TOP 10 BEST REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Finding a new home can be a dream come true, so say hi to Sarasota’s favorite fairy godmothers. Waving their wands to reveal your new castle are this year’s winners: Jesse Bauer, Keller Williams on the Water; Molly Higdon, Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes; Sherri Mills, Realtor, Michael Saunders & Co.; Leah Ellermets, Ellermets Realty; David Perkowski, Preferred SHORE Real Estate; Sean Dreznin, Dreznin Pappas Commercial Real Estate; Judy Nimz, Michael Saunders & Co.; Melissa Kobielnik, Living Vogue Real Estate; Eliza Miller, Peppertree Bay Realty; Alven Nguyen, Coldwell Banker Realty. Candice McLeod (on Sherri Mills, Realtor) Works tirelessly for buyers and sellers and will go above and beyond to help you find your dream home! Professional and empathetic and gives back to the Sarasota community. Robert Holzler (on David Perkowski) Fabulous agent with a great eye for details. We really love working with him for both selling our existing property and looking for our new home. Fern Candido (on Eliza Miller and Cheryl Santelli /Peppertree Bay Realty) Eliza Miller and Cheryl Santelli are with Peppertree Bay Realty. They are nicest, kindest ladies and have helped me to feel comfortable in selling my condo after a difficult year with two hurricanes and new NAR rulings. They staged beautiful photos and even trimmed the hedges around the window to enhance the view of my pond and waterfall. Janet Rieger (on Jesse Bauer) Jesse Dean Bauer is a local boy, born at SMH, graduated SHS and SCTI (Fire Academy), married at LWR and son born at SMH. Motivated by his desire to be a hero, Jesse listens, learns and works diligently to truly help you find your dream home. Louise Hauser (on Judy Nimz) Judy is the best! She helped us find our home in a long weekend—after we started the search from 4,300 miles away. She even made great suggestions about life in Sarasota (restaurants, shopping, church). Did I mention she’s the best? Kent Ellermets (on Leah Ellermets) Leah goes above and beyond to exceed her clients expectations. Most of them become lifelong friends! Way to go Leah! Carold Lomas (on Molly Higdon) Molly is simply the best! She’s knowledgeable, helpful and makes the process incredibly easy for her customers.
BEST LOCAL MARINA Marina Jack
Listen, we don’t mean to rock the boat, but these marinas made some serious waves on the waterfront and we’re shore you want to hear all about it. Anchoring itself to the top spot is Marina Jack for the second year in a row taking home the Platinum win. Hidden Harbor Marina gulfs a Gold and MarineMax Sarasota found its porpoise as a Silver winner. Voters also had a-yacht to say about Safe Harbor Siesta Key—our buoyant Bronze. Head over to Honorable Mention Phillippi Harbor Club.
CJ (on Marina Jack) They are great! Samantha Jackson (on Hidden Harbor Marina) We’ve been a part of this marina for a few years now, it feels like home. Since the opening of Midnight Pass this is a prime location! Austin Hirsch (on Hidden Harbor Marina) We’ve had our boat here for years, the marina team is like family. Cynthia Tompkins (on Safe Harbor) The services here are fabulous and love having a tiki bar and restaurant there.
BEST LOCAL FISHING CHARTER/CAPTAIN Captain Milton, Family Ties Fishing Charters
It’s a-boat time we recognized these winners. In this town, in these waters, catching the attention of our voters is ferry impressive. Ay, ay captain—we’re naut about to keep these results a secret. Captain Milton, Family Ties Fishing Charters is a-pier-ing on our charts for the first time as the Platinum pick. A gust of wind blew Devin York, Hook One Charter into Gold and Michael Russo, No Mercy Charter Co. sailed into Silver. No need to boat-st but Suncoast Fishing Adventures- Sarasota Fishing Charters & Tours rounds out the category in Bronze. It’s high time we give our Honorable Mentions a chance to take you out for high tide! They are—Flying Fish Fleet, Low Tide Tours, Reel Tight Fishing Charters, Escape Charters SRQ, Charter Sauce Fishing Charters, Captain Dawson Day, Catch Sarasota Fishing Charters and Stellar Action Fishing Charters.
Kim Hale (on Captain Milton) Captain Milton is a second generation Sarasotan. He knows the local waters and puts his customers on the bite. Bob Machus (on Captain Milton) Milton’s knowledge of both the local history & fishing conditions are fabulous. Our day with him was a highlight for a group of childhood friends reuniting for a visit to SRQ. Angela Molineaux (on Michael Russo) Michael Russo with No Mercy Charters is an excellent captain! He was professional, caught a ton of fish, and was great with the kids.
BEST LOCAL BOAT REPAIR/MECHANIC Wheelhouse Marine Care | SRQ Marine Detailing
Let’s sail-e-brate the best of Sarasota when it comes to bandaging up your boats. With expensive parts and temperamental Floridian storms—fixing up your floater can be an or-deal but these spots make it simple to breeze in and sail out. Wheelhouse Marine Care | SRQ Marine Detailing has built quite the lega-sea taking home Platinum followed by Boat Guys of Sarasota—a Gold winner getting you back into ship shape. Marine Service On The Water LLC took the sea-nic route the Silver and MarineMax Sarasota buoys into Bronze. Sail away with Honorable Mentions Titan Up Marine, Safe Harbor Siesta Key.
Makenzie Hirsch (on Wheelhouse Marine Care | SRQ Marine Detailing) Wheelhouse Marine Care always goes above and beyond. The owner has a strong worth ethic and great commitment to the work him and his team do. They are trained professionals and I would recommend them to everyone. Lauren Pfister (on Boat Guys of Sarasota) Friendly team. Answered the phone. Came to my lift. Showed up on time and finished all the repairs the same day. Best boat repair company I’ve had work on my boat. Tamera Campbell (on Marine Service On The Water LLC) Angelo’s attention to detail and knowledge of boats is outstanding. He takes pride in his work and is a pleasure to deal with.
BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Aviva Senior Living
Ah, retirement. Where Monday is simply, Monday. What bliss. For those of you living for the week not getting through the week—these retirement communities are chock-full of festive fun to make senior living as fun as senior year. Aviva Senior Living packs a Platinum punch while Plymouth Harbor is a grandma-approved Gold. 81 Oaks Senior Living is a Silver (fox) winner and Sunnyside Village boasts a Bronze win. Live out your heydays at Honorable Mentions Grand Living At Lakewood Ranch, Bay Village of Sarasota Inc., Village on the Isle and Jacaranda Trace.
Ruthann Manas (on Aviva Senior Living) We have met lovely, interesting people here. The care is excellent, with a nurse in the building for consultation seven days a week. Caron Schwartz (on Aviva Senior Living) I searched for some time to find a memory care community for my mother, a spry 92-year-old with cognitive issues. At Aviva, all residents are treated with care and respect. My mom tells me she loves living there! She has friends, she reads and draws, and she likes the food. She may not remember my name, but she enjoys our visits. I am so happy Aviva was there to allow my mother to live her best second childhood. H.R. Nicholson (on Plymouth Harbor) has the best location, fabulous food and a wonderful team. This is the perfect place for retirement. Christina Shantz (on Plymouth Harbor) The place you always dreamed of for your retirement year. Julie Hall (on 81 Oaks Senior Living) Beautiful facility, hurricane rated, fully staffed and impeccably clean. Staff is so kind to residents, with plenty of activities to enrich their lives. CG Burns (on Sunnyside Village) Loving staff. Cheerful atmosphere.
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Sarasota Ford
Our voters weren’t neutral about their feelings for these dealerships—they drove them straight to the charts and parked them in the top spots. Don’t worry, we won’t reverse the results. Sarasota Ford sped past the competition to take Platinum while Cox Chevrolet revved up to second taking Gold. Lexus Of Sarasota kicked it into gear for a Silver win and Sunset Chevrolet Buick GMC eases easily into a Bronze spot. Honorable Mentions Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota and Cox Mazda can also get your engine going.
Jonathan Pecunia (on Sarasota Ford) Sarasota Ford is not just a car dealership, it’s an experience . . . where else can you go to purchase a car, enjoy a delicious steak, and catch a movie? Nowhere but Sarasota Ford. Mindi Lanford (on Cox Chevrolet) Everyone at Cox Chevrolet is knowledgeable, friendly and truly treats you like family. I will forever be a loyal customer. They are the best hands down. Robyn A. Marinelli (on Lexus Of Sarasota) Customer Service is the best! Jason Peters is very professional and responsive. Allison Imre (on Sunset Chevrolet Buick GMC) Best buying experience! No pressure, reasonable pricing, amazing salesperson, no haggling over contracts.
BEST CAR DETAIL Xcelleration Detailing
To take your car from greasy wheels to grease lightning head over to these spots that windshield wiped out the competition. Xcelleration Detailing put their pedal to the medal—literally, they medaled!—and took home Platinum. Sarasota Car Crew get you roadside ready as our Gold winner and Sage Auto Studios nabs the wheely awesome Silver spot. Closing out the race is International Auto Spa—burning rubber into Bronze. Honk at Honorable Mentions Classy Customs and True Detail Mobile Detailing.
Tammy Daum (on Xcelleration Detailing) Xcelleration Detailing has exceptional attention to detail. They always use high-quality products and deliver with excellence on my vehicles. Derek Hershberger (on Sarasota Car Crew) Andrew and team take care of all of our vehicles personal and fleet. Always do a great job. Eliza Miller (on International Auto Spa) International Auto Spa delivers top-quality car care at the best value, combining expert detailing with exceptional service to keep your vehicle spotless and looking its best.
BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSE Laurel Oak Country Club
The votes are in and it’s time to par-tee. Laurel Oak Country Club putts off their stuff for a Platinum win followed by The Oaks Country Club—they’ve got the green for Gold. The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club had no handicap finding their way to the Silver spot and Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club had the birdie for Bronze.
Everlyn Vo (on Laurel Oak Country Club) Their golf carts are so smooth. Tom Jones (on The Oaks Country Club) Extremely nice and well kept course. Challenging but not overboard on difficulty. Greens could be a challenge if not on your game or on the wrong portion of the green. Sean Dreznin (on The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club) I feel like I’m in paradise playing the Ritz Golf Course. It’s immaculate.
BEST LOCAL VETERINARIAN Cat Depot
When your cat gets a cough or your dog is down in the dumps, these vet-eran pet docs know the trick to get them back into barking good shape. Cat Depot is a paw-some pick for Platinum while Animal Health Center geck-gos for Gold. Clark Road Animal Clinic snakes their way into Silver and University Animal Clinic bunny-hops to a Bronze victory. Also lending a helping hand are Honorable Mentions Animal Rescue Coalition, Dr. Nina’s Animal Hospital Sarasota, Southeast Animal Clinic, DeSoto Animal Clinic, Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate and Vets 2 You.
Lee Schlanger (on Animal Health) They are simply the best. They have been caring for my animals for 25 years. The best there is. Derek Housh (on University Animal Clinic) Dr Sam and her team are clinically excellent and treat us like family.
BEST PET RESORT AND BOARDING Wiggle Your Tail Pet Care
When you need some-pawdy to look after your little one (with four legs)—these pet resorts (yes, resorts, this is Florida) have you sorted. A safe space for the ulti-mutt pet getaway and the corgi to any owner’s heart. Wiggle Your Tail Pet Care is the Platinum pick for your pet to feel like you’ve dropped them off at Barkingham Palace. Bayside Pet Resort and Beverly Hills Dog share the Gold spot for an im-paws-ibly grrr-eat time. While Ace Pet Resort and Satchel’s Last Resort take home the Silver together even though they offer dif-fur-ent amenities. ShinEy Day Specialized Pet Care closes out the competition with Bronze. Have a ball, or fetch one at Honorable Mentions Hagan’s Pet Resorts and Animal House Doggie Bed & Breakfast.
CJ (on Wiggle Your Tail Pet Care) Every interaction, from scheduling to the actual care of my pet, is seamless and friendly. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every pet feels safe, loved and pampered. Charissa Thompson (on Bayside Pet Resort) It’s evident that the staff that works there actually love the animals under their care. From the boarding staff to the daycare attendants, the groomers and management. I know my animals are always in the hands of people that will treat my fur babies as if they are their own. Nancy Sanders (on Bayside Pet Resort) My dog absolutely loves the staff and environment, she doesn’t want to leave when it’s time to go. The facility is clean & the staff are kind and love the animals. Patricia Ovadia (on Beverly Hills Dog) Simply the best in Sarasota! Stacie Plante (on Satchel’s Last Resort) The best things in life are rescued.
BEST LOCAL PET GROOMING Wet Noses Grooming Sarasota
When your fido needs a new-do these groomers will help your pet get their groove back. Wet Noses Grooming Sarasota purrs into Platinum helping your pets with their much-needed re-fur-resh. The Sudsy Pup Paw Spa and Retreat gives you a gold-winning tail-wag and Bella’s Grooming snips and trims for a silver-defining de-tangle. Barking into Bronze are winners Lavish Dog Spa and The Lucky Puppy sharing the fourth spot. Howl over to Honorable Mentions Fancy Felines LLC, Diane’s Pawfections, Best Friends Pet Salon, Pet Groomers of Sarasota and Coastal Paws.
Deniz Pomak (on Wet Noses) The most personalized care and trustworthy staff. Wet Noses takes the time to make your visit the best possible. Somer Bednar (on The Sudsy Pup Paw Spa and Retreat) Everyone treats their customers’ pups like their own. They’re professional and a loving dog spa. Morgan Watkins Tiefenthal (on Bella’s) Our dog Huck can’t wait for his grooming appointments with Bella’s Grooming. He’s always so happy to be there and looks fantastic! Muffy Lavens (on Lavish Dog) is such a fantastic groomer. I’ve been taking my dogs to Jessica for years. She always does a wonderful job and takes great care of my pets. Jim McEleney (on The Lucky Puppy) A home away from home for our little guy. He leaps out of the car with excitement when he realizes where he is and who he is going to see. The team is friendly and consultative and they always give a report on how he did when he visits.
BEST MOVING COMPANY Sunshine Movers of Sarasota
Anyone who’s lived in an apartment building, or seen Friends knows that moving a couch down a narrow flight of stairs is a literal nightmare. PIVOT! Requiring the geometry and physics skills of an MIT professor and the strength of the Rock—it’s a miracle anyone has anything comfy left after a move. Thankfully, for us mere mortals the moving company exists. Here to relax you during your relocation and ensure no one gets injured in any armchair-related accidents—you can trust these winners to transport. Sunshine Movers of Sarasota LLC is a Platinum pick for packing up boxes. Stronger Moving & Delivery Service Inc. grabbed Gold while J. Palermo Moving & Storage Inc. secure your stuff for Silver. Readers chose Martin’s Moving as their Bronze best bet for getting their beds from one side of town to the next.
Phoenix Vo (on Sunshine Movers) They helped me move very well and affordably. Zoe is a very nice person. Amanda Girton (on Stronger Moving) This company truly treats their employees like family, they are the best in and out, not just on the outside. Marge McCarthy (on Martin’s Moving) They know how to do it right.
BEST LOCAL WEDDING CONSULTANT Bakers Ranch Wedding Venue
Look on the bride side, there’s no groom for bad picks on this list! Whoever you end up with will ensure your walk down the aisle is a piece of cake. Voters were honey-mooning over Platinum winning Bakers Ranch Wedding Venue while MDP Events is a garter-belt Gold. Next up, Jennifer Matteo Event Planning steals the bouquet—and a Silver win. Closing out the ceremony NK Productions Wedding Planning says “I do” to their Bronze win. Drink and be merry with Honorable Mention Be Wed.
Tiffany Patrick (on Bakers Ranch) They have a great team of planners and coordinators that create the stress-free fun planning and wedding experience. Their all-inclusive prices are straight forward and had no hidden fees. Alex Garmaza (on Bakers Ranch) We didn’t want our friends and family to do anything and just enjoy our day, their team took care of everything. Erin Seaberg (on MDP Events) Lauren Gertz created an incredible brand through MDP Events! Not only does the company produce gorgeous weddings, but maintain exceptional relationships with clients and vendors. LeeAnne Swor (on NK Productions) Nicole is so professional and does her job beautifully!
BEST LOCAL HORSE BOARDING Kris Di Carlo Equestrian
Not the easiest animal to drop off at a friend’s while you head out for the weekend—the humongous horse needs a house big enough for it haunches. This local neigh-borhood spot was the mane attraction. Kris Di Carlo Equestrian says hay to the top spot picking up Platinum.
