Perhaps “by accident” sounds a little sensationalist, but to hear Jay Mancini tell it, the phrase has more than a grain of truth to it. Her and husband Antonio, a former pizzaiolo at Napule Restaurant on South Tamiami, stumbled upon their restaurant space with the intent of operating a different food venture called Vesuvio Neapolitan Pizza. That venture makes authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas up to Associazione specs, then flash-freezes and vacuum seals them so they can be made at home. “But we have a lot of friends and acquaintances that kept telling us to open a restaurant,” says Mancini.

The result of those constant entreaties is Atmosphere Neapolitan Pizzeria, located in the Sarasota Commons plaza on Beneva Road.

A small remodel of the interior space yielded a modest capacity of 35 seats, many of those at the pizza bar where patrons can watch Antonio whip up the fluffy wood-fired personal pizzas that Sarasota has come to embrace. The classic Margherita sits alongside other Neapolitan staples, while pastas, salads and panuozzos fill out the rest. Panuozzos might be one of the greatest sandwiches ever invented. It takes the dough used for a Neapolitan pizza and uses it as the “bread” for an assortment of hot and cold sandwiches. The campania panuozzo comes with sausage, rapini and imported provolone cheese, baked in the stylish domed pizza oven. Rich, cheesy and a touch bitter on account of the rapini, the panuozzo has a unique fresh bread appeal that most sandwiches don’t. 

What a happy little accident. Sort of. 

Photo taken by Andy Fabian

Atmosphere Neapolitan Pizzeria, 935 N Beneva Rd., Sarasota, 941-203-8542

Save Our Seabirds (SOS), one of the largest bird rescue centers in the state of Florida, recently appointed Aaron Virgin as its new chief executive officer. Talent acquisition company MBJ Group led the organization’s nationwide search for a new CEO to help SOS fulfill its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release seabirds, and to educate people of all ages on environmental issues.

With over 20 years of experience, Virgin brings an extensive background in wildlife and environmental issues to the nonprofit. Most recently, he served as the philanthropy officer for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. During his time there, Virgin utilized his background in natural sciences to foster a unique dialogue with Mote’s longtime supporters and prospects, and raised major gifts for research projects and operating support. 

In his new role, Virgin will be responsible for working with the SOS board of directors to create and fulfill the board’s strategic plan, establish appropriate goals for financial and operational performance, manage a high-performance team and control operational aspects of the organization, among other duties. “I am excited to join the SOS team during a time of promising growth and change,” said Aaron Virgin. “I look forward to working with the board, staff and volunteers to enhance the quality of life for the birds on site, make upgrades to the avian hospital and build an educational center to create a rewarding experience for all.” 

UBS Wealth Management USA announced that three Financial Advisor teams across New York City, Sarasota and Gainesville have merged together to expand and diversify their offering to clients. The teams, managed by advisors Scott D. Zelniker, Peter Dorfman, Michael Carr Jr., Jason E. Hughes, Justin K.  Leins, will go by the name of The Zelniker Dorfman Carr & Heritage Group, and will serve ultra-high and high net worth  individuals, businesses, and families across New York and Florida. Combined, they will manage over $1.5 billion in assets. 

The team will specialize tailored solutions across portfolio management with an emphasis on estate and legacy  planning for multigenerational families, liquidity options, retirement plans, succession planning for business owners,  and concierge services for athletes and entertainers. The depth and range of their expertise and perspective enables clients to work with people they can identify with, offering customized solutions for specific needs at any stage of life. 

“Over the last year, our business has transformed to meet the changing financial needs of our diverse clients, from  young, successful entrepreneurs, athletes and entertainers to seasoned business owners, affluent families, and  established institutions,” said Scott D. Zelniker, Private Wealth Advisor and Senior Portfolio Manager at UBS Private  Wealth Management. “Today’s clients want demonstrated expertise in areas beyond traditional investing—we’re  essentially acting as the honorary ‘CFO’ for many of the people we serve.”   

This August Girls Inc. is hosting the 6^th Annual August Match Campaign where all gifts to the organization are matched dollar for dollar, up to $150,000.  The matching funds are generously provided by Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and an anonymous donor. 

Funds raised during the August Match Campaign support scholarships for girls to attend afterschool programming at Girls Inc. where they are inspired to be strong, smart, and bold in three key areas- academic achievement, health and fitness, and life skills. The funds also support our ongoing partnership with Sarasota County Schools, helping to ensure all girls in the Sarasota area have access to intentional, research-based, and age-appropriate programming. Girls Inc. serves approximately 800 girls annually through afterschool, summer camp, and school-based programs in our community.

Gifts can be made online at GIrlsIncSRQ.org or mailed to the organization’s center at 201 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota.  All gifts made during the month of August are matched dollar for dollar up to $150,000. 

Photo courtesy of Girls Inc.

The Child Protection Center (CPC) has been awarded accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

The vital mission of Child Protection Center is the prevention, intervention and treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida. In the past year, CPC’s Child Protection Team had a 16% increase in services due to the more severe cases seen during the pandemic.

For more information on CPC, please visit CPCSarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.  

The public is invited to join Manatee and Sarasota County and City Elected Officials, the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 1 to prioritize regional transportation safety needs for the MPO Destination Zero Action Plan. On September 27, 2021, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, the Destination Zero Workshop will be held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Boulevard, Palmetto. 

The Destination Zero Action Plan will serve as a roadmap leading the MPO towards its ultimate vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries on the transportation system. In addition, the MPO’s Destination Zero Action Plan will provide an educational framework for jurisdictions to catalyze the development of their own local Action Plans. David Hutchinson, MPO Executive Director, explains, “The simple act of going to the grocery store, running an errand, going to work, going to school, or visiting family and friends should not be a near-death experience.” For more details, visit the project page here. Space is limited, please make sure to reserve your seat here.  

To protect our patients, caregivers, and community, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is enacting the following: Modified Visitor Policy (Effective Immediately). This includes No visitors permitted in inpatient units.

• Exceptions must be approved by the Administrator on Call (AOC) or administration and can be made for end-of-life situations and behavioral health units
• A patient’s attorney of record, a state or federal representative on official duty, and end-of-life situation visitors are allowed
• Emergency Room – One visitor is allowed per patient in the ER.
• Outpatient Procedures – One visitor is allowed per patient who is having outpatient surgery or other outpatient procedure requiring sedation.
• Anyone under the age of 18 will not be considered for visitation unless they are the parent of a hospitalized child.

To safeguard community health during the current surge in COVID-19 cases, the Development Services Department resumed appointment-only in-person service effective immediately. To schedule an appointment for permitting, email subnocroof@sarasotafl.gov or call 941-263-6494.  For all other appointments, call the appropriate division: Code Compliance: 941-263-6417; Local Business Sales Tax: 941-263-6469; Engineering: 941-263-6532;  Zoning: 941-263-6432 

The Building Division’s drop box for plans and other transmittals remains available to the public in the City Hall Annex lobby, 1565 First St., from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff are monitoring the local positivity rate daily to determine when to fully reopen Development Services to the public. The rest of City Hall and other City buildings are open to the public. Face coverings are encouraged indoors.

For more information on appointment-only service, please contact Kevin McAndrew, Development Services General Manager, at 941-263-6590 or visit the Development Services webpage. 

Transporting audiences virtually through the pandemic. 

Click here to read the full article in SRQ's July/August 2021 edition.