2025 Unity Awards

Meet eight people who are making our region a better place. Plus: Eat like a local, meet Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes and tour 10 buildings that have shaped Sarasota's history.

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

At the Movies

Flashback: 'Honky Tonk Freeway' Set, 1980

A critical and box office failure at the time of its 1981 release, the comedy "Honky Tonk Freeway," which was partly filmed in Sarasota, is due for reappraisal.

03/06/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

That's the Spirit

A New Exhibition at The Ringling Delivers Chills, Thrills and Plenty of Historic Curiosities

Spiritualism became a huge movement in America in the 19th century, prodded by the horrific casualties of the Civil War, and, later, in the 20th century, the carnage of World War I.

03/05/2025 By Kay Kipling

Eat & Drink

Fresh!

Your Guide to Every Single Local Farmers Market

Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it at a local market.

09/19/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Tower of Power

Ocean Prime Has Opened at The Quay

And people are flocking for good reason—including the restaurant's legendary seafood tower.

03/26/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Personal Growth

Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

Here are some highlights.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

In Bloom

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Local Food Scene

Hope you’re hungry!

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Rescue Mission

Julie Morris and Jim Strickland Are Out to Prove That Preservation and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand

With their 1,300-acre Lost Girl Prairie, the couple want to show that business owners and environmentalists can work together to preserve Florida’s dwindling parcels of untamed land.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Buzz-Worthy

Gayle Goodfriend Turned a Decade-Long Hobby Into a Thriving Honey Business

Goodfriend works from a five-acre homestead in Manatee County where approximately 400,000 bees feast on nearby saw palmettos, sable palms and Brazilian peppertrees.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Straight Off the Boat

Maggie's Seafood Hauls Fresh Catches to Multiple Markets

Married owners Maggie and Gary Balch sell 500 pounds of seafood at both the Sarasota and Venice farmers markets.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Hot Pockets

Empanada Girl Has Grown From a Small DIY Operation Into a Massive Farmers Market Attraction

Every week, Stefania Fochi and her team make nearly 5,000 empanadas in 25 different flavor combinations

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Smell of Success

The Owner of Nick B’s Chimichurri Wins Over Customers With an Ingenious Marketing Technique

“This year we sold $700,000 in chimichurri around the country,” says Maria Barrajo. “I just love to sell. I could sell you a camel in Miami."

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Blowing Minds

Bill Nelms Wants You to Know That Mushrooms Aren’t Just for Eating Anymore

“We sell about 400 pounds of mushrooms a week," Nelms says.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

With Lucky 8, Cajun Cuisine Finally Has a Home in Sarasota

The food comes courtesy of chef and co-owner Mark Majorie, who worked in kitchens in New Orleans for years, and his business partner Edward Zaki, the owner of 1592 and co-owner of Adeline.

03/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Home Away From Home

Palma Coffee Serves Up Good Vibes and Good Coffee in South Sarasota

Wooden counters and details make the space feel warm and approachable, and retro details give it a lived-in feel.

03/03/2025 By Evan Olson

Fashion & Shopping

Who's In Store

Lindsey McDaniel of Laura Jean’s Consignments Shares Three Favorite Recent Finds

In 1992, McDaniel's mother, Laura Jean, decided to open a consignment store. Thirty-three years later, it's still going strong.

03/06/2025 By Elizabeth Djinis

Home & Real Estate

Moderns That Matter

11 Sarasota Landmarks We Love

Highlights from Architecture Sarasota’s Moderns That Matter program.

03/19/2025 By Kim Doleatto

An Oldie but Goodie

A Midcentury Modern Gem in Southgate Offers a Peek into the Past

Today, 25 years after purchasing the home for $86,500, it’s a time capsule that owner Scott Spear wants to pass on to another aficionado.

03/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

News & City Life

Unity Awards

Lee DeLieto Sr. Helps Young People Thrive

“We’re teaching woodworking, plumbing, electrical. That’s crucial, because many of those families need as much income as they can bring home.”

03/03/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Meet the Winners of Our 2025 Unity Awards

Eight people whose commitment to bringing us together will leave you hopeful and inspired.

03/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

David Shuel Helps People Find Work and Support After Being Incarcerated

“These guys come here and they’re wounded. They’re hurt. They have fear. They’re uncomfortable.”

03/03/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Kathleen Sullivan Gives a Helping Hand to Children and Families in Need

“When anybody asks me about Head Start, I tell them it changed my life.”

03/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Unity Awards

Evan Samson Is Bringing Attention to the Region’s Growing Filipino Community

“To create a successful project, you have to recognize everyone’s strengths and weaknesses and bring those ideas together. Collaboration is key.”

03/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota Creates Joy and Connection Through Song

“When people come to our concerts, we hope it bridges gaps and starts conversations.”

03/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Dr. Lisa Butler Grain Is Creating a New Generation of Leaders

“Our efforts are rooted in our belief that education is a transformative tool that can change lives.”

03/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Alison Thomas Is Changing the Lives of People With Developmental Disabilities

“We wanted parents to go to work knowing their children were getting a quality education and could go out and have an independent life after graduation."

03/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Unity Awards

Sarah Parker Uses Her Voice to Lift up Others

“We replace fear with action. If you want to change something, you consistently work to change that thing.”

03/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

A League of His Own

National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes Is One of Spring Training's Star Attractions

Skenes has a 100-mile-per-hour pitch, was named the National League's starting pitcher for the 2024 All-Star Game, and was also a finalist for the 2024 Cy Young Award.

02/21/2025 By Megan McDonald