Dr. LaShawn Frost, Sarasota County Schools' executive director of student services, has received the Arts Schools Network (ASN) Presidential Founders Award, which recognizes individuals whose contributions have significantly influenced ASN and the schools, educators, students and communities it serves.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has been voted the nation’s No. 1 Best Resort Airport in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association named Columbia Restaurant's Richard Gonzmart its Restaurateur of the Year. 

Visit Sarasota County's has added three new members to its board of directors: Trevor Markham, senior director of Florida operations of the Baltimore Orioles; Chris Voelker, proprietor of State Street Eating House + Cocktails and BESO; and Virginia Shearer, executive director of Sarasota Art Museum.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has announced the promotions of Venesha Graham to director of operations and Clarence Battle to club director of the Newtown Estates Park Boys & Girls Club. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been named to Newsweek's list of the "World's Best Smart Hospitals."

The Jazz Club of Sarasota has named Kimberly Klabel its new production coordinator.

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Carrie Prieto as managing broker of its Sarasota and Longboat Key offices.

Williams Parker has added attorneys Alisa M. Heedy, Alexis C. Oles, Mason J. McCormick and Curtis L. Fullom to its team.

Lee Wetherington Homes recently added two new hires to its team: Mark Dolan as purchasing manager and Tina Rusk as purchasing agent.

The YMCA of Southwest Florida has named Michael Quinn as its chief philanthropy officer and added Dr. Selynto Anderson and Samuel “Sam” C. Scott III to its board of directors.

State Street Eating House + Cocktails has appointed Amy Knox as chef and culinary director.

Shumaker has added Marisa S. Agganis as an associate in the firm’s labor and employment service line.