We asked our readers to vote on their favorite restaurants, bars, shops, businesses, arts groups and much, much more. In fact, we tallied results in 109 different categories, and a record number of participants cast a ballot this year. The result? A comprehensive review of everything you love about living in Sarasota.

Experiences and Attractions

Best Nature Trail: Myakka River State Park

Myakka is home to 40 miles of trails that will take you through a wide range of habitats and expose you to native birds and deer and a healthy population of American alligators, among other critters. While there, be sure to take a side quest to the park’s canopy walk. A stroll through the canopy provides a unique opportunity to be up close and personal with the park’s sprawling trees and the epiphytes that grow on them. 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, (941) 361-6511, floridastateparks.org

Runners Up:

Legacy Trail

Celery Fields

Best Children’s Attraction: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Everything is awesome at Mote, but nothing is better than the touch tanks filled with local Gulf species. We can’t wait to see its new 110,000-square-foot aquarium, set to open soon on Cattlemen Road. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4441, mote.org

Runners Up

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Best Beach: Siesta Key Beach

Runners Up:

Lido Beach

Coquina Beach

Best Library: Selby Library

When the original Selby was built in 1907, it was the county’s only library. The current version, constructed in 1998, houses thousands of books, making it the county’s largest. Visit Selby for a stack of craveable reads to take home or enjoy in its serene open foyer, and be sure to say hello to its friendly and knowledgeable librarians. 1331 First St., Sarasota, (941) 861-1110, sarasotacountylibraries.org

Runners Up

Fruitville Library

Gulf Gate Library

Best Festival: Chalk Festival

Runners-Up: 

Forks & Corks

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

Best Non-Fundraising Event: Forks & Corks

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

Best Public Park: Bayfront Park

Runners Up:

Nathan Benderson Park

The Bay

Best Playground: Bayfront Park

Runners Up

Payne Park

Waterside Park

Best Museum: The Ringling

The Ringling marvels include its enormous art collection, the Circus Museum, the bayfront gardens and John and Mable Ringling’s preserved Sarasota mansion, the Ca’ d’Zan. While many contributed to the growth of Sarasota in its early years, John and Mable rank among the most noteworthy, and the legacy they’ve left Sarasota is priceless. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 359-5700, ringling.org

Runners-Up

Sarasota Art Museum

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Best Gala or Fundraiser: Dick Vitale Gala

Last year, the Dick Vitale Gala raised $24.8 million for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation. Now in its 20th year, its May 2 gala aims to smash that record. dickvitaleonline.com

Runners-Up

Wine Women & Shoes

SPARCC Runway Fashion Show

Best Performing Arts Group: Asolo Rep

The Asolo’s history dates back to the 1960s, when teachers at Florida State University began putting on plays at the Historic Asolo Theater inside the Ringling museum. Today, the company’s shows take place at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, and the theater separates itself from the pack with elaborate, professional performances that attract directors, actors and designers from around the world. With a season that runs through mid-June, there’s still plenty of time for you to catch a great show, like Jesus Christ Superstar, which opens on Saturday, May 17. 555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (800) 361-8388, asolorep.org

Runners up

Florida Studio Theatre

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Best Park for Dogs: Bayfront Park

At Bayfront Park, dogs can climb trees, sniff the shore or even captain one of the hundreds of boats in the adjoining marina. OK, maybe that last one is a stretch, but it’s easy to see why dogs (and their humans) love it here. 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, (941) 263-6386, letsplaysarasota.com

Runners Up

17th Street Paw Park

Arlington Paw Park

Best Farmers Market: Sarasota Farmers Market

This bumping downtown market operates every Saturday, 52 weeks a year, rain or shine. It’s wonderful all year, but we love it best from fall to spring. Along North Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, (941) 225-9256, sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Runners-Up

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

Shopping

Best Women’s Clothing: Foxy Lady

Foxy Lady is a Sarasota institution that’s been a go-to for fashion mavens since the day it was founded by Lorry Eible in 1972. Despite last year’s catastrophic hurricane season, which devastated many coastal businesses like Foxy Lady, both of the retailer’s locations remain open for business. You’ll find brands like Johnny Was, Teri Jon, Joseph Ribkoff and more, and don’t you dare skip the St. Armands location’s legendary annual tent sale. 481 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, (941) 388-5239; 209 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota, (941) 349-6644; foxyladysarasota.com

Runners up

L. Boutique

Lotus

Best Men’s Clothing: Tweeds

Runners Up:

The Met

Greiner’s Fine Men’s Clothing

Best Swimwear: Swim City

Runners Up:

Shore

Beach Bazaar

Best Vintage Shop: Bon Bon Vintage

Tidewell Treasures

Runners Up:

Canned Ham Vintage

Best Consignment Shop: The Exchange

The magic of The Exchange is that you can walk in looking for a piece of unique art and walk out with an antique rug, a vintage fur coat, sparkly costume jewelry and a set of 1940s china, too. Established in 1962 as Woman’s Exchange, this nonprofit shop has awarded more than $10 million in grants and student scholarships over the years, including more than $400,000 in 2024 alone. It runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to more than 250 volunteers. 539 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941) 955-7859, sarasotawex.com

Runners Up:

Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel

Tidewell Treasures

Best Eyewear Store: Center for Sight

Center for Sight is known for providing eye procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery, but if you’re looking for new glasses, don’t sleep on its optical boutique. Find brands like Maui Jim, Tom Ford Eyewear, Betsey Johnson and more. 2601 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 277-9041, centerforsight.net

Runners Up

Soto’s Optical Boutique

iOptics Eyewear

Best Boat Dealer: MarineMax Sarasota

It’s a stereotype for a reason: People move to Sarasota for the weather and the water. MarineMax—with its convenient location on Lido Key—can help you enjoy both thanks to its selection of yachts and dayboats from Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Harris Pontoons and Aquila Power Catamarans. MarineMax will also help you source a captain and crew for your yacht and offers concierge services like trips, parties and access to VIP factory visits and boat shows. 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4411, marinemax.com

Runners Up:

Cannons Marina

Sara Bay Marina

Best Florist: Beneva

Beneva orders 15,000 red roses for Valentine’s Day every year and puts together 3,000 Mother’s Day bouquets annually. 6980 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota, (941) 923-7401

Runners Up

Victoria Blooms

Flowers by Fudgie

Best Car Dealer: Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota

A Mercedes is the little black dress of cars—a classic that will never go out of style. At Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota, you’ll find all-new electric and traditional convertibles, SUVs and sedans, like the snazzy 2025 AMG CLE 53 4Matic coupe, as well as a robust selection of pre-owned vehicles and hard-working vans, plus a state-of-the-art service department that will keep you in cruise control for years. 4754 Clark Road, Sarasota, (844) 733-9490, mercedesbenzofsarasota.com

Runners Up:

Lexus of Sarasota

Sarasota Ford

Best Bike Shop: Village Bikes

Ferris Bueller famously said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Why not do it from a bike? If you need help selecting one, the crew at Village Bikes—which has been in business since 2003—is happy to help. It stocks a variety of road, mountain, cruiser, hybrid, kids’ and electric bikes, as well as parts, tires, accessories, clothing and cycling shoes. Be like Ferris and slow down—just don’t forget your helmet. 3898 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-7702; 8111 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, (941) 388-0550

Runners Up:

Sarasota Cycles

Pop Cycles

Best Place to Buy Art: Palm Avenue Fine Art

Runners Up:

The Artful Giraffe

State of the Arts Gallery

Best Gift Shop: Elysian Fields

Runners Up:

Crowder’s Gifts & Gadgets

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Best Car Wash: Johnny’s Car Wash

Runners Up:

Tommy’s Express Car Wash

Eager Beaver Car Wash

Food & Drink

Best New Restaurant: Ocean Prime

The much-anticipated restaurant located in Quay Sarasota celebrates both land and sea, but dining here is about more than just the food. The restaurant’s design nods towards Sarasota’s coastal fame, with gentle blues and sand tones and outdoor patio space for more than 100 guests overlooking Sarasota Bay. While new, Ocean Prime has already attracted well-heeled locals and established itself as the place to see and be seen. 501 Quay Commons, Sarasota, (941) 404-1024, ocean-prime.com

Runners Up:

Trattoria Bella Napoli

Bar Italia

Best Waterfront Dining: Shore

Shore takes advantage of its enviable location around the corner from Longboat Pass by fusing indoor and outdoor seating so seamlessly that there isn’t a bad table in the house. With its use of California-style midcentury-inspired decor and a killer menu to match, it’s easy to understand why readers love it so much. While you’re there, order the lobster, crab and shrimp Cobb salad, arguably the restaurant’s most successful dish. It’s big enough to enjoy as an entrée or to split with others at the beginning of a meal. 800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, (941) 259-4600, dineshore.com

Runners Up:

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Ophelia’s on the Bay

Best Breakfast: First Watch

Runners Up:

The Breakfast Company

Toasted Mango Cafe

Best Outdoor or Patio Dining: Owen’s Fish Camp

Runners Up:

Marina Jack

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Best Sandwich Shop: Anna’s Deli

Runners Up:

Southside Deli

The Main Bar Sandwich Shop

Best Pizza: Rico’s Pizzeria

Runners Up:

Origin

Valentino Pizzeria Trattoria

Best Lunch Menu: Connors Steak & Seafood

Runners Up:

Gecko’s Grill & Pub

The Green Orchid by Michael’s on East

Best Tacos: Irma’s Tacos, Craft Beer & Tequila Bar

Runners Up:

Casa Masa

Kolucan

Best Kids Menu: Gecko’s Grill & Pub

Runners Up:

Evie’s

First Watch

Best Steakhouse: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Runners Up:

Connors Steak & Seafood

Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood

Best Vegan Menu: Green Zebra Cafe

Runners Up:

Lila

Simon’s Coffee House

Best Gluten-Free Menu: Green Zebra Cafe

Runners Up:

Lila

CROP Juice

Best Barbecue: Brick’s Smoked Meats

Runners Up:

Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse

Mission BBQ

Best Date Night Restaurant: Selva

Selva is a local stalwart thanks to its consistent menu, admirable service and overall cool-kid atmosphere. The dinner options are heavily influenced by Peruvian cuisine, making it a unique choice for a romantic night out. Fish and steak feature prominently, and flavors are accented with bright acidic accompaniments, like chimichurri or mango butter sauce. The downtown Sarasota location is open until 1 a.m. on the weekends, making it ideal for a midnight rendezvous. 1345 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4427; 67 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, (941) 358-6272; selvagrill.com

Runners Up:

Michael’s on East

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Best Burger: Patricks 1481

Runners Up:

Shakespeare’s

Connors Steak & Seafood

Best French Fries: Food + Beer

Runners Up:

Gecko’s Grill & Pub

Evie’s

Best Deli: Morton’s Gourmet Market

Runners Up:

Anna’s Deli

Southside Deli

Best Italian Restaurant: Mediterraneo

Runners Up:

Trattoria Bella Napoli

Napulè

Best Brunch: First Watch

First Watch boasts more than 570 restaurants throughout the U.S., and it all started right here. Locally, First Watch has 10 locations and continues to fill us with hometown pride. Multiple locations, firstwatch.com

Runners Up:

The Breakfast Company

Station 400

Best Sushi: Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi

Sushi lovers unite over Tsunami’s inventive menu. With signature rolls like the “Oceania,” made with fresh crab, kani, shrimp, cucumber and scallion, or the “Electric Avenue,” made with tempura eel, wakame and avocado, it’s easy to get swept up in the sushi chefs’ decadent concoctions. Don’t sleep on the classic rolls, though—and consider pairing them with the tuna tower, made with fresh chunks of tuna and kani salad tumbled over a bed of rice and thin-sliced avocado. 100 Central Ave., Suite 1022, Sarasota, (941) 366-1033; 11627 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, (941) 909-8288; tsunamifl.com

Runners Up:

Pacific Rim

JPan

Best Seafood Restaurant: Walt’s Fish Market, Restaurant & Tiki Bar

Walt’s honors Sarasota and Bradenton’s rich fishing history thanks to its fourth-generation family owners. Between the generously stocked market and the fun, laid-back restaurant, it’s seafood heaven. 4144 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 921-4605, waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com

Runners Up:

Owen’s Fish Camp

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Best Food Truck: Fire Tacos

The Maine Line

Peachey’s Baking Co

Best Chef: Steve Phelps (Indigenous)

Runners Up:

Jamil Pineda  (Michael’s on East)

Drew Adams (Adeline)

Best Specialty Grocery Store: Detwiler’s Farm Market

Runners Up:

Morton’s Gourmet Market

Trader Joe’s

Best Cocktail Bar: State Street Eating House + Cocktails

State Street has mentored some of Sarasota’s most influential bartenders. While some have gone on to new projects, others have stayed for years to maintain State Street’s status as best of the best. 1533 State St., Sarasota, (941) 951-1533, statestreetsrq.com

Runners Up:

Cask & Ale

Bar Hana

Best Venice Restaurant: Fins at Sharky’s

Fins at Sharky’s is the upscale big brother to the more casual Sharky’s downstairs. We love stopping in for lunch and dinner, and we always order the grilled octopus, the lobster and potato nachos, and the pan-seared scallops. Does it get any better than seafood by the sea? 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, (941) 999-3467, finsatsharkys.com

Runners Up:

Dockside Waterfront Grill

The Crow’s Nest

Best Lakewood Ranch Restaurant: Owen’s Fish Camp

While the downtown Sarasota Owen’s is the original, the Lakewood Ranch location has gorgeous decor, plenty of outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere. Its menu differs a bit from the original, too, making it worth the drive. Order the pimento-chive drop biscuits or the black tiger prawns, but don’t worry–you can still get the signature “naked” fish paired with a slew of sauces and your choice of sides. 6516 University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 951-5052, owensfishcamp.com

Runners Up:

Osteria 500

Lucky Pelican

Best Wine List: Michael’s on East

Runners Up:

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

99 Bottles

Best Brewery: Big Top Brewing

Runners Up:

Calusa Brewing

Motorworks Brewing

Best Beer List (Non-Brewery): 99 Bottles

Runners Up:

Oak & Stone

Evie’s

Best Cocktail: Bramble, State Street Eating House + Cocktails

Runners Up:

The Siren, Jack Dusty

Rose Alchemist, Michael’s on East

Best Bradenton Restaurant: Anna Maria Oyster Bar

AMOB—as fans call it—opened in 1995 and serves the Manatee County community more than just seafood. The restaurant’s parent company, Oysters Rock Hospitality, stepped up in a big way to support the community after last year’s hurricane season, and also gives to childhood literacy programs and scholarship funds. Multiple locations, oysterbar.net

Runners Up:

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

Pier 22

Best Rooftop Bar: The Westin

No other destination can rival the views from The Westin’s rooftop bar, which is perched at the top of the hotel’s 18 stories. The space is always teeming with hip Sarasotans, both young and old. While it can get pretty packed on the weekend, we don’t mind—it transports us from Sarasota tame to Miami vibrant. 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, (941) 217-4777, marriott.com

Runners Up

Sage

Oak & Stone, Downtown Bradenton

Best Wine Shop: Norman’s Liquors & Fine Wines

Runners Up:

Michael’s Wine Cellar

Sarasota Wine Co.

Best Mixologist or Bartender: Heidi Finley, The Ritz-Carlton

Runners Up:

Lara Baykent, Michael’s on East

James Dennis, Dive Wine & Spirits

Best Place to Catch a Game: Gecko’s Grill + Pub

Runners Up:

Evie’s

Food + Beer

Best Coffee Shop: Perq Coffee Bar

Runners Up:

Buddy Brew Coffee

Project

Best Bakery: Cest La Vie!

This beloved bakery and restaurant has a seriously devoted
following. Swing by in the morning for an enormous selection of freshly baked breads, croissants and other delights (try the pear and almond tarts), or linger over salads, sandwiches and crêpes for brunch or lunch. And you may not know it, but you’re probably enjoying C’est La Vie!’s creations at your favorite spots all over town—the restaurant churns out enough bakery goodies to service some of Sarasota’s top eateries. 1553 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 906-9575; 918 Town Center Parkway, Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 961-0111; cestlaviesarasota.com

Runners-Up

Paisano’s Italian Bakery

Bread Bandits

Best Desserts: Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village

Runners Up:

Euphemia Haye and the Haye Loft*
*Editor's note: Euphemia Haye unexpectedly closed in April 2025, after Best of Sarasota voting had already been tallied 

Morton’s Gourmet Market

Hospitality

Best Golf and Country Club: The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club

Runners Up:

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

Laurel Oak Country Club

Best Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Art Ovation Hotel

Home & Decor

Best Fine Furniture: Clive Daniel Home

Clive Daniel Home’s furniture collection is perfect for the Sarasota lifestyle—modern without being cold, and coastal without being clichéd. You’ll find chic sectionals in soothing neutral colors, coffee tables in organic shapes, accent chairs upholstered in textural fabric, and lamps and chandeliers that make a big statement. Don’t miss the accessories, which include candles, glassware and other unique objects. 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 900-4663, clivedaniel.com

Runners Up:

Robb & Stucky

DutchCrafters

The family-owned Rugs as Art has been dressing up Sarasota floors since 1986. Founded by John and Lucy Murse, the business has grown from a humble 800-square-foot space in Gulf Gate into a 20,000-square-foot space on South Tamiami Trail. Today, John and his son Jesse run the store, continuing the family tradition. Rugs as Art has earned numerous accolades, including being named Small Business of the Year by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and the store remains the go-to destination for turning houses into homes. 6650 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 921-1900, rugsasart.com

Runners Up:

Art to Walk On

Clive Daniel Home

Best Accessories and Decor: Clive Daniel Home

Runners Up:

The Artful Giraffe

Blu Home Store

Best Contemporary Furniture: Clive Daniel Home

Runners Up:

Robb & Stucky

Copenhagen Imports

Best Interior Design Group: SRQ Interior Design

Runners Up:

Clive Daniel Home

Blu Home Store

Best Lighting Store: Franklin Lighting

Family-owned since 1968, Franklin is now led by Robin Franklin II, who’s teaching his 17- and 21-year-old children to take the helm as the fourth generation of owners. What began as a 2,400-square-foot shop has expanded into a sprawling 36,000-square-foot showroom, the largest on Florida’s West Coast. With more than 10,000 lights and fans in stock, it has everything from everyday fixtures to luxury statement pieces, leveraging its size to accommodate every taste. 3600 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 218-0943, franklinlighting.com

Runners Up:

Bee Ridge Lighting

LyteWorks

Best Flooring and Tile Installer: Manasota Flooring

Founded by Bob and Barbara Tiffany in 1973, Manasota Flooring is now led by Barbara alongside the couple’s daughter Valerie and son-in-law Chris. With multiple locations throughout the region, Manasota has kept Gulf Coast homes stylish for more than half a century, offering carpet, hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl and even pavers. But it’s not just about floors—it’s about community. Each holiday season, the company hands out hundreds of turkeys to first responders and supports local groups like Girls Inc. 4551 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 960-7959; 2510 First St. W., Bradenton, (941) 254-2796; 1734 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, (941) 234-4730; manasotaonline.com

Runners Up:

Chappie’s Carpet & Floors

Southwest Flooring & Tile

Best Custom Closet Builder: California Closets

California Closets specializes in personalized closets and home organization systems, catering to the evolving demand for spaces that are as big, bold and beloved as some college dorms. The franchise’s Sarasota location is independently owned and operated by Kenneth Cleary Jr. ​​1411 First St., Sarasota, (941) 366-1315, californiaclosets.com

Runners Up:

The Tailored Closet of Sarasota & Manatee

More Space Place

Best Landscaping Company: Tropical Gardens Landscape

Runners Up:

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design

Michael A. Gilkey Inc.

Best Window Coverings and Blinds: Sarasota Blinds

Runners Up:

Budget Blinds

M & M Wallcoverings & Blinds

Best Architectural Firm: Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors

Founded in 2002 by principals Todd Sweet and Jerry Sparkman, this office specializes in community-oriented projects and high-end residential design. Notably, Sweet Sparkman has been selected as the architect of record for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, reflecting its mark on the region’s cultural landscape. Among its celebrated designs are the award-winning Rancho Da Flórida project, a 6,900-square-foot, energy-efficient Myakka farmhouse, and the sleek and sexy Sarasota County Fire Station No. 13 (we never thought we'd use those words to describe a firehouse), which earned an award from the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2024. 1819 Main St., Suite 400, Sarasota, (941) 952-0084, sweetsparkman.com

Runners Up:

Hoyt Architects

Fawley Bryant

Best Custom Home Builder: John Cannon Homes

John Cannon Homes, named after its founder, specializes in bespoke residences and has constructed more than 1,400 homes in communities like Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch and The Concession. It’s known for crafting high-end waterfront homes, with architectural styles ranging from coastal to transitional, contemporary, Spanish colonial and Italian Mediterranean. 6710 Professional Parkway, Suite 100, Sarasota, (941) 924-5935, johncannonhomes.com

Runners Up:

Lee Wetherington Homes

Nautilus Homes

Best Window and Door Installer: Sarasota Glass & Mirror

Runners Up:

Mullet’s Aluminum

All Glass & Windows

Best Contractor: John Cannon Homes

Runners Up:

Nautilus Homes

SRQ Building Services

Best Developer: Benderson Development

Runners Up:

John Cannon Homes

Neal Land & Neighborhoods

Best Pool Builder: Coast to Coast Pools

Coast to Coast’s award-winning team creates personalized retreats, complete with water and fire features, jets hidden in lush foliage, disappearing edges, spas and custom lighting. Whether it’s new or a remodel, the company transforms backyards into resort-style escapes. Established in 1988, the company has been owned by Dustin Ray Pointer since 2005. 1891 Porter Lake Drive, Sarasota, (941) 377-5133, coasttocoastpools.com

Runners Up:

Pools by Design

Water Designs of Sarasota

Best Roofer: Roofing by Curry

A go-to source for roof leak repairs, full replacements and integrated solar solutions, Roofing by Curry offers a range of materials, including tile, asphalt shingle, metal and flat roofs. Founded in 1986 by Gary Curry, the company stands out by employing its own team of roofers, avoiding subcontractors to ensure consistent quality. 241 Interstate Court, Sarasota, (941) 613-5637, roofingbycurry.com

Runners Up:

Blue Sky Roofing

Sutter Roofing

Services

Best Retirement Community: The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch

The Glenridge is a nonprofit community that spans 250 acres, with elegant apartments, assisted living options and memory care services. Led by chief executive officer James Cater Jr., it recently expanded, with new single-family homes surrounded by lots of outdoor opportunities. Members enjoy amenities like a fitness center, tennis courts, dining and a 260-seat performing arts center with a busy calendar that’s also open to the public. 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota, (941) 552-5300, theglenridge.com

Runners Up:

Plymouth  Harbor

Sunnyside Village

Best Pet Daycare: Bayside Pet Resort

Bayside offers luxury pet care with boarding, daycare, grooming and even training for dogs and cats. Standout details include in-ground dog pools with water features, webcam-equipped pet suites and daily multi-point health checks. Founders Robert and Lynne Huff, former nursing home managers, built the resort on a foundation of compassionate, personalized care, making tails wag and owners happy. Multiple locations, baysidepetresort.com

Runners Up:

Doggy Resort

Ace Pet Resort

Best Concierge Service: Castle Concierge

No stranger to providing royal treatment, this woman-owned luxury concierge service treats homes with care while residents are away. It’s been recognized as our Best Concierge Service every year since 2021. (941) 504-4770, castleconciergefl.com

Runners Up:

Welcome Home Concierge

Sarasota Home Watch Inc. 

Best Home Health Company: Take Care Home Health

Runners Up:

Plymouth Harbor

Granny Nannies

Best Real Estate Company: Michael Saunders & Company 

Coldwell Banker Realty

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Best Realty Team: Cooper Coastal Living, Coldwell Banker Realty

Runners Up:

SRQ Coastal Living, Coldwell Banker Realty

Schemmel Soda Group, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Best Wealth Management  and Estate Planning Firm: Berlin Patten Ebling

Runners Up:

Caldwell Trust

RBC Wealth Management

Best Overall Law Firm: Berlin Patten Ebling

One of Florida’s largest real estate law firms, Berlin Patten Ebling was a pioneer in offering e-closings. Two fun facts: Partner Jamie Ebling was once drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, and the firm once made the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies. 3700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 954-9991, berlinpatten.com

Runners Up:

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Blalock Walters P.A.

Best Real Estate Law Firm: Berlin Patten Ebling

Runners Up:

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Dunlap Moran

Best Personal Injury Law Firm: Carl Reynolds Law

Runners Up:

Dannheisser Injury Law

Syprett Meshad

Best Daycare and Child Care: The Goddard School

Runners Up:

Discovery Point

Primrose Schools

Best Nonprofit: All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Led by chief executive officer Nelle Miller, the food bank distributed 20.4 million meals through 725 monthly food distributions in just the last year alone. Programs like the School & Family Pantry provide fresh produce and groceries, while events such as the Autumn Harvest campaign support the organization’s mission to end hunger.  8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, (941) 379-6333, allfaithsfoodbank.org

Runners Up:

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center 

Satchel’s Last Resort

Best Private School: The Out-of-Door Academy

Old school meets new school: The 101-year-old Out-of-Door Academy is Florida’s second-oldest private school and is also solar-powered. The multi-campus school is named for its philosophy of learning through outdoor experiences. 444 Reid St., Siesta Key, Sarasota; 11011 Clark Road, Sarasota; 5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota; (941) 349-3223, oda.edu

Runners Up:

IMG Academy

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

Beauty & Style

Best Spa: The Ritz-Carlton

Runners Up:

Spa Hollywood

L. Spa

Best Hair Colorist: Terry McKee, Nuovo Salon & Spa

Tess Evanoff, Spa Hollywood

Kelly Gibson, Cutting Loose Salon

Best Medspa: Aire MedSpa

Runners Up:

Elite Medical Spa

Marlow Med Aesthetics

Best Massage Massage Envy: Sirius Day Spa

Runner Up:

La Chíc Bohème

Best Facial: Elite Medical Spa

Runners Up:

Sirius Day Spa

Marlow Med Aesthetics

Best Manicures and Pedicures: Paint Nail Bar

Runners Up:

AJ Nails

Nuovo Salon & Spa

Best Lash Services: The Brow House

Runners Up:

Lash Boutique

OMG Lashes

Best Plastic  Surgery Group: Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center

Runners Up:

Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa

Florida Plastic Surgery and Medspa

Best Cosmetic Dentist: Exceptional Dentistry of Sarasota

Runners Up:

James B. Foley

Integrated Dental of Florida

Best Tattoo Shop: Oddity Tattoo

Travis and Melanie Franklin opened Oddity’s first location all the way back in 2003, and now have three more—a testament to their loyal clientele, many of whom trust Oddity artists with complicated, multi-step pieces. Not ready for something permanent? You can buy Oddity merch, like T-shirts, hoodies, original art and limited-edition holiday ornaments and glassware at their shops and pop-up events. Multiple area locations, odditytattoo.com

Runners Up:

Z-Edge Tattoo & Body Piercing 

Mockingbird Tattoo Company

Best Hair Salon: Nuovo Salon & Spa

Terry McKee opened his first Nuovo Salon in 1986 and has since opened two more—all the while maintaining both the trust of some of Sarasota’s best heads of hair and a commitment to sustainability. Nuovo uses electricity generated by wind and solar power, and its teams recycle or repurpose 95 percent of their beauty waste. 4952 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 8231 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton; 1421 First St., Sarasota; (941) 684-9000, nuovosalongroup.com

Runners Up:

Cutting Loose Salon

Spa Hollywood

Best Barbershop: ManCave for Men

At the Sarasota locations of ManCave, a national barbershop chain, clients can pop in for a quick trim or a full-on pampering session. Services include haircuts, of course, but also shaves, beard coloring, waxing (or “manscaping”), facials, manicures and pedicures, massage, reflexology and more. Everyone deserves a little self-care, right? 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Unit 89, Sarasota, (941) 358-5555; 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 101, Sarasota, (941) 263-5155; 1415 First St., Sarasota, (941) 363-6356; mancaveformen.com

Runners Up

Modern Gents Premier Barbershop & Bar

American Shave