Local Actor or Actress
Carolyn Michel
Cliff Roles, Elex Bornett
Michel has played immigrant mothers, sophisticated ladies, Holocaust survivors, spinster schoolteachers, acerbic writers and even a dog. Offstage she’s a dedicated supporter of philanthropic causes and special event producer. When does she sleep?

Black-tie Event
UnGala
Oceanic Evening, Orchid Ball, Florida Winefest Party
The magic of the illuminated Ringling Museum courtyard at night…the sight of 1,000 or so fashionistas wearing their finest…the creative “theme” surprises…no wonder no one wants to go home the night of UnGala.

Place to Work Out
YMCA
Gold’s Gym, Lifestyles
Sure, the Y is bright and clean and the equipment is first-rate. But it’s the good this longtime charitable leader has done for so many Sarasota kids and families that builds your community spirit while you build your bod.

Festival or Special Event
Sarasota Film Festival
Arts Day/Night, Florida Winefest & Auction
The little film festival that could has, over the past 10 years, made a name for itself far and wide, while giving us new movies to watch, star-gazing opportunities and even helping young filmmakers get their start.

Place to Watch a Performance
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, Sarasota Opera House
In a town full of stages, the Van Wezel remains the cultural centerpiece, the place where you thrill to the dance/illusions of Momix, the passion of Rent or the exuberance of Patti LaBelle.

Place for Live Music
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Ca d’Zan Lounge, Gator Club, Mattison’s City Grille, 5 O’Clock Club
The Big Purple brings us world-class symphonies, Japanese drummers, top-flight jazz and Broadway musical hits. Oh, and operettas, pop stars and chamber ensembles, too. (Hard rock: not so much.) And FridayFests on the Bay go one better; they’re free.

Place to Play Tennis
University Park Country Club
Bath & Racquet Club, The Colony
The members at UPCC love their beautiful tennis courts…and their top-ranked pros…and their fully equipped fitness center…and their relaxing massage therapy. Darn it, why aren’t we members?

Place to Play Golf
University Park Country Club
Founders Club, Palm-Aire Country Club
Not just any 18 holes here—27, designed by famous golf course architect Ron Garl. Old oaks, shimmering lakes, challenging play—and the outdoor café offers a lovely view of it all, even if you don’t get into the game.

Museum
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
G.WIZ, Mote Aquarium
The Ringling has always been one of our crown jewels, but with its beautiful new gallery wing, a top-drawer restaurant and the refurbished Historic Asolo Theater, it’s now a 21st-century art phenomenon. Join so you can visit as often as you like.

Art Gallery
Wyland Galleries
Paradise Gallery, Selby Gallery
Wyland’s old space on St. Armands just wasn’t big enough to handle the admiring—and acquisitive—crowds drawn by its marine and environmental paintings and sculptures, so the gallery recently moved to a new and expanded location.

Attraction for Kids
G.WIZ
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Mote Aquarium
Who wouldn’t want to spend a morning with the children or grandchildren at a hands-on museum intriguingly named The Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone?

Beach
Siesta Key Public Beach
Lido, Turtle
We’ve lollygagged at beaches from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, and nothing compares to the spectacular swath of powder-soft white sand that is Siesta Key Public Beach. Is there any doubt why it’s won the world’s whitest sand beach contest?

Goods & Services

Hair Salon
Yellow Strawberry
Diane K, Nuovo Salon & Spa
The professional stylists at Yellow Strawberry Global Hair Salon offer a full range of services and pleasing pampering, whether you want a trim or a complete makeover.

Travel Agency
AAA
Landings, VIP World Travel
The folks at AAA want to make sure you get where you’re going, whether you need roadside service or a flight to Europe. And for members they have great rates on flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages.

Women’s Boutique
Foxy Lady
Chico’s, The Met
With two locations, this family-owned store has for more than 20 years been providing Sarasota’s best-dressed women with unmatched personal service and the hippest, hottest brands around.

Men’s Boutique
The Met
Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Bahama
The Met is a mecca for stylish men, with brands like Hugo Boss, Burberry, Armani and Ted Baker—and the lady in your life will love its equally excellent collections for women.

Skin Care
Neoderm
Monee at Diane K, The Met
The most flawless skin in town gets that way at this physician-supervised clinic, which offers state-of-the-art procedures and products and an expert staff of nurturing women who make every visit fun.

Antique Shop
Woman’s Exchange of Sarasota
Crissy Galleries, Sarasota Trading Company
Posh designers and savvy shoppers crowd the aisles at the Woman’s Exchange, a longtime local institution that’s beloved for its ever-changing collection of consigned antiques, silver, art, jewelry and so much more.