Kauffman, Mark. Prescient doctor-turned-developer who’s transformed downtown with projects from the Hollywood 20 to Courthouse Centre. Now poised to do the same for Washington Boulevard, with his five-story commercial Landmark Center. Major art collector and force behind the nascent Sarasota Museum of Art.

Kelly, Patrick “Paddy.” Engaging Irish developer who bought the Sarasota Quay for $100 million in 2004 and recently got the Sarasota City Commission to approve plans for the upscale, $1 billion Sarasota Bayside mixed-use mega project—unanimously. It will transform the downtown waterfront—real estate market permitting.

Kielbasa, Jody. Our local Mr. Hollywood, he runs the Sarasota Film Festival with great energy and a cell phone always at his ear. Proves himself over and over in tight situations and has made his nine-year-old event into a national star.

King, Stephen. Fans around the globe thrill to his scary plots, but the Casey Key author keeps a low profile here, with rare sightings of his famous rumpled presence. Perhaps the world’s top-earning writer, he’s lately making stars out of little-known artists through his column in Entertainment Weekly.

Kirschner, Kelly. Our new 32-year-old vice mayor, whose sudden appearance on the scene holds great portent for the future. His journey from Cardinal Mooney to Selby Gardens to the Peace Corps to City Hall makes for a great story—and you can read it on page 48.

Klauber, Katie. As general manager of the family-owned Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, she personifies all the pluses of our local hospitality industry. Quality, sophistication and a sure vision of what make Sarasota so stylish in the eyes of the world.

Klauber, Michael. Most prominent member of Sarasota’s leading hospitality family and the reigning king of food and wine. After 20 years, his Michael’s On East remains a favorite with the power structure and the critics, and the catering company he co-owns with Phil Mancini rules the party world.

Ley, Jim. The life of a county manager can be short, nasty and brutish, especially in fractious Sarasota, but Ley’s still riding high after a decade. Smart, confident and a gifted politician, he’s respected by his commission—and on the handball court.

Lobo, Caren and Dick. As prez of WEDU, he’s revitalized Florida’s largest PBS affiliate; she founded the Sarasota Reading Festival and Forum 2007 and is a formidable force in the local Democratic party, now organizing Florida fund raisers for Barack Obama.

Loevner, Sandy. As leader of the Florida Winefest & Auction, Loevner has, for 16 years, lent her endless energy and enthusiasm to the cause, which has raised more than $5.5 million for 70 different local charitable agencies. As down-to-earth as she is driven.

Mahadevan, Dr. Kumar. A benthic ecologist, the quiet Mahadevan is a genius at getting government grants for Mote Marine Laboratory, which he’s grown in his 30 years there to a world-respected resource and research center (sharks, red tide and more), with a $23 million budget and a staff of 250.

Mancini, Phil. The Godfather of Sarasota parties, he’s adored by everyone from socialites to his immense staff for his passionate dedication and ability to deliver food and service that outshine almost any city’s on earth. Just named one of the country’s top 10 caterers; we think he’s No. 1.

McFarlin, Diane. A meticulously put-together steel magnolia with serious journalism chops, the Herald-Tribune publisher led the company into the multimedia age with SNN and heraldtribune.com. Former chair of the American Society of Newspaper Editors and member of the Pulitzer Prize Committee.

McGillicuddy, Dennis and Graci. Major givers, even when exploring the globe aboard the ultra-luxurious condo ship, The World. A cable TV entrepreneur, he’s part of the Connie Mack political family; she’s a bubbly socialite who burns to become known as the Mother Teresa of Sarasota kids. Her new Sarasota Sports Foundation is raising big bucks, fast.

McKenzie, Gwen. As uninsured costs increase, public hospitals struggle to maintain fiscal health, but Sarasota Memorial’s CEO has cut expenses while expanding services and maintaining quality. You’ll see her in scrubs as well as power suits at civic functions—or in gym clothes on the treadmill at the Y.

Meurs, Brian. Get- ‘er-done Venice realtor, past chair of the Economic Development Corporation and president of the Community Housing Trust, he’s built strong bridges between the south and north county business communities.

Michalson, Gordon “Mike” Jr. President of New College, the unconventional and highly ranked liberal arts school that adds prestige and brainy kids from all around the country to the Sarasota mix. A religion and philosophy professor, he’s a political whiz at getting state support and is expanding the campus—and perhaps enrollment.

Miller, Mike. Now planning to revitalize downtown Venice’s Intracoastal Waterway with condos, shops, offices and a hotel, the Waterford Construction president jokes he’s a consensus builder who persists until others see it his way. Major supporter of causes from MCC to the YMCA.

Norris, Gary. The controversial school superintendent, who resigned in frustration last September but then decided to stay, is pushing forward his Next Generation plan to fit students for tomorrow’s workplace. Detractors remain, but he’s promised he’ll work to build consensus.

North, Marjorie. Our local Liz Smith is turning into H.L. Mencken. The Herald-Tribune social columnist holds the key to the Publicity Kingdom and wields her power with great skill. Her support can make you. If she doesn’t like you—move.

Orr, Matt. The 30-year-old Michael Saunders realtor with the Southern drawl personifies Young Sarasota. Only in town a few years, he’s civic-minded, knows everybody and happily takes on one cool new project after another.

Pappas, Sarah. Steady, serious president of Manatee Community College, she’s elevated the profile and quality of our largest institution of higher education, adding new programs, increasing enrollment while lowering class size, and investing $29 million in facilities. Serves on powerhouse state and local boards.

Parry, Emily Walsh. Yes, she’s the competition, but we love her, anyway—just like everyone else in town. Sweet and adorable, this talented young Longboat Observer photojournalist both chronicles and shapes the social scene, chairing events and rallying other young bright lights to her causes.

Peterson, Guy. Boyish-looking modernist architect with lots of awards under his belt. With his spectacular redo and addition to the iconic Twitchell/Rudolph Revere House, he’s re-inventing the Sarasota School. The architect of the moment in a town that’s architecture-mad.

Pfahler, Chris. This South County newcomer, a doctor’s wife who’s now dedicating herself to her family and philanthropy instead of nursing, has quickly become a super-chair, bringing new energy and ideas to some of Sarasota’s most glittering galas. On her calendar for next season: eight events and counting.

Piccolo, Fredrick. He recently decided to be called Rick instead of Fred, but the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport prez has made a name for himself by elevating the airport’s sometimes shaky fortunes, increasing passenger traffic and landing AirTran and JetBlue.

Queior, Steve. Quiet and bookish-looking, he’s turned a faltering Chamber of Commerce around since he assumed the presidency three years ago, solidifying its finances, increasing membership and identifying and recruiting strong volunteer leadership.

Rappaport, Marty. He’s the largest landowner on St. Armands Circle, and his vigorous leadership has kept Sarasota’s famous shopping district vibrant. He persuaded the other owners to create a business improvement district there, taxing themselves to fund much-needed improvements and landscaping.

Rodriguez, Henry. A telecom exec who retired to Casey Key at 35, he soon got restless and started shaking up his new ‘hood, first rallying Osprey to support his development of a new Wal-Mart and now planning a hotel at the southern gateway of Casey Key.

Saunders, Drayton and Michael. She’s the long-established luxury real estate tycoon with charisma to spare, lending her voice to causes from the Ringling Museum to Selby Gardens while expanding her biz territory to the Caribbean; he’s the tech-smart scion-in-training and a mover in the YPG. A formidable pair.

Schule, Sally. With her impeccable fashion sense, the gel-haired, hardworking manager of Saks defines upscale style in this town, but she cares about more than the pretty and privileged, making her store a partner with—and venue for—some of Sarasota’s most deserving causes.

Searing, Ulla. Nonprofits all over town have been swooning over Searing since the 94-year-old started giving her millions away, most notably to the Ringling Museum and Ringling College. She’s got stamina, too, showing up at dozens of events, wearing her trademark white gloves.

Simon, John. The low-key CEO of Isaac Group Holdings plans to revitalize downtown Sarasota with the $200 million, mixed-use Pineapple Square. He can deliver the goods; former projects include the ultra-luxurious International Plaza in Tampa and the Mall at Millenia in Orlando.

Smith, Anne Folsom. Focused, hardworking designer of countless condos on Longboat Key and mainland homes. As much as anyone, she’s created the Sarasota Look—calm, subdued, contemporary and very expensive.

Souza, Tony. Has the enthusiastic director of the Downtown Partnership really been in town only two years? Totally connected to the community, the French-Portuguese transplant from New Bedford has brought in celebrity speakers and convinced power players we can be the next Great Downtown. Trains for marathons, too.

Springer, Jerry. Our most famous (infamous?) resident, he hosts the trash TV show everyone loves to hate. But he’s also a serious Democrat, former Cincinnati mayor and national talk radio show host. Loves spring training, his family and escaping from Chicago to quiet Bird Key.

Stearns, Stewart. Unofficial mayor of the philanthropic community. Since he became CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota in 1988, he’s built assets from $300,000 to over $150 million. Dedicated do-gooder who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Swart, John. The high-powered president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty has brought an astounding 300 companies (with 12,000 workers) and four million-plus square feet of offices, retail and medical facilities to the ranch, with more to come. Grows bonsai trees at home.

Thaxton, Jon. Not many politicians are public servants, but this thoughtful, well-informed county commissioner deserves that title. An environmental champion, he’s also a realtor who’s respected by business for his commitment to the county’s good. Closet contra dancer and dedicated runner.

Thompson, Larry. He’s helped Ringling College of Art and Design become a national leader, raising academic standards and expanding programs. He also has a way with donors, wangling major gifts with cordial ease. Helped establish Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and jokes that he’s a “recovering lawyer.”

Tryon, Tom. No, Herald-Tribune editorials aren’t written by New York Times elitists. The editorial page editor is a Palmetto native who loves the Baltimore Orioles, dotes on his family and brings a long-timer’s perspective to current issues. Nationally, newspaper readership may be down, but in literate Sarasota, his editorials get attention.

Turner, Jim. He can build a legal strategy or hunt turkey with the good old boys on the family’s Hi Hat Ranch. As an attorney, past chamber president, Field Club commodore and member of a big land-owning family, Turner plays well in just about every Sarasota sector.

Vengroff, Harvey. Colorful entrepreneur who eschews suits and status symbols and loves sailing, he runs the second-largest collection company in the nation. A voice for affordable housing, he (with his wife) also started The Backlot, an alternative space for performers.

Vetter, Bob. Gregarious longtime publisher of the Venice Gondolier Sun, he wields the power of the pen in all matters south county. Look for him at the podium using his self-deprecating humor to raise funds for Venice good causes.

Vitale, Dick. Sure, you see him everywhere on TV as a college basketball expert and sports analyst, but you also see him everywhere in town, whether breakfasting at the Broken Egg or supporting causes from the Boys & Girls Club to cancer research. Awesome, baby, indeed.

Walsh, Matt. Citizen Kane on Longboat Key. Famous for his expanding Observer newspaper empire, including regional and business weeklies, and his conservative editorials. Doesn’t believe in global warming or most social services and says we need more roads—and Republicans!

Weinrich, Carl. He’s built the Sarasota’s YMCA into one of the nation’s most successful, with most of its $90 million budget dedicated to trailblazing social services. His vision, guts and political clout helped find the funds and form the partnerships to tackle troubled kids, Florida’s foster care bureaucracy and more.