April 2015 Issue - The VOICE

The VOICE

April 2015

Our City“On the Beat” in Sarasota withPolice Chief Bernadette A. DiPino

Sarasota Farmers Market Spotlight

Behind the Sceneswith Executive Director

Phil Pagano

of The DownTown MerchAnTswww.sArAsoTADownTownMerchAnTs.coM

Salon Forty-One

“On Dá Go”Palm Avenue Express

• • • • • •

SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com 3

The VOICEof The DownTown MerchAnTs

A Monthly Publication of The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association

The SDMA works to enhance downtown Sarasota as a premier retail destination with a vibrant merchant community. Volunteers work

together to create a rewarding shopping, dining and entertainment experience in

Sarasota, Florida.

Please join us for the SDMA meeting held the second Thursday of

every month at 5:30 p.m. Cafe Amici • 1371 Main Street • Sarasota

1383 Main Street • Sarasota, FL 34236Phone: 941-388-3647 • Fax: 941-955-9515www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com

E-mail article ideas and announcements to: [email protected]

[email protected]

To advertise in The VOICE, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/SRQSDMA

Ron Soto, PublisherCandace T. Botha, Associate Publisher

Christine Baer, Editorial/Creative Director

Volume 2 • Issue 4

A Message from the Chairman

Ron Soto, SDMA’s Chairman

Read The VOICE online at www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com;

click on “The VOICE”

Cover Photo by Candace T. Botha

DON’T SUPPORT PANHANDLING. Anyone in our downtown community who knows me has heard me say these three words over and over again. And with good reason. Giving money directly to street people doesn’t solve the problem; it simply perpetuates it. Sadly, cash collected by concerned passersby is not used to make mort-gage, car or utility payments or even to buy a healthy meal. Instead, it buys the next drink or drug fix or enables the individual to engage in illegal activities. Homeless expert Dr. Robert Marbut knows this for a fact. He reports that 93 percent of the cash given to homeless people is spent on drugs and alcohol. In recent months, the SDMA has taken a proactive approach to controlling vagrancy on our city’s streets. We have just replaced our street signs with new signs that have a kinder, gentler message that read, “Please Keep the Change: Don’t Support Panhandling” and include Dr. Marbut’s statistics on where these donations are spent. In fall 2014, the SDMA also launched the “Downtown Cares” Collection Box Drive to encourage both residents and visitors to help the homeless by making donations

that are guaranteed to have a positive impact. These funds are dispersed to three local agencies—The Salvation Army, Resurrection House and Harvest House—that have resources in place to provide food, shelter, clothing and counseling, all intended to help the homeless get their lives back on track. To date, $600 has been collected in the

“Downtown Cares” campaign. You may not be aware of this, but the majority of people we see on the streets of downtown Sarasota only represent about 18 percent of the actual homeless population in our city. And the people lingering on Main Street, Central Avenue and in other nearby neighborhoods are, more often than not, individuals who are struggling with alcohol, drug and mental health issues. Granted, there are local families who are homeless, too. A husband/father has lost his job; the family is evicted and has no other place to live except in their car, with their children, while Dad is out looking for employment. Mom stays in hiding, because she is both ashamed and terrified that her children will be taken from her. These aren’t the people you are likely to see on the streets of downtown Sarasota, but they are the people that need—and deserve—our help. Nearly 40 downtown Sarasota’s retail shops and restaurants are participating in the collection box drive. Please encourage all of your customers and patrons to make a donation in one of the “Downtown Cares” boxes rather than giving money directly to homeless people. Working together, we can—and will—make a difference in the quality and safety of our city’s streets.

4 The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants

Cafe Amici—Home of the Authentic Flavors of Southern Italy, Here in Downtown Sarasota

Photos, top left: Cafe Amici, 1371 Main Street, Sarasota. At left, top to bottom: Achille and Massimo Nigri, Cafe Amici’s owners; Jumbo Beef Tortelloni with Radicchio and Smoked Prosciutto; Black Grouper topped with Kalamata olives, capers and fresh tomatoes in a light red sauce; Cafe Amici’s wine collection, with vintages from 1958 to 2013.

For nearly 15 years, one local eating establishment has earned an esteemed place on downtown Sarasota’s culinary map for

offering authentic cuisine from the southern regions of Italy. Winner of multiple awards from SRQ Magazine, Sarasota Magazine, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Open Table and Trip Advisor, the eatery, which is located at 1371 Main Street, has re-ceived countless accolades for the “best Italian food in Sarasota.” Serving both lunch and dinner seven days a week, that restaurant is Cafe Amici. Massimo Nigri, one of the restaurant’s owners, attributes the restaurant’s consistently high culinary rankings to a family legacy of favorite recipes that have been passed down through the gener-ations, a commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredi-ents and a long-standing tradition of treating customers like family. From the time he was a young boy growing up in Martina Franca, near the city of Bari in southern Italy, exceptional cuisine has been an integral part of Massimo’s life. “My parents were in the food industry; they owned a small supermarket in Italy, so I always was around food,” he says. In addition to attending culinary school in Italy, Massimo’s experience includes more than 10 years working as a food and beverage manager for one of the world’s largest hotel companies, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, in Italy, England, Switzerland and France. “While working in Paris, I had the opportunity to serve Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in 1997, just three months before the tragic accident,” Massimo says. “It was an experience I will never forget.” Later that same year, Massimo came to the United States and settled in Sarasota and immediately “fell in love with the area.” Massimo’s brother, Achille, who already was living in Sarasota, owned the first Cafe Amici, which was open in a location on University Parkway from 1996 to 2002. Achille now co-owns the downtown eatery with Massimo. There’s no mistaking the Mediterranean charm of this dining destination. With walls painted in a marbled mix of cream and Tus-can gold that are offset by honey-colored furnishings and earth-toned table linens, the ambience is comfortable and inviting. Throughout the restaurant, original paintings with an Italian influence and painted by a local artist add colorful interest to the walls. And if you see a work of art that you would like to add to your own collection, do mention it to the waitstaff; the paintings are available for purchase. With a seating capacity of 152, Cafe Amici also offers alfresco dining, with tables, chairs and couches set up on the sidewalk. Inside, Cafe Amici also can host private parties for up to 50 people in a large room adjacent to the main dining room and bar. All dishes served at Cafe Amici are made with fresh, locally farm-raised ingredients. “We always do what we can to support the local growers in our community,” Massimo says. Whenever possible, Chef Gennaro Capuano—who also is from Italy and has been with Cafe Amici for nine years—chooses organic ingredients. When dining at Cafe Amici, always arrive with a big appetite—


Cafe Amici—Home of the Authentic Flavors of Southern Italy, Here in Downtown Sarasota

Culinary Spotlight

Cafe Amici is located at 1371 Main Street in Sarasota. Serving delicious Italian food seven days a week, the restaurant is open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Friday, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 941-951-6896, or visit www.cafeamicisrq.com.

you will want to savor every mouth-watering morsel. Appetizers are aplenty, including traditional selections, such as Mozzarella and Prosciutto, Eggplant Rollatini, Antipasto Rustico, Calamari, and more. Entrées include a healthy selection of pasta dishes, seafood, beef, chicken, sausage, veal and duck—all prepared to perfection. Massimo’s personal favorite? The Braciole, a classic Italian dish featuring tender slices of beef stuffed with cheese and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and parsley that are simmered in a red sauce and served atop Orecchiette, a homemade pasta. “While we specialize in cuisine from southern Italy—the region we know best— we always try to bring new dishes with influences from the northern, eastern and western regions of Italy to Cafe Amici,” Massimo says. In addition to an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes, Cafe Amici also offers between five and six dinner specials every night. Be sure to leave room for dessert, because the end-of-meal selections are simply irresistible. You’ll find a classic Tiramisu made with Amaretto, Zabaglione topped with fresh strawberries, freshly made cannoli, as well as a to-die-for Chocolate Lava Cake. Cafe Amici also has a full bar, as well as an extensive wine collection, with vintages dating from 1958 to 2013. “Our wine cellar includes three wines—two red and one white—that are imported from our region in Italy,” Massimo says. “These wines are unique to Cafe Amici and cannot be found in any of the area wine shops.” Perhaps what is most appealing about this downtown trattoria is how all patrons are treated like family. Both the waitstaff and the owners go out of their way to make everyone who crosses the threshold feel right at home. Many loyal customers, in fact, allow Massimo to choose each of their courses for the afternoon or evening.

“I know what these folks enjoy most, so I will select an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the menu and recommend a wine to complement the meal,” he says. “No one is ever disappointed.” During the summer months, patrons are encouraged to stop by Cafe Amici between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to enjoy Happy Hour drink specials at the bar. Of special interest are Cafe Amici’s wine dinners that are offered once a month. By reservation only, patrons enjoy a special menu that includes a four-course meal and an assortment of five different wines. “We often pair the food with Italian wines, but, now and then, we also select French and California vintages,” Massimo says. The monthly gatherings are both personalized and intimate, with no more than 30 patrons in attendance. And, on occasion, area wine makers and connoisseurs are invited to share their expertise as guest speakers. Details about upcoming wine dinners can be found online at www.cafeamicisrq.com. When asked why people should consider dining at Cafe Amici, Massimo simply says this: “I invite you to come in and try our food; let me introduce my cuisine and guide you in discovering an authentic Italian culinary adventure you will long remember. “Our customers are family,” he adds; “all are welcome to experience the flavors and traditions of Cafe Amici.”


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Le Marché Bohémien, the Parisian-inspired marketplace held in Five Point Parks on

Saturday, February 28, was, by all accounts, a smash hit! Hundreds upon hundreds of attendees enjoyed spectacular handcrafted goods throughout the day, including a unique array of vintage and repur-posed artwork, furnishings and clothing. While shopping, all were invited to stop and enjoy a taste of French crepes with fresh Florida strawberries and cream. Mimosas and Blood Marys also were served all day in the park, while French music filled the air. Thanks go out to professional photographer Christine Bruggeman, who organized the event, and the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association and the Sarasota

Farmers Market, who served as event sponsors. The organizing committee also would like to thank Michele Chilson, who designed the beautiful promotional cards, posters and

banners; Doug Brough, DJ extraordinaire, The Fuzion Dancers, who performed during the event; Michelet Innocent,

an amazingly talented French singer; our fashion show organizers and models; and

all of the talented artisans that showcased their amazing handiwork.

Be sure to check the “Calendar of Events” in upcoming issues of The VOICE for the dates of the next Le Marché Bohémien...you may be pleasantly surprised! In the meantime, enjoy this colorful collage of photos that capture special moments and finds at the event!

7

Très Magnifique! Le Marché Bohémien...an Outstanding Success!

Photos by Christine Bruggeman & Candace Botha

Singer Michelet InnocentFuzion Dancer


Our City Police Chief Bernadette A. DiPino—Establishing

Police Chief Bernadette A. DiPinoSarasota Police Department

H istory was made in the city of Sarasota on December 31, 2012, when Bernadette A. DiPino was appointed

chief of police of the Sarasota Police Department. It was the first and only time since the city’s police force was established 113 years ago that a woman was hired to serve as its chief, retaining “command authority” over 161 officers and 60 civilians employed by the department and assuming responsibility for all day-to-day operations. As the executive director of the Sarasota Police Department, Chief DiPino’s position also involves working in conjunction with the city manager and the city commission to determine policy and collaborate on decisions regarding enforcement and effective use of resources. It is a position for which she is consummately qualified. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Chief DiPino has wanted to be a police officer for as long as she can remember. One could irrefutably say that community service is in her blood; Chief DiPino’s father, grandfather and great- grandfather were all police officers with impressive careers protecting the public. What’s more, Chief DiPino’s daughter has continued the family’s tradition, working as a police officer in the same precinct in Baltimore where Chief DiPino started her career. After working as a police officer in Baltimore County for three years, Chief DiPino’s family relocated to Ocean City, Maryland, where she took a position as a narcotics officer with the police department. During her 25 years of service in Maryland’s seaside resort town, she eventually became the first female SWAT team officer, the first female lieutenant and the first female police chief, a position she held for nearly a decade. As part of her training, Chief DiPino also attended the FBI National Academy in Virginia in 2001, an experience she describes as “the best 10 weeks of my career.” According to the chief of police, only 1/2 of 1 percent of all police officers throughout the world are accepted into this very elite program. She completed her studies and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Throughout a distinguished career in law enforcement that now spans 30 years, Chief DiPino has earned an extensive number of awards and citations. According to her resume, she also was named “Police Officer of the Year” three times during her tenure in Ocean City. In 2001, about 18 months before she planned to retire from her position as police chief in Ocean County, Chief DiPino began considering her next career step. “I knew I still had way too much energy just to play tennis and hang out at the beach,” she says with a laugh. Three prospects were on the table—a chance to teach community policing in Italy; an opportunity to teach a leadership class for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a global group of police chiefs that reviews policy and assists in decisions regarding law enforcement (Chief DiPino had already worked with the organization to develop a women’s leadership class); and an opportunity to serve as chief of police in Sarasota. As a person of deep faith, Chief DiPino says, “A lot of prayer went into making this decision. While I was drawn to the beautiful beaches, culture, music and entertainment

in Sarasota, I threw my hat into all three rings.” The application process for the position of police chief in Sarasota was rigorous. In addition to answering numerous questions about her personal philosophy regarding community policing and other issues, Chief DiPino interviewed with four people; met with city commissioners, police officers and regional law enforcement partners; and participated in a question-and-answer forum with local residents at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “When I came to Sarasota for the interview, I knew my prayer had been answered,” Chief DiPino says. As part of the decision-making process, Sarasota’s city manager traveled to Maryland, toured Ocean City and spoke with Chief DiPino’s fellow officers and superiors. Shortly afterward, Bernadette A. DiPino was appointed to lead the Sarasota Police Department as police chief. “I specifically chose December 31 as the day to begin working in Sarasota,” she says. “I wanted to start on that day to bring in the New Year. I knew I was where I wanted to be, and I was excited about the challenges.” And what challenges there have been: Homelessness. Prostitution. Drugs. Robberies. And yes, even shootings. Chief DiPino has tackled each of these challenges with expertise, determination and finesse. And it shows. Since Chief DiPino joined the department, there has been notable reduction in prostitution, and the incidence of drug crimes has dramatically decreased. “Drug crimes lead to every other kind of crime, including shootings and robberies,” she says. “Our police department is hitting the drug world hard in our city, and it has paid off.” Perhaps most impressive is the fact that Sarasota’s crime rate dropped nearly 10 percent last year, achieving a record low that has not been seen in the city for the past two decades. This was achieved despite the fact that the department had a smaller staff and less funding in 2014. Chief DiPino credits the success in Sarasota’s own war on crime, in part, to the new level of involvement she has brought to the position. “When I first joined the department, there was a home invasion in Sarasota, and I was not notified,” Chief DiPino recalls. “Following the incident, I made it clear that I want to be contacted day or night—even at 3:00 a.m. or while I am on vacation—when any crime is committed in the city. “I want community residents to know that I pay attention at all times,” Chief DiPino says. “I monitor what is

SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com

Law & Order in Sarasotahappening in our city every day. “I live in the city, and I am part of this community,” Chief DiPino adds. “Consequently, things that happen in the city impact me both personally and professionally; I take it very personally when any crime is committed in Sarasota. However, if criminals know that the police chief and officers are paying attention, they are less likely to commit crimes.” On a personal level, another challenge Chief DiPino has faced with fierce determination throughout her career is serving in what traditionally has been considered a man’s job. “I have never looked at my role as police chief as a woman doing a man’s job,” she says. “But, more often than not, the mentality is that it is not a position that women can—or should—hold, which has presented incidents of bias and discrimination. “Someone once even said to me, ‘You don’t look like a police chief,’ and, in return, I asked, ‘What should a police chief look like?’ The response I received was, ‘You know, like Carroll O’Connor in the movie, ‘In the Heat of the Night!’ “In truth, I am more collaborative in my position as police chief,” she adds. “Instead of a ‘do-it-my-way,’ male-dominance approach, working in collaboration with my fellow officers and community residents is far more effective.” The chief of police would like to see more policewomen, specifically here in Sarasota. “With 15 to 17 percent of our police force comprised of women, we are above the national average,” the chief says. “My goal, however, is to reach 25 percent.” In addition to her work with the Sarasota Police Department, Chief DiPino recently was reappointed to serve on the executive committee of the IACP; she had previously represented Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey while working as police chief in Ocean City. In 2014, Chief DiPino also was selected to serve on the State Association of Chiefs of Police that meets twice a year to create policy and share what’s happening throughout the country. “I am one of about 52 police chiefs in the association,” Chief DiPino says. “Every state selects one chief to represent the state, and I was chosen to represent Florida. “I also served as Maryland’s representative for a couple of years,” she adds. “It’s exciting to be involved with this organization again.” Of all of her responsibilities and duties, what does Chief DiPino enjoy most? “One of the best parts of my job is engaging with residents and business owners in the community and building relationships based on trust,” she says. “I also enjoy seeing our police officers out doing what they are supposed to be doing. Our job is caring about people, and, to me, excellent

Continued on Page 10

9


customer service always should be our primary focus. “The one thing police officers can control in any situation is how they respond,” Chief DiPino adds. “If local citizens are paying our salaries, shouldn’t we provide the best service possible?” Chief DiPino wholeheartedly believes that there is a better way to do community policing. “We need a more ‘grass roots’ and holistic approach to policing in Sarasota,” she says. “We are coming full circle and doing police work like my grandfather once did years ago. He walked a beat, with no radio or cell phone. His ‘backup’ were citizens; that’s the smart way of policing. “In truth, we cannot make the community safer without vigilant help from the community we serve,” Chief DiPino continues. “Residents and business owners can be a part of the solution by staying engaged and active; they know when someone unfamiliar is in their neighborhood and should not hesitate to call the police if something seems amiss. “Yet, so many times, I have heard, ‘I didn’t want to bother you,’” Chief DiPino comments. “But, we are here to protect and serve. Let us do our job.” In keeping with her community policing philosophy, Chief DiPino launched the Ambassador Volunteer Program in Sarasota in July 2014. Dressed in royal blue shirts, volunteers walk in teams throughout the city, serving as an “extra set of eyes and ears” if laws are broken or crimes are committed. The volunteers, who have been trained by the police department and carry police radios to call in emergencies, also have been commissioned to provide directions, answer questions and be a resource for information about events and happenings in the city.

Chief DiPino also has been instrumental in creating several other innovative programs to address critical issues in Sarasota. Please see the sidebar on page 9 that details some of these programs that are now in place. An always-present challenge in Sarasota is the homeless population, and Chief DiPino has a vision for how this issue should be handled. “Currently,” she says, “there are 400 homeless individuals

that we know of in the city of Sarasota. Residents in cities to the north and south of Sarasota frequently tell homeless people in their communities to come here, because our residents and visitors still give money to the homeless. “If everyone stopped giving these donations to people on the street, there wouldn’t be as many homeless here,” Chief DiPino says adamantly. “Another possible way we can help the homeless is to find a property owner who is willing to donate land east of I-75 and to use the acreage to create

a secure community, complete with homes and retail shops, where homeless people can live and work,” the police chief says. “There are logistics that must be considered to develop this kind of community, and it should not be a program that is carried out by the police department, but it would certainly reduce Sarasota’s homeless population. “As police chief, I always look for opportunities to improve the quality of life for all citizens and to make our community safer,” Chief DiPino adds. “Until I believe that every citizen can walk down the streets of Sarasota and feel safe, my work here is not done.”

Continued from Page 9

The Sarasota Police Department is located at 2099 Adams Lane. To contact the police department in an emergency, call 911. For all other matters, call 941-366-8000.

1547 Main Street • Sarasota, FL 34236

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Shumaker Chamber University Presents

Social Media 102You’re Social, Now What? Making

Social Media Work for YouTuesday, April 24 • 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.Community Foundation of Sarasota

Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn. Pinterest. Google+. We all have heard of these social media networks and others that now exist on the Internet, but do we

know how to use them effectively? Can we really grow our businesses and attract new customers if we take advantage of the global audiences these networks offer? To answer these questions and more, Shumaker Chamber University will host a special program titled, “Social Media 102 - You’re Social, Now What? Making Social Media Work for You.” Sponsored by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Herald-Tribune Media Group and The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, this special social media presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Community Foundation of Sarasota, 2635 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. SDMA members and other local business owners and representatives from nonprofit organizations are invited to attend. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Ken Countess, a leading social media expert, will provide an overview of each of the popular social media networks and discuss the benefits of using them to market your business. Points of discussion will include:

• How to tell which social media networks are right for your business• What kind of content to create and post• Rules of social media etiquette• Methods to use to see if your social media is effective

According to the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, “This presentation is a guide for small businesses or nonprofits who have been using social media marketing, but need some tips to take them to an intermediate level and/or add new channels to their marketing efforts.” The cost to attend the presentation is $5 per person for Chamber members and $10 per person for future members. Shumaker Chamber University is one of a series of programs offered by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 1945 Fruitville Road in downtown Sarasota. Throughout the year, the informal “classroom” offers members and nonmembers an opportunity to learn more about a variety of topics—from finance to marketing—that impact business. If you are interested in attending Social Media 102, visit the chamber online at SarasotaChamber.com/events to register.


Phil Pagano—The Driving Force Behind theFarmers Market Spotlight

It’s not often that being wrong could seem so right. But for Phil Pagano, who serves as executive director

of the Sarasota Farmers Market and his latest downtown endeavor, The Market at Five Points, that’s a reality he was thrilled to accept. Not long ago, Sarasota residents Professor Barry and his wife conducted a customer count on a busy Saturday morning at the market. “I always estimated that we had between 4,000 and 5,000 market goers each Saturday,” Phil says. “However, when Professor Barry tallied the results of his count, the number totaled closer to 12,000 attendees. “The Sarasota Farmers Market has evolved from a small venue into a nationally acclaimed event,” Phil adds. “There’s no doubt it has become the heartbeat of downtown Sarasota on Saturday mornings.”

Many downtown merchants are quick to agree. “Our local shop owners are very excited about the market’s attendee draw and its success,” Phil says. “Some even claim that Saturday is their busiest day. “In fact,” Phil adds, “Sur La Table on Lemon Avenue consistently is one of the busiest locations among the store’s seven shops in the state of Florida.” Although the market has been a Saturday morning tradition since 1979, when it was first launched with just a handful of merchants by “Mr. Downtown,” Paul Thorpe, it wasn’t until its management was assumed by the Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors (SFMV), the nonprofit organization now in charge, that the venue truly began to flourish. “Seven or eight years ago, you could roll a bowling ball down Lemon during the market and not hit a living soul,” Phil says. “Foot traffic has multiplied tremendously, making the market a premier downtown event year round.” During his tenure as manager and executive director, Phil has been instrumental in initiating numerous changes at the market to boost attendance. It was because of his vision several years ago that music skillfully played by a line up of local musicians has become a weekly part of the Saturday market. In fact, Phil initially had to raise the money himself to promote live music at the market.

Phil Pagano, executive director of the Sarasota Farmers Market and The Market at Five Points

“Some people now come to the market on Saturday specifically to hear the music each week,” Phil says. Phil also has nurtured the market’s outreach to local nonprofit organizations by giving these groups an opportu-nity to showcase their community work at the market and by hosting events that raise funds for specific groups. “Working with the not-for-profit organizations has been most rewarding,” Phil says of his work at the mar-ket. “There are many important groups in Sarasota that have an ongoing need to get their message out within the community. With the crowds of people that come to downtown Sarasota each Saturday, the farmers market has proven to be an ideal venue to create awareness about these groups and share their messages.” In his leadership role for the SFMV, Phil also has become “the voice” for the market, representing the board and vendors at official city meetings that address parking, wayfaring signs and other downtown matters that have a potential impact on the market. “In past years, it was rare that the market was represent-ed at meetings where critical decisions were being made that determined how business could be conducted in downtown Sarasota,” Phil says. “It is my responsibility to know what’s going on and provide informed answers if questions about the market and its operation arise.” So, how did a man, who was born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, become the powerhouse behind the Sarasota Farmers Market? With a background in the carpet business, Phil and his family moved to Florida’s Suncoast 20 years ago. His relationship with the farmers market first began more than a decade ago, when he became a regular Saturday morning vendor, selling natural fiber area rugs made from sisal and sea grass. In the years that followed, Phil’s affiliation with the market developed into a managerial position that eventually led to his current position of executive director. While managing the Saturday market is a full-time job in and of itself, Phil took on the task of launching a weekday market at Five Points Park on Wednesdays last year in order to expand the market’s presence in the city and to drive more business to downtown Sarasota. Although planning for the launch of The Market at Five Points began early in the year, all necessary permits were not acquired until midway through October, just weeks before the official opening on Wednesday, November 5. “We only had a minimal amount of time to prepare for the opening and limited time to launch a media campaign to promote the new market,” Phil says. “We couldn’t move forward until we got the blessing from city officials. “The first couple of months were a little rough because of colder weather, coupled with the fact that we only held the market twice during December, because both Christ-mas Eve and New Year’s Eve fell on Wednesdays,” Phil continues. “But in January, attendance began to improve significantly as we continued to introduce new vendors. “I am very grateful to both the City of Sarasota for its support and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) for its sponsorship of the new Wednesday market,” Phil adds. Phil has taken full advantage of the scenic surroundings


Phil Pagano—The Driving Force Behind the Sarasota Farmers Market & The Market at Five Points

941-953-3788

in Five Points Park to create a weekday oasis for market goers. The sounds of local musicians draw people to the park, and tables and chairs have been added so custom-ers can have a midday bite while they enjoy the park. “The Market at Five Points now hosts 30 vendors each Wednesday, offering any array of fresh-picked produce, plants and flowers, as well as olive oil from Italy and so much more,” Phil says. “Kinsey’s Produce has done a great job in bringing both local strawberries and tomatoes to market goers this year, and another big plus is the addition of more organic products by Simply Organics.” Launching a second farmers market in Sarasota wasn’t without new challenges. “Initially, there were concerns about the logistical setup of the market that were raised by representatives from area businesses and the downtown condos,” Phil says. “However, we have shown that we can run a successful and clean operation on Wednesdays. “Some of the folks that were worried that the mid-week market would be an issue are now among our best customers,” he adds. “I think that’s a very positive outcome and a credit to good planning.” In an effort to draw more attendees to the Wednes-day market during March and April, Phil partnered with Key West Express—a high-speed ferry service that shuttles passengers to and from Key West from a port based in Fort Myers—to create “Key West Wednesdays” at the market. In addition to the rhythmic sounds of tropical musical playing in the park each week, multiple sets of round-trip tickets aboard Key West Express have been donated by the ferry service and are awarded to entrants each Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. “Each pair of tickets is valued at $300, and we have been promoting the giveaways at both markets,” Phil says. “But here is the caveat: People only can enter at the

Information Booth at the Wednesday market; we are trying to encourage Saturday market goers to come downtown again on Wednesdays.” The Market at Five Points will continue through April; the last day of its inaugural season is Wednesday, April 29. Although Phil is not yet certain when the second season of The Market at Five Points officially will begin, he is committed to evaluating both the strengths and challenges of its current structure and implement any changes that will make the market even more successful. While The Market at Five Points is on hiatus, Phil is focusing all of his attention on bringing more events—including, perhaps, an array of music festivals—to the Saturday market. Plans are already underway for the fifth annual Shrimp and Lobster Fest, which will be held in early summer. “The Lobster Fest has grown to phenomenal heights and draws record crowds each year,” Phil says. “Just this past week, I received an e-mail from someone in Iowa, asking for details about this year’s event. He and his family are planning their vacation around the festival, so that they can be sure to attend again this year!” Time and time again, the Sarasota Farmers Market has been called “the Spirit of the City.” And one thing is for certain: downtown Sarasota can count on Phil Pagano to keep that spirit alive.

The Sarasota Farmers Market is open year round, rain or shine, every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Market at Five Points is open Wednesdays, rain or shine, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., through April. For more information about the markets, call 941-225-9256, or visit www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org.


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April 2015 Issue - The VOICE