SRQ MAGAZINE | LOVE LOCAL SARASOTA BRADENTON | JANUARY 2020 by SRQ MEDIA

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contents January 2020

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

HAPPINESS OFTEN RENDERS HEALTH, LONGEVITY, WELL-BEING AND SUCCESS. BUT HAPPINESS ISN’T SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENS. OPTIMISTS MAY LOOK AT THE GLASS HALF FULL, PESSIMISTS RATHER SEE IT BLEAKLY EMPTIED. BUT OPPORTUNISTS, THEY GRAB THE GLASS AND GO FILL IT THEMSELVES. EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO MAKE SMALL CHANGES IN THEIR LIFESTYLE—FROM SURROUNDINGS, RELATIONSHIPS AND MINDFULNESS, TO DIET, FITNESS AND SLEEP BEHAVIOR—THAT CAN HELP SET THE COURSE FOR A BRIGHTER MOOD AND SUNNY DISPOSITION. WITH THE DAWN OF A NEW DECADE, GET STRONG, BE WELL AND PROSPER. BRING ON 2020. By Abby Weingarten and Brittany Mattie | Photography by Wyatt Kosytgan and Evan Sigmund.

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contents

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Co-owner of State of the Arts Gallery David Steiner opens up about life as a gear junkie. Organic balloon clusters become must-have party backdrops from The Modern Girl Party. Hey Honey skincare line taps into the honeycomb for a buzzworthy glow. The Roskamp Institute shows light at the end of the tunnel for Alzheimer’s research and development.

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A Q&A with Asolo Rep directors and partners, Peter Amster and Frank Galati. The verdant and visionary plein-air artistry of Linda Richichi.

cargo

Fitness wares by local designers, perfect for getting your yoga, jog or SUP on. Bungalow retreats, cozy nooks, zenful dwellings and happy spaces for repose.

forage

Leaf & Lentil’s shapeshifting menu is changing the status quo on satisfying vegan dishes. A ﬂeet of clean cold-pressed juices from local juiceries and cafes. Sausage has a bad reputation as a mystery meat, but Sarasota is home to savants that see it as an opportunity to make a delicious, creative statement.

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A deeper look at scholarship vouchers and the growing debate of “school choice.”

wanderlust

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The leisurely staycation vibes at Sand Cay Beach Resort on Longboat Key, Florida.

giving coast 124 CocoTele shares the love with local nonproﬁts and the programs they are producing to support the community.

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SRQ360 12 Inside the Brand 124 CocoTele 126 RSVP MARKETING FEATURES 31 Provisionist 69 Nosh Restaurants 87 Elite Retirement Living Honorees in the Region 109 2019-2020 Top Doctors Medical Resource Honorees

Futurist David Houle.

This page: Model and registered

BRANDSTORY SPECIAL ASID-FLORIDA WEST COAST CHAPTER WEEKENDER AND DESIGN AWARDS PAGE 35

yoga instructor Erika Cain, in Active Outﬁtters, page 39, photo by Wyatt Kostygan. Southwestern Bedroom Nook by Hólos Artchitecture+Design in Happy Spaces, page 56. Page 5: Quiet Moments by Tim Gilbreath, @sarasotatim. Cover: Staycation on Longboat Key at the Sand Cay Beach Resort, photography by Wes Roberts.

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JANUARY 2020

SRQ MEDIA CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF

LISL LIANG

ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

Wyatt Kostygan

ASSISTANT EDITOR

STATE OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY AND THE LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 11:30AM - 1PM THE HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA

TICKETS AND TABLE SPONSORSHIPS ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SB2

Brittany Mattie STAFF WRITER

ADVERTISING GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x211 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x215 ONLINE TICKETS TICKETS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x221

John Witte

CONTRIBUTORS | SENIOR EDITORS

Phil Lederer, Jacob Ogles WRITERS Andrew Fabian, Abby Weingarten COPYEDITOR Maude Campbell CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Chris Leverett, Evan Sigmund, Woody Woodman. EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

WES ROBERTS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT

Ashley Grant ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Ashley Ryan Cannon

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES

Suzanne Munroe Julie Mayer Magnifico Rob Wardlaw

CLIENT SERVICES AND MARKETING MANAGER

Ashley Jimenez MARKETING INTERNS

Chelsea Jobity Aidee Rodriguez

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

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

PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE. LUX LIFE MAGAZINE. ROCKET KIDS MAGAZINE. MODERN HOME MAGAZINE. SHE ROARS MAGAZINE. LOVE LOCAL MAGAZINE. SRQ DAILY 331 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Phone 941-365-7702 Fax 941-365-0853

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ magazine in your mailbox every month. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 4–6 weeks. For immediate access to the digital edition, subscribe directly at our flipbook. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 23, Issue 223 Copyright © 2020 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Thrive Local. Sarasota and Bradenton is published 12 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 24 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.

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INSIDE THE BRAND JOIN US—SB2: Regional Economy & Localpreneur of the year awards, Thursday, February 20, 2020

itb

BE SOCIAL WITH SRQ

FRANK CONVERSATIONS

SB2: Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards Luncheon, december 9, 2019

Facebook @The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center Thank you, SRQ Magazine, for sponsoring our 30th Anniversary, and for the SRQ Daily piece today! @Embracing Our Differences: We are excited to announce that over the next few weeks, we will be posting the pieces that will be featured in our 2020 exhibit! Check out this article from SRQ Magazine for a sneak peek of the Best in Show, Student piece.

THEY HYATT REGENCY BALLROOM is packed, and the crowd is happily mulling around the conferencestyle roundtables. Nonprofits, donors, activists, workers and bankers mix company and trade business cards. SRQ MEDIA’s Wes Roberts takes the stage and ushers the revelers to their seats. Despite their growling stomachs and the hotel staff waiting in the wings with lunch, the crowd is reluctant to sit down to their meal. The chance to have so many community representatives in one place is a rare opportunity.The program began with welcoming remarks by Series Sponsor Brian Mariash, Senior Vice President of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management. Event Sponsor Neil McCurry, President & CEO of Sabal Palm Bank also welcomed the audience to SB2 and raffled off a generous gift of $1,000 to a nonprofit in the room. Congratulations to the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

“I’m surprised you’re all getting along!” Mark Brewer exclaims at the beginning of his keynote speech. The President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation is, of course, kidding with his audience, but the convivial air that defines SRQ MEDIA’s SB2 luncheon is no joke. Leaders from the socially-engaged world of nonprofit work ask candid questions of their partners in the private sector, while the private sector donors outline what ideal participation in the nonprofit world would look like for them and their organizations. This, Brewer reminds his audience, is the ground on which American governance was built. Voluntary associations, or what the philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville called, “the art of joining” formed the ad hoc, unsanctioned social nervous system of civic engagement in early American society. And Brewer has a point: This room full of public and private entities feels like a modern iteration of the

Vote for your favorite local luminaries, dining hotspots and experiences—Best of SRQ Local Ballots Now Open. Celebrating the best locally owned establishments in the region, SRQ MEDIA asks our astute readers to vote for their favorite local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and hotspots culminating in the buzzworthy special “Best of SRQ Local” awards feature published in the April 2020 edition. We look to highlight local experiences—from new restaurants to memorable theatre productions, from our community’s best achievements to seriously talented chefs. SRQMAG.COM/BESTOFSRQ

@Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Congrats to Ann Walborn, one of Mote’s champion volunteers for winning SRQ Magazine’s “The Good Hero” award this morning! @Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County: Congratulations are in order for our Immediate Past Chair Jonna Keller! She was presented with a 2019 Good Hero Philanthropic Award today at SRQ Magazine’s SB2 Luncheon!

Instagram @realizebradenton Thanks to @srqmag for showcasing #BradentonBluesFest. CANNOT WAIT for this weekend! @artoflivingcollective Thank you to @srqmag for including us in their holiday gi guide! @michaels.on.east SPOTTED. Our friend @ boyd_varty gracing the pages of @srqmag! THANK YOU for sharing the #safarisarasota love

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LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

Be a part of programs and competitions recognizing locals! NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS WOMEN WHO ROAR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP COMPETITION – CLOSES JANUARY 24

SRQMAG.COM/WIB WE INVITE 5TH, 6TH, 7TH and 8TH GRADE STUDENTS TO APPLY TO JOIN US FOR THE SMARTGIRL MENTORSHIP CONFERENCET IN MARCH – CLOSES JANUARY 10

SRQMAG.COM/SMARTGIRL VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES IN THE BEST OF SRQ LOCAL READERS COMPETITION – VOTING CLOSES FEBRUARY 7

SRQMAG.COM/BOSRQ

ENGAGING THE POWER OF LOCAL O N T H E C R E AT I V E COA S T

SRQME.COM

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inside the brand salon culture that fostered America’s take on democracy. Connections are formed in a variety of ways at SB2. Brian Mariash has the chance to explain to nonprofits in the audience that his subsidiary of Merrill Lynch specifically caters to community organizations. And the melancholy announcement of the Community Foundation of Sarasota’s founder, Stewart Stearns’ recent death sends a gasp through the audience like a wave. Consistent themes run through both the keynote address and the panel of local luminaries that follows. Philanthropy needs to move past the idea of crisisoriented “charity” and towards a more wholistic idea of social improvement. Infrastructure, housing, healthcare—the panelists agree that these are a far more valuable way to allocate resources than feel-good giveaways. John Annis of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Carol Butera of the Selby Foundation, Roxie Jerde of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Mark Pritchett of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation grappled with a host of issues on stage. The panelists addressed mental health, the ethics of nonprofit workers’ benefits, and the relationship between social justice and the politics of social identity. During one

particularly frank conversation on the topic of diversity, Roberts differed to Mark Brewer in the crowd. “Diversity,” Brewer said, “is something that happens to us. Inclusion is something that we choose to do.” After the panel, SRQ presented its Good Hero awards to individuals who have shared their passion, treasure, time, and talents with the Sarasota community in a way that warrants public recognition. They included two Volunteer Awards to Ann Walborn of Mote Marine and Suzanne King of Selby Gardens; a Staff Award to Barbara Van Essen from Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast; two Board Member Awards to Jonna Keller of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Ann Anderson of Save Our Seabirds; a Donor Award to Robert Bernhard; two New Nonprofit Awards to Peter Skokos and Chef Bryan Jacobs; and, finally, a Corporate Hero Award to Rae Dowling. “I love the presentations at SB2, but the conversations after the event are the best part,” the Barancik Foundation’s John Annis tells SRQ MEDIA. Thank you to the SB2: Transformation in Philanthropy event sponsors Sabal Palm Bank and Sue Ellen’s Floral Boutique and to the 2019-2020 SB2 Series sponsors: Merrill Lynch Mariash Lowther Wealth Management, JFCS of the Suncoast, The Hyatt Regency Sarasota and PSAV for their support for this community program.

THE NEXT SB2 SYMPOSIUM, THE STATE OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC ENGINES AND THE 2020 LOCALPRENENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT SRQSB2.COM.

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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN

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Below: Inside Steiner’s music room at State of the Arts Gallery

SECRET LIFE

David Steiner opens up about life as a gear junkie. Andrew Fabian IN THE CENTER OF State of the Arts Gallery’s Studio C, hidden inside what looks like a storage closet, David Steiner closes the blinds and

indulges in a bad habit. The contraband in question cannot be snorted or smoked, but the rabbit hole runs dark and deep nonetheless. “I have EAD,” he jokes. “Equipment Acquisition Disorder.” Inside the room, guitars line one wall, guitar pedals fight for space on an effects rack, electronic drums sit against the back wall, recording equipment and miscellaneous boxes with buttons and knobs occupy a desk alongside a keyboard—and with these countless doodads, Steiner likes to get lost in search of an appreciation for a new medium. “It’s about trying to learn a new vocabulary and develop my ear,” he says of his secret life. Self-taught, he might pick up a guitar and play along to tracks on YouTube or plug into one of about two dozen effects pedals and toy around with the settings. Other times, he might just listen to live recordings of his favorite songs in search of nuances in the artist’s performance. It can be tedious, frustrating and occasionally quite personal. “I don’t play with other people and I’m not trying to make a masterpiece,” he says. “I just experiment.” SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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This page: Lucy Suits encircled in her organic balloon creation.

BLOWING UP

The Modern Girl Party & Co. wants to make sure your next party is poppin’. Balloons still intact though. Brittany Mattie DIY EXTRAORDINAIRE AND STYLIST LUCY SUITS looked forward to planning her daughter Lily’s birthday parties year after year. After eight of them, she was inspired to tie some strings together and create a boutique event planning company with à la carte party concierge services. “Have you ever thrown or hosted a party that when it was over you were like, ‘Holy cow, I am never doing that again,’ only to do it all over again the following year? That was me,” she says. “I wanted to create services for small-scale events, and for parents to enjoy their children’s party.” After having a custom-built cotton candy maker built, finding a glam photo booth and learning to handcraft show-stopping decor like streamer chandeliers and tunnels, couture paper flower peonies and lavish balloon installations. The Modern Girl Party & Co. burst into a fullblown business. Wedding planners seek her out and celebrity moms give her a call for their child’s birthday. The main allure of TMGP remains the “organic” balloon designs that Suits jerry-rigs together. All different in shape, size and color, her balloon arches, garlands, backdrops, custom arrangements and mosaic accents turn a bar, doorway or wall into something otherworldly. “It is not a step-and-repeat process with all the same-size balloons and same pattern,” she explains. “The process for one organic balloon garland can take up to three to four hours. We blow up all of the balloons on-site so they look fresh and shiny.” The amount of balloons that go into one 17-foot organic balloon garland can be anywhere from 200 to 400 balloons, depending on the scale of the design that the client desires. Possibly Suits’ biggest gig yet has been for the Ringling College of Art & Design. She recalls placing the order and thinking to herself she surely ordered way too many balloons and began doubting herself. Needless to say, she used every one of the 14,000 balloons sourced. Though TMGP was originally created for children’s events, once people saw how Suits could single-handedly elevate any ideas they had to truly execute an extravagant party scene, it took a quick spin right away. “Basically, for anyone trying to celebrate life or have a good time, we are your go-to!” she says. From a child’s rainbow unicorn party to a disco-themed bridal shower, a boho-chic bachelorette and a high brow corporate black-tie affair, TMGP adds color, sparkle and a modern twist to any themed event, even for those already memorable moments. “TMGP has become my space to dream, be inspired and help others turn their ideas into something extraordinary.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.

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How would you describe the spirit of Berlin Patten Ebling? We are energetic, hard-working, and audacious. We are family. “Everyone works really hard and everyone is willing to go to bat for each other.” – Will McComb, Esq. What products and services do you offer? We are most well-known for our focus as a residential and commercial real estate law firm representing buyers, sellers, developers and lenders in connection with matters involving real estate title services, land use and zoning, and commercial litigation. Over the years we have expanded our practice to include SBA lender representation, business succession and acquisitions, estate planning, and tax law. What is unique about your firm that sets you apart? We’re game changers. We are not afraid to change, adapt or evolve on the fly to stay two steps ahead of the trends. “Innovation and our level of communication are what set us apart, as we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the client experience.”- Jamie Ebling, Esq. How does your firm enrich the lives of your clients and the local community? There has been tremendous growth within our community with thousands who have seen their dreams become reality. It is humbling to say that we’ve been a part of that. Outside of work, we’ve always felt compelled to reach out to different charities and give not just a monetary donation, but our time and talents. Our favorite memory was when we closed the office and our whole firm gathered to give out 100 Thanksgiving meals. Vision for the future? “To continue to disrupt the legal industry with fresh ideas and new innovations in technology.” – Evan Berlin, Esq. “Never get complacent.” – Will McComb, Esq.

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BERLIN PATTEN EBLING SARASOTA | VENICE | LAKEWOOD RANCH| TAMPA WWW.BERLINPATTEN.COM 941.954.9991

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srqist

This page: Katerina Yoffe-Larden barking up the right tree.

DON’T WORRY, BEE HAPPY Hey Honey is the bee’s knees for natural skincare. Brittany Mattie

AT THE HEART OF THE WILDLY SUCCESSFUL SKINCARE LINE HEY HONEY—which has caught the attention of publications such as PopSugar,

InStyle, Teen Vogue, Allure, Forbes and more—are two prominent and potent ingredients as old as time. Mother Nature’s best-kept secret is an antibacterial duo that comes straight from the hive. “We really concentrate on the benefits of honey and propolis,” says Founder Katerina YoffeLarden, who moved Hey Honey’s homebase to Sarasota to bring her and her family back to the sweet sunshine and beaches that remind them of their home country of Israel. “For over 5,000 years, these ingredients were known to be included in beauty and healing. Why not use them in new-age skincare?” The golden, viscous goo we know to put in our tea to sweeten things up is also widely accepted in the natural skincare world for its nutritive, restorative and healing properties. Meanwhile, propolis is a resinous mixture that honeybees produce from tree bud’s sap flows. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives as well as function as a natural antiseptic and disinfectant against bacteria. Hey Honey’s face and body products, including Sweet Treat, a wild berry and honey yogurt overnight hydration recovery mask or Take Away the Drama, a honey and copper exfoliating peel-off mask, has been applauded for a cruelty-free line that not only ensure the viability of the bee kingdom, but give the skin a dewy, warm glow like the goods inside the honeycomb. “Depending on the product needs, we source the honey from growers that specialize in a specific environment,” Yoffe-Larden says. “We are careful to source from remote areas that don’t have pesticides and are ‘clean.’” To spread awareness of the fatal importance of bees, Queen B herself uses her royal role to educate her consumers with weekly “Did You Know” (#DYK) bee facts—emphasizing the significance bees hold in the global ecosystem by supporting the growth of plants, trees, crops and flowers. #DYK: A bee colony can consist of 20,000 to 60,000 worker bees with just one queen, and to produce a single pound of honey, her colony must collect nectar from approximately two million flowers and fly over 55,000 miles. Remember those buzzing warriors who are busy at work to bring some soothing solace to those smile lines. SRQ 20 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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This page: Caption

GREY MATTERS

The Roskamp Institute shows light at the end of the tunnel for Alzheimer’s research and development. Brittany Mattie

THE AUDIENCE REMAINS CAPTIVATED as special guest speaker and New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley kicks off The

Roskamp Institute’s third annual Grey Matters Symposium (GM3) on Alzheimer’s Research. Philanthropists, business leaders and members of Sarasota’s medical community gathered at the sold-out September event to support the debilitating and often misunderstood mental disease. Williams-Paisley lightens up the room by cracking a few jokes about her former comedy film career and her famous country singing heartthrob husband before sharing laughs with the crowd as she narrates entertaining stories of her childhood and growing up into adulthood with her late mother. Attendees soon experience all the feels—somberly sympathizing with Williams-Paisley as she describes the devastating affect her mother’s diagnosis had on the family and the importance of caregiving. As she speaks candidly, she shares the hardships that were endured as her mother’s ailment worsened—including car accidents resulting from reversing instead of accelerating and not being able to dutifully hold Williams-Paisley’s newborn child. “The hardest thing for me to realize,” she says, “is sometimes our caregivers need caregiving.” A standing ovation encapsulates the whole room as Williams-Paisley concludes: “If my mom were here right now, she’d tell you to lean into this kind of group and welcome the light that will charge in.” The subsequent glow-stick fundraising challenge did indeed light up the room in more ways than one. Once everyone had a blue glow stick in hand, the room went dark and audience members were asked to raise their hand in the air if they have been personally affected by Alzheimer’s. Whether a husband, wife, parent, friend or they themselves showing early signs, just about every single hand lifted and lit up the room. In an auction-style donation query, hands continued to be raised as attendees showed their willingness to donate. GM3 hit their fundraising goal in less than five minutes. All proceeds raised at the symposium beneft The Roskamp Institute’s development for care for Alzeimer’s patients and toward the ongoing scientific research for a treatment and hopeful strides for a cure. SRQ The 4th Annual Grey Matters Symposium on Alzheimer’s Research is scheduled for September 25, 2020, roskampinstitute.org. 22 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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IMAGERY COURTESY OF GM3.

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LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE

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Frank Galati (left) and Peter Amster (right).

culture city

DOUBLE BILL

In conversation with Asolo Rep directors Peter Amster and Frank Galati. Interview by Wes Roberts Introduction by Phil Lederer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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culture city

FOR AUDIENCES AT ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE, the names Peter Amster and Frank Galati appear on the yearly playbill like old friends in town for the holidays. Partners in life and their love of the stage, the pair have directed a show each at the Asolo near every year since 2011. (The Tony Award-winning Galati skipped 2013, but directed two shows in 2011; Amster skipped 2013 as well, but did double-duty in 2012.) And whether updating Russian canon with A Doll’s House Part 2 or saluting French avantgarde absurdism with Rhinoceros, skewering political corruption in Born Yesterday or celebrating the country’s founding in 1776, bringing classics like 12 Angry Men to the stage or championing new fare like Morning After Grace, the two have left their stamp on season after season of Asolo theater. This year looks to be no different, as Amster kicks off 2020 with a staging of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and Galati reunites the Tony Award-winning trio behind his 1998 smash production of Ragtime for the April world premiere of Knoxville, a new musical drama adapted by Galati from James Agee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Death In the Family. As the two gear up for their respective opening nights, SRQ Publisher Wes Roberts grabs a seat backstage to talk the pitfalls in polemics, the immortal power of the whodunit and which poet it was who declared death the mother of beauty. SRQ: Why do you think Sarasota has such a rich artistic community? Peter: That’s a trick question. Frank: That’s a hard question. Peter: It just has to be that the people who came here brought with them that desire for culture. They had come from cultured places, whether it was New York or Chicago or wherever, and they decided that this was going to be the place where it was going to happen. The Asolo as been here since the ’60s and that spirit spread to the symphony, the ppera, the ballet and four or five equity theaters. Whatever seed was planted, it germinated, and it brought more people who saw this as a cultural mecca. Frank: I think it’s also a result of the stew produced by a small group of very wealthy arts patrons and led by Mabel Ringling and the other dowagers and matriarchs of Sarasota. [For example, local community assets] like Selby gardens are an expression of the commitment of Mrs. Selby. We see the echoes of John Ringling’s interest in art and architecture. I don’t know how but there was a magnetic energy produced. The next thing you know, you have the Sarasota School of Architecture and back in the 50s, the burgeoning, contemporary art movement. These threads…it’s magic.

And that magnetism pulled you two here? Peter: We were living in Miami, Coconut Grove, and it was a challenge for us because there’s no theater there, like one or two small places. Frank: This is an amazing town. I first came in the 60s. I was a teacher and my first gig was at the University of South Florida in Tampa. So I had pals and we would pile in the car and drive here and go to the theater, which had a fine reputation even in 1968. The work was really good. I saw two Shakespeare history plays that were re-

ally brilliantly done. So I had it in the back of my mind and when we decided I was retiring, Peter and I thought, “Well, we’ll spend some winters south,” and one thing led to another. Where do your threads begin? Peter: Oh, I started in New York. I lived in Long Island until I went to Northwestern and when I was in my senior year that is when I met him. We moved out of the East Coast, and the East Coast sensibility, to Chicago. I think about Sarasota versus the east coast of Florida also. I mean, it seems to be that [Florida’s east coast was] developed by real estate people and bankers and money, money, money, money, money people. And this part of Florida seems to have had a sense of adventure that’s missing on the other coast and a little more relaxed society. And you, Frank? Frank: Oh, what about me? Well, I’m from Chicago. I had no intention of working in the theater, but I became more and more practiced through high school shows. I got a scholarship. It was a powerful time. It was 1969. The war in Vietnam was intensely heated up. There were many young people my age and fellow university students who did literally leave the country. They went to Canada. We had a friend who basically starved himself until he was below the acceptable weight to be taken. And there was a tremendous amount of solidarity. You wanted life! Now! Today! [You wanted] to be an engine for change. So, anyway, I grew up in this. And I went to Northwestern. Northwestern was kind of a perfect fit for me as far as schools go. We had a great acting teacher who would say [to the acting students], “Are you taking geometry? Are you taking physics? Are you taking chemistry?” She believed that those courses were as important as literature and poetry if you were to be fully expressive on stage.

I think a lot about the importance of artists respecting the capacity of the audience to be challenged. There has been a lot of criticism recently that so much popular art seems to be giving a lecture— about issues, politics, whatever—at the cost of the story and characters. your thoughts? Peter: I do think it’s a pendulum that swings back and forth. In any theater it’s possible for the plays to cluster around issues. They become polemic. And the audience after a while will just get tired of it. They come to be enlightened and taken on a journey, not to be lectured to. You want stories that take you someplace and leave you different when they are over. It seems to me that that’s what theater does best. I saw your staging of “Rhinoceros” at the Asolo Rep and I loved it. After I saw the play, I read either a local review, or someone’s online posting, and after I read it, I thought, “They got it all wrong! That’s not what the play was about!” But I know that that’s not true, what happened is that this other person took a different journey than I did. Is that something you tried to achieve? Frank: That’s a very nuanced response to the play. The play is sneaky and subversive in all kinds of ways. Ionesco posits a fable that is absolutely outrageous. And then he follows the consequences. You slip and slide because he doesn’t give you anything to really hold on to. In terms of argument and rhetoric, he is as appalled by the propaganda on the right as he is by the propaganda on left. And just when you think you’ve got his argument, uh, it, evanesces.

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Let me ask you about your new plays for this season. Frank, this year you are premiering a new musical, “Knoxville,” that you’ve adapted from a novel. Tell us about the story. Frank: Well, the play is called Knoxville because it draws on the citizens of a midsize Southern town at the bend of a river that makes it a very attractive and appealing port for commerce of all kinds. It is about one family, a father, a mother and the boy who becomes the writer, James Agee, who is basically generating a memoir in this play. This is what happens as he recalls when he was 6 years old and there was a trauma in his life. It exposes the underbelly of a community and its tensions, its conflicts. They’re very small. But, of course, for our little lives, small is huge. Why this story? Frank: By virtue of its ample details, this story is the evocation of another time, another place. It’s 1900, 1915, pre–World War I, just on the threshold, a sort of liminal in-between zone. It is so specific. It’s this mother, this father, this kid. It’s universal. I love the novel. I think the prose in page after page of this novel is on a par with almost any of our greatest American writers. And I would say, in particular, someone like Faulkner, because of the relish and precision and skill, the leap in any given sentence, is really almost breathtaking. There is this sentence, at the front, “We’re talking now of Knoxville, Tennessee, in the time that I lived there so successfully disguised to myself as a child.” Now that is one slithery sentence. There’s so much about the miracle of language that you really can’t fully absorb or appreciate or fathom until you’re speaking out loud. That sentence I just reviewed, it has a heartbeat in it. It’s a living thing. It has a point of view. But its purpose is not to persuade. Peter: It seems to me that one of the great things our jobs allow us to do is explore some of the most extraordinary works of literature, from the inside out. My seventh grade history teacher, Mrs. White, she was so ancient that [we joked that] she taught American history through personal experience. It stuck with me all these years, she said, “You can never be sure you know something until you tell it to somebody else.” And that is kind of what we do in rehearsal and in the theater; its the process of knowing by speaking, by uttering, by giving voice to the ideas. Language gives it a shape. You’ve both discussed the story with so much gravitas and depth, and yet this is a musical. So the music is half of the expe-

rience. What does it sound like? Frank: Well, it sounds like a song book of tunes from Tennessee. It’s flavored with the wonderful rural music-making intuition that is about country music and the degree to which country music tends to be story after story after story after story and the wail, the passion, the anguish, the cry. You can hear that loneliness, that feeling of the way music generates momentum in a certain tonality, that’s, I think, what it feels like. Peter: I’ve listened to the score a lot and I love it. To me, Stephen Flaherty is one of the great composers of our time and Lynn, I think, is probably the greatest living lyricist. It’s not country music like Nashville contemporary music at all, but it’s more like parlor music from the turn of the century. It’s remembered songs from a different time couched in a savvy, contemporary Broadway sound. Can’t wait to hear it. Peter, tell us about “Murder on the Orient Express.” It’s clearly a play that is nonstop fun, but it eventually asks big questions as well. Peter: Let me say, getting an entire train on the stage, and then moving from sleeper car to dining car, and back again, it’s got potential for being a very exciting production. I’ve got a design team that is absolutely tops. And Ken Ludwig, who wrote the stage adaptation, certainly features the broad funny aspects of the telling of the story, but he left enough of what’s deep and important to give it some teeth, some depth and some dark areas. It really speaks to the fight between what is good and what is right. Christie herself said it was Hercule Poiroit’s biggest moral challenge. Once he solves the crime, he has to confront his own very rigid sense of moral truth and it somewhat shatters him. However, the play is hilarious. Christie isolates a whole bunch of very different people in a space together and we get to see how the different vagaries of human personality respond to that situation, and to each other. This brings us back to earlier in our conversation. There are big themes happening onstage, but the journey is very personal and very human. Peter: The wonderful thing is that all of these characters are acting, they’re pretending to be somebody else. And so there are layers of truth and layers of personality and revelations. They keep tearing their face off and there’s a different face underneath. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be gorgeous to look at. But there’s

enough in there to get the dark and the light going together. Frank: Can I ask a question? Michel Foucault [made an argument] that it was the obligation of the writer in constructing and projecting the fictional world to lead the reader to the precipice of knowing several times during the course of the story and yanking her away. Isn’t part of the fun the relationship that you have with the writer in this tug of war of trying to figure out “who done it?” Peter: We are learning about things through Hercule Poroit’s eyes. Only one time do we see something he does not. He’s very frustrated and it’s a frustrating journey in terms of trying to find out the truth. He’s coming to cul-de-sacs and dead ends and hallways to finally come up with the truth. We know Hercule Poroit with his “tiny gray cells,” so we know eventually we’re going to get there. But in this Agatha Christie work, he’s more bewildered than he is in any of the other stories. And when he finally does find out the truth, it’s everything that he can do to come up with a conclusion that is good as well as right. Do you want people to walk away from the play and be changed? And in what way? Peter: Oh, good question. I think one of the things I would love to happen is that they say, “I had no idea that Agatha Christie was so good. Let me go back and read the originals.” Her stories are great. She was amazing. Frank, how about “Knoxville”? Will the audience be changed? Frank: Well, I hope the audience, it’s such a cliché, but I hope they will find a pleasure and delight and comfort in this heartwarming, emotional, moving right of passage. Perhaps the most beautiful and tender and mysterious event in the novel, Knoxville, and hopefully in our production, is when little Rufus, who’s 6 years old, is led by his mother into the parlor to look at his father in the coffin. Who hasn’t or wouldn’t have had an experience of such a nature? Peter: Is it Keats who said, “Death is the mother of beauty”? Frank: [It was] Wallace Stevens. It is a poem that I’m very fond of. The line in the poem is “Death is the mother of beauty, mystical, within whose burning bosom we devise our earthly mothers waiting, sleeplessly.” It is a universal experience. Almost everyone becomes an orphan. I hope audiences will savor the author’s genius. SRQ

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DIVINE INSPIRATION IS RARELY A HAPPY STATE. The 10th Century Benedictine nun Hildegard von Bingen experienced what she referred to as “the shade of the living light,” which would plunge her, for days at a time, into a realm of apocalyptic dreams and visions. Suffering from these attacks all her life, she came to understand them, at the age of 42, to be visio, or messages from the Divine. It was a terrible burden, that destroyed her body and left her with a lingering dread of the unknown. The attacks would commandeer all five of her senses at once, but Hildegard would awaken, surrounded by her sisters in the order, with mysteries to share. And share she did: she became one of her century’s most prolific writers, illustrators, and composers of religious music. All things were connected by a lifeforce that she called viriditas, literally translated from Latin as “greenness.”

SEEING GREEN The Visionary Landsacpe Art of Linda Richichi . John Witte

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This page:

Linda Richichi art exhibition show coming February 2020 to 530 Burns Gallery.

Beachscape painter Linda Richichi, by comparison, claims to hear what she calls the muse, speak to her with human language. Sometimes it tells her when a painting is complete, and other times it provides her with a fresh direction. Once, while Linda was sitting with her niece for a portrait, she claims to have downloaded a feeling of love from Mother Mary. “This painting doesn’t want to be you, anymore,” she hesitantly told her young model, “this painting wants to wear a veil.” Her niece, predictably, was shocked, but Richichi was profoundly moved by the experience. It must be said, Richichi is a much more peaceful figure than the tragic Hildegard von Bingen. Her visions of coastal viriditas are imbued with a therapeutic quality, and Linda herself seems to experience nothing so much as delight when perched in front of her easel painting plein-air. Rather than a greenness, her paintings are alight with hazy blues and pinks, emotional waterscapes filled with dizzying perspective shifts. You may find her in any number of Sarasota’s most scenic locations, taking in the morning air,

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observing the ways that the light has changed the character of water, of palm trees or the sands. She sometimes smiles when she paints, and she only works inside when the weather forces her to do so. She has an easier time speaking with her brushes than she does her voice. The work itself is markedly abstract. Thick brushstrokes and idiosyncratic color choices make the paintings read like a brighter and more optimistic J.M. Turner. Some are peaceful, while others carry more than a hint of sublime terror. A few of them appear to be from landscapes outside of Earth’s atmosphere. When asked about the motivation behind a particularly deep and cloudless ocean vista, she takes out a sheet of paper filled with what can only be called spirit writing. A series of arabesques crowd the base of a column that juts across the page. Beneath the mysterious figures, Richichi writes, “There’s a place of higher consciousness and the muse helps us to know this place.” Lucky for the art going public, Richichi is here to translate those higher realms for we mortals. SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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LEADERS IN DESIGN The American Society of Interior Designers-Florida West Coast Chapter makes waves in the world of design.

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is the oldest and largest professional organization for interior designers. Through education, training, business support and advocacy it has garnered more than 36,000 members—hosting 48 regional chapters across the United States and Canada. The Society’s practicing members represent all sectors of interior design including residential, commercial, hospitality, medical, industry partners, students and educators. The throughline of every chapter remains commi ed to the notion that “Design Impacts Lives”, which keeps ASID designers at the forefront of leading research initiatives in the industry—providing its members with the latest industry expertise, networking opportunities and support on national and local levels. Once onboard, the creative culture of being a part of ASID not only inspires members by promoting the value of interior design, but enriches them through continued education, workshop seminars, social events and introductions to industry contacts. “Members of ASID are consummate professionals. They protect their clients against unscrupulous alliances,” says Alice Alexander, Allied ASID and current Florida West Coast Chapter (FLWC) president. “It’s just such an honor to be part of its advocacy.” Of Florida’s three different chapters, FLWC remains one of the more collaborative, immersed and close-knit groups throughout the country—compared to densely populated metropolitan city chapters or even multi-state ones that have to be combined. Covering a bandwidth spanning from Tampa to Naples, Florida, learn what makes this passionate group of local creatives a powerhouse in the world of design. Above: ASID Design Awards-Residential Renovation Design: Duffy Design Group; ASID-Florida West Chapter Weekender 2019

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Alice Alexander graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Interior Design is her second act. After having worked in the medical field for many years, it was time to follow her passion and go back to school for design. She has worked in the Tampa Bay area for the past twenty years. Alice has worked for high end furniture stores in the area and currently has her own firm, White Lion Design, Inc., in Tampa. Alice concentrates on high end residential, having done sports stars homes and heads of corporations. Past duties for ASID include Tampa Bay Community Chair, Director of Professional Development, and President-Elect. Her work has been featured in House Trends and Faux Effects World Magazines. She currently serves on the board of the Carrollwood Park Conservancy and on her condominium board.

AHEAD OF THE TREND The benefits of ASID membership and engagement.

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN in

Tennessee, who would ever have thought that I would be President of a chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers? It is like a dream! All I have ever wanted to be was an interior designer. It always seemed so unattainable. After having a variety of majors in college (including textiles), I finally graduated with a degree in marketing. After working in other professions for 25 years, I finally decided it was time to go for it and went back to school. It has now been 20 years of fun projects, terrific clients and beautiful homes. I am so honored to be the Florida West Coast Chapter President. We have such a wonderful group of volunteers in our chapter. I know it is going to be a great year! Our Industry Partners have been terrific in sponoring events for us. Please feel free to contact me if you want to suggest something or if I can help you in any way.

— Alice Alexander Allied ASID President ASID FLORIDA WEST COAST CHAPTER

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The difference between being an Allied member becomes clear once joining the vibrant community of Florida West Coast Chapter. To separate the decorators or someone with a flair for decorating from professional designers, ASID joins those who have a combination of formal design education and/or full-time work experience and have passed a prominent accreditation examination, administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). NCIDQ Certification is required for the practice of many types of interior design in regulated jurisdictions throughout North America. “ASID designers have thousands of hours of education, experience and training, which give them the skills to deal with more than the furnishings and finishes,” says says Holly Dennis, ASID-FWC community chair for Sarasota and former president. “They use analytical problem-solving skills and process complex technical data essential to your project needs and complexities. ASID designers act as consultants and project managers to create an overall project roadmap, managing procurement, supervising contractors, and overseeing budgets.” The resources inherited from becoming a member include Professional Development—career stage programming that focuses on the impact of design, the business of design, leadership development and community partnerships. ASID regularly plans several CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) for its members, including online programing of various webinars and courses—designed to help members expand their knowledge, elevate their practices and grow their business. Other tools assist in research, contracts and better practices that empower the designer—no matter the stage of their career. Additionally, they receive the most current information on the market including appropriate materials, technology, building codes, government regulations, health and safety

standards, design psychology and product performance. Further, ASID designers are sworn to abide by the Society’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The organization also holds many networking opportunities with its built environment colleagues, which include the local chapters of AIA (American Institute of Architects), CSI (Construction Specifiers Institute) and industry partners. The Florida West Coast Chapter especially, is on top of hosting in-person engagements throughout the year with industry experts and thought leaders, to initiate trade programs and business solutions. Members also benefit from Research & Knowledge Management—tapping into ASID’s well-equipped research team, whom provide economic, sector, career stage and of course, design data and market research. “We are continually striving to improve the value proposition for all of our members by providing a sense of community, design resources, and enhancing partnerships,” says Dennis. For young or up-and-coming designers, aligning with ASID means tapping into these invaluable resources needed to advance a reputable career in the profession. It distinguishes those apart from the list of other potential hires who may not be knowledgeable or specially trained in design considerations such as Florida light or heat control, dog/kid friendly fabrics or special plumbing requirements. Hiring an ASID designer gives clients peace of mind—safeguarding a project from a beginner’s oversight or wrong judgement call. Aside from ensuring advanced professionalism, leading industry know-how and the highest quality of service of its manufacturers, suppliers and designers, the ASID Foundation provides members with professional insurance, as well as students with scholarships. Today, the foundation funds over $100,000 annually to various research and scholarship initiatives to help build the growing community of interior design professionals.

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Left: Event photos from the ASID-Florida West Chapter Weekender 2019 Conference and Awards Dinner, Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, September 13-14, 2019. Photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

A LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Ensuring interior designers maintain their right to practice.

THE GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE BRANCH and public relations team of The American Society of Interior Designers’ represent the interests of interior design professionals and business owners to advocating on behalf of the profession at both the State and Federal levels. Their primary job is to protect interior designers’ right to practice, while ASID supports the efforts of individuals to become recognized as certified, registered or licensed Interior Designers through the passage of state legislation. ASID advocates for legislation that places no restriction on the use “Interior Designer” but does allow a pathway to creating expanded practice opportunities including full stamping, signing and permitting privileges. “The ability for an interior designer to pull a building permit, independent of an architect or engineer, for their scope of work on a project is fundamental to the advancement of this profession,” explains Dennis, who is also ASID-FLWC legislative chair. “Both at the federal and state level, interior designers are significantly disadvantaged and many times not allowed to bid government funded projects, therefore they are put at a competitive disadvantage relative to architects and engineers.”

The ASID-FLWC Chapter adopts and follows the same legislative strategic plan as its National organization that is applicable to the state of Florida. Dennis engages with the organization’s National Vice President of Government & Public Affairs and the other Florida chapter legislative chairs to develop ways that they can actively lobby for and defend the professional practice of interior design. “Last year, I traveled to Tallahassee twice to speak before the Florida House of Representatives subcommittee hearings and personally wrote letters to our local State Representatives and Senators,” she says. “We provide tools for our members so that they can also effectively contact the legislators in their respective districts.” ASID-FLWC (as well as North and South Chapters) is preparing to battle yet another deregulation effort this coming 2020 Session. Senate Bill 474 Deregulation of Professions and Occupations was introduced by Senator Ben Albritton, District 26 in early October 2019. A House of Representatives companion Bill to SB474 has not yet been filed. “ASID establishes a unifying voice,” says Dennis, “so that interior designers have the power to design a better future for themselves and the entire profession.

ASID-FLORIDA WEST CHAPTER BRANDSTORY FEATURE

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THE WEEKENDER

2019 EVENT RETROSPECTIVE

A look back on a weekend of regional networking, career development and honoring standout projects at the annual tradeshow conference and awards ceremony.

ASID-FWC CELEBRATED its Weekender con-

ference in September 2019, at the Hilton Bayfront in Downtown St. Petersburg. Of the packed two days set aside for the annual conference, ASID-FLWC Chapter celebrated its most successful “Weekender” event to date. Professional interior designers throughout the region turned up for the conference to take part in various continuing education seminars (CEUs) to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to leading trends in design, such as concrete, tiling, textiles, plumbing, lighting, etc. The weekend also encompassed site tours, an immersive trade show of many industry vendors, plus cocktail receptions, brunches and raffle prizes. ASID-FWC culminated its successful year with its 2nd annual Design & Awards Dinner—MCed by SRQ MEDIA’s Executive Publisher Wes Roberts,

Former chapter President Kelsey McKiernan, Allied ASID and design associate at Intended Spaces Cabinetry, stepped down from the yearly role before initiating current chapter president Alice Alexander, Allied ASID and founder of White Lion Designs. “Remember, good design serves your clients well,” said McKiernan at the commencement of the ceremony. “It impacts their lives for the better. In some cases it provides a healthier environment. In other cases it relaxes the mind, and in others it increases productivity.” The Design Awards were announced to the room of Professional, Allied and Associate members, design students and industry partners. Designers were welcomed to submit their entries within residential, contract and product design categories, to which submissions remained anonymous and were re-

viewed and judged by a distinguished panel of ASID judges from Washington DC and San Diego. “This year our judges scored the entries with very high marks,” said Alexander. “As the leading interior design association we take great pride in our members’ extraordinary body of work and celebrate the exceptional contributions and innovations from all of our talented members.” With a record number of entries, the 25 categories welcomed award winning achievements from fresh and fond faces of regional design firms. “Your diversity of talents represented by the broad range of projects and your own diverse styles of design solutions and influences,” said McKiernan, “proves that Florida West Coast interior designers are truly leaders in the world of design.” ASID-FWC Weekender 2020 will take place September 11-13, 2020 in Sarasota.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS • BUILD YOUR NETWORK • EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE For more information on membership categories and to apply online please visit www.asid.org/join ASID-FLORIDA WEST CHAPTER BRANDSTORY FEATURE

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2019 DESIGN AWARD WINNERS

ASID-FLWC AWARDS

HOME THEATRE DESIGN HONORABLE MENTION

Design by Rania Matt’s Mancave/Theatre. Davis Island, FL. “This swanky theater was a masculine man cave masterpiece. It encompassed his personality. The state-of-the-art high-tech AV system is out of this world. It is a great place to host Super Bowl parties and movie premieres.” Designer— Design by Rania

INDUSTRY PARTNER MULTI-LINE SHOWROOM 1ST PLACE

Hydrologic Sarasota, FL. “Our goal was to create a showroom that is a one stop shop for all of your plumbing, lighting, and fine hardware needs.” Designer— Klar & Klar Architects

INDUSTRY PARTNER PRINT MEDIA WITH ASID LOGO 2ND PLACE

International Design Source IP Media-You Design. We Provide. Sarasota, FL. “These industry partner ads spotlight its support of ASID and its members while successfully positioning itself as an essential partner in unleashing the power of design.” Designer— Emilio & Linda Sadez

INDUSTRY PARTNER PRODUCT DESIGN HONORABLE MENTION

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors Couch. Ft. Myers, FL. “Sensuous, simple lines create a sophisticated sofa with a nod to Hollywood Glam.” Designer— Bergmann Interiors

INDUSTRY PARTNER TRADE SHOWROOM 1ST PLACE

International Design Source IP Showroom - International Design Source. Sarasota, FL. “From furniture, fabric and accessories to personalized ser-

Hydrologic Showroom

vice, International Design Source (IDS) is a to-the-trade resource devised to make the way interior design professionals live and work easier and more profitable.” Designer— Emilio & Linda Sadez

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR DESIGN/PATIO

INDUSTRY PARTNER WEBSITE DESIGN

Lakefront Outdoor Living. Lakewood Ranch, FL. “For a couple who love to enjoy their lanai together every evening, a new outdoor living space design was called for that would enhance this cherished space to make it more functional and beautiful.” Designer— Angela Rodriguez, ASID

HONORABLE MENTION

International Design Source

1ST PLACE

Angela Rodriguez Interiors

Website - ids1.com. Sarasota, FL.“ids1. com provides the end-user with a visually engaging and interactive web site which is well organized, easy to navigate and informative.” Designer— Emilio & Linda Sadez

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION DESIGN

INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN

1ST PLACE

Franco A Pasquale Design Associates Inc.

HONORABLE MENTION

Micheline Laberge, ASID, LLC Freedom Path Apartments- Phase II. Hines, IL.“The design concept created was to allow the common areas the convenience and function while also designing the interior to appear with a handsome use of materials, color scheme and accessories which implied a suggestion of patriotism.” Designer— Micheline Laberge, ASID

RENOVATION DESIGN COMMERCIAL HONORABLE MENTION

Design by Rania Thrive Law. Hines, IL. “A unique space located in the warehouse arts district in St. Pete. The attorney/business owner, an ex-writer, sits on the board of the warehouse arts association. Her passion is to not only to support local artists but to help the community through her new boutique law firm.” Designer— Design by Rania

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Angela Rodriguez Interiors, Lakewood Ranch

Palm Harbor, FL. “Designers were challenged to reimagine naturally a dated traditional home. On the outside, wood cladding and brackets, smooth stucco, and a rough-timber entry-canopy completely transformed the character of the house.” Designer— Vic Curti, Jacqueline Komninos 2ND PLACE

Duffy Design Group, Inc. No Reservation Needed - Urban Duplex Renovatione. Charlestown, MA. “All of the finishes, fixtures, and lighting were updated from those original to the conversion to condo from its original use as a school. The two main spatial goals were to reorganize the kitchen, living, dining areas on the first floor to create a more open cooking/entertaining environment, along with adding a home office.” Designer— Dennis Duffy, ASID

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2019 DESIGN AWARD WINNERS

ASID-FLWC AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION DESIGN (CON’T) HONORABLE MENTION

Angela Rodriguez Interiors Lake Club Luxe. Lakewood Ranch, FL. “The design team focused on how the spaces would feel and function for both cozy evenings for two, as well as large family gatherings.” Designer— Angela Rodriguez

RESIDENTIAL SHOWHOUSE / MODEL DESIGN 1ST PLACE

Franco A Pasquale Design Associates Inc. Breakwater. Champions Club. “Inspired by classical prairie style architecture, the Breakwater Model Home was designed with a modern approach to high-style, casual Florida living.” Designer— Franco Pasquale 2ND PLACE

Kristin Pantone Design Sarasota Designer Showhouse - Office/ Library. Sarasota, FL. “Relax, work or entertain business associates in this intimate home office.” Designer— Kristin Pantone HONORABLE MENTION

Distinctive Interiors of Sarasota, Inc. Mayfield Model Home. Bradenton, FL. “We designed the home based upon a Coastal/Modern Farmhouse Style.” Designer— Stephanie Nolan HONORABLE MENTION

Micheline Laberge, ASID, LLC Jewels On the Bay Showhouse 2018. Sarasota, FL “Careful considerations was made to reuse existing materials and to conserve spacial changes for budget and environmental concerns.” Designer— Micheline Laberge, ASID

Micheline Laberge, ASID, LLC

HONORABLE MENTION

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some of the components that went into this design.” Designer— Franki Colett

Details in Design Jewels on the Bay Show House 2019. Sarasota, FL “By incorporating the study of Biophilic design in this Show House Guest Room, we created a highly desirable space that connects to nature by using materials and finishes that reflect the South Florida outdoors.” Designer— Janet Davidsen, Allied ASID

STUDENT COMMERCIAL DESIGN 1ST PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

Ringling College of Art and Design Booker High School Classroom Collaborative. Sarasota, FL. “The concept for this classroom was to incorporate research conducted that outlines what students and teachers think a successful classroom should consist of.” Designer— Nikki Alese

STUDENT PRODUCT DESIGN

Ringling College of Art and Design

HONORABLE MENTION

Jeux de Glace. Banff, Canada. “Jeux De Glace Skating Rink takes the precise rhythmic patterns of the skater marks and brings them to life using light and form. Shape and movement help cultivate the juxtaposition of the delicate nature of the sport with the harsh surroundings of the Rocky Mountains.” Designer— Franki Colett 2ND PLACE

Ringling College of Art and Design Catching the Stars. “The light fixture is comprised of a metal mesh top. The metal mesh is embedded with LED lights that twinkle and shine to give the appearance of stars captured right from the sky.” Designer— Franki Colett

TRANSITIONAL KITCHEN DESIGN

Ringling College of Art and Design

2ND PLACE

Poppy House. California. “Children in foster care often face great hardships because of their past. Harmony and pattern will make the space feel stable and welcoming. With the addition of biophilic theory, the children will connect with the natural world through the use of natural lighting and materials.” Designer— Franki Colett HONORABLE MENTION

Ringling College of Art and Design Innovative Classroom. Sarasota County, FL. “Flexible style seating, ample desk space, and an inspired color scheme were

ASID-FLORIDA WEST CHAPTER BRANDSTORY FEATURE

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors Traditional Kitchen. Fort Myers, FL. “Crisp white cabinetry set against walnut wood floors, touches of polished stainless steel and crystal provide a dream kitchen look.” Designer— Dwayne Bergmann 2ND PLACE

Ponton Interiors Gulf Blvd. Clearwater Beach, FL. “The challenge was to design an inviting and updated environment that exceeds clients goals for functionality of a kitchen in a small space, while creating a unique and beautiful aesthetic.” Designer— Kylie Ponton

SRQ MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2020

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ASID Q&A

Share the legislative work the ASID-Florida West Coast currently doing? HOLLY DENNIS, ASID ASID-Florida West (as well as North and South Chapters) is preparing to ba le yet another deregulation effort this coming 2020 Session. Senate Bill 474 Deregulation of Professions and Occupations, which was introduced by Senator Ben Albritton, District 26 in early October 2019. In addition to our efforts to defend the professional practice of interior design, we are also planning several CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) for our membership and many networking opportunities with our built environment colleagues; the local chapters of AIA (American Institute of Architects), CSI (Construction Specifiers Institute), and our Industry Partners. We are continually striving to improve the value proposition for all of our members by providing a sense of community, design resources, and enhancing partnerships.

TRANSITIONAL DESIGN UNDER 3,000 SQ FT 2ND PLACE

Micheline Laberge, ASID, LLC Longboat Key Residence. Longboat Key, FL. “From the time that early construction began, the transformation of just an ordinary builder home to the custom Florida style home, carried the theme from exterior to interior. Shades of blue, grey, smoke & charcoal became the cool color palette that influenced the design throughout.” Designer— Micheline Laberge, ASID

TRANSITIONAL DESIGN OVER 3,000 SQ FT 1ST PLACE

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors Typical Tropical to Elegant Coastal. Ft. Myers, FL “With the remodel of their southwest Florida home, our client’s wish was for a fresh and bright atmosphere suitable for entertaining which could offer their friends and family not just a high level of style but also comfort.” Designer— Andrea Folcik

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) advances the interior design profession and communicates the impact of design on the human experience. We collaborate with others to promote the value of interior design. We prepare our members to excel in a dynamic and evolving profession. We generate, collect and disseminate applied knowledge. ASID has a number of categories for designers at every stage of their career, including students of interior design. We also have membership and sponsorship opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers who provide products and services to the industry. Join ASID’s vibrant community of 25,000+! flwc.asid.org

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BOUTIQUE SHOPPING, HOME DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE AND TRENDS.

ACTIVE OUTFITTERS Fitness products and athletic wares swell for sweating Brittany Mattie

ABOVE: GET YOUR YOGA ON The Yoga Shack Bella + Canvas Heather crop tank in white, $22; LuluLemon Reversible 5mm mat, $78; Jade Yoga cork block, $15, The Yoga Shack, 514 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-681-8029, @theyogashackfl. Yummy Sport legging, $65, Yummy & Trendy, yummyandtrendy.com, @yummyandtrendy. Modeled by Erika Cain, registered yoga instructor in the Rosemary District and Pineapple Yoga Studio, erikacain.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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FITNESS CHECK Fully Adjustable Triple Layered headband, $20, SAAKA Sportswear, 941-706-2841, saaka.com, @saakasportswear. She Glow Multi-Sport top, $140, and matching UPF 50 leggings, $100, Tri Sirena, 772-579-2470, trisirena.com, @tri_sirena_apparel. Hex Neoprene-coated dumbbell weights, sizes and prices vary. Courtesy of Studio South Fitness, 55 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, 941-365-4584, studiosouthfitness.com. 48 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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A BLUR IN TIE DIE Tri Dye UPF 50 Multi-Sport top, $140; Tri Dye UPF 50 sports bra, $50; Tri Dye Running shorts, $75, Tri Sirena, 772-579-2470, trisirena.com, @tri_sirena_apparel. OOFOS 00mg Low Recovery Slip-On sneaker, $130, Fleet Feet Sports, 711 South Osprey Ave. #1, 941-894-3338, @fleetfeetsrq, #runsrq. SAAKA All Sports hat in white, $25, SAAKA Sportswear, 941-706-2841, saaka.com, @saakasportswear. 50 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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WATER’S EDGE Pop The Cork UPF 50 swimsuit, $140, Tri Sirena, 772-579-2470, trisirena.com, @tri_sirena_apparel. SAAKA Super Absorbent Sports visor, $30; SAAKA Shades Bamboo sunglasses in “The Siesta,” $50, SAAKA Sportswear, 941-706-2841, saaka.com, @saakasportswear. Stand up paddleboard rental available for SUP yoga classes at Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio, 517 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-210-3739, @pineappleyogastudio.

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HAPPY

Home retreats to zen out and find your happy.

IVORY TOWER TREEHOUSE Licensed Contractor and Realtor, Brandon Graber, along with Lead Designer Esther Graber,

make up Graber Homes. At their own Sarasota home, the husband-wife team built a magnificent treehouse for their kids to detach from electronics and escape to the outdoors. “They spend hours playing in it,” they say. Like a fanciful ‘ivory tower’—a metaphorical place where people are happily cut off from the rest of the world in favor of their own pursuits and privileged seclusion—the tree house was designed and created as a place to let imaginations run free. “It’s a place they can pretend and create in and just be children.” The wooden kingdom is made up of spruce lumber, spawn southern pine lumber siding and a tin roof. There is only actually one point of contact for treehouse support—done in a way as not to harm the native tree. Inside, string lights are strung up on the ceiling for whimsy lighting, while hooks are mounted into the walls for hanging clothes, hats or other items. Two shelves, a chalk board and a little swing also make appearances in the heightened playhouse. With a tied hammock hanging underneath for the adults to lounge in while the kids cavort, this fun, clutter-free space is perfect for creating memories with family, escape reality and remind us to live life like a kid at heart. SHOWER ALFRESCO This outdoor shower area by the backyard pool was inspired by the Grabers’ travels to St. Lucia after staying in an open-concept house where the indoor and outdoor spaces blended seamlessly together. “We wanted the space to have both raw and natural elements,” they say. “We also wanted to make sure that whatever we built would last for years and still look just as beautiful then as when we first built it.” Choosing copper, whites and Ipe wood (Brazilian walnut), with a blend of plants to give that tropical feel, they designed the minimalist shower layout with function and style in mind. “When creating spaces,” they share, “we like to think of it as creating a lifestyle, a place to feel at peace in, a place of no restraints.” Ideal after spending a day at the beach, marinated in sun and salt, this plein-air shower experience remains a significantly more luxurious feature, compared to rinsing off with a cold-water garden hose or clogging the inside shower drain with clumps of sand. Not to mention, rinsing off under Florida skies means cleansing yourself in happy rays of Vitamin D. Graber

SPACES

Homes LLC, 7364 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-330-3809, graberhomesllc.com, @graberhomes.

W R I T T E N BY B R I T TA N Y M AT T I E P H O T O G R A P H Y BY W YAT T KO SY T G A N

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GUL F COAST KI TCHEN A steaming pour of filtered water over organic hibiscus tea leaves before a cool morning surf at Lido is the ultimate wellness for Studio Director and Interior Designer Casey Stephenson of Pansy Bayou Design Studio. Hence, the keen desire for a fresh, mod kitchen setup with beach-chic finishes that inspire daily self-care, clean eating, organized living and moments to replenish after a paddle out in the Gulf. “Finally after five years, I was able to upgrade my 8.5-foot by 8.5-foot kitchen,” she relays. “I made reasonable choices with materials and added some fun splurges where it made most sense.” Stephenson removed “sad-looking flatware” and ripped out the retro countertop to replace with a diamond white quartz that juts out to provide a mini bartop area to host friends with wine and post-surf snacks. The kitchenette also matured to a muted color palette of calming grays, sandy ecru and bright whites, which radiate buoyantly in the natural Florida sunlight. Plenty of corner nooks reside for flora and plants to dwell, while open shelving units float against the Merola geometric tile backsplash and provide easy grabbing access to her ceramic mugs and earthenware, cutting boards, coffee maker and woven, shell-pink storage baskets that covertly “hide pesky labels,” says Stephenson. “The least amount of visual clutter helps my mind relax and ultimately open the creative flow for my work.” Many of the accessories are handmade by American artisans and can be found at Pansy Bayou Design Studio. Pansy Bayou Design Studio, 1533 Dolphin St., Sarasota,

941-413-5115,

pansybayou.com,

@pansy_bayou_design_studio.

This spread, l-r: Ivory Tower Treehouse, Graber Homes; Southeastern Bedroom Nook, Hólos Architecture+Design; and, Shower Alfreso, Graber Homes; Gulf Coast Kitchen, Pansy Bayou Design Studios.

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SOU T H WEST ER N BEDRO OM NO OK

TUB A LO N E SPL E N D OR

Tucked away in a home by Selby Gardens, Interior Designer Tamaryn Sullivan and remodeler Nick Lane of Lane Property Team recently finished a remodel of a dated master bath to an elegant, white comfort station of sanctuary bliss for their clients to indulge in vital self-care. “Bathrooms should always be a peaceful, serene space,” says Sullivan. “Our foundation was a soft, neutral palette with brushed marble shower tile for texture, travertine vessel sinks to draw the eye and an elegant freestanding tub as the focal point.” Whitewashed wood custom mirrors claim the vanity walls while high ceilings give way to an eye-catching light fixture over the freestanding deep-soaking bathtub. After a day of having too many tabs open—on the computer and in the brain—this space calls for getting horizontal after lighting a few candles, putting on a mask, pouring some adult grape juice and filling up the tub of bath salts—kindling the necessary renewal, repose and restoration for a new day.Tamaryn Kyla Designs, 941-416-

The transformation of this Sarasota bedroom involved a refreshed palette of new furnishings, fabrics, fixtures and accessories. Enlivening the dated room into a modern bohemian halcyon, Principal Designer Rushika Patel of Hólos Architecture + Design shares that her clients were looking for a design that told the story of their background and heritage, but without being overpowering. “They still wanted a space that was relaxing, bright and airy,” she says. “So when I did their interiors, we went with a primarily light and neutral palette with clean minimalist furniture and some warm tones. What we didn’t shy away from were the exquisite Indian textiles and motifs that made subtle appearances in various accents around the house.” Crisp, neat and blissfully idyllic, the end result gives off tranquil desert vibes to cozy up with a book, put a Stevie Nicks record on and dispatch the mind to places of natural mystique and wilderness like Joshua Tree or New Mexico. But instead of glamping in the Mojave, you’re actually in the comfort of home with a cozy, plush down comforter, handsome lighting installations and, of course, the A/C. Hólos Architecture + Design, 1018 Whimbrel Run, Bradenton, 941-6477510, @holosarchitecturedesign.

0096, tamarynkyladesigns.com, @tamarynkyladesigns.

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BACKYA R D BU NGALOW OASIS

Local illustrator and artist Shannon Kirsten Couch recently married a handyman who was adamant on giving his bride the backyard oasis she deserved. With about 50 plant babies of hers to tend to and an affiliation to Balinese-style lanterns and outdoor string lights, husband Hunter Couch built a maple wood pergola outback out of their 1920s Bradenton bungalow. Underneath, Shannon decorated the space with chic wicker furniture, boho cushions and macramé planters filled with draping foliage to hang from the beams of the shaded cabana. The newlyweds enjoy lounging in solitude with their cat and dog, amongst their jungly hideaway.@bungalowbohemia

CH EROK EE PA R K ZEN GA RDEN Nestled in the backyard of this Cherokee Park abode, a family’s outdoor living experience encompasses a beautifully detailed sitting, reading and yoga garden. A thermally treated ash wood wall overlaps in segments to allow natural light to peak through during the day while still creating a private sanctuary. The ash wood also make up the flooring to lay a mat down for a stretch in the sunshine, with polished, poured-in-place concrete as stepping stones to the side. Floating shelves adorn succulents, mini bonsais and buddhas, while the pool deck boasts custom planters, the pool, spa and firepit—unifying the space to create the ultimate yogi retreat. “The most interesting piece of this is that the yoga garden wasn’t even part of the original design. It was supposed to be the mechanical storage room for the pool equipment,” says Michael A. Gilkey Jr. “As designers, we’re always looking for opportunities, for ‘found space.’” Instead of overlooking it, the team created an outdoor room which became the genesis for a zen yoga garden. “The cool tones of the concrete and beach pebble offer contrasting harmony to the warm tones of the linear, thermally treated ash-wood enclosure,” he says. “The space is backlit from the wall at night for a warm glow, complemented by the fire feature beyond, and the soothing sounds of moving water in the family’s pool and spa. The result is a true backyard happy place.” Michael Gilkey Landscape Architect, 5511 Ashton Rd., Sarasota, 941-924-0132, magilkey.com with Riley Interior Design Inc., 1929 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-5522, @rileyinteriordesign.

This spread, l-r: Tub Alone Splendor, Tamaryan Kyla Designs; Southwestern Bedroom Nook, Hólos Architecture+Design; Backyard Bungalow Oasis; and, Cherokee Park Zen Garden, Michael Gilkey Landscape Architect.

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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE

This page:

New Orleans Po Boy with zucchini fritters.

LIVING ON THE VEG Leaf & Lentil’s shapeshifting menu is changing the status quo on vegan eating. Brittany Mattie

WHETHER VEGETARIAN, VEGAN OR VEGCURIOUS, Chef Mike Schoening and partner Sheila Siegel of Leaf & Lentil simply want all types of eaters to know that vegan food can sit at the same table as mainstream diets. “We have had so many customers who are meat eaters tell us that they are shocked at how great the food is, that they had no idea a vegan sandwich or other dish could be so delicious,” says Sheila. The new, fast-casual eatery experiments with simple, quality dishes, which just happen to be vegan. “We hope to show people how delicious this type of food can be, that it’s good for you and good for the planet,” she says. “People often don’t know where their food comes from, what they are putting into their bodies and the impact that food has on their health and on the environment.”

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Left to right:

Polenta Fries with avocado drizzle. Mellow, sun-filled cafe vibes. Chef Michael Schoening taking it day by day. Leaf & Lentil, 2801 North Tamiami Trl., North Sarasota, 941-413-5685, @leafandlentil.

CHEF MIKE COMES UP WITH an everchanging, rotating menu, to which Sheila will hang each item on a piece of paper on the back wall daily. Not knowing exactly what you’ll be coming in to order is part of the impromptu charm of this wholesome eatery, along with the friendly, open invite to any and all—no matter their dietary preferences. Just know, Chef Mike’s black bean quesadillas unintentionally tempt many to consider converting to a lifestyle of veganism. “We’ve had several non-vegans say, ‘That dish could turn me vegan,’” quips Sheila. Meanwhile, main plates like the New Orleans Po’ Boy craftily swap the typical meat—in this case, shrimp—for a plant-based substitute, like zucchini fritters, then finish the Po’ Boy with a vegan remoulade, tomato and arugula. The Portobello Reuben remains Leaf & Lentil’s best-selling sandwich. It must be the “pastrami” spiced portobello mushrooms, sauerkraut, housemade vegan cheese and Russian dressing on grilled pumpernickel sourdough. The Chickpea Salad Sandwich is reminiscent of a tuna salad sandwich, but replaces the “chicken of the sea” for a “chicken of the garden,” mixing the 60 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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chickpeas with onions and celery in a vegan mayo. And depending on the day, alternating specials come around throughout the week such as Banh Mi Monday, skipping the pork and resorting to marinated tofu on a French baguette, with chili sauce, pickled daikon radish, carrots, cucumber and cilantro; Tortilla Tuesday, grilled with shredded “cheese,” sautéed onions and bell peppers, topped with a chipotle black bean sauce; and, finally, Falafel Friday, made with housemade falafel, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, lettuce, tahini and cilantro sauce. “We want our diners to have fresh and changing options, and to be able to take advantage of excellent ingredients when they are available,” explains Sheila. Going along with the revolving menu, Chef Mike’s rice plates, grilled cheeses, quesadillas, hearty soups and salads often highlight and rotate a variety of fresh veggies that are in season at that time. The Mandarin Peanut Salad with shredded cabbage, Mandarin oranges, red bell peppers, carrots and peanuts, in an oilfree coconut dressing, is Sheila’s personal favorite at the moment. “It is so savory and sweet and delicious,” she shares.

Localism just so happens to be as important as veganism for Leaf & Lentil— going out of its way to support a handful of fellow local businesses. “We believe strong local partnerships help our customers get the highest-quality food and drinks,” Sheila says. Healthful beverages local to Sarasota include Kombucha 221 B.C., Lelu’s Cold Brew Coffee and Leaf & Lentil’s own housebrewed iced teas, as well as other liquids local to St. Petersburg, including Min’s Matcha Tea, Sunny Culture Live Sparkling Probiotic Water Kefir and Mother Kombucha. And depending on who you talk to, desserts are more important than the meal, which is why there are plenty of options for sweet-tooth vegans. Local ice cream company SRQ Vegan Love handmakes organic, small-batch ice creams with various alternatives to milk that come in flavors such as golden milk, mint chocolate chip, creamsicle and dark chocolate, while local baker of WeVegan Eats supplies the baked goods with chocolate chunk cookies, gluten-free brownies, banana bread and more. “At the end of the day,” says Sheila, “we just want to serve food that helps change minds about vegan eating.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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JUICED UP

For the cold-pressed groupies who crave nutritionally potent potions of clean energy. Brittany Mattie

ABOVE: PURE GOLD Pineapple, ginger, orange, lemon; Green Zebra Cafe, 1377 Main St., Sarasota, greenzebracafe.com, @greenzebracafe. GREEN

CROPITO! Pineapple, green apple, lemon, lime, mint, spinach, kale; CROP Juice, 1605 Main St. #108, Sarasota, cropjuicesrq.com, @CROPjuice. BRIGHT EYES Apple, fennel, carrot, lemon, ginger; SaraFresh Juice, locations vary by food truck, Sarasota, sarafresh.com, @sarafreshjuice. BLAST OFF! Tokyo bekana, microgreens, spinach, cucumber, turmeric, lemon, pepper oil; CROP Juice, 1605 Main St. #108, Sarasota, cropjuicesrq.com, @CROPjuice. YELLOW Lemon, maple syrup, cayenne pepper; Clean Juice UTC, 5215 University Pkwy, Ste. 104, Sarasota, cleanjuice.com, @cleanjuiceutc. SRQ

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ABOVE: ORANGE Carrot, pineapple, orange, turmeric; Clean Juice UTC, 5215 University Pkwy, Ste. 104, Sarasota, cleanjuice.com, @cleanjuiceutc. MIGHTY

BEET Spinach, beets, cucumber, celery; The Daily Dose Juice Garden, 536 13th St. W., Bradenton, juicedailydose.com, @juice.dailydose. FOREVER YOUNG ELIXIR Apothe-Cherry, hibiscus, lemon; Green Zebra Cafe, 1377 Main St., Sarasota, greenzebracafe.com, @greenzebracafe. FRESH PRESSED Cucumber, Fuji apple, lemon, lime, spinach, parsley; SO Fresh LWR, 11569 FL-70 #106, Bradenton, lovesofresh.com, @welovesofresh. GINGERAID Ginger, apple, lemon, Florida honey ; SaraFresh Juice, locations vary by food truck, Sarasota, sarafresh.com, @sarafreshjuice. SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

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SAUSAGE SAVANTS

A modern revival of a maligned mystery meat. Andrew Fabian

When the Roman Empire adopted Catholicism and began its war on fun, Emperor Constantine banned the sausage for its association with a pagan festival, though he may have also been suffering from sausage envy. Unlike the fancified French iterations of forcemeat like charcuterie or pâté, the sausage, made traditionally from the spare trimmings of hooved animals like pig or goat, was cast during the Middle Ages in a rather classist way as peasant food. During the Industrial Revolution, sausages served as scapegoats for various food poisoning epidemics, epitomized by Upton Sinclair’s supposedly firsthand observations of an NYC meat-processing facility in The Jungle. And, yet, the sausage has survived these attempts at defamation and continues to make its way onto the hot grates of grills, into rich Sunday gravies, between two sides of a sliced hoagie or, for those with a predilection for prehistoric eating habits, eaten on its own with a knife and fork. Today, in the still-macabre but infinitely open-ended manufacturing process of fresh sausage, the modern butcher and the savvy chef see an opportunity to redefine the scope of what a sausage can be.

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, SAUSAGES HAVE HAD A PUBLIC RELATIONS PROBLEM.

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forage CHICKEN CRACK The meatpackers at Southern Steer Butcher like to have fun, whether it’s with the sneaky innuendos on their storefront—“juicy breasts” and “tasty tips”—or with the formulation of new recipes for their marinated meats and freshly made sausages. Manager Megan Engelbreit had the superb idea of taking an item from their keto food-prep class and transforming it into a neatly packaged tube of meat affectionately called Chicken Crack Sausage. As the name implies, the main ingredient is chicken (thighs, to be exact), a sausage meat growing in popularity for its low fat content and its blank-slate flavor profile. But the mad meatheads of Southern Steer thought it appropriate to bring the sausage back down to Flavortown by adding cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon—because why not? Chipotle, ranch seasoning and a pinch of salt round out the ingredients stuffed into the transparent length of pork casing that, when thrown on the grill, takes on an appetizing brown char. For those who are impatient or just like to watch the world burn, the sausage can be grilled over high heat, with the juicy fat from the chicken thighs, cheese and bacon dripping down for a salutary sizzle from the flames. Fair warning: the sausage is likely habit-forming.

SOUTHERN STEER BUTCHER 4084 4084 Bee Ridge Road, www. southernsteer.com, (941) 706-2625 . CHOP SHOP, 5906 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, www. chopshopgrocer.com, (941) 794-6328 . THE BUTCHER’S BLOCK, 3242 17th Street, Sarasota, www. butchersblocksarasota. com, (941) 955-2822 NAPULÈ, 7129 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, www. napulesarasota.com, (941) 556-9639

A FAMILY RECIPE The region of Abruzzo, Italy, is mountainous and wild, with a vast system of national parks and nature reserves that make it one of the greenest places in Europe. Many olive seasons ago, Donato de Dominicis worked as a livestock farmer and butcher on his family’s farm in the region. He did this for 25 years before selling the farm, but along the way he developed a sausage recipe that became a bit of a legend, attracting people from as far away as Rome. When his daughter Giovanna married an ambitious pizzaiolo from Naples named Pepe Del Sole, Donato passed along the recipe that would eventually find its way onto the menu at Napulè, a full-blooded Southern Italian restaurant on Tamiami Trail with a respectable meat counter. On the menu, the sausage goes only by “homemade,” but it contains some special ingredients in spite of its anonymity. It starts with organic, grass-fed pork, some undisclosed spices of which fennel is not one and the two ingredients that made the sausage so legendary in Abruzzo: orange zest and Jack Daniel’s whiskey. The orange zest gives the sausage more pep than traditional sausages, while the whiskey caramelizes and adds just a hint of sticky sweetness. Del Sole also dry ages the sausages for a week, and the dryness helps the sausage blend well with other ingredients. Napulè’s Rustico pannuozzo, a Neapolitan-style sandwich, features their sausage outside its casing, crumbled and quickly sautéed with rapini, then topped with provolone cheese and folded into a freshly baked piece of Neapolitan pizza dough. The sausage absorbs some of the nutty bitterness from the rapini and adds substance to an otherwise light sandwich.

MARBLED MADNESS In the world of pork, the Mangalitsa is a sort of unicorn—rare and a little odd-looking. Bred in the mid-19th century from a mixture of Balkan breeds, the Mangalitsa has the fluffy coat of a sheep and can achieve weights nearing four digits. The breed today has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence and has quickly become the Kobe beef of pork because of its lavish marbled fat. “It’s like butter,” says Seth Overmyer of Chop Shop in Bradenton, who collaborated with restaurateur Sean Murphy on a sausage so elevated, it can make a NY Strip seem like a slice of bologna. Murphy, the mastermind behind Beach Bistro, Eat Here and The Doctor’s Office, already uses Mangalitsa from Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka City for all of his pork offerings, but he wanted something next-level for his bar bites. The sausage uses the immoderately tasty meat from the Mangalitsa, a bit of Colorado lamb and, after lots of experimentation with various ingredients and ratios, Overmyer ended up with goat cheese, shredded asiago, minced garlic, fresh rosemary and naturally, some salt and pepper. The fat from the Mangalitsa makes this sausage so juicy, it can lubricate an engine block. It also complements the subtle gaminess of the lamb, and when the luxurious lard is rendered, it blends seamlessly with the creaminess of the goat cheese, with the rosemary adding a subtle accent. Murphy intends to use this luxury sausage in his modern interpretation of simple Bangers and Mash, a perfect food to pair with a Red Ale. OH DEER Between their grace, shy disposition and endearing characterization in a certain animated classic film, some people have a hard time thinking of deer as food. But, with its free-range lifestyle and well-exercised muscles, it produces some of the richest, darkest, tastiest meat in the animal kingdom. Since the deer is something of an athlete, however, its meat is too lean to stuff into a sausage on its own. “If I only used venison, it would be too dry,” says Glenn Morris of The Butcher’s Block. That’s why Morris combines it with pork in his seasonal sausages. He uses striploin cuts of domestic venison from Colorado in a two-to-one ratio with the pork and adds salt and pepper, a little garlic, rosemary and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a bit of sweetness to the final product while the rosemary helps to accentuate the hint of woodsy flavor in the venison which would otherwise overpower the sausage. It evokes scenes of falling foliage in a pre-winter forest, an adult Bambi bounding steady-hooved through the trees crunching the dead leaves beneath him. And venison works as a perfect complement to hearty fall and winter dishes. Any sort of sweet sauces made from fruit reductions work well, while juniper, rosemary and sage also help to accentuate the leaves, twigs, fruits and nuts the deer grazes on. Morris, who used to run the kitchen at Bijou Café before a stint as manager of a Publix meat department, would recommend a simple accompaniment of red beans and wild rice, perhaps with a touch of Cajun spices. SRQ

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LOCALLY SOURCED ALWAYS IN SEASON

SRQ’s Foodie Content Channel

CROW’S NEST MARINA RESTAURANT 1968 Tarpon Center Dr., Venice, 941-484-9551. CASUAL FINE DINING The Crow’s Nest is a casual fine dining restaurant, serving fresh seafood, steaks and other traditional Florida favorites. Located on the Island of Venice and nestled between the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Intracoastal Waterway on the north and east, Crow’s Nest has become a waterfront fixture for surf ‘n’ turf. M–W 11:30am-10pm. Th 11:30am–11pm. F-Sa 11:30am–12:30am. Su 12–10pm. DUVAL’S FRESH. LOCAL. SEAFOOD. 1435 Main St., Sarasota, 941-312-4001. SEAFOOD Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. is excited to announce: Duval’s Free. Local. Shu le! Your experience at Duval’s should be what you’re expecting. For dinner, try the Chef Selected Fresh Catch, an offering of the freshest fish in the market, and fillet your fresh catch in-house. Featuring a 3-5-7 Happy Hour and late night. M–Th 11am–9pm. F–Sa 11am–10pm. Su 10am– 9pm. ELEMENT 1413 Main St., Sarasota, 941-724-8585. MODERN MEDITERRANEAN In the heart of downtown Sarasota, you don’t want to miss the upscale Mediterranean grill, Element. Try their Sambuca shrimp with bacon crème, crisp prosciu o, tomato fennel compote and pine nuts. For dinner, their 12 oz. bone-in center cut porcini-encrusted veal chop is delectable. For a large party, order the table an entire roast suckling pig; which serves four to six guests and is cooked with apples, figs and shallots. Equipped with an extensive wine list and an enticing array of cra cocktails, dining at Element is a must-try experience. M-Th 4:30pm-10pm. F-Sa 4:30pm11pm. Su 10:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-10pm. F-Sa. GECKO’S GRILL & PUB 6 convenient locations. Serving AMERICAN PUB FOOD WITH A GOURMET TWIST Fresh fare, smooth spirits & exceptional hospitality since 1992. Locally owned and operated, Gecko’s polished casual atmosphere, fantastic food, service-forward culture and specialty cocktails make it an enduring community gathering place. Serving Lunch, Dinner & Late Night and a favorite of Locals and visitors alike. Voted “BEST SPORTS BAR.” Featuring daily Happy Hours, weekly Chef’s Specials, locally sourced seasonal produce & beef from our farm and ranch partners, all your favorite sporting events, award-winning Kids Menu and teams of friendly hospitality professionals. There’s always something happening at Gecko’s -- Bingo; Team Trivia Night; All Day & All Night Happy Hours and special events. See you at Gecko’s!

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GROVE 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941893-4321. CONTEMPORARY GOURMET DINING GROVE Restaurant, Patio and Ballroom is the newest offshoot of PIER 22, the award-winning waterfront destination headed by restaurateurs Hugh Miller and Greg Campbell. A full-service restaurant and events venue offering contemporary gourmet dining. The menu is elevated yet approachable and locally inspired. Housemade dishes emphasize fresh seasonal ingredients as well as innovative cooking methods, and with 27,000 square feet of dining space including casual patio dining, private rooms, a relaxing lounge space and an elegant 400 person ballroom there’s room for everyone at the table! M-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 11:30am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm. LEMON TREE KITCHEN 1289 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-552-9688. HEALTHY CASUAL DINING Lemon Tree Kitchen’s all day menu highlights American Classic dishes that li the body and mind while providing a comforting meal that will appeal to the everyday diner. With wholesome clean ingredients and hand-cra ed dishes that meet every lifestyle choice, Lemon Tree Kitchen uses locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible and ensures that their vendors align with their mission to serve food that you can feel good about. Open daily for lunch and dinner. M–Su 11:00am–9pm. LIBBY’S NEIGHBORHOOD BRASSERIE 1917 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-487-7300. CASUAL FINE DINING Libby’s serves bistro classics and seasonal New American cuisine. Named a er the restaurant’s unforge able family matriarch, Libby, this modern American brasserie evokes style and uniqueness with a welcoming warmth. Start with the Brasserie Tartare or the Crispy Brussels. Entrees include the Double Brined Porkchop, served with yukon gold mashed potatoes and Steak Au Poivre, a wood grilled NY Strip steak. Indoor, bar, and outdoor seating is available at this Southside Village favorite. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Su–Th 11:00am–9pm. F-Sa 11:00am–10pm. MARINA JACK 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 941-365-4232. SEAFOOD, STEAKS AND PASTA The Sarasota landmark offers its customers exceptional food and great atmosphere while dining on the water. Come to the dining room on the second floor and try some new items on the dinner menu. Start with braised mussels in a chorizo broth or short rib tostadas, which feature Gouda cheese and pulled slow-braised short rib. Open daily for lunch and dinner. M–Su 11:15am–11pm.

MATTISON’S - 3 Locations: Ma ison’s City Grille, 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-330-0440/ Ma ison’s Forty-One, 7275 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, 941-921-3400/ Ma ison’s Riverwalk Grille, 101 Riverfront Blvd., Bradenton, 941-896-9660. AMERICANN, EUROPEAN, PROVINCIALLY SOURCED MENU ITEMS Chef Paul Ma ison, executive chef and proprietor of Ma ison’s, operates a successful culinary group on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located in Sarasota and Bradenton, each Ma ison’s restaurant location is unique to its neighborhood, offering Chef Paul Ma ison’s signature menu items, outstanding service, and quality ingredients, while supporting the community, regional farmers, and culinary suppliers. Each Ma ison’s location offers outdoor dining, happy hour and live music. Ma ison’s Catering Company is an award-winning, chef-owned and operated company procuring fresh, natural, and local ingredients. Catering in-house and off-site, Mattison’s Catering Company offers certified wedding and event planners, experienced professionals, and custom menus. Hours vary by location. MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET 1924 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-955-9856. GOURMET GROCER It’s the place where you can spend a lazy Sunday morning sipping coffee and breaking off pieces of a scone, a frenetic Friday evening collecting rare cheeses, meat and wine for Saturday’s soiree or a quick lunchtime bite to go. For the la er, Morton’s fresh-made sushi, salad bar or ready-to-go tea sandwiches are longstanding local faves. M–Sa 7am–8pm. Su 9am–6pm. MUSE AT THE RINGLING 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, 941-359-5700. CONTEMPORARY CASUAL DINING Upscale local cuisine with international flair is the inspiration for Muse’s concept and development. Muse at The Ringling provides a comfortable and contemporary dining experience in a magnificent, artistic setting. Muse creates menus with an eye for presentation, using fresh and high quality products. Intriguing combinations and variations on cuisine anchor the innovative menu. The ideal dining spot to complement a day in the galleries or a night at the theater, Muse offers diners a culinary adventure where dishes are approached as works of art. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Su–M 11:00am–5pm. Tu–Sa 11:00am–8pm.

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OAK & STONE - 2 Locations: University Park, 5405 University Pkwy., Sarasota, 941-225-4590/ South Sarasota, 4067 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 941-893-4881 PIZZA AND CRAFT BEER At Oak & Stone, artisanal wood-fired pizzas are handcra ed and diners can select to B.Y.O.P. (build your own pie) or choose from the menu’s many custom cra pizza options. The standard tavern fare is elevated with options such as Smokey Gouda Mac n’ Cheese and Pretzel Crusted Tuna. Fresh offerings such as delicious salads and hummus plate round out the menu. Oak & Stone boasts the largest RFID technology self-serve brew wall in the region, with 56 taps that showcase local and American cra breweries, self-pourable by the ounce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Su–Th 11:00am– 11pm. F–Sa 11:00am–12am. OPHELIAS ON THE BAY 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, 941-349-2212. FINE DINING With indoor and outdoor dining options boasting incredible waterfront views of Li le Sarasota Bay, Ophelia’s On The Bay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delectable meal. From their PEI mussels presented in a saffron-anise e broth to incredible cocktails such as the Pink Lady, you can’t go wrong. Happy Hour M–Su 5pm–6pm. Dinner M–Su 5pm–10pm. Sunday Brunch 11am–2pm.

PBNT 1409 Main St., Sarasota, 941-914-9955. AMERICAN PBnT is serving up delicious pizzas, burgers, tacos. There are options for everyone, including gluten-free pizza crust and le uce-wrapped burgers. PBnT caters to every craving for America’s favorite foods. Try their When Pigs Fly pizza, which is a BBQ base, topped with cheese, roasted pork, chopped bacon, onion and a BBQ drizzle or their Momo burger which is a double pa y, sautéed mushrooms and onions, mozzarella cheese and mayo. If you are really hungry, try their American Dream, which is a cheese pizza, cheeseburger and a taco of choice. Fast, fun and friendly – PBnT is the perfect choice. M-Su 11am-10pm. PIER 22 1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, 941-748-8087. CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN Pier 22 takes waterfront dining to a new level. On the mouth of the Manatee River, the picturesque se ing is relaxing and the perfect backdrop for any outing. With over 26,000 square feet of space, Pier 22 also offers catering and space for events. They focus on fresh, homemade fare and unique twists on everyday dishes. For lunch, try their so -shell crab sandwich with jalapeno tartar sauce, with a side of poutine. While watching the sunset on the patio, dine on their fresh game of the day, sourced from around the world and always a surprise. M-Th 11:30am – 10pm. F-Sa 11:30am-10:30pm. Su 11am-10pm. Happy hour daily 3pm7pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm.

SHARKY’S ON THE PIER 1600 Harbour Dr. S, Venice, 941-488-1456. SEAFOOD A er just one visit to Sharky’s On the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s or Snook Haven, you’ll understand why all three restaurants have become Venice-area landmarks, smack-dab on the water. Boasting unparalleled views of the 720-foot long Venice Fishing Pier and Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years, Sharky’s has made a name for itself as Florida’s No. 1 Beach Bar with complimentary live music and entertainment, family friendly fun and a whole lot of ocean. M–Th 11:30am– 10pm. F–Sa 11:30am–12am. Sun 11:30am–10pm. TSUNAMI SUSHI & HIBACHI GRILL 100 Central Ave, Suite 1022, Sarasota, 941-366-1033. ASIAN FUSION In the heart of downtown Sarasota Florida, Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill stands alone for creative sushi, fresh sashimi and a new spin on asian fusion--all at remarkable prices. The Tsunami team focuses on ensuring every meal exceeds your expectations. FRESH SUSHIMade fresh before your eyes by their talented chefs. FULL BAR- They feature a full bar, with specialty cocktails like the Hibiscus Rose, Japanese Julep and Shinsu Sour. ASIAN ENTREES- Fresh and flavorful with the unique taste of Japan. M-F 11am-Close; Sat/Sun 12pmClose; Closed Daily 2:30-4:30pm.

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NEW YEAR | NEW YOU Happiness often renders health, longevity, well-being and success. But happiness isn’t something that just happens. Optimists may look at the glass half full, pessimists rather see it bleakly emptied. But opportunists, they grab the glass and go fill it themselves. Everyone has the power to make small changes in their lifestyle—from surroundings, relationships and mindfulness, to diet, fitness and sleep behavior—that can help set the course for a brighter mood and sunny disposition. With the dawn of a new decade, get strong, be well and prosper. Bring on 2020. WRITTEN BY BRITTANY MATTIE AND ABBY WEINGARTEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN AND EVAN SIGMUND

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NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

Sleep Tight

Soothing, serene sleep is elusive to many. But there are few things more important to wellness than quality rest, local board-certified sleep medicine doctors say. For those with little idea where to begin, Dr. Jeffrey Ortstadt of Pinnacle Medical Group in Bradenton suggests aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. “Individual sleep needs vary, with some people requiring eight hours or more to feel well and some requiring less,” Ortstadt says. “Research shows that seven to nine hours nightly is the optimal range for humans to perform best during the day, and to live the longest, healthiest lives.” Waking at the same time each day is an equally efficient activity. Patients should head outdoors within 30 minutes of rising, and soak up the daylight for 10 to 20 minutes without wearing sunglasses. “Unfiltered sunlight exposure is a strong stimulus to train your internal clock (circadian rhythm) to awaken at

the same time each day and to fall asleep near the same time each night,” Ortstadt says. “If you can’t go outdoors, sit in a sunny room facing east with the curtains open for 10 to 20 minutes.” Patients who wake before sunrise and cannot get immediate daylight exposure, or those who live where there is not easy access to daylight, should purchase a 10,000-lux light-emitting diode bright-light therapy lamp (and sit near the fully illuminated lamp for 15 to 30 minutes each morning). This is even more crucial during the fall and winter months, Ortstadt says, when daylight hours are shorter and the sun rises later. “Also, get some daily aerobic exercise for 30 to 40 minutes,” Ortstadt says. “Exercise such as yoga, Pilates, cycling, jogging, the elliptical trainer and swimming help improve the mood, reduce anxiety, enhance brain and heart health, and improve sleep quality.”

Like Ortstadt, Dr. Steven Scheer of Optimal Sleep Health in Sarasota agrees that sleep problems often come down to a number of behavioral patterns that occur during the day. “There are so many ways to not get a good night’s sleep, which is part of the reason there is a sleep medicine subspecialty in the medical community,” Scheer says. So evaluation and questioning is key when prescribing treatment. Questions are raised about recent health changes, sleeping partners, pre-bedtime routines, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and anxiety and depression history.“Medication history is especially important, not only with sleeping pill and over-the-counter drug usage, but also with non-sleep medicines that affect sleep,” Scheer says. “Not all people who are referred to a sleep specialist need a sleep study. I am thinking, for example, of the patient I saw with a chief complaint of insomnia who

was consuming a dozen Diet Cokes a day—and this was a very intelligent man.” Dr. Matthew Edlund of the Center for Circadian Medicine in Sarasota says the significance of sleep cannot be downplayed. “Sleep is like food. It’s necessary for survival. Every animal experimentally studied eventually dies from sleep deprivation. We love food, enjoy food, so we should love sleep,” Edlund says. “The body is an information system that has to learn and get rebuilt to survive. We rebuild in sleep, regenerate and renew, which means we need to give sleep enough time.” This can be done by properly timing the body’s inner clocks, he says. “Time rules life. Body clocks time our lives. If our clocks are tight, we live a whole lot better. If they are off, things don’t work so well,” Edlund says. “Whether you are an owl or lark, or a night or morning person, you want to have your inner clocks timed right.”—AW

SOURCES Pinnacle Medical Group: 7005 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, 941-465-4800, pinnacledoctors.com. Optimal Sleep Health: 2020 Cattlemen Rd., Ste. 400, Sarasota, 941-342-3400, optimalsleephealth.com. The Center for Circadian Medicine, 1241 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-365-4308, regenerationhealthnews.com/sleep-center. 76 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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Quiet Moments C O N T R I B U T E D B Y T I M G I L B R E AT H . @ S A R A S O T A T I M

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Birdâ€™s Eye C O N T R I B U T E D BY C A S E Y D I G I O VA N N I , @ C H A S I N G T H E D R O N E L I F E

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SOURCES The Renewal Point: 4905 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 941-926-4905, therenewalpoint.com. Omega3 Innovations: 727 Commerce Dr., Venice, 941-485-4400, omega3innovations.com. Revolution Health, Sarasota, 9025 Town Center Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch, 941-900-4500, revolutionhealthlwr.com

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

Omegas—the fatty acids with a fountain-of-youth-type magic—keep the skin, brain and body fit and fresh. “Omega-3s are important for the proper functioning of every cell in the body for people at all stages of life,” says Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers of Omega3 Innovations in Venice. “But 98 percent of Americans have low levels, even people with otherwise healthy diets.” To combat this, patients need to eat foods (various types of fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits) or take supplements to get an effective omega-3 dose. At least 2,000 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily is recommended, Chalmers says. “Omega-3s, omega-6s and omega-9s are all important fatty acids,” says Dr. Dan Watts of The Renewal Point in Sarasota. “In younger people, they improve brain function, guard against attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, improve communication and social skills, and decrease behavioral problems and risks of developmental delay.” Chalmers has also seen remarkable stories of improvement from children on the autism spectrum. “One mom shared with me that her daughter now has one temper tantrum a week rather than several per day,” Chalmers says. “Another parent shared that her son was now able to sit still while she read him an entire picture book. These seemingly small improvements can be life-changing for families.” In adults, omega-3 consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmunity and mental disorders. It aids bone and joint health, sleep, anxiety and depression. “While omega oils do not cause an immediate effect on the body, people who eat whole foods chock-full of omega oils should experience better health over time,” Watts says. “The anti-inflammatory effects are usually seen the quickest, while metabolic and skin improvements happen a little later. Over time, the brain function and overall psyche should improve.” —AW

Mega Omegas

Keto Connection

Adult-onset diabetes is often a diet-fueled dilemma, but a ketogenic regimen can keep the disease at bay and boost energy in the process. Dr. Rebecca Patton, a chiropractor at Revolution Health Sarasota, regularly recommends this popular high-fat, low-carbohydrate, moderateprotein option to her clients. “Keto refers to ketone or ketosis—this is where your body gets some of its energy from fat. It either will make ketones from the fat you eat or the fat stores you already have in your body or both,” Patton says. “The concept is to switch the body from using carbohydrates to fat as its main source of fuel.” When a patient has Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, “they are changing the source of energy that their body is using,” Patton says. This is important because it can help eliminate large spikes in blood sugar, reducing the need for insulin. There is much more energy in one molecule of fat than there is in one molecule of sugar (or carbohydrate). “There is also more energy production from following a ketogenic diet. It’s like rocket fuel for your brain and your metabolism, and it doesn’t require insulin to get into the cell the same way,” Patton says. “It is a completely different source and there is more energy in the fat than there is in carbohydrates. The ketogenic diet is very effective, especially when combined with intermittent fasting, as the body will rely on burning fat.” Typically, the body derives its energy from glucose, which requires insulin. When patients are in nutritional ketosis, their bodies become fat burners and not sugar burners. “I have had patients who have followed a ketogenic diet who not only were able to reduce or come off their diabetic medications,” Patton says, “but they saw improvement in their cognition as well.” —AW srq magazine_ JAN20 live local | 79

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YOGA LIFE JOURNAL

GOOD YOGA

yoga instructor and founder/director of Sarasota’s Be Hummingbird. “These are designed to get people out of their comfort zone and into a new and unfamiliar culture. We practice daily meditation and yoga and explore the sights, but also give back to the community.”

CircuSoul Yoga

Yoga—an ancient spiritual practice that dates back to 6th-century B.C. India—is still evolving on the 21st-century Gulf Coast. Human yoga classes with the aid of animals are a growing fad, and they are as adorable for photos as they are effective for fitness. A study by the National Institutes of Health in 2012 found that, when people interact with animals, it triggers a release of feel-good chemicals in the brain that can lessen stress. Fruitville Grove has capitalized on the goat yoga trend, calling itself “the home of the original Sarasota Goat Yoga” where patrons can “get a good workout, find your center and hang out with some adorable goats.” Even less cutesy creatures are inching their way into the yoga universe. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has invited patrons to “om for the oceans” during its “Yoga with the Sharks” events, held in the courtyard overlooking the Shark Tracker exhibit. The sea predators swim while practitioners pose. Of course, there are still the traditional yoga standbys: the Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Hatha, Sivananda, Vedic Thai, Yin and Power varieties. But, sometimes, people just need to think outside the bendy box and commune with a furry fitness friend between postures. Hanging upside down from the ceiling in a sling hammock while holding a headstand or going on an overseas yoga retreat doesn’t hurt either. “We offer yoga retreat excursions in different areas of the world, such as Cuba and Bali,” says Jamie Coffey,

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Specializing in hot, warm and Yin yoga, as well as yoga therapy and aerial yoga, this studio offers public classes, workshops, continuing education and teacher trainings. It is the only school in the nation to offer a comprehensive aerial yoga certification and is the premier location for this training. There is even specialized care for injured students via private yoga, Vedic Thai yoga and yoga therapy. 4141 S. Tamiami Trl., Ste. 6, Sarasota, 941-922-9642, circusoul.com.

The Yoga Shack A warm power Vinyasa community “with splashes of yin and yang,” this locale invites practitioners to sweat out their stress while improving their yoga postures. There are Vinyasa flow classes in 85- to 95-degree heated rooms; and blends of Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes at 80 degrees. The studio’s one-hour labs (workshop-style classes) give patrons the space to “experiment, discover and explore different parts” of the yoga practice. 514 Central Ave., Sarasota; and 5302 Paylor Ln., Sarasota, 941217-6066, theyogashack.com.

Iyengar Yoga Sarasota An ideal choice for students new to yoga, the Iyengar method at this studio focuses on classical postures and helps build foundations. Students develop flexibility and body awareness, learn proper alignment, and are taught how to incorporate props. The class is held as a weekly series, beginning with basic standing and seated poses. There is even an Iyengar yoga and Ayurvedic retreat in Costa Rica.312 N. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-363-1085, iyengaryogasarasota.com.

Yoga from the Heart Beginners, athletes and advanced practitioners intermingle at this studio, where there is a class for every skill level. Yoga and Restoratives helps practitioners focus on rest and revitalization; Beginners’ Yoga and Meditation teaches the basics of breathing and postures; Community Drop-In Yoga is offered at a discounted rate of $10; and Basics for Beginners establishes an understanding of the practice in a simple, straightforward way. 2010 Pine Ter., Ste. B, Sarasota, 941-9299878, yogafromtheheart.com.

Thavma Premium Yoga Studio Thavma means “miracle,” which is what this studio’s owners have experienced a er decades of practicing Hatha yoga. The classes include Bikram yoga, a 90-minute hot yoga class with 26 postures; the Thavma method, which is a synergy of Bikram and Vinyasa with Iyengar holds, fused with core- and glute-sculpting exercises; and the Thavma Phoenix method, a Hatha yoga class designed for people dealing with injuries. 3800 S. Tamiami Trl., #17, Sarasota; and 1821 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, 941-9144538, thavmayoga.com.

Be Hummingbird Inspired by yogic connection, this studio’s mission is to share daily meditation and yoga, and help practitioners recreate in nature. Vinyasa and Hatha practices are taught here, as well as Morning Glory Gentle Yoga (which involves awakening the senses, calming the “monkey mind” and stretching the body in a restorative and safe environment). Classes are held at Rosemary Court Yoga. There are overseas retreats too. P.O. Box 2065, Sarasota (classes o en held at Rosemary Court Yoga, 810 Central Ave., Sarasota), 941-350-5120, behummingbird.com.

—A.Weingarten

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MINDFULNESS SOURCES Claudia Baeza (bottom right) of Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio: 517 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-210-3739, pineappleyogastudio.net. Jamie Coffey (bottom left) of Be Hummingbird: P.O. Box 2065, Sarasota (classes often held at Rosemary Court Yoga, 810 Central Ave., Sarasota), 941-350-5120, behummingbird.com. BELOW Iyengar Yoga (left) and Yoga Shack (center and right).

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

Moving Toward Mindfulness Mindfulness—the ability to stay fully present in the moment—is not easily attained in a hyper-chaotic culture. But meditation helps. So does yoga. The combination of the two is even better. “Every day, we are bombarded by sensory information at a dizzying rate, and the effects of media exposure and stress are being seen across all age groups,” says Claudia Baeza, the owner of Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio in Sarasota, who trained in mindfulness and meditation at the Kripalu School of Yoga. “Starting a mindfulness practice is one easy way that can help ameliorate these effects, and it should be used daily for a healthier, happier life.” Most Westerners are not taught how to access a state of calm mental clarity, so teachers like Baeza act as guides.“I nurture the inner witness through both yoga postures and guided meditation,” Baeza says. “Through yoga, the mind is purified of falsehoods so that impediments can slowly be removed as the body becomes stronger. The mind and body work together so the practitioner can feel more joy and happiness.” Jamie Coffey, a yoga instructor and the founder/director of Sarasota’s Be Hummingbird, believes this mind-body-spirit connection all begins with breath. “It is the most sacred thing we do, inhaling and exhaling. It’s everything. When you’re truly with your breath, you’re nowhere else but in that moment,” Coffey says. “And that leads us to a state of absolute mindfulness and presence, which inherently brings about the qualities of balance, bliss, compassion and gratitude.” —AW

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NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

SOURCES Crunch Fitness: 8440 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 941-355-1908, crunch.com/locations/sarasota-university. BeFitSRQ: 330 S. Pineapple Ave., #202, Sarasota, 941-365-2348, befitsrq.com. Studio South Fitness: 55 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-4584, studiosouthfitness.com. Photography by Evan Sigmund.

Seriously Strong

Aging and Active

With an eye for fitness potential and the prowess to maximize it, personal trainer Justin Bond pushes his clients to excel. “I see what people are capable of and I expose it,” says Bond, who is based at Sarasota’s Crunch Fitness on Lockwood Ridge Road. This foresight gives Bond the edge when it comes to cultivating the hardestworking clients: —the ones with the goals, guts and grit. By customtailoring their routines—from cross-training to resistance-focused exercises—and continually upping the intensity, Bond helps them achieve head-turning transformations (and major mental fortitude). “Physical fitness brings out the best in people. It’s a place where you can let your mind go and put everything into it,” Bond says. “The harder you push yourself to be the best, the easier life gets.” Bond knows this firsthand. A basketball and bodybuilding athlete, Bond has pushed himself past multiple sports injuries, including three anterior cruciate ligament tears. The setbacks gave him humility and inspired him to instill tenacity in others. He recently taught this to one of his young male clients, helping him lose 55 pounds and gain lean muscle (and big self-esteem) on his way to college. “He was tired of how he looked and felt about himself, so I helped him build confidence, discipline and a work ethic that few have,” Bond says. “He accomplished what he wanted because he put the work in. He can carry that same mindset into his future, where he can be anything he sets his mind to.” —AW

Revving up clients’ muscles and stamina as they age, trainer Michele Rose is the right-hand woman for retired gym-goers. The owner of BeFitSRQ in Sarasota, Rose keeps her clients injury-free by teaching them the most up-to-date full-body exercises. Drawing from her background in cycling, running, swimming and tennis, she helps aging clients with balance, mobility and muscle-building. “Most of my clients have had some kind of issue, whether it’s a knee, back, hip or shoulder problem. They may have previously gotten hurt at a gym or are afraid to work out by themselves or just need motivation,” Rose says. “I want my clients to be confident and strong. When older clients come in to see me, they will say, ‘I’m old. I have aches and pains because I’m old.’ I reply, ‘Are you sure it’s because you’re old or because you do not move?’” Rose offers them the example of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz who does not functionally move until his body is oiled. “Our bodies work the same. If we don’t move, we become stiff, inflexible and immobile. Once we start to move, we produce more of what’s called synovial fluid in our joints, and this synovial fluid lubricates everything,” Rose says. “To maintain balance, preserve mobility and stay strong as we age, we have to successfully incorporate a movement and exercise program into our daily lives. I show my clients that it’s easy and fun. This is the key to happy longevity.” —AW

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Wading Around C O N T R I B U T E D B Y K A R E N D E F L I C E , @ S U N S H I N E . B Y. D E S I G N

Busy and Buff Give personal trainer Patricia Dore 30 minutes and she’ll utilize every second to the fullest, getting her busy clients into shape in the short amounts of time they can spare. At Studio South Fitness in Sarasota, Dore brings her dance, yoga and bodybuilding experience into her coaching methods—and packs it all into a well-rounded (and often brief) workout. “You’d be amazed at how much I can accomplish in a 30-minute session. I use lots of compound movements, and my workouts flow dynamically from one exercise to the next, like a dance,” Dore says. “I use proprioceptive tools and awkward objects to make the brain work harder to inform the muscles. I keep the mood light and fun, even though my clients are working hard.” To work her clients as effectively and quickly as possible, Dore opts for a “functional fitness” style— exercises that move the body as a whole. “We don’t go through life moving one muscle group at a time, so weight machines that isolate muscle groups will only get you so far,” Dore says. “I want my clients to move with ease, balance and strength throughout their lives, and functional fitness accomplishes that.” Her knowledge of posture, balance, alignment and body biomechanics (learned from dancing) seamlessly translate into training, she says. “It’s as if I can feel what my client is physically feeling, and I choose the best exercises for them,” Dore says. “It’s so gratifying to see people transform and become the best versions of themselves.” —AW

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Sunset Hour C O N T R I B U T E D B Y TA I A N A C H A P U T, @ S A R A S O TA .G I R L

The Balanced Life Gracefully aging or chronically aching? Improper balance could be the culprit. During the transition to the senior years, stability can suffer due to a number of factors—from tight muscles to dizziness brought on by medications—and it can have a degenerative effect if it is not treated quickly. “To maintain your balance as you age, you want to maintain the appropriate strength because, when you have a strong core and foundation, your chances of losing balance, having a misstep or falling substantially decrease,” says Tim Burnell, the owner of Back In Motion Physical Therapy in Sarasota. Burnell helps his clients embark on strength-training programs to promote a toned, stable core. Often, the regimens start in the office and evolve into homebased routines. Something as simple as rigid calf muscles, for example, can lead to stumbling. Vertigo is also a common problem. “A lot of people don’t realize that vertigo can be quickly remedied, and we have a very high success rate of curing certain types of vertigo in just a couple of treatments,” Burnell says. “We can move the head in a series of positions to help those canals that have been occluded.” To stay proactive about balance, seniors should undergo annual vision and hearing screenings, says Chip Fisher, co-owner of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers in Sarasota. Patients can take it further by reducing tripping hazards in the home, keeping adequate lighting and installing grab bars. “Often, someone who has had a fall develops a fear of falling, which may cause them to further limit their activities. If this is the case, it’s very important to see a physical therapist to safely return to normal activity and mobility,” Fisher says. “Our balance programs focus on strength, endurance, motion, gait training and coordination for safe walking and prevention of falls. It’s important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength.” James Niswander, a 76-year-old Sarasota resident who is legally blind, knows the benefits of undergoing physical therapy for balance. His experience at FYZICAL, three times a week for eight weeks, transformed his fitness level. “I had had some problems walking and I had fallen a couple times so, at my wife’s insistence, I went to physical therapy. They helped me get back into shape,” Niswander says. “Now I can walk in the community, whereas, for a while, I wasn’t even able to do that. So I’m very grateful.” —AW

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NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

SOURCES Salt of the Earth Sarasota (shown below) 4037 Clark Rd., Sarasota, 941-702-8300, sotesarasota.com. Fusion Therapy: 7069 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-921-7900, fusiontherapysarasota.com.

Salt Therapy

Rolling Therapy Over 30 years ago Dianne Glass met Yamuna Zake, the founder of Yamuna® Body Rolling (YBR), as she was creating the self-healing method to relax muscles, tone the body and melt stress by using a variety of workout balls. “I was desperately seeking relief from the wear and tear wrecking my body as a massage therapist and body rolling worked for me. Thirty years later, it’s still working for me,” she shares. Glass became one of the early teacher trainers of Yamuna® Body Rolling and has certified thousands of teachers all over the world, including in Japan and Europe. The local YBR instructor teaches targeted classes focused on problem areas around Sarasota, but also hosts certification workshops as well as destination retreats in various locations. Wherever she goes, she brings along her arsenal of different-size balls to work the entire body, from your feet to your face. “The smaller balls sink deep for more detailed muscle and tissue work,” she explains. “The larger balls release tension to create relaxation and space.” She also carries harder half domes that stretch and strengthen the feet, and a small soft face ball to roll out facial tension. YBR techniques are also great for short, recharging breaks in the office to relieve muscle tension from sitting at a desk for hours on end, or to destress the mind at the end of a busy day. Glass notes that taking the balls to bed to roll restoratively is a relaxing way to help get a restful night’s sleep. “After rolling, you feel the results immediately—ease of movement, a lifted posture and a free flow of energy throughout your body,” she says. “YBR gives you the power to self-treat your own stress, inflexibility and discomfort—keeping you strong and toned, while preventing and even treating painful conditions.” —BM

Salt heals—most locals living near the coast are well aware of this truth. But now an indoor type of saline fix is captivating the Sarasota area: the emergence of salt therapy rooms. This allnatural treatment uses salt’s antibacterial, antiinflammatory and ultra-absorbent properties to relieve respiratory and skin conditions. Dressed patrons sit in salt caves, booths, rooms and suites (or sometimes lie on salt beds) for 30 to 45 minutes and inhale kinetically-activated pure dry salt particles. These particles travel deep into the body to soak up moisture and break up mucus, widening the breathing pathways and boosting the immune response. “Our rooms are very relaxing and have been shown to calm the central nervous system. This is very important to reduce the inflammation response that creates pain and dysfunction,” says Gena Lewis Schibler, a senior partner at Sarasota’s Fusion Therapy. “Dry salt therapy has even been proven to shorten the duration of colds and flus.” Fusion Therapy’s rooms are covered from floor to ceiling in Dead Sea salt, and there are zero-gravity recliners, blankets and music. At Salt of the Earth Sarasota, the Zen-like spaces are stocked with lounge chairs, booths (with Bluetooth hookups) and heated salt beds. All ages are welcome at both locales. “When you walk through the doors, you leave all your worries behind and just take time for yourself to relax and heal,” says Dianna Manoogian, owner of Salt of the Earth Sarasota. “Doing this therapy on a regular basis helps keep symptoms at bay.” —AW

SOURCES FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers: 5922 Cattlemen Ln., Ste. 100, Sarasota, 941-378-8977, fyzical. com. Back In Motion Physical Therapy: 3920 Bee Ridge Rd., Building E, Unit G, Sarasota, 941-925-2700, backinmotionfl.com. Yamuna® Body Rolling with Dianne Glass (shown left). Keep track of upcoming classes and workshops at bodyrollingdianneglass.com or channel into her YBR Anytime, an online video subscription to tune into self-care routines at home, in the office or on-the-go.

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JANUARY 2020 | SPECIAL AWARDS SECTION | GUIDE TO ELITE RETIREMENT LIVING FACILITIES

ELITE RETIREMENT LIVING PALMETTO — PALMETTO BAY — ANNA MARIA — HOLMES BEACH — BRADENTON LAKEWOOD RANCH — SARASOTA — VENICE — NORTH PORT

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2020 ELITE RETIREMENT LIVING

When exploring assisted living opportunities in the region, you will find that the Top Retirement Living Honorees represent the registered organizations that receive the highest marks through a third-party evaluative process undertaken annually in by the DataJoe Research firm. This year’s honorees include the following facilities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. A Banyan Residence 100 Base Avenue East Venice, FL 34285 (941) 412-4748

Alderman Oaks Retirement Center 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-9099

Anchin at Aviva

1951 N Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34235 (941) 377-0781

Angels Senior Living At Sarasota 5750 S Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 213-8573

Aravilla

3251 Proctor Rd Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 444-9398

Arden Courts Of Sarasota

5509 Swift Road Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 925-3900

Ashton Place

4151 Ashton Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 922-2722

Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe

1000 Aston Gardens Dr Venice, FL 34292 (941) 257-4484

Atria Sarasota

4540 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 347-4503

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Benderson Family Skilled Nursing And Rehabilitation 1951 N. Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34235 (941) 377-0781

Brookdale Sarasota Midtown 2186 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, FL 34239 (941) 244-4754

Harborchase Of Sarasota

5311 Proctor Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 468-2838

Harborchase Of Venice

6305 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210 (941) 761-3499

Cabot Reserve On The Green

4450 8th Street Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 377-3231

950 Pinebrook Rd Venice, FL 34285 (941) 484-9398

Brookdale Bradenton Gardens

Cottages Of Bradenton

Heritage Park Care And Rehabilitation Center

Brookdale Colonial Park

5601 N Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 (941) 355-0303

Bradenton Health Care

5612 26th St W Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 244-4667

4730 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 244-4668

Brookdale Deer Creek Sarasota

8450 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34238 (941) 244-4738

Brookdale Palma Sola 450 67th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 244-4722

Brookdale Palmer Ranch 5111 Palmer Ranch Parkway Sarasota, FL 34238 (941) 244-4670

Brookdale Phillippi Creek

5501 Swift Road Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 244-4712

Brookdale Pointe West 6101 Pointe West Blvd Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 244-4736

5700 24th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 755-0443

Desoto Palms LLC

Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay 414 W 69th Ave Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 306-4113

Elmcroft Of Bella Vita 1420 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL 34292 (941) 549-8964

Elmcroft Of Sarasota

730 South Osprey Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-4646

Freedom Village Bradenton

6410 21st Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 244-4762

Gardens Of Venice Retirement Residence 2901 Jacaranda Blvd Venice, FL 34293 (941) 304-4975

2302 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 792-8480

Heron Club At Prestancia

3749 Sarasota Square Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238 (941) 922-1669

Heron East

2290 Cattleman Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 378-5757

Heron House

3221 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 (941) 955-7575

Inn At Sarasota Bay Club 1303 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-6949

Inspired Living At Hidden Lakes 1200 54th Avenue W Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 219-4408

Inspired Living At Lakewood Ranch 5424 Lena Rd Bradenton, FL 34211 (941) 803-7124

METHODOLOGY DataJoe architected and implemented a research campaign to find the top assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the area. We consulted various public sources, including state and federal government sources, to collect our information. First, we eliminated facilities that had been in operation for fewer than two years, because of insufficient data for evaluation. Then we eliminated facilities that did not meet our minimum capacity threshold, to increase the likelihood that the winner set would have openings for readers interested in contacting these facilities (reader relevance). We then factored in federal government ratings (where applicable) and frequency of negative reports to the state regulatory agency (complaints, disciplinary actions, enforcement actions, as available to the public) to isolate the top candidates for our list. For nursing facilities, we only included facilities that had not received a below average “overall medicare rating” in the last nine months ending 10/2019. We also conducted Internet research to check various local media outlets to confirm a positive community perception, as well as factoring in online ratings. We were looking for facilities meeting our minimum thresholds with the highest ratings and smallest proportion of negative reports/press. We recognize that many facilities may not be shown in this representative list. This is a sampling of the huge array of facilities within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on information that we were able to gather in our independent research. We take time and energy to ensure a fair, multifaceted research process. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective facilities may not appear on the list. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. For research/methodology questions, contact our research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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AVIVA— A CAMPUS FOR SENIOR LIFE

Enjoy the best of both worlds – independence when you want it and compassionate support when you need it. Anchin Assisted Living’s 38 apartments and Anchin Memory Care’s 26 apartments provide a warm and inviting space that is entirely your own! Abundant activities and lifelong learning classes, access to campus amenities, weekly housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining keep life exciting and worry-free at the same time. Our boutique-style approach to living ensures that residents receive the care and the lifestyle that fits their individual needs while also being part of a dynamic community. At Anchin at Aviva, we have created a comfortable, safe, and home-like neighborhood with everything you need at your fingertips! In our community, we strive to provide an innovative and engaging environment, along with the freedom to enjoy amazing new experiences and cherish old memories. Daily social and recreational activities include fun and educational programs, an entertainment lounge, an on-site beauty salon and barbershop, and so much more. Our emergency call system ensures our highly trained licensed nursing staff and certified nursing assistants are at your service 24/7.

At our Anchin communities, our priority is your health, and we are proud to offer excellence in healthcare services. Utilizing state of the art equipment uniquely designed to target specific areas of health, including balance, memory function, and diet, each resident, can create a daily routine that fits perfectly with their needs. Don’t just take our word on the excellence in service! We are proud to be recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in conjunction with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration as a zero-deficiency community. This distinction makes us one of less than a dozen facilities in Sarasota to receive this recognition. Anchin at Aviva is located in the heart of Sarasota and is surrounded by shopping, art, dining, and more. On-campus, there’s a lot of great ways to get in on the fun too! We encourage our residents to take advantage of the resort-style living at our senior living campus. Have a gourmet dinner in the Kobernick dining room, take a trip to the theatre with friends, or participate in one of the dozens of on-campus clubs. Whatever you’re interested in, we’ll help you find your thing.

1951 N. Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941-225-8369 Avivaseniorlife.org

MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1993, Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only senior living campus which offers all levels of living on a rental basis. Our picturesque community nestled in The Meadows of Sarasota, just a short drive from downtown. As a Jewish faith-based community and not-for-profit organization we are proud that our deeply rooted values provide residents of all faiths the ability to experience a world of new possibilities. Come see what makes Aviva a one of a kind community, all that’s missing is you! Call 941-225-8369 or visit avivaseniorlife.org to schedule a tour today.

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ASTON GARDENS AT PELICAN POINTE

Nestled amidst a lush and tranquil setting, yet still centrally located just minutes from Venice’s pristine beaches and world-class restaurants and entertainment options, Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe offers the rare combination of resort-quality dining and amenities, stylish and modern apartment homes and attentive, personalized senior care. With multiple lifestyle options including Independent and Assisted Living, and the exclusive, SHINESM Memory Care program, Aston Gardens is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive care and service that satisfies the individual needs of today’s seniors even if they change or intensify over time. Sensational, all-day dining featuring scratch-made meals and desserts, all-inclusive housekeeping and maintenance, chauffeured transportation and concierge service are typical of the Aston Gardens lifestyle, which allows residents to enjoy a brand of relaxed, maintenance-free living that so many dream about.

But life in and around Aston Gardens is forever fun and lively as well, with daily happy hours, wide-ranging events and activities, a resort pool and spa and scheduled day trips and excursions to local beaches, popular shopping and dining destinations, the arts and sporting events, and much more. In all, Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe provides welcome respite from worries and many of the hassles of everyday living, imparting instead daily feelings of contentment and peace of mind that naturally result from living life in such a satisfying setting. Somewhere swaying palms, and a variety of birds, turtles, and other native wildlife are forever in sight, and the stresses and hurried pace seem more distant than ever. For superior comfort, convenience and the finest-quality senior care—all for an exceptional value—choose Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe.

1000 Aston Gardens Dr. Venice, FL 34292 | 941-257-4484 astongardens.com

MISSION STATEMENT A multiple award winner for exemplifying excellence in senior living, Aston Gardens continues its mission to deliver an innovative and supremely resident-focused lifestyle, one that effectively blends upscale, resort-style living with the highest standards for personalized care and service as part of an all-new senior lifestyle concept we call “experiential living.”

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BENDERSON SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION AT AVIVA Benderson Skilled Nursing at Aviva offers personalized care in a nurturing and healing home-like environment. Our holistic approach to care focuses on mind, body, and spirit, supported by our compassionate, skilled nurses are available 24-hours a day. Benderson Rehabilitation at Aviva offers one-on-one physical, occupational, and speech therapies to help you get back to regular activity. Successful outcomes start with our clinical team, whose specialized training and experience help patients return home as quickly as possible. Benderson at Aviva is a 5-star skilled nursing and rehabilitation center under the guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. As part of less than 25% of communities state-wide, this rating highlights our passion for providing high-quality care in a specialized environment that ensures every resident’s long-term health and wellbeing. As a result of our focus on maintaining excellent continuity of care, our residents report excellent results within short timeframes, with a low return-to-hospital rate and a high return-to-home rate. We understand the desire to recuperate and get back to normal as quickly as possible. It is our privilege to partner with residents and families during recovery – and to become your strongest advocate on the road to reclaiming total wellness.

1951 N. Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941-225-8369 Avivaseniorlife.org

MISSION STATEMENT Founded in 1993, Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only senior living campus offering all levels of living on a rental basis. As a Jewish faith-based community and not-for-profit organization our deeply rooted values provide residents the ability to experience a world of new possibilities.

2020 ELITE RETIREMENT LIVING Inspired Living At Sarasota

1900 Phillippi Shores Drive Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 584-8401

Jacaranda Trace

Liana of Venice

2321 E Venice Ave Venice, FL 34292 (941) 800-4808

Life Care Center Of Sarasota

Our Home At Wares Creek

Savannah Grand Of Sarasota

Pinebrook Center

Springs At Lake Pointe Woods

1725 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 746-5226

3600 William Penn Way Venice, FL 34293 (941) 451-5267

8104 Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34243 (941) 360-6411

1240 Pinebrook Road Venice, FL 34285 (941) 488-6733

Lakehouse West Retirement Estate

Manatee River Assisted Living

Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay

13435 Fox Run Road Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 923-7525

Langdon Hall

1120 33rd Ave West Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 744-1923

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820 5th St W Palmetto, FL 34221 (941) 721-0426

700 John Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 365-2600

Maris Pointe

Poet’s Walk Sarasota

1200 Ave. Del Circo Venice, FL 34285 (941) 485-8885

5851 N Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34243 (941) 787-2285

7130 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34238 (941) 404-1473

3280 Lake Pointe Blvd Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 929-2700

Summerfield Assisted Living

3409 26th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 751-7200

Sunnyside Village

5201 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 371-2750

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THE WINDSOR OF LAKEWOOD RANCH Assisted Living at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, a Legend® Senior Living community, offers a tailored approach to nursing services. With The Windsor’s customized plans of care, you can be confident that services are just right for you. Legend Senior Living was founded by CEO and President Tim Buchanan, who pioneered the Assisted Living concept. Residents enjoy independence and social interaction, in a comfortable environment purposefully designed by the Legend Experts In Senior Living™. Our Residence Director is a certified Director of Assisted Living by the Senior Living Commission. We emphasize the health of the whole person — physical, mental and spiritual with culinary art, cultural and community events, religious services and outings. Our services include transportation to appointments, housekeeping, 24hour staff, licensed nursing associates, three chef prepared meals a day, an advanced emergency call system and a calendar full of activities. A well-respected neighbor and employer, The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch benefits from the metropolitan conveniences and thriving arts community of Sarasota, Florida. Within a five-mile radius lie scenic lakes, a country club, fantastic shopping and the interstate 75 highway.

8220 Nature’s Way Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 941-907-9177 | legendseniorliving.com Beth Widell, Residence Director MISSION STATEMENT Legend Senior Living® is dedicated to the highest standards of service, environment and care to residents and their families. We value independence, dignity, and quality of life above all else. We are commited to providing a positive reinforcing work environment that recognizes the value of all staff.

2020 ELITE RETIREMENT LIVING Sunset Lake Village 1121 Jacaranda Blvd Venice, FL 34292 (941) 246-7752

Sunshine Meadows Assisted Living Facility 1809 18th Street Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 906-9217

Surrey Place Healthcare And Rehabilitation 5525 21st Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 795-0448

The Fountains At Lake Pointe Woods

Venice Green Village

The Fountains Of Hope

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The Sheridan At Lakewood Ranch

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Tuscan Gardens Of Venetia Bay 841 Venetia Bay Blvd Venice, FL 34285 (941) 244-4288

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agenda INSIGHT ON POLITICS, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS

BEHIND THE VOUCHER DEBATE

School choice offers some parents a lifeline, but schools fear the resources will hurt their ability to serve kids. Jacob Ogles KIA WINDER CAN’T HEAR MOST OF THE WORLD AROUND HER, but she knows the vibrations from her cello. The 15-yearold stretches the bow against the horsehair strings as sounds hum; suddenly a child dealing with speech impairments her whole life communicates with clarity. “Music,” says mother Mira Winder, “has become a voice for her.” It’s a valuable one to a child limited in other forms of communication. Learning disabilities, coupled with her inability to hear sound fully, has meant speech therapy for most of her life. It also puts her on a different academic pace than same-age peers. It all contributes to a decision by the Winder family to homeschool Kia. Music can only remain an outlet available to Kia thanks to Florida’s Gardiner Scholarships, one of several “school choice” programs administered through the State of Florida. The funding allows Kia to participate in otherwise costly music activities like a youth program with the Sarasota Orchestra. It also provides for educational resources at home 94 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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that would be a huge family expense out of pocket. The same scholarship fund providing for Kia to study math through a DreamBox Learning program at home also pays for children with similar learning disabilities to attend schools like the Sea of Strengths Academy in Lakewood Ranch. Kia and more than 140,000 students in the state of Florida participate this school year in some type of publicly administered opportunity scholarship program. While her story sings a compelling tale, school choice remains one of the most contentious political issues in Florida, not for the opportunity it provides so much as the resources it draws away from already drained public schools and the potential for inequity in the delivery of education around Florida. A growing array of “opportunity scholarships” provide vital learning tools to families, but also help other students attend private schools, some posh in their learning environments, some unabashedly religious in their curriculum.

POLITICAL LANDSCAPE The words “school choice” render different images depending on who hears them, and the broad term covers a wide range of education policy. In Lee County, the term gets used to describe options for parents to pick what public school their children attend rather than zoning neighborhoods. That costs more in bussing but erases an inequity in school quality between rich and poor neighborhoods that lingered in the South long after the Supreme Court ordered the desegregation of schools. The phrase also often gets used to describe charter schools: privately run but publicly funded institutions with their own host of benefits and drawbacks. That argument plays out now in Palmetto, where Manatee County School Board members just forcefully took over Lincoln Memorial Academy over the objections of the charter schools students, families and faculty based on financial insolvency issues and a scandal about a teacher who got a reference from ILLUSTRATION BY WOODY WOODMAN

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administration despite being investigated for child pornography. Nothing sparks so much controversy, however, as vouchers, which use public revenues to supplement learning costs with private providers, including tuition. For supporters of an expansion in school choice, this has been as exciting a year as it has been treacherous to ardent supporters of traditional public schools. Gov. Ron DeSantis narrowly won the election in November in large part thanks to support from the school choice movement, and responded in kind by installing voucher advocate Richard Corcoran as Florida’s education commissioner. Meanwhile, the Florida State Legislature approved a new Florida empowerment scholarship program that promises school vouchers to an estimated 129,000 more students statewide, nearly doubling the number of pupils using statefunded school choice programs. The aggressive expansion left state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, embittered as session closed. “Not only is this bad policy,” Good says, “privatization violates the Florida constitution.” Good offered an amendment to a larger education bill barring the direction of vouchers to private and religious institutions. It failed. Following the vote, she called the shift in policy one more way to strip funding away from public education. “I believe we should fully fund our public schools,” she says, “not siphon our taxpayer dollars to private schools which aren’t held accountable by the state.” Moreover, since vouchers typically won’t cover 100 percent of tuition at most private schools, it still leaves room for inequity, with wealthier parents more able to make up the cost difference and still leaving the poorest families relying on free education at traditional public schools. Good says it’s wrong for Florida to grade schools and encourage parents to leave failing ones, taking vital funding with them, then spend those tax dollars at institutions without high-stakes tests or strict curricula guiding their day-to-day activities. But in the Republican-dominated Florida State Legislature, these arguments hold little sway. At a time when a libertarian value in privately contracted providers over government institutions has ruled in the Florida capitol, school choice enjoys growing support in the halls of power. Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, says lawmakers don’t want to create imbalance, but he has supported shifts in Florida education to open up as many different opportunities to families as possible. The day the Florida house passed a massive expansion in state-funded scholarships, Galvano sat in the chamber beside former Gov. Jeb Bush, who started the push for vouchers as part of his own education reforms in the ’90s.

“These are reforms that are necessary and need to take place,” he says, noting the scholarship programs today have long waiting lists limiting participation. That would seem to signal that wherever politicians lean, there’s at least a substantial number of people who want access to vouchers but don’t yet have them. A look at scholarship awards given this school year shows the bulk of students using the programs come from disadvantaged homes. In the 2017–18 school year, the most commonly used voucher program, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, awarded more than $641 million scholarships to more than 108,000 students. This year, the number of students actually dropped to 104,091.

"Sarasota is fortunate to have a lot of great options within our public schools. However, I celebrate any time a family is afforded access to a better or more suitable option for their child's education." —Sarasota County School Board Member Bridget Ziegler One common misunderstanding about state-administered vouchers is that the bulk of funding doesn’t come directly through an amount budgeted by the state. Two student funding organizations accept donations to fund the scholarships, with the bulk of funding administered by Step Up For Students. Corporate donors who pay in get tax credits in return, which can be used against insurance premium taxes, alcohol taxes and severance taxes on oil and gas and self-accrued sales tax liabilities. That means, indirectly, the program costs the money tax revenue on the front end, with the state this year capping tax credits at $873 million total. Regardless, this results in less tax revenue available to disperse to school districts around the state. And changes in state law this year mean the amount being diverted to private institutions will only go up. Now, families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty line will be able to qualify. For a family of four in Florida, that means those with a household income of up to $77,250 qualify. Larger families can make more and still maintain eligibility. It leaves many school officials concerned about the impact on public schools.

PUBLIC SCHOOL IMPACT Sarasota County School Board Chair Shirley Brown feels upset the Florida State Legislature once again plans to require school districts to spend a substantial part of their county budgets on charter schools. That, coupled with a growth in vouchers, means fewer dollars getting spent at each of the 56 campuses relying on the Sarasota County School District. “There’s no accountability for vouchers and for private schools,” laments Brown. “They don’t have to meet the class-size amendment. There are no certified teacher requirements. Many of them are smaller schools supported by churches partially or entirely.” That many parents take their kids to private school do so because they hate the assessment tests the legislature requires districts to conduct only adds insult to industry. Hate end-of-year assessments required by the state? Take this state-administered scholarship to go somewhere facing no such requirement. But not everyone setting education policy in Sarasota agrees. Plenty divides Sarasota County School Board members these days, from superintendent contracts to teachers’ union negotiations. But one sure marker on philosophical divides has been school choice. Bridget Ziegler, a past chair of the pro-school choice Florida Coalition of School Board Members, visits Tallahassee every legislative session to lobby for opportunities to remain or expand so parents have more control than school administrators on the education their children receive. As lawmakers wrestled over a variety of budget issues into the evening late in the session, Ziegler could be found at Andrew’s, a Tallahassee hot spot steps from the capital, discussing school choice policy with fellow association members, including Manatee School Board Member Scott Hopes. As always, it seemed school issues would be among the final and most controversial battles of the session. She has welcomed the legislature’s new reforms. “Sarasota is fortunate to have a lot of great options within our public schools,” she says. “However, I celebrate any time a family is afforded access to a better or more suitable option for their child’s education, which is the result of expanded school choice, including scholarships.” It’s a central argument behind the school choice movement: that every child is different and therefore the education provided should not be one size fits all. Ziegler feels confident in the school system to send her child to kindergarten at a public school, but all should not be limited to the school closest to their home, or to schools run by the state and county school board. srq magazine_ JAN20 live local | 95

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agenda Sarasota schools not only meet a long list of testing and curriculum requirements, the district excels. The county school district is one of two in the state of Florida to earn an “A” rating since the grading system launched in 1999 under Bush. Brown says there’s no way to track the outcome or return on investment of dollars spent on private school vouchers. Once those students leave public schools, there’s no checking how many go to college or stay in the community for jobs after graduation. Moreover, school districts have a variety of other capital requirements, like making sure schools can double as hurricane shelters in a major storm. The same requirements don’t exist for private schools taking publicly administered vouchers. “But our main issue is funding with state student allocations,” she says. The legislature this year increased its base student allocation by $75. But Manatee School Board Chair Dave Miner says that’s not a completely accurate marker to study. Florida raised the budget last year by less than 50 cents a student. When you add in the cost of living, teacher compensation in Florida hasn’t gone up in the last decade. In fact, Florida ranks 46th in the nation in average teacher salary, according to the National Education Association. Right now, Florida educators have lobbied the state to provide a 10 percent raise across the board. That gets complicated the more districts have to divert to vouchers with less going to districts. State Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Miami, says public schools should not fret because the student will also leave. In fact, he figures on a per student basis that school districts will be able to spend more to improve school facilities as more students enroll in private schools. But Brown says that’s not going to change demands on the district, from union contracts to technology improvements and school security needs—all things the district must address with an exponentially larger system than any individual private school. Miner says Florida lawmakers ultimately determine the resources counties get to pay teachers. He also says it’s critical that districts become more competitive to recruit and retain top talent. “If we do not get public education right, if we do not give people a world-class fundamental education, we will cease to exist as a democracy and a republic,” Miner says.

THE OPTION PIPELINE At Sarasota Christian School, a difference in the education from what is received in public schools is the main selling point. Superintendent Warren Hudson says, this year, families for 440 students enrolled in the K-12 school, many relying on FTC and other state-run vouchers. He declined to say how many rely on scholarships from Step Up For Students, except to say it’s a minority of those enrolled in the school.

"More families should have a choice. And they could choose public schools. They could choose charter schools. Or they could come to Sarasota Christian and we would love to have them." —Sarasota Christian School Superintendent Warren Hudson But he’d like more students to be given the opportunity to attend, and favors a substantial increase in eligibility—even more than what lawmakers approved this year. “I would like to see it go up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level,” Hudson says. That’s the breaking point to qualify for federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. If a family qualifies for an Obamacare voucher, why not a Step Up scholarship to a private school? “There’s a lot of families that would love to send their children to a Christian school here, yet they don’t qualify,” he says. According to the website for Sarasota Christian, tuition rates vary based on family financial positions, but can run up to $13,250 a year for high school students. For that amount, students will receive a “Bible-infused” education that encourages a “love for Christ” daily, in addition to high-quality academia. Even if vouchers don’t end up covering the full tuition for students, the school can also point families to other financial aid avenues. And many parents will happily pay the difference but need help with the hefty schooling cost.

“More families should have a choice,” he says. “And they could choose public schools. They could choose charter schools. Or they could come to Sarasota Christian and we would love to have them.” Other Sarasota-area private schools would not be able to keep their doors open at all without the voucher programs. At other schools, the state voucher program is an absolute necessity to keep going. At Sea of Strengths Academy in Lakewood Ranch, 26 of 30 students use either McKay or Gardiner scholarships, according to cofounder John Hetter. Tuition there runs $16,000 a year, so it still costs most families more than the program provides. But as a result, students receive individual care that public schools, which serve a broad and mainstream population, cannot. Most students at Sea of Strengths suffer from some significant learning disabilities, usually dyslexia. That’s also part of why he shudders at suggestions that schools that receive vouchers be held to the same rigorous standards as traditional public schools. “What we are able to do is provide some specialized services because we have more freedom in our curriculum,” he says. Sea of Strengths doesn’t need to worry about third-grade reading pass rates the way a traditional public elementary school does. That means they can help children with severe learning disabilities advance through a curriculum at their own pace. “We can assess skills where the kids actually are at,” he says. That’s important because the school deals with a wide range of students, some with mild dyslexia and others with severe behavioral problems. “I was a public school teacher and I think a lot of teachers wish they had the freedom in their own classroom to work with kids they way they need,” he says. “Much of the criticism of these programs is misplaced.”

BALANCING THE SCALES Erika Donalds today stands out as one of Florida’s most prominent advocates for school choice. President of the Florida School Choice Movement, she previously served on the Collier County School Board before devoting herself full time to expand nontraditional school options. But a decade ago, she was just a parent concerned about her son’s education. While her oldest child had no problems in a traditional public school, her second son had

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agenda clashes with teachers from the state. She found it impossible to work with administration to move her child from a standard program into a more positive environment. That led her to helping found a charter school in Naples, which opened with a waiting list. She decided then there must be a great hunger for options, greater than local or state leaders in Florida acknowledge. “I became a parent voice originally in hopes that traditional public schools would become more responsive to parent feedback and student needs,” she says. “My vision was that students would not need to leave public schools.” But she ultimately saw charter schools and private vouchers as the most viable option to bring competition to the academic marketplace. Donalds wants a dramatic shift in mindset for education in Florida, one where dollars follow students, not institutional needs. Funding should be available to cover school tuition, transportation and additional learning resources when necessary. This will empower parents and provide the best opportunity for each student, she says. The vision spotlights the ultimate philosophical divide between choice advocates and supporters of traditional schools. On one side, hopes of empowering families to pick the best options for their children envision government funding as a service and parents receiving customized care. But where does that leave public education? Patricia Gardner, president of the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association, balks at suggestions that education will improve once money gets diverted away from schools. “Fund us,” she says, “before you give money away.” A longtime Sarasota educator, Gardner balks at the notion that Florida should fund education even for home-school students. That means money that could be used to retain high-quality educators instead ends up in the hands of untrained parents and uncertified educators at schools of varying repute, rather than going to institutions run by school districts that are required—by the same state government diverting funds away from traditional schools—to have certified teachers in the classroom and to verify positive education outcomes every year. Meanwhile, the teachers union says Sarasota County has increasing challenges keeping teachers in the classroom. Out of 325 hired for the current school year, 40 left their positions before completing one year on the job. Why? Better jobs in other industries or other schools. Florida puts high demands

on public school teachers when it comes to maintaining teacher certificates, professional qualifications many private schools don’t ask for at all. As the state reforms public pensions and reduces the incentives to make a career in a public classroom, many professional teachers look for other options. It’s only going to be harder to keep talented professionals in the field of education at all, Gardner says. “Remember, this isn’t the baby boomers anymore, when women who wanted to work could only be nurses, secretaries or teachers,” Gardner says. The private sector will call some of the best educators away with higher salaries and better benefits—so will private and charter schools if the state keeps cannibalizing its own financial resources. She sees vouchers as an existential threat to public education that reaches beyond dollars sent to Sarasota in any given year.

"Remember, this isn't the baby boomer anymore, when women who wanted to work could only be nurses, secretaries or teachers." —Sarasota Classified Teachers Association President Patricia Gardner “If we don’t start paying our teachers better, they won’t want to stay in our schools,” she says. The Sarasota County School District already dipped into its reserves to fund new teacher salaries negotiated in the last union contract talks.

MAINTAINING ACCOUNTABILITY On top of philosophical arguments, the state has long faced questions of whether its school choice programs get run as effectively as possible to serve the populations most in need. Step Up For Students this year was delivered a withering audit that questioned the accountability and bookkeeping measures there. Out of 9,917 students who applied for Gardiner scholarships, for example, 583 failed to receive a voucher in a timely fashion when Step Up For Students failed to properly verify documents. Eventually, all of the eligible students did receive their vouchers.

“Step Up had not established supervisory review and approval procedures to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the application data before, or detect any incorrect or missing information after, the data was uploaded to the [Florida Department of Education],” the audit reads. “Notwithstanding, since scholarship funding is on a first-come, first-served basis, there is an increased risk that students experiencing an application processing delay for Gardiner Program Scholarships may not receive funding,” the audit makes clear. “According to Step Up records, during the 2018–19 school year, initial funding for the Gardiner Scholarship Program was exhausted in August 2018, resulting in approximately 800 students being placed on a waiting list.” Yet, auditors found something almost reckless in awarding FTC scholarships, many to students who were not financially eligible. One student didn’t report the family’s annual income at all but was awarded a $3,259 scholarship. “There is an increased risk that scholarships will be awarded to ineligible recipients or for incorrect amounts,” auditors wrote. Officials at Step Up For Students pushed back on the report as unfair to the organization. “Step Up is audited by the Auditor General every year. Florida school districts are audited once every three years,” officials wrote in response to the audit. “We are essentially under continuous audit by the AG, since it begins a new audit before the previous year’s audit has been completed. We are also required by law to submit a clean audit from an outside accounting firm, every year, to the Florida Board of Education. There is likely no other entity that receives as much scrutiny— inside government or out.” Regardless, critics say it shows school choice options not only provide intrinsic inequity in the system but that human error and poor judgment means the system can be exploited in ways unfair to everyone involved. All this matters little to the students directly benefiting from any of Florida’s school choice programs. Back at the Winder home, mother Mira pushes back at the term “voucher.” The Gardiner Scholarship that pays for Kia’s learning programs and music education wasn’t based on income or a failure to get along with a teacher. It comes from disabilities her daughter must live with, and from special needs the school district shouldn’t be expected to accommodate on its own. srq magazine_ JAN20 live local | 97

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agenda With the political voices around school choice incubating primarily on the right, it’s easy to think most using vouchers would be politically conservative, but Winder feels frustrated that Florida doesn’t budget more for social services across the board. She lived in Pennsylvania the first seven years of Kia’s life and felt better about the basic benefits provided by the state. The Gardiner Scholarship helping Kia today largely offsets costs the family had to absorb when they moved to Florida. Mira shows an outward reluctance at wading into political debate. But, she says, the Gardiner Scholarship only enhances her daughter’s life, and she’d like other children to receive the same assistance. So on that front, she wishes more could be done, whether by the state or the local school district, to help children with special educational burdens. “It’s a really big deal,” she says. “The state isn’t providing enough. And it would be great for Sarasota County to step in where the state is really falling down.”

Dsd SCHOLARSHIP POOL See what school choice resources are available to Florida students. Step Up For Students administers a variety of programs available to students. Florida Tax Credit Scholarships First established in 2001, the FTC vouchers remain the most commonly used. Funded

with donations, which get offset with tax credits, the fund spent $644 million last year to send 104,091 kids to 1,825 participating private schools. As much as $7,112 can be awarded this school year to cover school tuition and transportation costs. McKay Scholarships Named for former Bradenton Sen. John McKay, students who receive specialized instruction and are on an individual education plan, as well as foster kids and children of active military personnel, can use this scholarship at a public or private school of their choice. Almost $220 million was spent on 30,695 participants this year, with awards ranging from $627 to $25,062. Gardiner Scholarships This program is open to students with disabilities who need specialized services or products for a customized educational program. Scholarships can pay for speech and occupational therapy, private school tuition and even for college prepaid accounts. Some 11,917 students used this scholarship this year, with awards averaging $10,418. Hope Scholarships This program is available to students attending Florida public schools but who get subjected to bullying or abuse. Since 2018, students have been able to transfer to a public school with capacity or go to a private school with this scholarship. Funded with motor vehicle sales taxes, the scholarships are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. SRQ

POVERTY LINE CLARIFIED Eligibility for an FTC scholarship in Florida depends on household income based on the federal poverty line, which varies based on the number of children living in a home. With changes put in place this year, families earning less than 300 percent of their household income may qualify.

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People in Household

Poverty Line (2019)

300 Percent

Family of 2 Family of 3 Family of 4 Family of 5 Family of 6 Family of 7 Family of 8

$12,490 $21,330 $25,750 $30,170 $34,590 $39,010 $43,430

$37,470 $63,990 $77,250 $90,510 $103,770 $117,030 $130,290

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JANUARY 2020 EDITION

IN CONVERSATION FEATURES THREE LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN THE REGION, EACH OF WHOM SPECIALIZE IN DIVERSE FIELDS. THEY SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON TODAYâ€™S STATE-OFTHE-ART TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE MEDICAL TRENDS BEING CATALYZED. DR. MIKE ARSENAULT, DR. JOSEPH J. ROSS AND DR. MARK WALTER DISCUSS KEY TOPICS WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPECIALTIES, SHARE IDEAS FOR QUALITY PATIENT CARE AND HOW THEY STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE AS MEDICAL PIONEERS.

Conversation

DR. JOSEPH J. ROSS, MD, FACS Director and CEO

DR. MIKE ARSENAULT, MD, MBA Director of Business Innovation

DR. MARK WALTER, MD Stem Cell Orthopedic Specialist

Envision Eye Specialists 3920 Bee Ridge Rd., Building F Suite A Sarasota | 941-921-7744 envision-eye.com

Arsenault Dermatology 8926 77th Terrace E #101 Lakewood Ranch | 941-907-0222 arsenaultdermatology.com

Advanced Healing Arts Med Center 2068 Hawthorne St. Suite 202 Sarasota | 941-955-4325 StemCellOrthopedics.com

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IN C O NVERSAT I ON

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS DR. MIKE ARSENAULT, MD, MBA Arsenault Dermatology is one of the most complete dermatology centers in Florida, created over 15 years ago by Dr. Mike Arsenault’s wife Dr. Emily Arsenault, MD, FAAD, an award-winning dermatologist who has been involved in both research and patient care. She has presented her work numerous times at national meetings for Dermatologists and Dermatologic Surgeons. Dr. Arsenault is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and has earned the distinction of being Board Certified in Dermatology. Her practice is entirely outpatient—offering a full range of skin care services including mole checks, skin cancer screening, skin cancer surgery and full body mole mapping. Their highly skilled dermatologists cover all aspects of general dermatology including removal of cysts, and all kinds of skin growths; treatment of warts and keloids; surgical revision of scars; mole removal; and treatment of psoriasis, skin allergies and hair loss. The practice also offers the latest in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, the treatment of acne, photodynamic laser therapy, advanced treatments for broken blood vessels, rosacea, and facial redness, as well as Botox® for hyperhidrosis and a variety of cosmetic dermatology procedures. Arsenault Dermatology, 8926 77th Terrace E #101, Lakewood Ranch, 941907-0222, arsenaultdermatology.com.

WHAT ARE YOU THE MOST PROUD AND PASSIONATE IN YOUR WORKING FIELD? Dr. Mike Arsenault: I think we’re a market here for quality, but I think what we’re really trying to achieve is creating an unparalleled patient experience. When we first started, it was more of a transaction. ‘I’m sick and I’m going to give you my copay and you’re going to exchange that for wellness.’ We’ve really tuned into the patient’s experience, right from the very beginning. Now, everything that we’ve built and designed is to really deliver a concierge-level experience, and the way we’re able to do that is through the design of the practice, the technology, and first and foremost are the people on our team.Dr. Joseph J. Ross: Along the same lines for us. We do general eye exams and everything, but the biggest thing that we have is personal care. We don’t have a mill, we don’t send people through, but don’t push them into having anything done. But we provide all the options for them. So anything they need done, we provide the options, not tell them they have to have this or that done and are very, very personalized. We really specialize in spending time with patients, especially patients who originally went elsewhere and didn’t get the results they wanted and to try to fix their outstanding problems here. I come from a background at a teaching institute where essentially all the problem patients and all the mess ups were sent to us, so I have years of experience fixing others’ problems. So I don’t mind those patients coming in saying, ‘I’ve been to 10 doctors that can’t come up with the answer, can you help us’? We spend the time and effort and we have the resources in the office to help them out. We have all the treatments available, from the basic eye drops to LipiFlow to

BR AN D STORY C ONT E NT PRO GR AM : : JAN UARY 2020

all the different new technologies of increasing the oil glands production in the eyes, including the M22, which is an IPL laser now actually used for Dry Eye Syndrome. And so we provide the extra service for those people who couldn’t get the results they wanted elsewhere. Dr. Mark Walter: I’m going to say our primary goal is to offer people non-surgical solutions to serious orthopedic problems. My particular area of expertise is the myofascial. So what I’m really passionate about is what I would call myofascial micro tears, which commonly are missed on MRIs and ultrasounds. So people come in with, let’s say, back pain, or complex cases and no one seems to be able to help them, or they have an abnormal MRI, and there’s discopathy but they might be misdiagnosed as a discopathy that may not be the primary pain generator. So that’s my expertise, to find out what’s the root cause of the pain? And is there a nonsurgical way for us to fix it? Is STEM cells appropriate in this case? And when I say STEM cells, I’m usually using STEM cells from fat. We find they’re far more potent than from bone marrow. But that’s another option. And we usually mix it with PRP. Those are your growth factors in your blood. Ross: We don’t use STEM cells in our industry yet, so it’s exciting to hear how mainstream it’s becoming because even before it was research level, it didn’t really feel like it was part of ongoing practices. Walter: So there’s two different approaches. You know the macro thing, which is the surgeons trying to put things back together and change things and do stuff. And then there’s the cellular level. We’re trying to regenerate things at a cellular level with the STEM cells and of course the best mix, the best solution will be sometimes you

have to mix these two things and use them optimally. Sometimes cellular regeneration is what you really need at a microscopic level and sometimes these are macro things—like we have a ligament or tendon tear that’s avulsed that needs to be reattached. WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS ARE TRENDING SPECIFICALLY IN YOUR FIELD? Ross: The technology is just booming. Ophthalmology and eye plastics is really generally about new machinery and new technology, so new stuff is coming out every year—mainly to treat things earlier so you prevent things from going bad like macular degeneration in the retina, so helping to prevent it from advancing to the point where the person loses their vision and they we have to try to restore it. You can prevent it with the newer supplements and vitamins and things that have now been technologically proven to help preempt macular degeneration. For example, there are 10% of people who have macular degeneration that actually zinc vitamins make their macula worse. So now, there is a test that is approved by the FDA that you can have genetic DNA tests and it’ll tell you your optimal vitamins to take for macular degeneration. Then you can formulate those, instead of giving somebody an over-thecounter vitamin that has a high dose of zinc, which helps 90% of people but they may be that 10% that it actually is making their eyes worse. So a lot of things go towards DNA testing, both for retina diseases, the STEM cell technology, which is the newest in the field and just the machinery available now to pick up things earlier on a microscopic level that we didn’t have before. Arsenault: I’m a little less ap-

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IN C O NVERSAT I ON

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS DR. JOSEPH J. ROSS, MD, FACS Dr. Joseph Ross specializes in eye and maxillofacial cosmetics, reconstructive plastic surgery, hair restoration surgery and scalp alopecia reduction. He graduated from the prestigious Case Western Reserve University and received his fellowship from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. A er receiving numerous medical awards for the best surgeon in Florida and with over 35 years of practice, he is considered a worldwide leader among the elite board-certified ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons. At Envision Eye Specialists, Dr. Ross currently provides highly recommended cataract refractive surgery as well as surgical care for patients with any kind and any stage of eye-related disease or eye malfunction. He has a license to practice in multiple states including Florida, Ohio, Arizona and Michigan and is part of an extensive list of professional societies including American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and more. Envision Eye Specialists, 3920 Bee Ridge Rd., Building F Suite A, Sarasota, 941921-7744, envision-eye. com.

plied and more on the innovative side of operational efficiencies. The innovation that I’m involved in is not very patient-facing directly. It’s not like, ‘Oh, we have this brand new laser.’ It’s more under-the-hood kind of stuff. And then eventually turns into the experience that they get from our provider. Because we see a huge volume of patients, and give every single one of them a concierge-level experience, it requires a huge amount of infrastructure. So what it is really starting to trend toward, and I think we’re one of the more early adopters of it, is the application of big data. Probably the biggest innovation in our field in the last 10 years is actually electronic medical record-keeping. We’ve moved away from paper charts and everything’s being held on the computers. We use two totally different systems because one’s great in the rooms and one’s great to operate the practice. The one that’s great to operate the practice, we’ve actually tethered that to a national level—kind of like a super computer of big data. I can bring down chunks of data to my desktop and try out ideas and start to explore the data. Now that this data is flowing in, it’s getting us a very granular look at the operation and it’s allowing us to counterbalance the schedule and to give feedback to the providers so that they can dial in what they’re doing too. Ross: Do those programs reach out to the patient’s home? Because a lot of things are going to begin messaging at the home level. They type it in from their home computers into your system and communicate with you that way. Arsenault: We don’t do that yet, but the concept of extending care somehow outside of the office environment, we’re looking at that right now. Everyone has a miniature computer in

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their pocket and there’s a lot of different groups throughout the country that are trying different models to teledermatology. This is something that we’re in beta with right now. We’re pretty excited about this idea of patients being able to send us in a selfie of their concerns. We’re kind of like an observational science, maybe more akin to radiology, where a lot of it’s very visual and I think the fact that it is and you don’t have to palpate, that starts to open doors for allowing technology to bridge the physical gap, a geographic distance. Sometimes we won’t be able to say without a biopsy, but they generally want to know, ‘Do you think this is something I should come in and be seen for?’ We’re in beta right now where we’ve built the whole platform so folks can do this completely on their smartphones so they can take the picture and they can send it in a secure way to our system and then we have a huge level of infrastructure so we’re able to process and move that request right up to the provider within basically seconds. Then the provider can give that answer, ‘Yes, I think you should come in’ or ‘No, you’re fine to wait till your next appointment’. I think that a lot of medicines are going that way—both initiated by the patient, because they want the convenience of being home or using their cell phone to get that information. And insurance companies, they see it as a cost-saving event. Ross: Exactly. And they’re doing a little bit along those lines in Ophthalmology too. At our center in Largo, we do some telemedicine for retina because there’s a lot of areas we tap into in Florida where patients just don’t have access to come in, especially with diabetics. So we have machines out there—again, back to the new technology that will actually analyze. The patient

goes in, they take a photo of tests, there are about six different tests on the patients just looking into these machines. It’s all sent to the office by computer. And then the computer programs will actually alert us that this patient has diabetic retinopathy or this patient has mac degeneration. Walter: For us, it’s simple—if it hurts, you should come in so we can check it out. In terms of technology, I am the applied science side. I’m taking what these guys do and then say, ‘Okay, how are we going to use it?’ My particular expertise is myofascial and that’s often a palpation exam, because like I said, a lot of these micro-tears don’t show up on MRIs or ultrasounds. So you’ve got to become very adept at palpating and finding, where’s the root cause of this pain? Where’s the jump sign in this patient? And if you push on a ligament or tendon attachment or a myofascial attachment that’s tender, that’s telling me that it’s weak. And so there’s science, but it’s the art of finding the thing and putting STEM cells and PRP in the exact right spot, peppering it so you can stimulate the body to heal it. Myofascial pain is probably 80% of musculoskeletal pain. So it isn’t just bones and cartilage and nerves—the ligaments and tendons and myofunctional attachments are usually important pain generators. HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE AND THE INNOVATIONS THAT YOU DO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Arsenault: A lot of folks see us as a visual science, but very frequently we need to do a biopsy so that that sample can be made into a microscopic slide. Then there’s another physician dermatopathologist who will then zoom in at the cellular level to tell you if you have cancer or not. The industry standard, and it’s been

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IN C O NVERSAT I ON

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS DR. MARK WALTER, MD, Dr. Walter is a pioneer in the field of Stem Cell Orthopedics and one of Florida’s top Regenerative Orthopedic specialists, and has even appeared as a guest on NBC’s Daytime, as well as ABC’s Suncoast View. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine and has wri en and lectured extensively on the field of Regenerative Orthopedics and Stem Cell Orthopedics. Dr. Walter received his M.D. degree from McGill University and is board certified in Family Practice (C.C.F.P.). He trained and worked with the top Regenerative Orthopedic teachers in the world and has specialized in regenerative orthopedic injections for the last 15 years and treated thousands of patients with this approach. By combining this extensive Regenerative Injection experience and skill with leading-edge stem cell technology, he is able to offer his patients some of the most advanced approaches in Regenerative Orthopedics available to fix joints, back and neck pain non-surgically. Dr. Walter is the founder of ProloMD and Advanced Orthopedic Stem Cell. Advanced Healing Arts Med Center, 2068 Hawthorne St. Suite 202, Sarasota, 941-955-4325, StemCellOrthopedics. com.

this way ever since we started 16 years ago, is it’s a 10- to 14-day process between your visit and when someone on the team calls you to tell you what your results are and what the next step is. That’s a long time to wait, wondering, ‘Do I have cancer?’ And the first thing that we identified is trying to get people on the telephone is tremendously inefficient and actually just builds the anxiety. Every time you keep having a near-miss, they get more anxious. If you miss someone on the phone on a Friday afternoon, we’re not going to talk to them till Monday. Boy, by Monday they’re really not feeling great about it. So we’ve really leaned into texting patients—from initial contact to delivering test results. We took the technology that we have internally and we applied a little creativity and we have a new platform that has been running for about four months and is wildly popular. We took the return time from two weeks down to two days for the vast majority of our patients. And that has really delivered a level of service that is so new to patients. That’s where they see the technology really play. My wife, Dr. Emily Arsenault, recorded a series of videos and these videos are made into 70 different configurations so that you get texted, ‘Hey, results are ready’. We do the HIPAA handshake, make sure that everything is secure, and then for each one of your biopsies, you get a custom-created video that’s specific to your diagnosis and your treatment plan. The patients love it too, because usually when you’re getting these results in person, your mind is going a million different places and you’re not really paying attention. They’ve done studies about how little people retain after a visit. So the beautiful thing about this is patients can watch it as many times as they want on their

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phone. Ross: That’s pretty neat. Probably the biggest things that I see are patients that come in and we can actually help them to see a lot better and look a lot better. Over time, patient’s eyelids just start to droop down and they don’t realize how much it’s really blocking their vision and they’re out here driving in Florida, which is crazy to drive in. And you do their eyelid surgery, which most of the time is covered by the insurance, to get them to see better. And they come in and say, “Wow, I can see better, my eyes aren’t tired and I can lift my eyelids by the end of the day I can finally see cars on the side.” So many people, they’re so ecstatic toward us, how they could come in and see better, interact better and drive easier, which is a big thing. Some cases are just from routine aging but there are other people too that have neurological problems. We have had to actually make an eyelid that has no function to it. So I’ll have to use different muscles to move around and get them to have eyelids that open, or the person that’s been in a bad accident or has a neurofibromatosis a really bad disorder. I can reconstruct their whole lids back to normal for them. We’re also known for hair transplants. I’ve had kids come in in their thirties who have never been out on a date because they’re so self-conscious that they have no hair. One guy came in and he had two sessions of transplants and now has a full head of hair. He constantly calls me up to thank me and say how happy he is now. He’s dating again, he’s going out, he’s got a better job—their self-esteem and their feelings about themselves is tremendously boosted by that. Walter: We commonly see patients with back pain—a huge problem in North America. They come in with an MRI that shows ‘Hey, I have a disc problem’ and

then they’re wondering what to do. And I think in many cases STEM Cell Orthopedics might be ideal for these patients because the true pain generator may actually be in the pelvis and not the discopathy. So we kind of bucked the trend there a little bit. You may or may not know it, but back surgery doesn’t have a terrific track record. In my view, they’re misdiagnosing the primary pain generators. So if we can give patients an option and, to me, a better diagnosis,I think we have an 80 to 85 percent chance of fixing it, I think we’ve done a good thing. Because otherwise, that patient, if the discopathy is not the cause of the pain and they have surgery, it can be not a great outcome. Unfortunately, I often see patients at the end of the line—they come to me as the last resort. We’d love to see them as a first resort. If you have a significant orthopedic problem, please come in because we may be able to fix it fairly simply without surgical intervention. The good thing about STEM cells is that you’d never be worse off—there’s no adverse effects, where as with surgery you could end up worse off. It’s a very safe treatment. You’re using your own STEM cells and injecting them. As long as you inject them correctly, this is a very safe treatment. The only risk, or downside, is it may not work. Because in the end, you’re depending on the patient’s healing and you can’t predict that. But roughly, we have an 80% success rate with most orthopedic problems, and in some cases, I think we have a far superior outcome than the person might have had with surgery, with a fraction of the risk. SRQ The In Conversation program is produced by the BrandStory Division of SRQ MEDIA.

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JANUARY 2020 | SPECIAL AWARDS SECTION | SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE

Palmetto Palmetto Bay Anna Maria Holmes Beach Bradenton Lakewood Ranch Sarasota Venice North Port

TOP DOCTORS 2019-20 MEDICAL RESOURCE

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2019 HONOREES

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TOP DOCTORS

HONOREE Dermatology

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Ann Neﬀ MD

ABOUT ANN NEFF Ann Neff, M.D. has been a respected and valuable member of Dermatology Associates since 2010. Her background and expertise is unparalleled, making her one of the most sought after Mohs surgeons in the region. Dr. Neff's training is very unique in that she has completed two residency training programs and two fellowship training programs, which combined give her knowledge and skill rarely seen by most dermatologists and Mohs surgeons, especially related to skin cancers and growths around the eye region. She is Dermatology Associates trusted Mohs surgeon and works closely with all of our providers to perform the skin cancer treatments that require this specialized skill at both our Sarasota and Bradenton locations. In addition, Dr. Neff offers general dermatologic care, especially to those patients at high risk for multiple cutaneous malignancies. Before joining our practice, Dr. Neff's experiences in academia, allowed her to see some of the most difﬁcult and hard to treat cas¬es. She served on faculty at the University of Cincinnati Department of Dermatology performing dermatology and Mohs surgery and practiced oculoplastic surgery at the prestigious, world renowned, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. When not working, Dr. Neff enjoys spending me with her husband, Guy and three children, Adam, Katie and Isabella who are all actively involved in tennis. She also enjoys watching tennis, running and reading. Dr. Neff's knowledge base, surgical skills and calm, personable na¬ture make her loved by colleagues, staff and patients. She is a true expert in the ﬁeld of dermatology and is committed to providing superior dermatologic care to all of her patients while maintaining a friendly and warm environment.

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DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES Our practice believes that every patient deserves personalized care and attention, focusing on the individual's needs and concerns. A job well done means the patient feels their questions have been heard and addressed. Taking the time to listen and making sure each patient is participating in the treatment plan helps to set us apart. In dermatology, problems that present are usually visible, often bothersome, and affect a patient's quality of life. Whether removing a skin cancer or treating a bothersome rash, the patient can see the actual progress of treatment. Skin cancer surveillance and treatment are an integral part of dermatology, and can be life-saving. Regular dermatology appointments can improve patient's lives by helping them look and feel better.

SPECIALTIES • • • • •

Mohs Surgical Dermatology Cutaneous Oncology Melanoma Treatment Periocular Disease and Treatment

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TOP DOCTORS David A. Sugar, MD

HONOREE Sports Medicine

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

SUGAR ORTHOPAEDICS 1630 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34239. 941.556.6900 drsugar.md | regensrq.com

PLEASE SHARE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Sugar believes in treating patients as though they are family members, even going so far as to ask questions like, “How would I treat this woman if she were my grandmother?” As a surgeon, he is naturally fascinated with the human body and with quality surgical techniques, but when asked about the most satisfying aspect of his work, he is quick to say, “People. I’m so humbled that people come to see me. They are often feeling anxious and uncertain, and I can play a role in helping them to leave here feeling comfortable. It’s incredibly gratifying to be a part of people’s lives like that.”Having met just after medical school, David and Stephanie Sugar have, in their words, “grown up together.” They like to keep a low-key, young-at-heart approach to their lives and their practice, with the goal being to provide a warm, relaxed, family atmosphere for staff and patients.

Donald Negroski,

SPECIALTIES • • • • •

Sports Medicine Knee Injuries Shoulder Injuries Knee Replacements Pediatric Orthopedics

DR. DAVID SUGAR considers it an honor when you choose him for your orthopaedic needs. He is committed to providing care and service that is in keeping with that honor. He is an orthopedic surgeon in Sarasota, Florida and is afﬁliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He has served on many committees including having the distinction of Chairman of the Surgical QI Committee. He received his medical degree from University of South Florida College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 22 years.

HONOREE Neurology

NEGROSKI NEUROLOGY 5741 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 530 Sarasota, Florida 34233 941.487.2160 Fax: 941.487.2170 yourfloridaneuro.com

PLEASE SHARE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Negroski established his Sarasota private practice in 1985 and has a distinguished history of providing comprehensive care to adults suffering from neurologic disorders. Along with Dr. Valeriy Sabodash and Daniel Sellers, PA-C, Negroski Neurology specializes in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, dementia, epilepsy, migraines, Parkinson’s disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including EMG, EEG and Botox for migraines and dystonia. By encouraging shared decision making, our patients and providers work together to make decisions, select tests, treatments and care plans based on clinical evidence that balances risks and expected outcomes with patient preferences and values. Negroski Neurology also conducts clinical trials to assist with development of novel therapies for Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

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SPECIALTIES • • •

General Neurology Multiple Sclerosis Migraines

DR. DONALD NEGROSKI completed both his residency, serving as chief resident, and fellowship in neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. In additional to general neurology, he specializes in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Recognitions include Partner in MS Care by National MS Society, a member of Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis, medical advisor for MS Views & News and clinical assistant professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, Sarasota Campus.

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TOP DOCTORS Arun Khazanchi, MD

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

HONOREE Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? My patients and team members are an extension of my family, and family is extremely important to me. I created a friendly, warm environment at both of my ofﬁces (in Lakewood Ranch and at Doctors Hospital) so our patients feel comfortable and welcome. We take time with each one of our patients to ensure that we understand their situation, symptoms and medical history and can create an entirely individualized treatment plan for them. Because digestive health is a complicated specialty with countless varying factors, it’s paramount for patients to work with a gastroenterologist they know and trust. Our team provides the advanced knowledge and compassion to help people get back to what they love in life.

Tonantzin Matheus, MD HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? I treat patients at all stages of digestive health, from those who have been suffering for years to patients who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that are new to them. Each of them is seeking answers and a path to health. Our team takes the time we need to empathize and deeply understand our patients’ lives and the factors affecting their condition. Education is imperative to helping patients regain their quality of life. I strive to combine professionalism, advanced treatments and compassion to amplify our patient’s chance at a healthy, active life.

• • • •

Inﬂammatory bowel disease Irritable bowel syndrome Esophageal disorders Esophageal and pancreatic cancer

DR. ARUN KHAZANCHI is board certiﬁed in gastroenterology, internal medicine and hepatology. A nationally acclaimed gastroenterologist, Dr. Khazanchi treats digestive health disorders including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, esophageal and swallowing ailments, irritable bowel syndrome and more. He is one of a small group of physicians who perform endoscopic ultrasounds for cancers and biopsies of the rectum, lungs, pancreas and esophagus. He also specializes in conditions affecting the bile ducts and gallbladder.

HONOREE Gastroenterology SPECIALTIES • • • •

Colorectal Screening Esophageal Disease GERD/Dysphagia Irritable bowel syndrome

DR. TONANTZIN MATHEUS is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. She specializes in colorectal screening and GERD/dysphagia and has advanced training in esophageal disorders, including swallowing problems, reflux and digestive tract motility. Dr. Matheus performs in-office capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy screenings and has been practicing for nearly 20 years. Fluent in Spanish, she enjoys taking time with her patients to ensure they are fully informed and their questions are answered.

FLORIDA DIGESTIVE DISEASE SPECIALISTS LLC 11505 Palmbrush Trail, Suite 200 | Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 5741 Bee Ridge Road Suite 550 | Sarasota, Florida 34233 | 941.361.1100

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TOP DOCTORS David Chan, MD

HONOREE Hand Surgery

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

790 East Venice Ave Ste 102 Venice, Florida 34292

SPECIALTIES WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? I am an orthopaedic hand surgeon, taking care of wrist, hand, and finger problems ranging from pain, numbness, deformities, and/or accidental traumas. I treat common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, locking trigger fingers, cysts, and arthritis. I treat most conditions with medications, injections, braces, and as a last resort, surgery. If surgery is required, many times it can be done in the office without the need to go to a hospital or surgery center. Sometimes people allow themselves to suffer from longstanding problems with their hands and don't know that they can be easily fixed, sometimes even without a stitch.

Derek Cuﬀ, MD

• •

Orthopaedic Surgery Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Wrist Arthroscopy

•

DR. DAVID CHAN is a fellowship trained, Board Certiﬁed Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon. He is a native Floridian, Chinese-American whose immigrant parents have given him the opportunity to pursue his interests in helping those in his community live a better quality of life. His interests include minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release and wrist arthroscopy, as well as treating other common maladies such as hand and wrist arthritis, trigger ﬁngers, Dupuytren’s contractures, tendon ruptures, and cysts.

HONOREE Orthopedic Surgery

PLEASE SHARE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Cuff specializes in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures as well as complex shoulder and elbow reconstruction. He utilizes state of the art surgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow problems. Dr. Cuff has been inducted into the prestigious American Shoulder &Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society. He is one of a small group of surgeons in the state of Florida to be given this honor, and he is the only surgeon in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee or Collier counties to achieve Active Member status in this organization. Dr. Cuff has a strong interest in clinical and basic science research of the shoulder and elbow. He has published multiple articles in peer reviewed international journals on these topics.

suncoastshoulder-elbow.com 941.485.1505

SPECIALTIES • •

Arthroscopic Procedures Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction

DR. DEREK CUFF graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency in Baltimore, MD at the University of Maryland Medical System, and a portion of his training was also at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He went on to complete subspecialty fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Tampa, FL at The Florida Orthopaedic Institute prior to moving to the Sarasota area.

SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE

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TOP DOCTORS

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Joseph Noah, MD

HONOREE Orthopedic Surgery

836 Sunset Lake Blvd A-205, Venice, Florida 34292 and 779 Medical Dr. Suite 8, Englewood, Florida 34223

SPECIALTIES

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS? There are many orthopedic care options in our community. We believe that quality, modern and advance healthcare does not have to be synonymous with sterile and impersonal care. Our practice is speciﬁcally geared to providing high level, patient focused care. We still believe in the importance of the human element in healthcare. This allows us to treat every patient with dignity and as an individual. The goal to make every patient, regardless of diagnosis, feel as if their appropriate care is the only thing that matters.

• • •

Sports Medicine Joint Replacement Surgery Orthopaedic Surgery

DR. JOSEPH NOAH has been practicing Sports Medicine and Orthopedic surgery for over a decade. I’ve served as a team physician for both a Major League Baseball team and an NFL football team. Using this knowledge and insight, I’ve been able to help thousands of people ﬁnd lasting pain relief and recover from injury quickly. Although I stay on top of new procedures, newer doesn’t always mean better. I also like to stay with proven procedures with the highest record of success. I want to continue giving our patients the care and treatment they need and deserve. My goal is to provide top-quality orthopaedics to as many people as our practice can handle. I’m always here for them. I’m very big on the little details, and I believe attention to detail creates the best care. Despite my education, some of the most important things I’ve learned about being a doctor haven’t come from books; they’ve come from my patients’ concerns. Taking the time to listen makes me a better doctor.”

SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE

2019 TOP DOCTORS METHODOLOGY Summary DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the "top doctors" list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and additional information, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments. Final Note We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list. Disclaimer DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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TOP DOCTORS

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Vivian Torres, MD

HONOREE Vascular Surgery

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE THE LIFE OF YOUR PATIENTS? My philosophy of patient care is that the patient comes ﬁrst. My ultimate goal is to improve their quality of life. It is important that I listen to the patient and learn what really matters to them in order to treat them appropriately. Everybody is different, what works for a patient with a particular problem may not work for a patient with the same or similar problem. My role is that of an educator foremost. With my base of knowledge, training, and craft, I aim to improve my patient’s quality of life by helping them feel well enough to enjoy doing the things that are important to them in life and by giving them the tools to live a longer, healthier life.

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VENAS Vascular Specialists 5860 Ranch Lake Blvd, Suite 200 Bradenton, Florida 34202 941.504.8248 F: 941.460.5609

SPECIALTIES •

Vascular Surgery Fellowship trained and Board Certiﬁed

ABOUT DR. VIVIAN TORRES Born in Brooklyn and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Torres followed the footsteps of a long lineage of doctors and graduated medical school Magna Cum Laude. After completing her fellowship in Vascular Surgery, she moved to Florida for its emerald beaches and, most importantly, proximity to family. In her spare time you can ﬁnd her rollerblading at the Benderson Park, riding her motorcycle, travelling, or relaxing by the water with her family and friends.

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TOP DOCTORS

2019-20 PEER REVIEW HONOREES TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE

Ki Hassler,

HONOREE Cardiology

KI HASSLER, DO FAAC CARDIOLOGY 1215 Jacaranda Blvd, Venice, FL 34292 941.451.8282 F: 877.652.3059

DO, FACC

WHAT SETS US APART? While most practices have

moved towards a corporate model of medicine, Dr. Hassler has focused on providing personalized attention and exceptional medical treatment for her patients for 15 years. She and her staff know patients by name and she is proud of the relationships she’s developed, encouraging patients to call before they develop a serious problem. Patients are her top priority and her staff prides themselves on quick response time and appointment scheduling to meet patient needs. She enjoys sharing her interests with patients, and encourages support of local arts, of which she is a long time supporter. With her hands on approach to patient care, Dr. Hassler and her staff provide high quality medical treatment with a personal touch that sets her apart from the crowd.

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SPECIALTIES • • • •

Cardiovascular Prevention Heart Failure Cardiac Arrythmias Coronary Disease

DR. KI HASSLER is a board-certiﬁed cardiologist who practices in Venice, Florida. She is a graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Sun Coast Hospital. She sees a wide range of cardiovascular patients and has a special interest in preventative medicine and congestive heart failure management. She enjoys spending time with her human and furry family, as well as traveling, exercising and photography.

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wanderlust

SAND CAY STAYCATION

A Leisurely weekend on Longboat Key .

E GATHER WHERE THE GULF FROTHS

on our toes and the gulls swoop overhead. There are no tickets for this show, and no times were posted, but the guests of the Sand Cay Beach Resort appear nonetheless. It’s a diverse crowd, including retirees on vacation and snowbirds on hiatus, as well as families with children playing in the sand, and then the natives arrive. They are actual birds, great blue herons and sandpipers, who run and feed on the wet sands. All wait quietly for the star performer to exit the stage in a blasting, scenery-chewing masterwork that fills the sky with red and orange fury. The clouds provide a deep blue and slate gray foreground, giving shape and structure to the show. It’s a Florida sunset—and it says something about the pace and peacefulness of a stay at Sand Cay that this natural nightly phenomenon draws so many of the guests out to watch, and to “ooh” and “aah” together. Sand Cay delivers all the comforts of a condo on the beach without having to actually own one. It was the small touches, like the pineapple decoration that framed the doorbell, that told us we were “home,” at least for the next few days. Spacious rooms, a full kitchen, a comfortable living room and other amenities abound. It’s nice to bring your bags through the door and have too many places where your clothes can go, a refrigerator for your snacks and a sofa on which to sprawl to shake off the travel. Longboat Key is an 11-mile-long island off Bradenton and Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. It offers all the best of the Gulf: warm aqua water, soft sand and gentle waves.

Written and Photographed by Wesley Roberts

The island has a reputation for being “sleepy,” but that’s not quite right. It’s more like a safe hideaway where one can curl up, recharge and reboot, before jumping back into the vigor of everyday life at vacation’s end. Head north to Bradenton and enjoy what is very well-marketed as an “authentic Florida” experience. Robinson Preserve right on Tampa Bay is a paradise for birders, sightseers and nature-lovers alike. Bradenton offers other wonderful walking experiences, like the quirky and unique shopping experiences of the Village of the Arts and the amazing Bradenton Riverwalk. Get a sense of Florida before the time of tourists by visiting the still active and lively Cortez Fishing Village. Not to be outdone, Sarasota to the south, offers the beachy shopping mecca of St. Armands Circle, where fine dining and ice cream shops abound. But, for us, this was a “connecting and staying quiet” sort of family trip. Our luggage included a whole bag dedicated to board games, puzzles, coloring books and swim toys. We figured—rightly it turns out—that the generous space of our unit would allow us the freedom to spread out, play and connect. And it was perfect. Nights were slow and lazy, with friendly competition over a game of Settlers of Catan to bring us excitement. Despite the north and south temptations, we stuck to the plan and enjoyed the luscious fruits of the island. Every morning we woke up, leisurely, and found our way to The Blue Dolphin Cafe. The Homemade Corned Beef Hash Topped with Two Eggs Sunny Side-Up (sautéed spinach substituted for toast) made for a reliable and

This spread, left to right: Beach-

front morning wandering along the surf looking for shells. Inspired Florida Coastal cuisine at the new Longboat Key Shore restaurant with the Key West Shrimp and Scallop risotto.

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wanderlust the day. Then a pilgrimage to Harry’s Continental Kitchens, where a roadside convenience store setting bursts with local foods and treats. Look for Ian’s Chili and Harry’s Fresh Baked Bread as a nice option for a home lunch. And, while not quite a nightly ritual, Tyler’s Ice Cream—made for a perfect family nightcap two nights out of three. Be careful with the Coffee and Chocolate Chip Ice Cream; it’s as potent and caffeinated as it is delicious but perfect if you are going to volunteer for the beach patrol, and plan to wander the sands all night in search of mother sea turtles laying their eggs.Otherwise stick to the other flavors.

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The Haye Loft teeming with desserts for a post-dinner treat—a lemon meringue, dark chocolate cake and flambéed cherries jubilee, please! A morning swim on boogie boards in the outdoor pool in the center of the complex.

One of the give-and-take joys of being a parent to young children is that they awake earlier and with greater punctuality than any alarm clock. This meant that there was ample opportunity in the mornings to enjoy time together. Dawn with kids at Sand Cay is different than at home. Instead of racing about in a bleary confusion getting ready for school, my 6-year-old daughter and I let her brother and mother sleep, and we went out to walk the beach and welcome the rising sun. As the day crept quietly in, our only company was our newfound feathered friends, two of whom were consistent and familiar. While out on the beach, a great blue heron welcomed us every morning. He (or she) stood proudly in the surf and snatched tiny fish we couldn’t see from the suds. The other fellow, a great egret, tall and brilliantly white, stalked the grassy grounds of the resort. His prey was twofold. Lizards skittered in terror when this feathered relative of the dinosaurs came near, but “George,” as the staff and regulars call him, found paradise in the naughty leftovers of the guests, eating tidbits offered from various patios, including carryout from the finest dining establishments. Roasted Octopus from Maison Blanche and Lobstercargots from Beach Bistro meant that there is no more spoiled seabird on the island. A surprising discovery came with a late night carryout from Solorzano’s Pizzeria Longboat Key. What had every appearance of being a “good-enough” casual pizza joint blew us away with perfect pizza crust, plentiful toppings, oversize salads and spectacular bread. The Chicken

Parmesan Sub was especially wonderful—toasted, crunchy and nearly the size of an actual submarine, but enough to feed either a whole family or a single growing boy. We did get adventurous at least one night. That evening took us to Shore, the newly-built bayside modern restaurant on the northern tip of the island. Shore built its reputation on the well-established St. Armands Circle location before setting out to capture both ends of Longboat Key. The menu hits a perfect note where fresh and light ingredients mean that nothing is heavy, but the quantities are ample and filling. We enjoyed one delicious home run after another, from the marvelous arrangement of dips and spreads (Smoke Salmon, Herb and Shallot Goat Cheese, and Spinach Eggplant Dip), to the original and flavorful, (Sirloin Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomato,, and Basil Chimichurri); it got better with every dish. The Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Goat Cheese, Shishito and Hazelnut Pesto, as well as the Key West Shrimp and Scallop Lemon Risotto with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Tomato Confit were all marvelous. A mixed drink, Shore’s Original Mai Tai, made with Ron Matusalem rum. Orgeat, pineapple, orange Curaçao and a dark rum floater matched perfectly with the view and the warm Florida breeze. The only part of the menu we didn’t sample was the desserts, and that’s only because we had other plans. No trip to Longboat Key is complete with a calorically sinful pilgrimage to the mecca of decadent desserts, Euphemia Haye’s famous Haye Loft. The quirky old building is a creaky stairway back in time to a sitting room from the turn of an earlier century, before dieting was a thing, and when freshly baked pies tempted Huckleberry Finn–types from every windowsill. The Haye Loft is a desserts-only expansion of the popular restaurant downstairs. It is not an exaggeration to say that everything at the Loft is amazing. My daughter enjoyed the Lemon Meringue, and my son’s eyes bugged out cartoon-style at the size of his Dark Chocolate Cake slice. My wife and I split a Flambéed Cherries Jubilee. Apparently, I’ve never known what was possible with this dessert. The Haye Loft has achieved a sort of platonic ideal—dark Bing cherries are flamed with Kirschwasser, then finished with caramelized sugar and butter, all prepared before you and served on Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream. Sand Cay filled our days with activities. We frolicked in the pool and slid discs across the shuffleboard court. A visit to the office uncovered a small lending library from which I borrowed a Tom Clancy book, and we considered the DVD selection, but were too busy playing and exploring to sit still and watch one. And then it was over! The long weekend had sped by and it was time to leave our island home and return to our workaday home. We left happy and sun-kissed, with shells in our shoes and memories of laughing times together. Sand Cay treated us well, and, as a family, we can’t wait to return. SRQ Sand Cay Beach Resort, 4725 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 941-383-5044, sandcaybeachresort.com

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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY

giving coast

The Women’s Resource Center Presents BeingWE

Women are natural-born leaders, yet many feel overwhelmed by attempting to juggle life’s demands and have it all—home, family and career. How to balance work and home life? The Women’s Resource Center will explore these issues with BeingWE (Being Women Empowered), a guided conversation series for women by women, created by Keren Lifrak, an area-based entrepreneur and real estate professional. Each session is 4:30–7:30pm and all genders are welcome to participate. mywrc.org

Ear Research Foundation’s 44th Fellow Graduates and 45th Begins As Dr. Brian Kellermeyer, the Ear Research Foundation’s 44th Fellow, completed his oneyear fellowship to return to West Virginia University, Dr. Neil Nayak, Fellow number 45, was welcomed on board. Dr. Nayak is following in the shoes of many before him to complete a oneyear postgraduate program in partnership with the Silverstein Institute. Dr. Nayak is a graduate from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences and received academic and clinical practice training from the Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami Medical Health Systems. Along with his training, Dr. Nayak cares for Ear Research Foundation Community Care patients who qualify and are underinsured. earrf.org

SMART’s Horse Sense Literacy Program SMART’s Horse Sense Literacy Program is provided to local school children in grades third through fifth. Each student is provided with the book Magic: One SMART Horse by Jody Lynn McBrien and participates in a field trip where they get to meet Magic, up close and personal. Magic is blind so his disability, as well as his amazing abilities, are obvious to all. When the students meet and touch Magic for the first time, the connection ignites a dialogue of overcoming hardships, building trust and understanding empathy. smartriders.org

Van Wezel Foundation Kicks Off 2020 Giving Season The Van Wezel Foundation will launch its 2020 season with a matching campaign, thanks to the generosity of the James and Maryann Armour Family Foundation. The Armours will match each new donation dollar for dollar, up to $25,000

in support of the Van Wezel Foundation’s commitment to providing meaningful arts education for more than 30,000 children and educators throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto and Hillsborough counties. Foundation grants will go toward multiple programs, including Van Wezel Schooltime Performances, a program that presents highquality nationally and internationally renowned artists and performances for area students. The 2019–20 season of Schooltime Performances features nine shows, including “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Pout-Pout Fish” and “Charlotte’s Web.” vwfoundation.org

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Distributes Over $5.5M in Patient Grants Since 2011 Since its inception in 2011, the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation has provided over $5.5 million in grants to help cancer patients in need. The FCS Foundation has awarded $1.16 million in grants year-to-date in 2019, surpassing the prior year’s total. The FCS Foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in the state of Florida to help them pay for essential nonmedical expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. In response to a 21 percent increase in patient applications in 2019, the FCS Foundation Board of Directors recently approved increasing the annual maximum individual grant amount from $1,500 to $2,000 beginning January 1, 2020. All of the overhead expenses required to operate the Foundation are paid for by the physicians of FCS so that 100 percent of donations go directly toward paying essential nonmedical living expenses. fcsf.org

Advertising Specialty Institute Awards MASI Certificate to Cynthia Holliday The Advertising Specialty Institute has awarded Cynthia Holliday of Children’s World Uniform Supply and Business World Promo Supply with a Master of Advertising Specialty Information (MASI) certification—the industry equivalent of a master’s degree. MASI holders are recognized as the true industry experts who’ve cultivated profitable and collaborative relationships with distributors, suppliers and decorators. To date, only about 2 percent of professionals in the industry are graduates of the Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program and have received their certifications. Cynthia joins her husband, Tim Holliday, also with Children’s World Uniform

Supply and Business World Promo Supply, who had previously received his MASI certification. childrensworlduniform.com

Children First Receives a $1.25M Grant to Amplify FamilyStrengthening Services Children First, a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence, is the recent recipient of a six-year, $1.25 million grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to amplify family-strengthening services. This is the largest gift in Children First’s 58-year history and will support the expansion of the agency’s Families First Institute as well as hire vocational family advocates to support parents in increasing their employability skills. childrenfirst.net

Impact 100 SRQ Awarded Two $114,000 Grants in November Impact 100 SRQ, a group of local women philanthropists committed to high-impact strategic grantmaking, announced the five finalists competed for two $114,000 grants at the inaugural Impact 100 SRQ annual meeting and awards celebration in November at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. More than 200 Impact 100 SRQ founding members, friends, corporate supporters, nonprofits and community leaders gathered to meet the five local nonprofit finalists vying for $228,000 in grants for communitychanging projects. After a stringent, organized and member-driven review of all grant applications, founding members selected a finalist in each category. The final vote to select the two highimpact grant recipients will take place at the annual meeting and grant award celebration. impact100SRQ.org

Local Pediatric Sleep Coach Releases Debut Book Ashley McCollum, CEO of The Sleepy Tot, released a new book, Hidden ZZZ’s: A guide to soothing and outsmarting your sleepy tot. As a pediatric sleep consultant, Ashley works with families around the globe customizing plans to tackle infant and toddler sleep struggles in a matter of weeks. In her book, she shares her experience and expertise and discusses the top sleep struggles that parents encounter during the first three years of life as well as tangible advice to help them. This easyto-read book is available in print, Kindle, or can be purchased at her sleep-training classes held every month at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. thesleepytot.com SRQ

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RSVP | CALENDAR JANUARY 2020 COMMUNITY EVENTS SPONSORED BY SRQ MEDIA

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE PRESENTS HANDLE WITH CARE THROUGH MARCH 8 Florida Studio Theatre (FST) presents Handle With Care by Emmy Nominee Jason Odell Williams, a delightfully fresh holiday comedy. A young woman from Israel, Ayelet, reluctantly joins her grandmother on a trip to the United States. Circumstances both absurd and tragic bring Ayelet, who has li le command of the English language, together with Josh, a young American man who has li le command of romance, on Christmas Eve. Handle With Care will play from December 11, 2019 - March 8, 2020 in FST’s Keating Theatre. ﬂoridastudiotheatre.org

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING JANUARY 7–MARCH 26 Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is preparing for its 49th year of extremely popular global issues lectures and musical conversations. In 2020, these programs will begin in January and continue through the end of March. Speakers of global issues lectures are well-known and highly experienced experts, and guests on musical conversations are internationally renowned musicians, singers and performers. SILL is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. sillsarasota.org

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION’S THE HOSPITAL GALA JANUARY 11 The Hospital Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER/Trauma Services and Cardiac Services. This year, proceeds will support Cancer Services to help the SMH cancer care team deliver the best life-saving care for you, your loved ones and those in our community. smhf.org

SARASOTA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE: JAMAL ABDI JANUARY 14 Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council (SWAC) for the next program in its 2019–20 lecture series, “The Politics of Hate Have Driven the U.S. and Iran to the Brink,” featuring Jamal Abdi, president of the National Iranian American Council. Mr. Abdi will describe the background and mission of the National Iranian-American Council, as well as provide an

update on the current Iranian-American relationship and international efforts to establish prospects for peace in the region. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested. Sarasotawac.org

ART OF PERFORMANCE: YIN MEI – PEONY DREAMS: ON THE OTHER SIDE OF SLEEP JANUARY 17–18 Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990s, this new dance-theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experiences as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of le ers she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams. ringling.org

CAREGIVERS COMFORT SOCIALIZING LUNCH JANUARY 20 Julie Cook Downing, president of Caregivers’ Comfort Creations, LLC, and doctors hospital caregiver support group facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant in Sarasota. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat a delicious meal with others sharing similar situations. caregiverscomfort.com

THE ROSKAMP INSTITUTE: WHEN ALL THAT’S LEFT IS LOVE MOVIE SCREENING JANUARY 23 The Roskamp Institute and Director Eric Gordon invite you to a end the Sarasota premiere of the acclaimed movie When All That’s Le Is Love at an exclusive event at Burns Court Cinema in Sarasota. All proceeds will support the work of the nonprofit Roskamp Institute. When All That’s Le Is Love is the emotional gripping story of a wife’s determination to care for her Alzheimer’s-stricken husband in their home. With unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access, the film reveals the toll that the disease takes on families coping with Alzheimer’s while also showcasing the power of love that sustains both patients and caregivers. roskampInstitute.org

BEINGWE: FOLLOW YOUR BLISS – HOW OUR BRAINS ARE UNIQUELY WIRED TO TAKE ACTION JANUARY 23 Women are natural-born leaders, yet many feel overwhelmed by a empting to juggle life’s demands and have it all—home, family and career. How to balance work and home life? The Women’s Resource Center will explore these issues with BeingWE (Being Women Empowered), a guided conversation series for women by women, created by Keren Lifrak, an area-based entrepreneur and real estate professional. Each session is 4:30–7:30pm. beingWe.net

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE: DANCE MAKERS JANUARY 30–FEBRUARY 2 The third performance series at Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD), “Dance Makers” features new imaginative dance pieces by nationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers. This year’s crop includes Terrence Henderson, Bliss Kohlmyer, Maria Bauman-Morales and Adele Myers. SCD is proud of the caliber of choreographers gathered for this performance. These works are handpicked by SCD’s artistic director to present the strength, power, charm and diversity of the company and its mission of presenting a range of contemporary dance for multigenerational and multicultural audiences in our community. sarasotacontemporarydance.org

THE SARASOTA BALLET: REDEFINED MOVEMENT JANUARY 31–FEBRUARY 3 The Sarasota Ballet launches the 2020 winter through spring season with the January 31 opening of Redefined Movement at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The triple bill includes Sir Frederick Ashton’s dazzling Les Rendezvous, an early example of the intricate and nuanced choreography present throughout Ashton’s career; the company premiere of Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs, a display of Paul Taylor’s signature approach to modern choreography choreographed to Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concertos”; and Dominic Walsh’s robust and vivacious celebration of Neapolitan culture and charm, I Napoletani. sarasotaballet.org

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For what fault have you been the most tolerant? I am not very tolerant of my own faults. In others, a lack of intellectual curiosity is the hardest thing for me to tolerate. Tolerant in others? Obsession and compulsion because sometimes it is the driver of creativity and invention. Your favorite virtue . . . I cannot answer in the singular: honesty, compassion, creativity, empathy, vision. For what fault have you been the most tolerant . . . Overworking. In our hometown, we do too much self congratulation and too little creating of affordable housing. Your favorite villain in fiction . . . None really come to mind, sorry! Your favorite villain in real life . . . Politicians and government officials who violate the public’s trust. Words you use too often . . . “Cool!” “Right?” as in “we all know that the speed of change is in a state of constant acceleration, right?” “Far out!” (as with “cool,” I am a product of the 1960s dig?”)

THE FUTURE NOW David Houle, Futurist, Houle & Associates John Witte

a recent day in the life? There really is no typical day. When in Sarasota, I write, give interviews, guest lecture at Ringling College of Art & Design and work on the launch of The Sarasota Institute. When traveling I am usually giving a keynote speech to an audience of 200 to 2,000, speaking to a small group of CEOs or speaking at a corporate retreat. When you were a kid, you dreamed of . . . Traveling the world, and I did. I have traveled to all 50 states and 56 countries. 128 | srq magazine_ JAN20 live local

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A gadget that plays a leading role in your life . . . I can’t think of one. One “gadget” that is truly transformative that I use many hours a day is my iPhone 8+. It is faster and more powerful than the Cray Supercomputers of the 1970s and 1980s, and has 60 times more storage than the IBM mainframes of the early 1970s. I have some 200 books—50 read—on it, lots of TV and, of course, all the life-changing apps and incoming digital periodicals and research newsletters.

What is one thing that you will never understand . . . Why people don’t take better care of their health, fitness and well-being. With 2 more hours in the day, I would . . . Read Read Read Read Read. What social media do you use? I cannot stand nor respect Facebook. I love Instagram as there are so many creative and visually arresting feeds to look at. I like Twitter as a great brand platform and also because a person could be incredibly informed about the world, for free. An invention from science fiction you wish was real? Teleportation.

If you could undo one invention in the world, what would it be? War. What’s the difference between technology and magic? Throughout history new, cutting-edge technology is always first perceived as magic. Once we use it for decades, it loses its magic and becomes the norm. What we call magic is what we cannot understand. Religion is full of magical tales as all religions are largely pre-technology. It is important to always remember that technology is morally neutral. It is how humans use it that infuses it with morality. Would you rather have a rewind or a pause button in your life? Rewind. Of course, who wouldn’t? Having your brain uploaded into a computer. Would it be fun? We are about 10 years away for finding out. What song best describes our current cultural moment? Two from the ’60s: “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire and “Ballad of a Thin Man” by Bob Dylan. If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? Dead: R. Buckminster Fuller, Dr. Alvin Toffler, Marshall McLuhan Alive: the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Richard Branson If you could snap your fingers and appear somewhere else, where would you be? Today: the high foothills of the Himalayas. Yesterday: the day the pyramids were completed in Egypt. Tomorrow: the first planet other than Earth where there are sentient beings that we find, Will humans ever catch up with their tools? Yes, absolutely. When we merge with them to connect to a higher consciousness. That is the direction we are heading. SRQ ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS LEVERETT.

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