Rocking Chair Man

Parker Converse Creates Custom Rocking Chairs That Last a Lifetime

Converse's varied career has included stints in finance and as a sea captain. Now he spends his days in his Sarasota studio turning wood into heirloom rocking chairs that blend precision and passion.

01/27/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Mindful Mastery

Since Founding Vice & Virtue Furniture, Former U.S. Marine Corey Gannon Has Never Looked Back

"I get to make beautiful things. It’s that simple, but it’s a rare thing nowadays."

10/04/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Hurricane Helene

Island Residents Reflect on Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

We spoke to business owners and residents from the barrier islands about the effects of the hurricane's historic storm surge, its aftermath and what comes next.

10/01/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Crafting a Legacy

Greg Pennenga Has Been Making Custom Furniture for Nearly Three Decades

"I’m always trying to create something that stops people in their tracks. It’s the creativity that gets me going.”

09/13/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Wood Work

Jacob Wener Uses Steel, Wood, Leather and More to Create One-of-a-Kind Furniture

"When it comes to high-end products, whether it's handbags, cars, or furniture, the real value lies in the unique, one-of-a-kind aspect," Wener says.

09/03/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Strip Mall Superstars

Sarasota's Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants

Our guide to out-of-the-way, hiding-in-plain-sight, if-you-know-you-know restaurants that will knock your socks off.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Origin Stories

Four Sarasota Chefs Share the Stories of Their Restaurants

Here's why they love doing business in Sarasota.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Green Light

Investors Have Purchased the Lime Arts Building. Good News: Nothing Is Changing.

A respectful restoration by developer Howard Davis made this iconic teal-colored building a beloved destination for creatives. Its new owners agree.

08/28/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Hello, Neighbor

The Former Circus City Architectural Salvage Building Is Now a New Event Space

The almost 6,000-square-foot space on the corner of Central Avenue and 10th Street is now open and invites you to visit and take a tour.

08/21/2024 By Kim Doleatto

foxy rebirth

The Fox Mercantile Has Opened in the Former Sea Hagg Space in Cortez

Take a look at the cozy new cafe, shop and event space run by Ashley Petrone, who also owns the nearby Joie Inn.

10/11/2023 By Kim Doleatto

New Kids on the block

Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch Welcomes Two New Tenants

Waterside Place town center will soon include a new restaurant, Eatalia, and the Wellness Space for meditation and mentoring.

08/15/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Memory Keepers

The Owners of Upshot Video Productions Have Started a Podcast to Honor Their Customers

David and Lani Helms create lasting relationships with their customers, who come to the couple to help preserve precious memories but often become friends.

07/27/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Next-Gen Design

Meet Jonathan Rameau, an Architect Who Pivots Between Residential and Commercial Projects

Rameau's Sarasota firm is handling everything from the renovation of the historic Leonard Reid home to a massive biosolids corporation in Pasco County.

06/08/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Next-Gen design

PS Design Workshop Is One of the Young Firms Building Sarasota's Future

For Derek Pirozzi and Omar Saleh, outdoor living is a major point of reference.

04/28/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Plant Peeps

With Polly, Her Refurbished Horse Wagon, Taylor Robison Wants to Get You Into Plants

Parrish plant enthusiast Taylor Robison converted a vintage horse wagon into a mobile plant bar. "Having one plant makes you a plant person," she says.

03/14/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Retro Cool

A New Midcentury Modern Furniture Store Opens in Gulf Gate

A local couple breathes new life into the local vintage furniture market at the newly opened Retro Revival SRQ store.

12/26/2022 By Laura Paquette

Openings

A New Furniture Store is Opening in Gulf Gate

A local couple is taking The Woven Home, their online thrift shop, to a brick-and-mortar storefront.

12/01/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Coffee Klatch

Think You Don't Like Black Coffee? This New Mobile Coffee Cart May Change Your Mind

Devin Borgwardt's Brewed Monday Coffee offers single-origin coffee processed with the entire coffee cherry, making for a sweet, floral flavor.

05/31/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Fancy Plants

Fancy Leaf Plant Shop Opens in Parrish

The shop offers fun and exotic houseplants varieties in a stylish setting, plus a coffee shop on-site.

04/21/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Gift Guide

Best Gifts For High Schoolers

Finding the best gift for a high schooler is always a gamble. Here are some gifts that are sure to excite without fail.

04/12/2022 By Elizabeth Djinis

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