Sarasota is off and running, and we mean lots of running.

Last night marked the announcement of a new Sarasota Signature Event, the Sarasota Music Half Marathon, a combined endurance test, dance party and community celebration organized by local sporting authorities Tony Driscoll, owner of Sarasota Open and Longboat Key Triathlon promoter, Molly Jackson, co-owner of New Balance Sarasota and Fleet Feet Sarasota, and recent transplant John Korff, founder and former owner of the New York City Triathlon.

Described as a “13.1 Mile Moving Party,” the Sarasota Music Half Marathon is the brainchild of Korff, who was struck by the absence of any major running event in the area.

“What I found when talking to the community was that when an athlete wanted to do a race that was important to them, an experiential race, they all left town,” said Korff. “There’s an opportunity in that there’s no event that everybody says ‘This is what makes me proud to live here, as a runner.’ ”

Korff’s creation is a half marathon starting at the Van Wezel, spanning across Ringling Bridge to St. Armand’s Key, back across and through Bayfront, down Orange Avenue and circling Cherokee Park before returning to the Van Wezel. It’s a 13.1-mile stretch of scenic Sarasota vistas—over water, past beaches and through palm-lined and manicured neighborhoods.

What makes the race unlike countless other half marathons organized around the country is the atmosphere Korff and his cohorts plan to create along the path. He aims for somewhere around 12 to 15 entertainment stations spaced down the track, where local musicians and bands will play outdoor concerts to motivate the runners and entertain the spectators. To spur on contestants, complimentary cowbells will be distributed to enthusiastic onlookers.

To spur on everyone else, there will be Girl Scout Cookies.

Key to Korff’s plan, is to create something that the entire community can rally behind and enjoy regardless of ability or desire to run the race itself.

“You need to make it more fun for people,” said Korff. “It’s really got to be an experience. The spectators are an integral part of that.”

The race is scheduled for Feb. 8 and will coincide with a much shorter race, the Rockin’ Bridge Run 4 Miler, a trek over the Ringling Bridge and back, complete with entertainment stations.

This first year, participation will be capped at 2,000 runners. Registration is now open at $65 per runner, with prices rising steadily in bi-monthly increments. 

Register for the Event

Embrace these warmer months by picking up your own piece of summer at Kerri’s Jewels and Gems boutique, located on Venice’s Main Street. Kerri’s most popular items, the shark tooth necklaces and bracelets, were plucked right from Venice Beach. The shark tooth products featured in-store have the option of being embellished with diamonds or gemstones of various colors. If a low-key look is more your style, check out the shark teeth with gold and silver accents. These charming statement pieces are available in all sizes, from those large enough to be eclectic home decorations to shark teeth small enough to be made into earrings or rings.

If you want an additional keepsake to remind you of summer on the Suncoast, have a delicate gold or silver bracelet engraved right inside the store. These engraved products are reasonably priced and make fantastic gifts. The attention to detail placed on the displays in the boutique is phenomenal and perfectly captures the spirit of summer. At Kerri’s, you will be helped every step of the way in your journey to finding authentic seaside jewelry. The only problem that remains is trying to walk away with only one or two treasures. 

Kerri's Jewels and Gems, 132 Venice Avenue West, Venice, 941-484-9197

Wine Spectator recognized the wine program at Michael’s on East with a 2014 Award of Excellence. Michael’s on East has been awarded this honor annually since 1992, distinguishing the restaurant as having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. The restaurant awards will be detailed in Wine Spectator's August issue. Michael’s on East boasts a wine program with 12,700 bottles on property. 

Michael's On East

Gulf Coast Medical Group announced the July 1 opening of its newest physician group practice, Regional Cardiac and Vascular Associates in Venice. The group is comprised of board certified cardiologists Joseph Balzano, Edmund Bermudez, James Landis and Steven Bradley Shoemaker. The four physicians, Fellows of the American College of Cardiology and formerly with Florida Cardiac Consultants, have been providing cardiology services to Venice and southwest Florida for over 10 years and collectively have 50 years of cardiology experience. 

Gulf Coast Medical Group

Mote Marine Laboratory busted a silly factoid in a comedic video, which subsequently made the finals for the 14th Annual Flagler Awards from Visit Florida. The Flagler Awards, named for Henry Flagler, were established in 2000 to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. Mote was nominated in the Social Media Marketing category for the video “Fish Tales” created with the Lab’s advertising and marketing firm Paradise, based in St. Petersburg. 

Mote Marine