The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association recently presented Dick Rivera, the founder of Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC, a Sarasota-based development and management company, with the association's Lifetime Achievement Award, and Michael Quillen, president of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Cask & Ale and Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar, was named Restaurateur of the Year.

The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has appointed Dr. David Dexter as medical director.

SeaPort Manatee has named Amanda Tyner its director of planning and project development.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was named among the nation’s leading hospitals in Newsweek’s annual “Best-in-State” hospital rankings released today for the third year in a row.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has announced the appointment of Jess Blagdon as grants and evaluation officer and Tiona Settles as community partnerships officer. 

Sarasota's DutchCrafters Amish Furniture has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year as one of Furniture Today’s Best Places to Work in Furniture.