Wellen Park Living | Winter 2023 by SRQME

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contents TABLE OF

EXPLORE 11 Whether you’re dining out or staying in, eating sustainably is within your reach in Wellen Park. 16 Oak & Stone brings upscale tavern food to Downtown Wellen Park. 20 Fall and holiday-inspired cocktails from The Banyan House, Villani & Co. and Oak & Stone are sure to have you feeling festive. 24 Celebrate the holiday season at CoolToday Park, Downtown Wellen Park and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 36 Breakwater Home Fashion’s Rene Perry makes designing a swoon-worthy table a breeze.

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.

SIPS

Fall and holiday-inspired cocktails are sure to have you feeling festive.

TOGETHER 61 Inspiration for unique and thoughtful gifts that will make holiday shopping a breeze. 66 Throughout the holiday season, Wellen Park makes it easy to spread joy to those less fortunate. 70 Meet Vaughn Alexander Hendriex, the new dean of lifelong learning and workforce development at the State College of Florida. 74 The Venice Symphony presents a diverse array of music for its 50th anniversary season.

SPECIAL SECTION

EXPLORE THE WELLEN PARK EVENTS There is always something going on in Wellen Park. Whether you’re in the mood to exercise, socialize, or be entertained you’re invited! Turn to page 59 for upcomng events.

31 Explore the parks and preserves of Sarasota County with the Discover Natural Sarasota map. For advertising or distribution inquiries, contact us, WELLENPARK@SRQME.COM PUBLISHED BY SRQ MEDIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WELLEN PARK | © 2023—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COVER PHOTO BY RICK LABERGE. RECOGNIZING PUBLICATION SPONSORS OAK & STONE

AND MATTAMY HOMES.

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E XPLORE BELOW The Fresh Harvest Farmers Market offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors.

Ethical Eats

Getting to know your food from farm to fork and sea to spoon. WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ MEDIA

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local food EXPLORE

YOU CAN LEARN A LOT ABOUT A CULTURE BY THE KINDS OF FOODS PEOPLE EAT AND THE WAY THEY EAT THEM. For hundreds of years, Americans relied on themselves and their surrounding community to produce food. Diets were dictated by seasonal availability, and fresh, local ingredients were the norm. That all began to change in the mid-twentieth century. Thanks to factors like the industrialization of agriculture improved transportation infrastructure, Americans began eating less locally and relied instead on more centralized systems of food production and distribution. But while progress can be new and exciting, it can also make us feel disconnected. This may be one reason why restaurant owners and individual consumers alike have begun returning to our roots and sourcing locally-produced food. In Downtown Wellen Park, the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market and restaurants like Villani & Co. are making it easier than ever for us to know where our food is coming from.

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The Perfect Slice Richard Olson and the Stamper Cheese

family participate in over 20 markets per week, including the Sunday market at Wellen Park. “I started doing this in Chicago, helping my friend during the summers 15 years ago,” says Olson. “I came here because snowbirds were saying this cheese would be amazing in Florida . . . and here I am, growing every year!” While other cheese sellers might sell only specific cuts and prepackaged products, Stamper cuts the amount desired by the customer on site. Everything they sell comes from nine different dairies in Wisconsin that they have been working with for several years. “We do not make all the cheese you see in front of you, although we have a hand in one or more of the processes before you purchase and enjoy,” adds Olson. “Remember, cheese is a fantastic snack. In moderation you are enjoying multiple health benefits.” With artisanal selections such as Apricot Brie, Stettler Swiss, Horseradish/Chive Havarti and Garlic Dill Cheddar Curds, who wouldn’t get excited! You can find their booth at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market which is held in Downtown Wellen Park every Sunday from 9am-1pm.

Find Inspiring Ingredients LEFT Local produce, baked goods, herbs, crafts and epicurean delights await each Sunday at Fresh Harvest Farmers Market. RIGHT Marieke Nettle Gouda from the Stamper Cheese booth at Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

Wellen Park restaurants like Villani & Co. are serving up locally-

sourced and sustainable products, but it’s also nice to be able to cook with fresh, local ingredients from home. You can find these types of products at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market in Wellen Park. Chef Mike Leopold from Villani & Co. shared some tips and best practices on how to shop at a farmers market and prepare meals out of what they find. “I think what I would say is to shop for the sides first,” Leopold says. “I always look at the vegetables first. I might think, ‘Wow, zucchini blossoms. I don’t see those very often. I’m going to add those with some other squash’.” While you can certainly rely on your own senses to pick out produce, it’s also a good idea to consult the experts. “Personally, I like to talk to vendors at the farmers market to find out what’s in season,” Leopold says. “There’s a lot of produce in Florida. While citrus isn’t a main cooking component, it’s good for making sauces. We also have corn, tomatoes and strawberries.” After you’ve selected your produce, you can move onto picking out your protein. Once again, Leopold encourages shoppers to talk to the vendors and get recommendations on the freshest fish or the best cuts of meat. He also urges shoppers to be flexible. “When you read a cookbook or a recipe online, it’s going to tell you exactly what to use,” Leopold says. “But seafood is really versatile. If you see a recipe for salmon but you prefer the flavor and texture of snapper, it’s okay to change things up. I honestly can’t think of a seafood recipe where I wouldn’t be comfortable swapping in whatever fish I preferred.” WPL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ MEDIA

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local food EXPLORE

Serving Up Sustainability at Villani & Co. Chef Michael Leopold took the scenic route on his way to Wellen Park. After

growing up in Chicago, he got a BA in Geology in Michigan before attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York where he graduated at the top of his class. But it wasn’t until he moved to the Pacific Northwest that he discovered his passion for seafood. “I lived in Seattle for five years and that really got me going on the seafood thing,” Leopold says. “The quality and variety of the seafood that’s available to you in the Northwest is pretty incredible.” Leopold eventually made his way to Florida where he spent over a decade working at the Crow’s Nest in Venice, an establishment that is well-known for its seafood. In 2017, he started working for restaurateur Tommy Villani at Off the Wagon. Now, he serves as head chef at Villani & Co. in Downtown Wellen Park, where he gets to show off his seafood skills. The menu at Villani & Co. is seafood-forward, and Leopold has prioritized sourcing sustainable products. 14

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“I figured this was a good opportunity to choose to do all sustainable seafood, because there’s just so much of it out there,” he says. “It’s important to me that you can come in and know that any seafood you order is going to be ecologically-driven and sustainable.” The menu at Villani & Co. has a diverse assortment of seafood dishes, but Leopold has a few personal favorites like the Grilled Texas Redfish “On the Half-Shell”. For conservation reasons, it’s illegal to sell Florida-caught redfish so instead he brings it in from an open aquaculture farm in Texas. Leopold also puts a lot of effort into finding the best and most sustainable products for the restaurant’s substantial raw bar. “We’re super proud of our oysters,” Leopold says. “We find specialty oysters from places like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Maine and all along the East Coast. An oyster connoisseur will know the difference between an oyster from Washington and an oyster from Massachusetts, and we’re pretty proud that we can offer that selection.” WPL

ABOVE Sustainable sefood is on the menu at Villani & Co. including the grilled local Red Grouper with sweet and sour tomato coulis, grilled asparagus and cauliflower mash. Villani & Co., 19790 Wellen Park Blvd. Suite 101, Venice, 941-584-4434.

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Fired Up Oak & Stone brings upscale tavern food to Downtown Wellen Park. WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

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forkful EXPLORE

IN 2016, BRETT DECKLEVER AND MIKE SANTA LUCIA OPENED THE FIRST OAK & STONE IN SARASOTA. Their upscale take on

old-fashioned tavern fare quickly caught on with diners. Over the last seven years the burgeoning brand has flourished, launching several new locations across the Gulf Coast with more sites in the works. This past month, Oak & Stone opened its sixth and newest location in Downtown Wellen Park.

“Our menu is based on good oldfashioned tavern foods, but done in a more

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Oak & Stone, 19795 Wellen Park Blvd. Suite C, Venice, 941-258-3606. LEFT TO RIGHT: The Crispy Grouper BLT lends a Florida twist to a classic sandwich. Sample craft beers at the self-serve beer wall.

upscale manner,” says Daniel Harf, the chief concept officer at Artistry Restaurants, a group that partnered with Oak & Stone last year to help grow the brand. “We use fresh ingredients and everything is made from scratch. We try to be inspired with the cooking but it’s not trend— it’s food that people know and love.” Beverages are a central aspect of any tavern experience, and Oak & Stone delivers on that front. In addition to serving up an impressive array of craft cocktails, each Oak & Stone location has a self-serve beer wall featuring anywhere from forty to sixty brews at any given time. After showing a photo ID, patrons can get cards that grant them access to the beer wall. They can help themselves to a full glass of their favorite brew or try small samples of anything that tickles their fancy. “We focus on craft beers, and we try to feature as many local brews as we can,” Harf explains. “We do carry some popular national craft beers, but we rotate those regularly just to keep it exciting.” Oak & Stone may have multiple storefronts,

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but each individual restaurant has its own unique identity. The new location in Downtown Wellen Park is two stories tall with one patio downstairs and another on the rooftop with an incredible view of Grand Lake. The design of the space was influenced in part by the scenic surroundings. “We did do a new look for this particular restaurant, just trying to be more relevant to the area,” Harf says. “The building has painted white brick on the outside that’s very attractive architecturally and so we brought that into the interior as well. We still kept a lot of the oak wood that we’re known for, but we lightened it up and brightened it up. There’s a lot more tile and a lot more color in the space, so it’s a much more contemporary look.” Even with the updated aesthetic, the core values of the Oak & Stone team remain the same. “It’s important to know who you are, what you’re doing, and why, and to state it as clearly and concisely as you can,” says Harf. “We’re on a mission to spread joy through heartfelt hospitality and great food and drinks, because people matter.” WPL

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forkful EXPLORE

BELOW CLOCKWISE Shake up your routine with a craft cocktail. The self-serve beer wall features a wide variety of craft beers. The Farmer & Pig pizza is a favorite at Oak & Stone.

Artisanal Stone-Fired Pizza Oak & Stone serves up elevated takes on quintessential tavern fare including burgers, sandwiches and wings, but the eatery is especially well-known for its artisanal stone-fired pizzas. Every pizza at Oak & Stone is made with a handcrafted dough that uses triple-filtered water and undergoes a 36-hour fermentation process. This ultimately results in a thin, crisp crust with a unique texture and flavor. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free crust upon request. The signature dough provides a solid foundation for the pizza and Oak & Stone continues to build on that with their selection of specialty toppings. Diners can design their own pizza, choosing from classic toppings or unconventional ingredients including roasted chicken, caramelized onions, charred pineapple, garlic confit and more. Oak & Stone also features a dozen specialty pizzas on their menus with exciting and creative flavor combinations. On the crowd-favorite pizza known as The Farmer & Pig, the crust is brushed with herbaceous extra virgin olive oil and topped with fresh mozzarella, tangy pecorino romano, peppery arugula and salty imported prosciutto. A drizzle of hot honey adds a touch of sweet heat to this piquant pie.

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sips

EXPLORE

BELOW Raise your glass and enjoy the smoky, comforting taste of Villani & Co.’s maple oldfashioned cocktail.

Holiday

Cheer

Get into the spirit of the season with craft cocktails from three local eateries. WORDS BY KATE WIGHT

Maple Old-Fashioned Maple syrup is harvested in the late winter and early spring, but there’s something about the flavor of maple that feels distinctly autumnal. At Villani & Co., a classic cocktail gets a cozy twist courtesy of this fall flavor. The Maple Old Fashioned is made with Woodford Reserve Rye, Fee Brothers Orange Bitters and a touch of organic maple syrup. The Woodford Rye gives the cocktail a slight peppery flavor that plays beautifully against notes of honey and vanilla. The drink is garnished with a torched orange twist and bacon that has been candied in-house with brown sugar. Together, the garnishes add subtle hints of smoke and sweetness to the cocktail. Hearty and warming, the Maple Old-Fashioned is evocative of a fall campfire. Villani & Co., 19790 Wellen Park Blvd. Suite 101, Venice, 941-584-4434.

IN THE CLASSIC HOLIDAY TALE A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Ebenezer Scrooge finds redemption thanks to the guidance of

three spirits. In Wellen Park, cocktail connoisseurs can visit four local restaurants to sample spirits that are bursting with festive flavors. Kick off your seasonal celebrations with fall and holiday-inspired libations from The Banyan House, Villani & Co., Acqua Pazza and Oak & Stone, all located in the heart of Downtown Wellen Park.

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sips

EXPLORE

BELOW, TOP TO BOTTOM When in the Sunshine State, indulge in the citrus deliciousness of Oak & Stone’s Tangerine Blossom. Make happy hour last all season with The Banyan House Cosmo.

Tangerine Blossom In the present day, Christmas stockings are usually packed with items like toys, lip balms, lotions and gift cards. But when Christmas stockings came into popular use in the 19th century, they were often filled with tasty treats like candies, nuts and citrus fruits. Because their peak growing season is in the winter, tangerines were a particularly popular choice as an early stocking stuffer. This citrus fruit also plays a significant role in the Tangerine Blossom cocktail at Oak & Stone. Inspired by a Prohibition-era cocktail called the Bee’s Knees, the Tangerine Blossom is made from gin, tangerine syrup, house-made honey syrup, lemon juice and ginger beer. The cocktail uses Old St. Pete Sunset Gin from St. Petersburg Distillery, a craft spirit that incorporates a zesty citrus flavor against a traditional juniper backdrop. Ginger beer adds a touch of fizz and another element of seasonal spice to this complex yet refreshing cocktail. Oak & Stone, 19795 Wellen Park Blvd. Suite C, Venice, 941-258-3606.

Banyan Cosmo Whether it’s made from fresh berries or served jellied from a can, cranberry sauce is a staple on many holiday tables. Cranberry is also a central flavor in the cosmopolitan cocktail. The Banyan Cosmo at Banyan House Restaurant has all the classic cosmo ingredients: vodka, lime, Cointreau and cranberry juice. The cocktail utilizes the appropriately-named Banyan Reserve Vodka, a craft spirit from the St. Petersburg Distillery. But while the cocktail itself tastes just like you would expect a cosmo to taste, the whimsical presentation takes it to the next level. The Banyan Cosmo is topped with a delicate bubble of gelatin filled with raspberry vapor. It almost looks like a snowball is floating on top of the pastel pink cocktail. Touch the bubble with your finger or lips and it bursts, releasing the aroma of raspberry. This cocktail is as memorable as it is tasty. The Banyan House Restaurant, 19725 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, 941-584-5300.

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holidays EXPLORE

TheMost

Wonderful Time

Don’t miss these classic holiday events at CoolToday Park, Downtown Wellen Park and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. WORDS BY LAURA PAQUETTE

CoolToday Park GRILLED CHEESE FESTIVAL | NOVEMBER 18 Savor a pre-Thanksgiving feast at the 3rd Annual Grilled Cheese Festival at CoolToday Park. “We’re always looking for something new and exciting,” says Christina Shaw, the senior director of operations for the Atlanta Braves. “The Grilled Cheese Festival was the brainchild of one of our employee retreats.” Participating food trucks compete for a chance to set up their truck at Spring Training games for hungry baseball fans. The competition’s only requirement is to serve up something featuring bread and grilled cheese in three categories: Original, Meat Lovers’ and Freestyle. Attendees can enjoy a beer garden as they sample from the various trucks, listen to live music and purchase single-game tickets which go on sale that day. Grilled Cheese Festival, Nov. 18 from 11am-6pm. CoolToday Park, 18800 South West Villages Pkwy., Venice, 941-413-5000, cooltodaypark.com. 24

5TH ANNUAL JINGLE JAM | DECEMBER 2-3 On the Friday prior to Jingle Jam, run like Rudolph at the Beer Run around the park’s concourse and kick off your Saturday with the Tomahawk 5K. Throughout the weekend, peruse the holiday market, play carnival games, make masterpieces at the kids’ craft station and challenge yourself to the scavenger hunt throughout the stadium. Bring a Toys for Tots donation and you’ll be able to take a horse and carriage ride around the facility. Get your wish lists ready, because Mrs. Claus will stop by the stadium on Saturday, followed by a visit from Santa on Sunday. Sunday evening, take part in the golf cart parade, sponsored by Caddy Carts. Decorate your golf cart for this free event, then join the parade, which will pass through Downtown Wellen Park. Beer Run, December 1-6pm. Jingle Jam, December 2-3 from 10am-6pm. Tomahawk 5K, December 1 at 7:30am. CoolToday Park, 18800 South West Villages Pkwy., 941-413-5000, cooltodaypark.com.

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. CoolToday Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual Jingle Jam. Nosh on grilled cheese at the Grilled Cheese Festival at CoolToday Park.

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holidays EXPLORE

Light Up Wellen Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration DECEMBER 9 Holiday decorations will abound throughout Downtown Wellen, and a colossal Christmas tree will be lit as local elementary, middle and high school bands and choirs perform. Underneath the 100-year-old heritage oak tree, Santa Claus will listen to children’s Christmas wishes, providing a great family photo opportunity. Even Wellen Park’s digital projection art, displayed across the downtown, will have a festive twist. Live music will be provided by Discofox, getting everyone ready to jingle bell rock. Come hungry, because all of Downtown Wellen’s phase one restaurants and The Yard are open. Wander around and make your spirits bright with the Sip & Stroll Program. Kids “from one to 92” are encouraged to dress in their holiday best and decorate their bikes for the Glow Bike Parade through Wellen Park. Light Up

Wellen Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration, December 9; 3-10:30pm, Event times: Local Schools Choir and Band Performances from 2-5:30pm, Meet Santa from 4-8pm, Carriage Rides from 5:30-10pm, Glow Bike Ride at 5:45pm, Tree Lighting at 6:30pm, Live Music from Discofox from 7-11pm; Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk. Blvd. 941-960-7805; wellenpark.com.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens LIGHTS IN BLOOM | DECEMBER At first glance, a tropical botanical garden might not seem a likely candidate for a magical winter wonderland, but Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Lights in Bloom has transformed this paradox into one of the country’s top 10 botanical holiday light shows. With over two million lights on display USA Today named them the sixth best botanical holiday light show in 2022. Lights in Bloom gives the holidays a Floridian flair appealing to both locals—

who know that the festive season looks different on the Gulf Coast—and tourists happy to cozy up under a palm tree and not an evergreen. Flocks of “Florida reindeer,” or flamingos donning antlers greet guests along with other local buddies like toothy alligators in Santa hats. Families and kids at heart can delight in interactive games like giant chess, and then marvel at brilliant butterflies, whimsical flowers and twinkly surprises around every turn as holiday tunes set the mood. Michaels on East and other vendors will provide tasty eats and drinks to keep spirits bright. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, stroll through the captivating displays and lose yourself in the magic of the season. Lights in Bloom will run this December and early January at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.,Sarasota, 941-366-5731, selby.org. WPL

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V I S I T S A R A S O TA . C O M

Blind Pass With Gulf-to-Bay access and tons of seashells, this park tends to be much quieter than others with just as much beauty. A beautiful hiking trail through the mangrove forest, fishing docks, canoe/ kayak launches, playground and picnic facilities provide everything needed for a peaceful day at the beach. 6725 Manasota Key Rd. Manasota Key

Brohard Beach and Paw Park It’s the life for our canine companions at Brohard Beach and Paw Park, the only beach area in Sarasota County where dogs are invited to enjoy the sand and surf. The park has two separate fenced play yards–one for small dogs and one for larger dogs–both leading to the beach area. Amenities include dog-waste bags, showers, benches and drinking fountains. 1850 Harbor Drive S. Venice

Casperson Beach There’s just some-fin about Caspersen Beach, also known as the shark-tooth capital of the world. Tucked away in quiet South Venice, the beach is home to crystal clear gulf waters and amenities such as a pavilion, playground, restrooms and showers, picnic tables and boardwalks. Enjoy two miles of shaded hiking trails. 4100 Harbor Drive S. Venice

Deer Prairie Creek North Entrance Get all your ducks in a row and visit this park where you may be lucky enough to see the Florida scrub-jay, deer, river otter, bobcats, a gopher tortoise and more. This 6,400-acre preserve has more than 60 miles of hiking trails. The North entrance features a large parking area for general parking and equestrian trailer parking, designated equestrian trails and a trailhead to the North Port Connector Trails. 10201 S. Tamiami Trl., 7001 Forbes Trl. (North Entrance) Venice

Historic Spanish Point Pathways of beautiful, sunny and shady, well-maintained gardens await you in the Marie Selby Gardens at Historic Spanish Point. Experience a docent-led tour or boat tour, or stroll on your own through the 30-acre campus showcasing a wide variety of native Florida plants. Restrooms and benches are located throughout the campus and the Bayside Cottage Café (operated by Michael’s On East) is open daily. 401 North Tamiami Trl. Osprey

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Above clockwise: Brohard Beach, Deer Prarie Creek, Celery Fields, Blind Pass, The Legacy Trail and Casperson Beach. Right clockwise: Rothenbach Park, Myakkahatchee Creek, Myakka River State Park, Pompano Trailhead, Oscar Scherer State Park and Siesta Beach.

Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park This neighborhood park is your go-to for a day of horseback riding on its 3.7 miles of trails. Situated on 160 acres under an oak canopy, it is also ideal for hiking, biking and camping. The Myakkahatchee Creek Connector Bridge connects the park to the Carlton Reserve. The footbridges, pavilion and public restrooms make the park a winner for family outings. 6968 Reisterstown Road, North Port

Myakka River State Park Alligators, armadillos and snakes, oh my! These are just a few creatures you’re likely to encounter on a visit to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. The Myakka River wildlife tour is a favorite for visitors. The 45-60 minute guided tour may be experienced by boat or tram and runs every day, weather permitting. If you’re a bird watcher, bring your binoculars! 13208 State Rd. 72, Sarasota

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Oscar Scherer State Park Take a hike! With 15 miles of marked hiking trails, this is the place to do it, on your own or with a guided ranger walk. The only freshwater lake for swimming in the county, the park offers endless opportunities for adventurous kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Camping is very popular in the 104 total RV sites in the park.1843 S. Tamiami Trl. Osprey

Pompano Trailhead Stay out of the kitchen and head to the Pompano Trailhead where you’ll find 12 lighted pickleball courts, a half basketball court, grills, tables, a pavilion and playground. With plenty of parking and amenities for The Legacy Trail users starting their journey from the North, the newly-opened Pompano Trailhead is a happy place for exercise enthusiasts. 601 S Pompano Ave., Sarasota

Rothenbach Park The whole family will enjoy the playgrounds at Rothenbach Park, with one designated toddler area and another section for older kids. With a shaded picnic spot, a workout area and about five miles of paved recreational trails that are perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, this is the ultimate place for a fun family outing. 8650 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota

Siesta Beach The soft, white sugary sands make this public beach oh so sweet! Located off Beach Road on the northwest side of Siesta Key, Siesta Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in America. Frequent dolphin sightings in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters are an added bonus, along with great spots for snorkeling and shelling. The playground and amenities, including a concession stand, restrooms and showers make this an ideal place for a day of sun and fun. 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Key (Ted Sperling Nature Park) Just row with it at this park where it’s so peaceful that you can actually hear the calmness of mangrove-filled water passages. Famous for kayaking, it’s the perfect place to meet up with some incredible wildlife including manatees, osprey, herons, dolphins and stingrays. Ted Sperling Park is also the launching point for kayak tours to mangrove tunnels and Sarasota Bay. Guided tours are available. 190 Taft Drive, Sarasota / Lido Key

The Bay Zumba your way down to The Bay or take a yoga, tai chi, core or bootcamp class, all free at Sarasota’s newest public park perched along Sarasota Bay. With its impressive Ibis children’s playground, Mangrove Bayou Walkway, Common Ground lawns and paddle launch, you’ll want to spend all day and maybe even stay for a spectacular sunset concert and views. 655 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

The Celery Fields Whether walking, jogging, training for a trekking expedition or bird watching from the 75-foot man-made observational hill, Celery Fields is an ideal location for your recreational needs. The 400+ acre site is also the county’s primary stormwater collection zone, allowing it to serve a dual purpose. 6799 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota or 100 Coburn Rd., Sarasota

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Below clockwise: Urfer Famly Park, Historic Spanish Point, The Bay, Turtle Beach and Ted Sperling Park.

Turtle Beach Park/Campground

For fitness fans in search of the perfect place to bike or rollerblade outdoors, the search is over with the newly-expanded Legacy Trail. This 18.5-mile multi-use recreational rail trail connects Venice to Downtown Sarasota and runs along a former portion of the Seminole Gulf Railway corridor. The smoothly-paved path offers free parking areas, a series of interpretive signs and stop stations. Multiple trailheads provide

It’s hard to find a more beautiful place to camp than Turtle Beach, with its direct beach access. The campground is full of amenities such as RV hook-ups, restrooms and showers, washers and dryers, and a playground. Swim and kayak in the Gulf of Mexico, or hike on nearby trails before taking a free trolley ride to Siesta Village for beachside shopping and a bite to eat. 8862 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota

access to other amenities.

Urfer Family Park

We invite you to experience the great outdoors at Sarasota County’s parks and preserves. For more information about these parks, visit scgov.net/parks and floridastateparks.org.

You won’t be steered wrong with a visit to this park where you can still see cattle grazing near the old windmill. With three playgrounds designed for various ages, a one-mile nature trail with diverse ecosystems, and a paved fitness trail, there are plenty of options to enjoy the natural beauty of this 55-acre site. A boardwalk overlooks wetlands and the historical Dr. C.B. Wilson House which has been restored so that visitors can take a self-guided tour. 4012 Honore Ave., Sarasota

Copy by Barbie Heit; Photography by Wyatt Kostygan | SRQMEDIA

The Legacy Trail

Warm Mineral Springs

Visit Us In Person Official Sarasota County Visitor Information Center 1945 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34236 E info@visitsarasota.org P 941-706-1253

Relax, unwind and soak your roots in the only publicly-accessible hot spring in Florida. Warm Mineral Springs in North Port is also the largest natural mineral water spring in the world. Temps remain around 85 degrees (give or take) all year long, making it easy to enjoy the 51 healing natural mineral properties in the water. There is plenty of parking and grassy areas to set your chairs on for a day of soaking.12200 San Servando Ave., North Port.

V I S I T S A R A S O TA . C O M PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SRQ MEDIA | LIVE LOCAL. LOVE LOCAL

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Elevate

The Table

Breakwater Home Fashion’s Rene Perry makes designing a swoon-worthy table a breeze. WORDS BY EMMA DANNENFELSER

SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS WHAT MAKES THE HOLIDAY SEASON MAGICAL. One way to completely elevate any dinner party, family gathering or even a weekday dinner for two is by creating a beautiful table setting that makes sitting down for a meal a meaningful and memorable experience. The easiest way to begin designing an eye-catching tablescape is by first choosing one “base” or “vision” piece to create the rest of the look around, such as a tablecloth, table runner or centerpiece. “Choose one that’s your favorite, then decorate it around it,” says Rene Perry, who opened Breakwater Home Fashions with her husband Mike Perry in June. Starting off by choosing a base piece to build the rest of the tablescape off of makes it easy to achieve an array of table setting styles or themes, from traditional to modern Christmas, or even themes based off of countries like Italy or France. 36

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The options are truly endless. “For those who are new to hosting or hosting aficionados looking to revamp their table, the three pieces that will elevate any setting and are a must have for all hosts, are napkins, napkin rings and chargers,” Perry adds. Napkins are not only essential to meals, especially for notoriously messy loved ones, but they also serve as a foolproof way to dress-up any table, when bound with a stylish, on-theme napkin ring. Today, napkin rings come in an endless variety of styles, from terrazzo to ceramic to gold, making finding the perfect piece for any tablescape stress-free. As for chargers, also known as the large base plate in a setting, silver or gold will go with anything, Perry says. These base pieces seem simple, yet they are an effortless way to make a dinner table look polished and refined. WPL Breakwater Home Fashions, 19795 Wellen

Park Blvd, Venice, 941 584-5234, breakwaterfl.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS | SRQ MEDIA

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Holiday Decorating Tips CENTERPIECES When it comes to holiday centerpieces, the more the merrier. “Rather than doing just one centerpiece, which has been typical in the past, people are expanding that centerpiece by doing two or three of whatever they choose,” Perry says. “Whether that be vases, or Christmas trees with presents around it, instead of just one centerpiece it will be a spray of them.” BEACHY ELEMENTS As with many aspects of Floridian design, embracing the Gulf Coast’s natural elements will always be in style. “Down here, people like a lot of natural materials. So, they do a lot of things with driftwood, like Christmas trees that are made out of driftwood, which are really pretty,” Perry says. “There are also a lot of glass spheres that have been really popular; they add a nice touch.”

COLORS AND NEUTRAL Taking traditional holiday color schemes, such as red and green, and placing them alongside popular prints like buffalo plaid pieces creates a unique and modern, but also classic, look. “In doubt, you can always go for a neutral look as well, which would be your beiges, whites, grays and even navy,” Perry adds.

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WELLEN PARK NEIGHBORHOODS MAP

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BEA

CH ROAD

11/1/23 10:59 AM

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

WINTER 2023 | GUIDE TO BUILDERS

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AMALFI

LAKESPUR

BISCAYNE II

EVERLY

BRIGHT MEADOW II

GRAND PALM

BRIGHTMORE

CRYSTAL SAND II

WYSTERIA

DUNNET

SOLSTICE

EDGEWATER

GRAN PLACE

GLADES

SUNSTONE AT WELLEN PARK

MAINSTAY II

EVERLY

MARIA

WELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

MARSALA

ANTIGUA

PEBBLE BEACH

ST. LUCIA AT BOCA ROYALE

RAVENNA

EVERLY

RIVIERA II

RENAISSANCE AT WELLEN PARK

SILVER SKY II

AVELINA

WARRINA

EVERLY

WHITESTONE

LAKESPUR

11/1/23 10:59 AM

LENNAR HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

AMALFI

LAKESPUR

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM THE LOW $400s 2,529 sf | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths The Amalfi is a perfectly designed 2,529 square foot 2-story home that features four spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Generous kitchen with cozy breakfast nook is open to the family room. Enjoy more formal celebrations in the separate dining room. Large second floor bonus room offers additional space for the game or media room you’ve always wanted. The Owner’s suite boasts a big walk-in closet and en-suite with dual sinks and standing shower. The covered lanai is perfect for relaxation day and night.

2529-AMALFI 2529-AMALFI LANAI LANAI

24'-0" X 9'-0" 24'-0" X 9'-0"

BEDROOM 4 11'-0" X 12'-0" BEDROOM 4

GREAT ROOM GREAT 16'-0" X 20'-0" ROOM

11'-0" X 12'-0"

DW DW

16'-0" X 20'-0"

A/C

BREAKFAST NOOK BREAKFAST NOOK

A/C

KITCHEN KITCHEN

BATH D D W W

LAUNDRY LAUNDRY

BATH UP

PAN

REF.

PAN

REF.

DINING ROOM DINING ROOM

10'-0" X 13'-0"

FOYER FOYER

2 CAR GARAGE 21'-0" X 20'-0" 2 CAR GARAGE

ENTRY

21'-0" X 20'-0"

First Floor

ENTRY

FIRST FLOOR FIRST FLOOR WIC

BEDROOM 2 11'-0" X 11'-0" BEDROOM 2

OWNER'S SUITE OWNER'S 15'-0" X 15'-0" SUITE

11'-0" X 11'-0"

15'-0" X 15'-0"

WIC

WIC WIC

BEDROOM 3 12'-0" X 10'-0" BEDROOM 3 12'-0" X 10'-0"

WIC WIC

OWNER'S BATH OWNER'S BATH

BATH A/C

BATH

A/C

DN DN

BONUS ROOM BONUS 17'-0" X 16'-0" ROOM

17'-0" X 16'-0"

Second Floor

SECOND FLOOR SECOND FLOOR

LENNAR HOMES | Sales Information Model Sales Office Coming Soon | 941.231.5325 | Lennar.com

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

11/1/23 10:59 AM

HOMES BY WESTBAY

NEIGHBORHOOD

BISCAYNE II

EVERLY

SINGLE-FAMILY | PRICING COMING SOON 3,138 sf | 4-5 Bedrooms | 4-5 Baths The Biscayne II is a two-story home with a wonderful open living floorplan, while providing seclusion for owner’s retreat and secondary bedrooms. The heart of the home is the combined grand room, incredible kitchen and casual dining with access to the outdoor living with its large covered lanai. Further, the 12-foot ceilings in the foyer, grand room and kitchen complement the open design. The owner’s retreat features walk-in closets and a luxurious master bath with garden tub and walk-in shower. An upstairs bonus room with bedroom 5 and additional bathroom complete this home. This flexible floorplan offers you a variety of options including formal dining or den, pool bath, sunroom and extended lanai.

First Floor

HOMES BY WESTBAY | Sales Information Model Sales Office Coming Soon | 941.231.6966 | HomesbyWestBay.com

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Second Floor

Optional Bedroom 2 Suite

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

11/1/23 10:59 AM

NEAL COMMUNITIES

NEIGHBORHOOD

BRIGHT MEADOW II

GRAND PALM

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM THE HIGH $500s 2,309 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths Introducing the Bright Meadow 2, meticulously designed for discerning homeowners. Step through the inviting foyer into an expansive and well-lit family room, adorned with an elegant recessed ceiling. Adjacent to this central hub, you’ll discover a gourmet kitchen, boasting a generously sized walk-in pantry, a gracefully curved island, and a charming breakfast nook. Graceful French doors off the family room lead you into the versatile den, while glass sliding doors connect the great room to a spacious covered lanai. The master suite, featuring its own recessed ceiling, is a luxurious sanctuary. It boasts not one, but two walk-in closets, providing ample storage space. The master bath is a spa-like oasis, offering dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a private water closet for added comfort. Meanwhile, two secondary bedrooms offer the convenience of walk-in closets, one designed as a guest suite, complete with its own private bath. This Bright Meadow 2 plan epitomizes modern living, combining functionality with timeless elegance to create a space that you’ll be proud to call home.

NEAL COMMUNITIES | Sales Information 12589 Meribel St, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.214.9190 | NealCommunities.com

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

11/1/23 12:09 PM

MATTAMY HOMES

BRIGHTMORE AT WELLEN PARK

PAIRED VILLAS & SINGLE-FAMILY | PRICING COMING SOON 1,400 - 2,500 sf | 2-3 bedrooms | 2-3 baths Coming in late 2023, Brightmore is Wellen Park’s first 55+ neighborhood, bringing Mattamy Homes’ thoughtful brand of engaged and spirited living to the Playmore District. Brightmore’s fresh approach to active adult living is rooted in adventure, well-being and a sense of community. This gated community lies just around the corner from CoolToday Park, home of the Atlanta Braves spring training and host to events year-round. Brightmore residents will love living in the heart of Wellen Park close to Downtown Wellen, which is packed with lakefront dining, shopping and entertainment for all ages. Brightmore’s stylish paired villas and single-family homes are complemented by fun-filled amenities that are under construction. In this low-maintenance, vibrant community, homeowners will love the future clubhouse, which features a fitness center, social hall and café/bar, along with a resort-style pool, lap pool, spa, nine pickleball courts, paw park, indoor and outdoor gathering areas and so much more. Discover something new every day with a full slate of social events, engaging activities, classes and clubs — all ready to go for our first residents! Visit BrightmoreFL.com to learn more about this new community and to sign up as a Brightmore Community Insider to be the first to receive updates.

MATTAMY HOMES Sales Information West Villages Parkway, just south of CoolToday Park 941.236.5125 | BrightmoreFL.com

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

11/1/23 12:09 PM

NEAL COMMUNITIES

NEIGHBORHOOD

CRYSTAL SAND II

WYSTERIA

PAIRED VILLA | FROM THE HIGH $300s 1,433 sf | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths Lanai Extension Option

Airy and open, the Crystal Sand 2 paired villa home is comfortable and elegant, offering the feel of a private beach when you step inside. An open great room and kitchen area lead to a lanai, accessed through sliding glass doors or an optional pocket slider. A formal dining room can be a den with French door entry if you prefer. The master suite includes two closets, one a walk-in. You can pamper yourself in a master bath featuring a walk-in shower, two sink vanities and a private water closet. The home makes a perfect retreat for a small family or as a second home.

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NEAL COMMUNITIES | Sales Information 12589 Meribel St, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.960.7782 | NealCommunities.com

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ELEVATIONS BW3 Shown

I I I I

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

11/1/23 11:00 AM

TOLL BROTHERS

NEIGHBORHOOD

DUNNET

SOLSTICE

VILLA | FROM $477,995 1,804+ sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths Welcome to the lovely Dunnet, an inviting retreat that you’ll be proud to call home. The wide-open kitchen with walk-in pantry, casual dining area, and great room are adjacent to a desirable covered lanai. The primary bedroom suite is an oasis of its own, boasting an oversized shower, linen storage, dual-sink vanity, private water closet, and large walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms on the other side of the home feature convenient closets, and a centrally located laundry area and hall bath round out the living space. Situated within walking distance of Downtown Wellen and CoolToday Park, Solstice at Wellen Park is a gated community in Venice, Florida, offering a variety of home designs with outstanding included features and exciting onsite amenities.

TOLL BROTHERS | Sales Information 12657 Pinnacle Ln Venice, Florida | 941.628.7086 | SolsticeAtWellenPark.com

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

11/1/23 11:00 AM

SAM RODGERS HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

EDGEWATER

GRAN PLACE

SINGLE FAMILY | FROM $1,231,990

2,872 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | Bonus Room

Welcome Home to the Edgewater at Gran Place, a Sam Rodgers Homes exclusive enclave of only 42 semi-custom homes. The Edgewater model home showcases Sam Rodgers Homes’ semi-custom approach to homebuilding, illustrating the most popular features homebuyers want in their new Florida home – an inviting open floor plan, a three-car garage, 90 degree sliding glass doors blurring the boundaries between inside and out, and a destination cabana expanding al fresco living and creating the resort lifestyle within the privacy of their own home. Spanning 2,872 square feet under air, the model has three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a 1/2 bath in the cabana, bonus room and highlights the Sarasota builder’s high level of luxury details. The floor plan elevates entertaining, offering a formal dining room off the foyer, an elegant open gallery and an effortless flow between the adjoining living room, kitchen and café, which in turn expand to the covered lanai. A walk-in pantry and a sunny café tucked into a corner of sliding glass doors. The Edgewater’s covered lanais create intimate conversation – all overlooking the custom pool featuring built-in bar stools and a floating tile-clad spa with a 360-degree spillover. The cabana, positioned on the other side of the pool, offers a full outdoor kitchen, a dining area, a pool bath and a living room with a stone-clad gas fireplace and TV. Large windows and a glass door welcome sunlight into the spacious master suite, which opens to the covered lanai and pool. The suite offers a large walk-in closet and a well-appointed bathroom with a lounge tub, glass-enclosed shower, split vanities and a linen closet. The model’s two guestrooms have walk-in closets. The multipurpose bonus room is shown with a dry bar and a partner’s desk for homework or working from home. The Edgewater floor plan provides numerous options for personalization, including a private office instead of the formal dining room, an additional bedroom or an in-law suite with a sitting area, morning kitchen and separate bedroom.

Opt. Screen Door Opt. 48” Kneewall

Opt. Outdoor Kitchen

Storage Room

Opt. Fireplace

Above: Optional Cabana Retreat / Bonus 18’-4” x 16’-3”

SAM RODGERS HOMES | Sales Information 18075 Home Run Drive | Venice, Florida | 941.621.3068 | SamRodgersHomes.com

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Cabana Bath

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

11/1/23 12:11 PM

MATTAMY HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

GLADES

SUNSTONE AT WELLEN PARK

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM $557,990 2,005 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Bonus Room 2-car Garage + Flex Room From the front porch to the back lanai, the 2,005 sq. ft. Glades floorplan has indoor and outdoor living space to spare. Masterfully arranged rooms around an open-concept central living area provide the ideal home for entertaining or simple relaxing together as a family. When it’s time to study, work remotely or enjoy hobbies, a separate flex room offers a versatile additional living space. The owner’s suite has its own luxurious bath and a large walk-in closet. Sunstone at Wellen Park is a stylish, vibrant slice of Southwest Florida life, located at Preto Blvd. and Manasota Beach Rd. just around the corner from new Downtown Wellen and CoolToday Park. Within Sunstone’s gates, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a resort-style amenity campus opening soon, including a beach-entry pool with lap lanes and spa, clubhouse with fitness center, dog park, pickleball courts and more. Six model homes are open daily and quick move-in homes are available.

MATTAMY HOMES | Sales Information 18150 Wellspring Ct, Venice, Florida | 941.205.7051 MattamyHomes.com/WellenPark

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

11/1/23 11:01 AM

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

MAINSTAY II EVERLY

SINGLE FAMILY | FROM $1.274 MILLION 3,200 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths

Innovation intertwines seamlessly with timeless elegance in the Mainstay II – Lee Wetherington Homes’ latest take on modern coastal design. And this blend results in an incomparable, fully custom home that continuously catches the eye and forges conversation. A forward-thinking iteration of the original Mainstay, winner of 13 Parade of Homes awards for impeccable style in 2021 and 2022, the Mainstay II showcases breathtaking curb appeal with its Alys Beach and Sarasota contemporary-inspired design – all available on beautiful 75- and 85-foot estate homesites in Everly at Wellen Park. With 3,200 square feet of living area and over 4,600 under roof, not only is this single-story floor plan stunningly spacious, flexible and functional but it exudes sophistication by incorporating slate blues and charcoal mixed with lighter wood tones and layered textural elements intended to make a statement. First impressions are truly created in the foyer, featuring 12-foot ceilings and everything from a quartz accent wall to an oak ceiling tray. The entry opens up to a sweeping great room, kitchen and dining area with broad glass windows displaying clear, unobstructed vistas, blurring the lines between indoor spaces and 588 square feet of outdoor living area. A spa-like retreat feel is found in the primary suite, complete with gorgeous ceiling details, two walk-in closets, a deep soaking tub, natural wood vanities, sleek sconced lighting and more. And from cocktail lounge styling in the bonus room to pocket glass doors adorning the den, surprises are a mainstay across the Mainstay II. LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES Sales Information 941.236.5909 | LWHomes.com

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

11/1/23 11:01 AM

LENNAR HOMES

MARIA

NEIGHBORHOOD

WELLEN PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

2247-MARIA -V2

OWNER'S SUITE

COVERED LANAI

16' X 15'

OPT. OUTDOOR KITCHEN

22' X 11'

WIC

PANTRY

FAMILY ROOM 21' X 16

OWNER'S BATH

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM UPPER $600s 2,247 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths

13' X 11'

10' X 18'

BATH

REF.

BEDROOM 2 10' X 11'

LAUNDRY

The Maria model features 2,247 square feet of living space with 3 spacious bedrooms, den, 3 baths and a 2-car garage. This contemporary home offers a spacious design that seamlessly connects the kitchen, family room, and dining area, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The kitchen is inviting and well-lit, with easy access to a covered lanai that allows for enjoyable outdoor experiences. As you enter the home, you’ll find a secondary suite situated near the entrance, which is conveniently located next to a versatile den that can be used as an office space or transformed into a home gym. Finally, the owner’s suite is thoughtfully positioned at the rear of the house, ensuring privacy and tranquility.

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

DEN

12' X 11'

FOYER

BATH

2 CAR GARAGE 19' X 20'

ENTRY

BEDROOM 3 12' X 10'

LENNAR HOMES | Sales Information 17127 Jadestone Court, Venice, Florida | 941.740.6524 | Lennar.com

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

11/1/23 11:01 AM

LENNAR HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

MARSALA

ANTIGUA

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM UPPER $300s 2,201 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths One of Lennar’s popular single-family floor plans. Located in the national homebuilder’s new Antigua neighborhood of only 177 homesites with water and preserve views, the Marsala has three bedrooms, three full baths, a den and a two-car garage. The Marsala waits to introduce its grand gathering areas, welcoming guests to an elegant foyer and a long hallway before opening to the spacious great room and kitchen filled with natural sunlight. The great room’s generous size makes entertaining a breeze, easily accommodating a dining area and a large gathering space with ample room for a sofa, loveseat and TV. Sliding glass doors extend living outside to the lanai which has a chic brick paver floor and provides venues for dining and sitting. Chefs appreciate the kitchen’s wide layout and appointments with white Shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, a corner walk-in pantry and a center island that doubles as a breakfast bar. The Marsala balances its openness with cozy retreats for bedrooms and the den. The owner’s suite has a large bedroom with a king-size bed, two walk-in closets and a spa-inspired private bathroom with a luxe soaking tub, separate shower and dual-sink vanity. The model’s two guestrooms and den are located off the foyer hallway. An en suite bedroom has a private bathroom with a shower. The second guestroom offers a walk-in closet and is shown as an inviting mother-in-law suite. It shares a full bathroom with the den.

LENNAR HOMES | Sales Information 11490 Burgundy Lane | Venice, Florida | 941.621.9324 | Lennar.com

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Lanai 25' x 9'

Owner’s Suite ite e 14' x 15'

Great re t Room R 24' x 16' Walk-In a Closet loset

Walk-In Close Closet Bath

Kitchen

Bedroom ed d 3 11' x 11'

HVAC VAC Den 13' x 11' Laundry

Bath 3 Bath 2 Foyer

Bedroom o 2 12' x 12'

2-Car Garage 2-Car ra 20' x 20' Entry

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

11/1/23 11:01 AM

NEAL SIGNATURE HOME

NEIGHBORHOOD

PEBBLE BEACH

ST. LUCIA AT BOCA ROYALE

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM $867,990 3,038 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths The Pebble Beach is a luxurious home that feels like your own private retreat. This floorplan features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3-car garage across 3,038 sq. ft. of open living space. This design includes a guest room with en suite bath and walk-in shower, ideal for hosting family and friends. The great room is a perfect spot to unwind during the day, providing you with a view of the gourmet kitchen and spacious island. The Pebble Beach includes a den, an ideal location for an office or your own library. When you want to celebrate with friends or have a fun night in, the club room is the perfect space to throw a party or exciting game night. The exquisite master bedroom is the perfect retreat to relax and rejuvenate daily. This suite includes two walk-in closets, walk-in shower, soaking tub, private water closet and two sink vanities. This floorplan offers several customizations, such as another bedroom in lieu of the club room, or including either an outdoor kitchen wall or fireplace for entertainment on the lanai.

NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES | Sales Information 10640 Nicklaus Court, Englewood, FL 34223 | 941.214.9760 | NealCommunities.com

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LIVING GARAGE LANAI ENTRY

3038 760 569 261

S.F. S.F. S.F. S.F.

TOTAL AREA

4628

S.F.

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

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NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

RAVENNA

EVERLY

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM $777,990 3,004 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths The Ravenna is a stately and elegant home, made for luxurious comfort, spacious entertaining and daily relaxation. With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths across 3,004 sq. ft. of living space with a 3-car garage, this home can be customized and designed to reflect your unique taste and style. Unwind daily in the Great Room, the center and heart of the home, connecting to the dining area and gourmet kitchen. The Club Room is the perfect space to enjoy sports, watch movies or setup a billiards table. A separate den with double French doors is included, and can be used as an office or additional living space. The Master Bedroom includes two walk-in closets, separate sink vanity areas, a luxurious soaking tub, walk-in shower and private water closet. The two remaining bedrooms are located by a secondfull bath. A powder room is located beside the Club Room. Additional options for this home include a fourth bedroom as well as several bath configurations.

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NEAL SIGNATURE HOMES | Sales Information Coming Soon | 941.584.8363 | NealCommunities.com

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

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MATTAMY HOMES

RIVIERA II

NEIGHBORHOOD

RENAISSANCE AT WELLEN PARK

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM $540,990 1,937 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths 2-car Garage + Flex Room The Riviera II is an open and airy home with 1,937 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. This 1-story single-family home welcomes you with a cozy front porch in the coastal exterior style, or a covered entry. This open home design is highlighted by a designer kitchen with island that overlooks the dining area and spacious Great Room. A sliding glass door provides easy access to the outdoor covered lanai and brings in abundant sunshine. In the front of the home, a well-lit flex room provides a versatile space for you to use as a home office, hobby room or retreat. Two bedrooms are conveniently located adjacent to a full bath. A spacious, owner’s suite is located towards the back of the home for privacy and includes an owner’s bath with two vanities and an oversized walk-in closet. At Renaissance at Wellen Park, homeowners enjoy exclusive access to resortstyle amenities that are open daily, including a fun-filled clubhouse, beach entry pool with lap lanes, tennis courts, pickleball courts, tot lot and more. A full schedule of events, classes, clubs, and social fun is available at Renaissance to promote true community and well-being. A selection of quick move-in paired villas and single-family homes are available so you can move in sooner.

MATTAMY HOMES | Sales Information 11720 Renaissance Blvd, Venice, Florida | 941.208.6375 MattamyHomes.com/WellenPark

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

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NEAL COMMUNITIES

NEIGHBORHOOD

SILVER SKY II

AVELINA

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM THE HIGH $600s 2,762 sf | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths This spacious new home design in Avelina is perfect for family as well as guests. The Silver Sky 2 home includes a guest room with en suite bath and walk-in closet, a luxurious master suite and two secondary bedrooms. An open leisure room can instead be a den with French doors. The foyer and gallery entry makes an elegant impression and leads to an open great room, kitchen and dining nook area. The great room with coffered ceiling offers views out to the sunny covered lanai, where you can add an optional pool bath. A large island and walk-in pantry make the gourmet kitchen especially accommodating. In the comfortable master suite you’ll find a bedroom with two walk-in closets, and bath with dual sink vanities, shower, optional garden tub, and private water closet.

ELEVATION C1 SHOWN

LIVING GARAGE LANAI ENTRY

NEAL COMMUNITIES | Sales Information 12589 Meribel St, Venice, FL 34293 | 941.241.2359 | NealCommunities.com

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2762 S.F. 628 S.F. 260 S.F. 37 S.F.

TOTAL AREA 3687 S.F.

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

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JOHN CANNON HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

WARRINA

EVERLY

SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM $1 MILLION+ 3,412 sf | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths The elevated contemporary style of this house is apparent upon entrance into the foyer, where you are greeted with saturated color and warm wood tones. With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths across 3,412 square feet of living space and a 3-car garage, this home can be customized and designed to reflect your unique taste and style. Unwind daily in the Great Room, the center and heart of the home, which connects to the dining area and gourmet kitchen. The Club Room is the perfect space to enjoy sports, watch movies or set up a billiards table. A separate den with double French doors is included, and can be used as an office or additional living space. The Master Bedroom includes 2 walk-in closets, separate vanities, a luxurious soaking tub, walk-in shower and private water closet. The two remaining bedrooms are located by a second full bath. A powder room is located beside the Club Room. Additional options for this home include a fourth bedroom as well as several bath configurations.

JOHN CANNON HOMES Sales Information: Model Sales Office Coming Soon 941.876.5224 JohnCannonHomes.com *Brochure floorplans and photos are for representation purposes only and may not exactly reflect the offerings of this home. Prices subject to change without notice.

PULTE HOMES

NEIGHBORHOOD

WHITESTONE

LAKESPUR

COVERED LANAI

Elevation FM1 OPT. DROPPED TRAY

Elevation FM1

OPT. DROPPED TRAY OPT. TRAY

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GATHERING ROOM

10'-10" x 13'-0"

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OWNER'S SUITE

14'-4" x 19'-4"

12'-11" x 15'-8"

14'-4" x 19'-4"

12'-11" x 15'-8"

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10'-10" x 13'-0"

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OPT.OUTDOOR KITCHEN PREP

26'-0" x 10'-0"

OPT.OUTDOOR KITCHEN PREP

26'-0" x 10'-0"

OWNER'S BATH

Elevation FM2 Elevation FM2 SINGLE-FAMILY | FROM THE MID $500s L

STOR

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WIC

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FOYER

12'-4" x 13'-0"

18'-7" x 19'-11"

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12'-4" x 13'-0"

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12'-11" x 12'-7"

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20'-10" x 17'-4"

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20'-10" x 17'-4"

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13'-4" x 11'-2"

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The Whitestone home design is a true gem that promises the OPT. CABS ultimate in comfortable and stylish living. WIC This home featuresENTRY an inviting foyer, setting the stage for what lies ahead. The Elevation C2 dream, seamlessly open kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s Elevation C2 connecting to the cafe and gathering areas, making it the heart of the home, perfect for entertaining friends and family. FOYER 2 CAR GARAGE Need a space to unwind or host overnight guests? The 18'-7" x 19'-11" versatile downstairs flex space offers endless possibilities. As you ascend to the second floor, you’ll discover a vast loft PORCH area, providing the ideal space for recreation or relaxation. C2 with Stone this home is With three generously sizedElevation bedrooms upstairs, Elevation C2 with Stone designed to accommodate a growing family or offer a warm 4' GARAGE EXT. OPT welcome to visiting guests. The crown jewel of the Whitestone is undoubtedly the private first-floor Owner’s Suite, a retreat within your own home. This sanctuary provides a peaceful escape, boasting a private bathroom with a large walk-in bathroom. Don’t miss your chance to call the Whitestone Elevation CO1 where every detail home – a haven of comfort and elegance, Elevation CO1 has been meticulously crafted to create a perfect living experience for you and your loved ones.

KITCHEN

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OPT. DOORS

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PORCH

PULTE HOMES | Sales Information Sales Center Coming Soon | 941.231.5325 | Pulte.com/Lakespur

Bedroom 5 Ilo Flex

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

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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ENGAGE | COMMUNITY EVENTS There is always something going on in Wellen Park. Whether you’re in the mood to exercise, socialize or be entertained, you’re invited! S I G N AT U R E E V E N T S

Light Up Wellen Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration December 9 Holiday decorations will abound throughout Downtown Wellen, and a colossal Christmas tree will be lit as local elementary, middle and high school bands and choirs perform. Underneath the 100-year-old heritage oak tree, Santa Claus will listen to children’s Christmas wishes, providing a great family photo opportunity. Even Wellen Park’s digital projection art, displayed across the downtown, will have a festive twist. Live music will be provided by Discofox, getting everyone ready to jingle bell rock. Come hungry, because all of Downtown Wellen’s phase one restaurants and The Yard are open. Wander around and make your spirits bright with the Sip & Stroll Program. Kids “from one to 92” are encouraged to dress in their holiday best and decorate their bikes for the Glow Bike Parade through Wellen Park.

lawn chairs or blankets. Participate in Wellen Park’s Sip & Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen food and beverage merchants.

Wellen Park 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, Tai Chi and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn. Walking Group Meet-Up Every Saturday from 9 to 10am Cycling Group Meet-Up Every Saturday from 10 to 11am Running Group Meet-Up Every Monday at 6pm Yoga on the Great Lawn Every Saturday from 9 to 10am Tai Chi Every Wednesday from 9-10am Zumba on the Great Lawn Monday from 8 to 9 am

Tailgate Tuesdays ONGOING EVENTS

Fall Music Series Wellen Park is hosting a variety of musical genres and musicians each week. Wellen Wednesdays and Thursday Tunes will feature various local bands every week under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 pm. Friday Night Live will host a live band on the Solis Hall stage overlooking the Great Lawn from 6 to 10 pm. Saturday Sounds will feature music on the first, second and fourth Saturday of the month under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 pm. Sunday Groove will feature music under Heritage Tree from 9 am to 1 pm. Visitors are invited to

bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own

The arrival of the college football season means that it’s time for some fun at Downtown Wellen’s Tailgate Tuesdays! On the third Tuesday of the month from 6-9 pm, enjoy an evening of college football excitement as our community comes together to celebrate their favorite college football team and showcase your ultimate team spirit. Don’t forget to RSVP for Wheel of Fun Football Edition by Mr. Game Show.

Cars & Caffeine Rev up your engines on the first Saturday of every month from 7:30am–10:30 am. 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. We welcome all makes and models to join us monthly. Participating cars should follow directional parking signage and look for event parker staff. Spectators can park in an open parking area in Downtown Wellen. We can’t wait to see you at the next gathering, and invite you to stick around afterwards for some shopping and dining in Downtown Wellen. All attendees will receive 50% off of drip, iced and cold brew coffee from 7-10am at Foxtail Coffee. No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.

Outdoor Movies on the Great Lawn On the third Saturday of the month, from 6-9 pm, our outdoor movies series allows you to enjoy a monthly themed movie on the great lawn in front of Solis Hall! Bring your comfortable set up; lawn chairs, blankets, etc. and kick back with food & beverages from our downtown restaurants & food containers, and enjoy an outdoor movie on the Jumbo screen.

Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concerts Sponsored by Capstan Financial, enjoy an afternoon of beautiful sounds as the Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concert performs on stage at Solis Hall on 11/19/23, 1/14/24, 2/18/24 and 3/10/24.

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

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TOGETHER

Holiday Gifts

GET AWAY TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND Molten glass on wood-medium bowl, $92, Gift tube-Wellen Park, $38, Cheese utensil set, $100, Molten glass on wood-medium bowl, $92, Maldive charcuterie board, $60, Oyster shell wine stopper, $30, Breakwater Home Fashions, 19795 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-584-5234, breakwaterfl.com.

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gifts

TOGETHER

RELAXATION STATION Christmas on the beach luxe box (below), $119; Sunkissed self-care essentials set foaming box (right), $58, Naples Soap Company, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-841-2467, naplessoap.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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gifts

TOGETHER

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SPA-DAY SAMPLER Show of Hands, hand repair cream, $24, Real Housewives of Wellen Park Cup, $32, Paint Nail Bar, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-681-2762, paintnailbar. com; Bamboo firming fluid, $69, Strawberry rhubarb masque, $54, Florida Lakes Spa, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-777-7772, flspa.com; Milky Way, hand repair cream, $30, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-681-2762, paintnailbar.com; Mangosteen Rev. Mist, $38, Florida Lakes Spa, 19790 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-777-7772, flspa.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN | SRQ MEDIA

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heart TOGETHER

THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON, Wellen Park makes it easy to

spread joy to those less fortunate. By partnering with philanthropic organizations like All Faiths Food Bank, the Salvation Army and the Rotary Club, the community is helping to provide full tummies and smiling faces for local residents. WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT

the Season

WELLEN PARK THANKSGIVING TREE The Rotary Club at Wellen Park and Wellen Park are partnering again this year for “Thanks 4 Giving” - a Thanksgiving service project. From October 1st through November 17th, the Thanks 4 Giving Tree will be up and stocked with tags at the Wellen Park Welcome Center. Here’s how it works: Go into the Wellen Park Welcome Center. Select a tag (they range in dollar 66

denominations) from the Giving Tree. Purchase either a Publix or Walmart gift card in the dollar amount on the tag you choose. Take your gift card back to the Wellen Park Welcome Center where they will be collected. On November 18th the Rotary Club at Wellen Park will pick up the cards. They will go to Publix and Walmart to purchase complete Thanksgiving dinners. The dinners consist of frozen turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the fixings

for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner. Last year the tree fed 70 families from the North Port Boys & Girls Club and Pregnancy Solutions. This year the goal is to feed 100+ families and the team is working with several organizations to choose the charity. Visit the Wellen Park Welcome Center and help make this Thanksgiving memorable for so many deserving neighbors.

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heart TOGETHER

BELOW Community members at Wellen Park are working together to make the holidays special for all.

reach out to Tiffany Rivet at trivet@allfaithsfoodbank.org or 941- 549-8156 to coordinate. All Faiths Food Bank, 8171 Blaikie Ct. Sarasota, allfaithsfoodbank.org

WELLEN PARK ANGEL TREE

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK For many years, All Faiths Food Bank has worked to ensure that everyone can feel the joy of the holiday season, distributing thousands of turkeys in advance of Thanksgiving and providing millions of holiday meals to those in need. Gifts to the ThankFULL campaign support these efforts to bring delicious food and joy to households where they may otherwise be in short supply. This is possible thanks to individual and corporate gifts as well as ongoing support from area foundations. This year, the organization’s goal is to distribute more than 13,000 turkeys and sides, and a total of 3.6 million holiday meals, through its own distributions as well as through its network of nearly 200 partner agencies. Gifts to All Faiths Food Bank’s ThankFULL campaign make it possible for our neighbors to enjoy a festive holiday celebration complete with a healthy, delicious meal. Additionally, All Faiths Food Bank is currently experiencing an extreme need in North Port and Arcadia for food distribution volunteers and welcomes the residents of Wellen Park and their extended friends, families and social groups to help. Each week the Food Bank holds regularly scheduled food distribution sites all over Sarasota and DeSoto counties; however, North Port and DeSoto County are the 68

highest priority to fill volunteer slots right now because the need is so great in these areas. Volunteers will pre-pack food onsite during mobile pantries and farm markets and load pre-boxed and bagged food into the vehicle trunks of our neighbors in need. Interested community members must complete a volunteer application first before signing up for a shift, which can be found at allfaithsfoodbank.org/ volunteer. After that has been completed, volunteer opportunities may be reviewed and selected. If neighbors would like to get a group of people together to help, please

In partnership with the Salvation Army for the third year, the Wellen Park Angel Tree provides a way to brighten Christmas morning for millions of children across the country. Getting involved is fun and easy: Wellen Park participants select an angel from the Christmas tree in the Welcome Center. Each angel contains wish list items that participants can use to shop for new clothing and toys for children in need in the North Port and Venice area. The unwrapped gifts are then dropped off at the Welcome Center by early December. Donations are then distributed to local families, bringing joy to children who seldom receive gifts. “Last year, in the North Port/Venice area we had approximately 500 angels that needed to be adopted,” shares Christine Varcoe, assistant development director of The Salvation Army Sarasota County. “Every child will always receive a gift and while they might not get everything on their list, we make sure we get as close as possible for them.” The Salvation Army Sarasota County, 1051 Albee Farm Road Venice, sarasota.salvationarmyflorida.org WPL

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learning TOGETHER

School

BELOW Vaughn Alexander Hendriex and his team are working to make learning accessible to everyone at any age through the Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development program at SCF.

of Life

Vaughn Alexander Hendriex shares his passion and plans for South Sarasota County. WORDS BY LAURA PAQUETTE

VAUGHN ALEXANDER HENDRIEX BECAME THE NEW DEAN OF LIFELONG LEARNING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AT THE STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA THIS PAST JUNE. With a variety of programs for learners at every age and stage of their lives, SCF has had an indelible impact on Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and Hendriex is excited about expanding into and serving Wellen Park and South Sarasota County. Read on to learn about what attracted him to the role and how you can voice your interests in upcoming programs.

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What is your educational background? I gradu-

ated from Florida State University for my undergrad, so ‘go Noles!’ I received my MBA from Florida State as well, and I have a masters in Higher Educational Leadership and Instructional Technology from Nova Southeastern University. I worked at Florida State and for the Florida Department of Education. I transitioned to Washington D.C., where I worked for the American Association of Community Colleges, and I ended my time in D.C. as the executive director for workforce development and community education at Frederick Community College. Now I’m here, leading Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development at the State College of Florida.

PLAN A TRIP

State College of Florida Venice Campus, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, 941-408-1300, scf.edu

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learning TOGETHER

Did you always know that you wanted to work in education? I always say it was a delightful acci-

In the Works Hendriex and his team are creating a lineup of classes for the Venice and Wellen Park area for 2024 and beyond. “We’ll be offering youth programming and summer camps for Wellen Park. Students will engage in STEM, visual arts, foreign languages and critical success skills like reading comprehension and writing. We’re looking into adding performing and dramatic arts,” he says. “Because we’re an educational institution, we believe in making summer camps as academically aligned as possible to create a perfect bridge between a fun program for our youth and real student and learning outcomes.” For adults, other exciting courses are in the works. “We’re looking at offering open lecture series and personal enrichment courses. We also want to offer some epicurean moments with food and beverage classes like tastings and introductions to food and wine, on which we’ve gotten good feedback,” he adds.

dent. I ended up in a role and really enjoyed education, and that kind of sparked my interest. My particular passion resides in workforce development and lifelong learning and creating those partnerships. It’s a beautiful blend of education where business and industry meet a high demand need in regional workforce alignment and help create those pipelines for businesses but also are part of the upskilling opportunities for people in those communities.

What attracted you to the position at SCF?

I have a very strong connection to Manatee and Sarasota counties. My father’s family has deep-dated roots here, so I grew up coming to this area often—10 to 15 times a year—for the majority of my life. When I saw that this position was open, I was already realigning to come back to Florida because I’ve always considered it to be my home. State College of Florida was a really good fit for me because of the culture and notoriety in the community. At SCF, to know us is to love us, and it rings true. Every time I talk to someone and let them know I work at SCF, they always have very positive things to say because either they went there, or a family member or associate went there, and having that stature is part of what drew me into the role. Knowing that SCF has a reputation for providing excellent quality programs at affordable prices that are relevant to the needs of our service region.

What makes SCF’s mission special? At SCF, we

pride ourselves on not only being here as an educational training institution but also being deeply involved with the community. We take that really seriously across the college and my division where we’re implanted not just for our own goals but for the goals of the community. If we see an unmet community need, we want to be at the table as a partner, even if we’re not necessarily the ones who can resolve it. With any part we can, we want to assist. I get requests all the time from employers, and even if it’s not a direct need I can fill, I’ll connect them with a community partner. Whether it’s a need for housing services or funding students who may not be able to afford college, we try to do everything we can internally. If we can’t and we know that there are other resources available, we want to be that partner, not only to aid in their needs but also to make sure that we’re being good stewards.

How are community colleges beneficial for a region? I’ve worked in community colleges for a

little over a decade, and I’m passionate about them because of the work that they do for their regions. We’re unique as educational institutions because we’re not only concerned with credential obtainment, but we’re also intimately intertwined with local and business needs on the workforce and economic development side. I think that’s the beauty of community colleges because our focus is not only on educational excellence but also on community excellence. They’re very special institutions, and I can’t tell you how critical the majority of them are to the economic driving for their regions. They have such a large economic development impact, more than people realize. Most community colleges have hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact, which is really cool. Our goal in education should be to make everyone a lifelong learner, regardless of credential attainment and a lot of other factors. I always strive to keep people in educational spaces because whether you’re a person straight out of high school looking to start a career or get training or a seasoned executive, we can serve you no matter where you are in your life. We can serve everyone from high schoolers in our dual-enrollment program to our senior population here and everyone in between.

How do you plan to evolve and expand the SCF Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development programs, especially for the Wellen Park community? I’m in the midst of formulating

that plan and laying it out. One of the biggest goals that I have right now is an expansion into south Sarasota County, in particular around Venice and Wellen Park. Over the last 10 to 15 years, that area has changed so much with the development and growth, and I want to make sure that we’re positioning ourselves well down there and serving the South side of the county. My goal over the next 12 to 18 months for Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development is to make sure that we’re expanding our offerings in those regions, even as far south as North Port. I want to make sure that we’re effectively serving the needs of our South Sarasota County. We’re planning two open forums on November 29 for the community to come meet the Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development team, talk about things that we’re interested in and also get feedback about what types of programs they’re interested in. WPL

Scan the QR code or visit https://forms.office.com/r/9SpVjr1Dn1 to complete a short survey and share what kind of programming you’d like to see. Come meet the team and suggest your ideas at the open forums at SCF Venice on Wednesday, November 29 from 10-11am and 5:30-6:30pm. 72

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arts TOGETHER

Symphonic

Celebration The Venice Symphony presents a diverse array of music for its 50th anniversary season. WORDS BY DYLAN CAMPBELL “I BELIEVE THAT EVERYBODY LOVES

CLASSICAL MUSIC, THEY JUST MIGHT NOT KNOW IT,” says Troy Quinn, music director of the Venice Symphony. It’s a philosophy of Quinn’s that has served him–and the Symphony–well. In his sixth season as music director, Quinn, who is also the music director of the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky and is renowned for his energetic style, has brought the organization to new heights: the Symphony’s concerts are frequently sold out as they’ve become one of the top orchestras in the Southeast. With Quinn’s arrival in 2018 came a new direction, a commitment to playing diverse and challenging styles of music. “As the Venice Symphony we play good music no matter the genre,” says Quinn. “It’s our job to bring this excitement to the community and to know that this is not just a stuffy thing where you have to dress up in a tuxedo. This is the great universal language and it’s for all.” Entering its 50th season, the Symphony is sticking to the dogma that has catapulted its artistry to new heights, with six concerts and one special event. The season opens with a performance of Hector Berloiz’s Symphony Fantastique, a first for the Symphony, that features guest artist Andrew Bain, Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. “It’s such a monumental work, we wanted to do something big, something well known, something that would challenge the orchestra,” says Quinn. “While we’ve

never performed it before, it’s recognizable and I thought it would be a great opener for our 50th season because it’s big and bombastic.” The season continues with the Symphony’s annual Holiday show, A Holiday Spectacular, before welcoming guest vocalist Lauren Jelencovich, a former classmate of Quinn’s who has toured with Greek musician Yanni as his featured vocalist, for Tall Tales and Treasure, a night of swashbuckling music from films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan, Aladdin and more. Next comes the Venice Symphony’s special event of the season, Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein, the organization’s “biggest guest ever”, before February’s Disney’s Maestro: A Tribute to Alan Menken, an American composer best known for his iconic scores from Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. The presence of iconic film scores in the Symphony’s repertoire along with Quinn’s as music director is no coincidence. Quinn, who is based primarily in Los Angeles, has a deep connection to Hollywood. In addition to serving on the conducting faculty of the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, from which he completed his doctorate in conducting, Quinn has made appearances on shows such as NBC’s The Voice and recorded music on several films, including Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Music Director Troy Quinn. A Symphony Fantastic featuring guest artist Andrew Bain, Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, November 17 and 18. The Venice Symphony, 700 US Highway 41, Venice, 941-207-8822, thevenicesymphony.org. 74

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IMAGES COURTESY OF THE VENICE SYMPHONY.

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TALL TALES AND TREASURE

Jan. 12 at 7:30pm and Jan. 13 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. This concert features music from Captain Blood and Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan and How to Train Your Dragon. Guest Vocalist Lauren Jelencovich, who has toured with Yanni, is the guest vocalist.

“I have an extensive background in film and television, so we’re very lucky to get some of the scores that are not available to most orchestras. That connection helps to highlight some of this great music that’s very orchestral–just because it’s from film or television doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s very symphonic,” says Quinn. “Particularly when we get back to the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, that’s some very difficult and beautiful music that I think deserves to be heard.” Quinn’s penchant for classical film scores goes deeper than his professional connection with Hollywood, however. It is an example of his dedication to performing exciting and powerful music, regardless of the genre. It is that philosophy that has allowed the Symphony to be so diverse in its offerings–last year, a tribute to famous film composer John Williams was followed by a con-

cert dedicated to Celtic music that featured Irish vocalist and harpist Orla Fallon. This year, in the aptly named concert Arabian Nights, Quinn pairs Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s 1888 symphonic suite Scheherazade with music from Lawrence of Arabia and Exodus. While Scheherazade and Maurice Jarre’s overture from Lawrence of Arabia may have been composed nearly a century apart, both draw upon a eurocentric interpretation of the “Far East”, with Scheherazade based upon the Middle Eastern folktales One Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights. “Good music will not only challenge the orchestra, but it will lift us to new artistic heights,” says Quinn of the Symphony’s diverse array of programming. “I think that’s the thrill of playing these great film scores or pieces from musical theater or jazz bands–it makes us a more diverse and flexible orchestra. It makes us unique.” WPL

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