The Best of SRQ 2021 Competition is officially underway! To recognize and celebrate the best locally owned establishments in the region, SRQ MEDIA seeks nominations for reader’s favorite local eats and drinks, shopping, luminaries and hotspots. The top nominees will move forward to a voting round and will have the chance to be named “Best of SRQ Local” in our annual awards feature published in the April 2021 magazine.
NEW TO THIS YEAR: When readers register and nominate in 30+ categories, they’ll be entered into a sweepstake to win one of three $500 gift cards to the Tableseide Restaurant Group restaurants including: Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie in Southside and Lakewood Ranch and Circo: A Taco and Bourbon Joint.
Each year over 200 local establishments receive Best of SRQ Local awards in a variety of categories. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday December 16th so CLICK HERE to share your favorites for the Best of SRQ 2021!
The pandemic has brought challenges to our community that have required incredible resilience and creativity. Those in the arts, who survive and thrive off the applause of a live audience had to pivot and make their productions digital. Restaurants usually bustling with diners saw their tables empty and curbsides busy.
SRQ’s November 2020 edition looked for the fun in dysfunctional. Pairing up local chefs and artists for the quirky feature Dish + Art, where a mermaid painted on wood becomes a fried fish taco. Showcasing craft breweries, cheer yourself up with some pink beer. Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company throws new kind of party with their Quinceañera show and socially conscious artists John Sim and Mike Solomon find inspiration in the darkest of times. Celebrating the small joys of right now is easy with some Smoquehouse Korean BBQ sandwiches and an inside scoop on the best places to go thrifting.
#LIVELOCAL #LOVELOCAL
SRQIST
Pandemic Portraits: Mike Solomon captures the faces of turbulent times with his latest exhibition.
It’s a Rad World: Raleigh Mosely, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr. each explore their artistic identity.
CULTURE CITY
Subject to Change: In the wake of COVID-19, performance arts organizations scrambled toward an uncertain future.
John Sims: The story of this irreducible artist and activist and his life’s work.
CARGO
Get Bronzed: Handsome hardware bounces light around kitchens and bathrooms.
Woven Life: The Gals of Woven Home Collection bring rattan bookcases and bamboo coffee tables to bohemian bargain hunters.
Something White: Camilyn Beth’s newly launched bridal collection is ready for wedding season to unravel.
Postcard Time Stamps: Orange Moon Interiors brings new life to a 1960s Holmes Beach vacation rental through vintage postcard finds.
Waste Not, Want Not: Goodwill’s Bargain Barn offers its donated items one last shot a salvation in a whirlwind of a thrifting experience.
What Goes Around Comes Around: Affordable, trendy and affiliated with local charities, these local spots are the best place to find your newest old treasure.
FORAGE
BBQ, Evolved: Smoquehouse eggs the stubborn mule called BBQ forward.
Bright Brews: Four local breweries take a German beer to the next level with a distinctly Florida Vibe.
Dish + Art: A roundup of this year’s gorgeous painting and plating mashups.
ON THEFLIPSIDE
Top Doctors: The Annual Peer-Review Medical Resource Guide recognizing Top Doctors from Bradenton Beach and Lakewood Ranch to Sarasota, Venice and North Port, FL.
Click hereto check out the full digital edition of the November 2020 edition of SRQ Magazine. To engage with the annual Top Doctors Medical Resource Guide, click here.
This September, SRQ Magazine delves into Firmo Construction’s latest projects and explores how their cutting edge VR technology is a game changer for the construction industry. Available to view and download, the Firmo Construction SRQ BrandStory shares how this local design-build firm approaches adaptation, innovation, and growth.
We might be long past the years of shopping for back to school supplies, but September always brings with it the hint of a fresh start. September’s Trendsport issue is here to let you in on all the up and coming and buzz-worthy things to add to your to-do list. Local restaurants up their game in the takeout dining sector. Combat boots make a utilitarian comeback, while chunky jewelry make a cultural statement. School buses and van build-outs are becoming family homes-on-wheels, while strong offshore winds are calling for kiteboarding lessons and Hobie cat rentals. And believe it or not, gardening and crocheting are becoming the hottest hobbies in the neighborhood. Whether you’re heading to a grassy knoll to meet your pals for a socially-distant, picturesque picnic or jamming the buttons of your video game controller playing esports with virtual friends, the trends we’ve picked up on the last few months are likely to carry us throughout the rest of this turbulent yet trendy year. #LIVELOCAL #LOVELOCAL
SRQIST:
Sprouted Brain: By treating grains as a living thing, Tom Gumpel hopes to make bread great again.
Meet Allegiant Private Advisors in this Summer’s SRQ BrandStory. Published in the latest magazine and available to view and download online, the BrandStory highlights how Allegiant can help clients throughout the stages of their financial life and why having an advisor that proactively communicates, educates and guides you is crucial.
An exciting program is underway in August and September that will connect you to dozens of deals countywide. Welcome back, Sarasota Big Pass—Visit Sarasota County’s one-stop-shop of local deals and discounts in three distinct categories: Buy One Get One Free (BOGO), 25% Off and $5 Off.
If you’re looking for a break from the routine at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these limited-time offers at local restaurants, attractions and hotels responsibly. As the media sponsor for this local program, SRQ MEDIA has put together a guide to some of the deals you should be taking advantage of right here in Sarasota County.
Stay
What’s better than a hotel getaway in gorgeous Sarasota County just minutes from picturesque beaches? How about a 25% discount off your stay! Access the private beaches of Casey Key by booking at Escape Resort & Marina, or stay 3 blocks from Venice Beach at Venice Beach Villas. Enjoy walkable Downtown Sarasota from your trendy room at The Sarasota Modern, wake up with a hot Amish breakfast at Carlisle Inn, or enjoy open-air curbside shopping at University Town Center from nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/LWR, Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota/LWR, Homewood Suites Sarasota/LWR or EVEN Hotel. Change your scenery stress-free at one of these homes-away-from-home, many of which have added signs, sanitizer stations and other new cleaning protocols to provide peace-of-mind with your stay.
Sip and Dine
Give those homemade meals a rest and thrill your taste buds once again with a professionally prepared meal from a reopened local restaurant. Many are still offering takeout and curbside to help customers avoid unnecessary crowds. Outdoor seating is also more prevalent than ever for a brief sit down and drink, dessert, dinner or all three! Chianti Ristorante Italiano, EVOQ at Westin Sarasota and Libby’s Sarasota are offering BOGO appetizers. Siesta Key Oyster Bar and Daiquiri Deck are knocking 25% off the whole bill (food only for Daiquiri Deck). It’s a great way to support local restaurants and save!
Enjoy
Take advantage of big savings at local attractions and shops too. See Sarasota County like never before and save $5 off your ticket with $5 off tours at Discover Sarasota Tours. Feeling wild? Head inland for $5 off tickets to TreeUmph! Adventure Course or BOGO child tickets at Big Cat Habitat. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, enjoy 25% off a signature massage at The Spa and Salon at the Westin Sarasota or 25% off any waxing service at Waxing the City. Make Sarasota Big Pass is your ticket to some of the best attractions and adorable shopping in Sarasota County.
All these deals and more are available online. Show the deal’s digital listing on your phone or mention “Sarasota Big Pass” to redeem the discount.
SRQ MEDIA is delighted to introduce the interns selected to participate in the company’s long-standing Summer Intensive Internship Program including Gabriella Alfonso, Grace Castilow, and Winona Nasser. Engaging with the team remotely, this year’s interns join the team to develop their applied knowledge in marketing and advertising, editorial and art and design. SRQ MEDIA founded the program over a decade ago to provide young professionals entering or continuing their post-secondary work with context, exploration and deep dives into the areas in which they have found passion. Having hosted over 200 interns in the company’s 20+ years, SRQ MEDIA made a commitment to continue the Summer Intensive program during the CoronaVirus pandemic knowing the inherent challenges that have emerged in the media industry would be an incredibly rewarding learning experience for both the company and its interns.
Gabriella Alfonso, Marketing and Advertising Associate, is a student at the University of South Florida seeking a Bachelor of Sciences in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising. She is currently an active member of both the Advertising Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America at USF. Gabriella is eager to expand her knowledge and experience through guidance with SRQ MEDIA.
“I first heard about this opportunity through my extensive Google internship search and SRQ MEDIA popped up,” says Gabriella. “I’ve been living in the Sarasota area for about 16 years now. I love how this area is constantly growing! Whether it is with the growing skyline or its appreciation within the arts, this area is beautiful and deserves to have more recognition!” When Gabriella is not working with SRQ MEDIA, she loves to explore nature parks, soak up the Florida sun at Anna Maria Island, and play with her two dogs, Dutchess and Luna.
Currently pursuing a double major in Media and Communication Studies and Editing, Writing and Media at Florida State University, Grace Castilow joins the team as this summer’s Editorial Associate. Grace is involved in numerous editorial works during college including being a Brand Development Specialist with the Florida State Fraternity and Sorority Life as well as a Staff Writer and Social Media Coordinator for Her Campus FSU.
“I heard about this internship from a Teacher’s Assistant for an advertising course I took at FSU who was formerly an editorial intern at SRQ MEDIA. I reached out to her and she encouraged me to apply for the position,” says Grace. Born and raised in Sarasota, Grace loves that every connection she has made she is greeted with “kindness and acceptance, which is something you don’t find in every coastal city.” Grace has been “writing” since before she could spell and hopes to write a novel of her own someday.
Lastly, Winona Nasser joins the team as Art and Design Associate. A student at the University of Florida, Winona seeks a Bachelor of Science in the Advertising, agency track. Before working with SRQ, Winona started working with Purility Therapeutics, a startup CBD company as their graphic designer. She has also started her own freelance multimedia design business, Winona Media.
“I was looking for an internship where I could flex my creative muscles every day and learn more about different design disciplines,” says Winona. “I came across the internship listing on LinkedIn or on the SRQ MEDIA website after Googling local creative companies. I applied after reading about the company’s great community initiatives, and really liked that SRQ seemed like a rewarding place to grow as a young professional.” Some fun facts about Winona are that her elbows are double-jointed, she is fluent in three different languages, and does competitive Greek folk dance on the weekends.
[Sarasota, FL] SRQ MEDIA is inviting local medical professionals to nominate their colleagues of choice they feel are making a significant impact in the medical community. Each submission will be compiled to produce the Top Doctors Medical Resource of 2020. This is a reputable, well-rounded list of regional medical providers in the Greater Sarasota region including: Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Palmetto and Palmetto Bay, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, North Port and Lakewood Ranch. Now more than ever, we would like to celebrate and recognize the medical professionals who have been on the front line. SRQ MEDIA has added new Top Doctors program additions this year including, a Legacy component (over 40 years experience in the practice), a Rising Stars component (under 5 years experience in the practice) and Exceptional Nurses. The peer-to-peer survey is now online and nominations will be accepted until July 22, 2020. The Top Doctors Medical Resource results will be published in the November 2020 edition of SRQ Magazine.
The Top Doctors Medical Resource of 2020 is produced by the publishers of SRQ MAGAZINE in partnership with DataJoe, LLC, Colorado-based research company. DataJoe, LLC provides data research, tools, and solutions for more than 75 publishers across the country and has more than 50 years of combined research experience in the publishing space. DataJoe’s research has appeared nationally in prestigious cities and regional magazine titles providing lists ranging from doctors and attorneys to licensed real estate agents and others. They have been located in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the past 15 years.
Top Doctors Medical Resource seeks to be a credible guide solely based on peer recognition. Submissions must be completed by a medical professional practicing in the Greater Sarasota area by July 22, 2020. Surveys and nominations will remain anonymous. A full list of submission guidelines are provided within the Top Doctors Medical Resource survey.
The resiliency of the Sarasota community proved unstoppable during the pandemic crisis of COVID-19. For weeks on end, time stood still, but the locals who make this city great, keep busy moving from the offices, charities and businesses that were now suddenly stationed at home. Food banks banded together to make sure no Sarasotan went hungry and philanthropies worked over time to raise money virtually. Beyond efforts to keep residents safe, healthy and business prosperous; this creative community showed how even in the midst of an uncertain time, art can help pull people through the darkest of times. Murals popped up downtown, some took to making scenic postcards while others sewed one of a kind fashionable masks for donations. This LOCAL ON issue, showcases how mothers weathered the COVID storm, how the unwavering love of a pet can get us through, and how when you love local, it makes it that much easier to live local.
#LIVELOCAL #LOVELOCAL
Pets We Love: A roundup of this year’s paw-sitively paw-esome animal friends and the stories our readers share about them.
Unmasked: The hands behind Sarasota’s selfless sewers.
FEATURES:
GIVING BACK:
Virtually Unstoppable: The Giving Challenge faced its own challenge this year – falling right int he wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feeding Our Region: Food banks and hunger programs face a greater challenge than ever amid a global pandemic.
AGENDA:
Road to Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a rapid blow to Florida’s economy, with job losses unseen since the Great Depression. SRQ MEDIA convenes economic leaders to discuss the impact on the region and the path forward.
WELLNESS:
Brain Boost: How the brain health initiative provides world-class insight and resources to mobile devices.
RESTAURANTS:
Foragers Ahead: Local Farms and food vendors prove tenaciously nimble as farmers markets are forced to pull the plug.
PHOTO FEATURE:
Moments: Capturing local vignettes during the pandemic.
CHERISHING LOCAL:
3D Illusions: Seeing is believing at this irreverent pop up museum.
Postcard Art: Tim Jaeger revisits memories captured in humble swatches of mail.
Mom’s World Mid-Pandemic: Five local mothers adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic (and celebrate Mother’s Day in a whole new way).
Roar of a Survivor: From hopeless to homeless, a young Sebrena Pawley would eventually come to learn that falling ill to a life-threatening virus is just another survival obstacle to overcome.
Get in on all the goodness and check out the SUMMER 2020 issuetoday!
Now available to view and download, the PGT Innovations BrandStory celebrates 40 years of innovation.
Published in the SRQ April 2020 magazine, this BrandStory delves into PGT Innovation’s rich history and its commitment to building products that protect.
