SRQ DAILY Mar 2, 2026
Monday Business Edition
"At SRQ, we are passionate about engaging our readers in understanding and appreciating the magic of talented architectural creativity."
SRQ Magazine celebrated its 2026 Home of the Year on Friday evening, unveiling the winners during an awards ceremony at Architecture Sarasota. Each year, homes are submitted to the competition by home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers in the Sarasota and Manatee region, representing projects from Siesta Key to Myakka, Anna Maria to Downtown Sarasota. A panel of judges from around the country jury the entries and award the Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards.
Wes Roberts, SRQ Magazine’s executive publisher and host for the evening, opened the program by thanking all who participated in the competition.
“At SRQ, we are passionate about engaging our readers in understanding and appreciating the magic of talented architectural creativity, and as you see, we have a packed event today,” he said. “The Home of the Year Competition celebrates spectacular Gulf Coast homes in our region–homes that demonstrate superlative architecture and design, form and function working in tandem, integrity of the concept and excellence in execution of the design process.
Judges for this year’s competition were Brad Tomecek, the principal of Tomecek Studio Architecture in Denver, Colorado, Mark Rudolf, the principal of Vellum Architects in Asheville, North Carolina, Designer and Architect, Candace Wong of cwA+D in Austin, Texas, Bruce Sparano, owner and Principal Architect of Bruce Sparano Architecture in Beacon, New York and Nicole Culler, CEO and Lead Designer at House of Culler Interior Design Studio and the ASID High Point Liaison in High Point, North Carolina.
The event was sponsored by SmartHouse Integration and light bites and cocktails were provided by Pier 22 Catering. Awards were given for all things home-related, including best kitchen, bathroom and interior design, with Nautilus Homes and Vertical Custom Homes sharing the Platinum prize for Best Overall Home Over $4 Million.
Congratulations to all of the stunning entries and winners in the 2026 Home of the Year Competition.
For a complete rundown of winners, winning projects and judges’ comments, pick up the March issue of SRQ Magazine, available next week. 
Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.
When Logan Jay planned her own wedding, she found the dress shopping experience limiting. Every dress felt indistinguishable from the others, and Jay found that the aesthetics didn’t reflect how she wanted to feel as a bride. “It felt like everybody was doing the same thing. The options were super girly, super frilly, almost a little bit cliche,” she says. “I felt like being a bride should feel sexy, chic, cool. I still wanted to feel feminine, but I also wanted to feel cool and comfortable.”
That experience became the foundation for The Ivory SRQ, Jay’s bridal showroom designed to offer an alternative to traditional bridal retail. Located in an industrial-style building, the store’s space matches the unique dresses Jay offers, which feature simple, sleek and elegant styles. “We've had such an overwhelming amount of support and appreciation for what we've done so far, and it's been so incredible to see the community respond to what we were trying to accomplish here with the space,” says Jay.
Prior to launching The Ivory SRQ in September, Jay owned a design firm focused specifically on weddings, an experience that now informs how she approaches bridal styling. The showroom features an in-house atelier—Amarla Atelier—offering custom work and alterations, alongside a curated selection from designers Project Bridal and Gabrielle Atelier. The Ivory also operates a luxury bridal consignment program, offering brides both sustainable and short-timeline options.
Looking ahead, Jay hopes to expand The Ivory SRQ into a broader bridal resource for Sarasota, centered on personalization, thoughtful design, and a more contemporary approach to the bridal experience. “I hope it will be a really cool place for brides to go when they need to feel supported, understood and confident on their wedding day,” she says. “I want to make bridal about the brides again.”
The Ivory SRQ, 1234 2nd St. Sarasota, 941-424-5400, theivorysrq.com
Pictured: The Ivory SRQ showroom is thoughtfully designed to create the perfect experience for brides. Photo provided by The Ivory SRQ.
Head to TerraNova Equestrian Center for a beautiful day in the country and experience the thrill of elite show jumping as Olympic-level riders and extraordinary horses from around the world compete in Grand Prix level show jumping. Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian fan or simply looking for a memorable day out, this is the perfect blend of sport, style, and family-friendly fun. Upgrade your experience with a Ringside Luncheon or VIP ticket and enjoy preferred parking, pavilion seating, and panoramic views of the competition arenas - all while savoring an elevated brunch buffet. Stroll through boutique shopping, let the kids explore Tiny Town Playground, or relax with friends as the action unfolds just steps away.
Show dates: 2/14, 2/15, 2/21, 2/22, 2/28, 3/1, 3/6, 3/7, 3/14, 3/15
Tickets on sale now! General admission and parking are free. Located east of Lakewood Ranch.
The EDC of Sarasota County is proud to announce it has been officially designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council, the largest and most respected professional association in our field. This prestigious accreditation reflects the EDC’s commitment to operating at the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability, affirming the organization has the structure, strategy, and expertise to compete at the highest level. Economic development is built on relationships requiring collaboration among government, business leaders, and community partners. The strength of its public-private partnership continues to be one of Sarasota County’s greatest competitive advantages, and this milestone belongs with the entire EDC community and partners.
Southwest Florida’s senior population is growing, and navigating Medicare and chronic health conditions is becoming increasingly complex. To better support older adults in managing their health, Millennium Physician Group, a Mosaic Health Company and one of Florida’s largest physician-led primary care organizations, has entered into a strategic partnership with Lee Health. Together, the organizations will strengthen care coordination, expand preventive services and provide the tools and infrastructure needed to help seniors make informed decisions, manage chronic conditions and maintain greater independence. This partnership is designed to support senior patients with complex health needs and will serve individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Learn more at millenniumphysician.com.
Christopher Alan Homes, has been awarded the 2026 Alumni Business of the Year award by Florida Gulf Coast University. The award is presented to an alumni-owned or alumni-founded business in recognition of its commitment to the community and to FGCU. This year’s recognition highlights the entrepreneurial success and impact of Christopher Alan Homes under the leadership of its founder Ian C. Schmoyer, who accepted the award at the FGCU Alumni Awards event on Feb. 17. For more information about Christopher Alan Homes, visit christopheralanhomes.com or call 855-44-MYCAH (69224).
Sarasota Memorial is pleased to announce that it has once again been named among the World’s Best Hospitals, Newsweek’s prestigious global ranking of hospitals. SMH’s flagship Sarasota campus has made the list every year since the rankings began in 2019. It is the only hospital in southwest Florida ever to receive the international recognition. The complete report is available here: https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-best-hospitals-2026/united-states
Residents and community organizations are invited to participate in a housing and community development survey from the Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO). The survey is available online through March 20, 2026. Survey responses will help shape the county’s five-year consolidated plan, which outlines strategies to support very low- to moderate-income residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and those with special needs. The plan will guide how federal funds are allocated, prioritizing affordable housing, homelessness prevention and social services. To learn more, visit herosrq.net, call 941-861-5336 or email HEROComments@scgov.net
David Weekley Homes has opened The Bradson, a new two-story model home in Crescent Creek – the latest neighborhood in the award-winning master-planned community of North River Ranch. Located at 10616 Crescent Creek Crossing, Parrish, Florida, the model home is open daily for tours. The Bradson showcases a well-designed two-story layout with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, and over 2,700 square feet of living space, and is priced from the high $400s. Its open-concept design brings the kitchen, family, and dining spaces together, flowing seamlessly to the extended lanai for effortless indoor-outdoor living. A private study and first-floor guest suite offer flexibility for work or hosting, while the spacious second floor features the owner’s retreat with a spa-inspired en-suite bath and walk-in closet. The community is located at 11645 Camp Creek Trail, Parrish. For more information, visit www.northriverranch.com.
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
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities. Explored in a variety of media, including basket weaving, beadwork, collage, clay, textiles, photography, metalwork, and printmaking rooted in ancestral technologies, their work shares similar stylistic and social concerns, such as vibrant color, hard-edged geometries, curvilinear patterns, and bold mark-making, all infused with personal stories and those of their kin.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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
Award-winning Hermitage Fellows offer a unique glimpse into their creative process, sharing original works in process with our Gulf Coast audiences. These free hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, playreadings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, exhibitions, open studios,and more. The presentations are often works in process, giving Hermitage audiences a look into the creative process before these works go on to leading theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world.
Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Showcasing 100 rare posters along with sculptures, cocktail shakers, and furniture pieces, this exciting exhibition celebrates the centennial anniversary of Art Deco and the artistic significance it brought to the early 20th-century.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Selina Román blends photography, abstraction, and self-portraiture to explore themes of beauty and the politics of size. Roman’s photographs transform the gallery into a space of quiet resistance, subverting traditional ideas of feminine beauty.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Juana Romani (1867–1924) was one of the most fascinating and successful painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris. Born in Italy, Juana—whose given name was Giovanna Carlesimo—moved to Paris with her mother and stepfather at the age of ten. She took up painting, studying under the well-known painters Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) and Ferdinand Roybet (1840–1920). Romani quickly earned both critical praise and significant fame for her deftly painted, richly colorful depictions of strong, sensual women adorned in lavish textiles.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
If you are oyster curious or just craving the fresh coastal seafood & hand-crafted cocktails from your new Rosemary District favorite, join us at Lefty's for our daily Happy Hours Monday - Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm and our Late Night Happy Hours every night from 9:00-Close. With seafood offerings from the Steamer and Buck-A-Shucks on oysters plus our extensive wine, specialty and seasonal cocktails and draft beers, Lefty's has your recipe to get happier and explore our menus. Join us every day for Lunch, Happy Hours or Dinner and for our downtown neighbors and Hospitality industry colleagues, we'll have live music and keep the light on for you on the weekends!
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Step into the spotlight with One Hit Wonders, a toe-tapping celebration of those unforgettable songs that lit up the charts and became part of our lives. From the epic storytelling of “American Pie” to the carefree whistle of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” this show celebrates the artists who gave us a single great hit.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Crabapalooza is back at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day and bringing a seasonal celebration of crab to the table. While oysters may be for lovers, crab is for romantics, and this limited-time menu is designed for sharing, cracking, and savoring together. The Crabapalooza lineup features three signature highlights, including a show-stopping Seafood Tower, a drool-worthy Seafood Boil, and a Maryland-style Crabcake Salad. Each dish is crafted to spotlight premium ingredients, generous portions, and the kind of hands-on dining that turns a meal into a memorable night out. To round out the experience, Crabapalooza also introduces a curated lineup of featured drinks, including the Mai Oh Mai Tai, Paloma, and Passionfruit Aperol Spritz, along with a featured wine, Maddalena Chardonnay, selected to pair beautifully with the bold, coastal flavors of the menu.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Calder’s work is a great source of interest to the team at Selby Gardens. His fascination with energy and motion, coupled with his exploration of suspension and equilibrium, provides creative inspiration for the dynamic display of epiphytes, or air plants. Selby Gardens is a leading center for the study of air plants and is home to the best scientifically documented collections of living epiphytic orchids and bromeliads in the world. The Calder exhibition at Selby Gardens will highlight the artist’s use of abstract forms rooted in nature and emphasize his interest in science and engineering. The exhibition will also explore Calder’s enchantment with the circus, stemming from his studies of performers and animals at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1925.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
When President Kennedy vowed to put a man on the moon, the task landed in the hands of a band of maverick engineers – once the misfits of American science. With no rulebook, they embraced “blue-skying,” drawing inspiration from Buck Rogers, Greek myths, Louis Leakey, and even Snoopy and the Red Baron.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
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