• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Argus Foundation honors community leaders

The Argus Foundation's 17th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards recognized Mike Furen and posthumous honoree Gil Waters at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota on Nov. 15.


  • By Shane Donglasan
  • | 12:56 p.m. November 16, 2018
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Sarasota attorney Mike Furen and posthumous honoree Gil Waters were recognized Nov. 15 at the Argus Foundation's 17th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The award ceremony celebrates business leaders who have made significant contributions to the community throughout their lives.

Furen was instrumental in bringing developments like Palmer Ranch to Sarasota County and Waters, who passed away in January, was known for his efforts in helping to build the John Ringling Causeway.

"Michael Furen and Gil Waters have given to the community in ways that will last for generations," said Argus Executive Director Christine Robinson. 

Ray Kennedy and Ruth Farmer with Jeff and Terry Pflugner
Ray Kennedy and Ruth Farmer with Jeff and Terry Pflugner
Honoree Mike Furen with Joe and Melissa Hembree
Honoree Mike Furen with Joe and Melissa Hembree
Justin Fornataro and Thomas Vellela
Justin Fornataro and Thomas Vellela
Cornelia Matson, Dennis Rees and Felice Schulaner
Cornelia Matson, Dennis Rees and Felice Schulaner
Nick Roberts with Marina and Ryan Riley
Nick Roberts with Marina and Ryan Riley
Andria Bilan, Lauren Spong, Darren Spong and Rose Chapman
Andria Bilan, Lauren Spong, Darren Spong and Rose Chapman
Bridget Ziegler and Tiffany Bailey
Bridget Ziegler and Tiffany Bailey
Susan Goldstein and Jeff Maultsby
Susan Goldstein and Jeff Maultsby
Joelle and Craig Steinhoff with Christie and Kirk Boylston
Joelle and Craig Steinhoff with Christie and Kirk Boylston
Vickie Brill, Keith Mercier, Lindsay Nock  and Casey Welch
Vickie Brill, Keith Mercier, Lindsay Nock and Casey Welch

 

Latest News

The Crystal Waters estate at 8501 Midnight Pass Road has re-entered the market at nearly $30 million.
  • June 9, 2026
Siesta estate returns to the market at nearly $30 million
Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager (right) presents Lee Smith with a plaque recognizing his years with the police department at the June 1 Town Commission meeting. Smith retired from his position as sergeant on May 29.
  • June 9, 2026
Sgt. Smith retires from Longboat Key Police Department
From left, City Commission at-large candidates Jen Ahearn-Koch, Flo Entler, John Harshman, Jaime Loomis and Rob Rominiecki at the CCNA candidate forum.
  • June 9, 2026
Neighborhood association forum highlights City Commission candidates
All four wheels of the Ford F-150 penetrated the inside of the Palm Aire home.
  • June 9, 2026
Truck crashes into Palm Aire home

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Neighbors

Amy Snider and Julie Waters bring some ribbon energy to the dance floor.
  • June 8, 2026
Silver Pride draws nearly 1,000 in its celebration of older LGBTQ+ adults
Cole Ralston and Aether Baskin enjoy the con experience.
  • June 7, 2026
SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library
Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses the lasso.
  • June 7, 2026
Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso
Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.
  • June 6, 2026
Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief
Silas and Josh Stacy stand amid their collection.
  • June 4, 2026
Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free