On August 31, Karie Friling celebrated her 90th day as the new Sarasota City ManagER. The Chicago native has worked in local government for over 30 years, and as she reflected on her first 90 days, she expressed optimism for the opportunity to live in Sarasota and have one grand adventure left. “I was planning on retiring from my job in DuPage County, and honestly, I thought I might come to Florida to be a waitress,” Friling said. Her friend sent her the recruiting page for Sarasota City Manager, and the rest fell into place. Although Friling says her job is very hectic, she still wakes up with a smile on her face, excited to come to work. “After being here for three months, I really do feel like this is my home,” she says.
What is your favorite thing about living in Sarasota? Can I only pick one thing? I love how everything is at your fingertips. It’s a very walkable city: I can go to one of our great local businesses for lunch. On the weekends, I can walk to the beach and the farmers market.
Describe a typical day in the life as City Manager? There is no typical day and that’s one of the reasons that I love being a City Manager. Each day is different, but they all usually involve meeting with a variety of people from every walk of life. During the first 100 days, I have had over 350 meetings, which has helped me better understand our City and the opportunities and challenges we face together. I do work about 60+ hours a week, depending on what various events and activities that are going on throughout the community. I love getting out of City Hall, visiting with our employees, meeting residents, and seeing firsthand the work being done throughout our community.
What’s your favorite local spot in Sarasota? If you want to know one place you can find me on a Saturday, it’s going to be Lido Beach.
What’s still on your Sarasota bucket list? I haven’t been to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens yet, and I really want to visit. I can’t wait to go to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game this winter.
Share a future goal you have? Someday, when I’m done with this adventure, I will be a part-time waitress somewhere. I think it would be fun to just work the breakfast shift somewhere in the Keys, chit-chat with the fishermen, hang up my apron and go off to the beach for the rest of the day.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m a speed-reader. It served me very well when I was in college.
If you could pick any dish for your last supper meal, what would it be? A really good salad to start, an iced cold bottle of Coca Cola and a golden, thick crust deep dish pizza.
What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy? I always connected with Winnie-the-Pooh, and I think it’s because my father always called me “Pooh Bear.” I decorated my twins’ nursery with Winnie-the-Pooh items. Pooh Bear is kind, caring and nice.
If you could invite one person to be on a podcast with you–living or passed–who would it be? Without hesitation, it would be my dad. He passed away a few years ago, but he remains one of the most influential people in my life. He was one of the humblest and kindest people I’ve ever known. He lived his life working hard, with integrity and believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult or when no one was watching. He taught me the importance of keeping your word and standing by your principles. Those lessons I’ve carried with me throughout my public service career. I hope that I have made him proud.
What is your favorite music/playlist? I’m a big fan of Van Morrison. I love music that has soul, tells a story, and makes you feel something. His music is timeless, and it’s the kind I can listen to no matter what type of day I’ve had. One my favorite songs of his, is Days Like This.
What are you most proud of? My four daughters. I have tried to raise them to be strong females and to know that anything they put their minds to, they can accomplish —and that they need to care about the world and the impact they have on it. SRQ
