Residing on Southside’s Osprey Avenue is quite the impressive power couple and 3 precious pets. Let us introduce to you Drs. Mike Powell and Tim Whaley, along with their pooches and their bird. Mike and Tim are local Dentists who have been serving our community for a little over 4 years now, 3 of those in their current, beautiful home. Making up the rest of their family are Zahn (a Toy Fox Terrier), Rudy (a Miniature Pinscher), and Gobi (a Cockatoo).

 

We first got to know them a bit better.

 

Mike explained that the couple has not always been here in Sarasota. Each had been moved away from their hometowns since the days they left to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Mike grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Tim grew up in lower Delaware. Mike completed his undergraduate education at Washington College of Chestertown, Maryland, while Tim completed his first degree at the University of Miami. Perhaps it is fate that explains how they both ended up attending the University of Maryland before finishing off with Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees earned at Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. That is where it all began!

 

“We were dental school roommates. We knew we were both moving to Baltimore to begin graduate school and happened to each have plans to rent a room in the same house with 3 additional medical/dental students. We quickly became best friends and even went on double dates with each other's significant others. After our first year we moved out of that house and into our own apartment, but still only as good friends. After several years of the best platonic friendship, things evolved and we began dating. This started the second half of dental school. We finally got married on our 5th dating anniversary and recently celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. This marks 10 years together now!”

 

They are now in their mid-thirties. They have been practicing in their careers for over 8 years. They started out in nearby St. Pete before moving to Sarasota. Locally, they practice 2 very different types of Dentistry. Mike owns two “Affordable Dentures & Implants” practices- one in Port Charlotte, FL and the other in Bradenton, FL. His scope of practice focuses on tooth removals and replacements, with a concentration on dental implant surgeries. Tim practices General Dentistry at “Ellenton Family Dental”. There, he performs both Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry.

 

They not only enjoy what they do for a living, but also the free time they get to spend together as they create traditions and make lasting memories. They enjoy exploring pretty much all corners of the globe, where they seek adventure-filled getaways like the one from which they just returned, their trip to Indonesia. They spent time in Bali, took a river cruise in Borneo to see wild Orangutans and visit native tribes, and went on a separate sailing cruise where they hiked to see Komodo Dragons. They swam with unique marine creatures, including Whale Sharks, and explored uninhabited islands.

 

Each Thursday, back home here in Sarasota, they watch the sunset on the Beach as they share a glass of wine. Speaking of wine, they both love it. Mike tells us that they enjoy tastings, learning about various wine regions, and even making their own! Tim’s wine sits on display in their house, so that guests can watch the whole process unfold before their eyes.

 

“Along with exploring different wines, we love exploring different restaurants and different cuisines. Some of our favorite spots around here include Origin’s Pizza, Osteria, Ama la Vita, Element, 99 bottles, and Tsunami. We love spending time outdoors, whether that be gardening, landscaping, watching wildlife, or enjoying a day at the beach. This past year, we’ve started a Sunday Tradition of taking ourselves on a tour around downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, and Lido Key, on the open-air Bay Runner Trolley. After our trolley rides, we head to Origins Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe on Hillview Street for pizza. Having something to look forward to at the end of each weekend helps take away the Sunday blues.”

 

When we asked their favorite part of the neighborhood, Mike said, “We think Avondale is fantastic. We get the best of both worlds. We get to enjoy a neighborhood with a quiet, suburban feel, just steps away from downtown! On top of that, our neighborhood is beautiful! We love Sarasota and think it is a beautiful place to live!”

 

Remember to say hello to Mike and Tim when you see them around. Also, remember to floss!