Scott Bowlin has been hired by Anna Maria Oyster Bar as its director of operations. Bowlin will oversee operations at all three Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations. He has 32 years of restaurant experience, the last 15 years as a franchisee for Tumbleweed Southwest Grill.

Southeastern University graduate Emily Potts is the second member to be hired to the ZIIVAA marketing team. ZIIVAA is a wellness company dedicated to helping women overcome the menstrual pain roadblock. She has been hired as the community relations specialist and will be overseeing ZIIVAA events, social media and ambassador relations.

Melissa Karp Elsbree, formerly of Karp & Karp, P.A., has joined the law firm of Tannenbaum, Scro, Hanewich and Alpert. Elsbree has handled complex personal injury and medical malpractice matters, as well as civil and commercial litigation and foreclosure defense cases.

Mac Carraway, president of SMR Farms of Bradenton, was honored as AgVocate of the Year by the Agriculture Institute of Florida at the organization's annual meeting recently at the Holiday Inn, Walt Disney World Resort. The honor recognizes individuals who effectively communicate with opinion leaders and the public toincrease recognition andappreciation of the important contributions agriculture makes to Florida's economy and environment.

Carraway was chosen for his advocacy during the past year on behalf of the turfgrass/sod industry.

Mary Ellen Fortier,president of Decorative Interiors by Mary Ellen, has earned the RESA-PRO designation. The Real Estate Staging Association is the member-run trade organization for professional stagers in North America. Those who receive the designation must pass an ethics exam and agree to follow a code of ethics.

John Sackett has been named salesperson of the month for September at Tidewater Preserve, the 373-acre gated master-planned community in Bradenton.

Elaine Talamo LaCorte has joined Xena ValloneRealty Inc. In addition to general real estate sales,she is the recruiter for the company. She has beenin real estate since 1981 and has been a multimillion-dollar producer with major real estate franchisesincluding Prudential,Coldwell Banker and Re/Max.