Need a ride to the airport? Call Blue Ribbon Transportation!

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Choosing Blue Ribbon Transportation for your airport car service offers numerous benefits compared to other options.

Comfort and Luxury: Enjoy a clean, comfortable ride with plenty of space to unwind, particularly useful if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group.

Reliability and Punctuality: We prioritize punctuality, ensuring you reach the airport promptly and reducing stress from potential delays. Our drivers are dedicated solely to your trip, so you won't experience the unpredictability of ridesharing wait times or delays from other passengers.

Privacy: Relax in a private vehicle without sharing the space with strangers. This allows you to work, unwind, or have confidential conversations in complete comfort. Our drivers are attentive to your specific needs and preferences, offering a personalized touch.

Convenience: Enjoy hassle-free, direct pickup from your home, office, or hotel and drop-off right at the airport terminal. Our drivers assist with loading and unloading your luggage, making the journey smoother.

Stress Reduction: Avoid the time and expense of parking. With Blue Ribbon Transportation, you can rest easy knowing your transportation is reliable, allowing you to focus on your trip.

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Should you hire an Airport Sedan Service instead of parking at the airport?

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Hiring an Airport Sedan Service to drop you off at the airport can offer several advantages compared to other transportation options or driving yourself.

Here are some reasons why it might be considered better:

Convenience and Comfort

Hiring airport transportation allows you to relax and focus on your trip without the stress of driving in traffic or finding parking. An Airport Sedan driver can pick you up from your doorstep and drop you off directly at the airport entrance, eliminating the need for additional transportation between parking lots and terminals.

Save Time

Airport Sedan Service Professional drivers are familiar with the best routes and traffic patterns, helping you reach the airport efficiently and on time.

You can focus on Other Tasks while being driven. Use your time more productively, whether it's catching up on work, making phone calls, or simply enjoying the scenery.

If you are trying to park your car you may find that the more desirable lots fill up quickly, which could cause you to waste precious time searching multiple lots for space. Booking an airport shuttle ahead of time eliminates a great deal of guesswork.

Cost-Effective

Airport parking can be expensive, especially for long durations. Long Term parking can range from $16 to $20 per day. Hiring a Airport Sedan Service may even be more cost-effective than paying for parking, particularly if you're going on a lengthy trip. Also, when you hire airport transportation, you don't have to worry about fuel costs or the wear and tear on your vehicle.

No Concerns about Vehicle Security

Whether you’re heading to paradise or just looking to get away for the weekend, leaving your vehicle behind at the airport can be a real gamble. Anything can happen to your vehicle while you’re gone, and leaving your car unattended instantly increases its odds of becoming a target. Many airports post warning that parking is “at-your-own-risk,” and thus the airport itself is not responsible for any damage sustained on the property.

A hired Airport Sedan Service driver can drop you off without leaving your vehicle unattended.

Reliability and Professionalism

A professional airport transportation with Blue Ribbon Transportation provides well-trained and courteous drivers who are familiar with airport procedures and can assist with luggage.

A pre-arranged Airport Service driver ensures that you have reliable transportation to the airport, reducing the risk of last-minute issues or delays.

Airport Transportation with Blue Ribbon Transportation can be customized to your schedule and preferences, providing a more personalized and flexible experience.

After considering all the factors, you may conclude that Blue Ribbon Transportation is a better option than airport parking, and you won’t have to worry about the stress of not being able to find a parking spot. 

Call Blue Ribbon Transportation for your stress-free ride to the airport! (941) 404-0458.

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Being Seen: Top Events for Sarasota’s Social Scene in 2020/2021

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Regal Movie Theaters may be closing across Tampa Bay,but true theatre venues are just starting to open up. And as COVID-19 concerns limit attendance – events are becoming even more exclusive.

Exclusive Events

Sarasota Opera is leading the way – presenting filmed as live opera events like Sleeping Beauty and Madame Butterfly in limited engagements. The company’s annual fall Taste of Downtown fundraiser for the Youth Opera programs shifted gears to a discount card, allowing several options for fine dining and nights out.

Nothing will stop the Opera House’s annual Opera Gala, celebrating the opening of the Winter Festival. Guests can safely enjoy a cocktail hour, silent auction, a spectacular three course dinner, a special performance by our Principal Artists, and live music for dancing come January 24.

And the annual Salute to the Stars Awards Luncheon will return as scheduled in March at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

Live Theatre

The Sarasota Polo Club & the Historic Asolo Theater are both presenting live shows to limited, masked audiences. Come dressed to the nines with an appropriately stylish face covering and enjoy the best live theater – properly distanced, and for the Polo Club, outdoors.

Black Tie Affairs

Both the Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are now open to the public. Selby will host their annual black tie gala, The Orchid Ball, in April of 2021. No official word yet, but you can be sure they’re planning ahead for their Lights in Bloom holiday exhibits, culminating, of course, with the annual black-tie New Year’s Eve celebration at the gardens.

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Why Bern’s Steak House Remains Tampa Bay’s Finest Restaurant

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In a sea of franchise establishments and low-key dive bars, it’s not hard to see how Bern’s Steak House stands out in the Hyde Park area or Tampa Bay in general.

Starting Small

Bern’s launched in 1956, when New York transplants, Bern and Gert Laxer, expanded their luncheonette by buying the Beer Haven Bar. While the Laxers were equal partners, they repurposed existing letters from the Beer Haven sign to Bern’s, planning to add Gert’s name later.

Unfortunately, the landlord, a teetotaler who had not approved the sale, threatened to terminate their lease. Extra money went into transforming the bar into a restaurant, becoming Bern’s Steak House. Over the years, Bern & Gert bought the adjoining shops, slowly expanding from a 40-seat dining room to one that could hold 350 or more.

In 1985, they used redwood wine casks to create 48 private rooms within the Harry Waugh Dessert Room. It features nearly 50 special desserts, wines and aperitif’s.

Aged to Perfection

But more than a unique space, Bern’s, now specializes in prime, cut to order steaks, served with organic vegetables grown on their own local farm. They boast the largest collection of wines in any restaurant. Add that to their world-famous dessert room, and Bern’s offers a unique “gastronomical adventure” with every experience.

Since the 1990’s, Bern’s has placed high on, or topped, nearly every list of the top restaurants in America. Rachael Ray, Wine Spectator and even former President George W. Bush have enjoyed and praised Bern’s culinary experience.

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Planning the Perfect Quinceañera Party in Sarasota

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Similar to the American idea of the Sweet Sixteen party, the Quinceañera, also known as Quince Años, is part birthday party, part religious ceremony, and part coming-out party.

Traditionally, it marks the journey to adulthood, and, like many other ethnic festivities and milestone events, can include key elements that may or may not have been “updated” to the 21st century young lady.

Traditions Are Important

According to Wikipedia, “in a traditional Mexican quinceañera, young women and men have roles as formal damas and chambelanes, who perform special bends at the celebration, along with the quinceañera herself. There is also a ‘man of honor’ who accompanies the young woman. Potential suitors present gifts to her family to make up a dowry or bridal wealth. Prior to her being given away, the women of the community participate by instructing the quinceañera in her duties and responsibilities. They urge her to follow the correct path by remaining true to her people and their traditions throughout her life.”

Today’s Quinceañera has created new opportunities for event planners. In fact, the market has grown to the point where there are planners who know how to create just the right event for that special 15-year old, her family, her court and her guests. They also coordinating with her pastoral community in the event the party includes the traditional religious components. You can, of course, plan your own party, and you’ll find a ton of resources on the web to help.

¿Qué tan hermosa es Sarasota? How Beautiful is Sarasota?

With its cultural diversity, Sarasota presents a plethora of venues for the ideal Quinceañera. Choose from traditional to just plain fun, from formal to casual, from expensive to economical. There are a multitude of hotels, on the beach or downtown that provide excellent private rooms and ballrooms for any size party, of course….

But Wait, There’s More…

Why not make your young lady’s night super special with an elegant party at The Ringling? Combining the glitz of Gatsby and the glory of the venue, this one would be hard to top! Or maybe your 15-year old is a bit more down-to-earth? If she would like to commune with nature, how about the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for a glorious gazebo amidst the Banyon trees? She can also party with the sharks and stingrays at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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What is a Level 2 Background Check and Why You Want Your Driver to Have One

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More and more employers today are utilizing background checks for their employees.

They improve the quality of candidates and reduce the chance of potential employees lying on their resume or job application.

For most jobs, that’s a credit check and a brief search of statewide employment history, criminal records, and the sex offender registry. That’s what the state of Florida defines as a level one background check.

Taking Safety Seriously

For positions that require a high level of responsibility or trust, dealing with the elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups, the state forces employers to take every precaution.

Here in Florida, limo and taxi drivers, just like police officers and medical professionals, are required to pass a Level 2 Background Check. Potential drivers must submit fingerprints and their records are checked in both state and federal databases. Names and IDs are run through the National and Florida Crime Information Center databases. Then they are verified by the FBI, and checked through the Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry.

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What’s Reopening in Tampa Bay

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Tom Brady is a Buccaneer!!!

When the news broke in March that the famed Quarterback was definitely signing with Tampa Bay, you could FEEL the joy of Floridians as they contemplated how they were going to plan their football season.

That was over four months ago. How life has changed…

Now, with the cancellation of all pre-season games, and the fact that, at least for the foreseeable future, single game tickets will not be sold. Only existing season passholders might have the chance to see him play in a reduced-capacity Raymond James Stadium. And the pain is palpable.

Spectators with mitts and anxious expectations won’t be in the stands to catch flyaway hits either The Rays are going to play to cardboard cutout photos of their fans so they at least don’t see a sea of emptiness in the stadium.

But Wait…

It isn’t ALL bad news! Restaurants in Tampa Bay are now open to serve their patrons – not just as curbside or pickup, either. Although limited and reduced seating are the rule for the time being, you can still dine with your friends and family. Have that night out after being locked at home for so long!

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We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ GPS!

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Did you ever get in a limo or taxi and have the driver ask you for directions to your destination?

Makes you wonder … who’s paying whom? Especially if you have never been to the venue, airport or address before!

Where are we???

Imagine…you arrive at the airport late at night, your company has arranged for a limo service to take you to your hotel. It is one where you have never stayed before. You are tired, it has been a long day – and your driver needs to pull up Google Maps or GPS to get you to your destination? Or, your bridal party heads off to that fabulous destination for the wedding of your dreams! But your driver has no clue where to find that section of the beach! You think, ‘well that’s not acceptable in terms of service!’ And we agree with you…that is definitely not good service. We don’t want our drivers to EVER be unprepared or uncertain of destinations when they pick up our valued clients.

Here to There?

If you have ever had the fortunate experience of travelling to London, you would have experienced the pleasure of hopping into one of the City’s famous black taxis to take you to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square or perhaps Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. Did you know that limo and taxi drivers in London can’t even get licensed without passing what is ‘affectionately’ called “The Knowledge of London”?

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A True Story – Beware Scam Artists!

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One of the things we at Blue Ribbon Transportation pride ourselves in is our hiring of only the best of the best.

Recently, we were, unwittingly, party to an attempted scam and we thought it would be worthwhile to share the story in order to alert people to how some transportation or share ride companies could end up complicit in a crime. This was recounted by our owner and CEO, Erv Helmuth:

“Last week we received a call from someone named Victor who asked us to pick up a package in Sarasota and deliver the personal item to somewhere in Fort Myers. He agreed to pay for the long-distance transportation and stated he would pay a large tip!!

When I arrived at the address to pick up the item, an elderly woman opened the door looking very confused. She was on the phone with another party and said “this package needs to be delivered to Sarasota.” The person on the phone confirmed. At that moment I understood that she didn’t even know where this item had to be delivered.

Something just wasn’t right

I felt something was off, so went back to the vehicle and called the number that had originally requested the ride. After a few rings, a man answered with a thick foreign accent. I was able to understand that the package was to be delivered to Ft Myers.

When I got off my phone, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the whole thing was just too strange.

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Drivers Without Insurance: The Worst Catastrophes in Florida History

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Every year, hundreds of drivers across Florida end up in in car accidents.

Of course, this isn’t isolated to the Sunshine state. But the state is often ranked as having some of the worst drivers in the United States. And lawyers say it is one of the worst states to be involved in a car accident.

Minimum Basic Requirements

Florida still only requires, for most drivers, proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance.

PIP covers 80% of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses, up to $10,000, resulting from a covered injury, no matter who caused the crash. PDL coverage pays for damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle.

The state does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL). BIL pays for injuries you cause to another driver if you are at-fault in the accident.

And in way too many cases, drivers may allow their required coverages to lapse between their car registration renewals.

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Planning Your Destination Wedding Without Going Insane

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You’re engaged! What an exciting time …

and congratulations! But wait, you and your fiancé have decided that you don’t want to stick around the old homestead for your wedding. You would like to plan a destination wedding instead! Time to gather your best friends and closest family members in a place far from home, where you can celebrate for days or even a whole week!

Location, Location, Location

Of course, we think that Sarasota is the ideal location for you, but regardless of where you go, how do you start planning??? We’re already behind. Oh no!

Stop. Breath. Think about places that have special meaning to you and your fiancé. While you may think it is a grand idea to plan your wedding in that exotic and far-away place you always wanted to see… Maybe you should save that for your honeymoon. You won’t have the time to explore it during the days/week before your big day.

Maybe consider a place that’s easy for your guests to get to from wherever they are coming. Do they need to change planes five times or are there direct flights, for example.

DIY or Wedding Planner?

Once you have decided on a location, decide if you want to do all the planning yourself or hire a local wedding planner to help you. Either way, you have to start getting organized. Know your budget (other than travel).

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Why Sarasota (Siesta Key/Longboat Key) is a Great Destination for Your Wedding

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According to recent surveys, destination weddings now represent 25% of the total wedding market.

Once upon a time, destination weddings were predominantly arranged for those brides and grooms who had been previously married… It was a way to get away, get married, and have a honeymoon all at the same time. But now? Brides and grooms love destination weddings for a lot of reasons.

Neutral Ground

While tradition dictates that the bride’s hometown location would host her wedding, more and more couples are either paying for their own weddings or are trying to be “fair” to their families. Choosing a location that may mean something to the happy couple, but that is on neither one’s home turf can eliminate a ton of familial conflicts and stresses.

Party Hardy!

One of the major benefits to destination weddings is that the wedding party and guests can spend more time together. Since most of these “faraway” events have captive audiences for a week, bridal showers, bachelor parties, day after brunches can all take place during the event week.

Oftentimes the events are arranged by the wedding planner. Then even the bride and her family can be treated as guests and enjoy the parties rather than host them themselves at their homes. Which leads us to why Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key are PERFECT destinations for any wedding.

It’s Not Just About the Beach

OK, so maybe the beach is the best way to start this conversation. After all, the local beaches have topped the list of the best beaches in Florida for years.

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How to Get World Class Service from your Concierge

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or many people, the term concierge evokes the hustler Michael J Fox played in For Love or Money or the staid M. Gustave in The Grande Budapest Hotel. A concierge belonged to a mysterious world reserved for those with money and privilege that few will see.

The truth is much more straightforward. Here at Blue Ribbon Transportation, we believe everyone who rides with us is a VIP. But for those who may be experiencing this type of service for the first time, we want to pull back the veil. Here are some tips that will help every traveler get the finest service in Florida and across the globe.

It’s a Calling

Concierges are there to assist. They take delight and joy in helping people in whatever way they are able. Their goal is to help make your travel experience a happy and memorable one. That’s everything from recommending the best steak in town, to getting you a ride, to tickets to the hottest shows.

Concierge service providers are trained professionals, often with years of experience and well developed industry network relationships. They have worked hard to develop contacts and are happy to utilize them to make your visit to their town the best it can be, from the most mundane to the excitingly exotic.

Communicate – Specifically

The more specific you can make your request, the better chance the concierge can assist. Vague questions and requests are not to your advantage. When asking about a restaurant reservation, purchase, event booking or more, explain in detail to the concierge what you do like and what you don’t. In fact, preferences are better than aversions. That way, even if they can’t get you tickets to Hamilton, they can probably offer you alternative options so you’re not disappointed.

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Sarasota Unaccompanied Minor Transportation Services

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Blue Ribbon offers exclusive unaccompanied minor airport transportation services for Sarasota Florida children within the ages of 8-15 (with permission signed by authorized parent/guardian).

Escort to an airline check-in point is an additional charge. We also deal with many students who require transportation to/from IMG sports academy and surrounding colleges.

Also providing transportation for nights out, weddings, sporting events and more. All our vehicles are fully insured and regularly inspected. We are permitted by the Tampa International and Sarasota Airport.

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Merry Christmas From Blue Ribbon Transportation

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From all of us here at Blue Ribbon Transportation, we hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

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Sarasota Limousine Rental

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Blue Ribbon Transportation is the BEST choice for Sarasota Limousine Rental services in the area.

We offer transportation to all destinations throughout the Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice Florida areas. Our luxury vehicles will get you to your destination in style. Transportation for airport transfers, nights out, weddings, sporting events and more. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for any upcoming specials and or events!

“The best service for car transport to the airport Tampa to Venice. Clean cars lovely drives! I need to come here to care for my dad and they are always ready to get me at the airport and take me back. They are an A+ in my book!”

“I use this company all the time when I visit my dad in Venice. The Owner ERWIN is the most polite gentleman I could ever ask for in a driver. He is always on time, the car is very clean and he is a pleasure to spend time with on a drive. I highly recommend them as a company.”

“I fly out of Tampa airport all the time and live in Sarasota. The car service is always on time, always reliable, personable and polite. He gets me to my flights on time even when there is traffic! Very professional. If you want someone reliable, choose blue ribbon transportation.”

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Sarasota Executive Limousine Services

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You can count on Blue Ribbon Transportation to handle your corporate transportation needs.

Since many of our corporate clients travel by private jet, we are fully licensed and permitted at Tampa, St. Pete–Clearwater, Orlando, Miami and surrounding International airports. To learn more about our Sarasota Executive Limousine Services simply give us a call at 941-404-0458 and speak with one of our chauffeurs or click here> We look forward to hearing from you.

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Special Occasion Luxury Transportation in Sarasota

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Blue Ribbon Transportation prides itself in being Sarasota area’s #1 choice for large parties and special events.

Let us do the driving while you enjoy your special time with friends and family. Special events include wine tours, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, prom and formals, birthdays including sweet 16 and quinceanera’s, concerts, bar and club hopping as well as sporting events!

Make your reservation or give us a call at 941-404-0458 and speak with one of our chauffeurs. Special Occasion Luxury Transportation in Sarasota We look forward to hearing from you.

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Sarasota Bachelorette Party Limousine Transportation

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Blue Ribbon offers luxury limousine transportation for Bachelorette parties in the Sarasota area.

Our Mercedes Sprinter limousine is ultra-lux! Perfect for your special occasion. Your Bachelorette party is a once in a lifetime experience. With Blue Ribbon Transportation Services, you can be sure that the day you have spent days and months planning for will be treated with just as much care and focus. Click here if you would like to make a reservation for your Bachelorette party transportation. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 941-404-0458 and speak with one of our chauffeurs. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Sarasota Prom Night Transportation

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2019 Prom is coming up!!

Make your prom night even more special with a luxury limousine ride to the dance. Make a reservation with Blue Ribbon Transportation in advance to guarantee our top of the line luxury vehicles.

  • Booker High
  • Riverview High
  • Sarasota High
  • Suncoast Polytechnical High
  • Pine View School
  • Oak Park School

We have luxury sedans for you and your date as well as a party bus for you and your friends. Follow us on Facebook for any discounts we may be offering. Rest assured you are making the right choice when you book with us.

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14 August 2024
Sarasota Transportation Blog
Choosing Blue Ribbon Transportation for your airport car service offers numerous benefits compared to other options. Comfort and Luxury: Enjoy a clean, comfortable ride with plenty of space to unwind, particularly useful if you’re traveling with a lo...
06 December 2023
Sarasota Transportation Blog
Hiring an Airport Sedan Service to drop you off at the airport can offer several advantages compared to other transportation options or driving yourself. Here are some reasons why it might be considered better: Convenience and Comfort Hiring airport ...
13 October 2020
Sarasota Transportation Blog
Regal Movie Theaters may be closing across Tampa Bay,but true theatre venues are just starting to open up. And as COVID-19 concerns limit attendance – events are becoming even more exclusive. Exclusive Events Sarasota Opera is leading the way – prese...
18 September 2020
Sarasota Transportation Blog
In a sea of franchise establishments and low-key dive bars, it’s not hard to see how Bern’s Steak House stands out in the Hyde Park area or Tampa Bay in general. Starting Small Bern’s launched in 1956, when New York transplants, Bern and Gert Laxer, ...
31 August 2020
Sarasota Transportation Blog
Similar to the American idea of the Sweet Sixteen party, the Quinceañera, also known as Quince Años, is part birthday party, part religious ceremony, and part coming-out party. Traditionally, it marks the journey to adulthood, and, like many other et...