Van Wezel added to Florida’s 11 to Save list

The Van Wezel Performing Arts

Hall has been included on the Florida Trust of Historic Places 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic properties in the state.

The initiative highlights endangered sites throughout Florida nominated by the public and is a step in advocating for their preservation.

The announcement was made at the Preservation on Main Street Conference in Ocala on July 19.

“These are the historic places that matter to people throughout our state, and we’re optimistically enthused that the Van Wezel has been recognized as a vital property to protect,” said Erin DiFazio, program director for the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, in a news release.

“We’re also pleased that the city of Sarasota is exploring future use options and storm surge protection measures for this iconic landmark.”

Along with the Florida Trust of Historic Places recognition comes access to the 11 to Save

Grant Fund, which supports protection efforts of historic sites. Founded in 1978, the trust is a nonprofit that has collaborated to save historic properties. It is a partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit founded in 1985. Its membership includes more than 500 residents and visitors of a variety of professions and interests in working to preserve significant landmarks.

Developer and former assistant U.S. Attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has made a second donation this year to fully fund the Sarasota County Comprehensive Treatment Court through the end of the year. The $100,000 gift was his second to the CTC in 2023. Earlier this year, he contributed $50,000 to the program. CTC is a mental health diversion program implemented in the local courts that helps move individuals who commit nonviolent offenses suffering from mental health disorders out of the jails and into treatment programs.

Sarasota County Judge Erika Quartermaine founded the CTC in 2017 after presiding over cases involving the same defendants repeatedly arrested for nonviolent offenses. The program is modeled after a Miami-Dade County and is a collaboration of the courts, law enforcement agencies and social service organizations.