SRQ DAILY Aug 11, 2025
Monday Business Edition
"We both grew up together dreaming of going into medicine, so it is wonderful to be reunited with her training as co-residents."
Next Tuesday, August 19, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange will host Dr. Amir Ferreira Neto for a Lunch & Learn on the current economic state in the Sarasota and Charlotte County area. Ferreira Neto, who works as director of the Regional Economic Research Institute and associate professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University, shares his perspective on this topic ahead of his presentation.
Can you provide some insight into the current economic situation in this region?
This is not much of a surprise for the region, but we are seeing signs of a slowdown. We have been through several different hurricanes over the past year, and the cost of reconstruction and insurance, as well as the effect on the real estate market, are all contributing to a downturn in our economy.
Can you explain more about the effect that these storms have had on the real estate market?
Since these hurricanes, we have seen declines over the year in the median price of homes sold in Sarasota. The real estate market had a peak after COVID, but that has started to slow down—in the past 13 months, the median price of sold homes has been declining during 12 of those months.
What do you see as the greatest economic opportunities for the region moving forward?
A lot of how we rebuild from these hurricanes is going to determine our future growth path.
It's quite interesting to think about what's going to happen next, and I think that's where it really depends on what we decide to prioritize as we are rebuilding, because that's what's going to determine which companies and how many companies, as well as how many people we are attracting to the region to sustain future growth and the ability of the region to support potential new residents and new businesses.
What do you hope attendees will take away from your presentation with GCBX?
As we think about what is happening in Southwest Florida overall, we need to understand that our growth is driven by bringing in new businesses and people. So we need to start seriously talking about housing attainability, both for locals looking to buy new homes and for people who are moving here, because that is going to be key to rebuilding and developing our economy. I’d also like more people to know that FGCU and the Regional Economic Research Institute provide many resources with data, but also information for better data-driven decision making. So I hope people know this resource that exists and is open for everyone to use.
Contact eventsinfo@gcbx.org for more details. 
Pictured: Feirrera Neto is currently director of the Regional Economic Research Institute and associate professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University. Provided photo.
This past Sunday, August 3, marked National Sisters Day. For a pair of medical residents at HCA Sarasota Florida Doctors Hospital, the day was particularly significant. Sisters Srija Reddy, M.D. and Sriya Reddy, D.O., are both in the internal medicine residency program at HCA Sarasota Florida Doctors Hospital. Srija, the older of the two, started the three-year rotation two years ago. This July, Sriya, who went to LECOM medical school in Bradenton, joined her sister in the program.
“Ever since my sister started the program, I’ve followed her progress and have heard nothing but amazing things from everyone at the hospital. Everyone is incredibly supportive of one another and the culture is phenomenal,” says Sriya. “I already knew that this was an amazing program, plus I’m fond of the area and loved that my sister was there. We both grew up together dreaming of going into medicine, so it’s wonderful to be reunited with her training as co-residents.”
For Srija, who went to medical school in India, HCA Sarasota has been the perfect place to grow. The internal medicine graduate medical education program, which launched in 2023, is intense—only 12 categorical residents are selected per year—and prepares residents to enter primary care or pursue a fellowship in a subspecialty. Srija credits the culture of the program as being pivotal in her journey throughout her residency. “Everyone is very loving. It genuinely feels like a family environment, you can tell them anything and they’re always there for you,” Srija says. “It’s a great community hospital.”
Although Srija and Sriya likely won’t be treating patients together due to being in different training years, the sisters do get to spend time together during the weekly didactic sessions in the program. Srija and Sriya also live together and enjoy catching sunsets at Bird Key Park, beach days on Siesta Key and Lido Key and hanging out at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.
“I love the fact that because we shared so many childhood experiences together, we now get to share experiences in the work setting as well. It's brought us even closer than we already were,” says Srija.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 34233
(Left to Right) Sisters Sriya Reddy, D.O. and Srija Reddy, M.D. Provided photo.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is proud to announce that two First Physicians Group cardiothoracic surgeons, Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, and Jeffrey Sell, MD, have been named to Newsweek’s 2025 list of “America’s Leading Doctors.”
Watersound, a 5,700-square-foot custom home by Nautilus Homes, has earned the coveted Golden Aurora Award for Best in Show at the 2025 Southeast Building Conference, along with three Grand Aurora Awards in the categories of Best Custom Home (5,000–10,000 sq. ft.); Best Kitchen Design (for a custom/spec one-of-a-kind home) and Best Interior Detailing (for a Home Priced Over $1,000,000).
Tanya Peeters has joined Christopher Alan Homes as controller. In this role, she oversees the company’s accounting operations, financial reporting and analysis. Peeters holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Upper Iowa University, as well as a master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. She has over a decade of experience working in finance and accounting and has worked in the Southwest Florida area since 2017. Most recently, she was controller at a national homebuilding company. She has also previously worked for Hertz and Industrial Service Solutions. Headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, Christopher Alan Homes is a builder-owned company that builds on individual homesites in Charlotte and Lee counties in Southwest Florida and Palm Bay on Florida’s East Coast. Home Builder Executive ranks the company 58th in the top 100 private homebuilders for 2024 by closings nationally and 82nd in the top 100 public and private homebuilders by closings nationally. Zonda ranks the company 94th in its annual Builder 100 list. For more information about Christopher Alan Homes, visit christopheralanhomes.com or call 855-44-MYCAH (69224).
Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Mallory D. Osteen to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, effective August 1, 2025. The Commission recommends qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies in Sarasota,
Manatee and DeSoto Counties which are designated to be filled via appointment by the Governor’s office.
Bliss Dermatology + Wellness has been named one of The Best Companies to Work for in Florida according to Florida Trend. This recognition reflects Bliss Dermatology + Wellness’ ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, team-focused environment. The practice values collaboration, employee well-being, and community involvement, key elements that contribute to overall team satisfaction. The annual list, featured in the August issue, highlights companies that prioritize a strong workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and meaningful engagement. Companies across the state are evaluated based on their workplace policies, practices, and employee feedback through an independent survey process. The program highlights organizations that understand the connection between community engagement and a healthy workplace culture.
Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, recently had three of its physicians named to Newsweek’s America’s Leading Doctors 2025 list: Dr. David Cashen, Dr. Avi Kumar and Dr. Alan Valadie. Dr. David Cashen and Dr. Alan Valadie were recognized as leading doctors in hip surgery, and Dr. Avi Kumar was recognized as a leader in shoulder surgery. The comprehensive ranking spotlights more than 2,800 of the nation's most respected doctors across 15 specialties in hospital systems around the country, including hip, knee, pain management and sports medicine, among others. To compile its list, Newsweek partners with the global data research firm Statista to conduct a nationwide survey of actively practicing physicians affiliated with hospitals. According to Statista, the rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of four key data sources: physician performance metrics, a state-by-state online survey, quality scores and professional certifications.
Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is proud to announce that twelve of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Florida Super Lawyers, and five attorneys as Florida Rising Stars. This prestigious recognition honors attorneys who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and peer recognition. Only 5% of attorneys in Florida are named to the Super Lawyers list, while the Rising Stars distinction is awarded to just 2.5% of eligible lawyers under age 40 or with 10 years or less in practice.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital received the federal government’s highest quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today, setting a 10-year benchmark for 5-star care in Florida and the nation. Of more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated each year, SMH-Sarasota is the only hospital in Florida – and among less than 20 nationwide – to receive a 5-star rating every year since CMS began the overall hospital quality star ratings in 2016. It is the only hospital in the Tampa Bay region to earn 5 stars this year. For more information about the 2025 CMS Star Ratings, visit medicare.gov/care-compare.
Manatee Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Judy Young, MBA, BSN, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), reporting to Andy Guz, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital. A seasoned healthcare leader with more than 38 years of nursing experience, Judy transitions into this role after serving with distinction as CNO at sister facility Lakewood Ranch Medical Center since 2014. In her new position, Judy will lead all nursing services and the clinical aspects of all other hospital departments, continuing her unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety and compassionate care. Her proven track record in optimizing patient outcomes, strengthening nurse engagement, and successfully navigating numerous Joint Commission accreditations positions her as an outstanding addition to the hospital’s executive leadership team.
The Ringling Museum of Art hosts a significant collection of Creative Prints produced by Japanese artists who believed in the practice of self-designing, self-carving, and self-printing their own work. The Creative Print movement was inspired by early 20th-century European prints that called attention to self-expression and artistic exploration through the medium of woodblock prints.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
The figure is one of the oldest records of our existence as a species capable of storytelling; depictions of the human body constitute some of the oldest subjects in art. EMBODIED expands on the definition of the human figure by bringing together varied representations in painting, sculpture, fiber, video, and mixed media by some of the most exciting artists working in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
A bi-monthly open jam session for professional and non-professional musicians in the Geldbart Auditorium at the downtown Selby Library. The jam begins at 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Event is free and open to all. A viewing audience is welcome and encouraged. Piano, bass and drum are on site. A fun, social and entertaining event. Come, sign up to play or sing, or just come out to watch and enjoy.
Selby Library, 1331 1st St, Sarasota
This promises to be a memorable evening of music that speaks to the heart, the mind and maybe even your feet! Doors open 6:30 pm for dinner and beverage service.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street at Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota
Back by popular demand! Roger Bean's new show is a nostalgic tribute to golden oldie TV show melodies in a wild musical gameshow within a gameshow format. You'll be sure to find yourself humming and playing along!
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
Join us for a weekly guided tour of the night sky in our state-of-the-art planetarium. As Earth moves around the sun, different objects come into view. We'll not only discuss what you can see this season, we'll fly you there!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
The Exotic Car Show on St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota returns for its 13th consecutive year, proudly presented by Sage Auto Studios. This premier automotive event transforms one of Florida’s most iconic shopping and dining destinations into a showcase of the world’s most coveted vehicles. From Ferraris and Lamborghinis to McLarens and rare supercars, the streets of St. Armand’s come alive with roaring engines, polished finishes, and passionate enthusiasts. Guests are invited to stroll the palm-lined Circle, explore the stunning lineup, speak with car owners, and enjoy the surrounding boutiques and restaurants that make this location so unique. Now a Sarasota tradition, the event is more than just a car show—it’s a celebration with purpose. All proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, a heartfelt local charity dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for terminally ill children and their families. Thanks to the ongoing support of Sage Auto Studios and the local community, this fifth annual event continues to grow in impact, blending horsepower and heart into an unforgettable day for car lovers and families alike.
Sage Auto Studios, St. Armands Circle
Stelliferous is your monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
Come test drive an acting class with Venice Theatre's lead instructor Brad Wages, and discover the joy of acting! For students who are new to the world of acting. This workshop is a part of Wellen Park's Solis Hall Summer Series.
Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice
Every Sunday at 11 a.m., enjoy tranquil views of the manatees being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while engaging in yoga poses focused on balance, flexibility, and strength. Guests will need to bring their own yoga mats. Proceeds support the rehabilitation and return of manatees to the wild. Group size is limited to 15 participants, and advance registration is required. Ages 7 and up welcome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
There's much ado about something in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy from Lauren Gunderson. Lady Disdain is a fast-paced, razor-sharp riff on the deliciously dramatic world of Fantasy Romance novels (yes, those ones-you know them, you love them). Beatrice and Benedict, rival audiobook narrators with voices made for swooning and tempers made for sparring, are locked in a battle of wits, words, and wildly inconvenient attraction. Asolo Rep proudly presents this world premiere from one of America's most celebrated and funny playwrights.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
A huge influence of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time, adding fierce guitar and swing to traditional gospel music, becoming the Mother of Rock n Roll. Marie and Rosetta chronicles her first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in music history.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
This beloved classic has delighted audiences across the globe for over six decades. Tevye, the village milkman, is trying to provide his wife and their five daughters with a life filled with prosperity, faith, and tradition. But a revolution is on the horizon and everything they have come to cherish hangs in the balance. One of the most beloved musicals of all times makes its long-awaited debut on the Asolo Rep stage.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The legendary Beaux Arts Ball is back! This Centennial revival will be a spectacular evening of creativity, performance, and celebration in an event worthy of 100 years.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
From the writer of television's Dr. Who, Sherlock, and Dracula comes a hilarious new play about an unwanted house guest. After twenty years of marriage, Peter and Debbie are enjoying a cruise and a break from their annoying teenagers, when they meet an eagerly friendly, but perhaps dangerous, fellow passenger named Elsa. Before you know it, she's taken up residence in their suburban home. Asolo Rep stages the US premiere of this hugely entertaining and satirical look at the terrifying lengths we go just to be nice.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Rooted in Latino folklore and mythology, Wolf at the Door is a haunting fairy tale about power, survival, and resistance. Isadora finds the courage to defy her abusive husband, Septimo, when he imprisons the very pregnant Yolot against her will. Through poetic storytelling and rich symbolism, the play dives into the darkness that can reside in domestic spaces, and the fierce strength needed to escape it.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
ArtCenter Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with Medium Mutiny, a juried exhibition selected by Ed Swan Jr. that celebrates boundary-pushing works challenging tradition through bold experimentation in form, material, and concept. Solo exhibitions include Living by the Water by Cat Tesla, whose serene, abstract paintings reflect a journey of healing and transformation inspired by Florida's landscapes. A new body of work by Anja Palombo, blending her deep love of nature and art history into expressive visual narratives. In Architect as Artist, co-curated by Morris Hylton III, Sarasota-based architects including Carl Abbott, Jerry Sparkman, and Javi Suárez present multidisciplinary works that blur the line between design and fine art. This group exhibition honors Sarasota's architectural legacy and highlights the creative synergy between structure, space, and artistic vision.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
In celebration of our Centennial, ArtCenter Sarasota proudly presents the North County Spring Art Show, featuring artwork from over 1,500 K-12 students in Sarasota's public and charter schools. Organized by Angela Hartvigsen and Debra Markley, this cherished annual tradition showcases the creativity of young artists, many exhibiting in a gallery for the first time. The exhibition includes special award ceremonies for both elementary and high school students, with over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. It's a joyful reminder that the future of art is already in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Set in ancient Athens, A Midsummer Night's Dream weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of intertwining worlds - courtly, rustic, and magical. As Duke Theseus and Hippolyta prepare for their royal wedding, four young lovers flee into an enchanted forest, where a troupe of amateur actors is also rehearsing a play for the occasion. Unbeknownst to them all, the forest is alive with fairies who meddle, manipulate, and stir chaos of their own. Love turns dark, identities blur, and the lines between reality and illusion dissolve in this heady, dreamlike comedy exploring desire, transformation, and the delirium of bliss.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
ArtCenter Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with a powerful lineup of exhibitions that celebrate storytelling, performance, and community. Art of the Spectacle, juried by Maria Schaedler-Luera, invites bold and theatrical works inspired by fashion, circus, and stagecraft. In the solo exhibition At Home Anywhere, Bahamian artist Kendra Frorup explores themes of belonging, transformation, and cultural memory through sculptural forms rich in narrative and material symbolism. Herion Park's deeply personal installation pays tribute to her mother's unconditional love, using textiles, organic materials, and cast forms to reflect universal emotions of connection and healing. In Across Generations: Rooted in Community, co-curated by Paul Toliver, Newtown and Overtown artists come together in a group exhibition that honors the enduring impact of Sarasota's historically Black neighborhoods on the city's creative identity. Together, these exhibitions offer a vibrant, emotional, and visually striking reflection on heritage, expression, and the power of art to unite.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This smart, dark revenge comedy by Lauren Gunderson takes a Shakespearean stage direction and runs with it. Hilarious, poignant, and wickedly empowering, the play follows a woman taking control of her story, with duct tape, a frozen steak, and a wild plan.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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