BUSINESS BUZZ: Sweet Sparkman chosen as architect for Sarasota Performing Arts Center
The design architect for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, has selected Sweet Sparkman Architects as the Architect of Record. Renzo Piano chose Sweet Sparkman, of Sarasota, after evaluating nearly 30 candidates.
The firm has been practicing for 22 years. Completed projects include The Bay, Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling College of Art and Design: Basch Visual Arts Center, Asolo Repertory Theatre Koski Center Campus, Venice Theatre and Siesta Key Park and Pavilion.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the city of Sarasota selected Renzo Piano as design architect in June 2023. The Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be built in The Bay park downtown.
Meet with small business expert
ճ has added North Port to its service area.
As of May, every first Tuesday of the month, aspiring, emerging and established business owners in Sarasota County may meet face-to-face with their local Florida SBDC at USF consultant at North Port City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd.
Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to consult at no cost with Scott Carpenter, who has more than three decades of experience as a business owner and marketing and public relations professional.
For more than 45 years, the has provided no-cost assistance to businesses in Sarasota County through consulting, training and market research.
To schedule an appointment with Carpenter, visit
The Florida SBDC, with over 40 offices statewide, is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, state of Florida and other private and public partners.
BayFirst bank expands in Sarasota
St. Petersburg-based community bank BayFirst has opened its fourth full-service banking center in Sarasota County at 2075 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
The banking center will offer commercial, SBA, residential and consumer lending, as well as deposit accounts for personal and businesses.
It features two drive-through lanes, an ATM, a night drop and a “Collaboratory,” which is a free conference space available to BayFirst clients and community organizations for meetings and events.
The North Sarasota opening is just the latest in a series of announcements related to BayFirst’s efforts to expand throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The bank recently opened a banking center in the heart of Newtown, the community’s first full-service financial institution. It also operates banking centers on Bee Ridge Road and Main Street in Sarasota, plus one on 59th Street West in Bradenton.