Blog
There is a new dining option in Lakewood Ranch at San Marco Plaza. Il Conte Ristorante & Pizzeria opened a couple months ago and is receiving rave reviews. The menu features homemade Italian cuisine inspired by the region of Puglia, Italy. This enchanting seaside region of southern Italy hosts vast beaches, lush farmlands and vineyards, and breathtaking castle ruins.
Home to many of the dishes that Italy is famous for, Puglia is most known for its fresh and local produce. Chickpeas, homegrown herbs and spices, olives and olive oil, tomatoes, and an abundance of fresh seafood are just a few of the ingredients that have crafted Puglia’s cuisine. At Il Conte the presentation is modern and coincides with Puglia’s reliance on greens, legumes, pasta, seafood, olive oils, and simple cheeses.
On a recent visit we shared a Parma pizza with prosciutto, burrata cheese and arugula. Their pizzas are handcrafted with inventive ingredients. With a glass of regional red wine this was a delicious option. There are other menu options including salads, sushi, pasta, seafood and meat dishes. We will definitely be back to try some of those in the near future.
The décor is a clean, modern open concept with tables, high tops and bar seating as well as outdoor patio dining. A full bar is available including regional wines and Italian craft beers. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. To learn more about Il Conte and/or view the menu visit their website at www.ilconterestaurant.com.
There are so many things to do in paradise this month. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy all that our area has to offer. Here’s just a few of the activities happening in the area during the month of August:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| Aug. 1st | Kids Summer Beach Runs | Siesta Key | Manasota Track Club |
| Aug. 1st | Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament | Sarasota | SarasotaSlam.com |
| Aug. 1-5th | Florida State DanceSport Championships | Sarasota | Florida State Dance |
| Aug. 1-30th | 61st Annual Englewood Pioneer Festival | Englewood | Englewood Pioneer Days |
| Aug. 3-27th | 4th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival | Venice | Venice Theatre |
| Aug. 4th | Palm Avenue Art Walk | Sarasota | Palm Avenue |
| Aug. 4th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | LakewoodRanch.com |
| Aug. 4-5th | ArtWalk | Bradenton | Village of the Arts |
| Aug. 5th | Venice Farmers Market | Venice | Venice Farmers Market |
| Aug. 5-6th | Sarasota Swap Meet | Sarasota | Sarasota Swap Meet |
| Aug. 5-31st | “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelky” | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| Aug. 6th | Very Merry Jerry Day | Sarasota | WSLR Sarasota |
| Aug. 9-20th | “Arsenic and Old Lace” | Sarasota | The Players Theater |
| Aug. 10-17th | Bradenton Marauders Home Games | Bradenton | Bradenton Marauders |
| Aug. 10-27th | “The Producers” | Bradenton | Manatee Performing Arts Center |
| Aug. 11 & 25th | Friday Night Free Music | Venice | VisitVeniceFL.org |
| Aug. 12th | 90’s Night at Bradenton Marauders | Bradenton | Bradenton Marauders |
| Aug. 12th | Storytelling at the Ranch | Lakewood Ranch | LakewoodRanch.com |
| Aug. 12th | Tiki Fest | Punta Gorda | Fisherman’s Village |
| Aug. 17th | Wine Walk | Venice | City of Venice |
| Aug. 18th | Towles Court Art Walk | Sarasota | Towles Court |
| Aug. 18-20th | Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show | Sarasota | Sarasota Auditorium |
| Aug. 19th | Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby | Bradenton | Bradentucky Bombers |
| Aug. 25th | Jah Movement Reggae Band @ Friday Fest | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| Aug. 26th | Historic Venice Train Depot Tour | Venice | Venice Historical Society |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to View Homes On The Gulf Coast. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Since 1957, events take place throughout Englewood for weeks leading up to the culmination of the main event Labor Day weekend. The festival will feature 2 entertainment stages, as well as the traditional Watermelon and Pie eating contests. In addition to entertainment, the festival will feature vendors both food and merchandise. There will be an extended variety of affordable food choices as well as ticketed and free things for the kids to do. This is the 61st year of the Pioneer Festival which will take place between August 19th and September 4th. Here are just a few of the events scheduled:
August 19th Little Miss Pageant
August 26th Chalkfest
August 26th Kids Shipwreck Dance
September 2nd Cardboard Boat Race, Shipwreck Dance & Taste of Englewood
September 3rd Fish-a-Diaper Derby, Pioneer Days Festival & Car Show
September 4th Pioneer Days Parade & Festival, Corvette Car Show
For more information and a complete schedule of events visit EnglewoodPioneerDays.com
One of the great things about summer here is the lighter crowds and some unique outdoor summertime events. This month the Friday Fest concert series continues at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall! The family-friendly party of the summer takes place select Friday nights from 5-9PM on the Bayfront Lawn of the Van Wezel featuring some of Sarasota’s top musical talent.
On Friday July 21st Kettle of Fish will be performing and they are one of the hottest live acts in Southwest Florida. Their music features blues, soul and funk with the energy of rock ‘n roll.
Bring your blanket and/or lawn chairs (no coolers). Food and beverage vendors will be onsite as well as many others. Come out and enjoy a beautiful night on Sarasota Bay with some great music.
For more information visit Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Prices and Inventory on the Rise in the Sarasota and Manatee Real Estate Market
By Joe Cleary | June 22, 2017
The statistics for the month of May just released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee showed an increase in new listings, median sales prices, inventory and closed sales, according to data compiled by Florida Realtors® from My Florida Regional MLS.
Combined closed sales in Sarasota County increased by 10.1 percent from May of 2016, while Manatee County experienced an increase of 1 percent from last year. In addition to a year-over-year increase, sales in the two-county area also increased from last month, up 5.9 percent from April 2017.
The median sales price for single family homes in Sarasota is $260,000, a decrease of 1.1 percent from May 2016. Manatee single family home prices increased by 7.8 percent to $299,000. Condo prices are up in both counties, a 3.1 percent rise to $255,700 in Sarasota County and an 11.7 percent increase to $186,250 in Manatee County.
Last month’s report showed a decrease in properties listed, a typical indication of the end of the season. This month, new listings showed an increase from last year. Sarasota County single family homes increased by 8.5 percent from last year, while condos increased by 1.3 percent. Single family homes in Manatee County increased by 2.3 percent from last year, while condos increased by 0.8 percent.
Active inventory listings are up in both counties from May 2016. Year-over-year, inventory for Sarasota is up by 10.9 percent and in Manatee inventory is up by 6.6 percent. However, compared to last month, inventory is down in both counties. Sarasota inventory decreased by 3.9 percent, while Manatee inventory decreased by 3.2 percent.
To read the full press release and view the statistical charts visit the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
Celebrate our nation’s independence this month by getting out and enjoying all that our area has to offer. Here’s just a few of the activities happening in the area during the month of July:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| July 1st | Marauders Game & Fireworks | Bradenton | Bradenton Marauders |
| July 1-30th | Summer Circus Spectacular | Sarasota | Ringling.org |
| July 1-23rd | “Broadway in Black” | Sarasota | West Coast Black Theatre |
| July 1-4th | Grand Prix Super Boat Race and Festival Downtown | Sarasota | Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix |
| July 5th | Siesta Farmer’s Market | Siesta Key | Siesta Farmer’s Market |
| July 4th | Fourth of July Fireworks 25th Anniversary Celebration | Siesta Key | Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce |
| July 4th | 5th Annual Fourth Festival | Palmetto | City of Palmetto |
| July 4th | Myakka River Kayak Festival | Venice | Scene Magazine |
| July 7th | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | LakewoodRanch.com |
| July 7-8th | Summer Artwalk | Bradenton | Village of the Arts |
| July 7, 14, 21, 28 | “Live from Downtown, It’s Friday Night” | Sarasota | Downtown Sarasota Alliance |
| July 8th | Learn to Bowl @ Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club | Sarasota | Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club |
| July 9-10th | Dig the Beach Volleyball Tournament | Siesta Key | Dig the Beach |
| July 13-15th | 7th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival | Sarasota | Florida Studio Theatre |
| July 18th | Kids Summer Beach Runs | Siesta Key | Sarasota County Parks & Recreation |
| July 21st | “Friday Fest” at the Van Wezel | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| July 21-22nd | “Shrek the Musical” | Bradenton | Manatee Performing Art Center |
| July 21-22nd | Christmas in July | Venice | Venice Main Street |
| July 22nd | Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby Bout at Astro Skate | Sarasota | Bradentucky Bombers |
| July 22nd | Antique Flea Market | Arcadia | Arcadia Antiques |
| July 22nd | Snooty’s 67th Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival | Bradenton | South Florida Museum |
| July 22-23rd | 7th Annual Mystic Faire | Sarasota | Mystic Faire |
| July 23rd | Christmas In July | Anna Maria Island | Scene Magazine |
| July 28th | Free Friday Night Music | Venice | City of Venice |
| July 29th | Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market | Sarasota | Sarasota Farmer’s Market |
| July 29th | Family Fun Day | Venice | Venice Art Center |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to View Homes on the Gulf Coast. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
Since opening in 1975, Alpine Steakhouse has specialized in homemade ingredients and prime meats pioneered by Karl Ehmer, the revolutionary butcher from New York City. Matt Rebhan’s father, Mark, took over the business of his father, Henry, and the restaurant continues to be a collaborative father-son family effort for your enjoyment to this day.
It was also the first, and remains the only, place in the whole state that sells fresh TurDucKen, a contemporary Cajun dish involving a whole boneless turkey stuffed with a whole boneless chicken, a whole boneless duck and any mix of sausage and seasoned bread dressing. The dish is immensely complicated, requiring the knife skills of a surgeon, and, with actual roasting time, takes 16 hours to prepare. It has been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show on the Food Network.
Alpine Steakhouse is proud to be the recipient of the Sarasota Magazine Readers’ Choice award for “Best Restaurant for Steak” for the past consecutive four years. You are tempted by only the best prime dry-aged steaks, veal, lamb, chops, chicken and fresh seafood to make your dining decision exciting enough before you consider the traditional German specialties like wiener-schnitzel, sauerbraten and bratwurst and more. And with more than 60 imported beers along with an extensive fine wine selection every palate will be more than satisfied.
They are centrally located in at 4520 S. Tamiami Trail and hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday & Saturday 9am to 9:30pm and closed on Sunday. Phone 941-922-3797.
Summer begins and school’s out so it’s a fun time to take in one or more of the many events and adventures in and around Sarasota! Check out just a few of the activities happening during the month of June:
| Date | Event or Activity | Location | Click Link for
More Information |
| June 1-14th | Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week | Various | Savor Sarasota |
| June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29th | Art After 5 | Sarasota | Ringling Museum |
| June 2nd | Music on Main | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| June 2nd | First Friday Art Walk at Village of the Arts | Bradenton | Village of the Arts |
| June 3rd | Suncoast Dragon Boat Festival at Nathan Benderson Park | Sarasota | Suncoast International Dragon Boat Festival |
| June 3rd | 3rd Annual Dairy Day Festival | Myakka City | Dakin Dairy Farms |
| June 3rd | World Oceans Day at Mote Aquarium | Sarasota | Mote Marine Aquarium |
| June 7th | Lance’s Cruzin to the Hop Car Show | Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Main Street |
| June 8-24th | Sarasota Music Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Orchestra |
| June 9th | Friday Night Free Music | Venice | City of Venice |
| June 9th | US Rowing Youth National Championships | Sarasota | Bradenton Gulf Islands |
| June 9-11th | Bradenton Boat Show | Palmetto | Bradenton Boat Show |
| June 10-11th | 16th Annual St. Armand’s Craft Festival | Lido Key | St. Armands Circle Association |
| June 12th | Bradenton Marauders Home Game vs Tampa | Bradenton | Marauders Schedule |
| June 13th –
August 8th |
Kids Summer Beach Runs | Siesta Key | Sarasota Parks & Recreation |
| June 13th –
July 29th |
“InrediBello” Hair Raising Circus | Sarasota | Asolo Theater |
| June 14th | Think & Drink Science: “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion” | Bradenton | South Florida Museum |
| June 16th | Friday Fest at the Van Wezel | Sarasota | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |
| June 17-18th | Downtown Venice Craft Festival | Venice | ArtFestival.com |
| June 17th | Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby Match | Bradenton | Bradentucky Bombers |
| June 21st | Lunch & Learn “Domestication of the Modern Dog” | Bradenton | South Florida Museum |
| June 24th –
July 4th |
Suncoast Offshore Racing Festival | Sarasota | Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix |
| June 24th | Arcadia Antique Fair | Arcadia | Arcadia FL Antiques |
| June 25th | Suncoast Grand Prix Car Show | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix |
| June 26 – July 1st | Shark Days at Mote | Lido Key | Mote Aquarium |
| June 30th | Grand Prix Festival “Boats on Main” Downtown Block Party | Sarasota | Boat Parade |
Call us when you are ready to make your move! To search for homes in the area go to View Homes On The Gulf Coast. We’re here to help you every step of the way…call us today!
The Sarasota Manatee Realtors Association reports that according to the recent numbers compiled by Florida REALTORS® from My Florida Regional MLS, April 2017 reflects an increase in single family closed sales, median sales prices and inventory in Sarasota and Manatee County as compared to April of 2016.
Closed sales in Sarasota County increased by 8.3 percent for single family homes, while Manatee County experienced a 1.5 percent increase. Condos, however, decreased in sales in the month of April. Sarasota condo sales decreased by 0.3 percent this month and Manatee decreased by 22 percent.
Median prices of Sarasota County single family homes increased by 9 percent to $272,500, while condos decreased by 1.4 percent to $215,000. Single family homes in Manatee County increased in median price by 5.4 percent to $295,000, while condos in Manatee increased by 2.1 percent to $170,500.
The number of properties that were put on the market during April decreased in both counties from last month, a good indication of the end of the season.
When looking at the total inventory in the two-county area, there is a 9.3 percent increase of active listings from this time in 2016, but inventory continues to be very tight, especially in lower price ranges. In Sarasota County, the inventory of single family homes increased 12.3 percent and condos by 12 percent. Single family homes in Manatee County increased by 3.6 percent, while condos increased by 9.7 percent.
In April 2017, we saw an increase in time to contract over last year in both counties. Sarasota single family homes increased to 45 days on market, up from 35 last year, and the time for condos increased to 46 days, also up from 35 days a year ago. In Manatee County, time on market for single family homes increased to 46 days from 38 last year, while condos rose from 33 days last year to 50 days on market this year.
To view the full press release and statistical charts click here.
Sarasota is known for having the #1 beach in the USA but we also have the highest concentrations of Zagat®-rated restaurants in Florida. During Savor Sarasota (June 1-14th) you can enjoy multi-course meals from the Sarasota area’s famed eateries for just $16 per person for lunch and $32 per person for dinner. And with a spread from Peruvian to French and every flavor in between, you’ll taste your way around the world in no time.
This event is quite popular so be sure to call and make reservations. There are so many choices that you can’t dine at all of them in the two week period but it’s a great time to check out a few. Most of the restaurants participating will have their menu posted on the website so you can check it out ahead of time. Not all are offering a lunch menu so check the website before you plan to visit. To see the list of restaurants, chef profiles and menus as well as other information visit the website at www.savorsarasota.com.
