Sarasota Cuban Ballet Expands Studio Company
Image: Courtesy Photo
The Sarasota Cuban Ballet has announced seven new dancers and two promotions for its 2026–2027 studio company: Sofia Johnson, formerly with Alabama Ballet; Gian Narayassamy, formerly with Washington Ballet; and Leo Okuno, formerly with Atlanta Ballet, were appointed lead artists. Shannon McNiven, formerly with Orlando Ballet, also joined the studio company as an artist. Gianna Gallardo (Orlando Ballet School), Shelby Hillis (Ballet Spartanburg) and Isabella Serrano (Tania Vergara Dance Theater) are now studio company apprentices.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation president and CEO Phillip Lanham has been selected to participate in Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 44.
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche has been named secretary of the board of directors of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), an independent research organization focused on critical issues in policing.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced that Pulitzer Prize finalist Talene Monahon is the 2026 receipient of the McNally Fellowship at the Hermitage, made possible with support from the Terrence McNally Foundation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, recently announced the appointment of Chef Mark Traugutt as specialty chef, overseeing Jack Dusty, the resort’s waterfront seafood restaurant, and Rufa, its al fresco dining concept.
Venice-based PGT Windows and Doors' WinGuard Vinyl line has been named a winner in the Building Envelope Systems category and received an honorable mention in the Best Tried and True category in The Construction Specifier’s inaugural Readers’ Choice Product Awards.
Entrepreneur and retired senior federal executive Victoria Nahrwold has been tapped to lead the eWomenNetwork Sarasota/Bradenton Chapter and build a collaborative community for local women entrepreneurs.
Sarasota County Schools Police Department Chief of Police Tim Enos has been appointed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board.
Stock Development has hired Kevin Karau as general manager of Wild Blue at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.
Forty Carrots Family Center was recently awarded the Top Workplaces 2026 honor by The Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces.
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that the following real estate advisors have affiliated with the company’s Sarasota area locations: Jeffrey Aranjo, Venice; Mary Charland, Venice; Matthew Charland, Venice; Teresa Constantinou, Lakewood Ranch; Doug Duncan, downtown Sarasota; Ardit Gjonaj, downtown Sarasota; Claudia Pereira, Venice; Gina Sanborn, Sarasota; and Riley Spangler, Lakewood Ranch.
Visit Sarasot County and BMX pro athlete Rayne Lankford have inked a content partnership to further position the region as a premier place for BMX athletes to train and compete.
Michael Saunders & Company has appointed Mick McCalley as managing broker of its Venice and Wellen Park offices.
Crystal Clean Green Cleaning has been selected to receive a $2,500 grant through the Glazer Family Small Business Fund.
The Manatee Literacy Council has hired David Penry as digital learning navigator.
