Sarasota Chamber Presents Inaugural Spirit Of Sarasota Award

SARASOTA, FL — Rae Dowling, area manager for Florida Power and Light Company, was honored with the inaugural Spirit of Sarasota Award from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at the annual chamber breakfast Friday.

Inspired by the legacy and work of the Ringlings in Sarasota, the Spirit of Sarasota Award recognizes a local individual who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the Sarasota area business community, according to a chamber news release.

Dowling has spent more than 30 years with FPL powering Sarasota and its surrounding areas, leading storm team efforts in 2004 and 2005, and developing local solar power initiatives, the chamber said. She has been an active advocate for the community, supporting several non-profits and serving on multiple boards.

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The event also celebrated the chamber’s centennial with guest speaker John McCarthy, Selby Gardens’ vice president for Historic Spanish Point.

The 2021 Annual Chamber Breakfast was presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and the Spirit of Sarasota award was sponsored by HH Staffing Services.