.

Programs also focus on owner education and follow-up training to support long-term, sustainable training. “Consistency is key,” says Little. “Even if we’re really consistently training for a few weeks and doing the boarding and training, there’s still an aspect that as the owner, you have to be consistent with everything and be able to put the pieces together. So we do a lot of follow-up with that.”

The K9 Kamp, 8130 Lakewood Main St Suite 103 #347, Lakewood Ranch, thek9kamp.com LL

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS

Giving Back in Lakewood Ranch

THE LAKEWOOD RANCH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WORKS TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

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LIVING LAKEWOOD

NOW IN ITS 26TH YEAR, THE LAKEWOOD RANCH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED on the fundamental belief that a thriving

community requires a mechanism to support its residents, cultivate culture and address evolving needs. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people in the Lakewood Ranch area through local charitable giving. Recognizing that rapid expansion can sometimes overshadow certain community needs, the Foundation serves as a vital channel, enabling residents and businesses to invest in meeting these needs—even those that are not immediately apparent.

Executive Director Kate Mulligan brings 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She has led the Foundation since 2024, shortly after it became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2023. Mulligan explains that the organization transitioned from operating under a fund at the Manatee Community Foundation to support its growth and better distinguish its mission.

As Lakewood Ranch grew, she says, it became clear the community needed a standalone nonprofit focused exclusively on the needs of people in and around the region.

Mulligan has big plans for expanding the Foundation’s impact in the coming months.

“We’re going to give $250,000 away this year, and that’s fantastic, but I want to be able to do more and I’ve been looking for ways that we can really help our nonprofits—not just the ones we give grants to,” she explains. “My new campaign for 2026 is going to be matching people who want to volunteer with nonprofits that need people.”

She says the most common request she hears comes from newcomers looking to volunteer, build connections and make a difference in their community. She also frequently learns of teenagers seeking community service hours to qualify for college scholarships. “I want Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation to be a one-stop shop for all,” she shares, noting that when people consider moving to the area and visit the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, they are introduced to the Foundation, which is a great way to increase involvement.

“We’re really going to focus on our volunteer campaign, so hopefully, even before people move here, they’re going to contact the Foundation for opportunities.”

When selecting the nonprofits the Foundation supports, the Foundation first prioritizes organizations serving local people.

They then evaluate the impact of the service, considering whether it makes a deep impact on a few people—such as the Mark Wandall Foundation’s camp scholarships for children who have lost a primary guardian—or a broader impact on many people, such as supporting Neuro Challenge’s new program in Lakewood Ranch.

In addition to monetary support, Mulligan seeks ways to connect nonprofits with other resources, such as raising awareness for donations like turkeys during the holiday season. “Thanksgiving seems like it’s a long way away, but we can be talking now about how we can offer support,” she says. “That’s different than just saying we’re going to write you a check. Let’s get the community together.

Let’s give people opportunities to give back.

I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people who want to help, but we have to get the word out.”

In speaking on disaster relief, Mulligan recalls that her early tenure at the Foundation was marked by the impact of hurricane damage. Demonstrating their ability to respond swiftly during a crisis, the Foundation, thanks to its committed and smaller board, quickly distributed $10,000 checks in October 2024 to three organizations that were in critical need of repairs. Deeply committed to engaging the next generation of community leaders and philanthropists, Mulligan recently spoke to the Out-of-Door Academy’s Thunder Grants Committee about philanthropy, grant evaluation and pathways to future community and board involvement. The Foundation

also sponsors a Junior Humanitarian of the Year award, awarding college scholarships to students. In February, Tom Bergerat, a student at Out-of-Door Academy, was named as a 2026 recipient. He was honored at the Polo with the Pros event on February 8 at the Sarasota Polo Club. Born in France and fluent in multiple disciplines, Bergerat excels academically, musically, athletically and in theater. He is an active volunteer on and off campus and a dedicated community advocate who believes small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

In addition, Mulligan is working to identify local organizations—such as therapeutic horseback riding programs like SMART and STEP—that welcome high school students seeking to complete required volunteer hours through the Foundation’s volunteer match process. LL To learn more, visit lwrcf.org/

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