SRQ DAILY Jul 6, 2026
Monday Business Edition
"My biggest goal is that as we're celebrating our 45th anniversary this year, we will set the company up to be here for another 45 years."
On June 1, David Hunihan celebrated a combined 10 years of work at Lee Wetherington Homes, a custom home builder that serves Sarasota and Manatee counties. The CEO shares how his various real estate professions influence his work at Lee Wetherington, as well as goals for the company and future leadership.
What was your experience working at Lee Wetherington Homes when you first began versus now?
I knew Lee through the Home Builders Association, and in October 1995, he approached me to come work for him as an on-site sales person in Turtle Rock. We started as a semi-custom builder in 1995, but as you grow and start building more homes, you have to shift to more production customization. When I left the company in 2000, it was on track to build about 200 homes per year.
We’re a true fully custom home builder. You can pick one of our designs or make something completely from scratch. And we’ve more or less been doing that ever since I came back in June 2021.
There was also a boom for the real estate business at this time, and we were in the position as a relatively small builder again, and we put in place a maximum sales order where we wouldn’t build more than three homes per month until we could organize demands. This was a challenging time with supply chain shortages, but we got through that and streamlined our process to focus on customer experience.
How have your other professional endeavors shaped your current work at Lee Wetherington Homes?
When I left Lee Wetherington Homes in 2000, a friend and I started a home building company. This taught me how not to just own a company, but also run a company–and build relationships with developers, trade partners and suppliers. I worked as director of sales with Neal Communities for five years, where I learned what it was like to manage a much larger group of people and almost 1,000 homes per year. I also worked at Medallion Home on their Aqua project to help build the crystal lagoon, and I learned a lot about working with governmental agencies and site contractors. I’ve done a little bit of all the different disciplines to get to this spot.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the company?
My biggest goal is that as we’re celebrating our 45th anniversary this year, we will set the company up to be here for another 45 years. I want to leave the company better than I found it. We’ve made a decision as a company–as long as I’m leading it–to keep our size to about 36 homes each year. We’re able to effectively deliver great service to our customers by working on this level, too.
I happen to have the title of CEO, but without the wonderful team that we’ve assembled, there’s no way that we could be successful. We have people who have been here for 45 years, and people who have been here for 10 years or more. This adds a lot of continuity to what we do, and we’re now welcoming in the next generation. These people give me the confidence that this company will last long beyond me and Lee.
Lee Wetherington Homes: 7590 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-922-3480, info@lwhomes.com 
Pictured: David Hunihan worked at Lee Wetherington Homes from 1995-2000, then returned in 2016 and became CEO in 2021. Photo courtesy Lee Wetherington Homes.
Shawn Yeager has been named Sarasota County's Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, bringing more than 30 years of public sector experience to the role, including over a decade of service with the county.
BayCare, the largest not-for-profit academic health care system in West Central Florida, announced it will build a health care drone delivery network. This innovative, optional service will enable faster and more reliable delivery of lab samples, medications and critical supplies between facilities and directly to patients’ homes. In partnership with Zipline, the world’s largest autonomous delivery service approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the network will offer on-demand, contactless delivery with safety, privacy and patient choice at the center of the experience. The network is expected to launch in late 2027, beginning in the St. Petersburg–Clearwater area before expanding across Tampa Bay.
Sarasota has been included on CNN's America's Best Towns to Visit 2026 list. To develop this year's list, CNN considered hundreds of destinations across the country before selecting 10 standout towns based on factors including attractions, food and drink, arts and culture, local identity, accessibility, proximity to other notable destinations, and overall visitor experience.
Don’t miss On Stage 2026 by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet on July 18 at 6:00 pm at the Sarasota Opera House. Guest artists Ariel Martinez from Washington Ballet and Harold Mendez from State Street Ballet join Summer Intensive dancers from around the world in classical and contemporary works. Our audiences agree: “This showcase never fails to delight!” “Thrilling display of talent” “I was blown away by the artistry” “Magical!”
Kaitlyn Perez Communications (KPC), a Sarasota-based strategic communications firm specializing in issues and crisis management, has been named the 2026 Rising Star winner at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Sarasota Business Awards, presented by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced June 26 during the Chamber's annual awards celebration at The Ora in Sarasota. Learn more at www.kpcstrategies.com.
The Florida state budget for 2026–2027 signed into law June 29 by Gov. Ron DeSantis includes funds that will help BayCare expand access to specialized care across West Central Florida. For more information, visit BayCare.org.
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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
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
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
Experience the radiant spirit of Brazilian music in a captivating presentation celebrating the timeless artistry of Antônio Carlos Jobim. Centered around the joyful essence of “Alegria,” this performance weaves together lush harmonies, infectious rhythms, and expressive improvisation. From the gentle sway of bossa nova to the vibrant pulse of samba, audiences are invited on a musical journey filled with warmth, sophistication, and pure alegria—joy. Selections will include the familiar and the hiddens jems from the compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim (aka Tom Jobim in Brazil).
John C. Court Cabaret , 1265 1st Street, Sarasota
Bring family and friends to Selby Library for a joyous America250 celebration. This festive event includes live music, interactive experiences, local heritage organizations and Florida history presentations. Free refreshments, crafts and hands-on activities are available throughout the day. Doug Alderson will present two programs on Florida's culture and identity: Iconic Images of Florida at 2pm and Florida Dance at 3:30pm.
Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
Bubble artist Blaise Ryndes will blow guests away with his immersive Spheres Bubble Show under the banyans. Join us every Saturday for the next few weeks from 10 a.m. to noon for a comedic and mysterious fusion of art, science, and magic that the whole family will enjoy! Free for members, included with general admission for non-members. Visit selby.org
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Intensive B will focus on a variety of Jazz classes. Participants will experience influences from Fosse, Broadway, Afro-Fusion, to Commercial Jazz!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota
Join local wellness advocate Kayla Fite, founder of Habits You Love, for Sweat + Connect, a fitness class created to inspire movement, confidence, and meaningful connections. This energizing outdoor workout encourages women of all fitness levels to challenge themselves in a supportive and uplifting environment. More than just exercise, the event offers an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and invest in personal well-being. Start your morning with positive energy, healthy habits, and a community of women committed to feeling their best together.
James Patton Park, 5725 White Eagle Blvd, Bradenton
Try a new hobby, hand knitting, and create your own sand dollar pillow. At this Knit and Sip workshop, choose from three yarn colors and follow along with Deb of TDog ChunkHandKnits as she provides step-by-step instructions for crafting your pillow. This beginner-friendly experience will teach you the fundamentals of hand knitting so you can create other items, too. Tickets include a glass of wine, and small plates are available for purchase throughout the session. Act fast, because ticket sales close June 29.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
This summer's children's musical at Asolo Repertory Theatre will take you on a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. Adventure awaits at this family-friendly production at the Cook Theatre. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is directed and choreographed by Cat Brindisi and is under the music direction of Carl Haan. Join Dorothy, Toto and friends from Oz as they embark on a musical journey to find their way home.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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