Group recognized at Jan. 21 reception

Rachel Brown Hackney, executive editor and publisher of The Sarasota News Leader, has been named one of Sarasota Magazine‘s 45 People Over 45 Who Are Doing Amazing Things to Make Our Community a Better Place.
In its January/February 2025 issue, the magazine is celebrating its 45th anniversary by recognizing the 45 area residents for their contributions, “whether that’s through their philanthropy, their work with nonprofits, their activism or just being the awesome people that they are,” Editor in Chief Cooper Levey-Baker wrote in his editor’s note for the issue.
“Our goal was to honor outstanding individuals in the prime of their life who are thriving and giving back,” the article says.
Last fall, the magazine adds, readers were asked to nominate individuals for the recognition.
On Jan. 21, Sarasota Magazine hosted a reception at the Ringling College of Art + Design Soundstage to recognize the 45 Over 45.
“It was a night to remember and a joy to honor these local trailblazers,” the magazine said on its Facebook page after the event.
Congratulations, Rachel! Nice to see you got recognized for your important contribution.
Congratulations, Rachel — so well deserved
So proud, I was, to read about Rachel in Sarasota Magazine!!! A very well and long deserved honor!!
I’m still helping pull off another “HISTORY DAY IN THE PARK” at Phillippi Estate Park, on Feb. 8th from 10-3. We are still looking for Vendors, local Authors, Artisans and Foodies! and History Lovers who want to spend the day there listening, learning, buying, eating and having a Family Fun Day there! Plein Air Artists and Antique Automobiles will also be on site, and folks will be able to buy wet canvases directly from their favorite artist! Hope to see you all there!
Jane Kirschner
Congratulations to Rachel Brown Hackney ! A much and well deserved honor.
Congratulations Rachel! You have certainly earned the honor! Thanks so much for covering the news that no one else manages to do! Steve and I are no longer involved with Friends of The Legacy Trail and I am no longer posting anything on Facebook….but I just wanted to thank you again for all the support you gave us as we worked hard to get the Legacy Trail extended! Bless You!
Carla Martin
Rachel. Congratulations on being honored by Sarasota Magazine . What wonderful honor. I know your husband & you have worked hard from SNL beginning to present. Keep up the great work.
Best regards,
Steve Wall