WEB EXTRA! Hear editorial director Pam Daniel and senior editor Robert Plunket talk about the inside story on choosing the 100 most powerful people on Cliff Role's Talk of the Suncoast on 96.5 FM WSLR.  Click here to listen to the interview.

What makes someone powerful in Sarasota? In our egalitarian, results-oriented community, the key element is this: They get things done.

They do that in a number of different ways. Some have a lot of money and use it wisely. Some have a job they fill—or enlarge—with talent and dedication. Others have amazing personal style and charisma that defines and even changes the way we live here.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Sarasota is changing—fast. And that includes our power grid as well as the local landscape. We’ve done this listing several times since 1993, but this year’s list has more new names than any we’ve done before. And many of them are younger than in the past, thanks to the influx of new faces and talents that are infusing our once-sedate city with fresh ideas and energy. But whatever their age, position or duration in town, their abilities and agendas are shaping and redefining our city today.

The list is the result of several months of research and discussion, including with many community leaders and insiders. Any list of this sort is subjective, of course, but we were surprised by how much agreement we found about most of the names on the final list. It’s worth noting that these are not necessarily Sarasota’s most important people (some little-known artists or scientists may prove to be that), or Sarasota’s most popular people, or even the nicest. They are, in the opinions of our editors, Sarasota’s most powerful people at this moment in time. Take a look and see whether you agree.

Abbott, Carl. Our link to the Sarasota School of Architecture, he’s won important awards for modernist structures like the Summerhouse Restaurant and St. Thomas More Church. Now championing the effort to save Riverview High School, designed by his Yale professor and Sarasota School eminence, Paul Rudolph.

Atkins, Fredd. Sarasota’s first black mayor (he held the title twice) decisively won re-election to the city commission in March. Gregarious and funny, he’s a feisty champion of his native Newtown and an advocate for affordable housing. Trademark greeting: “Better and better.”

Band, David and Myrna. No, he’s not Donald Trump, but close. His hand is everywhere and his eye sees everything. Famous for his discretion, thank God—and his neckties. But the Donald should have a wife like Myrna. She humanizes him and turns him into a big pussycat. The perennial Sarasota power couple.

Baron, Luis. The courtly TV Colombian soap-producer-turned-Florida-publisher has become the voice of the Hispanic community in West and Central Florida, thanks to his La Guia (named the nation’s best Spanish-language magazine) and weekly newspaper, 7 Dias.

Benderson, Randy. Head of Benderson Development Company, which moved here from Buffalo several years ago. Quiet and unassuming, he doesn’t look like one of the nation’s largest private developers, but his plans for the region, including the Town Center at University Park, are huge.

Bennett, Mike. Blunt-spoken real estate investor and developer, he’s a rising Republican star in the Florida Senate, chairing the influential public utilities committee. Shades of the good old boy, but he’s increasingly willing to take bipartisan positions and may seek the Senate presidency in 2010.

Black, Ian. Passionate (some say hot-headed) realtor and advocate for downtown and the Sarasota Film Festival, whose board he chairs. Growing up Jewish in Northern Ireland gave him an outsider’s canniness and an accent he’s kept into his 60s. Also an abstract painter, tai chi teacher—and newlywed.

Brady, Veronica. Ultra-community-minded Sun Trust wealth management exec. Known for her cool efficiency, killer schedule and knack for connecting clients with causes, she sits on major boards, including the YMCA and Asolo. Brakes for her kids’ cheerleading and sports events.

Buchanan, Vern. Entrepreneur-turned-auto-tycoon-turned Republican politician, he outspent almost every candidate in the country to win the District 13 seat in Congress in November’s famously contested election. Has already surprised some by breaking from the straight conservative line.

Carlton, Lisa. Smart, level-headed scion of a historic Sarasota ranching family, she’s got serious statewide clout. Now in her final year in the Florida Senate, she controls both the state’s purse strings and its legislative agenda as chair of its fiscal and calendar committee.

Crowell, Steve. City manager of North Port whose low-key professionalism has, in just two years, won the support of an often contentious commission. Methodically working his plan to improve government and services in Florida’s third-largest (in area) but still mostly undeveloped city.

Culverhouse, Hugh Jr. Less well-known than his late father, he controls Sarasota’s biggest land development project, the 11,000-acre Palmer Ranch. Courtly (“We’re Southern, you know”) but holds a powerful card: Whether Sarasota gets an I-75 interchange at the ranch depends on his donating the land.

Dabney, Tom. Rancher, banker, developer (The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch), Southwest Florida Water Management District board member and current chamber chair, this affable multi-tasker lives by the credo, “Government is run by the people who show up, and the business community needs a voice.”

De Renzi, Victor. With several recent retirements and firings, the maestro of Sarasota Opera has become—a little prematurely—the Grand Old Man of our arts scene. Opinionated and curmudgeonly, he’s mellowing as the opera moves from strength to strength. Next: Aida in the “new” ($60 million in renovations) Opera House.

Delaney, Phil. The handsome, genial Northern Trust Bank president is everywhere all at once, supporting the arts and human services efforts that matter to him and his high-net-worth clients.

Dent, Kathy. Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections. A minor local politico turned into a cause celebre by the 2006 election. She insists she did a great job. The big question: Will “Scratch and Dent” run again? The smart money says no. She wouldn’t dare.

DesMarais, Linda. Mary Richards moves to Sarasota and ends up running the TV station. The general manager of the Herald-Tribune’s SNN6 is driven to succeed but full of appealing self-doubt. Married her former boss several years ago. Her life deserves a sitcom deal at NBC.

Dewane, Bishop Frank. A former exec for PepsiCo and NBC who came to the priesthood at 33, the new bishop brings business smarts to leading the 10-county Diocese of Venice. A voice against global poverty, locally he wants to help immigrant workers and intensify the fight against abortion.

Dignam, Tom. Big-hearted owner of the Key insurance agency (Englewood’s largest private employer), founded by his father 55 years ago, he’s a relentless fund raiser and go-to-guy for causes such as The Hermitage Artist Retreat, MCC, the Englewood YMCA and more.

Earl, Bill. With anti-growth sentiment stirring, the chair of the new Citizens for Sensible Growth could garner support for tougher development restrictions. An environmental and land-use attorney, Earl insists he’s a voice for moderates who favor controlling rather than stopping growth.

Edwards, Michael Donald. The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Aussie artistic director has drawn praise for his first year’s innovative play choices and charmed donors, too. Next challenge: the coming season’s pre-Broadway world premiere of the musical A Tale of Two Cities.

Famiglio, Jennie and Mark. When maverick investor/ entrepreneur/philanthropist Mark wed sweet (and smart) Jennie last year, Sarasota’s most glamorous couple was born. When they’re not jetting off to somewhere fab, they’re at every event, looking great, donating generously and generally supporting the civic good.

Fitzgerald, Keith. District 69’s freshman rep in Tallahassee is a New College prof who won on his first time out and is already serving as the legislature’s Deputy Policy Chair. The self-proclaimed “pro-biz Democrat” is brainy, articulate and comfortable outside of the Ivory Tower.

Gallagher, Judi. She’s on TV, radio, at charity events, and yes, in the pages of this magazine. In a food-crazy town, this dynamic combo of chef, nurturing Jewish mother and nonstop promoter has become a celebrity fast, and she markets some of the hottest new restaurants in town.

Githler, Kim and Charles. More successful than ever with their Intershow (the world’s largest investment seminar company), the Githlers also find time for his development interests and her philanthropic endeavors for children. He’s gregarious and charming; she’s private and passionate about friends and family.

Gustafson, Karin. As president of the YMCA Foundation, she’s raised many millions and forged major relationships for Sarasota’s most powerful not-for-profit. Tireless and efficient, she shuns the spotlight to shine it on others, and her care and compassion have lit up the last years of many lonely donors.

Gutierrez, Father Celestino. The Spanish-born pastor of St. Jude Parish, head of the Spanish ministry for the Venice Diocese and beloved shepherd to Sarasota’s expanding—and often exploited—Hispanic community. Known for his wit and his great paella.

Hansen, Terri. In five years, the head of Florida’s largest community foundation, the $226 million Gulf Coast Foundation of Venice, has proved she’s a strong leader who’s not afraid to shake things up, from her board to her organization’s name. Secret vice: the warm chocolate lava cake at Fleming’s.

Harris, The Rev. Gregory. The pulpit still means power in the black community, especially that of the proactive Truevine Missionary Baptist Church. Kind, quiet and committed to his beliefs, Harris is determined to make his world a better place.

Harvey, Trevor. The polished, young new president of Sarasota’s NAACP—and a member of the Sarasota Republican Executive Committee—gets behind issues from Darfur genocide to disadvantaged youth. Helped rally support for controversial school superintendent Gary Norris.

Hay, Don. Well-respected Venice Smith Barney exec who works for a wealth of community causes, including the school tax referendums. Beneath that gentlemanly Southern exterior beats a rock ‘n’ roll heart—he plays guitar in a band called The Cryin’ Shames.

Hazan, Giuliano, Marcella and Victor. International cookbook authors, teachers and tastemakers, they’ve introduced the world to classic Italian cuisine. Italian-born Marcella and Victor are parents to Giuliano, who was just named international cooking teacher of the year and often appears on the Today Show.

Jacobs, Debra. The revered Mother Superior of Sarasota’s nonprofit world, dispensing smart, no-nonsense advice and encouragement along with funds from the Selby Foundation she heads. The last word on everybody and everything civic and worthwhile. Expect her e-mail in your inbox by 7 a.m.

Jacobs, Dolly and Reis, Pedro. Only in Sarasota—a circus power couple. Their Circus Sarasota is a local treasure. The keepers of the flame for the vanishing art form that put our town on the map. Engaged for years, they’ll tie the knot at the Ringling Museum this fall.

Jacobson, Mike. Gee, somebody who’s not just talking about affordable housing! With missionary fervor, the volunteer-turned-executive director is energizing Habitat for Humanity with his cry, “500 homes in five years.” Coming soon: 215 townhomes in north Sarasota—the most ambitious Habitat project in the nation.

James, Ed. As the host of Channel 40’s Black Almanac, he introduces issues and faces in the black community to the general public. Once known for his belligerent style, he’s mellowed into a senior statesman who can listen and mediate as well as challenge.

Jennings, Christine. Strait-laced banker turned Democratic politician and a new icon in Florida politics. Possibly cheated out of a Congressional seat, she’s kept her cool and marshaled her forces. She’ll be running again (against Vern?). Now that’s going to be some election.

Jensen, Rex. Straight-shooting developer, attorney and president of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, he controls the juggernaut that is Lakewood Ranch, working to smooth the way for future development at the giant master-planned community. Takes off the gloves for growth-slowing politicos.

Joerger, Albert. Half of Sarasota’s newest young philanthropic couple (wife Pauline is Bertha Palmer’s great-great-granddaughter). His Sarasota Conservation Foundation aims to preserve public access to the waterfront and has already landed big donors and important tracts.

Kane, Janet and Stanley. Kind, generous, lively and rich, they are Sarasota. They donate millions, sit on every board and give the best parties, from their famous Academy Awards bashes to Stanley’s 80-something birthday this summer. Thank you, Janet and Stanley—we love you guys!