On Friday, August 15, 2024, the St. Regis on Longboat Key threw open its doors in grand style, inviting the community and media to catch a glimpse of the luxury and elegance this stunning property offers. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as this latest addition to the SRQ barrier islands marked a monumental achievement for Marriott International, becoming the 9000th property in their global portfolio. The celebration drew high-profile guests, including Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano, who traveled from across the country to join in the festivities. In his opening remarks, Capuano expressed his confidence that this resort will be a significant economic driver for the area, noting the 300 employees, affectionately called “hosts,” who will welcome guests from all over the nation to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Chuck Whittall, founder and CEO of Unicorp National Development, spearheaded the development of this remarkable property for the past 14 years, demonstrating a relentless determination to bring it to life. His journey began with a chance encounter with a representative from the former Colony, leading to the acquisition of the land where the St. Regis now proudly stands—the site of the historic Colony Beach Resort, which closed permanently in 2010.

In an interview with SRQ Magazine, Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key, shared his excitement at the opportunity to open the property, “This is my fourth St. Regis. To get to open a property and to really curate the experience, to decide what the experience looks like is a great honor. We're bringing the name “Longboat Key” to a lot of people who sometimes still think that it’s near Key West. We're going to help position this market as the destination it should be. These are the most incredible beaches in the entire country. And even more important for the community, we're really committed to being a social hub for Longboat Key. Just like John Jacob Astor did when he built the St. Regis in New York.”

As guests toured the property, the resort’s gracious hosts highlighted the incredible restaurants and amenities available to the public. Among the standouts is Riva, an exquisite Italian restaurant with views of the pool, and C.W. Prime, a high-end steakhouse complete with a speakeasy and private dining area. The St. Regis has woven Sarasota’s rich culture into its design, with the Grand Ballroom inspired by the iconic tents of the Ringling Bros. Circus and a lagoon featuring stingrays and 2,500 species of native fish, offering guests an up-close encounter with the Gulf Coast’s vibrant marine life.

SRQ also spoke with Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company, who spent a good portion of his childhood living on the Colony property, “So what's amazing about walking the property is how magical this iteration of the Colony experience is. Growing up here, as a child, you would wander through the property, and there would always be a new facet to discover. You look at this hotel and the amazing property, and it's just as magical and just as fascinating, but in a very evolved and contemporary way, from the lazy river to the magical experiences with the spa and the different dining experiences.”

With its unparalleled luxury and unique local touches, the St. Regis is set to provide unforgettable experiences for both guests and residents of the SRQ community for years to come. 

The fabulous opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key answers the question that was so often posed when The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort closed in 2010: ‘What next?’

The Colony, built in 1952 and partially owned and operated by Longboat Key visionary Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber since 1973, was a signature asset in the region’s portfolio of destinations and attractions. A series of complicated legal disputes between owners led to the property’s closure. Even after it became clear that the Colony would not reopen, the future of the property remained uncertain for a long time.

Murf, the garrulous, charismatic, and sometimes irascible visionary, didn’t live to see the St. Regis open. He died in 2018, but many of his family and nearest and dearest were present for the ribbon cutting, and SRQ Magazine was honored to be allowed to share in their exploration of the property. A showman extraordinaire, one hopes Murf would have appreciated that the property the Colony graced for so many years has been reborn as one of the most amazing resort destinations on the West Coast, just as the Colony was in its heyday.

Without further comment, the following are quotes from Tommy Klauber, one of Murf’s two sons, Katie Klauber Moulton, Murf’s daughter and the final General Manager of the Colony, Michael Saunders, close friend and partner to Murf for many years in the 1970s and 80s, and her son, Drayton Saunders, who counted Murf as a “second father.” We also spoke with Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key, about the Klauber legacy.

“For the past 24 hours, the memories have been flooding back from my wonderful childhood here, from jumping off the pier and surfing to working in the Colony—doing every job imaginable from washing windows to cooking to food and beverage. My kids spent their childhood on this property—my daughter’s wedding. We pulled some crazy stuff off that people would not believe—cooking for Presidents—celebrities galore. To see what it is now is mind-blowing. Mind is blown. Would I love to have the Colony still exist? A hundred percent. That's my heart. Is this amazing? Unbelievably amazing.”

“Murf—I think he would be dancing around in this place like he'd be in heaven. Even after going through everything that he went through, which was challenging for him, for Longboat Key, for the owners of the Colony and for our family, he's probably very thrilled that this is what it became. It's a beautiful place. I'm sure it's going to be a huge success.” - Tommy Klauber

It's all about making memories for our guests. Chuck has taken the St. Regis standards to a whole other level. They say a “high tide lifts all ships,” and I believe this will do that. I think the hospitality industry will benefit greatly from the standards that they're setting. It introduces people from all over the world who would've never been to Longboat Key before. It’s going to be great.” - Katie Klauber Moulton

“My son Drayton, he is 52. He learned to swim in the Colony pool when he was a year old. And I go back much further than that. The Colony was the best-known tennis resort in the world, but now you're taking it to a whole new International level. For this community, it perpetuates the legacy of the Klauber family into the future. And before that the Field family. Now the St. Regis will perpetuate that into the future forever. Forever.” - Michael Saunders

“I got to grow up on Longboat, at this property. I’m sure the connection to this place will be eternal for me. I spent many an hour as a young boy getting to experience the lifestyle that the Colony offered. Many people will come and experience Longboat through the St. Regis, and make it their gateway to this part of the West Coast of Florida.” - Drayton Saunders

“Everybody, since day one, speaks about the Colony. The Klauber family has been extremely gracious with their hospitality and welcoming spirit. Katie was the last general manager and I'm the first new general manager here. It's funny, today her dress was exactly like my pocket square, so we were kind of laughing about the matching colors.”

“There are tons of little details and touches [showing the Colony history]. We're doing the Monkey Bar, a Murf Dog, and a Murf and Surf. Hopefully, we'll create just as many memories as Murph did with the Colony Hotel for many more years to come” - Winfred van Workum, General Manager of The St. Regis Longboat Key 

George Kruse and Kevin Van Ostenbridge both won election to the Manatee County Commission as perceived allies., a new breed of staunch conservatives taking the county. But now the two face each other is a head-to-head Republican Primary for the same countywide seat.

Van Ostenbridge decided to challenge Kruse for his at-large seat this year rather than run for re-election to his District 3 spot on the commission. He said he made that decision after successfully raising more money than anyone ever had in pursuit of a Manatee County Commission seat. Through Aug.15, he raised $239,000 to Kruse’s $67,000.

“That afforded me the opportunity to replace the most liberal member of the County Commission,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Kruse said he and Van Ostenbridge likely agree on a majority of issues as Republicans, but that he isn’t controlled by special interests. That means the two have voted differently on issues like development applications and preserving county wetlands. He criticized his opponent as more interested in personal power than public service.

“He gets upset at dissension and wants to have six people who bow and do what he says,” Kruse said. “Right now he has five people who are scared of the people behind Kevin.”

The dynamic of the board has notably changed in the last two years. Kruse during his first two years in office often served as a swing vote on decisions like changing county administrators and key growth management votes. But a wave election in 2022 saw the commission’s only Democrat and two moderate Republicans turned out of office. Since then, Kruse often has been on the short end of multiple 6-1 votes.

Van Ostenbridge said he has an agenda over the next four years that will be more effective with a solidly conservative board. “I look forward to lowering taxes again and building roads to reduce traffic congestion,” he said.

Kruse said improving infrastructure will be accomplished better by appropriately raising impact fees to tie the cost of growth to building permits pulled in the county. He said the rare chance for voters to decide between two sitting commissioners with a four-year voting record gives the chance to decide exactly how the public wants to move forward with governance.

“I’m confident 98% of informed voters are on my side; I think that’s being conservative,” he said. “The other side is entirely based on uninformed, low-information suckers conned by half-truths, lies and unethical tactics to convince them to vote against their interest.”

Kruse and Van Ostenbridge are running for the District 7 at-large seat, the only countywide commission seat on the ballot this year. The Republican primary vote on Tuesday is only open to Republicans, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Sari Lindrose-Valimaki and a write-in candidate in November.

In addition to the at-large race, three other district-level county commission races are taking place on Tuesday. Carol Ann Felts and Steve Metallo are running in a Republican Primary in District 1. April Culbreath and Tal Siddique vie for the Republican nomination in District 3. Robert McCann is challenging appointed incumbent Commissioner Raymond Turner in a GOP Primary in District 5.

That leaves the at-large race as the only one putting candidates who won election in the past on the ballot. 

Photos: George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge

In this enlightening Q&A, we delve into Thais Holistic, a natural healing and therapeutic business founded by Liliana Thais. With a rich background in various healing practices, Liliana has transformed her passion for holistic health into a thriving enterprise. From her early explorations of Reiki to her immersive travels in India, Liliana has gathered a wealth of knowledge that she now channels into helping others. Join us as Liliana shares the inspiration behind Thais Holistic, the importance of natural healing in today’s fast-paced society, and her vision for the future of her business.

SRQ: Can you share why you decided to start your own business and the journey that led you to this point?

Thais: About 25 years ago, my interest in natural healing began as I learned about Reiki which is a type of energy healing. I started studying more about manual therapies like massages and Traditional Chinese Medicines like acupuncture and herbology. This led me to study other types of natural healing like aromatherapy. It was important to me to understand the connection between natural healing and the limbic system and the emotional responses people have to these types of healing. With everything I was learning, I was motivated to expand my knowledge and explore how other cultures navigate the theme of natural healing. I was inspired by the Hindus which is when I decided to travel to India and immerse myself in their forms of healing like yoga. Here is where I came across sound therapy in the different temples I traveled to. This experience was so beautiful because I was able to discover this unknown world and learn how sounds and vibrations help transform the biochemical of one’s body by finding harmony in the sound. I started developing an interest in learning more about the human brain through science and how to connect it to a person’s spiritual being. When I moved back to the United States, I decided to start my own business solely doing therapeutic massages. However, I knew deep down that I wanted to work more with the traditional medicines and unconventional therapies I had learned in my time in Asia.

SRQ: How do the practices of natural healing contribute to the well-being of the SRQ community and why are these services increasingly necessary in today’s society?

Thais: This country needs this type of medicine because a lot of people struggle with the societal pressures that are imposed on us and the effects like stress and depression. Natural healing is beneficial to the mental, physical and spiritual health of a person so they can grow their self-esteem and get rid of any anxieties that are currently bringing them down. Each natural therapy method contributes to the inner healing of different parts of our lives. If more people began to put more time and energy into themselves and our well-being, our problems would feel a lot smaller and easier to manage.

SRQ: What book are you reading now that expands on your business acumen?

Thais: Believe It to Achieve It by Brian Tracy.

SRQ: What podcast are you listening to that is inspiring you in your business life?

Thais: Boss Tank: Be Your Own Boss.

SRQ: Share one of your business bucket list items.

Thais: I have started to notice something so beautiful in my line of work where I meet a lot of professionals who are patients of mine who want to go back and work on those dreams that they never got the chance to complete. They come to me in search of support and I have taken the time to listen and give back that support they are looking for. I dream of growing my business to the next level where I can implement a more compact process when it comes to working with my patients. For example, I would love to start doing spiritual retreats or provide services where people can learn about healthy conscious eating. I would like to transform my business into a place that focuses on the process of restoration because a lot of us would benefit from healing our spiritual and mental health. 

Pictured: Liliana Thais guiding a group of people through a sound therapy workshop. Photo courtesy of Liliana Thais.

If you would like to book an appointment with Thais Hollistic, you can DM their Instagram here.

Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 1.8-acre site in Wellen Park, marking a significant expansion of its presence in southern Sarasota County. The development will feature a 5,000-square-foot signature office and an expansive 17,000-square-foot commercial space located on the corner of West Villages Parkway and Meridy Way. The new office, set to open in Q4 2025, will offer comprehensive real estate brokerage services including title, mortgage, and insurance. “This expansion aligns with our commitment to be locally rooted in the communities we serve.  We are also excited to be investing in a location in the heart of Wellen Park, a community that has redefined the southern part of Sarasota County,” stated Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company. Current Michael Saunders & Company agents are already servicing this area, and the new office will provide enhanced support with a fully staffed team of dedicated sales professionals focused on providing exceptional real estate services to the local market. Shawn Strodoski, who also manages the Venice and Plantation offices, will oversee the new office.  Interested agents can contact Strodoski at 941.485.5421 for opportunities to join the Wellen Park team. The adjacent commercial space provides flexible leasing options for businesses desiring a presence in the rapidly growing Wellen Park community. It can be divided for multiple tenants or leased as a single freestanding building. To oversee the project, Michael Saunders & Company has hired Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP and Willis Smith Construction. For information about leasing opportunities, please contact Michael Saunders & Company’s commercial real estate division at 941.957.3730. 

Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is  pleased to announce that Michael J. Wilson, the Firm’s President, has been named chair elect designee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Wilson will assume the role of chair-elect of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar  effective July 1, 2025, and the role of Chair of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar effective  July 1, 2026. He has been a long-time director and member of the Executive Council of  the Tax Section, serving as a director of the Federal Tax Division, Educational Division,  Section Administration Division, and the Long-Range Planning Committee. Established  in 1952, the purpose of the Tax Section is to further the tax knowledge and practice of its  more than 2,000 members in federal and state tax law and accomplish legislative and  regulatory objectives to improve the operation and administration of federal and state  tax law.  As a business and tax lawyer for almost 25 years, Mr. Wilson advises clients on business  and tax planning and structuring matters. He assists clients negotiate a wide range of  business and corporate transactions, including business sales and acquisitions, mergers,  restructurings, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital investments, business  loans and other credit facilities, tax-exempt bond financings, business succession,  corporate governance, and other significant business and commercial matters. He also  serves as outside general counsel to businesses of varying sizes in many different  industries. He is certified as a tax specialist by the Florida Bar and handles federal, state,  and international tax planning and controversy matters.   

Bentley Goodrich Kison is pleased to announce that multiple attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Bentley Goodrich Kison is led by managing partner Morgan R. Bentley and partners Brian D. Goodrich and Amanda R. Kison. Bentley was selected for The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in the practice areas of commercial litigation and real estate litigation. Goodrich was selected for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for his work in commercial litigation and real estate law, and Kison was selected for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for her work in commercial litigation.  Bentley Goodrich Kison focuses on business litigation, real estate litigation, and appeals. Businesses and individuals throughout Southwest Florida turn to the firm for pointed advice and assertive legal representation. The team of skillful negotiators and effective litigators is well-equipped to handle even the most complex, high-profile commercial matters in an effective manner. For more information, visit www.bgk.law or call (941) 556-9030. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the most credible measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled based on an exhaustive Purely Peer Review® evaluation. 

For a second year in a row, Forty Carrots Family Center has been awarded the  Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization. Out of 801 local businesses that participated in the process, only the top 30 businesses were identified as a Sarasota/Manatee Top Workplace.  Forty Carrots Family Center ranked #3 in the small business category, any business with less than 125 employees.  Additionally, Forty Carrots received the Top Workplaces award for Social Responsibility, which came with a gift of $1,000 generously sponsored by Atlantic TNG, LLC.  Forty Carrots was also awarded the “Doers” Specialty Award, which is a company that operates efficiently and well.  Forty Carrots was featured in the Top Workplaces magazine.  Winners were honored at a celebration event on August 7th at The Grove – Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch.  The event was hosted by LocaliQ, Energage, USA Today and the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Forty Carrots is committed to strengthening families in our community and envisions a future where all children are raised in homes where they are loved, nurtured, and protected. Through parenting education programs, mental health services, and early childhood education, Forty Carrots provides families with the tools, resources, and support to create environments in which all children can learn, love, and grow.             

Pictured: l-r: Ella Lewis, Regina Walker, Kim Dailey, Laura Josephson, Matthew Rogers, Geri Jo Manson, Erika Kohne, Ben Jones.