One of the most significant aspects of the religious life in Sarasota is the important presence that the Amish and Mennonite have in our community. You might have seen them, particularly around the Pinecraft area (Bahia Vista) dressed in traditional clothing, riding bikes, and even speaking Pennsylvania Dutch. The community also play an important role in the local economy, with very successful businesses like Detwiler’s Farm Market, and restaurants like Der Dutchman and Yoder’s. This talk will explore the history of the Mennonites and Amish in the region, as well as their beliefs and practices. Why did they come to Sarasota nearly 100 years ago and in the early years establish Pinecraft as the center of Amish and Mennonite life? What contributions have they made to the wider Sarasota community since settling here? An opportunity for questions and answers will follow the presentation.
JB Miller is a life-long Mennonite who grew up in the Pinecraft community in Sarasota. His parents were reared in Old Order Amish homes but later joined a conservative Mennonite group. As a child, he spoke both English and Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect still spoken by the Amish today. JB speaks to groups about Mennonites and Amish and teaches classes for the Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE) program offered through Sarasota County Schools. He’s worked with numerous journalists and filmmakers who visit Sarasota and other Amish communities who are interested in learning more about the Mennonites and Amish and the Pinecraft community. He holds an undergraduate degree in Social Science from Eastern Mennonite University and earned an MBA from Wake Forest University. He retired in 2014 and returned to Sarasota after a career in financial services. JB is a member of a Covenant Mennonite Fellowship in Sarasota.