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Sarasota | Business

Uzi Baram has been named director of archaeology at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 25, 2023
Selby Gardens names new director of archaeology

Uzi Baram has taught anthropology at New College for 25 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersh, incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 24, 2023
New Sarasota County leaders meet the community

A panel discussion and members mixer was held at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Alexandria Elman Foley has been named CEO of The Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 22, 2023
The Lighthouse names Alexandra Elman Foley as CEO

Previous CEO Lisa Howard will lead the vision-loss education nonprofit's first capital campaign in its history.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Art Uptown Gallery artist Elisabeth Trostli displays digital paintings of powerful women of varying races and ethnicities in 2018.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 18, 2023
Art Uptown Gallery to close after 43 years in Sarasota

Rising rents are forcing galleries out of downtown, but other artist spaces beckon.

  • Arts + Culture
The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Health-conscious cafe Pura Vida coming to UTC in Sarasota

The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jaiden Johnson and Sharon Preston-Folta
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2023
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative adds two new team members

Sharon Preston-Folta and Jaiden Johnson are joining the nonprofit.

  • Arts + Culture
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 6, 2023
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within

Crystal Bailey joined the organization in January as chief administrative officer and general counsel.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant has been honored for its wine program by Wine Spectator magazine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2023
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant honored by Wine Spectator magazine

The restaurant won the 2023 Award of Excellence for its wine selection and service.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jan and Tim Solmon sail onwards.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 2, 2023
Key Sailing wants to change the world one voyage at a time

The Sarasota sailing charter supports local charities while its owners offer a message of hope.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
William Cinéa conducting field work in his native Haiti.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 26, 2023
Haitian botanist named Selby Gardens research associate

The three-year appointment will mutually benefit Selby Gardens' research and Caribbean flora.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The vegan version of the Chicago Hot was ranked among the country's top 10 vegan hotdogs for Summer 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 25, 2023
Vegan hot dog at Sarasota eatery ranked in nation's top 10

The vegan version of Doggystyle's Chicago Hot was ranked by PETA among the top 10 hot dogs in the U.S. for summer 2023.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Dan Sidler is the Greater Sarasota Chamber’s vice president of CareerEdge and economic development.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2023
CareerEdge receives $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The workforce development program, led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will use the funds to support workforce development initiatives.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David Sessions, left, and Anand Pallegar have been elected chair and vice chair of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2023
Gulf Coast Community Foundation elects leaders for 2024

The GCCF board named David Sessions chair and Anand Pallegar vice chair along with three new board members.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Tyler Fite pours a red, white and blue daiquiri at the Siesta Key Daiquiri Deck.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 12, 2023
Daiquiri Deck giving away free daiquiris for a year

To celebrate National Daiquiri Day, each of the five restaurant locations will award one lucky winner free daiquiris for the year.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A rendering of the new welcome center at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown campus.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 11, 2023
Selby Gardens elects new leadership for 2024

The board of trustees also named one new member and reelected seven others to three-year terms.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Jennifer Arevalo tries out a new dress with assistance from Erika Alarcon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2023
Barbie's Boutique began with a dream, grew into a one-stop shop for all

Founded to serve the local Latino community, the Sarasota boutique has expanded its clientele and recently opened an additional location.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The renovations at Melting Pot Sarasota included new fabrics, carpet, paint, artwork, lighting and exterior signage.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • July 3, 2023
Fondue chain one-third of the way through $30 million renovation

The Melting Pot Sarasota wrapped its renovation around a new focus on the bar area.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Dan Sidler is the Greater Sarasota Chamber’s vice president of CareerEdge and economic development.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2023
Nine local companies win CareerEdge grants

The Greater Sarasota Chamber program awarded $205,000 to help advance careers of current employees.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
A rendering of the second-floor outdoor seating area at the planned Ocean Prime in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 30, 2023
Ocean Prime's upscale dining will be alongside retail, condos at The Quay

High-end seafood and steak restaurant Ocean Prime will feature marina views and two levels of dining at the Sarasota development.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
John O'Keefe, brand ambassador Julianne Gentile, and Debbie O'Keefe
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 28, 2023
Sarasota boaters create watercraft management app

The YachtWave app is intended to be a one-stop shop for all needs related to boat care, maintenance and use.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Take Care Home Health is run by Sue Wise and two of her daughters Erika Wise Borland and Courtney Wise Snyder.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • June 27, 2023
Home health care agency continues 28 years of growth, success

Sarasota-based Take Care Home Health started with one office and four employees. It has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with multiple locations and nearly 400 employees.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Ocean Prime plans to build a two-story, 9,500-square-foot restaurant on Block 10 in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 27, 2023
Seafood, steak restaurant coming to The Quay

The centerpiece restaurant in The Quay is planned to open in late 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Workforce Development & Innovation award with PGT Innovation staff Rob Moulds, Debbie LaPinska, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center chief operating officer Diego Perilla, and PGT Innovation staff Jeff Jackson, Don Vichitvongsa, and Stephanie Cz.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 25, 2023
2023 Small Business Awards reveal a caring community

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's awards highlighted area businesses that are positioned for continued success and have provided opportunities for the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Erin Silk was officially named president and CEO on June 15.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 15, 2023
EDC of Sarasota County names new president and CEO

Erin Silk has been promoted by the Economic Development Corp. board to replace Lisa Krouse, who is retiring.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Les and Pam McCurdy opened their first Sarasota comedy club in 1988, the year after they got married.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 14, 2023
McCurdy's celebrates 35 years of comedy in Sarasota

Les and Pam McCurdy share their secrets for mixing business with pleasure.

  • Arts + Culture
Beso is expected to open June 10.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • June 4, 2023
Tapas restaurant to open in downtown Sarasota

The new concept is run by the same people who own State Street Eating House + Cocktails.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
After being selected a nominee for the category, Der Dutchman Restaurant in Sarasota was voted on by USA Today readers.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • June 2, 2023
Der Dutchman crowned best buffet in the US

The restaurant has been in the Sarasota area since 1985.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A 2022 rendering of One Main Plaza, which is within 5 miles of 168,130 people.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 26, 2023
Sprouts grocery store coming to downtown Sarasota

Sprouts Farmers Market has signed a long-term lease to be part of One Main Plaza, the Main Street development under construction.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Coach Bailey Brauch teaches a group of students.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 25, 2023
Lessons at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools promote water safety

Aqua-Tots' "Swim with Your Clothes On" lessons teach young children how to survive falling fully clothed into a pool.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chef Sellner’s culinary journey includes a stint as chef de cuisine and executive sous chef at the Mar-a-Lago Club.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 19, 2023
Pascone’s chef loves taking diners on a culinary journey

From fried spaghetti to French cuisine inspiration, Pascone's Ristorante Executive Chef William Sellner’s culinary journey is anything but boring.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno says in May 2023 that Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will grow to 100 locations and incorporate design of new flagship location in Tampa.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 17, 2023
New flagship Fleming's steakhouse coming to UTC

A restaurateur is building its new 13,000-square-foot flagship restaurant in Tampa and plans to grow the chain to 100 locations, starting with a new location in Manatee County.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nikki Pelier Simon, John Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez are carrying on the legacy of this popular boutique.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 17, 2023
Scout & Molly’s new owners share their roots in fashion

When Scout & Molly’s former owner died last year, John Simon, Nikki Pelier Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez decided to carry on the legacy of this popular boutique.

  • East County
  • Business
Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar was named after owners Mindy Kaufman and Bobby Boivin rescue dog, Boo.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • May 16, 2023
Dog bar announces open date in Rosemary District

After three delays, Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar on 10th Street will officially let the dogs in on May 22.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Schnitzel, a zebra shark, was brought to Sarasota from an aquarium in Minnesota to be featured at the Science Education Aquarium
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2023
Mote prepares for the animals it will house in its new aquarium

As the infrastructure of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new Science Education Aquarium is being completed, the aquatic creatures who will live there are being prepared to move to their new home.

  • East County
  • Business
Jennifer Currier, Jeff Kahn, and Laritha Burks
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 12, 2023
Consulting service seeks to empower at-home caregivers

Two certified nursing assistants have launched Senior Consulting & Staff Support, whose goal is to offer caregivers the resources they need to keep seniors at home.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Grant's Gardens will have a wider reach with the merging of the company with Stewart's Landscape Management clientele.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 10, 2023
Sarasota landscaper Grant's Gardens expands reach, clientele with merger

After nearly 44 years of operations, Stewart Landscape Management owner Jeb Stewart's employees and clients will become a part of the Grant's Gardens family.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
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