Arts + Culture

Handcrafted Coastal Charm

Masterfully created gifts and home décor by Gulf Coast Custom Designs Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Photo Guru SRQ Gulf Coast Custom Designs creates custom furniture, home décor, and art pieces that range from cutting boards to wall décor to large tables made from wood and epoxy resin. Each item that owner and artist, Tricia Bolds, designs is truly one-of-a-kind. “No two items will ever be the same because that’s how the process works,” Tricia explains. “With each item, the wood...

Shopping

Style Meets Community

at Monkee’s of Lakewood Ranch Article by Lisa Michel | Photography by Nicole Mac Photography Step into Monkee’s of Lakewood Ranch and you’re greeted by a beautifully curated space full of color, texture, and sophisticated style. Owner and buyer Emily Hovermale has a passion for pieces that tell a story—whether handcrafted by women-owned businesses, made by local artisans, or produced in small batches with purpose. “We do boutique styling, which means we typically carry just one of each size,”...

Home + Design

Structure and Style

Creating beautiful spaces with Marie Vianca Design Article by Lisa Michel | Photography by Nicole Mac Photography Marie Vianca brings a distinctive approach to design, seamlessly blending interior design with architectural elements to create stunning, functional spaces tailored to her clients’ lifestyles. Originally from Puerto Rico, where she discovered her passion for design early on, thanks to her great-grandfather's legacy, who was an architect. Marie began her path as an architect...

Arts + Culture

From Sketch to Stage

World-Class Theatre Costumes Stitched in Sarasota Article by Lisa Michel | Photography by Kristen Jensen David Covach, Costume Shop Manager of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, shared the process of bringing a costume from a sketch to a finished stage-ready garment. First, the director and designers from every aspect of theater: costume, lighting, sound, projections, props, hair and makeup, read through the script. Then sketches or storyboards are created to convey how the show will look and feel...

Auto + Marine

Horsepower and Heart

Local car show benefits children's charity Article and Photography by Sage Auto The Exotic Car Show on St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota returns for its 13th consecutive year, proudly presented by Sage Auto Studios. This premier automotive event transforms one of Florida’s most iconic shopping and dining destinations into a showcase of the world’s most coveted vehicles. From Ferraris and Lamborghinis to McLarens and rare supercars, the streets of St. Armand’s come alive with roaring engines...

Food + Beverage

Sweet Endings

Cider muffins with cinnamon-streusel topping Article and Photography by As we make the transition from Summer to Fall, these quick and easy muffins celebrate the season. Makes 12 muffins. Streusel Topping 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter Muffins 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 egg, beaten 3/4 cup apple cider or...

Education

Developing Successful Children

Learn more about the educational initiatives offered through The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Photo Guru SRQ The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County focuses on preparing children for starting school and ensuring that they read on grade level through numerous resources, services, and programs. Currently, the ELC serves over 7,000 children in Manatee County in addition to the countless thousands helped since its founding in 1999. ...

Health + Wellness

Empowering Families

Changing Lives at the Ricardo Almeida Brazilian Ji Jitsu Academy Article by Lisa Michel | Photography by Photo Guru SRQ Upon meeting Ricardo and his wife Monica, you immediately sense their passion for Jiu Jitsu, supporting families and building a community. The Ricardo Almeida Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy opened three years ago in Lakewood Ranch and is the second academy owned by the family. Ricardo’s impressive career began as a young boy growing up in Brazil. His dad enrolled him and his...

Arts + Culture

Bringing Stories to Life

Local teen Nya Chambless shares important messages in new film "My Guardian Angel" Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Photos: Jerry and Michelle Chambless, Barbara Banks For 15-year-old Nya Chambless, crafting narratives and recording them on film has been a passion since early in her life. Nya made her first film when she was six years old and as she matured, her dad, Producer Jerry Chambless, encouraged her to take inspiration from life experiences. Her newest film,  My Guardian...

Local Services

No Better Friend

The healing power of dogs Article by Lisa Michel | Photography by Canines For Heroes In the quiet moments of reflection, heroes often discover their true calling. For Mark LaFlamme, a decorated veteran of the US Air Force, this calling materialized in an unexpected yet impactful way. After enduring the harrowing experiences of combat and coping with personal loss, Mark found solace and purpose in the companionship of a dog named Allie. This bond would eventually lead him to establish Canines...