• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota's Michael Saunders honored with award

The Hero of History Award is awarded every year by the Historical Society of Sarasota County.


  • By Amelia Hanks
  • | 2:07 p.m. March 20, 2019
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

There are a few key players in Sarasota that are almost synonymous with the town itself, and one of them is Michael Saunders.

The real estate mogul was honored with the Hero of History award from the Historical Society of Sarasota County on March 20 at Michael's on East. The annual Hero of History award luncheon has given out awards to people like Howard Tibbals, John McCarthy and Suzette Blue in the past. 

Michael Saunders is the founder of Michael Saunders & Co., and it's the fifth year of the award, given annually to a local figure known for their effect on the community.

President Marsha Fottler and Liz Jackson
President Marsha Fottler and Liz Jackson
The centerpieces were different boats that can be seen in Sarasota's bay.
The centerpieces were different boats that can be seen in Sarasota's bay.
Norma Kawenski, Debra Pitell-Hauge and Kitty Ishel
Norma Kawenski, Debra Pitell-Hauge and Kitty Ishel
A dessert served included berries and a meringue swirl.
A dessert served included berries and a meringue swirl.
Christal Gentile and Lorraine Neal
Christal Gentile and Lorraine Neal
Peter Piazza and Deborah Bowers
Peter Piazza and Deborah Bowers
Diane Esthus, David Duncan and Lynn Harding
Diane Esthus, David Duncan and Lynn Harding
Jane Kirschner and Susan McLeod
Jane Kirschner and Susan McLeod
Charlie Huisking and Peter Salesfsky
Charlie Huisking and Peter Salesfsky
Jerome Chesley and Chris Wille
Jerome Chesley and Chris Wille
Sylvia Zimmerman and Christine del Monte
Sylvia Zimmerman and Christine del Monte
The award given to Michael Saunders as the 2019 Hero of History recipient.
The award given to Michael Saunders as the 2019 Hero of History recipient.
Marie Belcher, Tom Belcher and Alexandra Jupin
Marie Belcher, Tom Belcher and Alexandra Jupin
Beth Lord, Judy Nimz, Linda Driggs, David Perkowski, Michael Saunders, Elizabeth Van Riper, Darla Furst and Georgina Clamage
Beth Lord, Judy Nimz, Linda Driggs, David Perkowski, Michael Saunders, Elizabeth Van Riper, Darla Furst and Georgina Clamage
Charlie Murphy, Michael Klauber, Commissioner Hagen Brody and Jay Berman
Charlie Murphy, Michael Klauber, Commissioner Hagen Brody and Jay Berman
Christine Kramer, Lee Byron and Christine Kramer
Christine Kramer, Lee Byron and Christine Kramer
Michael Saunders received her award on March 20.
Michael Saunders received her award on March 20.

 

Latest News

Sarasota Police on Monday recovered a sunken, capsized boat from Hudson Bayou that had been swamped for more than three years.
  • December 6, 2025
Long-abandoned boat removed by Sarasota Police
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak and City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs during a meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota charter official evaluations begin this month
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall

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

A rendering of Florida Studio Theatre's McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.
  • December 6, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author
Laura Oliff-Maxey and Barbara Braun
  • December 4, 2025
Mothers Helping Mothers strengthens its toy drive effort
Eighth grader Mikayla Ross works with teacher Joseph Conner.
  • December 4, 2025
Tutoring nonprofit helps raise students' success rates
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community
  • December 4, 2025
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community

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 © 2025 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.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now