Wellen Park Living | Winter 2025 by SRQ MEDIA

WELLEN PARK

TOGETHER

74 Check out photos from Oktoberfest.

83 The second annual Rotary Club at Wellen Park’s Charity Golf Outing benefited the North Port Police Department’s K-9 unit. 88 Retired Air Force Sergeant Daniel Beesting and his family make a fresh start in Wellen Park. 92 Lt. Richard Yarnall shares the story behind the antique fire truck at Station 86. 98 Nanci Mosca has brought her closest friends with her to Wellen Park, all the way from Rochester, New York. 103 Parting Shot.

SPECIAL SECTION

56 Explore Wellen Park’s neighborhoods and the builder’s model homes.

CALENDAR

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 Wellen Wonderland, Holiday Art Show and the Luminescence Festival. Turn to page 71 for upcoming events.

THIS PAGE Owner and Founder Pat Cheuvront of Florida’s Freshest Fish Company; annoucing the new Boys and Girls Club of North Port, photography by Wes Roberts. COVER CREDITS A beautiful sunset evening at Downtown Wellen Park to connect, celebrate and enjoy a delicious meal together, photography by Wes Roberts.

EXPLORE

8 Wellen Park President Rick Severance shares key updates on development in the community. 11 Phase Two development brings new businesses to Downtown Wellen Park. 18 Florida’s Freshest Fish Company is part of the magic at the Fresh Harvest Farmer’s Market. 22 Wellen Park welcomed Christian music stars Chris Ekiss and Brennley Brown to Solis Hall for a Night of Worship concert that benefitted local non-profits FCA, 180 House and All Faiths Food Bank. 26 Experience the best in arts & culture with our preview to the season. 40 Jeff Wesner is bringing his experience to North Port’s newest hospital, slated to open in the fall of 2028. 44 Gulf Coast Community Foundation Boosts Progress on New Boys & Girls Club in North Port. 48 This season, take advantage of one of the many holiday event offerings in and around Wellen Park.

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.

FOR THE CHILDREN New Boys & Girls Club in North Port

FRESH HARVEST FARMERS MARKET

Florida’s Freshest Fish Company

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Developer’s Update

Dear Wellen Park Community and Friends,

In times like these with the world shifting rapidly and our hurried lives echoing louder than usual, it’s imperative to seek grounding and peace in the familiar. For many of us, that peace begins right here in Wellen Park among our tree-lined streets, new walking paths, trails and parks. I like to listen to the laughter echoing from playgrounds, and my favorite . . . neighbors who engage with each other while walking their dog or passing on their bikes. These small encounters remind us, we’re not alone.

Our community was built with more than just homes in mind. It was designed as a place where people could ﬁnd connection, belonging and peace. And while the world beyond our individual neighborhoods may feel sometimes unsettled; our kindness, respect, and resilience—can serve as a steady foundation as our community continues to grow and evolve.

Now more than ever, these values matter. We may not all agree on everything, and that’s okay. What we can do is continue to show up for each other with empathy and an ear to learn more. Greet one another with patience. Join a new group. Check in on a neighbor. O er a helping hand or volunteer. These small acts are what weave the fabric of a truly thriving community.

Our team remains committed to keeping our shared spaces safe, beautiful and welcoming. I am so excited about what the downtown is going to add to Wellen Park and there is so much more on the horizon for our residents and visitors alike.

Let’s continue to hold space for each other. Let’s be the calm inside the storm, the light on the porch and the steady in the midst of change. I hope I get to see you at one of our events in downtown soon. Be well.

Warmest regards,

Rick Severance | President, Wellen Park

CEO / PRESIDENT

EDITOR IN CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LISL LIANG

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER WES ROBERTS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT Ashley Grant

ACCOUNTS 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

CONTRIBUTING SENIOR DESIGNER Virginia Jankovsky

ART+VISUAL PROJECTS ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Jennifer Villagomez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS, ARTISTS + INTERNS Kate Wight, Cecilia Mould, Jack Coleman, Mobtagha Bejaoui

FOR INQUIRIES REGARDING ADVERTISING, DISTRIBUTION OR STORIES, CONTACT US AT: WELLENPARK@SRQME.COM

Phase Two development brings new businesses to Downtown Wellen Park. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

EXPLORE TheNewFaces

of Downtown Wellen Park

downtown

Wellen Park is more than just a destination—it’s the beating heart of a community that thrives on connection, creativity and everyday experiences. In the downtown area, vibrant streets bustle with energy as neighbors gather over coffee, families explore local shops and visitors are welcomed with open arms. With its dynamic blend of dining, shopping and shared spaces, Downtown Wellen Park has quickly become a place where life is celebrated in every detail.

NOW, WITH THE ARRIVAL OF PHASE II, THIS STORY ENTERS AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER. A thoughtfully curated mix of retail, restaurants, services and office tenants will bring fresh perspectives and new experiences to the community—each one adding a unique voice to the ever-evolving spirit of Wellen Park. From local entrepreneurs to established brands, Phase II reflects the momentum of a place that’s always growing, always welcoming and always in motion. Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park, announced that Phase II of the community’s development—located adjacent to the existing downtown area—has been accelerated by three years in response to strong demand. The new phase will bring over a dozen new tenants to the area, including a high-end salon, a Pilates studio, a boutique pet store, two new boutiques and a variety of food and beverage options.

In addition to retail and dining, the expansion will feature a 148-key Marriott Tribute Hotel, a dedicated dog park and expanded parking to accommodate the growth. Corporate offices are expected to begin relocating to the area by the end of 2025, with the first wave of retail and dining tenants opening their doors in the first and second quarters of 2026. “The intention with this new phase is still to create a walkable, golf cart-friendly downtown area,” says Severance. “A lot of our decision-making had to do with the success of the Phase I tenants and their performance, but it also had to do with our willingness to listen to our residents and our visitors about what else they would want in downtown. We’re excited about this growth and we’re going to continue to listen to our residents as to what they want and desire as part of Wellen Park.”

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT

Domenica Riggio, Spiros Stogiannis and Demetri Stogiannis of Easy Does It Kitchen; Dolores, Jim and Isabella Beckman, of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming; Danielle and James MacConel of Hudson Square Boutique,

downtown

Meet the Tenants

James Griffith Salon

Christine and James Griffith, local Englewood residents, are the owners of James Griffith Salon, with locations in Venice (opened in 1988), Boca Grande (2000), and Sarasota (2008). “We’re unique in that we train our stylists in the art of French hairdressing—a technique that creates beautiful results,” Christine says. “The James Griffith Salon staff attends continual education, whether it’s to hone our technical skills or learn about the latest fashion/beauty trends. Along with offering our world-class French techniques, we also offer popular trends, which include balayage, color and extensions.” Christine and James are excited to expand into Wellen Park, with their newest salon set to open in early 2026. Christine explains that she and James first wanted to open a Wellen Park location before Covid, but that the pandemic caused them to put their plans on hold. “We are at the point where we know it’s the right time to expand and Wellen Park is the perfect place for us to do it. We are really looking forward to being a part of the community’s growth.” To learn more visit jamesgriffithsalon.com.

Easy Does it Kitchen

Spiros Stogiannis is the owner, founder and executive chef of Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen, one of the new restaurants set to open in Downtown Wellen. This marks the third culinary venture for Stogiannis, who is well known in Massachusetts for his popular eateries, Easy Pie and Be Ez. Easy Does It will occupy a prominent corner location at the entrance of Wellen Park Boulevard, and will be approximately 2,000 square feet, which Stogiannis describes as “boutique” in size. The restaurant will have room for around 70 indoor seats and additional outdoor patio seating to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. “When I moved from Boston to Florida, the sunshine, palm trees, beaches and brand new communities inspired me to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle,” says Stogiannis. “That vibe, along with the names of my other restaurants, led to the name Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen for this new spot.” The menu leans hard into comfort food, featuring smashburgers piled high with all kinds of indulgent toppings—think chili, onion rings and gourmet extras—plus nachos, fresh chopped salads, bowls, wraps and a wide variety of handhelds. “We’re also bringing something we’re famous for back in Massachusetts: the Monster Tot, or Monstah Tot, as we like to say in Boston,” he adds. “It’s a giant, homemade tater tot loaded with toppings—some with bacon, chives and sour cream, others with buffalo chicken or mac and cheese. There’s a whole section on the menu just for them. They’re seriously amazing.” In addition to owning a business in the community, Stogiannis and his family are proud to call Wellen Park their home. “I grew up watching sitcoms like Cheers, and I hope to create that same welcoming vibe—a place where everyone feels at home and everyone knows your name,” he says. “We’ll have the games on, comfort food, healthy options, maybe even live music or a DJ on some nights. There’ll also be a full bar with signature cocktails and mocktails. I want it to be a spot where people can drop in for lunch, work on their laptop during the day and come back in the evening to connect with others in the neighborhood.” To learn more visit THEEASYBRANDS.com

Hudson Square Boutique

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT

The signature patties at Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen will be hand packed fresh every day with a variety of flavor combinations. Hudson Square Boutique will feature styles ranging from casual to elevated looks, all at accessible prices.

MEET THE PHASE II TENANTS

Easy Does It

Comfort Kitchen

La Maison

Agave Bandido

Grain & Berry

Seaside & Co.

Hudson Square Boutique

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

James Griffith Salon Club Pilates

Mattamy Homes Design Center

Oasis Eye Care

AvSKY

Allstate Fisher Family Insurance

J&B Insurance Partners

Mattamy Homes Division Office

Danielle MacConel has loved fashion her entire life and always dreamt of owning her own boutique. That dream took her to Manhattan, where she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and began her retail career on the Upper East Side. In 2019, she opened her first brick and mortar location, Hudson Square Boutique in upstate NY, and after relocating to Venice earlier this year with her husband, 12-year-old son and three small dogs, she knew it was time to bring Hudson Square into the Florida space. Hudson Square Boutique is a women’s wear shop that combines fashion with community. “We offer a curated mix of high-quality, on-trend pieces from brands like Z SUPPLY, Kut from the Kloth and Elan, with new arrivals every week,” shares MacConel. “Serving women from 25 to 65+, our styles range from casual to elevated looks, all at accessible prices. With award-winning recognition and nationwide shipping, our mission is to help women feel confident, stylish and inspired.” MacConel decided to open her business in Wellen Park because, she says, it truly feels like the dream community. “Ranked in the top, among the fastest-selling master-planned communities in the U.S., Wellen Park is thriving with new homes, exciting shops, delicious restaurants and live music events that my family and I already love,” she says. “It’s the perfect place to bring Hudson Square Boutique—where style meets community and fashion feels effortless. I am honored to be a part of it.” Beyond fashion, MacConel is passionate about building community and bringing people together. “At my New York boutique, I’ve featured several local vendors and partnered with charities to support meaningful causes—and I’m excited to do the same here in Florida. I’m also a huge animal lover, having fostered over 100 animals and worked with local organizations to raise money for pets in need. Giving back is at the heart of everything I do.” To learn more visit hudsonsquareboutique.com

downtown

Club Pilates

Looking for a workout that strengthens your core, improves your posture and leaves you feeling balanced—literally and mentally? Say hello to Pilates. This popular fitness method, created by Joseph Pilates back in the early 20th century, has stood the test of time. It’s low-impact, highly effective and good for everyone—whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned fitness lover. And the best part? Club Pilates is bringing its expert-led classes right to Wellen Park, making it easier than ever to stretch, strengthen and sweat your way to a healthier you. Peter Kilkullin, along with Gary Keith and his wife, owns nine Club Pilates studios across Sarasota and Pinellas counties. Wellen Park will be their newest location. “At Club Pilates, you choose your level of challenge. It’s all about progression,” says Kilkullin. “Our comprehensively trained instructors help guide you safely and steadily toward your fitness goals—at your own pace. We believe the Wellen Park community is a perfect fit for what we offer.” Jill Pecore, the operations manager who works closely with Kilkullin, will oversee the new studio. She’ll manage class schedules, instructors and special events—and is excited to become part of the Wellen Park community. To learn more, visit clubpilates.com.

Woof Gang

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is North America’s leading specialty retailer of gourmet pet treats, food, supplies and professional grooming, with over 450 locations open or in development. The company received the Retailer of the Year Franchise Award from Pet Product News and was ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for the second year in a row in 2024. Founders Paul and Cara Allen started the business in 2007 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, after becoming frustrated with the limited options for pet care. While big-box stores offered convenience, they lacked the expertise, service and warmth of neighborhood pet stores—an experience the Allens sought to revive with Woof Gang. Jim and Dolores Beckman own the Woof Gang location in Wellen Park. “We first became aware of Wellen Park three years ago when we started scouting locations. It was already being pitched in articles and in promotional spots at the SRQ Airport as the next big Master Planned Community and when we drove down to look at it, we were very impressed. Everything looked clean, new and inviting and the new Braves stadium just blew us away,” explains Jim. “After we pitched the location to Woof Gang, their detailed analysis including heat maps supported our own impressions. The person at the company in charge of real estate for Florida said that Wellen Park checked all the boxes in terms of demographics and everything else they look for in a good location. It just really lit up, they said. In fact, they went as far to say that Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park were the two brightest spots on the Gulf Coast of Florida for a Woof Gang Bakery.” The Beckmans are excited to serve Wellen Park’s growing and diverse customer base and to be part of Downtown Wellen. “We have always appreciated its positive, upscale vibe, from the Naples Soap Company, to enjoying a cool treat at Bright Ice, to the lakeside common areas and playground that our seven-year-old daughter, Izzy, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Caspian, always love.” To learn more visit woofgangbakery.com WPL

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT Club Pilates features a range of class offerings to challenge your body and mind. Visit Woof Gang for a paw-mazing selection of handmade, oven-baked treats, premium food and other pet essentials.

KeepingitFresh

Florida’s Freshest Fish Company is part of the magic at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

THERE’S A CERTAIN MAGIC TO ARRIVING AT THE FRESH HARVEST FARMERS MARKET IN DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THE DAY. On Sunday mornings, the air hums with energy as vendors bustle around setting up their tents and displaying their wares. Heirloom tomatoes, juicy berries and colorful bell peppers glow like jewels in the morning sun and jars of local honey cast a warm amber glow. The delicate scent of fresh herbs mingles in the air with the zesty sweetness of citrus and the enticing aroma of savory breakfast empanadas. Neighbors pause to exchange greetings as they fill up their reusable tote bags with grocery items for the week. It’s more than a shopping trip: it’s a ritual of connection where the rhythm of the seasons comes alive. A stroll through a farmers market offers a snapshot of a region’s culinary spirit. Local jams, sauces, breads, cheeses and craft beverages are often made with local ingredients and shaped by the area’s culture.

BELOW: Pat Chevron (right), business partner of Florida’s Freshest Fish Company at the Farmers Market. floridasfreshestfish.com.

THE FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND HERBS ON DISPLAY OFTEN REFLECT WHAT GROWS WELL IN THE LOCAL CLIMATE AND SOIL. Even the proteins for sale represent the best of what is locally available. This is perfectly exemplified by Florida’s Freshest Fish Company, the popular local seafood vendor that is a regular at both the weekly Fresh Harvest Farmers Market in Downtown Wellen Park and the monthly Wellen Park Night Market. Established in 2021, Florida’s Freshest Fish Company is a wholesale and retail provider specializing in authentic, fresh Florida seafood.

“Our mission is to provide all Florida residents the opportunity to buy fresh, authentic Florida seafood in the ease of their own communities or at their local farmers markets,” says Jeff Sims, owner and founder. Florida’s Freshest Fish Company offers an array of Florida seafood, including grouper, mahi, pompano, snapper, swordfish, trigger, tripletail, tuna, wahoo, Key West pink shrimp and spiny lobsters. Sims also sources other popular fish from other parts of the world, including Faroe salmon, Ora King salmon, branzino, Chilean sea

bass, corvina, New Bedford sea scallops and coldwater lobster. Sims works closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that he’s always getting the freshest, highest-quality product in stock. “Our selection changes not by the season, but by the day, since everything is wild caught,” Sims explains. Fish are often cooked differently based on specific characteristics such as fat content, thickness and texture. As a result, home cooks can be intimidated by the thought of purchasing fish to prepare by themselves. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the vendor tent about the best way to prepare your purchase to get some helpful tips. Start off your farmers market visit at Florida’s Freshest Fish Company, then visit the produce stands to build the perfect meal around your protein. For the less culinary-inclined though, Florida’s Freshest Seafood Company also offers some delicious preprepared foods. “Our biggest ‘wow’ items are our homemade items that include jumbo lump crabcakes, smoked mahi fish dip and cajun shrimp and crab dip,” Sims says. “We also plan to start selling smoked salmon in November.” WPL

THIS PAGE

Pat Chevron holds up some of Florida’s Freshest Fish Company’s bounty at the Farmers Market. The Fresh Harvest Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday between 9am and 1pm in Downtown Wellen Park. You can find Florida’s Freshest Fish Company there each week. The Wellen Park Night Market is held on the second Thursday of each month in Downtown Wellen from 6pm-9pm and features a rotating lineup of vendors.

live music

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT

Brennley Brown rocks out atop the stage at Solis Hall; Chris Ekiss was called to faith through the power of worship music; Brown relishes every opportunity she has to connect with fans.

GodRocks

Residents gat hered at Solis Hall for Wellen Park’s Night of Worship Concert featuring Christian music stars Chris Ekiss and Brennley Brown.

SOMETHING SPECIAL WAS IN THE AIR IN DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK ON OCTOBER 24. It was more than just the cool fall breeze or the last embers of the sunset streaking through the sky. There was a sense of community, of warmth, of belonging. A sense of home. Audiences flocked to Solis Hall for Wellen Park’s Night of Worship Concert, featuring Nashville recording artists Chris Ekiss and Brennley Brown. The concert, which was presented by Lee Wetherington Homes, was more than just a rocking good time. It was a chance for residents to come together in fellowship, to celebrate their faith and to give back to their community. Free of admission to audiences, the Night of Worship Concert benefitted local charitable organizations Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Suncoast Youth for Christ (YFC).

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

Brennley Brown

The spotlight has always followed Brennley Brown. It followed her from her family’s ranch in Apple Valley, California, where the 23-year-old Christian-country singer was raised on a soundtrack of ‘70s country and gospel music, to Hollywood, where Brown competed on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice in 2017. It followed her to Nashville, where she signed with Provident Label Group in 2023 and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024. “I started singing when I was very young and auditioned for The Voice at 14-years-old,” says Brown. “Through that process I began to learn what it was going to take to be an artist—after The Voice, I began to dig into songwriting. It was a journey of thoughtfulness and prayer in figuring out who am I and what do I want to share with the world through my music.” On February 7, Brown released her single Sanctuary, which featured three tracks including The Jesus I Know and Miracle Story, all set to be featured on an album later this year. Brown’s songwriting is fierce and unapologetic, calling for listeners to look deep into their own hearts, and her delivery is powerful, resonant and clear. Although Brown is climbing a steady upward trajectory, the path to where she is now has not been an easy one. Brown credits her faith and the power that music has had in her life as the reason she kept pressing forward. “My faith influences everything. It is my strength, it’s what I need to get through the day, without Jesus I am nothing,” says Brown. “Music is a gift, I believe that God made it for healing, and that’s what it has done in my life. Music has been such a sanctuary for me, so being able to write and share it with others is such a blessing.”

Chris Ekiss

Chris Ekiss knows the power of worship music just as well as anyone. Born in the Midwest and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, Ekiss came from a musical background, but not one of faith. Inspired by the video game Rock Band, Ekiss started a band of his own while in high school and eschewed college to continue playing after graduation. His journey to his faith, however, happened through worship music. Ekiss began dating his now-wife, Sara, and began attending The Orchard Church, in Tupelo, serving on the worship team.

“I fell in love with Jesus through the way that He spoke to me, which was through music,” says Ekiss.

“I spent most of my life not believing in Jesus, so now, a little over 10 years into my faith, I still know what it’s like to not know and to not believe.”

Ekiss, who still serves as a full-time worship leader at The Orchard, signed with the Nashville-based Provident Label Group three years ago and has blossomed as an artist ever since. In 2024, Ekiss released his six-track EP Ain’t That Like Jesus and has followed that up with successive singles WILD!, Secondhand Smoke and Life’s Biggest Questions in 2025. Although Ekiss plays a mean guitar and has the honey-dipped voice of a country star, he is not beholden to any particular genre, instead looking to

be a conduit for Christ through his songs. As someone who has not spent his entire life in faith, Ekiss understands that approaching Christianity, for some, might be overwhelming. In Secondhand Smoke and Life’s Biggest Questions, Ekiss relates some of the worldly concepts of today to the teachings of Christ.

“My position is to say to people who might be coming to Christ for the first time, ‘this is a lot. This might be overwhelming, but here are some of the things that a church will say to you, in a way that you might understand now,’” says Ekiss. “In church we take ideas from the world and say, ‘well, this is actually how Jesus intended these to be interpreted.’”

As both a worship leader and a musical artist, Ekiss looks to uplift the audience while also urging them to look deeper within themselves through his music. At a concert such as Night of Worship, where he performed an unreleased track, Copperhead, Ekiss spread the gospel in the way he knows best— with his microphone in hand, his heart on his sleeve and love in his mind. “Because of what I’ve lived through, I don’t want to get on stage and sing a song just to sound pretty and have everyone clap—I want to sing something that challenges the non-believer to think a different way and challenges the believer into going deeper,” says Ekiss.

IMAGES COURTESY OF RICK LABERGE.

live music

Night of Worship Concert

At the Night of Worship Concert, the stage at Solis Hall became more than just an elevated platform. It became a space of sharing—Ekiss and Brown with their musical gifts—and audience members with their hearts. Surrounded by live oaks, the grand lake and vibrant streets of Downtown Wellen Park, Solis Hall provides a unique environment for families of all shapes and sizes to congregate. “At Wellen Park, we’re focused on creating a community where people can truly connect—not just through where they live, but through shared experiences that inspire and bring us together,” says Wellen Park President Rick Severance. “The Night of Worship was born out of a focus group

core values: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence. The Sarasota County FCA strives to fulfill the organization’s mission through a multitude of ways, from hosting camps, events and sports programs to training coaches and having a presence in the high schools of Sarasota County.

The Night of Worship Concert supports FCA’s ministry by both raising awareness and funding for the organization’s efforts. “It really gives our communities the opportunity to learn and understand what FCA is doing,” says Area Director Mike McKirahan. “FCA has been active in our schools and on our sports fields for many years. This concert allows us to share what our mission is with more families.”

with the youth of this region who were brought together to foster ideas about how Wellen Park could be the hub for positive connections. This concert reflects the outcome of their shared vision. It’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and learn about volunteer opportunities. It’s intended to continue to build a place where connection and purpose thrive at every age.”

The concert, however, wouldn’t be complete without benefitting the youth-serving organizations of the area, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Suncoast Youth for Christ. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an international organization devoted to seeing the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. In the Sarasota County FCA, the organization follows four

As a local non-profit, FCA’s operations are completely dependent on the support of donors and local businesses. If a child, for instance, wants to play on a FCA team, but cannot afford the equipment, FCA will provide that equipment every single time.

“Our ministry has absolutely exploded. There’s never been a greater need or hunger and thirst from the youth for this type of ministry,” says McKirahan. “We’re trying to keep up and this will allow us to continue to purchase bibles for students, to feed kids at lunch and to obtain the supplies to further our ministry in the county.”

The Suncoast YFC has been serving youth aged 11-19 in Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 1955. The organization works through several ministry models including Campus Life, which is active in

Downtown Wellen Park hosted the Night of Worship to joyful crowds of music enthusiasts

middle and high schools on the Suncoast; City Life, which is present in neighborhoods; Juvenile Justice Ministry, Parent Life, which provides ministry and support to teen parents and the 180 House, which has locations in Venice and Bradenton.

“Our tagline for the 180 Houses says, ‘Be Here. Be You. Belong,’” says Suncoast YFC Executive Director Mark Wiles. “It’s a place where teens from all walks of life and all belief systems can drop in and hang out. We offer an opportunity for them to connect in a positive way with adults who truly care about not just where they’re at, but their futures. Most teens don’t have a lot of positive, caring adult relationships in their lives, but statistically, the more that they have, the more likely they are to succeed in school, get gainful employment and feel good about themselves.”

As a beneficiary of the Night of Worship Concert, Wiles hopes that the concert will help to further spread awareness of the various ways that Suncoast YFC serves the community. “The Gulf Coast is very family and community oriented, so we love participating in an event like this. It’s a positive night and a chance for us to share more about our organization—we hope that Suncoast YFC and 180 House will become a household name in the area,” says Wiles.

As presenting sponsor of the Night of Worship Concert, Lee Wetherington Homes is furthering its mission of being a philanthropic force within the community. The luxury home builder, which has been active on the Suncoast for over four decades, does more than just build houses—it builds the lives of those within the surrounding communities. The Lee Wetherington Foundation, which was founded by the home builder in 2002, has donated millions to organizations serving disadvantaged youth, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Harvest House and more. Sponsoring the Night of Worship Concert is just another way the home builder supports the youth of Sarasota County. “We are so blessed to be able to build the American dream and we want to support the communities that we build in,” says David Hunihan, CEO of Lee Wetherington Homes. From the beneficiary organizations to the stars of the Christian music scene, Wellen Park’s Night of Worship Concert was a night indicative of what Wellen Park is all about—a place where people can connect, with loved ones and new friends, and be well together. WPL

PAGE

THIS

Wilfrid Berg, “Whitaker Bayou”, circa early 1950s, watercolor on paper.

SARASOTA COUNTY IS HERALDED AS FLORIDA’S CULTURAL COAST FOR A REASON. For as many people enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm Gulf breeze, just as many flock to Sarasota to immerse themselves in fine art galleries, world-class theatrical productions and hair-raising concerts. Residents of Wellen Park have unfettered access to the region’s vast cultural landscape—even in just their backyard, the award-winning Venice Symphony brings in some of the top talent in the world and the Venice Theatre is a shining example of the power of community theater. This season, Wellen Park Living Magazine has the inside scoop on all of the region’s premier arts and culture events, from classical operas to symphonic masterpieces, contemporary art, community theater and more.

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

Season PREVIEW

The Origins of Sarasota’s Arts Scene

To form a connection with a place is not just to spend time in it. For those flocking to Sarasota this winter and the full-time residents alike, part of being a true Sarasotan means doing your due diligence on the area’s rich history. The arts, for instance, are one of our region’s calling cards. To fully appreciate the rich arts and cultural scene of Sarasota, however, one has to look back. The exhibition season at the Ringling College Galleries is helping Sarasotans form that connection this winter. Starting January 20, the Galleries will open Origins: Sarasota Artist Colony, an exhibition of loaned and archival works that explores Sarasota’s post-World War II arts scene and how it formed what is now known as Florida’s Cultural Coast. From 1945 to ‘65, artists came to Sarasota—some for the sunshine and beaches, others for what was then known as the Ringling School of Arts—creating the foundation for the vibrant arts ecosystem Sarasota has today. “Many of these artists were GI’s and could take classes for free through the GI Bill and a lot of them ended up staying here after the fact,” says Tim Jaeger, Director of the Galleries and co-curator of the exhibition. “A lot of them became faculty members at the college, others did everything from opening frame shops to teaching art to the tourists that would come down here. They all started to gel with one another and it became a great circle of supporting artists—they set the bar for art in our community.” The exhibition space itself will be transformed into a time capsule, transporting viewers into mid-20th century Sarasota. Along with the artwork on the walls—which range from plain-air watercolor paintings of historic Sarasota to portraits of circus performers and everything in between—historical artifacts, photos and maps of Sarasota will adorn the space. An LED wall will provide a video narrative from people that help tell the story of the city. “It’s an important historical exhibition because it not only shows the fostering of the creative spirit between all these artists, but it’s also significant due to the amount of development and growth we’ve had in this community,” says Jaeger. “It’s important to preserve our legacy and our heritage in the visual arts, and it’s our hope to host an exhibition to remind people of where we came from visually in this community—with more interest in understanding the past, we will hopefully lay the ground for better conservation and storytelling.” Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34234, 941-359-7563, ringlingcollege.gallery.

season preview

The Rainmaker

BELOW

Venice Symphony will play some of the smallscreen’s most iconic scores with its presentation of TV Classics! this winter.

The Venice Symphony’s TV Classics!

Under the guidance of Music Director Troy Quinn. The Venice Symphony has made a name for itself, in part, due to its extensive exploration of Hollywood classics. The Emmy-nominated Quinn, who serves on the faculty of USC Thornton School of Music, has a long-standing connection with the entertainment industry, an aspect of his artistry that has lent itself to the Symphony playing some of the most iconic and powerful film scores to date. This season, Quinn and the Symphony will further that connection with TV Classics! on January 9 and 10, 2026. “Every orchestra does a lot of film concerts,” says Quinn. “They don’t do a lot of television scenes, because number one, they tend to be so short and number two, television scenes now are most often recorded in home studios. There are very few that are full orchestral works from the Golden Age—we’ll be performing a mix of classical pieces that have been used in television and works from great symphonic composers who wrote for television.” Some of the classic symphonic works used in television include Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture, which has long been used as the theme music for The Lone Ranger. The arrangements that the Venice Symphon is set to play spans all genres and formats of television, from the famous Jeopardy! theme song by Merv Griffin to The Flintstones Meet The Jetsons, an arrangement by composer Robert Wendell to NBC’s 1990s NBA theme Roundball Rock by John Tesh. “We’ll have a couple of modern-day classics, such as Hans Zimmer’s main title music from The Crown and Danny Elfman’s iconic The Simpsons Theme,” says Quinn. “These are actually virtuosic pieces, including the original television theme from Star Trek, arranged by Alexander Courage. “It’s a fiendishly difficult three-minute piece, and it has such great orchestration and a thrilling climax finale that you don’t always get to hear. I thought that this was a program of music that deserved to be heard.” Venice Symphony, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, 941-218-3779, veniceperformingartscenter.com/

Since sustaining catastrophic damage during 2022’s Hurricane Ian, the Venice Theatre has been a story of resilience. The largest community theater in the country per capita bounced back just weeks after the storm, despite a near complete decimation of its main building, the Jervey Theatre. While the Venice Theatre has since returned to a full slate of productions, the spaces in which it creates work, have changed. Mainstage productions now occur in the Raymond Center—which sits 140 rather than the 432-seat Jervey Theatre— and the Pinkerton Theatre, a smaller, black-box space. Although slightly smaller in scale, the productions are just as powerful and vibrant as they’ve ever been, thanks to a dedicated team of staff members and volunteers. “We’re using the Raymond Center as a permanent thrust space with the audience on three sides,” says Murray Chase, Venice Theatre’s interim artistic director and restoration supervisor. “Our set design has to be really creative, because we’re not using massive walls and flying stuff in since it’s a limited facility. Our scenic designer, Tim Wisgerhof, designs the entire season at a time—he has movable parts that can fit into the space and is managing to make that environment look different even though it’s open on three sides.” One of the productions in the Raymond Center is N. Richard Nash’s 1954 play The Rainmaker. The play, which has been adapted into multiple films and served as the inspiration for the Broadway musical 110 in the Shade, is a story of love, desperation and rainfall in Depression-era America. The Rainmaker follows Lizzie Curry, a young, unmarried woman living on a cattle-ranch with her family in a drought-ridden town in the West. Although her family is suffering tremendously amidst the terrible drought, the Curry’s are more concerned with Lizzie’s inability to find a husband than their own financial straits. When a charming con-man named Starbuck comes to town, promising rain in exchange for a certain amount of money, Lizzie’s world is thrown upside down. “Of course, the question is, is he a fraud? Is he for real?” says Chase. “Lizzy is a wonderful person, but is not married at an age which women at this time should be, and she’s quite taken by Starbuck. An entire love story develops between the two of them as the town works to expose him as a fraud.” The Rainmaker, January 16-February 8, 2026, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave West, Venice, 34285, venicetheatre.org

season preview

Encore at Azara Ballet

BELOW Yoshida Hiroshi’s woodblock prints often depicted scenes from his travels around Europe, Africa and North America. Azara company dancers in Kodumaa, choreography by Martin Flowers. Photo by Alexa Anne.

Azara Ballet may be entering into just its third season of productions in 2025-26, but the non-profit professional dance company is already making waves in the region’s vibrant art scene. Azara is more than just a ballet company—founded in 2022 by Kate and Martin Flowers, Azara Ballet was created with the intention of providing an accepting, body-positive professional dance company that would provide neurodivergent and autistic communities the chance to experience the art of ballet. This season will see Azara produce three main productions, starting with Encore on November 14. Encore will feature five works, all favorites of past Azara audiences, including Kodumaa and Lost and Found by Martin Flowers, Symphony by newly appointed artistic director Joshua Stayton, Divine Serenity by Leiland Charles and Olivia Huseonica’s Is This What Love Is. Symphony, which features music by singer-songwriter Cody Fry, is a story ballet with three movements and a finale. “The first piece is titled Photograph and I choreographed that around the idea of an older dancer looking at an old picture of their past and just reminiscing on the time of being a young adolescent, enjoying life and childhood and being with your friends,” says Stayton. “That moves into the Symphony Pas de deux, which I first created for Martin and Kate for their kickoff launch gala to start Azara. It touches on the relationship of the male identifying character—he used to hear such a simple song, but now that he’s met the love of his life, everything is a symphony.” Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, 941-494-9362, riverviewperformingarts.com/

Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys Through Light

When it comes to the woodblock prints of 20th-century Japanese artist Yoshida Hiroshi, there is always more than meets the eye. At the Ringling Museum of Art, audiences can explore the work of the highly influential painter and woodblock printer in Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys Through Light, on view through January 11, 2026. Yoshida, trained formally as a painter in the Yoga or Western style of painting, made his early career as a landscape painter, frequently traveling around Europe and throughout the Japanese Alps for inspiration. After a trip to the United States in 1923, Yoshida realized the high demand for Japanese woodblock prints in the U.S. and switched gears to creating highly detailed woodblock prints reminiscent of his landscape paintings. Journeys Through Light will showcase Yoshida’s betsu-zuri, or separate printings of the same woodblock design with different colors and tonalities. “He was constantly experimenting with the palette, the textures, even if he wasn’t making an explicitly different version of that print, he was always striving to see what he could do and what different kinds of emotional effects he could produce out of ink and carved wooden blocks,” says Rhiannon Paget, The Ringling’s Curator of Asian Art. “People tend to think of woodblock prints as being multiples, just reproductions of themselves, but what this exhibition shows is that every print is unique.” Take for example, two separate prints of Yoshida’s Grand Canyon design. “One of them is quite soft, the colors are muted and it’s very delicate. The other one features colors that are very bright, there’s a bright blue in the shadow of the rocks,” says Paget. “That’s where you get your first taste of this, it’s the same design, but there’s a completely different sensibility because of the palette and how the colors are printed. One of them, with the colors blurring together, gives you that atmospheric perspective of things fading into the distance, where the other is more bold and graphic and gives the sense of a dry, arid day.” The Ringling Museum of Art, through January 11, 2026, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-359-5700, ringling.org

season preview

Janet Echelman: Radical Softness

BELOW

Tampa Bay native Janet Echelman’s large scale aerial net sculptures adorn public spaces around the world; Artist programs at The Hermitage’s beachfront campus.

In November, Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) will unveil Janet Echelman: Radical Softness, an exhibition that will provide a look into the different stages of Echelman’s four-decade-long career. Echelman, a fiber artist and author best known for her massive aerial net sculptures, has long explored themes of interconnectedness by merging timeless fishing knotting techniques with new-age materials. “We’re going to get a window into her studio, which is kind of organized chaos, but is really lovely,” says Virginia Shearer, Executive Director of SAM. “There will be early works, frame drawings, paintings, textiles, quilts—pieces that could be hung on a wall. Janet’s known for suspending sculptures across football fields and buildings, but she’s also had this fine art practice on a smaller scale and those are the types of netted sculptures we’ll be showing.” Radical Softness will also feature a series of Echelman’s brand-new cyanotypes, a photographic printing process characterized by its blue and white imagery. “Objects are laid out onto a specially prepared, light-sensitive paper before being exposed to a bright light—the exposure creates a ghost of an image on the paper,” says Shearer. “They’ll look like much of the sculptural work that she does if it were to be captured in reverse on the paper, because the paper is blue and the image comes out in white.” Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org.

A Creative Haven

Out on Manasota Key lies the Hermitage Artist Retreat, a haven for some of the world’s leading creative minds. For years, musicians, playwrights, poets, sculptors and the like have flocked to the Hermitage, spending their time creating chart-topping hits, Pulitzer-winning plays and art that pushes the limits of their respective disciplines. If Sarasota County truly is Florida’s Cultural Coast, then the Hermitage is the lighthouse, calling all kindred artistic spirits home to shore. Last fall, that lighthouse was threatened when the Hermitage’s beachside campus was ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although the organization had been unable to host its signature beach programs—held at sunset, artists at the Hermitage present to the public part of their artistry, often a work in progress and speak to their creative process—until this past June, the upcoming season will see the Hermitage back in full swing. Not only will the Hermitage host weekly programs at their beachfront campus, but it also will collaborate with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for its sixth year of Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens, with four programs at Selby’s Downtown Campus and two at the Historic Spanish Point. “It’s always been a popular series and a good opportunity for introducing new artists to wonderful venues and vice versa,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. Last year’s Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens featured a program from Tony-nominated Broadway performer Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, who shared excerpts from a new play she was working on. “A lot of the audience, even those who came to see her as a Broadway musical theater star, said their favorite part was hearing her try some of this new work. She’s a brilliant storyteller and in the 11th hour of her residency asked if it would be alright if she shared newer work even though it was a little different than what we had initially planned to show people,” says Sandberg. “I think the audience appreciates the trust that what they’re seeing is not for review and that they are going to be the first people to see this new work.” Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, 34223, hermitageartistretreat.org

season preview

20 Years of Dance

BELOW

SCD’s past production of Jehanne, a work inspired by the story of Joan of Arc, photo by Sorcha Augustine; Marie Selby Gardens’ Jean and Alfred Goldstein exhibition series features the work of Alexander Calder in Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement

20 years after founding Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott is still pinching herself. The founder and artistic director of the company didn’t imagine that her organization would have grown into what it is today—one of the region’s preeminent dance companies—much less have a full season 20 years after its inception. The title of the season, Mi Amor, is fitting then, considering the love she has for Sarasota and the dance community at large. “To be doing it this long and with all of the challenges we’ve faced, it takes a lot of love,” says Wilmott. “It’s a love that fills me and in turn, we pour out into the community.” Amongst the season’s four mainstage performances—before which each will highlight a local dance education program—is Jehanne. The performance, which is inspired by the story of Joan of Arc, features a live musical accompaniment from composer Mark Dancigers, who wrote the score and will play the electric guitar on a loop station. “He makes the music sound so massive,” says Wilmott. “It’s this juxtaposition of this army of women and then this one musician, which highlights his gift of making the sound so expansive.” Wilmott is also drawn to the piece for the challenge it brings as a choreographer. Encapsulating the fearlessness and power Joan of Arc wielded required a certain degree of athleticism and physicality from herself and her dancers. “In this piece, there’s a lot of breath, there’s a lot of grounded movement. I push the Joan of Arc figure to the point of exhaustion, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually in the work. You can hear her gasping for air, but then see these women surround her and support her,” says Wilmott. “By the end, not only are the dancers exhausted, but the audience is as well from going through this journey with them.” Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Suite 300, Sarasota, 941-260-8485, sarasotacontemporarydance.org.

Suspended Beauty

For 10 years, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has held the Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, a series devoted to examining major artists and their relationship to nature. It is a series that invites audiences to look deeper into the lives and works of these artists—from painters such as Andy Warhol and Salvidor Dali to musicians like George Harrison—setting the work within the context of a botanical garden explores art’s inherent connection to nature. This year, the exhibition series will feature the work of renowned American sculptor Alexander Calder in Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement. Calder, a multi-faceted artist active from the late 1920s until his death in 1976, was best known for two things: monumental public sculptures, often rooted in the abstract, and his kinetic sculptures, or mobiles, which were the first of their kind. “The organic forms that Calder features in his work are all rooted in nature and we will be exploring that aspect of his work,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “Additionally, there is a wonderful Sarasota connection—when inventing the mobile, Calder first used motors until he studied the Ringling Circus and the trapeze which helped him arrive at kinetic movement and balance in his mobiles and other work.” The Nature of Movement will feature about 10 works of Calder’s on view in the Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts, along with horticultural installations throughout the Downtown Campus and Display Conservatory. “You can expect to see some horticultural mobiles with our plant collection dangling in the air as would be befitting of a Calder mobile,” says Rominiecki. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, 34236, 941-366-5731, selby.org.

season preview

Variations on America

BELOW

Guest pianist Clayton Stephenson will be featured in the Sarasota Orchestra’s Variations on America; Maestro Joseph Caulkins leads Key Chorale in performance.

Change is coming to Sarasota. Specifically, the Sarasota Orchestra, where renowned conductor Giancarlo Guerrero is entering his first full season as the organization’s music director. The 2025-26 season, dubbed The Sound of Change, is not only an announcement of Guerrero’s arrival. In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, the Orchestra’s season will highlight some of the musicians and composers who have made America their home over the centuries. One such program is Variations on America, in the Masterworks series, which will feature guest pianist Clayton Stephenson. Variations on America looks to highlight some of the musical voices that were either marginalized due to social and racial prejudices at the time, such as William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, as well as music that speaks to different eras of the country. “In the 1920s and ‘30s, many of the great conductors of the time who were leading institutions like the Chicago Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra were coming from countries in Europe and dealing with discrimination themselves. When they came to America, they tried to make up for some of that by championing some of the great African-American composers of the time,” says Guerrero. “One of those composers was William Dawson, known mostly as a choral conductor, who was living in Alabama.” Leopold Stokowski, then the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, heard one of Dawson’s choral concerts and commissioned Dawson to write a piece for the orchestra, despite Dawson having never written orchestral music before. Dawson wrote the Negro Folk Symphony in 1934, a three-movement masterpiece drawing upon the religious folk songs of his childhood. Although Dawson would never write another orchestral piece again due to the rampant racial prejudices at the time, Negro Folk Symphony has lived on through generations of performances. “It’s an absolute shame that he wasn’t able to write more, because in my opinion, this is one of the great American symphonies of the 20th century. I feel in many ways the next generation was robbed of more orchestral pieces by Mr. Dawson,” says Guerrero. “When I found this piece, it was an incredible discovery and is now a part of my regular repertoire. I’m very proud to introduce it to audiences—it’s better late than never to showcase it, and I’m proud to be bringing it to Sarasota, especially during Black History month.” Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-263-6799, vanwezel.org/

The Holiday Spirit at Key Chorale

Key Chorale, now in its 41st season, is no stranger to collaboration. The organization’s willingness to try new things, to work with other local arts groups such as the Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota Orchestra, Venice Orchestra and more, is part of how Key Chorale continues to flourish as one of the preeminent symphonic choruses not only on the Suncoast, but in all of the Southeast. This season, Key Chorale continues on with its tradition of collaboration in Joy & Wonder, which will feature the dancers of Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company, along with musicians from the Sarasota Orchestra. “I love this production because the combination of music and dance is so powerful,” says Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins. “Rarely do you get a choir and an orchestra with a ballet—we have 100 singers, a 30 or 40 piece orchestra and then we need room for all of these wonderful dancers. When you look at the stage in the Opera House, it’s just covered with performers.” This year’s concert features the world premiere dance of Missa Carolae, a medieval-inspired “parody mass” by James Whitbourn commissioned for the 1400th anniversary of the Rochester Cathedral in England. “It’s a Catholic mass text, but every one of the themes of the various masses are based on a holiday carol that we know. As you’re hearing and seeing this sort of Renaissance-style music, but yet there are tunes that you recognize,” says Caulkins. “It’s great writing that is very florid and festive and I just can’t imagine how impressive it’s going to be with the dance element.” Key Chorale, 1900 Main Street, Suite 211, Sarasota, 34236 941-921-4845, keychorale.org

Hospital Lead

Jeff Wesner Leads SMH’s North Port Expansion.

WORDS BY CECILIA MOULD

JEFF WESNER, RECENTLY HIRED AS PRESIDENT OF SARASOTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S NEWEST CAMPUS IN NORTH PORT, has both the expertise and the passion needed to lead the opening of a hospital. With more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Wesner says he never forgets his ultimate goal—putting patients first. “We believe at SMH, and I believe, personally, that the best thing to do is always focus on what’s best for the patients. We try to provide high-quality, safe patient care and an environment where patients want to come,” says Wesner. “One of the things that separates SMH is that we focus on providing the best environment for physicians to practice medicine in. When we do that successfully, then ultimately we can provide a place where patients want to receive care.”

WESNER BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, where he developed a passion for healthcare administration and was later inspired to earn a master’s degree in the subject. After several years with the Hospital Corporation of America, Wesner landed at SMH nearly five years ago. His time at SMH began at the Venice campus, where he started as chief operating officer just 11 months before the campus opened its doors in 2021. Because of his previous experience leading the opening of the Venice campus, Wesner says he expects the opening of the hospital in North Port—slated for fall 2028—to be a smooth process.

“There’s a lot to learn when you’re opening a hospital, so having just gone through this four years ago will certainly help. One of the biggest lessons was that we had a good plan and a good playbook that was put together by Sharon Roush, the president of SMH Venice. She did a phenomenal job of leading us through that. Really, I’m just following her playbook and making some minor adjustments that we’ve learned along the way,” says Wesner.

The completed hospital will be nine stories high, featuring a full range of emergency, medical, surgical and specialty care and diagnostic and outpatient services. A three-story, adjacent medi-

cal office building will offer primary and specialty physician practices. While the first six floors will offer 100 beds at opening, Wesner and his team plan to double the number of beds soon after the official opening with an expansion to floors seven through nine. Wesner says this drive toward the new campus and its future expansion is fueled by North Port’s growth in recent years: “The growth in North Port has been significant. As the community has continued to grow, we really want to continue to grow to serve the community.”

Wesner and his team are currently finishing designs for the hospital—a process he has approached with excruciating detail. In a phased approach, he’ll soon begin hiring staff for each department of the hospital and arranging for their training at the Sarasota and Venice campuses to orient them with SMH’s systems. As he plans for the 2028 opening date, Wesner hopes that the new hospital will have an immediate impact on the community. “What I see happening is us opening, providing the tremendous care that we’ve already provided at the Sarasota campus and the Venice campus, and then seeing the demand for healthcare in that market push us to outfit those top three floors of the hospital,” says Wesner. WPL

BELOW

Jeff Wesner brings a wealth of experience to his role as president of SMH’s newest North Port Campus.

BELOW

family ANewClub

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Boosts Progress on New Boys & Girls Club in North Port. WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

Boys and Girls Club members Kameron B., Kaylani G., Vice President of Operations Dawn Fouse-Page, Logan D. and Vanessa L.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ

family

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY ON A NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club at the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Campus, fueled by a $1,000,000 investment from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) and a growing coalition of supporters. The facility is expected to be completed in early 2026.

SINCE HURRICANE IAN DESTROYED THE ORIGINAL CLUB IN SEPTEMBER 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) have operated out of temporary facilities. Vice President of Operations, Dawn Page, says the new building will be a game-changer for the region. “To be able to provide this state-of-the-art club with so many opportunities for the families of the Northport area is such a blessing for us, our kids, our members and the community in general.”

“This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together,” adds Phillip Lanham, President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Collaboration has been the cornerstone of every step forward, and we’re proud to work alongside so many dedicated partners to help rebuild the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club, which will support North Port’s youth and families for generations to come.”

For over 25 years, the Club has provided trusted after-school programs and a safe, supportive environment. It currently serves over 250 youth, ages 6–18 with award-winning programs focused on leadership, healthy lifestyles and future planning.

The new facility will honor that legacy while expanding services to meet growing needs. It will include academic classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen, a high-tech lab, a teen center, a

renovated playground, a recreation pavilion and a health and fitness center. A food pantry will also be added to serve the broader community. “The pantry is for everyone in the community—not just people who have kids in our clubs,” says Page. “What’s really great about pantries is that unlike food banks, where others give out food, people are actually able to come in and look at what’s on the shelf, just like grocery shopping. They get to take what’s good for their family and their family’s needs.”

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation has impacted thousands of our members over the years, and we are grateful for their commitment as a key partner in this community-wide effort to build a new Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club,” shares BGCSDC President/CEO Bill Sadlo. “As the steel beams are added and construction continues, we inch closer toward providing a safe and enriching space for after-school activities.”

The Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Campus is made possible through lead support from the Townsends, Gulf Coast, Jaime and Julie DiDomenico, Atlanta Braves Foundation, Congressman Steube’s Office, Alex Armstrong, Jimmy Devellano, Resilient SRQ, Florida Community Loan Fund’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program and additional NMTCs from Truist Community Development Enterprises, LLC. WPL

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT

Kameron B. and Vanessa L. read books; Logan D. (front) and Kaylani G. play with Legos. A ribbon-cutting is tentatively scheduled for early 2026. Learn more at bgcsdc.org

holidays

‘TisThe Season

This season, take advantage of one of the many holiday event offerings in and around Wellen Park.

THIS DECEMBER, THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING HOLIDAY EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS VENICE, NORTH PORT AND WELLEN PARK. From snow parties in Wellen Park to dazzling boat parades along the Intracoastal, there are so many ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re decorating ornaments, singing along to carols, or catching a glimpse of Santa—by sleigh, golf cart or even poolside—these local traditions promise to bring plenty of cheer to your holiday calendar.

WORDS BY CECILIA MOULD

holidays

Santa

VISIT

Wellen Wonderland

A four-day festival complete with visits from Santa Claus, Wellen Wonderland will take place from Dec. 4-7 and is open to all. The ﬁrst day, set in Downtown Wellen Park, will feature performances of classic holiday tunes by students from local schools and an ornament decorating station, where kids can craft the perfect addition to their family tree. The event’s most popular day, Friday, will feature the o cial tree-lighting celebration, a ﬁgure skating performance and classic holiday tunes performed by the American Sirens and the Ashley Lux Band. Hot chocolate and other seasonal treats will be available for everyone to enjoy with the festive performances. Saturday will feature the Caddy Carts Parade of Lights, complete with holiday decorations, lights and a holiday-themed Dueling Pianos. A Sunday morning snow party will bring the white Christmas spirit to sunny Wellen Park while the Derek Roura Trio plays live holiday music at Wellen Park’s weekly farmers market. Closing the festive weekend is the Glow Bike Ride, which will allow attendees to cruise through Wellen Park on a light-up bike adventure, complete with holiday music. Wellen Wonderland, Downtown Wellen Park, 19725 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice, wellenpark.com/wellen-wonderland

A Christmas Carol at Venice Theatre

Now in its 25th year, A Christmas Carol is a longstanding tradition at Venice Theatre. “It is an annual tradition that has so many di erent, cool aspects. This is a lot of people’s first experience with theater, because they hear about all these other shows and they don’t know them. But Christmas Carol, they know that story. For a lot of people, it’s their first introduction to Venice Theatre, or maybe even just theater. That’s really, really special, and we take that very much to heart,” says Director Alyssa Goudy. Now in her third year of directing the show, Goudy says she enjoys finding new ways to make the experience fresh each year, while still keeping the essential elements of the story. “It’s taking what we already have and figuring out how to make it more magical, how to keep that drive going. People come to see this year after year, but they’re going to get bored if they see the exact same show year after year,” she says. This year, Goudy is looking forward to seeing how her audiences react to the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the visits he receives from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Running from December 4 to December 21, Goudy says the performance is sure to be infused with new magic and old comforts.

A Christmas Carol, Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice, FL, venicetheatre.org

will be at Wellen Park for pictures on December 5,6 and 7.

holidays

North Port Poinsettia Parade and Festival

Each year, the Poinsettia Parade and Festival brings together North Port community members for an evening of fun, festivities and holiday activities. This year’s festival, which will take place on December 6, is themed “Once Upon a North Port Holiday.” The mile-long parade—complete with holiday-themed floats designed by local businesses and nonprofit organizations—will end at the festival, where the community can enjoy a craft workshop, food and merchandise vendors and an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. “We’re encouraging groups to come in and emphasize their favorite Christmas holiday story that they want to promote on their float,” says recreation manager Shelby Mendelson. “In doing that, we’re having businesses and groups coming together for those team bonding opportunities to build those floats. They make so many memories at this event. Watching both youth and adult participants walk through the parade and seeing that camaraderie really brings that sense of community.”

North Port Poinsettia Parade and Festival, City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd, Venice, northportfl.gov/Event-Directory/Poinsettia-Parade-Festival

Swim with Santa

North Port’s second holiday festivity, Swim with Santa, puts a tropical spin on a classic tradition and will take place on December 20. Taking place at the North Port Aquatics Center, children can participate in crafting activities and games and have photos taken with Santa in the pool. Complete with cookies and hot chocolate, Aquatics Manager Devon Poulos says the event is sure to offer a fun day for all. “We aim to provide these holiday events and programs where people can come in for a couple of hours, forget about the noise of everyday life and just enjoy themselves. For me as an individual, what I try to bring to ev-

erything is focusing on our vision and mission of enriching those life experiences,” Poulos says. Swim with Santa, North Port Aquatic Center, 6205 West Price Blvd, North Port, FL, northportfl.gov/ Event-Directory/Swim-with-Santa

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

Parade President Joe Zgrzepski says that Venice has one of the best boat parade routes in the area. With public viewing areas all along the intracoastal route, this year’s Christmas parade will offer bountiful opportunities to see the brightly lit and decorated boats. “Christmas lights, inflatables, you name it, it goes on the boats. When we’re decorating ours, we usually decorate it the day of and it will take us all day to put up everything. Some people spend weeks on decorating their boats,” says Zgrzepski, who participates in the parade each year. This year, the parade will take place on December 6 to kick off the holiday season and bring together the community for an evening of holiday cheer. Venice Christmas Boat Parade, venicechristmasboatparade.net

Wellen Park Holiday Festival of the Arts

On December 13 and 14, Downtown Wellen will welcome an inaugural Holiday Festival of the Arts, run by Paragon Festivals, for two days of outdoor art galleries. Showcasing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork and more, the festival will feature a variety of carefully selected artists. Event Director Bill Kinney says the festival will be the perfect place to discover new art that will elevate your home decor. Wellen Park Holiday Festival of the Arts, Downtown Wellen Park, 19725 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice, paragonfestivals.com/festival/wellen-park-holiday-festival-of-the-arts. WPL

WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS MAP

ACACIA PALMERA

ANCLOTE SUNSTONE

BISCAYNE II EVERLY

CARAVEL EVERLY

COSTA MESA OAKBEND

DELMAR II LAKESPUR

DESTIN GRAN PLACE

DREAM II PALMERA

DUNNET SOLSTICE

EGRET V PALMERA

ISLE ROYAL SUNSTONE AT LAKESIDE

LAPIS BRIGHTMORE

MARIA WELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

MONTE CARLO LAKESPUR

PALM PALMERA

POSITANO II EVERLY

RUBYTAIL PALMERA

SANDCASTLE II BOCA ROYALE

SILVER SKY II AVELINA

THE COVE OAKBEND

TIDELAND PALMERA

TIDEWATER II WYSTERIA

TIDEWINDS II GRAND PALM

TYBEE

LAKESPUR

WARRINA EVERLY

WINTER 2025 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

•

• Natural gas home with impactresistant windows for safety and e ciency

• Versatile retreat room perfect for a gaming lounge, home theater, quiet study, or teen hangout

• 9’4” ceilings and open-concept living area create a bright, spacious feel

HOMES

• 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 o ce space or a home gym

• The owner’s suite is at the rear of the house, ensuring privacy and tranquility

• Entertainers Delight: Spacious Kitchen & Private Courtyard or Lanai o er the perfect setting for hosting memorable moments with family & friends

• Tranquil Retreat: Rest and Relaxation meets Convenience & Accessibility in your downstairs Owner’s Suite

• 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

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

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

• 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

•

• 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

CALENDAR ofEvents

December 4-7 The sights and sounds of the holidays will be alive in Downtown Wellen. Festivities that will occur during Wellen Wonderland will include the traditional tree lighting ceremony, Caddy Carts Parade of Lights, photo ops with Santa, a figure skating performance, live music on the stage of Solis Hall, performances by local schools and community choirs, a Glow Bike Ride and more!

Wellen Wonderland 4-7

DECEMBER

December 13-14 | 10am-5pm Come and explore an exceptional outdoor gallery featuring original, handmade works by talented artisans from across Florida and the United States. The festival will showcase a diverse array of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media creations, masterful woodworking and more. Meet the artists behind these creations and learn about their inspirations and techniques.

DECEMBER

Holiday Festival of the Arts 13-14

JANUARY

Luminescence Festival

Night of January 9 Downtown Wellen Park will shimmer with sentiment and celebration at the event, where guests are invited to adorn lanterns in tribute to loved ones or as hopeful wishes for the year ahead. As twilight falls, participants will place their glowing creations along the edge of Grand Lake, creating a breathtaking display of light and remembrance. The evening unfolds to the elegant sounds of live jazz on the Solis Hall stage.

BUILDING COMMUNITY | ONGOING EVENT PROGRAMS

Wellen Park invites the community to celebrate the fall with a vibrant lineup of events. Come to Downtown Wellen to enjoy a variety of local family-friendly happenings. From live music to fun-filled festivals, there are plenty of ways to participate. Most activities are free and open to the public.

Music and Art

Wellen Park hosts a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These musical gatherings offer an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip & Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen’s food and beverage merchants.

Friday Night

Concerts

Every Friday 6–10pm

Live Music

In the Yard

Monday to Wednedsay, 6-10pm

Community Connections

Dueling Pianos

Third Thursday, monthly

November 20th

December 18th

January 15th

Serenade in the Shade

Live music under the Heritage Oak. Thursdays and Saturdays, 6-10pm and Sundays during the Farmers Market, 9am–1pm

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market—Every Sunday 9am-1pm Join us at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market where you can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, cut flowers and more.

Wellen Park Night Market—Second Thursday of the Month, 6-9pm Enjoy the Wellen Park Night Market, bringing together independent artists and makers specializing in home decor, fashion, art, design, food and more in a fun and inspiring environment that champions community. Dates of the night market are November 13, December 12 and January 8.

Cars & Caffeine—First Saturday of the Month starting in September, 7:30-10:30am Rev up your engines! Wellen Park and co-sponsors, Foxtail Coffee and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, are excited to offer car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to come together for an informal early morning gathering to share their passion for all things automotive. Show cars will be in the parking lot behind the two-story building downtown. We invite you to stick around afterwards for some shopping and dining in Downtown Wellen. Attendees receive 50 percent off of drip, iced and cold brew coffee from 7am to 10am at Foxtail Coffee.

Corn Hole—Every Third Wednesday of the Month Join us every third Wednesday night in Downtown Wellen for a drop-in cornhole! Play a game or two with your fellow neighbors and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of downtown Wellen Park. Location will be in the blocked off section of the parking lot behind the Acqua Pazza and Bright Ice building. Dates are November 19 and December 17. Signups start at 6:00pm. Bags fly at 6:30pm. Double elimination/blind draw. $5 fee.

Fun Fitness

Get your fitness on with a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn.

Walking Group Meet-Up Saturdays, 9am

Running Meet-Up Tuesdays, 6:30pm Thursdays, 6:30pm

Yoga Class Tuesdays, 9am Saturdays, 9am

Zumba Class Mondays, 9am Thursdays, 9am

For more details on Wellen Park events, visit: wellenpark.com/events

OKTOBERFEST

DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK | OCTOBER 4, 2025

Wellen Park’s second annual Oktoberfest celebration brought an authentic Bavarian atmosphere to life, featuring German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition, and—of course—plenty of beer, brats and other traditional eats. Favorite events included the inaugural keg tapping, lively polka dancing and crowd-favorite stein-hoisting contests. The DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band combined the charm of a traditional oom-pah group with the high-energy spirit of a live festival, getting toes tapping and steins clinking throughout the celebration.

PHOTOGRAPHY

NIGHT MARKET

DOWNTOWN WELLEN PARK

TOGETHER Puttingfor Paws

The second annual Rotary Club at Wellen Park’s Charity Golf Outing benefited the North Port Police Department’s K-9 unit.

WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL

heart

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE

A golfer shows off textbook form on the fairway; Wellen Park Golf & Country Club’s tight fairways will test even the most skilled golfers; teams work the greens in a “scramble” format in which each golfer plays the team’s best ball on each hole.

IT’S SEPTEMBER 6 AT WELLEN PARK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AND THE SUN BEATS OFF THE EMERALD GREEN COURSE LIKE A MIRAGE. The temperature, which reads in the high 80s, feels more like 100 degrees. It’s hot for everyone there—the golfers, the caddies, the staff—and much too hot for Bear, a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix from the Netherlands. And yet Bear is here, with his handler Officer Dustin Cohen from the North Port Police Department’s K-9 team, doing what he does best: serving and protecting the public, without complaint or hesitation.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

heart

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT

Officer Cohen, Ginger Miranda, Officer Walker, Linda Bumgarner, Riva Borscha, Anthony LaPorta, Bill Koehnlein, Steve Carter, Nick Carter, Sergeant Donohew.

BEAR AND COHEN ARE AT THE COURSE FOR THE ROTARY CLUB AT WELLEN PARK’S SECOND ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF OUTING, the proceeds of which benefited the North Port Police Department’s K-9 Unit. “Supporting the police department and the K-9 unit was something that we at the Rotary felt strongly about,” says club president Ginger Miranda. “They are funded, but not fully funded, so we thought this would be a good use of funds and a benefit to the community, because the K-9 unit supports and serves all of us, especially at events at places like CoolToday Park.”

Rotary International is one of the largest—and oldest—service organizations in the world. Started in 1905, the organization’s mission is simple, yet expansive: Rotarians aim to serve the community around them, by connecting professionals and business leaders, promoting integrity and goodwill along the way. For the Wellen Park Rotary, which was chartered in 2022, that means putting on events such as the Charity Golf Outing, partnering with local businesses for prizes and giveaways for the golfers.

One hundred golfers participated in the tournament, broken into teams of four or five to compete in a “scramble” format. “In a scramble format, everybody tees off and then you pick the best ball and everybody drops from that point and

you follow that pattern until you finish the hole,” says Anthony Laporta, community service chair of the club and lead organizer of the tournament.

Although the day was hot, the chance to play on one of the area’s top courses was well worth the sweat equity. Wellen Park Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole championship course officially opened in 2023 and sports long, winding fairways, fast greens and picturesque views. “I’d give the course a 10 out of 10,” says Doug Dailey, who was playing the course for the first time. “Our group shot a 62. In some of the areas, you have to really think before you hit the ball, otherwise you’ll find yourself in trouble.”

The mission, however, was the most important part of the day. The purchase and ensuing training of a K-9 dog is incredibly costly—a K-9 dog’s career might last 8 years, but the training, which initially can be as long as six months, never truly ends. Bear, like the rest of Northport’s K-9 dogs, is a dual-purpose dog—he both supplements patrol officers on calls that require a dog and is trained to detect explosives. “I was a cop for 16 years before I was in K-9 and when I joined the unit, it was like I was a new officer. I’d had dogs all my life, but actually training a service dog is entirely different,” says Cohen. “Officer Walker, my training officer, had to train the dog a little bit, but he had to train me a lot.” WPL

BELOW

On September 26th, the beautiful new home for USAF Technical Sergeant Daniel Beesting and his family was officially completed in the Lakespur neighborhood here at Wellen Park.

Homeat Last

Retired Air Force Sergeant Daniel Beesting and his family make a fresh start in Wellen Park.

THE AUGUST EDITION OF WELLEN PARK LIVING HIGHLIGHTED THE MAY GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY, for Retired Air Force Sergeant Daniel Beesting, his wife Alicia, and their three children. The family was presented with a mortgage-free home in the Lakespur neighborhood of Wellen Park, a gift made possible by Building Homes for Heroes® and PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program, both committed to assisting injured veterans, first responders and their families. Sergeant Beesting served ten years in the Air Force before being honorably discharged as a disabled, combat-wounded veteran. After returning home, the family faced another crisis when Hurricane Ian destroyed their Rotonda West home in 2022. For months, they lived in an RV parked in their driveway, trying to rebuild their lives from scratch. As native Floridians, the Beestings had weathered hurricanes before, but this one left lasting emotional and financial damage. “From the moment the hurricane hit until the groundbreaking ceremony, we were in limbo,” Sergeant Beesting shared. “We were doing our best, but with no real idea of what came next. It was unsettling.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF PULTE GROUP’S SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DIVISINO AND BUILDING HOMES FOR HEROES

WORDS BY BARBIE HEIT

home

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE Sergeant Beesting, his wife, Alicia and three children, Danielle, Hannah and Michael are already feeling at home in Wellen Park. Sergeant Beesting expressed heartfelt gratitude to Building Homes for Heroes® and PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program, in addition to the Wellen Park community during an emotional ceremony on September 26.

ON SEPTEMBER 26, THREE YEARS AFTER THEIR LONG PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY BEGAN, the Beesting family was finally welcomed to their new home with a heartfelt celebration. Dozens gathered for a patriotic ceremony filled with flags, applause and a parade. The day culminated in an emotional moment as the family stepped inside their forever home for the first time.

“When we opened the door, it was completely overwhelming,” said Alicia. “We knew the floor plan, but hadn’t seen the house. It was so beautiful—it was hard to believe it was really ours.”

Their eldest daughter, 21-year-old Danielle, a University of Florida graduate and avid reader, was thrilled to see built-in bookshelves designed just for her. Nineteen-year-old Hannah, a

student at USF, is eager to return home from school to decorate her new room. Fifteen-year-old Michael, an enthusiastic gamer, is already enjoying his space—and even took a swing ride at the playground while exploring the neighborhood. “It was so nice to see him so happy, connecting with his inner child for a few moments,” shares Alicia.

Just three weeks after moving in, the Beestings say it already feels like home. Their new house came fully furnished, with a stocked pantry and warm welcomes from neighbors. They’ve just started exploring the community and have enjoyed the walking the trails, Bright Ice Scoop Shop and are looking forward to events at CoolToday Park and trying some of the restaurants of Downtown Wellen.

The story of their new home has sparked interest from veterans across the country. “Many of us come home from service feeling lost,” Sergeant Beesting said. “I’ve been there and I still feel that way on occasion. You have to ask for help—and keep asking. Alicia didn’t give up. After other resources told us we didn’t qualify for one reason or another, she reached out to Building Homes for Heroes, thanks to a recommendation from our VA coordinator. We’ve been part of their program since 2013.”

“It really feels like they’re trying to build an idyllic community here in Wellen Park,” he adds. “And we’re incredibly lucky to be a part of it.” WPL

Friendship Finds a Home

Nanci Mosca has brought her closest friends with her to Wellen Park, all the way from Rochester, New York. WORDS BY

THIS PAGE

Nanci Mosca, Robyn Kotarski, Deborah Gambacurta, Kristyn Smith and Francine McLain–close friends and now neighbors in Wellen Park.

NANCI MOSCA HAS A SPECIAL TALENT FOR BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER. It’s this talent that has brought her closest friends with her to Wellen Park. Since moving to Florida in early 2024, she has inspired several close friends, including Robyn Kotarski, Francine McLain, Kristyn Smith and Deborah Gambacurta, to join her. Her ability to connect people has earned her the unofficial title of ‘Mayor of Wellen Park,’ according to McLain, who moved to Florida with her husband after Mosca invited them to visit.

CECILIA MOULD

THE SOURCE OF EACH OF THESE FRIENDSHIPS IS ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, where Mosca spent most of her life and met many of her friends. Now, she’s excited to be bringing those friends to Wellen Park. “Each of us brings something to the table,” says Mosca. “To bring us into this community, something’s going to happen. We’re going to rock Wellen Park. Expect big things.”

McLain and Mosca met in 2001, while McLain was living in Rochester, and became instant friends at a volunteer orientation. “There were maybe 20 women around the table, and we were sitting directly opposite one another. And Nancy and I were feeling like, ‘oh, these women are very prim and proper and very uptight,’ and we weren’t. From that moment forward, we connected,” says McLain. Although McLain only lived in Rochester for two years, the two have remained ever since. When Mosca shared that she had decided to move to Wellen Park, McLain came to visit and fell in love with the area, quickly deciding to relocate from her former home in California.

Smith and Mosca have known each other even longer—they met in 1982 while attending high school together. Although they lost touch for a while, they reconnected when Smith went to Mosca’s hair salon. After visiting Mosca and their other friends in Wellen Park several times, Smith decided it was time to buy her own residence in the community. “As you get older, you become a little more picky about who you have in your core group. Kristyn is a core friend. She’s at my house every week,” says Mosca. Mosca and Gambacurta go back to 2005, when Gambacurta began working at Mosca’s former husband’s office. The two both moved to Wellen Park around the same time, by coincidence. When they realized they would both be in the same community, they were ecstatic. Gambacurta says she has quickly come to love the other friends Mosca has brought with her. “Nanci brings home. She’s the connector, bringing people from all over the country who are my best friends now, and I have built such a great relationship with them,” says Gambacurta.

In 1990, Mosca began dating Kotarski’s brother in Rochester. When he brought her home to Boston to meet his family, Mosca and Kotarski instantly became best friends. “I immediately fell in love with Nanci. She’s my spirit animal, my soul sister,” Kotarski says. Mosca’s relationship with Kotarski’s brother ended and the two women lost touch, but later reconnected after a few years. “It was amazing to reconnect. From that moment on, it was exactly like the first time I met Nanci,” says Kotarski. Now, the two are fulfilling their dream to live next door to each other.

With everyone now in Wellen Park, the group is looking forward to exploring the area and enjoying their time together. Whether it’s dinner parties, spa trips, beach days or taking advantage of the many events offered at Wellen Park, the group is excited to spend as much time as possible together. “Every week we’re going to go on an adventure. And I just can’t wait,” says Kotarski. “We were lucky enough that we were able to do this earlier than most people retire. So it’s just going to be an amazing rest of our lives.” WPL

Preserving

the Past

The North Port Fire Rescue Department is strong on tradition.

WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

PAGE Purchasing and restoring the vintage fire truck was a group effort by the North Port Fire Rescue District Honor Guard and other volunteers.

“EVERY DEPARTMENT SHOULD HAVE AN ANTIQUE FIRE TRUCK,” says Lieutenant Richard Yarnall. “All the surrounding departments–Charlotte, Englewood, Venice, Sarasota–they all have antique trucks and we would see them out and about. So we had a drive toward finding one that was feasible to get.” Yarnall has been a lieutenant with the North Port Fire Rescue Department for six years, but he’s been there for eighteen years in total. About a year after joining the department, he (with the help of some others) formed the North Port Fire Rescue District’s Honor Guard. This unit is made up of firefighters who volunteer to represent their department at significant public occasions like parades, civic events and official gatherings. They also perform ceremonial honors for firefighters who have died in the line of duty or after retirement. He and other members of the honor guard were interested in finding an antique fire truck for the North Port department. They found it in an unlikely place.

“WE FOUND IT ON A ROUTINE MEDICAL CALL,” YARNALL REMEMBERS. “I went to a house and it was parked on the side of the house underneath a tarp. You could tell it was a fire truck just by the running boards. I walked over and lifted the tarp and saw that it was a fire truck and just put it in my memory. Obviously we took care of the medical call and then we moved on.”

Yarnall didn’t do anything about the truck right away, but he didn’t forget about it. Each year the Honor Guard holds Remember the Fallen 5K Memorial Run to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. The event also raises funds for various Honor Guard initiatives. As they were planning the event in 2013, five months after Yarnall spotted the truck, the group decided to allocate the funds towards acquiring an antique truck for the department. Yarnall returned to the address and was gratified to find it was still there. He knocked on the door and asked if they had any interest in selling the truck and the answer was yes. The truck in question is a 1946 Seagrave Open Cab Pumper, Model 170. According to original paperwork found with the truck, it was originally delivered to a

small volunteer fire department in Drew, Mississippi when it was new before it ultimately ended up in a yard in North Port.

“The family we got it from was a fire family. The dad and the grandpa were in the fire service. They had picked it up at an auction somewhere and were planning to restore it. This was actually, I think, the third or fourth fire truck they were looking to restore,” Yarnall says. “They had some things going on that they weren’t able to get to it, so they were willing to sell it to us, and we were able to get the truck for $1500 from a resident here in North Port. Knowing that it was going to stay within the community, I think, helped out as well.”

But that was just the beginning. The truck was in need of some TLC and it had to go through a lengthy restoration process. It quickly became apparent that this was too large and specialized a task for the Honor Guard and individual firefighters to take on themselves, so Yarnall reached out to PRIDE Enterprises, an organization that works with prison inmates providing educational opportunities and job training.

“Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach has a heavy machine shop.

Inmates with the right skills are placed into that work program to develop them further by working on projects,” Yarnall explains. “They redid the whole Seagrave from the ground up. They took it apart all the way down to the frame and redid everything. It was a long process, but two and a half years at Tomoka was way quicker than a bunch of firefighters are going to do it in a garage.”

The overall cost of the restoration was a little over $50,000, primarily funded by the Honor Guard. Once the restoration was complete, The Honor Guard donated the truck back to the city so it can continue to be properly taken care of. It has a new home at Station 86, but it will be a fixture in the community at parades and other events. It will also serve an important ceremonial purpose.

“We have a lot of retired firefighters in our community from all over who might wish to have some kind of fire service honors after they pass away,” Yarnall says. “It’s a big thing to put a casket in the back of a fire truck and take it to the cemetery. The way the Seagrave is designed, we’ll be able to do that.” WPL

THIS PAGE Once in a local resident’s yard, the 1946 Seagrave has been restored to its former glory. Lt. Richard Yarnall makes sure the truck is picture perfect for community events. North Port Fire Station 86, 19955 Preto Blvd. Venice.

parting shot

OKTOBERFEST VICTOR

With stein in hand and strength to spare, Alexandra Casi claimed the top spot in the women’s division at Wellen Park’s Oktoberfest Stein Hoisting Competition.