There is perhaps no name in Sarasota more synonymous with quality fare than Caragiulo. After their father Tony opened Caragiulo's Italian restaurant in 1989, for nearly 30 years strong, the five Caragiulo brothers have upheld that legacy with a brood of restaurants that have come to define the face of Sarasota's food scene. At the helm of the charge is one brother in particular, Mark Caragiulo, who has had an especially banner year in 2016. Not only does he co-own the original Caragiulo's, Owen's Fish Camp and Shore Diner, but he also opened his newest venture, Veronica Fish & Oyster, this past July to rave reviews. Mark also has plans in the works to open a second Shore location in the former Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant on Longboat Key (alongside Shore co-owner Tom Leonard) and another fish camp-style hangout near University Parkway. The addition of Veronica to the Southside Village neighborhood marks a turning point in the Osprey Avenue plot of land—nearly every establishment contained within the neighborhood's confines is family owned and unique to Sarasota. And Mark's legacy there (and in Sarasota in general) is flourishing.

"Veronica Fish & Oyster was born out of pure selfishness," says Caragiulo. "I selfishly wanted a lively, energized joint in my own neighborhood where I could enjoy a cool dozen oysters with a frosty beer, among some friendly neighbors. With a little inspiration from Elvis Costello, Veronica was created. We hope that Veronica is a nice contribution to the burgeoning independent food scene in Sarasota... selfishly."

Honorable Mention: Ryan Boeve and Arthur Lopes, co-proprietors of Pomona Bistro, opened their second venture, Lila, this year. Darwin Santa Maria opened his newest project, Cevichela on Siesta Key, and launched his brewery, Chela.

All this week, SRQ Daily names a newsmaker of the year for 2016. Individuals selected were chosen by our editorial team based on meaningful impact within a field where they have demonstrated leadership, effectively redirecting community conversation in important and lasting ways. Read tomorrow's edition to learn the philanthropic newsmaker of the year. 

If you find yourself in Bradenton, especially in the wee hours of the workday, stop by B'Towne Coffee Co. on Old Main Street for all your breakfast and caffeine fixins. Despite its unassuming facade, the egg, ham and cheese breakfast wrap doesn't skimp on bold flavor. The ham is sweet and juicy, with just enough egg and cheese to bring you straight into breakfast mode, while the sundried tomato wrap packs a surprising blast of spice—perfect for jumpstarting the brain and the belly. Both healthy and delicious, this one's a keeper.  

The B'Towne Coffee Co., 440 Old Main St., Bradenton, 941-745-3100.

The YMCA knows that the best way to reduce new cases of type 2 diabetes is prevention—and awareness is the first step to prevention. With only 10 percent of the 86 million Americans aware of their condition, the Y understands that it will take everyone working together to increase this number. The Sarasota YMCA is joining Ys across the country, and other national organizations committed to addressing the diabetes epidemic, in an effort to help 1 million more Americans learn their risk for type 2 diabetes. 

In the United States alone, diabetes affects nearly 29 million people and another 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 9 million are aware of it.

The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when only 10 percent realize they have the condition. Prediabetes is an often preventable condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. They can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.

As a leading voice on improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Y encourages all adults to learn their risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a risk test at www.ymca.net/diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.

Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and an increased focus on healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are: 

- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

- Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.

- Aim for whole grains with every meal.

- Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week.

- Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

- Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are overweight. 

Sarasota YMCA

The Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee released its 2016 Annual Report. The report includes a review on membership growth, governmental affairs, community outreach efforts and other accomplishments of the Association. Realtor® and Business Partner membership has grown significantly since the merger of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® and the Manatee Association of Realtors® in 2015. According to the report, the total year-end RASM membership is projected to be 6,845. Professional development is an essential cornerstone at RASM. The report indicates that 247 educational opportunities were offered this year, with a total attendance of over 9,000 students. In 2016, Association members supported the Tiny Hands Foundation, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and Manatee Children’s Services as volunteers and donors.  

The Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee

For the second consecutive year, Venice American Legion NO-VEL Post 159 is donating the proceeds from its annual Veterans Golf Open held October 29 to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). The money will be used to provide SCF Venice student veterans with individual $1,000 scholarships. Two scholarships are offered at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. The proceeds from the golf tournament were $7,300. Combined with previous donations from the Venice American Legion, the proceeds will sustain the veterans’ scholarships for more than six years. SCF Venice serves more than 100 Veteran and Veteran dependent students. All together SCF serves about 300 student Veterans and their dependents. 

SCF Foundation

Dean Schmitt has joined the sales team at Risdon Real Estate, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the group, with vast experience as a local real estate sales agent as well as an extensive background of working with builders, developers, architects and designers on new single-family homes and condominiums. This diverse work history makes Schmitt perfectly suited to assist buyers of new Risdon Group developments, such as Risdon on 5th. Formally a sales agent for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Dean has been promoting Risdon on 5th since its inception, and is well ingrained in the DNA of the project, as well as the Rosemary District. 

Risdon Group

Girl power has been a topic of discussion for decades now, and may have reached its latest peak in 2016, says contributor Elizabeth Steiner, who this month in Who Runs the World?, cites Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as female figureheads getting the message out via pop culture. Bring that empowerment to a more local level and discover the diverse female-focused movements embedded throughout the community. From Girls Inc. to SRQ Media’s Women in Business Initiative and the Girls & Boys Clubs of Sarasota County, groups are sparking campaigns geared toward women’s career development, promoting the pursuit of their dreams and building confidence.   

Read more

Calling all builders, architects, designers and landscape companies, don't miss the late call for entries in the 13th Annual SRQ Home of the Year Competition. SRQ MEDIA is thrilled to produce this prestigious annual architecture and home design program recognizing truly exceptional residential spaces from Venice to Anna Maria Island. Our panel of qualified judges from outside our region will jury this year’s submissions for excellence in the areas of architecture and interior design.  

Download HOTY Entry Forms.