After over 30 years in business, it would be easy to forgive Michael’s on East for sticking to a set formula and riding it into the sunset. They have the feel of an institution at this point, a place that is too ubiquitous to fail, a business that could almost just stop trying. And, in a way, the restaurant, catering outfit and wine Mecca have, in fact, stuck to a formula. But that formula is all about finding something new.

Last week, Michael Klauber regaled guests at an intimate candle-lit wine dinner with stories of his travels and helped present one of the latest additions to the wine offerings in the cellar. DAOU Family Estates vineyards out of Paso Robles, California produces some of the most celebrated and collectible wines of the region. Situated on one of the first estates to produce wine in California—the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch property established by Andre Tschelistcheff and Dr. Stanley Hoffman—DAOU vineyards embody the way Michael’s on East traffics in stories as much as it does in wine.

The founders, Lebanese brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, fled their war-torn home country as children, became the model of the American dream and then turned their hustle and talent to wine. The result is a 26-acre vineyard in which all of the grapes—even those destined for modestly-priced wines—are handpicked. “DAOU mountain is a truly magical place with an incredible story,” says Klauber, “and we’re really excited to be one of their exclusive partners.” 

Distribution of DAOU wines into Florida is so new, in fact, that many of the wines at the tasting were not yet even in stock for purchase, though guests were given first dibs on orders by its host, Jordan O'Mara from DAOU Vineyards. Of the exclusive wines, the 2019 “Sequentis” merlot, a balanced, dark and fruity affair with a clean finish was one of them. Other noteworthy reds included the 2019 Reserve cabernet sauvignon, a Bordeaux-style wine with a dark berry bouquet that gives way to spice and a lengthy finish. 

Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-0007, michaelsathome.com

Registration is now open for the 2022 Sarasota Design Conference. The conference will once again be a hybrid event giving you maximum flexibility to attend at the same cost. The theme CONNECT not only provides an opportunity to connect attendees with speakers, vendors and sponsors, it aims to connect the wide range of fields and topics architects address in their projects and practice. The Conference will also be connecting speakers by pairing them in the presentation session, creating an opportunity for spontaneous discussion of their respective works. Speakers have been confirmed and details on the architectural tours, workshop and panel will be announced soon.

Take the opportunity to sign up before early bird registration ends November 23.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

After an extensive nationwide search, The Out-of-Door Academy’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Mrs. Debra Otey as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2022. After 17 years of transformational leadership under Mr. David Mahler, The Out-of-Door Academy named Mrs. Otey as the incoming Head of School. Mr. James Connor, former Head of School at Germantown Academy from 1990-2016 is serving as Interim Head of School for the 2021-2022 school  year. 

Mrs. Otey was selected from a pool of impressive candidates after a thorough search process. The Head of School Advisory and Search Committees found Mrs. Otey to be a dynamic, accomplished, passionate educator, well-poised to lead Out-of-Door into its next chapter. “As Out-of-Door prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, this transition of leadership creates a wonderful opportunity for our next Head of School to guide us to new levels of academic, athletic, and artistic success while never forgetting our core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Responsibility,” said Chair of The Out-of-Door Academy’s Board of Trustees Mr. Tom Murphy. “This search–for an individual of outstanding character and  professional experience, demonstrated ability to inspire and encourage faculty, staff, students, and  alumni, and support the forward momentum of the school’s growth–resulted in the appointment of  Mrs. Debra Otey.” 

Mrs. Otey will lead the prestigious school starting in the 2022-23 school year. “I am excited to join a Pre-K–12 community that emphasizes character education and student wellbeing,” she explains. “Building on established programs while maintaining Out-of-Door’s traditions will create opportunities for inspiring growth and development. As we move into the next phase of ODA’s educational and community impact, we look forward to a bright and impactful future filled with student-centered, engaging experiences inside and outside of the classroom.” 

The Board of Trustees will continue to expand the school’s college preparatory program with Mrs. Otey at the helm. The School’s curricular, programmatic and physical expansion has set a precedent for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, establishing The Out-of-Door Academy as one of the top independent schools in Florida.  

Headshot of Debra Otey, courtesy of ODA

Florida gas prices stabilized over the weekend after rising another 13 cents, last week. The state average now sits at $3.31 per gallon. That's a new 2021 high, and the most expensive daily average price since October 2014. Florida pump prices have climbed a total of 26 cents this month. So far this year, the state average has increased a total of $1.12 per gallon since January 1. Florida drivers are now paying $1.23 per gallon more than this time last year, and 89 cents more than this time in 2019.

"Gas prices have been dragged higher by skyrocketing crude oil prices," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Crude oil prices have faced tremendous upward pressure, because global fuel demand is outpacing global production and supply levels. Although oil prices increased again last week, it was by a smaller margin than the weeks before. Fortunately, gasoline futures held steady. So even if gas prices increase again this week, it shouldn't be as significant of a jump as what drivers have experienced so far this month."

In October alone, oil prices have jumped 10%; rising from $75.88 to $83.76 per barrel. Gasoline futures finished last week 1-cent lower than the week before. This is a positive indicator that retail pump prices could stabilize this week. Prior to last week, gasoline futures logged 12 cents gains in two consecutive weeks; and retail prices followed suit. 

Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com  

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance announced that Brittany Lamont will serve as its next president and CEO. Lamont joins the Alliance after serving as vice president of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She will begin her new role in November, working alongside interim president Dan Sidler.  “Our search committee had many strong candidates and Brittany proved to be the unanimous choice based on her industry knowledge, community ties, passion and proven track record,” said Amanda Parrish, LWRBA Board Chair. “We thank Dan Sidler for ensuring a seamless transition and the committee for selecting a leader whose strategic vision will create new opportunities for the Lakewood Ranch business community.”

Lamont has worked with the Greater Sarasota Chamber since 2010 and most recently served as vice president, leading the team responsible for membership acquisition and retention. Prior to her role as vice president, Lamont was the director of communications and events, managing more than 70 events and programs each year and overseeing public relations initiatives. “I am grateful for my time with the Sarasota Chamber and honored to help lead our member businesses of the Alliance,” said Lamont. “This is an exciting moment for our organization and the entire community. I look forward to championing dynamic growth mirroring that of our rapidly growing region.” 

Headshot of Brittany Lamont, courtesy of LWRBA

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) announced that Aimee Cogan, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Sarasota Wealth Management office, has been named to Working Mother & SHOOK Research’s list of  Top Wealth Advisor Moms. This listing recognizes a select group of individuals who, while pursuing careers as successful Financial Advisors, also juggle the responsibilities of having one or more children under the ageof 21 living at home. “We congratulate Aimee Cogan for her inclusion on this list,” commented Giovanni Renteria, Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Sarasota office. “She continues to show professionalism and dedication to her valued clients while raising a family.”  

To learn more, visit here

Katy McBrayer-Lynch begins her role as Board Chair of  Teen Court of Sarasota this month for a one year term. Katy mentors teens by speaking to them about her own experience and how she was able to use the tools Teen Court gave her to become a successful adult. Katy also announced the appointment of new Board Members to the Teen Court of Sarasota Board. Amir Chokr, former Teen Court Volunteer, Scholarship Recipient and co-owner of The Diamond Vault, Megan Leaf, Office of the State Attorney -12th Judicial Circuit-Board Certified Juvenile Law, and Major Brian R. Woodring of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and former Sarasota High School Football Coach. Additionally, Gabriel Mirman has been added as a Teen Board Member. Gabriel is a Teen Attorney helping youth navigate their time with the Court Session Program and attends Sarasota High School. Gabriel is President of the Outdoor Adventure Club focused on environmental education by connecting youth with the outdoors with the goal of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Gabriel will join Max Schoenfeld, another Teen Board Member, to help identify the needs they see their peers may be struggling with.  

Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Christopher Fred, from Sarasota, assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC-23) embarked aboard USS Jackson (LCS 6), conducts a pre-flight inspection on an MH-60S Seahawk during routine operations. Jackson and HSC-23, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, are on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.  

Pictured: Naval Aircrewman Christopher Fred. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf