BEST BUSINESS LEADER Russ Bobbitt, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency LLC

Management is hard. Running a business requires more than a nice suit and proficiency with Excel. You’ll learn to be part co-worker, part mom, part therapist and everything in-between. It requires not only wearing many hats but quite often all the hats. These beloved leaders show each day, put on their hundred hats and make their employees and patrons feel seen. Russ Bobbitt, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency LLC provides a Platinum winning work-style while Patrick Hale, Hale Law goes above and beyond and Gold for his staff. Karen Medford, Sirius Day Spas secures a Silver for her stellar leadership and Kim Livengood, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime and Philip Tavill, Children First share the Bronze spot. These folks are this year’s Honorable Mentions—Allison Imre, Grapevine Communications, Jim Miller, JMX Brands, Nicky Nagy, Blue Door Spa and Salon, Jenny Schenk, Pineapple Kitchen, Tony Daum, EXCELLence Performance, Steven Pajevic, Cleaning WorkSource, Michael Klauber, Michael’s On East, Matt Buchanan, Sarasota Ford and Sue Wise, Take Care Home Health.

Vanessa St John (on Patrick Hale) Working for Hale Law is the best practice because Patrick Hale is an amazing boss and leader. Ava Jean (on Karen Medford Sirius Day Spa Salon & Med Spas) I always see the owner, Karen at the spas helping out and also contributing to the community with events and nonprofits! Christin Lilly (on Kim Livengood) Goodness, there is a lot to try to pack into a few sentences about Kim Livengood. She is a community powerhouse and a cheerleader of supporting local. Her endless dedication to keeping our community vibrant is a legacy that continues to bloom. Evan Ackerman (on Philip Tavill) I have never met someone more mission-focused. He has been the CEO of Children First for nearly 30 years and his enthusiasm for this incredible work seems to grow each and every day.

BEST NONPROFIT LEADER Jill Gass, Easterseals Southwest Florida

Lending a helping hand is a part of life. Lending your life to helping is a calling and these winners have selflessly dedicated their days to doling out care where and when it’s needed most. Jill Gass, Easterseals Southwest Florida puts the people first securing her Platinum place while Douglas Staley, Child Protection Center is a gilded Gold. Philip Tavill, Children First is a Silver life-saver and Bethany Lynch, American Cancer Society is a Bronze best. These are our honorable, Honorable Mentions—Helene Lotman, JFCS of the Suncoast, Angie Stringer, Girls Inc., Amy Yount, Step Up Suncoast, Bernie Quinn, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Jessica Hays, SPARCC, Shannon Live, Bat City Comic Professionals, Lisa Intagliata, Resilient Retreat and Olivia D’Amico, Friendly City Foundation.

Robert Holzler (on Jill Gass) Gill has been a leader in local non-profits for over a decade. Her commitment to improving our community is inspiring. Jasmine Martin (on Douglas Staley) Mr. Staley embodies leadership iwith his unrelenting advocacy and commitment to helping children and families heal from abuse. Ann Karwoski (on Philip Tavill) Philip is the epitome of a leader. He will engage team members across the board, loves to celebrate your victory and will help you achieve your goals and he lives his life dedicated to the mission of Children First. Fiona Farrell (on Bethany Lynch) Her unwavering dedication inspires hope and drives impactful change in our community. Her leadership not only raises awareness but also empowers individuals to join the fight against cancer.

BEST FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS Mademoiselle Paris

No sibling rivalry here—these family-owned businesses are mixing DNA with CEO to create a close-knit team no amount of money can buy. Whether it’s delicious homemade pastry or pristine pools—these winners know the key to success is keeping it in the family. Mademoiselle Paris is a parent’s dream Platinum while Family Pools are Gold gene-iuses. Pineapple Kitchen had readers in-sister-ing they take Silver while Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry grabbed a brotherly bond Bronze. Hit up Honorable Mentions: The Blue Door Spa & Salon, Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery, Luu Insurance & Financial Services, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning and Lakewood Ranch Med Spa.

Julie Ehlert (on Family Pools) Family will be building my new pool on Siesta Key. Alina Tourkova (on Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry) What a great family-owned business, providing awesome services.

BEST FAITH LEADER Randy Bezet, Bayside Community Church

Pray tell, who do our voters turn to when they need help from a higher power? These reliable religious figures in the community provided the guidance and grace needed during trying times. Whether they’re found in a temple or church or mosque—they have all alter-ed these voters’ lives for the better. Randy Bezet, Bayside Community Church is a Platinum pick while Dr. Chip Bennett, Grace Community Church and Grace Community Church, Lakewood Ranch Campus tied for Gold. Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Temple Emanu-El says Shabbat Shalom to Silver and Pastor Larry Baucom, Ph.D. is a bible-best Bronze. Say a prayer with Honorable Mentions Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and Steve Coad, Oasis Church.

Elise Ramer (on Rabbi Brenner Glickman) He’s a beacon of hope in the Jewish community. BD (on Pastor Larry Baucom) Exudes the qualities one would hope for in a trusted and respectful friend. He is kind, a good listener, responsible, has a strong sense of what is right and always makes people happy and better off just being around him.

BEST LOCAL CHAMBER Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Innovators of the economy these financial wizards are working overtime to build a bustling business world for us in Sarasota to flourish. The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce shines like a penny in Platinum while Manatee Chamber of Commerce gathers the Gold. Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is seriously Silver and Venice Area Chamber of Commerce bustles into Bronze. Hear them out—Honorable Mentions include Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce and Gulf Coast Latin Chamber Of Commerce.

Hayley Nau B (on The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce) It truly is the voice of business in our community. They work hard to ensure that every business receives the support and recognition they deserve while actively finding ways to make Sarasota a better place to live, work, and play. Clint Kasten (on The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce) They provide amazing resources to business owners. We have found many new customers with the help of the Sarasota Chamber and built relationships with established customers. Julie Benjamin (on Manatee Chamber of Commerce) Best events and great collection of local professionals. Robert Holzler (on Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance) I love their networking events! It is great to get together with so many of our area’s most committed business professionals.

BEST LUXURY APARTMENT BUILDING CitySide Apartments

A crown fit for a king? Pfft—that’s so medieval. Living like true royalty these days means getting the keys to the castle. And for you? We have our voters vetted and voted Best Luxury Apartment buildings here for your choosing. Grab your knights, mount your horses and ride across the moat to your next palace. CitySide Apartments is palatially Platinum while One Palm is Gold—your grace. The District at Rosemary Apartments sires into Silver and Aster & Links counts itself prince-ibly Bronze.

Kristen Anetrini (on One Palm) Not one complaint about living here. Location is phenomenal and the staff is phenomenal. They always make you feel welcomed and fantastic. Kelly Taylor (on The District at Rosemary) They participated in many community activities in the district and are supportive to the surrounding small businesses. Anthony Fobes (on Aster & Links) Highest end apartments I’ve ever seen. So beautiful!

BEST WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

James Brown might have crooned that It’s A Man’s World but if you asked Beyonce Who Run the World? The answer is simple: Girls. Because, you can go to business school and intern at the top spots but there are some things that can’t be taught. Like a woman’s intuition for one. These companies aren’t afraid to put their best female forward—ending up on this year’s list of Best Women-Owned Businesses. Now that’s girl power. Picking up Platinum is The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime with Bloom Mortgage Solutions LLC grabbing Gold. Grapevine Communications steals Silver and Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry wins Bronze. High-five our Honorable Mentions, The Blue Door Spa & Salon, Mystic Blooms, Blue Door Picture Framing, Planet Stone Marble & Granite, Luu Insurance & Financial Services, KEW Consulting and Lakewood Ranch Med Spa.

Sundari Bliss (on The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime) Kim Livengood has created a wonderful place for people to connect. It’s the best part of the neighborhood Karen Boeving (on Bloom Mortgage Solutions, LLC) She listens and gets things done when no one else can or even tries. Great communicator so you know exactly what’s going on. Angela Massaro-Fain (on Grapevine Communications) Allison is incredibly dynamic. Since purchasing Grapevine in 2017, Allison has grown both the top-line and bottom line of her business. She has grown by natural organic growth and acquisition, expanding the breadth of the company’s creative services and growing her employees from 16 to 27. Nothing can stop this creative force! Alina Tourkova (on Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry) This is owned by a mom and her two daughters. What an amazing team!

BEST PUBLIC SPACE Bayfront Park

Get some fresh air. Go out and smell the roses. Touch grass. Whatever nature-forward phrase gets you out into the great outdoors—be sure to enrich your life with some Vitamin D at these Sarasota favorites. Bayfront Park parks its way to Platinum followed by Waterside Place—which will ground you with Gold. The Bay Park has the trees and breeze that shadowed the competition for Silver and Bradenton Riverwalk bounded into Bronze. Hike over and have a picnic at Honorable Mention Payne Park.

Karina Braun (on Waterside) The best place for kids. Sydney Baulier (on The Bay) The Bay is an incredible asset to our community. It provides a beautiful free, open, welcoming space that is available to all. They put on free programs every week that cover a wide range of interests and the park is kept pristine at all times.

BEST LOCAL PODCAST/PODCAST HOST Sarasota SpeaX

An eavesdropper’s dream—the podcast answered the age-old question—What is everyone thinking about? With an endless amount of topics to pick from, this stream-of-consciousness media isn’t going anywhere. Putting in the Platinum hours is Sarasota SpeaX with Just Following Up . . . Again gabbing it up for Gold. Leaders + Legends Podcast speaks up for Silver and Story of Buddha competes with your beats for Bronze. Who said headphones are just for music—put your pod on.

Eric Hollister (on Sarasota SpeaX) This pod is clutch in highlighting the movers, shakes, community leaders and local businesses that make Sarasota click. Elise Ramer (on Just Following Up) I am LOVING this new podcast. It is produced by the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, and they are interviewing the most fascinating guests! They talk about real issues business professionals face in our market. It’s timely, upbeat and all the rage. Everlyn Vo (on Story of Buddha) It’s run by a sibling duo, they always help me fall asleep and gives me the opportunity to learn more about my religion.

BEST ELECTED SARASOTA OFFICIAL Greg Steube, United States Representative

Greg Steube, United States Representative takes home the Platinum for his policies. Tom Edwards, Sarasota County School Board wins Gold for his educational gusto. Tom Knight, Commissioner is a Silver sensation and Jen Ahearn-Koch, Commissioner battled up the ballot to Bronze. Hear, hear for Honorable Mentions Mayor Liz Alpert and Mike Moran, Commissioner.

Autumn McConnell (on Greg Steube) A dedicated advocate for our community, consistently prioritizing the needs of his constituents with integrity and strong leadership. His commitment to protecting individual freedoms, supporting small businesses, and ensuring the well-being of Floridians makes him a standout leader. Peggy J Barber (on Tom Edwards) Unbiased, fair and uses common sense in supporting teachers, students and parents equally. Derek Housh (on Tom Knight) Tom’s actively looking for ways to keep people out of the criminal justice system. Paige Farr (on Tom Knight) Tom Knight has been not only an excellent Sheriff, but his voting record as a new County Commissioner shows he approaches issues with common sense, rather than just going with the flow.

BEST ELECTED MANATEE OFFICIAL Mayor Gene Brown

Cast your ballot—it’s time to choose this year’s Best Elected Official. If you’re too lazy to exercise, you can always exercise your right to vote. No need for push-ups, just pull-ups to the polls. There were lots of great picks this year but these winners checked all the right boxes. Mayor Gene Brown pops up Platinum while Amanda Ballard gets the public’s attention for Gold. Finishing off the ballot is Lisa Gonzales-Moore, our Silver winner.

Alyssa Gay (on Amanda Ballard) Ballard is a dedicated servant leader for her community. All of her professional career has been spent in service to the community and she has continued that in her role as a county commissioner. Ballard represents one of the most underrepresented areas of Manatee County and always does her best to advocate for the best interests of her constituents.

BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN Tom Edwards, Sarasota County School Board

Tom Edwards, Sarasota County School Board pulls off a Platinum win on the podium followed by Greg Steube, United States Representative—a Gold-winning guy. Vern Buchanan, United States Representative secures Silver and Fiona McFarland, Florida State Representative gets Bronze on the ticket. Honorable Mentions include Erik Arroyo, Sarasota City Commissioner and Robyn Marinelli, Sarasota County School Board.

Robert Holzler (on Tom Edwards) Tom is an open, caring member of the board that understands the need for inclusivity and the value of diversity. Danny Burns (on Greg Steube, United States Representative) Congressman Steube cares deeply about our community and is an effective leader. He’s a “home run” of an elected official for our region. Tara Nissen (on Vern Buchanan, United States Representative) Vern is very approachable and listens and supports our community. Alyssa Gay (on Rep. McFarland) A fierce advocate for our community, particularly focusing on families, mothers, and children. Her work in advocating for child safety and welfare, along with the need for accessible childcare will be positively impacting the needs of our community for generations to come.

BEST SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER Tom Edwards

Curious about next year’s curriculum? These board members boast the inside scoop on what’s behind the binds of those textbook teachings. They do the homework so your kids can turn in their best work. Tom Edwards is a first-period Platinum while Robyn Marinelli had a homeroom homerun for Gold. Karen Rose is subject for Silver and the bell rings Bronze for Charlie Kennedy. Pop quiz! Who is our Honorable Mention? It’s Liz Barker.

Jamie Kattrein (on Tom Edwards) He is the only board member who consistently shows up for the community. Taylor Crandall (on Robyn Marinelli) Robyn not only stands up for what she believes in, but also what is best for the future of our youth. Eliza Miller (on Karen Rose) Rose stands strong for Sarasota County families, prioritizing parental rights, traditional values, and quality education, free from political agendas.