Funds to be used to assist with restoration of historic Keith Farmhouse
On April 24, the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department staff received a $65,000 donation from the Friends of Phillippi Estate Park, a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP), the county has announced.
This contribution is earmarked to support the ongoing restoration of the 1916 historic Keith Farmhouse, a news release explains. The structure will become an interpretive center that will provide details about the history and natural environment of the park, the release adds.
Altogether, the Friends of Phillippi Estate Park have contributed more than $200,000 to the county “in support of improvements to protect and enhance the historical and cultural significance of Phillippi Estate Park,” the release notes.
April 24 also marked the conclusion of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market for this season, the release points out. “It was a poignant moment as Fred and Grace Whitehouse retired from their roles as managers of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market,” the release says. However, they will continue their volunteer work serving on the FOSCP board, the release adds.
“During their 13-year tenure as market managers, they expanded the Phillippi Farmhouse Market from 19 vendors to more than 50 vendors, offering a wide array of produce and plants, prepared foods and specialty and sustainable items,” the release notes. “Net proceeds from the market are donated to the renovation of the historic Keith Farmhouse.”
“We are truly grateful for the volunteer service that Fred and Grace Whitehouse have provided to the community over the years,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release. “Their tireless efforts and passion have been instrumental in the continued success of the market.”
The Whitehouses’ legacy will continue, the release notes, “as Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources resumes management of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market next season,” November of this year through April 2025.
To learn more about the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Phillippi Estate Park or the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, call 311 or visit www.sarasotacountyparks.com.