Nestled on North Drive in Cherokee Park is the Schwimmer Family! Be sure to congratulate Jeremy and his lovely wife Sarah Lyons. They were just married on November 12th of this year, after many happy years together! For a while now, they have been busy raising their kids Leo and Sydney in the beautiful home they share.

One might think “Billie Jean” is just the title of an old Michael Jackson song. Stand corrected! It is also the very cute name of the Schwimmers’ K-9 companion, who brings so much joy to their household. Don’t forget their beloved horse, Conner. Although he unfortunately cannot quite fit inside the house, he is still another integral part of the family.

 

Dad, Jeremy, was born and raised here in Sarasota. He spent 25 years on a detour to the bustling cities of Washington DC, (where he completed his college education at Georgetown University), New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Since returning home, he has become the Managing Partner of a local private equity firm, Sand Oak Capital Partners. The firm focuses on the acquisition of a variety of manufacturing, consumer goods and service companies. Jeremy’s personal hobbies include tennis, pickleball, relaxing by the water, coaching Lacrosse, spending time with friends, and volunteering with the kids and their activities. He is a lifelong Buccaneers fan and loves attending Bucs, Lightning, and Orioles spring training games.

 

 Sarah grew up in Texas and Virginia, where her parents served in the Navy.  She completed her undergraduate degree at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and her Master’s degree at Columbia University of New York. After working for a bit in Dallas, Texas and New Haven, Connecticut, she continued her journey with a move to Florida. She initially lived in St. Petersburg, and then eventually made her way here to Sarasota. She is a licensed architect and founder of S.Ly Architecture. Her company designs and oversees complex commercial development projects across the entire state of Florida. Her clients include New College and Colen Built Development. In addition to her impressive career, she competes year-round as an equestrian (with Conner) in Ocala and Wellington, Florida.

 

Leo is an avid fisherman from both the shoreline and the water. He has recently discovered some of his father’s secret fishing spots from years ago. He likes spending time with his friends. Leo has also been playing Lacrosse since third grade with the Sarasota Seahawks, and he hopes to continue playing through high school. He is a Boy Scout and hopes to become an Eagle Scout soon.

 

Sydney loves riding horses and attending concerts with her friends. Taylor Swift is ALWAYS being discussed.

 

Giving back to the community is important to the Schwimmer Family. This is actively being instilled in Leo and Sydney. The family proudly supports the Salvation Army and Temple Emanu-El with their time and volunteer efforts. They are also part of a few community boards around town.

 

The Schwimmers try to sit down to a nice family meal together each evening at their home. When they are more in the mood to venture out for food, La Violetta, Meliora, Spice Boys, and Origins are some of their favorite restaurants. “We are all adventurous eaters and sometimes find ourselves trying to convert Sarah from her vegetarian diet”, Jeremy explains.

 

The family does not watch much television… but sports are the exception. They also catch most of the Sarasota Ballet’s season and enjoy the RELEVÉ Society- a group for young patrons of the arts in Sarasota. Musical taste is a mixed bag. While the kids wince at their parents’ choices sometimes, they put up with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Alanis Morrisette. In turn, Jeremy and Sarah agree to listen to Taylor Swift and all sorts of hip-hop artists.

 

What else do they do for fun? For starters, Holidays are usually spent with extended family. They celebrate Thanksgiving every year with cousins in Ft. Lauderdale, and Christmas with Sarah’s parents (and her “horse, of course”). Jeremy states, “We love to ski in the spring in Colorado. Vail and Telluride are some of our favorite spots. We also like a quick weekend getaway to the Bahamas, as well as regular visits with friends to New Orleans, Omaha and New York City. We love live music at Hart’s Landing, workouts and cool-downs at Payne Park, afternoons at the Sarasota Yacht Club with friends, and South Siesta Key beach picnics.”

 

Wrapping up our interview, Jeremy shares his favorite parts of living in the area. “We love the mature canopy and the playful sounds of kids and dogs running around the neighborhood. Being close to Southside Village, Downtown Sarasota, and everything else is certainly a bonus. We also really love the family atmosphere. Everyone is welcoming, kind, and warm.”