specializes in designing and installing landscapes, hardscapes, irrigation, drainage, landscape lighting, and sound systems that transition the outer living areas of both residential and commercial properties. Stephen Hazeltine is President and Owner of Hazeltine Nurseries, Inc. Stephen and his wife, Michelle, began their company in 1983. It has since grown to employ over 150 people and is one of
the largest privately owned green industry businesses in Sarasota County. Stephen is one of nine children and a fourth-generation resident of the Venice area. He attended Sarasota County Technical Institute from 1982 to 1986, where he studied horticulture landscape design, irrigation, and crop production. He is a certified landscape/irrigation designer and contractor in the State of Florida and a member of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, Florida Landscape Architects Society, Florida Palm Society and TEC of Southwest Florida. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Occasionally, he speaks to civic and horticultural groups on proper design techniques and is often sought after for his innovative and eco-friendly designs. Under the guidance of Stephen and Michelle, Hazeltine Nurseries, Inc. has won numerous awards over the years. is committed to giving back to the community. This philosophy is something both Stephen and Michelle strive for. Having started their business from nothing has made them very grateful for all the blessings they have been given. The organizations they support are usually education-based, community beautification, helping the poor or child- related. They are supporters of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Habitat for Humanity, All Faiths Food Bank, South County YMCA, Venice Arboretum, Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI), Big Brothers/Big Sisters and State College of Florida. Photographs of Hazeltine Nurseries’ landscapes have appeared in Style Magazine, Sarasota Magazine, Architectural Digest, Florida Architecture, and Home and Design.
