Why are there so few categories for Sarasota’s WAVEs?
Sarasota’s LGBT community is growing and becoming more active, which is obvious at events like Sarasota Pride. But our Sarasota readers may have noticed that there are fewer WAVE Awards categories for this area compared to Orlando and Tampa Bay – and the reason behind that is simple. We consistently have minimal voter participation in Sarasota’s WAVE Awards. We had fewer voters this year than in any previous year, which makes compiling categories difficult. Our challenge to you: in 2013, campaign for the WAVE Awards and get the community involved so we can pump up the ballot next fall!
If there are two of the same number, that indicates there was a tie.
FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN
1. Suzanne Atwell, Sarasota Mayor
2. Ken Shelin, former Sarasota City Commissioner
3. Rep. Keith Fitzgerald
MOST EFFECTIVE LGBT ORGANIZATION
1. ALSO Out Youth
2. Step Out Sarasota
3. G2H2 (Gay Guys Happy Hour)
FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
1. Florida Studio Theatre
1. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
2. The Players Theatre
3. ASOLO Rep Theatre
FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR
1. Jim Jablonski
2. Tony Boothby
3. Donald Geike
FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SALESPERSON
1. Lenny D’Amelio, Venice Nissan
2. Annette DePaul, Sarasota Ford
3. Dan Bonora, Coast Infinity Volvo
FAVORITE LOCAL HOME FURNISHING RETAILER
1. Black Bird Home Gallery
2. Home Resource
3. American Signature
FAVORITE AREA MUSEUM OR GALLERY
1. Ringling Museum of Art
2. Hodgell Gallery
3. Brian Miller, Artist
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
1. Lucky Pelican Bistro
2. Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
3. Ophelia’s on the Bay
IF I COULD SWITCH JOBS WITH ANYONE IN SARASOTA, IT WOULD BE…
1. Keep My Job
2. Michael Saunders
3. Congressman Vern Buchanan
WHO BEST EXEMPLIFIES LGBT SARASOTA?
1. Bart Coyle, GAIN Sarasota, Dignity USA
2. Greg Taylor, President of ALSO Out
3. David Phillips, ThisWeekInSarasota.com
3. Cindy Barnes, Sarasota Pride organizer
