The 2024-2025 Budget proposed today by Governor Ron DeSantis demonstrates continued support for New College of Florida’s mission. New College has made tremendous strides in 2023 toward reestablishing its premier positioning among America’s elite higher education institutions. “Governor DeSantis has demonstrated his commitment to New College’s growth and improvement in this budget and we sincerely appreciate his continued support,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “This is an important first step in structuring next year’s budget, and we look forward to working with the Legislature over the next several months to secure funds to serve our students and a bright future for New College.” The Governor’s proposed budget provides an increased appropriation from 2023-2024, which if approved by the Legislature will allow the flexibility to hire and retain elite faculty, provide a student experience that is second to none, and improve facilities campuswide. 

Sandwiches are deceptively simple. All you need to make them is some bread and fillings, right? Or maybe there’s something else at play when it comes to crafting a great sandwich. At Faicco’s, dedication to freshness and homemade ingredients make for out-of-this-world sandwiches that have been delighting guests for over 120 years.

In 1900, Edward Faicco opened the original Faicco’s restaurant in Manhattan. The Faicco family passed down the business through different generations, and it’s now owned by Eddie Faicco, the founder’s great-grandson. After visiting the Gulf Coast and seeing his daughters attend college in Tampa, Eddie decided to make the move to Florida, where he opened Faicco’s Sarasota location in October of 2022.

Faicco’s specializes in heroes, the New York term for a sub sandwich. “All of our heroes are kind of unique. I don’t do what everybody else does,” Eddie says. The Italian hero, which comes in a spicy version as well, is the most popular, featuring prosciutto, ham cappy, hot soppressata, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers, olive oil and vinegar. “We do a roast beef Italiano hero with shaved parmesan, balsamic glaze and sundried tomatoes, which is very popular,” he adds. While meats are a primary focus at Faicco’s, vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the vegetarian hero, with spicy broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes and arugula. Another tasty option is the Muffuletta, which is filled with Toscana salami, Genoa salami, hot soppressata, provolone cheese, an olive spread and pepperoncini.

Aside from heroes, the eatery serves a burger with meat which is ground in-house, as are its sausages. “We make our sausage on the premises. That we’re very famous for from New York. When we originally started the business back in 1900, that’s what my grandfather was known for. They used to call it a ‘pork store,’” Eddie says. Guests can sample Faicco’s sweet sausage, hot sausage and cheese and parsley sausage, made with the same recipe used by Eddie’s great-grandfather. During the weekend, the restaurant also makes fresh mozzarella. For dessert, don’t miss the cannolis with homemade filling and shells imported from Sicily. Patrons hosting larger gatherings can order catering sandwich platters and appetizer platters, which are a great choice for upcoming holiday festivities. “Almost everything we make here is homemade. Nothing is frozen out of a box. We do everything fresh ourselves,” he adds. “A lot of people don’t do it that way anymore. They do what’s easy. But over here, I feel like we still do things the old-fashioned way.”

Faicco’s, 3590 Webber St., Sarasota, 941-960-1395, faiccossarasota.com. 

Pictured: The Chicken Cutlet Prosciutto Mozzarella Hero at Faiccos. Photo Courtesy of Faiccos.

Faiccos

In early 2024, longtime Sarasotans will see a familiar name return to St. Armands Circle as a successful restaurateur revives the spirit and name of 15 South Ristorante. Called 15 South by Napule, the concept is led by Alessandro Di Ferdinando, best known for his success on South Tamiami Trail with Napule, founded in 2017. With 15 South by Napule, Di Ferdinando aims to pay homage to the original 15 South that was a beloved mainstay of Sarasota’s dining and nightlife for almost 20 years. While Di Fredinando will handle the front of house operations, the food operations will be helmed by two of his longtime friends and collaborators. Antonio Mancini, a former Napule pizzaiolo and owner of Vesuvio Wood Fired Pizza, will man the authentic, gold-tiled Neapolitan pizza oven located near the first-floor bar. Meanwhile, Chef Giancarlo Di Cosmo, who worked alongside Di Ferdinando at a Soho House concept in London, will handle the kitchen. “And of course, we’ll have a lively atmosphere with a good martini and cocktail list and a dance floor upstairs,” says Di Ferdinando. “You’ve heard of eat, pray, love. We’re going for eat, dance, love. And then maybe we eat again.” The refreshed concept will open early next year with an authentic Italian menu that includes scratch-made pasta dishes, Neapolitan-style woodfired pizza, and a full bar on both floors. 15 South by Napule will eventually offer its own delivery service to Lido Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armands Circle. 

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Is excited to continue the longstanding tradition of bringing together the business community at the 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ on December 6th at Premier Sports Campus. Previously hosted by the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, this event originated in Lakewood Ranch and is now coming back home! Hob Nob is a premier networking event that brings together the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch region. Featuring grill teams of local businesses and restaurants, you'll enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun! “We are excited to continue the legacy of Hob Nob from our friends at the Bradenton Area EDC. This is a pillar event that brings together the regional business community to network and celebrate the year!” Said LWRBA President & CEO, Brittany Lamont. Tickets are now available at: https://members.lwrba.org/event-calendar/Details/34th-annual-hob-nob-944096?sourceTypeId=Website. Those in attendance will enjoy unlimited food and drinks from the best restaurants in the Lakewood Ranch Region. Participating restaurants include: Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Frosted Pink, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, Loaded Cannon Distillery, Mission BBQ, Nothing Bundt Cakes, PDQ, Pier 22/GROVE, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, Storii Coffee and Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine. The 34th Annual hob Nob BBQ is presented by Seacoast Bank. Additional sponsors include: Career Source Suncoast, HBK CPA’s & Consultants, Willis Smith Construction, Mauldin & Jenkins, Leech Tishman, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Aloha Party Experts and Jessica Guadagno Photography. 

Sam Rodgers Homes, one of Florida’s most respected family-owned homebuilding companies, announced it has started working on the infrastructure for its newest single-family community, Arbour Lake Preserve. The nearly 50-acre private, gated conservation community is located in Sarasota East, between Fruitville and Bee Ridge roads and consists of just 37 homesites.  “Nearly 75 percent of the property will consist of lakes, wetlands, nature trails and easements, a clear demonstration of our commitment to the preservation of the environment,” remarked company founder Sam Rodgers. “It also reinforces our tagline which states, ‘Where Nature Meets Elegance!’” According to Rodgers, the curbing in the community has already been completed, along with other various infrastructure needs. Provided that infrastructure work continues on its current schedule, the construction of the models in Arbour Lake Preserve should begin sometime early next year. For more information on Sam Rodgers Homes and Arbour Lake Preserve, visit SamRodgersHomes.com or call 941-747-4131. The company’s corporate office is located at 7381 Professional Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34240. 

Sarasota Rising, a dynamic arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural engagement, proudly announces its inaugural event, "An Evening With...," held at the Art Ovation Hotel in the heart of Sarasota. The evening was graced by the presence of Broadway's first Annie, the incomparable Andrea McArdle. This exclusive event showcased the timeless talent of Andrea McArdle, captivating the audience with her iconic performances and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her illustrious Broadway career. Joining Andrea on stage making her debut was Bridgette who played the part of Andrea’s sidekick dog, Sandy. Bridgette is from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue who has been a close partner of Sarasota Rising. Attendees were treated to an intimate experience with one of the industry's true luminaries, leaving a lasting impression on the Sarasota arts community. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the official poster for Sarasota Rising's upcoming Living Arts Festival. The stunning artwork, a visual testament to the organization's commitment to artistic excellence, added an exciting layer of anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of the arts. Sarasota Rising Executive Director Jeffery Kin expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "'An Evening With...' marked a significant milestone for Sarasota Rising, bringing together patrons of the arts to celebrate creativity and showcase the incredible talents that define our community." As the evening concluded, attendees were treated to a thrilling countdown, building anticipation for the forthcoming Living Arts Festival—an immersive celebration set to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Sarasota's artistic landscape. Sarasota Rising continues to raise money towards producing the best festival possible. For those interested in contributing to their mission, be it monetarily or through volunteerism, please visit their site at https://www.sarasotarising.org/. 

SRQ Magazine is calling home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers to submit their projects from the past year. The winning entries are awarded Home of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards and the winning entries are published in the March 2024 awards edition of SRQ Magazine. 

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