New College of Florida underwent a number of dramatic changes in the past year. But a loss of its accreditation isn’t going to be one of them.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges informed the Sarasota university last week that the school remains in compliant with the Principles of Compliance for the body. That followed multiple unsolicited accusations about the school submitted to the organization and investigation since September.

“The SACSCOC staff and I have decided that the unsolicited information and its accompanying documents did not support a determination of your institution’s non-compliance with the Principles,” wrote SACSCOC President Dr. Belle Wheelan in a letter to New College.

Gov. Ron DeSantis started the year for New College by appointing a number of new trustees with a mission of remaking the school as a conservative institution. The board promptly fired former President Patricia Okker and hired Richard Corcoran, a former Florida Education Commissioner and state Speaker of the House.

Corcoran said the letters SACSCOC confirm the changes at the university have not compromised the quality of education.

“New College provided extensive documentation to demonstrate our compliance with the Principles of Accreditation,” Corcoran said. “This administration has been ethically grounded in running the College since Day One and has never wavered in its commitment to supporting our students, hiring talented and qualified people, and pursuing a mission to become the best liberal arts institution in America.”

The college has also seen an exodus of students and faculty, but also an infusion of capitol dollars and record freshman enrollment, along with an expansion of sports offerings at the school.

“While we understand the obligation SACSCOC had to look into the information they were provided, we are glad to move beyond this inquiry and put the matter to rest,” Corcoran said.

 Purify, An Urban Sweat Lodge, proudly announces the grand opening of its third location in Venice, Florida, situated in the bustling Venice Village Plaza. This exciting venture is spearheaded by Austin and Courtney Leschingski. The celebratory launch is scheduled for Monday, December 18, 2023, following a pre-opening party on Sunday, December 17, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Leschingski' are long-time Venice residents and graduates of Venice High School. Courtney is the step-granddaughter of Nancy Detert, a highly respected community leader whom from, Courtney's deep connection to the community and passion for well-being culminated from in the opening of Purify's latest location, bringing modern wellness to the heart of Venice.The grand opening festivities will kick off with a pre-opening party on Sunday, December 17, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring an evening of celebration and anticipation for the official opening on Monday, December 18, 2023. Operating hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. Courtney Leschingski, has been a Purifier for three years. Her entrepreneurial journey takes a significant step with the ownership of Purify Venice curating a selection of wellness programs, offering a one-stop-shop for holistic well-being experiences. With a focus on detoxification and relaxation, Purify Venice caters to the diverse needs of the Venice community. Purify Venice is offering a special gift card promotion to celebrate the opening week, providing visitors with an infrared face treatment or a session on the vibration station. The spa-like, airy, and neutral décor of Purify Venice in Venice Village Plaza creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, enhancing the overall wellness experience within the 1500+ square feet space. For individuals new to far infrared light therapy, Courtney Leschingskis suggests viewing Purify as a modern method to detox, tied into the broader concept of self-care encouraging visitors to arrive well-hydrated and ready to enjoy the relaxing setting. Looking forward, the Leschingskis envision Purify Venice contributing to the broader wellness industry with the introduction of deprivation float tanks and lymphatic massages as the business grows. Stay informed about Purify Venice's offerings, events, and promotions by following @purifyvenice on Instagram, Purify Venice on Facebook, and visiting the official website at www.purifysweatlodge.com, or reach out to them via email, purifyvenice@gmail.com or by phone at 941.493.2872. 

Trepp Developments President Rodrigo Trepp is excited to announce that demolition is ongoing as his team creates the new SOTA Residences & Hotel. The sophisticated mixed-use project will change the face of Main Street for those who wish to live, work and play in the heart of downtown. “We are full speed ahead for 2024,” he commented. “In the next month, we will be announcing the addition of a full-service, VIP concierge service plus unveil the array of amenities offered for what will be Sarasota’s first boutique hotel.” Located at 1703 Main Street, SOTA will include 35 spacious residences atop 120 hotel rooms in a 16-story tower with Hoyt Architects named as the building designer and Architect of Record. The interiors are designed by New York City-based and award-winning Andre Kikoski Architect. Due to its height and distinct design, SOTA will be a standout piece of urban architecture in the center of Main Street. Separate hotel and residential lobbies will be located on the ground level with hotel reception and amenities on the fifth floor. There will be six floors of condominium residences starting on the eleventh floor. The hotel reception area offers breathtaking views of the pool deck and restaurant. Surrounding a custom-made reception desk, light wood panels and backlit quartz pull guests into the space. The centerpiece of the fifth floor is the restaurant and bar, eventually spilling onto a lushly landscaped pool deck which also includes lounge seating and dining options. With a neutral palette and warm wood accents, Kikoski designed the restaurant, bar and surrounding lounge to be a place to gather with friends and family for curated cocktails and a distinct menu with views of Main Street. The square bar will be the centerpiece featuring a custom light fixture inspired by palm fronds with over 350 individual pieces of glass and wood suspended from the ceiling above. A fitness center with private massage room for residents adds to the possibilities for leisure and entertainment. Meeting and function rooms allow for memorable gatherings. SOTA Hotel rooms and suites cocoon guests with the same blend of thoughtful materials and the finest European furniture, craftsmanship and design. Located on the Penthouse level, the 16th floor SOTA Residents’ Social Lounge provides a luxurious space for residents to relax, gather and entertain. The lounge offers a beautifully designed space with large screen TV, catering kitchen, bar area and limited liquor lockers. Step out onto the terrace of the 16th floor to enjoy the sunset with generous gas grill, outdoor dining and lounge area with fire table. SOTA includes 35 spacious residences and 120 hotel rooms as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton and managed by Commonwealth Hotels. Residents will enjoy cutting-edge design with the convenience of hotel services at their doorstep. Michael Saunders & Company, known as the premiere luxury real estate firm on Florida’s West Coast, is selling two-and-three-bedroom residential condominiums starting at approximately $1.8 million.

SOTA Sales Gallery: 1734 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236, Property Address: 1703 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236, 941-462-3900 | info@TheSota.com | TheSota.com.

For the month of November 377,272 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a 5% increase compared to 359,488 passengers in November 2022.  The 12-month activity through November 2023 totals 4,294,064 passengers, a 12.5% increase compared to 3,817,099 passengers for the 12 months through November 2022.  SRQ has seen a 13% increase in passengers for the calendar year-to-date as compared to the first 11 months of 2022.  “With our passenger numbers continuing to increase each month, it was nice to see that some of the recently completed construction improvements at the airport helped create a smooth travel experience for our customers over the Thanksgiving holiday.  The opening of a new 356 space paved parking lot, new 124 space cell phone lot, and an increase in staffing, combined with  cooperative weather allowed passengers to experience the convenient ease of travel that SRQ offers,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

Pulte Homes’ two professionally decorated model homes in Legacy Groves reflect the carefree elegance of a lifestyle only 10 minutes from Gulf of Mexico beaches. The models are anticipated for completion in January and represent the Nokomis community’s two collections of twin garden villas and single-family homes overlooking lakes and nature preserves. An intimate gated enclave of 138 homes with private amenities, Legacy Groves offers five floor plans, including the Ellenwood in the Villa series and four single-family Distinctive series homes with two to four bedrooms, up to three full bathrooms and 1,579 to 2,080 + square feet of air-conditioned living space. Created by Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for 70 years, the consumer-inspired home designs appeal to modern lifestyles, emphasizing spacious main living areas, flexibility, well-appointed kitchens and owner’s suites, and outdoor living. With pricing anticipated from the $400,000s, Legacy Groves offers “one-turn” convenience to I-75 and U.S. 41, Southwest Florida’s main commuter corridors. Inspired by a 120-year-old oak tree, the community offers two entrances on Albee Farm Road, just north of its intersection with Florence Street and Edmonson Road. Legacy Groves is located near the city of Venice, a beach town recognized nationally for its coastal vibe and livability. Residents will enjoy convenient proximity to national retail stores and restaurants as well as hometown favorites, including Sharky’s on the Pier, Daiquiri Deck, and Detwiler’s Farm Market. To receive exclusive monthly updates about available homesites, pricing, grand opening information and more, join the VIP Interest List at www.Pulte.com/LegacyGroves or by calling and texting 941-265-2880 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Two designers, Tweeds Suit Shop, the premier custom suit shop, and BSWANKY, a fearless designed innovated into art, are thrilled to share the exciting news of their first design collaboration. The captivating partnership has redefined the boundaries of what is possible in the world of bespoke fashion. The collaboration brings together two Sarasota visionaries. Donald Carlson, founder of Tweeds Suit Shop, known for his elevated style and passion for custom-fitted menswear, founded his business with the mission of helping individuals express their personal style while staying timeless and true to custom menswear. Tweeds specializes in creating custom wardrobe pieces that are tailored to perfection, true investment pieces that speak to the individual's unique shape and measurements. From the selection of fabric and style down to the lining, buttons, thread color, and custom embroidery, each and every detail is designed together with the client. Gretchen Bauer, founder of BSWANKY, has a rich history rooted in art and design with her team of artisans, fearlessly pairing rare exotics to create one-of-a-kind handbags. BSWANKY believes in elevating its collectors, turning each handbag into a true expression of the individual. With a passion for pushing boundaries and a belief that inspiration can come from anywhere, Bauer creates handbags created with bold exotics from intimate boutique family tanneries whose stories are as important as the visual aesthetic of the material. Fearless design innovated into art, each defiant masterpiece becomes a true expression of the woman who carries her. Inspired by Tweeds’ bold plaid bamboo textiles, BSWANKY created three custom handbags that were revealed at a recent launch event on November 8th, 2023 at Tweeds Suit Shop located in Downtown Sarasota. These handbags incorporated the rarest vintage flattened pearled Parisienne gold leaf ostrich, flawless metallic finished lizard from a boutique family tannery in Spain, and their own 24kt gold hardware and statement chain. The collaboration seamlessly blended BSWANKY's fearless design with Tweeds’ iconic bamboo plaids from master weavers. The VIP reception showcased the artistry and craftsmanship that set these two emerging brands apart. Together, they have created collaborative heirlooms that will inspire designers and evoke a sense of boundless creativity and luxury. For holiday gift-giving opportunities, each designer offers exclusive bespoke design experiences. Schedule with BSWANKY at their private Sarasota atelier by contacting Concierge@bswanky.com. 

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce that Corrections Sergeant Stephanie Knapek graduated on December 15 from the Florida Leadership Academy, Class 55, hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute. Sergeant Knapek and 43 other first-line supervisors attended the four week-long sessions. The graduates learned skills necessary to support the needs of their local agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges. The Florida Leadership Academy training prepares these first-line supervisors to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the characteristics needed to become an efficient leader. “The Florida Leadership Academy not only benefits the graduate, but it elevates service throughout our agency and community,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Training supervisors to be decisive and effective leaders is critical to keeping all areas of our agency top-notch. At SCSO, we value and prioritize training.” 

Pictured: Left to Right – Captain James Forrest and Corrections Sergeant Stephanie Knapek.

Amy Worth, a Broker-Associate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty, has received 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM). The award honors members for their lifetime contribution to the local, state and national associations, and the community. During her three-decade career, Worth has held numerous leadership positions within the association. She served as 2019 RASM President and as a member of the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. She was also Chair of the Charitable Foundation and Fundraising Committee. She is active with the RASM Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC), serving as committee chair for the past two years. In 2021, she was named Realtor of the Year, and in 2022, she received the President’s Award. On the state level, Worth has served on the Florida Realtors Board of Directors and as the 2023 District Vice President, as well as on several committees and task forces. Worth was the 2013 President of the Florida Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) and served on the WCR National Executive Committee. She has earned the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. She supports Children’s Miracle Network, First Step Sarasota and Silent Angels, among other charitable organizations. Worth is based in the RE/MAX Platinum Realty downtown Sarasota office at 1500 State Street, and can be reached at (941) 928-5342. 

DutchCrafters’ efforts to create an equitable and supportive work environment for women have paid off. Half of the executive leadership team and more than 60% of the company’s manager positions are filled by women, including several who have been promoted within the company. Director of Operations Kari-Jo Koshes started at DutchCrafters as the assistant to the CEO in 2013. She advanced into several positions before being promoted to her current role in September 2023. She is responsible for leading innovations in shipping and product delivery, overseeing the warehouse and outlet store, and managing showroom experience and expansion. Koshes has been selected for the 40 Under 40 lists for both the Business Observer and Furniture Today. “I prioritize leadership development in my career, and DutchCrafters has supported this goal through mentoring, training and advancement opportunities,” said Koshes. “I began my career at DutchCrafters in an entry-level position and have since advanced to become a member of our executive leadership team.” Marina de Sa Nogueira joined DutchCrafters in 2018 as a product management assistant. She was given the opportunity to develop the company’s Amazon presence where we excelled and was promoted to marketplace assistant manager before recently becoming the marketing and marketplace manager. “From my initial role as an assistant to my current position as a manager, DutchCrafters has empowered me to excel in my career, grow as an individual, and develop myself as a leader,” said de Sa Nogueira. “The company's commitment to fostering a culture of support, recognition, and continuous learning has inspired me to contribute meaningfully to our collective success.” CEO Jim Miller is humbled by this award. “People are our most important asset,” he said. “This honor belongs to our extraordinary team of dedicated employees who ensure a culture of appreciation and acknowledgment, where exceptional work is honored and celebrated.” 

Developer Matt Kihnke, President of MK Equity Corporation, announced plans to build an 18-story boutique luxury condominium tower in downtown Sarasota last Spring.  Located at 1260 North Palm Avenue, OBSIDIAN residences will redefine downtown luxury living and offer one residence per floor for a total of 14 meticulously designed “exclusive custom homes in the sky.” 

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