The alliance hosted its third annual awards ceremony to recognize those making an impact in the downtown community.
By
Dariela Delgado
| 3:30 p.m. February 22, 2023
Sarasota
Neighbors
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The Downtown Sarasota Alliance hosted its third annual Evening of Recognition and Awards Celebration Feb. 21 at Tamiami Tap.
DSA Chair and Presenting Sponsor Shay Atluru started the celebration with a brief presentation on DSA’s mission. "Our job is to increase the quality of life in downtown for residents, merchants and businesses," Atluru said.
Local businesses, merchants and community members sat on the edge of their seats as they waited for the award winners to be announced.
"Someone who brings value to the community should be recognized," said Atluru. He explains that many times these local business and people make the community a better place without the expectation of acknowledgement or reward. "That's what we are doing (the DSA Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards Ceremony). We are saying, 'Thank you for all that you're doing.'"
The following individuals and organizations were recognized for the contributions to the community:
DSA presented the Third Annual Paul Thorpe “Mr. Downtown” Award: City Manager Marlon Brown
Visit Sarasota County presented the Non-Profit of the Year Award: Teen Court
The Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County presented the Community Impact Award: Geckos Hospitality Group
The Meadows Country Club presented the New Business of the Year Award: Main Street Creamery
Diversified Technology Consultants presented the Young Professional of the Year Award: Greater Sarasota Chamber Director of Membership Engagement Craig McGonigal
Downtown Sarasota Alliance Erin Silk and Justin Tobiasz
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Vaughn Sommers, Amanda Baar, Kelley Rouse, Rise & Nye's owner Christian Nye and Rise & Nye's Co-Founder Beaver Shriver attend Downtown Sarasota Alliance's Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards Celebration on Feb. 21.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Downtown Sarasota Alliance Chair and Presenting Sponsor Shay Atluru starts the Downtown Sarasota Alliance's Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards Celebration.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
The Downtown Sarasota Alliance's Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards Celebration was held at Tamiami Tap on Feb. 21.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
The Paul Thorpe "Mr. Downtown" award goes to City Manager Marlon Brown. Sarasota City Major Kyle Battie and Sarasota Deputy City Manager take the award in place of City Manager Marlon Brown.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Anne Rollings and Fiona Farrell of Gecko's Hospitality Group take the Community Impact Award.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Sonya Isram, Sara Rachon, Young Professional of the Year Craig McGonigal, Heather Moore, Zach Henkel, Dan Sidler, Ed Hill, Kevin Golumbeck.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Myra and Lisa Moore, Ben Lalande, Blaze of Hope President Shawn Platt, Dawn Grooms, April Barnes and Bettye Restle.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Tervor Schendel, Shawn Platt, Shay Atluru, Ashleigh and Chloe Wheeler, Bob Hammersley.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Kathleen Lang and Rich Lownes attend the Downtown Sarasota Alliance Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards on Feb. 21.
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Diana Hamilton and Linda Holland attend the Downtown Sarasota Alliance Annual Evening of Recognition and Awards on Feb. 21
Photo by Dariela Delgado
Naomi Gomez and Katy McBrayer-Lynch of Teen Court take the Non-Profit of the Year Award.
