Set on a Gulf to Bay barrier island property, this residence was requested by the owners to be a contemporary home that avoided the ubiquitous look of “the white modern boxes” that were proliferating along the island. The homeowners sought an architecture that blurred the boundary between nature and architecture, land and water, straight lines and curved forms. To this end, the architects proposed what was ultimately coined the “split-level hugger plan,” a hybrid plan that borrows from the American suburban split-level house type, joins it (loosely) with a modified courtyard model, and elevates the whole to respond to the Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain requirements and coastal resiliency standards of construction. The outcome is a response to the relationships inherent in building on a barrier island – on land that is bounded on the bay with its tea-colored brackish water and mangroves, rises gently toward the coastal strand that flourishes with native beach grasses and sea grape trees, and descends to the shallow beaches of the Gulf of Mexico (a veritable essay in Southwest Florida coastal habitats). The architectural response to this program and landscape relationship was one of sinuous lines, nonorthogonal form and inflection toward the Gulf and Bay. Materials like stucco, tabby, glass, wood and ground concrete floor slabs were chosen to endure the corrosive coastal environment. The landscape ground plane wraps around, up and under the home, suggesting that architecture and site are inseparable. The continuity of the architectural lines, hovering and tapering roof planes, and soffits that confine and release interior spaces, together speak a language that is neither rational nor unwelcome (in this context). 

Architect: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors Contractor/Builder: Josh Wynne Construction Landscape: John Wheeler Landscape, Inc. Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Click for the article in the March 2024 edition.

Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations — from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. Tuesday, December 5, attendees happily joined together to recognize our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards Luncheon at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. We are delighted to feature each of the twelve honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today we are recognizing Neil Lyons, Associate with Luhrsen Goldberg. Neil is an attorney whose dedication to serving the underprivileged is deeply personal and is inspired by his father, who served in the Navy for twenty-five years, and his father-in-law, who spent the last twelve years of his medical career working for the health department in Sarasota. He has selflessly served the elderly, homeless and indigent members of our community on a pro-bono basis throughout his career and founded the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Access to Justice Task Force to coordinate pro bono work among SCBA members, legal aid organizations, and the court system. Through this work he was able to obtain commitments from more than twenty-five attorneys to partner with this task force. Neil started his pro bono service by volunteering hundreds of hours for Gulf Coast Legal Services where he represented indigent clients. He accepted court appointments of indigent wards in guardianship matters in lieu of being compensated through the Judicial Administrative Commission and contributed more than one hundred hours of pro bono service to indigent clients in 2015. He has volunteered to handle multiple cases for Legal Aid of Manasota and their “No Place Like Home” project. He worked with Sarasota County’s Homeless Outreach Team and personally represented several guardians helping homeless individuals get back on their feet. In 2014, he provided over sixty hours of pro bono service. In 2015 and 2016, he donated over 100 hours each year. He provided more than 125 hours in 2018 and over 100 in 2019. Between 2014 and 2023, Mr. Lyons provided more than 1,000 hours of pro bono representation. The number of hours Mr. Lyons dedicates to pro bono service on top of his private firm obligations is truly awe-inspiring. Congratulations Neil! 

Pictured: Bart Lowther (left) of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management with Neil Lyons of Luhrsen Goldberg Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

In advance of National Foster Care Month in May, child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is encouraging the community to show foster families their deep appreciation for caring for children in crisis. The organization is collecting gift baskets and gift cards to present to foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) during a Foster Parent Appreciation event in early May. Gift baskets might cover themes including: movie night, with a Netflix gift card and snacks, or a restaurant gift card and movie theater tickets; game night, with board games and snacks; date night, with movie and/or restaurant gift cards, meal delivery service, or tickets to a local attraction; gardening supplies such as tools, plant nursery gift cards, and flower or vegetable seeds; or a theme of the donor’s choosing. Community members can also organize gift card drives for spa services, restaurants, recreational outings, groceries, gas, or other services or resources. Commitments are needed by March 15; community members can indicate their participation by filling out a simple form at sccfl.org/foster-parent-appreciation. Gift baskets can be dropped off at an SCC office between April 1-12. For further information or help in completing the form, email laldridge@sccfl.org or call 941-504-7420 to speak with program assistant, LeAnn Aldridge. Additionally, to make a monetary donation, visit sccfl.org/donate. These donations support critical lifesaving programs and services for children and families. The next information session for those interested in fostering children in Circuit 12 will take place March 13. For more information, visit sccfl.org/foster; to inquire about becoming a foster parent, contact foster parent recruitment specialist Melissa Hueser at 941-334-2971 or mhueser@sccfl.org. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is thrilled to announce that registration has opened for its outdoor, free, fun, vibrant, casual Better Together Block Party. Better Together will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the 1500 block of State Street in downtown Sarasota. The theme of this year’s Better Together event is Transform Together, a celebration of all the ways we transform our community for the better, together. The Better Together Block Party will allow attendees to engage in Gulf Coast’s key initiatives: education, arts, health and human services, and the environment, and the entire community is invited to celebrate the nonprofit region and the impact of philanthropy. The first 350 attendees to arrive at Better Together will receive a complimentary gift. Parking is available at the State Street parking garage. Registration is requested for the event and can be done via gulfcoastcf.org/bt24. “We hope the community will join us in this uplifting event highlighting how we transform together for the greater good of all. Better Together is a fun and free opportunity for Gulf Coast’s nonprofit partners, philanthropists, and community members of all ages to celebrate transformation and connection. This event is a culmination of Gulf Coast’s impact over 29 years with all the people who have made it possible,” shared Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. Better Together will include live music from the talented artists of Jah Movement; an interactive activity to improve water quality with the Oyster Boys Conservation; a hands-on opportunity to create love-inspired origami with Megan Howell from Second Heart Homes; face painters, and more. Participating State Street restaurants will have food and beverages available for purchase. Gulf Coast will have an informational booth at the east side end of State Street, near the parking garage. “Get ready to smile, laugh, and have fun as we celebrate all we can accomplish together at our Better Together Block Party on April 4,” said Gulf Coast’s Strategic Engagement Manager Kelly Borgia. “This year’s theme, Transform Together, is indicative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s transformational impact. Our initiatives will be highlighted through entertaining interactive activities. You don’t want to miss this exceptionally fun event.” 

Pictured: Gulf Coast Community Foundation invites the community to celebrate at Better Together, a free block party on State Street on April 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that celebrates the region’s philanthropic and nonprofit impact. Photo by Cliff Ro

Youth MOVE Suncoast, hosted by NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, is proud to announce it recently received the Chapter of the Year Award from Youth MOVE National. Founded in 2007, Youth MOVE National is dedicated to uniting the voices of youth nationwide. With chapters spread throughout the nation, the organization is founded on three principals: youth are the leaders of today, not tomorrow; all youth should be equal partners in the process of change; and youth can motivate others through their voices of experience. In 2021, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties launched the local Youth MOVE Suncoast chapter to develop safe spaces for youth and young adults (ages 10-29) to connect in a supportive environment that would address mental health needs while engaging in fun activities. By design, Youth MOVE Suncoast’s programs are developed and led by area youth and young adults. Each month, Youth MOVE Suncoast hosts meet-ups in which area youth ages 13 to 18 assemble for group activities at NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ YANA (You Are Not Alone) Center off Tuttle Avenue. Those ages 18 to 29 are invited to participate in a weekly online meet-up to discuss their challenges and successes and to learn from and lean on each other. On Sept. 25, 2023, Youth MOVE Suncoast partnered with SRQ Strong and provided two representatives to present their personal testimonies during a webinar titled “It Takes a Community: Prevent Youth Suicide.” More than 70 viewers tuned in via Zoom and Facebook Live. In addition, members of Youth MOVE Suncoast have partnered with Safe Children Coalition to provide support group activities for youth, including yoga activities during the summer months and, most recently, monthly uplifting meetups. Most notably, Youth MOVE Suncoast partnered with Dr. Margaret McGladrey and the University of South Florida to better understand how youth and the community can serve youth and young adults through programming post-pandemic. The project included a photo activity in which participants were asked to submit photos and captions of barriers and supports as it relates to mental well-being. Large and small group discussions and focus groups also were held. The initiative resulted in a list of concerns (or barriers) that young adults and youth face. The activity also resulted in a long list of support activities that would help with their mental well-being, including more cost-effective activities, music and art, LBGTQ+ friendly/safe places, games, mentorships, the ability to meet new people, and the ability to help more people understand their needs. Meanwhile, Youth MOVE Suncoast continues to partner with other organizations to give youth and young adults an opportunity to make a difference. On February 24, 2024, the organization is working with ALSO Youth to host a beach cleanup at Siesta Key Beach. Youth will gather at 3:30 p.m. and clean the beach from 4 to 5 p.m. together and then watch the sunset. Anyone ages 10 to 29 is invited to join. For more information about Youth MOVE Suncoast or the Elevating Voices Workgroup, visit NAMISarasotaManatee.org, follow the chapter on Instagram at @YMSUNCOAST or contact Stonecypher at Jordan@NAMISarasotaManatee.org. 

Human resources professional DD Goerke, who serves as the Chief People Officer for All Faiths Food Bank, has assumed the role of president for the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association, one of 28 statewide chapters comprising HR Florida. The mission of SHRA is to champion the highest professional standards of HR ethics and performance by providing ongoing professional development, resources, networking and support for its members and the community. Goerke has been involved with the local HR chapter since 2020. Goerke has worked for All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) since 2022 – she was hired as the Senior Director of People & Culture and promoted to her current position in September 2023. Goerke’s strength as a leader and shaper of culture was particularly crucial as AFFB settled into its new five-year strategic plan and prepared for the retirement of 12-year CEO Sandra Frank, with Nelle S. Miller stepping into the role of president & CEO early this year. For more about AFFB, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County welcomed 600 guests to its 12th annual “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon at the Municipal Auditorium on February 9, raising a record-setting $414,000 to support Sarasota County public libraries. The guest speaker was two-time Pulitzer Prize winning best-selling author Colson Whitehead. His talk was followed by a question-and-answer session led by Dr. Renee Di Pilato, Director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. Event proceeds will help to fund Summer Learning programs at all ten Sarasota County public libraries, increase advocacy efforts, and send free books to Sarasota’s youngest residents through the Library Foundation’s partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon was supported by 45 community partners, including Presenting Sponsor, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and Author Reception Sponsor, Bookstore1 Sarasota. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than  $8 million in private funds for the benefit of Sarasota County public libraries. To learn more about the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and how you can support its mission, please visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139. 

Sarasota County developer and attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. is donating more than 300 bottles of top-rated wine from his personal collection to an auction, with proceeds going directly to the Church of the Redeemer’s ministries and outreach program. The online auction will open on Monday, February 26th, at noon, and will conclude on Thursday, February 29th, at 11:45 pm, providing an opportunity for wine enthusiasts, philanthropists, and community members to come together to support the Church of the Redeemer. Featuring exquisite reds to elegant whites, a majority of the wine available for purchase has received ratings 95 or higher. Wines receiving a perfect 100 rating by wine critics and publications are often regarded as among the best in the world. The auction also offers several cases from the renowned California winemaker David Abreu, with some rare vintages retailing for more than $1,000 each. Starting bids for the wines range from $20 up to $1,250. For more information about the auction and wines available, visit https://www.redeemersarasota.org/wineauction/. In addition to donating this collection of fine wines to benefit the Church of the Redeemer, Culverhouse recently donated $500,000 -- marking the largest non-capital campaign donation in the parish’s 139-year history. The Church of the Redeemer, deeply rooted in Sarasota’s history, traces its origins to 1885, with Col. J. Hamilton Gillespie as one of its founders, who would later serve as the City of Sarasota’s inaugural mayor. The church has grown to nearly 3,000 members, making it the largest parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and among the largest in the country. Hugh Culverhouse Jr., serves as CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings Ltd in Sarasota, leading the 15,000-acre master-planned community for nearly three decades. Beyond his role in business, Culverhouse’s philanthropy has resulted in tens of millions of dollars to various community causes, higher education, mental health, and social welfare initiatives.  Culverhouse’s career includes serving as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, overseeing cases for the Southern District of Florida, and as a trial attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission in its division of enforcement. After his tenure in public service, he transitioned into private practice and community development. Holding degrees from the University of Florida in Business Administration and Law, Culverhouse completed an MBA program with a focus on corporate finance at New York University. He has also received his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in financial matters. 

The Florida Center for Early Childhood Education announces the receipt of a $2,000 grant from the Wawa Foundation. This funding will bolster an initiative dedicated to revitalizing and modernizing sensory and activity equipment for indoor play at Starfish Academy campuses located in Sarasota and North Port. Kimberly Treharne, the chief programs officer at The Florida Center, clarifies that the grant will be allocated within a $50,000 budget aimed at acquiring new sensory kits and equipment tailored for infants and toddlers. "The grant will facilitate enhancements in the classroom and therapy areas across our Sarasota and North Port campuses,” she says. “The program enables us to replace worn-out, obsolete equipment with cohesive, meticulously designed spaces and sensory tools that foster experiential learning, mental well-being, and wholesome development. 

Pictured: Children in a 3- to4-year-old class explore gardening techniques in the sensory garden at The Florida Center for Early Childhood Education’s Starfish Academy in Sarasota.

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is hosting its signature, annual fashion show on Friday, March 22, 2024 at The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota. The 2024 event, SPARCC Runway: Seasons of Sarasota will feature clothing styles and designs that showcase the Sarasota fashion scene throughout each season of the year! Guests will enjoy valet parking, shopping in our pop-up Treasure Chest fashion boutique, silent auction, chance drawings, a delicious luncheon complete with wine service, and an unforgettable and fantastic runway fashion show. This year guests can also avoid the valet rush and stay for an exclusive after-party with musical entertainment, cash bar and additional opportunities to shop the boutique. Registration and shopping begin at 10 AM, followed by the seated luncheon and fashion show at noon and the after-party immediately following. All festivities wrap-up by 2:30 PM. The 2024 SPARCC Runway Co-Chairs are Vickie Smith, Event Chair and Darci Jacob, Fashion Show Chair. In addition to a plethora of experience, this dynamic duo is sure to bring a fashion-forward and extraordinary event for all in attendance. All proceeds from the event support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208 ext. 110.  

Make sure to visit Sarasota Hooters for a special Friend Raiser benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Tuesday, March 5 from 11 am to 11 pm.  20% of food and beverage sales during the entire day will be donated to support the Sarasota Firefighters efforts of MDA. This Friend Raiser is an extension of the firefighters and paramedics annual “Fill the Boot” fundraiser that will take place on Friday, March 1st. Sarasota Hooters will once again serve as a Fill the Boot hub for Sarasota’s firefighters and paramedics. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.  Just mention this Friend Raiser to your server when dining in on Tuesday, March 5 and 20% of your food and beverage sales will be donated to the charity. “We are honored to support the Sarasota Firefighters long-standing efforts to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  We look forward to seeing our community at Sarasota Hooters to help raise additional funds for an important cause,” said LTP Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles.  Hooters created the Friend Raiser program for local non-profits and charitable organizations to raise additional funds for the community. For Friend Raiser information visit https://hootersflorida.com/friendraisers/. 

American Jewish Committee (AJC) West Coast Florida invites the community to its Spring Lunch & Learn on Sunday, March 17, 2024, with Keynote Speaker, AJC’s Chief Executive Officer Ted Deutch.  The former congressman became AJC’s CEO in October of 2022. Deutch will address the state of Jewish affairs around the world and how current events in Israel and global antisemitism are affecting our community. Event Chairs are David & Edie Chaifetz, Joel & Gail Morganroth, and the Benderson Family. The luncheon is sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law & Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Seating is limited for this event, which will be held at 12:00pm at Michael’s On East. Advance registration is required. Tickets are $39 and can be purchased at ajc.org/sarasota/spring2024. You may also call 941.365.4955 or email sarasota@ajc.org. AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. 

For the first time in 21 years, Embracing Our Differences (EOD) will be displaying its international outdoor art exhibit in St. Petersburg as part of its 2024 exhibition season. A free Grand Opening Celebration is Saturday, March 2, noon-2 p.m., in Poynter Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The event features music by Shelby Sol, an announcement by St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, and booths featuring area arts groups. 

Pictured: “Pieces of You” by Brianna Medina, 11th grade, Florida Virtual School, Indialantic, Florida. Photo courtesy of EOD.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently received a generous gift of over $2,500,000 from Drs. Gail and Joel Morganroth in support of the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute at Sarasota Memorial. Their gift will help train medical staff to perform at their highest level, expand the health system’s residency programs and attract and retain top medical professionals from around the country. “Philanthropy plays a significant role in ensuring that the research and education teams secure the funding they need to develop a state-of-the-art institute,” says Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation president Stacey Corley. “The Morganroth’s are long-term supporters of SMH, and we are grateful for their vision and continued generosity.” Joel is a board-certified academic cardiologist with over 30 years’ experience in clinical research and serves as an officer of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation board and Gail, a board-certified nephrologist and transformative leader in academic medicine at University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. They have been observing the substantial growth of the clinical research and graduate medical education programs at SMH. “Professionally, we have a passion for research and education,” said Joel. “Both programs are critical for recruiting and retaining outstanding physicians and medical staff,” “We also have a personal passion,” added Gail. “We’re interested in making our community a better place for all who live here.” Opening in 2025, the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute will be a state-of-the-art training and research center that expands research and training opportunities for physicians and clinicians caring for patients throughout the region. In addition to supporting clinical trials and research studies, the Kolschowsky Institute will offer a range of education programs including a state-of-the-art simulation center that expands hands-on training opportunities for physicians, nurses and students mastering new treatments and technologies.In recognition of their gift, the new auditorium at the Institute will be named the Morganroth Family Auditorium. The first-floor, high-tech space will be a hub for system-level events, board meetings, lectures, conferences, educational classes and more. 

All Faiths Food Bank, guided by its expert senior leadership team and dedicated volunteer board of directors, is committed to meeting immediate needs as well as bringing attention to – and working to break down – the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity. All Faiths is pleased to announce its 2024 board of directors, who will help to support and continue the organization’s decades of service as a trusted organization committed to bettering the community. New to the board this year is David Nichols, a retired financial professional with national public accounting and healthcare experience. Nichols spent 26 years with Dental Care Alliance, being promoted to CFO, then co-CEO and CFO (during this period, in 2014, the Tampa Bay Business Journal named Nichols “CFO of the Year”), before his retirement in January of 2018. He then served as a board member from 2018-2023. Prior positions include VP of finance for Biodynamics in Tampa and VP of finance for Central Park Lodges. The former CPA has significant community service to his credit, including the Sarasota County Industrial Development Bond Advisory Board (2001-present), Sarasota County Public Facility Financing Board (2001-2003), treasurer for South County Habitat for Humanity Catholic Charities (2021), and Van Wezel Foundation Society member (2017-2022). He began volunteering with All Faiths Food Bank in 2018. All Faiths Food Bank’s 2024 officers of the board are: Terri Vitale, chair; Patricia Courtois, vice chair; Rich Cautero, treasurer; and LaShawn Frost, secretary. Nichols joins fellow directors Dennis Doughty, Ben Hanan, Ron Jadin, Mitch Olan, Lisa Keverian-Press, Barton Lowther and Elton White. The board’s immediate priorities are to continue implementing and fine-tuning the organization’s five-year strategic plan – which provides bold new ideas, approaches and partnerships to address not just food insecurity, but its systemic, root-level causes – and supporting the continued seamless leadership transition, with new President & CEO Nelle S. Miller having assumed her role on January 2 of this year. 

DESIGN, UNFOLDED | The innovative thinking behind the one-of-a-kind Origami House, February 2024. 

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