Ferraris turn out for final Flight to the North Pole major fundraiser

By Dana Kampa
| 11:45 a.m. November 3, 2025

Kathy Lozano and Reuben Rivera check out the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia that first-time registrant Jim Friedman brought to Ferraris on the Circle on Nov. 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

This year is the first time Jim Friedman has participated in Ferraris on the Circle, the St. Armands Key car show dedicated to celebrating the Italian luxury sports car brand.

"I like how elegant it looks without the scoots," he said while discussing his 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia with visitors. "That naturally aspirated V8 on this car sounds so good."

The show took place Nov. 1 on St. Armand Circle, and proceeds from registration, donations and ornament sales went to supporting Flight to the North Pole.

Sidney Ettedgui, who coordinates the holiday-themed charitable event with wife, Sylvia Gillotte, said the high turnout this weekend pleased them. While cooler temperatures certainly played a role in drawing out people to check out the variety of Ferraris on display this year, visitors also shared their support for Flight to the North Pole's mission.

The organization brings holiday cheer to families with children facing terminal illnesses.

"We had 60-some cars this year," Ettedgui said.

Attendees came to support the upcoming flight, but also to share what they enjoy about specific Ferrari models.

Tina Masters and Mark Carroll spent the afternoon checking out the cars on display. Carroll, who has visited the show in years past, said the 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino was at the top of his list of favorites.

"It's a beautiful car," he added.

The main Flight to the North Pole event takes place Dec. 12 at Feld Entertainment in Palmetto. Visit FlightToTheNorthPole.org for details as Christmas approaches.

Mark Clark brought his 488 model to St. Armands' Ferraris on the Circle on Nov. 1.

Bill Columbo brought two vehicles, one from 2015 and one from 2023, to share with fellow car enthusiasts at Ferraris on the Circle.

Ferraris from across decades filled St. Armands Circle for this year's Ferraris on the Circle. Several car shows throughout the year showcase exotic luxury vehicles, but this showcase features the iconic Italian brand.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Jim Friedman brought his 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia with a unique gray exterior and red interior to Ferraris on the Circle.

St. Armands Circle was abuzz last weekend as residents and visitors took advantage of the cooler weather to walk among the many cars at Ferraris on the Circle this year.

Organizers said approximately 60 vehicles participated in this year's Ferraris on the Circle.

Ferrari owners brought out cars of all colors, including in custom archived paints, but classic cherry red remains a favorite among drivers attending Ferraris on the Circle.

The signature shape of the 1995 Ferrari 348 Spider owned by Michael Grant caught the eye of many a passerby at Ferraris on the Circle last weekend.

Eugene and Garrett Nock brought out the big guns to help organizers of the Flight to the North Pole with their final major fundraising push at Ferraris on the Circle. The Batmobile never fails to draw onlookers curious to get a closer look at the vehicle made famous in the 1960s "Batman" TV series and 1966's "Batman: The Movie."

Ornament sales, car registration contributions and other donations all went toward supporting the upcoming Flight to the North Pole.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.