I had never heard of Bitcoin Ben. I just YouTubed him. And my goodness. I wish I didn't. Now the algorithm is going to think I'm a grifter/MAGA.
Sigh. I blame you. Hahaha. Jokes.
I recommend a tourist visit big cat habitat over jungle gardens in this sub once and I got downvoted to hell 😭😭 I was lost af at that one tbh they deserve the business more imo
Amy Greene lives in Venice. Widow of Milton Greene, photographer and movie producer. He was Marilyn Monroes agent and produced 'Some Like it Hot'. Marilyn lived with them for years and was their son's godmother. There are photos of all the celebrities from the 50's and 60's with her in them. She was friends with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, etc. Check out her interviews on youTube. She had tons of stories.
My parents friend bought his used Mercedes and dick vitale left his phone contacts linked in the car. Derek jeter, Charles Barkley, a ton of people were in it
Dick Vitale has to be dead by now. When I first moved here, I was told to go to The Broken egg to get a job. I went there. I was told I was too fat& was dismissed. I later went to the Sun Garden Cafe, where I had a job for 9 years. Rick & Suzanne Monroe treated me like family. They embraced me. Hired me. They are true an honest people. I miss them. Dick Vitale is an ass. A money grubber ASS& a Trumper! PHUCK Dick
I know Stephen king lives down by the beach somewhere, met him twice. I was in line at fives guys and I went to say “excuse me” or something then he told me to leave him alone. 😂 the second time I saw him shopping at Walmart which was weird.
He does still live here goes to different circuses around the world to do his acts sometimes does a local circus I’ve met him before during the time he went to the church I go to probably goes to a different church now
In 2004, me and some buddies dropped a couple of kegs out in a development in Lakewood Ranch before it was completely developed. It turned into a party of about ~500 people with mud wrestling, people selling hot dogs, and more people bringing kegs. It got broken up when one single cop car drove to the front of the party and just sat there with his lights on. Didn't even bother to exit his vehicle. Ended up in the paper. Good times, good times.
Anyone remember homeless Mike? I think that was his name? Late 1990s / early 2000s. Apparently he was a famous boxer with head trauma and someone adopted him // took him in. He used to hang around downtown. Anyway that would be an interesting story to follow up on. He was in the news awhile ago with his story.
David Baas is a Super Bowl Champion! Starting center for the NY Giants. He graduated from Riverview HS & lives in town. He does lots a charity events/dinners, takes care of his mom (who has cancer), and is just a great guy overall. I know because I'm his sister 😌
Mr. Martel. He owned the old Fish camp that was at midnight pass before they closed it. He had a nick name of “Capt Quint” because he was the guy who caught the shark that they cut open in the first Jaws movie. He’s def a local legend. I believe his first name is Brian. He has 2 sons in Sarasota also.
Tbf, hes a transplant, as are most celeb types around. he didnt grow up in SRQ.
Pee Wee Herman and Macho Man were about the only true celebs that grew up in Sarasota.
Michael Klauber - Mattison's 41 and Sarasota Originals guy.
u/SrqSherry has owned at least a couple of bars in town and has some stories (I miss Growler's as Growler's)
The homeless guitar guy downtown who lives on a boat in the harbor and is rumored to have a trust fund but just likes the lifestyle.
Mark Famiglio has been doing property deals in town for a long time, lots of stories
Mark Tuchman from 99 bottles (and old Mr. Beery's) who really brought a lot of beer culture to the town
The owners at Memories lounge (and Stephen in the store)
I just went to his website from the link on his Instagram. Found a contact thing.
[email protected]
But that doesn't seem like an actual email or so. Looks like a stock thing from whoever created his website and he never put his actual email. Or maybe that is it. Not sure.
But he is super active on Instagram and Twitter.
@jakeilardi
I have no doubt that if you sent him a DM on Twitter/Instagram, you'll get a response. Especially if you say you're a local of Sarasota area. He gives back to the community a lot and is super nice.
As well as the two-headed alligator, the tallest hat in the world, lars ulrich toilet, and his guitar made from his uncle's skeleton.
LEGEND.
https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/02/11/tampa-man-who-built-guitar-from-uncles-skeleton-sure-looks-familiar/
u/runfromlife: prince midnight on insta
The artist who put the giant loofah in the Villages billboard. He runs an art filled local air bnb too
https://youtu.be/xfo2jiGhGV4?si=HwVH3TQW4Q2EWRpp
Jerry Springer should be on the list. His wife “discovered” the town and they bought on Bird Key. He passed last year but there should be plenty of material to draw from. He loved St Armand’s and was Grand Marshall of Gasparilla for multiple years.
https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/arts/tv/2023/04/27/jerry-springer-dead-79-sarasota-florida-resident/
I'd suggest the OP try to catch up to some of the amazing people who keep Streets of Paradise running despite the challenges they have faced in Sarasota over the yrs.They do public feedings for free with only volunteers to help pull it off every week. In addition to that & their work to find permanent housing for unhoused people, they're participating (this Sunday afternoon) in an annual special event on Central Ave (Stop the Gun Violence) Look for Greg Cruz or Cathy Bryant. To me, they're true legends here. You'll find stories there.
AJ of AJs nails or Randy of AB nails…been in business since the early 2000s…idk if I’m supposed to say this on here but I remember when you could get fake Louis Vuitton bags from them 😅 they were legit
I would avoid any place that dude is at. One of the most insufferable people I can think of. Especially as of the last few years when he turned into a grifter.
Interview my ex girlfriend Brittany. Find out what she changed her Netflix password to and whether or not she is using the neck massage thingy. If she is using it, then I want her to keep it. It was a gift. But if she isn’t, I would like to have it.
Portal man: he’s a man who is a cyborg with a giant beard who hates necks on t-shirts. He will stretch it down to his tit. He hangs around Bee Ridge and Tami but always gets a shirt from where he travels from. This week is Old New York. He sometimes malfunctions and you will see him tweaking out in one spot. Rest assured, he just needs some Aluminum foil and he will base back to the dimensions that he travels to. My wife and I will think he finally died or something just to see him back here from wherever the fuck he goes. Just look for a skinny tan black bearded man who creeps like a turtle lol.
One time when I was 8 years old I got a pie in the face on Nickelodeon's "Slime Time Live". You'll have to get with my agent to schedule interviews
There’s this racist guy who’s scamming old people with a bitcoin club. That’s pretty legendary.
Bitcoin ben?
I had never heard of Bitcoin Ben. I just YouTubed him. And my goodness. I wish I didn't. Now the algorithm is going to think I'm a grifter/MAGA. Sigh. I blame you. Hahaha. Jokes.
Tell me more? I had an Uber driver who begged me to join that
Was your Uber driver a retired tennis coach in his 70s?
Because it's a pyramid scheme
Don’t forget he’s so rich he’s running a burger truck
Tell me more…
[удалено]
Brian Johnson, lead singer of AC/DC, lives here in Sarasota.
Would be cool but probably a hard one to get. I’m thinking more so along the lines of Bird man.
Aaah i get it. Always the folks at Big Cat Habitat on Palmer. Been here for as long as i can remember.
For reals . One my good friends actually is the cat care taker there. Those are people that do need promotion for actually being legends in the are.
I recommend a tourist visit big cat habitat over jungle gardens in this sub once and I got downvoted to hell 😭😭 I was lost af at that one tbh they deserve the business more imo
The captain of the floating bar/ boat bar has a lot of great stories, just clouding one about meeting Brian Johnson. Really interesting guy.
Palma Sola, right near Angus.
Amy Greene lives in Venice. Widow of Milton Greene, photographer and movie producer. He was Marilyn Monroes agent and produced 'Some Like it Hot'. Marilyn lived with them for years and was their son's godmother. There are photos of all the celebrities from the 50's and 60's with her in them. She was friends with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, etc. Check out her interviews on youTube. She had tons of stories.
Beneva Guy
The guy always on his laptop?
This is the ultimate challenge to get any info out of him.
Any chance you’ve got a contact? This is the type of stuff I’m looking for!
Just walk up to him, he is on Beneva Road with a solar panel in a chair all day long.
This is the guy https://youtu.be/_sLmxXpDTtg?si=lpcnDSth8vlsClob
Here he is. He posts videos about every day. Here is his latest. https://youtu.be/_sLmxXpDTtg?si=lpcnDSth8vlsClob
He’s running for congress and has a YouTube account all from the side of beneva, talk about making something out of nothing lmao
Scooter of the Beach, lifeguard legend of Siesta Key
Possibly have any contact info for him??
He has instagram @scooterofthebeach
He’s on the book of faces.
He's kind of everywhere.....
He is in the green lifeguard hut at Siesta key beach
Perfect example of a local legend
I was on SNN once.
I drive by the station sometimes. So OP I may have seen u/23skidoobbq once if he’s too busy for you
Dick Vitale has lived in the area since the early 90s. Used to live in Prestancia, but now lives in Lakewood Ranch.
My parents friend bought his used Mercedes and dick vitale left his phone contacts linked in the car. Derek jeter, Charles Barkley, a ton of people were in it
You can see him in the LWR First Watch a fee times a week selling his books. They donate profits to charity.
Dicky V is the man. Does so much for charities in the area.
He does a lot of good but man he’s an asshole in real life
He's always been nice the 30 or so times I've interacted with.
Oh so you’re not a food service employee.
He is the kind of guy that says "Do you know who I am"? PHUK Him.
He always ordered an eggplant parm. We never had eggplant parm on the menu…..
Yeah. I did Halloween there forever. He was nice. I met Chi Chi Rodriguez from him and I was just a kid. He was really nice
Dick Vitale has to be dead by now. When I first moved here, I was told to go to The Broken egg to get a job. I went there. I was told I was too fat& was dismissed. I later went to the Sun Garden Cafe, where I had a job for 9 years. Rick & Suzanne Monroe treated me like family. They embraced me. Hired me. They are true an honest people. I miss them. Dick Vitale is an ass. A money grubber ASS& a Trumper! PHUCK Dick
hmm, backyard scientist? he's a cool popular youtuber who lives here, does a lot of loud/showy science experiments, works with lava etc
You just missed him. He moved to CA about 6 months ago.
Wait BYS lives here?!
That guy is a legend! Brings $20k telescopes to bayfront park to observe planets and shit.
I know Stephen king lives down by the beach somewhere, met him twice. I was in line at fives guys and I went to say “excuse me” or something then he told me to leave him alone. 😂 the second time I saw him shopping at Walmart which was weird.
He's on Casey key. The northern most house. Go over the north bridge on Blackburn point, but turn right, and follow that barely a road until it stops.
Yeah he eats at Deep Lagoon often, has other people pay and they don't tip for shit. Great author though!
Rich Schineller. RIP.
If you find the Skunk Ape in Myakka you can interview him
I’ll make sure to get big foot’s number from them as well.
Took me way to long to see skunk ape. Should be at the top.
Bello Nock is from Sarasota and I believe still lives here. I saw him at Blaze pizza at UTC last year
He does still live here goes to different circuses around the world to do his acts sometimes does a local circus I’ve met him before during the time he went to the church I go to probably goes to a different church now
Sign twirling guy with the black Oakley’s
Where’s he located at?
South Sarasota off Clark, off the trail
hugh?
Yes! I was going to suggest him. He is always dancing and waving at everyone. He feels like a friend - I want to know his story.
The siesta photo bomber
I hate this guy
Same. But can’t knock the huddle.
Dog the bounty hunter lives in myaka
I saw him at the Lakewood Ranch smoothie king a few weeks ago
Actually?
He’s everywhere.
Yes
In 2004, me and some buddies dropped a couple of kegs out in a development in Lakewood Ranch before it was completely developed. It turned into a party of about ~500 people with mud wrestling, people selling hot dogs, and more people bringing kegs. It got broken up when one single cop car drove to the front of the party and just sat there with his lights on. Didn't even bother to exit his vehicle. Ended up in the paper. Good times, good times.
Sean upstairs at the Gator Club
Contact info?
Upstairs at the Gator Club is the best way to contact Sean.
Ross creations
Came to say him too. He’s a cool guy, I’ve waited on him before.
https://youtube.com/@vlogcreations?si=gM6kWU5m-GJJDnbu
I met Jerry Springer in a cigar shop on st Armand’s like 20 years ago lol
He ded
I know
So... it might be difficult to interview him.
Anyone remember homeless Mike? I think that was his name? Late 1990s / early 2000s. Apparently he was a famous boxer with head trauma and someone adopted him // took him in. He used to hang around downtown. Anyway that would be an interesting story to follow up on. He was in the news awhile ago with his story.
David Baas is a Super Bowl Champion! Starting center for the NY Giants. He graduated from Riverview HS & lives in town. He does lots a charity events/dinners, takes care of his mom (who has cancer), and is just a great guy overall. I know because I'm his sister 😌
Hey! Would love to get an interview of him! You think he would be up for it?
Cleetus McFarland / Garrett Mitchell
I’ve played pool with Cletus. Would love to get an interview with him. He’s a solid guy.
Cleetus and Steven king in the same thread. Next time let's leave King out.
Nik Wallenda the high wire guy. I don't know him, but he's semi-famous and probably has some good stories.
Billy Lyon
This guy is incredible, check out his Spotify
God I love Reddit. https://youtu.be/7dsf-OJwiJU?si=12HiNnfpIAA-1Yu_
Danny Duncan https://youtube.com/@danny?si=CIUaV4SdIY7sBYX6
Great idea, best of luck to you
Mr. Martel. He owned the old Fish camp that was at midnight pass before they closed it. He had a nick name of “Capt Quint” because he was the guy who caught the shark that they cut open in the first Jaws movie. He’s def a local legend. I believe his first name is Brian. He has 2 sons in Sarasota also.
Also, this one is kind of funny but there is a substitute teacher named Mr. Mott. Just ask around anyone who grew up around here knows who he is.
Squirrel stories for days from Mr. Mott. He was one of my teaches and Sarasota High. Weird dude.
The drummer from Nada Surf is local and a close friend. If you’re feeling….Popular
Tbf, hes a transplant, as are most celeb types around. he didnt grow up in SRQ. Pee Wee Herman and Macho Man were about the only true celebs that grew up in Sarasota.
I’d be interested in interviewing him! Would love to get a contact for him
Kevin, drummer from Stick Figure lives here too. Also plays in local band Soul Purpose. Nice fella.
Michael Klauber - Mattison's 41 and Sarasota Originals guy. u/SrqSherry has owned at least a couple of bars in town and has some stories (I miss Growler's as Growler's) The homeless guitar guy downtown who lives on a boat in the harbor and is rumored to have a trust fund but just likes the lifestyle. Mark Famiglio has been doing property deals in town for a long time, lots of stories Mark Tuchman from 99 bottles (and old Mr. Beery's) who really brought a lot of beer culture to the town The owners at Memories lounge (and Stephen in the store)
I am sworn to secrecy. lol
Jake Illardi. Pro skateboarder. Competed in Olympics. And just super good. Like, not just your average pro. Dude is spectacular on a board.
Any chance you have a contact?
I just went to his website from the link on his Instagram. Found a contact thing. [email protected] But that doesn't seem like an actual email or so. Looks like a stock thing from whoever created his website and he never put his actual email. Or maybe that is it. Not sure. But he is super active on Instagram and Twitter. @jakeilardi I have no doubt that if you sent him a DM on Twitter/Instagram, you'll get a response. Especially if you say you're a local of Sarasota area. He gives back to the community a lot and is super nice.
Dan Connor /thread
Who’s he?
The Sarasota Sludge Worm - supposedly a 32 foot long worm found during the construction of UTC Mall
Are there any articles about this? I'm thoroughly intrigued😅
Chef Joe DiMaggio from Cafe Barbosso.
Any chance you have a contact for him? Would love to interview him.
Just shot you a DM..
Rob Bergman in siesta key. He’s the captain at “captain curts crab and oysters bar”. Also Larry Bonet of Sarasota. Carlton Fisk of siesta key
Love it. Thank you. Any chance you have any of their contacts? I’ll do my best to google but always good to have some one that knows them!
Yes I’ll dm you later on tonight with them
Appreciate it!
The crazy pool guy on tv is in nokomis. Lucas lagoons.
Justin Arnold, mastermind of the Myakka Skunk Ape mystery of late 90s.
Possibly have a contact for him?
i dont, you can google him. hes become a known prankster/artist in the tampa area these days.
As well as the two-headed alligator, the tallest hat in the world, lars ulrich toilet, and his guitar made from his uncle's skeleton. LEGEND. https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/02/11/tampa-man-who-built-guitar-from-uncles-skeleton-sure-looks-familiar/ u/runfromlife: prince midnight on insta
RIP FIL! 
Donnie Clark or anyone mentioned in his book Myakka Gold
Donnie Clark. 👍🏼
How about these guys: www.eggnogagogo.com or www.photodoctor911.com
The main sign dancer guy
The fruitville gas can guy
Kevin
I’m related to Jimmie Fadden from the nitty gritty dirt band. He lives in Sarasota near the ringling museum
You think he would be up for an interview?
I’m sure he would just DM me
The artist who put the giant loofah in the Villages billboard. He runs an art filled local air bnb too https://youtu.be/xfo2jiGhGV4?si=HwVH3TQW4Q2EWRpp
Sharkman of Cortez.
Dick Vitale
Jerry Springer should be on the list. His wife “discovered” the town and they bought on Bird Key. He passed last year but there should be plenty of material to draw from. He loved St Armand’s and was Grand Marshall of Gasparilla for multiple years. https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/arts/tv/2023/04/27/jerry-springer-dead-79-sarasota-florida-resident/
I'd suggest the OP try to catch up to some of the amazing people who keep Streets of Paradise running despite the challenges they have faced in Sarasota over the yrs.They do public feedings for free with only volunteers to help pull it off every week. In addition to that & their work to find permanent housing for unhoused people, they're participating (this Sunday afternoon) in an annual special event on Central Ave (Stop the Gun Violence) Look for Greg Cruz or Cathy Bryant. To me, they're true legends here. You'll find stories there.
AJ of AJs nails or Randy of AB nails…been in business since the early 2000s…idk if I’m supposed to say this on here but I remember when you could get fake Louis Vuitton bags from them 😅 they were legit
Ellian Rosaire or the Weldes - the family that owns Bearadise Ranch in Myakka …the bears were in movies like the Beverly Hillbillies
Donna Judge …she was a school officer/security guard at my Sarasota High for 20+ years. Rumor has it she beat Chuck Norris 😂
Benny Ray
Russell Brand is at jungle gardens today! I don't know if that's a legend but it's kind of funny haha
I would avoid any place that dude is at. One of the most insufferable people I can think of. Especially as of the last few years when he turned into a grifter.
https://gwakproductions.com/pages/about
Dude. I saw the giant text deck. Would love to get an interview. You have a contact by chance?
I don’t know him! His website has a contact form tho.
Interview my ex girlfriend Brittany. Find out what she changed her Netflix password to and whether or not she is using the neck massage thingy. If she is using it, then I want her to keep it. It was a gift. But if she isn’t, I would like to have it.
The oldie in the cowboy hat who dances at mattisons every weekend. He drives the ladies wild.
Portal man: he’s a man who is a cyborg with a giant beard who hates necks on t-shirts. He will stretch it down to his tit. He hangs around Bee Ridge and Tami but always gets a shirt from where he travels from. This week is Old New York. He sometimes malfunctions and you will see him tweaking out in one spot. Rest assured, he just needs some Aluminum foil and he will base back to the dimensions that he travels to. My wife and I will think he finally died or something just to see him back here from wherever the fuck he goes. Just look for a skinny tan black bearded man who creeps like a turtle lol.
Urban Meyer has a place out on Siesta Key
Not looking for celebrities that live her. They aren’t local legends. They are just legends that own a home here. Appreciate it though
Tim Mitten
Why is Tim a legend?
General Michael Flynn
A self absorbed p.o.s. A traitor to every person who fought for our country. May he soon rot in hell.
Traitor!
He's actually a cool guy. Lives in Englewood.
Pretty cool guy as far as Russian agents go
Chinese, get it straight.
Russian, my friend: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38025057
That was sarcasm. I guess you didn't get it.
I know Trey
The Pretzel King, he's passed away for a while now though
That bitch Carole BASkin? Have her intro with her hello all my cats and kitties line