Wellen Park Living | Fall 2026

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contents TABLE OF

EXPLORE 13 Five new businesses have opened their doors in Downtown Wellen Park. Meet the people behind them. 20 Executive Chef Mike Leopold is a CIAtrained chef who won’t pull the Monday ramen, won’t open a can and won’t buy the cheaper scallop. At Villani & Co., he built a menu on one rule: the ingredient comes first. 24 Michael Saunders & Company has a new home in Wellen Park.

26 A look inside the innovative environments of Wellen Park High School. 32 Fresh Harvest in Downtown Wellen Park gathers the growers, bakers and cooks who can fill your basket now, your pantry later. 36 Style your weekend with Hudson Square Boutique. 49 Venice Art Center continues to inspire artists of all ages through classes, exhibitions and community connection.

Welcome to your new friend: Wellen Park Living. You’ll find stories about the people behind fun-loving experiences in the neighborhood and beyond, sips and forkfuls of scrumptious food and crafted beverages and ways to soak in the abundant outdoor adventures just around the corner.

MEET JAMES GRIFFITH SALON

French Haircutting Techniques

TOGETHER 68 Check out photos from Wellen Park’s National Trails Day. 69 Meet some of the fall sports coaches of Wellen Park High School’s inaugural season.

76 The Co-Ed Volleyball Group at Wellen Park brings together members of the community, one ace at a time. 80 After a long day of leading one of the region’s most beloved theaters, Kristofer Geddie comes home to the tranquility and community of Wellen Park.

83 The Rotary Club of Wellen Park will host its third annual golf tournament on August 28, dedicated to supporting the local community. 84 Through contributions to the Sarasota County School District, Neal Communities is building a future for students across the region. 86 Two new neighborhoods, Oak Bend and Westlake, are joining the Wellen Park Family.

95 Parting Shot

MEET THE CHEF

CALENDAR

Villani & Co. Executive Chef Mike Leopold

Take your pick of ongoing and newly added events this Fall.

Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local music, arts and family-friendly events including Oktoberfest, the Wellen Park Spooktacular and the Wellen Park Wine Festival. Turn to page 59 for upcoming events and community meet-ups.

SPECIAL SECTION 44 Explore model homes from the Wellen Park builders.

THIS PAGE James and Christine Griffith of James Griffith Salon, photography by Wes Rob-

erts; and, a dish created by Villani & Co. Executive Chef Mike Leopold, photography by Wyatt

Kostygan. COVER CREDITS Enjoy a glass of wine while shopping at Seaside & Co., photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Mindful Growth.

Lasting Impact.

CEO / PRESIDENT EDITOR IN CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LISL LIANG EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Dear Wellen Park Community and Friends, Growth is a topic that generates a great deal of conversation these days. For those of us entrusted with shaping a master-planned community, growth is more than a measure of homes built or businesses opened—it is about creating a place that will thrive for generations. Over the past seven years, I have often shared how proud I am of the thoughtful approach we have taken at Wellen Park. From the beginning, our vision has been centered on responsible stewardship of the land while creating opportunities for people to thrive and connect. Every decision we make is guided by a simple question: How do we enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors today while protecting what makes this community special tomorrow?

That commitment is evident throughout Wellen Park. We have worked diligently to preserve wetlands, protect dozens of heritage trees—including the iconic century-old oak that now serves as the heart of Downtown Wellen—and create new habitats where native flora and fauna can flourish. Together with our residents and volunteers, thousands of new trees have been planted throughout the community, strengthening both our natural environment and our shared sense of place.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful examples of our commitment to mindful development is our decision to build fewer homes than we are entitled to under our approvals. By doing so, we reduce future traffic impacts while preserving more open space and enhancing the overall experience of living in Wellen Park. We believe growth should be intentional, balanced and sustainable. Equally important is our commitment to creating a community that serves people of all ages. Today, residents and visitors can enjoy miles of trails, parks, gathering spaces, recreational amenities and vibrant destinations—all in a place where none previously existed. We have created opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to connect close to home, whether that is a morning walk, an evening concert or a memorable date night just down the street.

And Downtown Wellen continues to evolve as the community’s gathering place.

The exciting mix of new businesses arriving in Phase II will complement the outstanding restaurants, retailers and services already serving our residents. From casual dining and boutique shopping to fitness offerings, specialty services, a bakery and new breakfast destinations, we are delivering experiences our community has told us they want most. I am especially proud of the thousands of jobs created through the growth of Wellen Park and the remarkable volunteers who contribute their time, energy and passion to making this community exceptional. Their efforts help transform great planning into a truly great place.

Building a community is ultimately the result of countless decisions—some highly visible and others happening quietly behind the scenes. What I can assure you is that every decision is approached thoughtfully, with careful consideration for our residents, our environment and our future. Thank you for being part of this journey. The best communities are not simply built—they are nurtured over time by the people who call them home. Stay cool, enjoy the season and I’ll see you around Wellen Park.

Warm regards, Rick Severance | President, Wellen Park

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Ashley Grant ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Robinson Valverde SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Suzanne Munroe SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Nichole Knutson Rob Wardlaw VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO

Wyatt Kostygan MANAGING EDITOR

Barbie Heit SENIOR EDITOR

Dylan Campbell CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

Gabriella Alfonso SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER

Lauren Sutter SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Taylor Smith CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER

Virginia Jankovsky CONTRIBUTING EDITORS, ARTISTS + INTERNS

Mallory Evans, Olivia Fanders, Alex Alfaro, Sarah Emily Miano and Stephanie Chum Lubow PUBLISHED BY SRQ MEDIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELLEN PARK © 2026—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

RECOGNIZING PUBLICATION SPONSOR MATTAMY HOMES FOR INQUIRIES REGARDING ADVERTISING, DISTRIBUTION OR STORIES, CONTACT US AT: WELLENPARK@SRQME.COM

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E XPLORE

New Destinations A neighborhood takes shape one open door at a time.

Here are five new businesses making Downtown Wellen Park their home. WORDS BY STEPHANIE CHURN LUBOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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Downtown EXPLORE

There is a moment in the life of any new community when it starts coming to life as a place to work, play and thrive. Businesses open.

People show up. Neighbors become regulars. That moment is happening right now in Downtown Wellen Park.

THE FIVE BUSINESSES THAT OPENED THEIR DOORS THIS SUMMER AS PART OF PHASE II represent a diverse

cross-section of what’s new on the street: a boutique where you can browse clothing over a glass of wine; a salon with nearly 40 years of history on the Gulf Coast; a fashion shop founded by a Wellen Park resident who built her following in New York; and two agencies committed to demystifying insurance for their clients. Ask any of these business wners what they love about Wellen Park, and the answer is the same: the people. “It’s like what communities used to be like years ago,” says Keelie Bloom of Seaside & Co. boutique, “when everyone knew each other and wanted to be friends and looked out for each other.” All these business owners came here for different reasons—a corner space, a short commute, a new opportunity—but they’re staying for the same one. Welcome to the neighborhood.

HUDSON SQUARE BOUTIQUE A New York-born brand comes home to the Gulf Coast.

Danielle MacConel grew up in upstate New York and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she spent more than 20 years in retail management, merchandising and marketing before heading back upstate to open the first Hudson Square Boutique in 2019. The brand’s vision was clear from the start: resort-ready clothing that carries a woman from brunch to the beach, in pieces she won’t find at a department store. When MacConel and her family recently relocated to Florida, drawn to the sunshine and outdoor lifestyle, Wellen Park felt like the natural next chapter. “It felt like the perfect place to expand,” she says, “where I could 14

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bring my vision to life in a community that appreciates a personal touch.” The store, which opened in early June, carries what MacConel calls fresh arrivals: small quantities of new styles that arrive every week and sell quickly, replenished with something different the week after. It’s a deliberate counter to the big-box model, where the same rack sits for months. The selection spans elevated casual wear, specialty pieces, activewear and accessories—and because inventory turns over weekly, there’s always a reason to come back.

The Hudson Square customer, MacConel says, is a modern woman who wants both style and comfort—breathable fabrics, versatile pieces, PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

8/3/26 4:59 AM

THIS SPREAD Hudson Square Boutique showcases the perfect blend of comfort and style.

designs that move as easily through a dinner out as a day on the water. “She values quality and finds joy in expressing her individuality through fashion,” MacConel says. The service model is equally personal: staff are trained to offer genuine styling advice, not just ring up transactions. This fall, the store will further expand its offerings with color analysis sessions and permanent jewelry, growing its role from neighborhood retailer into something closer to a personal style partner.

The response from the community, even before the doors officially opened, caught MacConel a little off guard. “The most surprising aspect has been the level of community engage-

ment and excitement surrounding our opening,” she says. “It’s a reminder of how much people in Wellen Park value local businesses and the connections they foster.” She envisions Hudson Square growing into a hub—hosting styling workshops, collaborating with local artisans, partnering with neighboring businesses for vents. Not just a place to shop, but a place to belong. 19835 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 7105, 941-236-0792; hudsonsquareboutique.com.

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Downtown EXPLORE

JAMES GRIFFITH SALON

Forty years of French haircutting technique, hometown roots and a team that keeps on growing.

THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE James and Christine Griffith are excited to share their award-winning services with the Wellen Park community. Keelie and Brian Bloom hope that neighbors will enjoy sipping and shopping together at their newest boutique in Wellen Park.

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James Griffith has been cutting hair for nearly 50 years. He opened his first salon in Venice four decades ago, added a second location at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande in 2000, then a third in Sarasota in 2009. The Wellen Park salon, which opened in early May, is his fourth, and he shows no signs of stopping.

“You either go or you grow,” he says. “For my wife Christine and me, we didn’t feel like going.”

Christine grew up in Sarasota, and James moved here from Ohio right out of high school and never left.

They’ve raised their family in south Sarasota County —their daughter Aimee now serves as the company’s brand and marketing director—and they’ve watched Wellen Park develop from the ground up. When the developer came calling, the answer was easy. “We’re from here,” James says simply. “We are locals with worldwide, big-city training.”

Training is the cornerstone of everything the salon does. James and his senior staff were the first students in the United States to attend the Jacques Dessange French Haircutting Academy when it opened in New York—which means they’ve been practicing French haircutting longer than anyone else in the country. The technique, as James describes it, works with the shape of the head to soften features and make the face the center of attention, with the hair as its frame. Every stylist at every James Griffith location is trained in-house in this method, which is also how the salon maintains quality and consistency across its four locations.

French balayage—hair painting—is also a specialty, and the salon has grown into one of the largest hair extension practices on the Gulf Coast as well. But it is the haircutting that defines the brand, and the training that sustains it. “It’s the work that we’re the most proud of,” James says. “Each salon of ours is unique in the way it looks, but it’s the quality of the hair that always delivers.” His team in Wellen Park is energetic and excited, and the business community around them has already proven welcoming. The salon has done collaborative events with neighboring tenants almost since day one. Weddings are a major part of the business, and with Solis Hall nearby and a new hotel in the works, Wellen Park looks like fertile ground. “That’s what really gets me up in the morning,” James says. “Creating opportunity for young hairdressers to have a place to work.” 19835 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 7102, 941-396-2665; jamesgriffithsalon.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ MEDIA

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SEASIDE & CO.

A boutique, a wine bar and a gathering place—all under one roof.

When Keelie and Brian Bloom describe what they wanted Seaside & Co. to be, they reach for an image instead of a retail category.

“We tell people we want them to feel like they’re getting a hug when they walk in,” Keelie says. The boutique, which opened in Downtown Wellen this past May, carries women’s and men’s clothing and curated home decor items—and, surprise, there’s also a wine bar inside. The Blooms are no strangers to coastal retail. They own Beach Daisy on Sanibel Island, a women’s boutique they expanded to include an adjacent men’s store called Coast Clothing, and Seaside Chic Boutique in Downtown Venice, now in its fourth year. But Seaside & Co. is their flagship—larger, broader and built around a concept that didn’t exist in their other locations. When another business connected them with Wellen Park President Rick Severance, they recognized immediately what the space could become. “It was exactly the atmosphere we were looking for,” Keelie says. The 2,200-square-foot corner space is meant to feel bright and welcoming. The wine bar has an eight-bottle wine dispenser stocked exclusively with boutique wines. Customers can preload an RFID-card and pour a one-ounce taste or a full glass anytime they visit, then keep the card for next time. A wine steward is available to walk people through the selections. “We wanted to do something really unique,” Keelie says. “A place where neighbors can talk to neighbors, meet one another and just sip and shop.”

The clothing deliberately spans generations. “From the twenty-five-year-olds all the way up to women in their eighties,” Keelie says, “we truly have something for everyone.” The shop carries about 60 different clothing lines now, with plans to reach 100 by season. Their events calendar is already filling, with book clubs, neighborhood sip-and-shop parties, live music twice a month and fashion shows in the works. Keelie is also an ardent animal lover—Brian says, only half-joking, that “she would rescue anything with a heartbeat”—and charity has been woven into the business from the start. During their opening week, a portion of every sale went to the Suncoast Humane Society. More events to benefit local rescues are planned. “When you own your own business,” Keelie says, “it is the most rewarding thing to be able to work with local charities and give back. I truly believe it pays you back in spades.” 19835 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 7108, 941-740-4033, seasideandcompanyfl.com

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Downtown EXPLORE

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT John Fisher of Fisher Family Insurance takes pride in offering the right protection. John Luchansky and Bill Moniz (l-r) of J&B Insurance Partners have built a practice rooted in trust, expertise and a steadfast commitment to their clients.

FISHER FAMILY INSURANCE

A blue-collar ethos, a world-class team and a promise to treat you like family.

John Fisher originally opened his Allstate agency on April 1, 2020—the same day Governor DeSantis shut down the state for the Covid pandemic. “We opened at 8:30 am, and by lunchtime everything was closed,” he says, with the humor of someone who has learned to take adversity in stride. It would not be the last time his agency was tested. Fisher grew up blue-collar in Pittsburgh, worked in a steel mill to pay for college, spent years as a VP at JP Morgan doing private wealth management and then ran Allstate’s financial advisory firm for the entire state of Florida. He is not, by his own description, “an insurance guy.” He is a “money guy”— one who chose to buy an Allstate agency because he had seen, from the inside, how the company thinks about its customers. “A lot of these carriers charge you an arm and a leg and run you around if you have a claim,” he says. “I’ve seen how Allstate takes care of its insured, and it really aligns with my values.”

That values test came in September 2022, when Hurricane Ian put both his home and his agency directly in its path. The office went offline for four months. His team processed roughly 500 claims, and he emerged from the experience with a clearer sense of what it means to stand behind a policy—and a certainty about which carriers do and don’t. The team he has assembled at the new office in downtown Wellen Park, which just opened in May, reflects his philosophy. Don Jankowski handles financial services. Office manager Jineth Sanchez speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese. Olga Makarova— who holds a doctorate in finance from the University of Moscow and moved to the U.S. to build a new life—handles Russian and Ukrainian-speaking clients.

Shiemay Johnson, his home insurance specialist, has been in the industry for 30 years. And Tiffany Daniels, his customer service representative, brings her experience from seven years as concierge at the Ritz-Carlton.

“I feel so blessed to have the people I have,” Fisher says.

Fisher Family Insurance covers auto, home, boat, golf cart, life insurance, annuities, IRAs and business insurance—“pretty much anything that touches money and insurance.” His mother, who is 76 and also lives in Wellen Park, owns half the business. He talks to clients, he says, the way he would talk to her. “If you’re going to do business with my agency, you’re going to be treated like family.” 19835 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 7211, 941-485-2447; agents.allstate.com/fisherfamily-insurance-venice-fl.html

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ MEDIA

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J&B INSURANCE PARTNERS

Medicare, health coverage and a second act in Wellen Park Bill Moniz will tell you straight out that he is not the retiring type. At 77, he is co-owner of a growing insurance practice in Wellen Park, just nine-tenths of a mile from his front door and he has no plans to slow down. J&B Insurance Partners—the “J” is John Luchansky, Moniz’s co-owner and a 25-year veteran of the industry—specializes in health insurance, with a particular mission of guiding clients through the complex landscape of Medicare. Moniz came to the work indirectly after a long career as a financial advisor and stockbroker, including his own practice through Raymond James. “I had done a little bit of healthcare as a broker,” he says, “but it wasn’t the main focus.” When John approached him during the Covid shutdown and asked him about starting a practice together, Moniz hesitated. “I said, well, I’m kind of old, but he talked me into it.”

The timing turned out to be right for these two colleagues who both have roots in New England. Moniz has lived in Wellen Park since 2017, watching the community take shape around him, and he recognized early on that the demographics here created a specific demand. “Everybody down here needs Medicare,” he says. “It’s the Medicare mecca of the U.S.” His partner John brings deep expertise in plan structures and coverage options; Moniz’s strength is on the annuities and financial planning side. “We all work together to make sure the client is served professionally and for the right reasons.” Their new office in Downtown Wellen is designed to feel professional and safe. Clients come in individually, and plans go up on a screen so everything can be walked through clearly. The goal, Moniz says, is to take something stressful and complicated—supplement plans, dental, vision, hearing, life insurance, annuities and even Social Security—and make it navigable. “Medicare is very confusing for people. They don’t know what plan serves them best. We’re trying to make it simpler.” They have also hired additional agents to expand the practice, and a ribbon cutting is planned in August. He has one larger ambition: “We want to become the brand name for healthcare in Wellen Park, and we want to give back to the community by offering advice and services to people who need them.” 19835 Wellen Park Blvd., Suite 7204, 941-202-9947; jbinsuranceatwellenpark.com WPL

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THE FACE BEHIND THE FLAVOR

MikeLeopold Executive Chef Mike Leopold is a CIA-trained chef who won’t pull the Monday ramen, won’t open a can and won’t buy the cheaper scallop. At Villani & Co., he built a menu on one rule: the ingredient comes first. WORDS BY SARAH EMILY MIANO

MIKE LEOPOLD, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT VILLANI & CO., GIVES WELLEN PARK RESIDENTS an excellent excuse to walk downtown hungry. Seven varieties of oyster. Faroe Island salmon. Dry-packed scallops that take on the perfect crust. And, on Mondays, that steadfast bowl of ramen. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, which he dubs “probably the best culinary school in the country,” Leopold trained in classical French technique and spent five years cooking seafood in Seattle before putting down roots in Venice. He teamed up with restaurateur Tommy Villani, helming the kitchen at Off the Wagon gastropub and building Irma’s tacos out of an improvised response to the hurricane blackout. The same partnership extends to the steak, seafood and raw bar on the lakefront, where Leopold has created an evolving menu that honors the ingredient. Wellen Park, Leopold says, is “designed around drawing people outside,” and he thinks about that when he creates dishes that feel lighter and, well, walkable. Picture peel-n-eat shrimp you can knock back before looping the lake, or crab cakes set over coconut risotto with a mango-cucumber salsa to cool you down. On the hottest days, he leans into temperature, sending out a grilled piece of grouper alongside a panzanella, bread toasted “on the soft side of crispy croutons” and tossed with fresh tomatoes, olives, greens. “I think the whole hot and cold thing together is really nice in the summer,” he says. “Lots of different colors, lots of different textures and bright flavors.”

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chef EXPLORE

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT Chef Mike Leopold at Villani & Co., Wellen Park’s first full-service restaurant; An inspired dish of Faroe Island salmon with couscous, beets and blood orange; Behind the marble bar, the largest selection of bourbon, whiskey and scotch in southwest Florida; Bottle Rocket oysters out of Duxbury, Mass.

Growing up in Chicago, “the first thing I cooked that made me proud was eggplant parm,” Leopold says. He loved “Chicago tavern-style, thin-crust pizza,” and his dad would make “a sirloin steak marinated in Italian dressing that I still make to this day.” Those memories coax out what feels comforting at Villani & Co., even when the plates arrive looking more refined. The impulse to cook doesn’t clock out at shift’s end. “Honestly, if I sit down at home, just chilling for a while, and I open a book, I open a cookbook. I don’t turn that part of me off ever, because that’s what interests me.”

His fiancée asks if he ever gets sick of cooking; he doesn’t. Much of his day job is “running numbers” and “training my staff to execute the way I want things to be executed,” so cooking on home turf gets a little playful.

Leopold gravitates toward chefs with similar instincts: “whole food ingredients, minimal ingredients and traveling the world, getting ideas.”

Cue Rick Bayless, Alice Waters, Charlie Trot-

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ter, Jacques Pépin. One of his newest creations, a seared Faroe Island salmon with lemon couscous, beets and blood orange-honey vinaigrette, topped with fresh arugula, pickled onions and toasted pistachio, began with a unique couscous technique he saw a woman in Morocco use on a TV show.

He is wary of that buzzword: fusion. “I’m more about the ingredients and imparting flavors,” he says, and he avoids mixing those, describing himself as “a sucker for tradition.” That comes straight out of his CIA training: “We should be able to throw you any fruit, any vegetable, any piece of meat, any grain, and be able to look at it and analyze it and know how to cook it just by looking at what that is.”

Ask Leopold which traditions were born from popular demand and he doesn’t hesitate: the ramen. “It’s a carryover from the old days,” he says, “back when we just had the Wagon. It’s just something we casually put on the menu, and it picked up a lot of steam.” Moving to Wellen Park gave him no

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chef EXPLORE

THIS SPREAD A new composed plate on the menu: bone-in Cheshire pork chop with red onion bacon jam and goat’s cheese over crispy red potatoes with rosemary and garlic.

reason to stop. He makes the broth from chicken feet and “a bunch of aromatics,” then serves it with fresh noodles and pork loin. “I don’t know if I would say it’s super traditional as far as a Japanese-style ramen, but it’s ours, and people seem to like it.”

Open the walk-in at Villani & Co., and things become obvious fast. You’ll find a bounty of produce, dairy and proteins beside a dry storage and freezer that are “just very, very limited,” Leopold says. “I’m not opening cans. I’m not pulling stuff out of the freezer,” he says.

“A common question these days is, what’s glutenfree, but my menus are always naturally very heavy on gluten-free stuff, just by accident, because I don’t use a lot of processed foods.”

He’s been cooking in Venice since 2004 and, as he puts it, has “pretty much used the same people the whole time.” Cheney Brothers is his go-to for day-to-day ordering, with the same reps since the start. “We just communicate a lot, and they always have new product availability rolling through,” he says. For seafood, he relies on Bar Harbor Seafood for quality and consistency. There’s a sustainability check, too; Chilean seabass doesn’t make the cut. The Faroe Island salmon costs more, but he buys it anyway: “such a high-quality, very consistent product.”

Quality matters enough to charge for it.

“We’re not the cheapest restaurant out there, and I charge a little extra for things, but it’s for the customer’s benefit,” Leopold says. “They’re getting a better product, and that’s important to me.” Take the scallops. They’ve got to be drypacked, the right size, from the Northeast; they run “about $230 for an 8 lb bucket.” He could cut that bill, but that scallop “is not going to have a nice sear on it.” Nothing goes to waste chasing the standard. Trim from the hand-cut steaks goes through the grinder and becomes the burger. “We don’t throw anything away. We crossutilize everything.”

Come each season, the menu gets another look. “We’re going to sit down, go over the menu and sort of revamp it a little bit. We’re moving, he says, “into more composed dishes as opposed to focusing on à la carte.” The timing feels right.

“To stay relevant, you’ve got to change things up once in a while,” he says. “It always makes sense to do it seasonally.”

When Leopold talks about what he wants guests to feel after a meal at Villani & Co., he goes back to that salmon dish. “Between the crunch of the pistachios, the brightness of the pickled onions, the fresh salmon, all those things play together to be exciting to eat. And that’s just what I want.” WPL

ON THE PLATE Ask Leopold to shout out a signature dish and he reaches past any one plate, toward the raw bar. “Seafood is a big passion of mine,” he says. “This isn’t really a dish per se, but our oyster selection is something that sets us apart.” Most nights, that means six or seven different varieties “from all over the country, from Canada, from the west coast to the east coast,” lined up on ice, shucked to order. On the grill side, Villani & Co. serves not one marquee cut but a full board of steaks. “We offer a bone-in ribeye, a hand-cut standard ribeye, a couple of different sizes of filets, porterhouse, strip, prime-aged strip steaks.” The format is classic: pick your steak, pick your side. But the line he won’t cross: quality. The same approach drove Irma’s when it was “just a taco place” with 32 different kinds listed on the board. Even now, with a “more well-rounded Mexican-style menu,” Leopold is unwavering in one respect. “The ingredients are the stars of the show,” he says. “When you’re looking at a plate of food, it should be interesting to you before you even take a bite of it.”

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THIS PAGE Chef Leopold proves he can turn out a gochujang glaze as easily as hollandaise with his latest Koreanstyle salmon with soy-sesame marinated cucumber and steamed basmati.

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business EXPLORE

BELOW Michael Saunders & Company celebrated the grand opening of its new Wellen Park office in April; Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company.

NewDoors

Michael Saunders & Company has a new home in Wellen Park. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY HAS A NEW HOME IN WELLEN PARK. The trusted real estate company serving the Gulf Coast since 1976 celebrated the grand opening of its new Wellen Park office this past spring, marking its entry into one of Southwest Florida’s fastestgrowing master-planned communities. This opening comes as Michael Saunders & Company celebrates its 50th anniversary. The newly completed 5,000-square-foot office is located at 19750 S. West Villages Parkway. The office was designed by PR Architects and built

by Willis Smith Construction, with interior design by Angela Chang of Angela Chang Design Studio. Like all of the company’s full-service locations, the new Wellen Park location will offer expertise in residential real estate as well as in-house title, mortgage and insurance services. Positioned within a rapidly growing new-construction market, the office strengthens the firm’s presence in southern Sarasota County. It enhances its ability to serve both buyers and sellers in the area. “The advantage of being local is that you’re able to see where growth is headed, and it was clear that Wellen Park would be a transformational project for the region,” says Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company. “For this reason, we had confidence to make the investment and to be part of the community and extend our ability to serve the people who call it home.” MSC Commercial is leasing the additional 17,000 square feet of space adjacent to the real estate office. The building offers flexible leasing options for businesses seeking a presence in the Wellen Park community.

One of the region’s most vibrant new communities, Wellen Park features thoughtfully designed neighborhoods centered on connection, wellness and everyday living. From waterfront dining, shopping and year-round events in Downtown Wellen to its parks, trails and shared green spaces, the community offers a dynamic lifestyle—making it the ideal home for Michael Saunders & Company’s newest location.

The Wellen Park office is led by Branch Manager Shawn Strodoski, who also oversees the company’s Venice and Plantation offices. WPL 24

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN AND COURTESY OF MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY

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schools EXPLORE

BELOW Spanning 81 acres, Wellen Park High School features advanced learning labs, modern classrooms and more than 2,200 student stations.

Learning Without Walls

A Look Inside the Innovative Environments of Wellen Park High School WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

THIS FALL, WELLEN PARK HIGH SCHOOL WILL WELCOME ITS INAUGURAL FRESHMAN CLASS— THE CLASS OF 2030—as it opens its doors for the very first time. As the school’s principal, Mark Grossenbacher brings extensive local expertise to the Wellen Park community, having served within the Sarasota school system since 2001. By collaborating with Willis Smith Construction and district leaders to create the new state-of-the-art school, Grossenbacher is excited about the future–confident that the design prioritizes student interests and is equipped for their long-term success. As a magnet school, Wellen Park High offers a broad range of competitive academic opportunities to all students, regardless of their zoning. The school features the Cambridge AICE program, which includes more 26

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than 20 college-level courses taught by Cambridge University-trained educators. Students who complete seven AICE courses over four years earn a full scholarship to a Florida public university, providing a flexible alternative to traditional IB and AP pathways.

“As a SOAR Research Institute, we offer universitylevel science experiences that are unmatched in South Sarasota County,” says Grossenbacher.

“In fact, we are the only high school with a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory—a facility typically found at colleges and universities, particularly those serving pre-med and life sciences students.”

The Wellen Park Ranch is located on the first floor of the school and serves as a dedicated learning space for veterinary services, farm-to-table education and small engine repair as part of the PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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schools EXPLORE

agriculture and biology curriculum. Through handson experiences with manageable livestock such as goats, chickens and ducks, students gain practical knowledge that brings classroom lessons to life. “Students, teachers and visitors will be excited about this program,” says Grossenbacher. “Future K–8 students will also have opportunities to participate through walking field trips. It’s going to be a fascinating experience for everyone involved.”

The school also houses two marine biology labs, including a “Nemo” lab focused on reef tanks and coral growth, and an advanced lab that mimics the local Lemon Bay ecosystem. These labs feature touch tanks and partner with the school’s agriculture program to facilitate aquaponics, allowing for integrated, hands-on scientific projects.

For students interested in exploring future business careers, the career and technical education wing includes a business entrepreneurship program in partnership with Junior Achievement. Through this cohort, students receive mentorship from local businesses and work on modules related to problemsolving, with the potential to transition their senior projects into functional LLCs upon graduation.

“Students can negotiate that into jobs right after graduating through coding and robotics, clothing design, financial management and other avenues,” shares Grossenbacher. “Or they can negotiate for college scholarships or experience in the majors or programs of study when they hit college.”

Moving on to the career and technical education floor, the school features digital multimedia market-

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ing classes with Adobe industry certifications and a broadcasting booth partnered with the Atlanta Braves’ Cool Today Park. Additionally, students have access to applied engineering classes for prototyping, welding and 3D printing, as well as a Technology Student Association clubhouse and a coding classroom offering certifications in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

“Whether you’re a student who applies to be in that magnet and gets a seat or you’re just a student who’s districted to Wellen Park, every child will have access to those programs of study, which is just exceptional,” adds Grossenbacher.

BELOW With modern labs and and performing arts facilities, students have opportunities to explore a wide range of potential career paths.

Performing Arts

Future performing artists will also be treated to a high-tech experience at the school. The performing arts center includes a blackbox theater for intimate productions and a construction workshop for set design that mirrors equipment found in the engineering wing. The arts department also offers modern music, chorus, band, an orchestra led by Dr. Hill and a fine arts wing covering 2D and 3D art and stage makeup. “During first period, a student could theoretically have applied engineering and build the prototypes of their airplane that they designed in the lab and then the bell rings and while they may not be interested in theater but they love to build, now they’re getting the blueprints of the set for next month’s play and they’re able to then design and cut and build the sets,” says Grossenbacher. “There are so many opportunities.”

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schools EXPLORE

Athletic Programming

When it comes to athletic offerings, Wellen Park High School does not fall short. The school provides 28 unique sports, encompassing traditional options as well as modern, high-school-sanctioned sports such as girls’ flag football, lacrosse, competitive cheer and club-level archery. Athletic facilities include the Eagles Nest Arena, the largest gym in the Sarasota School District, which houses a VIP box sponsored by Capstan Financial and a red, white and blue color scheme to honor the armed forces. Outdoor facilities include dedicated fieldhouses for both boys’ and girls’ teams and FIFAapproved turf fields provided by TenCate.

Dedicated Instruction for All

While Wellen Park High School has everything needed for a driven student to succeed, those with learning challenges are certainly not left behind.

The school features a program designed to support students with special needs up to the age of 21, utilizing an apartment-style classroom equipped with a kitchen, washer and dryer to provide students with practical, real-life independent living skills. “We have 30

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a job coach to work directly with the students, help with special needs coursework and provide support specifically designed for each student’s needs,” says Grossenbacher. “I’m especially proud of this.”

Dining Options

With four unique serveries or cafeterias, each designated in a specific location based upon resources, Wellen Park High students will not have to worry about going hungry. From grab-and-go options to a food court area, which replaces traditional cafeteria seating with social furniture and stairs where students can charge devices and interact in smaller groups, the options will be modern and made to accommodate a busy schedule.

BELOW Throughout the school, warm and welcoming spaces foster connection and a sense of community among students.

Prioritizing the Student

Grossenbacher’s overarching goal as the school’s first principal is to prioritize student needs and ensure that every child who attends Wellen Park High School has a supportive adult mentor to guide them through their academic and personal growth. Judging by the foundation already in place, he is well on his way to turning that vision into reality. WPL PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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THIS SPREAD Traditional soda bread from Mama’s Irish Soda Breads, a recipe that has been handed down for generations.

Hahn’s Thai Tea steeped overnight with cardamom and cinnamon, topped with cream.

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8/3/26 4:59 AM

ON A SUNDAY MORNING IN DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK, vendors hoist canopies while early shoppers

balance coffee and lemonade. Local farmers stack tomatoes still dusty from the field beside coolers of fresh-caught Gulf fish. Food trucks send out the yeasty aroma of empanadas, stromboli and doughnuts. Then there are the vendors who give the market its signature pulse: a beekeeper, a baker, the pickler, a juicer and, yes, a king of hummus. Build a fine picnic basket here, then drift toward the lake and pass the day. Each provision comes to you from the hands that grew or made it.

ABasket FOR SUNDAY MORNINGS

Fresh Harvest in Downtown Wellen Park gathers the growers, bakers and cooks who can fill your basket now, your pantry later. WORDS BY SARAH EMILY MIANO

Mama’s Irish Breads Mama’s Irish soda bread traces back to owner Mariellen King’s grandmother in County Down, Ireland. She remembers her late mother Mary Ann, baking it, as is custom, every St. Patrick’s Day. King, who thinks of it as daily bread, now brings it to Wellen Park. “I’m 100% Irish, 2nd generation,” she says. After spending most of her career in finance, she started baking and debuted her goods at the Cape Coral Farmers Market in 2021. Her first Wellen Park Sunday fell on Mother’s Day a year ago, a fitting start. The plain loaf breaks open into a tight, pale crumb with a faint sweetness that calls for something salty. “To make a little sandwich, my plain soda bread would be a real nice one. It complements very well with a ham.” The Guinness brown bread, dark and dense, carries a little malt from the stout. “Sometimes it scares off people because they may not like the beer, but in baking, it gives a softer texture and just a hint of sweet nuttiness.” She recommends that one with beef stew, or simply with butter and cheese, the way a customer from Dublin takes it every week. King’s scones come in ten to twelve flavors, from traditional raisin to inventions like Bailey’s Irish Cream, cranberry orange and raspberry white chocolate. “I’ve taken my Aunt Mary’s raisin recipe to very creative ways,” she says. Meanwhile, her key lime-white chocolate is “a little mash-up of Southwest Florida and Ireland.” Come fall, her pumpkin spice arrives, bringing a long line at the booth. “It’s connecting people with their Irish heritage,” she says. “Seeing their eyes light up when I tell them the ingredients, and they say, ‘my gosh, that’s how my grandmother used to make the bread.’ It’s just so much fun.”

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market EXPLORE

BELOW Sarasota Honey Company bottles an allergy blend of raw, small-batch, Suncoast honey created by a mission-driven apiary; King of Hummus earns its title with hummus three ways and baba ghanoush for good measure.

Sarasota Honey Company Alma Johnson keeps hives across the Suncoast, from the bayfront and Siesta Beach to Anna Maria, Venice and Englewood Bay. Her Coastal Raw Wildflower derives from sea grapes, palms and mangroves, sweet up front with a fruity turn that tastes unmistakably coastal. Johnson, head beekeeper, develops raw and infused honeys, soaps, candles and teas, giving the booth a storybook feel amongst all the produce and prepared food. Just as notable, the apiary also trains and employs people with disabilities and young adults who have aged out of the school system, giving a purpose to all its sweetness. This stop rounds out a market morning, with something to drizzle over bread later, or stir into your tea.

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King of Hummus Most people don’t spare much thought for chickpea skins. Kalid Alqaisi does, removing every last one before blending his hummus, which explains why it’s the smoothest and creamiest in town. Growing up in Jordan, Alqaisi spent 26 years eating hummus nearly every day, and his recipe comes from his family there. Now in Miami, he boils the chickpeas for five or six hours. A labor of love creates a hummus thick with tahini and robust from the olive oil.

Alqaisi insists on it because the version he found waiting for him in Florida bore little resemblance to the real thing. “When I see the hummus here, and I see the ingredients, I start laughing. I say, ‘wow, this is not a hummus.’” Even his own flavored varieties—like an earthy, magenta beet version and a vivid, herbaceous basil one—he treats as a concession for his clients. “There’s only one flavor. It is the traditional.” His mother delivered the same verdict on his first attempts, in blunter terms, then stood over him until he got it right.

Other salads like baba ganoush and tabouli have loyal followers, but the dark horse may be the labneh, made of mild goat cheese preserved in olive oil so it can keep at room temperature for two months. Spread it on pita, dust with za’atar and taste Amman. Alqaisi and his team roll up at markets up and down the coast for reasons beyond the sale. “The farmers market for me is not only business. It’s like part of our family. I love to see the people; I love to actually hand people the food and see the reaction in their faces.”

The Happy Pickle Daniel Webster grew up in the pickle business his father started sixteen years ago, jumped in at twenty, and now runs most of the family operation across fifteen markets a week, from Sarasota to Marco Island. He speaks about the market like a hang with his friends. The pickles run the gamut: kosher, bread-n-butter, spicy dill, horseradish—all crisp and Florida-grown. But the olives almost steal the show.

Non-pasteurized varieties arrive from Greece by way of New York. The OMG Medley combines the sharp, briny flavors of a Greek deli counter and belongs at the center of the dining table: feta, Kalamata olives, green olives, pepperoncini and “the best sun-dried tomatoes on the planet,” Webster will tell you. Then the picnic plan really kicks into gear. Stuffed olives, including blue cheese, garlic, provolone and jalapeno, are meant for sharing and, as Webster puts it, “always a big hit.” Webster has shown up for Fresh Harvest from its opening Sunday. “First day,” he says. “I think it’s growing nonstop, and it’s just going to continually become a better market over the years. One of the top markets in Florida.”

Hahn’s Handcrafted Lemonades & Tea At Hahn’s, every lemon goes through the press that morning. No syrup, no concentrate. “A lot of the lemonade people pre-squeeze it, or they use simple syrups,” says co-owner Garrison Hahn. “We don’t use any syrups at all.” Every drink is made to order with fresh lemon and real sugar, stevia or, for maximum tartness, nothing added. Co-owner Chanhsy Hahn, originally from Laos, blends all the fruit at home: strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, mango.

The signature Mango Drango layers lemonade so the mango settles on the bottom and the dragonfruit floats on top. “It’s the actual chunks of organic dragonfruit from Thailand. Everybody thinks it looks really pretty, and it tastes great too.” Strawberry and passion fruit boba also make the lineup. Chanhsy’s Thai tea is steeped with cardamom, star anise and black tea, then finished with cream. “She bruises it for a long period of time, overnight,” says Garrison, who admits to not knowing all about his wife’s process. “The night before we do the market, and then that morning she prepares it all, and we put it in our jugs. ”The sweet mint and chai honey lemon, “with a lot of mint and a lot of honey,” as Garrison puts it, outsells the rest. The couple ran a kettle corn business for years before Garrison’s health changed the direction. “I’ve got a heart condition. So we decided to take it easy and just do lemonades and teas only.” Now they work five or six markets a week, with help. All three Hahn children pitch in between school terms, and the youngest, Meilani, has been at the booth since she was tiny. “Mei Mei, since she was one year old, has been helping us,” Garrison says. “She’s actually our best salesperson.” WPL

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goods EXPLORE

Relaxed Weekends

Stock your wardrobe with style at Hudson Square Boutique. STYLED BY ALEX ALFARO

PICNIC CHIC Elietian Kira White Top, $52, Able Dani Denim Trim Jacket, $120, Rustic Bohemian Wood Layered Necklace, $40, Z Supply Tourist Sunglasses in Tort Blue, $40, Just Back Denim Striped Jeans, $102, BG Katalina Bag in Chocolate, $52, Hudson Square Boutique, 19835 Wellen Park Blvd Suite 7105, Venice, FL, 941-236-0792.

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goods EXPLORE

BRUNCH IN BLUE Kim Ivory Handbag, $74, Multi Print Bandana, $20, Entro Everlyn Vest in Blue, $60, Entro Evelyn Mini Skirt, $58, Top Moda Comfort Nude Kitten Heels, $64, Z SUPPLY Confidential Sunglasses, $40, Hudson Square Boutique, 19835 Wellen Park Blvd Suite 7105, Venice, FL, 941-236-0792 TALK OF THE TOWN Colorful Chunky Beaded Necklace, $48, Fate Magenta Midi Dress,$124, Wendy Woven Shoulder Bag in Sage, $78, Miim Rafia Kitten Heels, $74, Z SUPPLY Golden Hour Sunglasses in Olive, $40, Hudson Square Boutique, 19835 Wellen Park Blvd Suite 7105, Venice, FL, 941-236-0792.

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art EXPLORE

Canvas For Community

BELOW From ceramics and pottery to printmaking, drawing and painting, Venice Art Center offers classes for a wide variety of interests.

Venice Art Center continues to inspire artists of all ages through classes, exhibitions and community connection. WORDS BY OLIVIA FANDERS THE VENICE ART CENTER HAS BECOME A CREATIVE HOME FOR THE VENICE COMMUNITY. Hosting both classes and exhibitions,

the center serves all ages. “Our youngest student is four and our oldest is over 100,” says CEO Mary Moscatelli.

Moscatelli explains that the center has grown significantly over the years, especially during the 17 years she has worked there. “When I started here, we had somewhere around 300 classes. Now we’re up to 650 classes a year,” she explains. “Our classes, our exhibition sizes, our attendance at events and our foot traffic have grown.” Visitors can choose from a wide variety of classes. The center offers jewelry making, photography and digital art, ceramics and pottery, printmaking, drawing, painting, watercolor and open studio sessions. More recently, Moscatelli notes that the team has also added glass art classes. “We have a lot of newer glass classes. We’ve got some jewelry classes that we’ve added in,” she highlights. “I also have some great workshops coming in next season.”

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Elite Cardiology Care ELITE CARDIOLOGY CARE, led by Kenneth W. Pfahler, MD, FACC, is a premier concierge cardiology practice delivering personalized, relationship-driven cardiovascular care to the Wellen Park community and surrounding areas. Built on an exclusive membership-based model, we offer an elevated, highly accessible alternative to traditional healthcare by focusing entirely on continuity of care and individualized attention.

~ To maintain an exceptional standard of service, we

are intentionally limited to just 400 patients. This approach allows Dr. Pfahler to provide unhurried appointments, guaranteed same-day

visits, and direct physician access—including communication via his personal cell phone and the reassurance of a live team member answering every call. Extended appointments ensure our aging patients are never rushed, providing a completely comfortable, accessible, and dignityfocused care experience.

~ As a full-service practice, Elite Cardiology

Care provides comprehensive cardiovascular services under one roof, including proactive preventive evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing,

KENNETH W. PFAHLER, M.D., F.A.C.C. Board Certified Cardiovascular Disease

and the ongoing management of conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Dr. Pfahler is a boardcertified cardiologist and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, bringing extensive expertise in both preventive and clinical care.

~

Unlike conventional practices, Elite Cardiology Care does not bill insurance. Instead, patients pay a transparent annual membership fee with flexible monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual payment options.

DR. PFAHLER’S PERSONAL STATEMENT

By removing administrative barriers, copays, and insurance denials, the focus remains exactly where it belongs: on the patient. Conveniently located near Wellen Park, we offer a welcoming, environment built on

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art EXPLORE

Over the summer, the Venice Art Center offers classes specifically for kids on school break. “We have different types of kids camp classes,” Moscatelli says.

“Some of them are two days a week for two weeks, some of them are a oneday class and I have some week-long pottery classes.” There are options to fit any schedule. In addition to the expansion of its class schedule, the center is bringing in many new instructors. “We 42

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BELOW Venice Art Center is dedicated to strengthening community connections through its wide range of programs and activities. veniceartcenter.com

have got a bunch of brand new teachers on board, especially in the painting studio,” Moscatelli says. She explains that many instructors are also former students at the center. “It is a natural progression,” Moscatelli emphasizes.

“Some artists start taking classes here and end up teaching here—they become so skilled and they want to share their talents with others.” The center’s art classes are a great way to get involved

in art shows as well. “Anybody can enter our regular shows—as long as it meets the criteria and it is framed properly,” Moscatelli explains. Once entered, jurors decide who wins awards and prizes. All shows are open to the public, except for two member shows throughout the year. “In September, we have I Am Humanity, then we have our fall member show, Funky Fresh, our Bling Thing jewelry show, Sweet Dreams show, All Around Town show, and then our fine art show,” she says. “Our fine art show is February 20 and 21, and it is one of our big shows here, where the whole building is full of artwork.”

Planning these exhibitions is no small task. Exhibition schedules have to be set over a year in advance. “Our exhibits are scheduled through August of 2027, so we have titles for each one,” Moscatelli says. “We have a really great exhibition committee and a lot of staff time is put into each event.”

She highlights that the team is most proud of the South Sarasota County School Show, which Venice Art Center has been a part of for over four decades.

“That is 19 schools that participate from South Sarasota County,” Moscatelli says.

“I have people in their 50s and 60s who have had things in the show.”

The connection between Venice Art Center’s classes, exhibitions and shows fosters a supportive environment that strengthens the sense of community that has become an integral part of the center’s mission. “One of our goals here is to really focus on the community,” Moscatelli says. Venice Art Center also hosts concerts and community events, making it a hub for the Venice area. “When people walk through the doors, I want them to have an experience,” Moscatelli highlights. “That’s what we strive for.” WPL

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8/1/26 9:08 AM

WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS MAP

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EXPLORE THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR PARTNER BUILDERS

FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

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ACACIA

PALMERA

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THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

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THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

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3.5 Bathrooms

• Full custom homebuilder • Deluxe kitchen with open entertainment living area • 8’ doors throughout entire home

3-Car Garage

• 2-story bowed bay window in living room

12300 Falling Leaf Pl, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.244.5486 info@ICIHomes.com | ICIHomes.com | MODELS NOW OPEN!

• Engineered hardwood throughout all main living areas

CRAB CREEK AT PALMERA

DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,327 SF PRICED FROM

HIGH $800s

4 Bedrooms

4.5 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 18166 Foxtail Loop, Venice, FL, 34293 | 941.335.5756

• Gourmet kitchen featuring a large island, abundant cabinetry and easy flow to family and dining areas • Resort-style outdoor living with a pool and outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining family and friends • Private Owner’s Retreat with a spa-inspired bath and oversized walk-in closet with closet system • Flexible layout with three secondary bedrooms, a private study and three-car garage

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:27 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

DELMAR II AT LAKESPUR

MATTAMY HOMES

CONDOMINIUM

1,341 SF

PRICED FROM

HIGH

$200s

2 Bedrooms • 4 new model homes open daily 2 Bathrooms

1-Car Attached Garage 17330 Moonflower Drive, Venice, FL 34293 941.352.4062 | MattamyHomes.com/Lakespur

DREAM II AT PALMERA

• Expansive kitchen with generous island and adjacent great room • Low-maintenance, lock and leave lifestyle • Fun-filled amenities open for all residents to enjoy • Covered/screened lanai included

NEAL COMMUNITIES

SINGLE-FAMILY

1,860 SF PRICED FROM

$400s 3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

• The floor plan includes a beautiful open kitchen with corner pantry, center island with plenty of counterspace and a dining area

2-Car Garage

• The master bedroom includes two closets, dual vanity sinks and a walk-in shower

18332 Foxtail Lp, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.369.9842 | NealCommunities.com

• A separate den, utility room and 2 additional bedrooms and second bath complete the home

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:24 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

EGRET VAT PALMERA

ICI HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,163 SF

PRICED FROM

$900s 4 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 18477 Foxtail Loop, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.340.1251 info@icihomes.com | ICIHomes.com | PHASE II ALMOST SOLD OUT!

• Full custom homebuilder • 75’ homesites available • Modern elevation with pool and spa • 12’ ceiling, impact glass windows, 10’ sliding glass doors • Outdoor open-air cabana – almost 900 sq ft of outdoor living!

FOXTAIL AT PALMERA

M/I HOMES

TOWNHOMES

1,702– 2,813 SF

PRICED FROM

$371,990 3-4 Bedrooms

2.5-3.5 Bathrooms

2-Car Rear Load Garages 17966 Broadleaf Loop, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.207.8139 salesfortmyers@mihomes.com

• Entertainers Delight: Spacious Kitchen & Private Courtyard or Lanai offer the perfect setting for hosting memorable moments with family & friends • Perfectly Planned: The Foxtail delivers comfort, convenience, and contemporary style in every square foot.

• Live Life Your Way: Five thoughtfully designed floorplans featuring flexible living spaces & lofts provides freedom to personalize your home and live your best life in Wellen Park

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:24 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

GASPARILLA II AT EVERLY

HOMES BY WESTBAY

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,618 SF

PRICED FROM

$849,990 4-5 Bedrooms

4-5 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 11536 Gleaming Terrace, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.271.7993 | HomesbyWestBay.com

MAINSTAY II AT WESTLAKE

• Soaring 12’ ceilings in foyer, grand room, and kitchen • Gourmet kitchen includes large center island, butler’s pantry, and walk-in pantry • Seamless indoor-outdoor living with open-concept plan and expansive sliding glass doors to covered lanai • Options include 5th bedroom, gas fireplace, tray ceilings, and wet bar in bonus room

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,200 SF 75’ HOMESITE.

PRICED FROM

HIGH

$1MIL+

3 Bedrooms

3.5 Bathrooms

• Custom Luxury Single-story Home • Designed to offer the perfect blend of indoor & outdoor living

3-Car Garage

• Elegant finishes and finely crafted details throughout

11710 Blissby Street, Venice, FL 34293 | Debra Thomas | 941.344.2775

• Local Custom Home Builder with 45+ years of experience

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:27 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

MARIA ATWELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB LENNAR HOMES SINGLE-FAMILY

2,247 SF PRICED FROM

UPPER

$500s

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

2-Car Garage 17121 Jadestone Court, Venice, Florida 34293 | 941.740.6524 | Lennar.com

MERIGOLD AT BRIGHTMORE

• Open floorplan with inviting & well-lit kitchen • Covered lanai that allows for enjoyable outdoor experiences • Secondary suite next to the versatile den that can be used office space or a home gym • The owner’s suite is at the rear of the house, ensuring privacy and tranquility

MATTAMY HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY | 55+

1,991 SF

PRICED FROM

MID

$500s

2 Bedrooms • Spacious Open-Concept Design 2 Bathrooms

• Expansive Covered Lanai for Indoor-Outdoor Living • Versatile Flex Room for Work or Hobbies

2-Car Garage

• Spa-Inspired Owner’s Suite

11410 Myakka Blue Drive, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.655.9325 | BrightmoreFL.com *Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:29 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

PEARSON ATATASHCOMBE ASHCOMBE

D.R. HORTON HOMES

TOWNHOME

1,463 1,464 SF PRICED FROM

UPPER

$200s

3 Bedrooms

2.5 Bathrooms

1-Car Garage 10735 Tiger Lily Drive, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.205.9603 manateesarasota@drhorton.com

• Low-maintenance living • Featuring a planned community pool and covered clubhouse • Affordable, and approachable entry point into Wellen Park • Stylish, functional and supports a variety of lifestyles • Stainless steel appliances • Smart home package • All-concrete block construction on both floors • Near Wellen Park High School, Downtown Wellen Park and Gulf Coast beaches

PELICAN AT SUNSTONE

MATTAMY HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

1,787 SF

PRICED FROM

LOW

$400s

2 Bedrooms

• Spacious Open-Concept Living

2.5 Bathrooms

2-Car Garage

• Versatile Flex Room for Work or Hobbies • Private Owner’s Suite with Huge Walk-In Closet • Exceptional Storage Throughout the Home

18150 Wellspring Court, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.759.6191 | MattamyHomes.com/Sunstone *Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:28 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

POSITANO II AT EVERLY

NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

2,562 SF PRICED FROM

$700s

3 Bedrooms

• Enjoy welcoming family and guests alike through a stylish Italian arched entryway or open courtyard walkway

2.5 Bathrooms

• A walk-in pantry and large countertop island is included, and a private powder room for guests is quietly tucked down the hall

3-Car Garage 11433 Brightly Drive, Venice, FL | 941.258.9002 | NealSignatureHomes.com

RED ROCK AT SUNSTONE LAKESIDE

• Many flexible options are available for this home, including options for a fourth bedroom, a wine room, expanded utility room, and private access to the lanai from the master bedroom

MATTAMY HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,057 SF PRICED FROM

LOW

$700s

4 Bedrooms

3.5 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage

• Large Game Room & Versatile Flex Space • Luxurious Owner’s Suite with Dual Walk-In Closets • Expansive Covered Lanai for Entertaining • 3-Car Tandem Garage for Extra Storage

11915 Starbright Path, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.352.9503 | MattamyHomes.com/Sunstone-Lakeside *Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:30 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

RIVERA AT ESPLANADE

TAYLOR MORRISON

SINGLE-FAMILY

1,677 SF

PRICED FROM

LOW

$400s

2 Bedrooms +FlexRoom

• Customization options include a gourmet kitchen, study, fireplace and outdoor kitchen

2 Bathrooms

• Elevated resort living featuring concierge services, wellness programming and curated social events led by an onsite lifestyle director

2-Car Garage

By Appointment Only | 941.279.2167 | EsplanadeTeamFL@taylormorrison.com

SANDCASTLE II AT BOCA ROYALE

• Crafted by America’s Most Trusted Home Builder®, recognized for exceptional construction quality and innovative design

NEAL COMMUNITIES

VILLA

1,848 SF PRICED FROM

$300s 3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

2-Car Garage 10628 Sarazen Way, Englewood, FL 34223 | 941.214.9760 | NealCommunities.com

• A large island and plenty of counter space can be found in the well-appointed kitchen, overlooking the spacious great room and dining area • The master bedroom features an oversized walk-in closet, dual sinks and separate water closet • A scenic outdoor lanai completes this floor plan

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

SILVER SKY II AT AVELINA

NEAL COMMUNITIES

SINGLE-FAMILY

2,762 SF PRICED FROM

$600s 4 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 12581 Meribel St, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.241.2359 | NealCommunities.com

SOLSTICE III ATEVERLY SINGLE-FAMILY

3,600 SF PRICED FROM

HIGH

$1MIL+

• Includes a guest suite with en suite bath and walk-in closet, perfect for out of town visitors • The great room with recessed ceiling offers views out to the sunny covered lanai • Master suite features a bed room with two walk-in closets, and bath with dual sink vanities, shower, optional garden tub, and private water closet

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • Custom residence offering refined luxury at every turn • Expansive outdoor living area designed for comfort and relaxation • Meticulous craftsmanship and sophisticated finishes throughout • Respected Local Custom Homebuilder with 45+ years of expertise

3 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 11710 Blissby Street, Venice, FL 34293 | Debra Thomas | 941.217.1448 *Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:38 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

ST. LUCIA ATWESTLAKE

ICI HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,201 SF

PRICED FROM

$900s

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage

• Fully custom homebuilder • Deluxe kitchen with upgraded luxury appliance package • 12’ ceiling, impact glass windows, expansive open floor plan, with club room • Contemporary Exterior with grand courtyard entry • Outdoor open-air-cabana and kitchen entertainment center

18477 Foxtail Loop, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.384.0754 | info@icihomes.com | ICIHomes.com

MODEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICING COMING SOON

THE COVE AT OAKBEND

TOLL BROTHERS

SINGLE-FAMILY

2,257+ SF PRICED FROM

$500s

3-4 Bedrooms

2-3 & 1/2 Bathrooms

2.5-Car Garage 12324 Falling Leaf Pl, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.628.7086 | TollBrothers.com

• Schedule your visit today to learn more about Quick Move-In and Build to Order Homes available now • Open floor plan integrates kitchen, casual dining area, great room, and covered patio • Elegant primary bedroom enhanced by tray ceiling, walk-in closet, and serene bath • Flex room and secondary bedrooms offer versatile living and entertaining space

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:26 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

TIDELAND AT PALMERA

HOMES BY TOWNE

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,426 SF NOW OPEN

3-4 Bedrooms Den | Bonus Room

• Spacious kitchen with oversized island & walk-though pantry • Open concept great room and dining room with views of outdoor living area

4 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage

• Second floor bonus room & bedroom suite with walk-in closet

18188 Foxtail Loop | Venice, FL 34293 | 941.353.2698 | HomesByTowne.com

• Owners suite features walk-in closet & dual bathroom vanities

TIDEWINDS II AT GRAND PALM

NEAL COMMUNITIES

PAIRED VILLA

1,638 SF PRICED FROM

$300s 2 Bedrooms

• Included den is ideal for an office or library 2 Bathrooms

2-Car Garage 21209 Wacissa Drive, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.214.9190 | NealCommunities.com

• Master suite features two closets including a walk-in, and a dual-sink master bath with walk-in shower and private water closet • Second bedroom is situated at the front of the home next to a full bath

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:39 AM

THE MODEL HOMES OF WELLEN PARK | FALL 2026 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

TYBEE AT LAKESPUR

PULTE HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

2,615 SF

PRICED FROM

$489,990 5 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 17470 Luminous Ave, Venice, Florida 34293 | 941.292.7331 | Pulte.com/Lakespur

WARRINA AT EVERLY

• 2-floor single-family home with 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, and 3 Car Garage • Spacious kitchen and openconcept gathering room • Owner’s suite featuring a spacious bathroom with a dualsink vanity and walk-in closet

JOHN CANNON HOMES

SINGLE-FAMILY

3,451 SF

PRICED FROM

HIGH

$1MIL+

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

3-Car Garage 11449 Brightly Drive, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.213.5460 | JohnCannonHomes.com

• Elevated, customized, contemporary-transitional style luxury home • Master bedroom/ensuite, 2 walk-in closets, soaking tub, walk-in shower, private water closet • State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen • Great room with designer ceilings & 16’ wide sliding glass doors • Pool & outdoor oasis, elevated deck & integrated firepit

*Brochure photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly refl ect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

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8/1/26 9:39 AM

CofEvents ALENDAR October 3 | Mark your calendars for Wellen

Park’s third annual Oktoberfest celebration! This family-friendly event will have a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with German Dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition and of course, plenty of beer, brats and other traditional eats! For the most up-to-date event schedule, visit wellenpark.com/events.

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Oktoberfest O C T O B E R

8/1/26 10:30 AM

events CALENDAR

Wellen Park Spooktacular October 30 | Join us for a magical evening at the Wellen Park Spooktacular, a festive

fall celebration for the whole family! Enjoy live music, show off your creativity in our costume contest and trick-or-treat through Downtown Wellen Park. Kids can participate in hands-on crafts, games and seasonal activities, while families explore vendor booths, photo opportunities and more. Whether you’re dressed as a superhero, princess, pirate or pumpkin, there’s something for everyone at this spooktacular community event! For more information, visit wellenpark.com/events

30 O C T O B E R

TLJentgens Concert & Fireworks

September 4 | 6-9pm Get ready for an unforgettable night with TL Jentgens delivering an electrifying live performance complete with incredible music, energy and a spectacular fireworks finale. Bring your friends, enjoy the atmosphere and experience a concert event you won’t want to miss. Fireworks scheduled for 9:00pm. Visit wellenpark.com/events

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N O V E M B E R

Wellen Park Wine Festival November 14 | Wellen Park’s 2026 Wine

Festival will be a ticketed, outdoor event celebrating distinguished vintners and the culinary talents of our Wellen Park restaurateurs for an unforgettable weekend event where attendees can sip, sample and shop a variety of wines while sampling small bites from our Downtown Wellen restaurant partners. Enjoy a live contemporary jazz band on Solis Hall stage during the festival. We are honored to have the Rotary at Wellen Park serve as our official charity partner. Tickets are available for purchase.

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clicks COMMUNITY

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY JUNE 6, 2026

Wellen Park for National Trails Day® featured a variety of organized walks, group bike rides and educational walks and talks along the scenic Oakheart Trail. Whether you preferred a guided experience or a go-at-yourown-pace hike, it was great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others and experience the beauty of the trail. Hosted in partnership with the American Hiking Society, this annual celebration encouraged everyone to get outside and enjoy the places we love.

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IMAGES COURTESY OF WELLEN PARK.

8/1/26 8:29 AM

TOGETHER

Coache s of Wellen

BELOW Josh Goldstein, head coach of the girls golf and girls basketball teams at WPHS

HotRod

Park High School

Wellen Park resident Leo Stetson tells us about some of the fall sports his pride and joy–a 1932 Meet Ford Highboy Roadster. coaches of Wellen Park High WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL School’s inaugural season.

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

WHEN WELLEN PARK HIGH SCHOOL (WPHS) OPEN ITS DOORS IN AUGUST, it won’t just be letting in its first class of students. It will be welcoming those students and everything that comes with them—interests, passions, hobbies and families. Athletics will be one of those aspects of student life. As WPHS prepares for its inaugural year, so too does the campus, rife with state-of-the-art facilities, ready itself for the first season of fall sports. Get to know some of the coaches who will be leading the very first WPHS Eagles into battle.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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sports EXPLORE

BELOW Athletic Director and boys cross country coach Phuong Nguyen (left) and girls cross country Coach Hans Duque (right) are dedicated to building a positive, winning culture at WPHS

PHUONG NGUYEN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND BOYS XC Tasked with being the Athletic Director of WPHS, Phuong Nguyen will be coaching the boys cross country team this fall as well. Coach Nguyen comes to WPHS from nearby North Port High School, where he spent 23 years in various roles coaching cross country, football, weight lifting, track and field and was the second AD. “I just want to do things the right way,” says Nguyen. “Obviously, we want to be successful, but what comes first is producing great human beings. We all want to be the best athlete possible, but in the long run, we want to be the best people we can possibly be.” Nguyen has experience in growing a cross-country program. At North Port High, he hosted the largest on-campus cross-country meet in the state. Coming from a football background, Nguyen trains members of his cross country teams as athletes not just runners and has gravitated to the sport in large part because of how hard it is. “It’s not a big secret that in cross country, you have to be dedicated to be good. You can’t just show up and rely on your talent— there’s no lucky bounce of the ball or fortunate call from the referee,” he says. “It’s just you and that clock.”

HANS DUQUE GIRLS XC Head coach Hans Duque will be leading the girls’ cross country team at WPHS. Duque comes from North Port High, where he coached the girls’ cross country team in tandem with Phuong Nguyen. At WPHS, Duque is excited to build the cross-country program from the ground up and work in an environment conducive to developing great student-athletes. “Mr. Grossenbacher is awesome, he’s there to help if we need anything and just wants the best for them, as we all do,” says Duque. “It’s all about the kids and creating a safe space for them to grow, push themselves and become good people.” Duque, who hails from Colombia and will teach Spanish at WPHS, loves cross country for much of the same reasons as Nguyen—there is no outrunning hard work. “You need to be dedicated and disciplined. Of course, talent is great, but if you really want to learn something from cross country, you have to be willing to put in the work, to hurt,” says Duque. “That’s what is going to make you a strong runner.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA.

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sports EXPLORE

BELOW Head football coach Sascha Hyer is excited to lead the Wellen Park Eagles into battle this fall.

JOSH GOLDSTEIN GIRLS GOLF For Josh Goldstein, a career spent in education is what has led him to coach the girls’ golf team at WPHS. Goldstein, who just moved south to Wellen Park from the Tampa Bay area, taught in Hillsborough County for almost two decades. In the last 10 years, he has coached a variety of sports at Steinbrenner High School, including girls and boys basketball and girls golf. “I’ve been teaching for 19 years, and I’ve never had the opportunity to start a program from scratch,” says Goldstein. “One of the factors that brought me here was the chance to lead the first team of athletes to a championship. I take a lot of pride in creating a good culture and I enjoy taking a group of athletes that may not have any relationship with one another and giving them the chance to form bonds that can extend past their time at WPHS.”

SASCHA HYER FOOTBALL In the pantheon of high school sports, football stands alone. While certain parts of the country may have stronger high school football traditions than others—Florida being one of the most predominant—high school football is universally revered in the United States. At WPHS, the Eagles will play in a brand-new, 6,080-seat stadium on a high-quality, synthetic TenCate Turf field.

“The facilities are beautiful,” says Head Coach Sascha Hyer. “It honestly feels like a small college campus.” Hyer comes to WPHS with a championship pedigree. After serving as head coach of the North Port High football team in the early 2000s, Hyer spent 17 years at Venice High School as the defensive line coach, helping lead Venice to national prominence and three state championships. Motivated as Hyer is to build a winning program at WPHS, the veteran coach is equally passionate about building his players into high-quality people off the field. “​​In the end, we want to develop great young men that will be held accountable, not just on the field, but in the classroom, at home and in the workforce,” says Hyer. “Roughly 98% of all high school athletes will never play in college, so we’re trying to give them a sense of discipline, understanding that you’ve got to be on time, you’ve got to take directions and you’ve got to be able to take criticism.”

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sports EXPLORE

BELOW James Corbett will coach the boys golf program at WPHS—and is the Head Professional at nearby Wellen Park Golf and Country Club.

JAMES CORBETT BOYS GOLF James Corbett brings a wealth of experience to his role as head coach of the WPHS boys golf team. Not only is Corbett the head golf professional at Wellen Park Golf and Country Club—WPHS’s home turf and practice facilities—but he spent an extensive career coaching high school and college golf in Virginia, bringing numerous state championships to his alma mater Robert E. Lee/Stanton High School. Corbett and his family actually moved to Wellen Park for WPHS—his daughter will be a member of the 2026 freshman class—and happened upon the job after running into Principal Grossenbacher in Downtown Wellen one afternoon. “I love having a positive impact on all individuals, but especially high school-aged kids, and I have a good track record with creating successful players and successful people,” says Corbett. “I wanted to be part of that initial growth of a program and of building something special at WPHS. Wellen Park, the entire community in general, is something special.” Part of what excites Corbett about this season is the ability for the golf team to practice and play at Wellen Park Golf and Country Club, a facility with every resource available to build better golfers. The other part is what the game itself instills in those who play it. “Golf teaches you a lot of lessons. It teaches you honesty and integrity, you’re completely responsible for your own score and you have to take accountability for how you play,” says Corbett.

“In other sports, you might be able to blame certain things on teammates, the referee or how the game turned out, but there isn’t any of that in golf. All you can do is go out there and play the best that you can.”

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recreation EXPLORE

BELOW Players dig and spike during a friendly match at Station Park. The Co-Ed Volleyball of Wellen Park meets every Thursday evening at 6pm at Station Park, 12521 Manasota Beach Rd., Venice.

The Co-Ed Volleyball Group at Wellen Park brings together members of the community, one ace at a time. WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

For the Love of the

Game

GUNNAR AND WHITNEY JOHNSON MOVED TO WELLEN PARK FROM NORTH REDINGTON BEACH about two years ago. The couple was in search of a home for their growing family, which included their young daughter, Freya, with space, light and nearby access to the Gulf. They found all of that in Lakespur, but they also found something else—community in the form of a strung-up net and an inflated, neoprene-clad ball. For a little over a year, the Johnsons have cultivated an adult co-ed recreational volleyball group within Wellen Park. Every Thursday evening, participants gather in the field at Station Park, where Gunnar has strung up a couple of professional volleyball nets and play. The games—especially early in the evening—are not competitive. In fact, the first few matches, teams don’t even keep score.

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recreation EXPLORE

“IF YOU WERE TO COME OUT ON A THURSDAY NIGHT, we would walk you through the rules and give you the foundation of skills of how to rotate, how to hit, how to set and how to pass,” says Gunnar. “We’d ask you what your skill level was and then we would put you on a team that fit your style and strengths.

If you had no experience, we would let everybody know and everybody would work with you through the night.” The group, which has around 10 regulars and has swelled to upwards of 30 players at times, was started by Gunnar not long after he and Whitney moved to Wellen Park. Gunnar, who turned to volleyball in adulthood and played frequently in North Redington, noticed people “peppering”, or playing volleyball without a net. After traveling to Port Charlotte and Venice to play, 78

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BELOW, CLOCKWISE Gunnar Johnson (center, red jersey) poses with his Wellen Park Volleyball family during a Thursday evening; players hug and slap hands after a match; Players discuss the match before volleying up a serve.

Gunnar took note of the interest within Wellen Park and decided to start a group.

What differentiates the Co-Ed Volleyball of Wellen Park from other recreational volleyball (spots) in the area is the playing surface. Here on the Gulf Coast, outdoor volleyball typically means playing on the beach or in a sand court.

While beach volleyball is picturesque and fun, it is also incredibly tiring.

At Station Park, participants play on a grass field, a feature that, Gunnar attests, has brought athletes from all over the surrounding area. “Volleyball in Florida is generally played on the beach or indoors. We’re the only people I know of playing grass volleyball. It’s unique,” says Gunnar. “It’s the reason why people come here from Venice, Port Charlotte, North Port and Englewood.”

Volleyball, at its core, needs four people to be played. Teams can be composed of two players all the way to six, before substitutions are needed. As the Co-Ed Volleyball Group has grown, the Johnsons have expanded the offerings, adding in a second net and on occasion, a smaller one for hildren to play at. Over the course of the evening, teams will be divided up by skill level, mixing and matching inexperienced and experienced players for the most fun.

“Some people come as couples and sometimes they’ll want to play with each other and other times against each other. I know who the more skilled players are and will generally have them on separate teams,” says Johnson. “We play matches in best out of three and switch up the teams after that— we try to mix up the teams as much as possible. It’s co-ed, so we aim to have an equal number of girls and guys on each team.”

Whitney, first pregnant with daughter Freya and now with another baby on the way, has had just as much fun on the sidelines. The Co-Ed Volleyball Group has become a social conduit for the Johnsons. Volleyball is a multi-generational sport—everybody from 18 years old up to people in their sixties and seventies has joined in on the fun. “What I love about it is that it’s a chance for moms and women, or even just people who want to watch, to come together,” says Whitney. “I’ve been able to meet all of these moms and their husbands who are playing or they’re switching on and off while watching a baby. It’s a big community builder.”

With all of the interest their volleyball group has attracted, the Johnsons hope that the group can grow into a larger, more organized initiative, spanning all of Wellen Park. Gunnar has already hosted what he refers to as “Local Legends” days, in which experienced players from around the area come down and teach newcomers how to play. Residents of the Lakespur community, the Johnsons dream of every neighborhood in Wellen Park having its own team, playing in an inter-Wellen Park league. “We could start hosting tournaments,” says Gunnar. “I’d also love to introduce a youth division where we could bring all of the kids and teenagers into a summer recreational league and expand on those offerings. Volleyball is one of those sports that when you love it, you love it, and I want to continue to be a part of its development.” WPL PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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residents TOGETHER

THIS PAGE As Executive Director of Venice Theatre, Kristofer Geddie enjoys the community he has built throughout his career and in his new home in Wellen Park.

After a long day of leading one of the region’s most beloved theaters, Kristofer Geddie comes home to the tranquility and community of Wellen Park. WORDS BY OLIVIA FANDERS

FindingHome

FOR KRISTOFER GEDDIE, THEATER IS A WAY OF LIFE. “I did my first show when I was four,” Geddie says. “I’ve never known a world without theater.” Now, Geddie serves as the Executive Director of Venice Theatre. After suffering heavy hurricane damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022, the theater is currently being restored and renovated—a project that Geddie is part of leading.

Before moving to Southwest Florida, Geddie traveled internationally as the Company Manager and Principal Singer for Jean Ann Ryan productions on the Norwegian Cruise Line. He has performed in Ragtime, Dreamgirls, Falsettos, Jesus Christ Superstar and a wide variety of other productions.

However, after a long day of work at the theater, he returns home to Wellen Park.

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from the hustle and bustle of Venice.

“I knew I loved the area,” says Geddie. He spent much of his career in New York City, so he notes that renting seemed most convenient. “As a New Yorker at heart, I had no desire to deal with the maintenance and upkeep of a home yet,” he says. He explains that he loves the Stillwell complex and being settled in Wellen Park has been a welcome change of pace for him.

Geddie’s day-to-day life is jam-packed with meetings and productions. Especially with the ongoing construction at Venice Theatre, Geddie does not get a lot of time off. When he does get a free moment, though, he loves to explore Wellen Park’s local restaurants. “I love Oak & Stone,” Geddie said. “I really enjoy going to restaurants, and I can’t wait for the new ones to open so I can try them.”

On Sundays, he also enjoys going to the farmers market. “Is there any better

guacamole than at the farmers market in Wellen Park?” he jokes. Geddie notes that Wellen Park’s community events are a staple in his life. He particularly loves the yearly tree lighting and the activities around Solis Hall. “It’s wonderful to have a central location where families can gather together, hear music and just commune together,” he explains. “It gives me a chance to meet so many new people.”

When the Jervey Theatre finally reopens, Geddie is looking forward to welcoming his Wellen Park community to the newly renovated location. “There are so many new people who have never seen a show in our theater,” he explains. “I’m excited to invite them in and share what we do.” Geddie notes that the diversity of Wellen Park is the main reason why he feels so connected to it. “I’ve been thrilled to see so many people from so many walks of life,” he says. “It’s refreshing.” WPL PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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BELOW The Rotary Club of Wellen Park’s annual charity golf tournament on August 28 will support multiple charities.

The Rotary Club of Wellen Park will host its third annual golf tournament dedicated to supporting the local community. WORDS BY OLIVIA FANDERS

FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, the Rotary Club of Wellen Park will bring together business owners, volunteers and the wider community for their Annual Charity Golf Tournament on August 28.

While the event itself centers around friendly competition, its true purpose lies in the impact its proceeds have.

The last two tournaments’ proceeds went to the North Port Police Department’s K9 unit. “In those two years, we ended up donating about $18,000. That helped them buy equipment and training items for the animals—whether it’s for search and rescue or police investigation work,” Club President Steve Carter says.

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selves,” Carter explains. “Our donations made a huge difference.” This year, rather than selecting a single beneficiary for their golf tournament, the club will distribute the proceeds to multiple local charities. “That way, we can provide support to more people in the area,” Carter says “I’m looking forward to that—helping more than just one nonprofit at a time.”

The tournament has grown steadily since it was introduced. “The first year was pretty good. The field was probably 70% full—the second year, we were probably about 90% full,” says Carter.

“This year it looks like we’ll probably sell out, so it’s grown substantially.” More participation means more financial support for the community. Founded on the principle of service above self, the club is designed to identify local needs and create real solutions. “I’ve been in Rota-

ry for 30 years, and that’s what Rotary does—whether it’s a golf tournament or scholarships, we are always looking for ways to give back,” Carter says. “We are always looking for ways to show how we can better the community and help people.”

The spirit of service extends far beyond tournament day. Throughout the year, Rotary Club members participate in projects dedicated to community improvement—from giving out Thanksgiving meals to supporting performances at Venice Theatre. While some participants may come to the tournament for just a great round or a lucky shot, the Rotary Club of Wellen Park measures the real success of the tournament by how much support they can provide to the community. “We want to make it fun, but we also want participants to know that they’re helping give back to the community.” WPL

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Building

More Than Homes Through contributions to the Sarasota County School District, Neal Communities is building a future for students across the region. WORDS BY OLIVIA FANDERS

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FOR 56 YEARS, NEAL COMMUNITIES has been in business in Manatee County—but the homebuilder’s impact stretches much further than just property development. “Each year we consider about 50 requests for grants and aid,” says Pat Neal, co-founder and CEO of Neal Communities. “This year, we have chosen 19 premier projects to support in a bigger way than our other projects, as part of our total budget, which ranges from about $1 million to about $59 million per year.”

The business has donated more than $8 million in the past, including $500,000 to Hope Village of Manatee, $2,000 to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and $10,000 to Boca Cares in the last few years. They have also provided $25,000 for college scholarships at Florida Gulf Coast University. “Our criteria is to choose projects which will improve our world and our local world (Manatee and

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THIS PAGE Neal Communities operates under the core belief that “Where You Live Matters.”

Co-founder and CEO of Neal Communities, Pat Neal.

Sarasota Counties) in education and the environment, human dignity and quality of life,” Neal explains.

Recently, Neal Communities has been focusing its efforts on the local education system. Manatee County’s school district offers a “Building Trades and Construction Design Technology” pathway for students interested in fields that require trade skills. Neal Communities has been supporting this program, specifically. “I have sent a grant to the Manatee County School Board—we also support a similar program at Riverview High School in Sarasota,” Neal says. “Our purpose is to encourage young people in Sarasota and Manatee counties to consider careers that do not necessarily require a full college education.”

Throughout the program, students get to learn the ins and outs of the trades.

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building vocabulary, measurements, standards, codes, the requirements of work safety and compliance with laws and codes,” Neal emphasizes. “Once one passes the apprenticeship and enters the journeyman phase, the student learns the actual skills of the work itself.”

Neal finds this program incredibly beneficial to students and believes in encouraging students to go into these types of fields. “We think this is important for the quality of life in our community—for the 23,000 people in Sarasota and Manatee Counties who are currently working in the construction trades,” Neal emphasizes. Neal Communities plans to continue giving to important causes in the future, especially within the local school districts of Southwest Florida. They hope to play a part in helping the next generation of tradesmen and college graduates alike flourish. WPL nealcommunities.com

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Oakbend

THIS PAGE With customizable homes and resort-style amenities, Oakbend offers a community built on comfort, style and convenience.

Luxury Living in a Boutique Gated Neighborhood.

WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

OAKBEND IS WELLEN PARK’S NEWEST GATED NEIGHBORHOOD, featuring an exclusive collection of luxury single-family homes by nationally recognized builders Toll Brothers and ICI Homes. Designed for buyers seeking a refined, connected lifestyle, Oakbend pairs upscale home designs with private resort-style amenities and convenient access to some of the community’s most popular destinations. Perfectly situated near Downtown Wellen, CoolToday Park and The Greenway Trail, the neighborhood offers an intimate residential setting while remaining connected to Wellen Park’s extensive network of trails, parks, dining, shopping and recreation. Residents enjoy an array of exclusive amenities designed for active, social living, including a resort-style pool, clubhouse and social lounge, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, playground, viewing dock, walking and biking trails, direct connections to CoolToday Park and Downtown Wellen and access to The Greenway’s outdoor recreation areas. The community also showcases the distinct strengths of its two featured builders. Toll Brothers, one of the nation’s leading luxury homebuilders, offers thoughtfully designed one- and two-story floor plans with flexible living spaces, personalization opportunities and designer finishes. ICI Homes, known for exceptional customization and energy-efficient construction, brings award-winning floor plans that allow homeowners to create spaces tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Each builder brings a shared reputation for quality construction, thoughtful design and a commitment to delivering exceptional homeowner experiences.

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THAT COMMITMENT TO PERSONALIZATION IS CENTRAL TO OAKBEND’S APPEAL. As Realtor and Sales Associate Jeremy Ganns says, “ICI Homes has long embraced the belief that a home should be designed around the homeowner, not the other way around. Oakbend reflects that philosophy by combining the vibrant lifestyle and amenities of Wellen Park with the design flexibility, craftsmanship and customization opportunities that have defined ICI Homes for generations. The result is a boutique community where residents can enjoy the energy of the surrounding area while creating a home that feels uniquely their own from the moment they walk through the front door.” Division President of Toll Brothers in Tampa and Sarasota, Brian O’Hara, adds that Oakbend offers a distinctive balance of luxury living within a highly connected, mas-

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ter-planned environment. “Unlike many standalone communities, it provides direct access to trails leading to Cool Today Park and Downtown Wellen, placing shopping, dining and entertainment within easy reach. The gated setting, expansive home designs, and opportunity for personalization at the Toll Brothers Design Studio elevate the experience, while its location near renowned Gulf Coast beaches enhances its appeal as a premier destination for refined living.” He is especially proud of the future amenity collection, designed to shape a true resort-style lifestyle.

A beautifully appointed clubhouse with a social lounge will serve as a central gathering place, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness center and a resort-style pool,” he says. “Outdoor recreation, including pickleball and bocce ball courts, a playground and

Oakbend At a Glance Community Type Gated luxury single-family neighborhood Builders Toll Brothers & ICI Homes Homesites 181 homesites Home Sizes Approximately 2,100 to 3,800+ sq. ft.

Home Styles One- and two-story floor plans Bedrooms 3–6 bedrooms Price Point From the $500s

scenic walking paths leading to a viewing dock, will create opportunities for both relaxation and connection. Together, these amenities establish Oakbend as a community defined by both leisure and engagement.” WPL Visit wellenpark.com for more details.

IMAGES COURTESY OF WELLEN PARK.

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Westlake

THIS PAGE Homes by West Bay’s Westlake model.

Residents of Westlake will have access to a private amenity center featuring a resort-style, lakeside pool, spa, poolside cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor fire features.

Luxury Living, Lakeside Charm WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

WESTLAKE WELLEN PARK IS AN EXCLUSIVE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD distinguished by expansive homesites, refined architecture and exceptional opportunities for personalization. Ideally situated across from Downtown Wellen, residents will enjoy a walkable lifestyle with convenient access to boutique shopping, dining, parks, trails and vibrant community gatherings. Thoughtfully designed amenities—including a resort-style pool, fitness center, private cabanas, fishing dock and picturesque lake views— further enhance the experience. Westlake represents a distinctive new standard of luxury living in Venice. Neal Signature Homes will offer a variety of elevations for its homes in Westlake, including Florida Modern, French Colonial, Farmhouse and British West Indies. The four customizable floor plans for Westlake include three one-story floor plans: the Palm Bay 2, which offers 3,138 square feet and three bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage, the Kingfisher 2 with 3,435 square feet and three bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a three-car garage and the 3,783 square foot Seaside 2 with three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a three-car garage; and one two-story floor plan, the Monterey 2 with four bedrooms, five baths and a three-car garage under 4,189 square feet of living space.

Bright, airy floor plans feature abundant natural light, seamless indoor-outdoor living and customizable personalization options.

“Westlake is one of the most exciting neighborhoods we’ve had the privilege of building in Wellen Park. We’re introducing brandnew floor plans and elevations exclusively designed for this community—unlike anything we’ve brought to Wellen Park before,” says Homes by WestBay’s Vice President of Design and Division Manager, Dee Crescini. “Every home is backed by our personalized Design Studio experience and the superior craftsmanship Homes by WestBay is known for throughout Southwest Florida.

Westlake is simply the very best of what we have to offer.” Blake Lindsey, vice president of sales for Neal Signature Homes says, “We are excited to begin sales in this great new Wellen Park community which has the advantage of being close to downtown Wellen Park. We will also soon have several 60-foot inventory homes available in the nearby Everly neighborhood in Wellen Park.”

Lee Wetherington Homes Sales Consultant, Debra Thomas adds, “Lee Wetherington Homes is excited to bring our legacy of truly custom homes to the Westlake community at Wellen Park. As a local builder for 45 years, we have built a reputation as one of the Suncoast’s premier custom homebuilders, distinguished by innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship and a highly personalized, customer-focused homebuilding experience. Our commitment to quality and attention to detail ensures that every home reflects the unique vision and lifestyle of our homeowners.”

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There are two ways to build within the community.

BUILDER-CHOICE HOMESITES

HOME BUILDERS

These select 85’ homesites are designed for a more personalized homebuilding experience, offering the added space and flexibility of a larger homesite. Buyers begin by selecting the homesite setting that best reflects your lifestyle—whether drawn to scenic views, enhanced privacy, or convenient access to community amenities—then choose from a collection of distinguished builders to bring your vision to life, with the freedom to create a home that feels distinctly your own. For builder-choice homesites, homebuyers choose their preferred 85’ homesite and collaborate with the builder that best reflects their vision and lifestyle. From the start, they enjoy a personalized homebuilding experience, working closely with the builder to design a home that fits their unique preferences. Together, they can tailor floor plans, features, finishes and design details to create a home that complements their lifestyle and meets the needs of their family.

Lee Wetherington Homes, Now Selling Base prices starting at $1,138,000 2,750 to over 4000+ SF 941.344.2775

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Neal Signature Homes, Now Selling Base Prices starting- $1,171,990 3,138 – 4,189 SF 941.326.4570

DESIGNATED BUILDER HOMESITES These homesites have been reserved by individual builders, each offering a collection of home designs specifically tailored for these select locations. Buyers can enjoy the convenience of selecting a builder-approved 65’ and 75’ homesite while still personalizing their home to reflect their lifestyle, preferences and design vision. With designated builder homesites, homebuyers choose their preferred 65’ or 75’ homesite and builder pairing. Each builder offers a unique approach to the

homebuilding experience. Depending on the builder selected, opportunities may include everything from curated floorplan and design selections to more extensive floor plan personalization and structural modifications.

HOME BUILDERS Homes by WestBay, Selling Fall 2026 Base prices from $700s 2,529SF – 5,525 SF 941.384.0195 ICI Homes, Selling August 2026 Base prices from mid-$800’s 2,999 – 4,636+ SF 941.384.0754 Builders selected for Westlake share a commitment to quality and innovation, and are eager to introduce homebuyers to their vision for the new neighborhood and the community as a whole. WPL Visit wellenpark.com for more details.

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NATIONAL TRAILS DAY Wellen Park recently celebrated National Trails Day with the grand opening of three new nature trails.

IMAGE COURTESY OF WELLEN PARK.

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