ReptiDay Sarasota Spotlight

Jay Tacey

Alright folks, welcome back to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast! Today we’re turning the spotlight on ReptiDay Sarasota, which is taking over the Sahib Shrine Center at 600 N Beneva Rd, right there in Sarasota, on October 25th, 2025. Mark your calendars, people—it’s a single-day event, doors open at 10 am and they’ll shoo you out at 4 pm, so you gotta make every minute count. I’m Jay, and joining me are Michael, Lisa, and Guy. Sarasota’s always a fantastic stop for ReptiDay—I mean, it draws families, hardcore herpers, and everyone in between. The energy is just different.

Michael Arnold

It isn’t just reptiles in tanks, right? It’s educational talks, hands-on stuff for the kids, and vendors from literally all over Florida. There’s such a family-friendly atmosphere—parents walk out learning as much as their kids, if not more.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely, Michael, and that’s a good point about the learning aspect. I always say, it’s not just about seeing cool animals, but understanding them. And Sarasota’s event always runs a tight ship, with proper interactive zones and a lineup that’s—well, you know, both approachable for a first timer and genuinely exciting if you’re deep in the hobby. Shows like this really do bridge that gap between a casual interest and serious commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Jay, you’ve said it before: these expos can change minds, right?

Jay Tacey

Oh, absolutely. Exposure changes perspective. There’s just something about seeing families, maybe folks who’d never think of reptiles as pets, get hands-on or stick around for an educational demo. Like, you see that start of curiosity—next thing, they’re on a care guide website at home. I mean…it’s the little things that make shows memorable! Sarasota’s always full of those unexpected moments that you only get at a live animal expo.

Lisa Parker

And yeah, we don’t do “boring.” Every show, especially down here, is high-energy. And don’t forget, we’ve got some wild vendors lined up for this one that we haven’t seen in a while, so let’s get into that!

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s talk vendors because Sarasota’s pulling in some serious talent. First up—Guardians of the Geckos out of Apopka. If you’re into New Caledonian geckos—Cresteds, Gargoyles, Leachies, Chahoua—these folks know their stuff. Their tables are always visually stunning, full of those rare morphs and the kind of gear you’d actually want for your own setups. And, listen, their TerraGuard Habitats? Bioactive-ready, colorful, and all those smart design touches. Plus, every gecko comes with a care guide and access to their huge online community.

Guy Mc Farlane

Exactly, Michael, and that education piece is critical. Guardians of the Geckos have that "Guardians’ Log"—care guides not only for newbies but for the seasoned breeders as well. Their 3D-collab habitats with rounded corners, magnetic features… it all feels thoughtful, and, dare I say, a bit ahead of the curve.

Lisa Parker

I’m nodding over here, Guy. They genuinely want people to succeed—not just sell an animal and walk away, but support folks after the fact. Speaking of support, Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters from Port St. Lucie is another must-see. This is the family-run turtle and tortoise vendor with a fan base longer than my to-do list. I’ve seen the line at their table block the aisles, and that’s not an exaggeration. All captive-bred, healthy, and they ship nationwide, too.

Jay Tacey

What stands out for me with Nauti-Lass is, well, the credibility. Their five-star track record—it’s not just about selling reptiles. It’s about breeding with care, supporting healthy animals, and that peace of mind, you know? Family-run, so there’s a pride and longevity there. I’ve fielded questions from parents about getting kids their first tortoise, and if Nauti-Lass is on the vendor map, it’s always my recommendation. Trust and transparency go a long way.

Michael Arnold

You’re right, Jay. Actually—quick sidebar—my kids still talk about the little Redfoot tortoise we got from Nauti-Lass. The experience was smooth and that animal was just so well-socialized. Maybe it’s a small detail, but it stuck with us. Alright, and one more vendor I’m hyped about: For Real 3D. Totally different angle here. Florida-based and family-run, but rather than live animals, these folks are all about 3D-printed art and reptile merch. We’re talking tiny Uromastyx models, chameleons, lace monitors—you name it. It’s this cool blend of herp passion and tech. Plus, you can sign up for a “3D print of the month”, so you can collect a different model year-round.

Lisa Parker

They’re so creative! I’ve got their chameleon tumbler on my desk right now—the colors are wild. Their expo displays always pull in a crowd, especially with kids who want to take something home but maybe aren’t ready for a live animal. They make herp culture super accessible, and their tech side just keeps pushing the booth experience forward. For Real 3D basically proves you don’t have to have scales to belong at a reptile expo!

Guy Mc Farlane

You know, what makes these vendors more than just spots to stop and shop is how much they care about moving the entire hobby forward. Guardians of the Geckos—they aren’t just about the animals. The TerraGuard enclosures are bioactive-ready, colorful, you can see the intention even in the little things. Their extensive educational content—those care guides, the online Q&A—make them a touchpoint for beginners and breeders. They foster a real sense of confidence in their customers, and you can feel that every time you walk past their table at a show.

Jay Tacey

And you know, Guy, we’ve talked a lot on past episodes—Jacksonville, Hickory, even Baltimore—about the importance of vendor transparency and education. Guardians are a textbook case of that in action. With their multi-platform presence, plus expo engagement, it just reinforces how a modern herp business can support real community—not just transactions.

Lisa Parker

Jumping to Nauti-Lass—look, their reputation’s built on decades of doing the right thing. And Michael, I know firsthand your story isn’t unique; families come back to Nauti-Lass year after year because they trust these folks with their kids’ first turtle or tortoise. It’s not transactional, it’s almost… generational. The animals are healthy, socialized, and you feel like they genuinely want you to succeed as a keeper.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely, Lisa. And For Real 3D—they might not be slinging live animals, but they’re changing the expo vibe in a different way. Their tech-savvy innovations, the whole "3D print of the month" thing, it engages fans who love reptiles from an art and design angle. Their merch isn’t just for show; you see kids clutching their chameleon figures and you realize they’re bringing new energy and a bit of digital creativity to traditional herp culture.

Michael Arnold

It makes the event inclusive, doesn’t it? Maybe you can’t take home a snake, or maybe Mom says no to a tortoise…but you can still feel part of the community. And—even if you’re deep into the hobby, who isn’t tempted by a 3D-printed tegu keychain?

Jay Tacey

Well said, Michael. Whether you’re starting your gecko journey, looking for a family tortoise, or just want to geek out with some herp art, this Sarasota ReptiDay truly has something for everyone. If you’re listening and you’ve never been, this is the year. For more details, remember, ReptiDay Sarasota takes place October 25th, 10 am to 4 pm at the Sahib Shrine Center. Make your plan, bring your questions, and get ready to join a community that really cares.

Michael Arnold

Alright, that about wraps us up for today. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Lisa, Guy, Jay—always a pleasure. Can’t wait to see what stories come out of this show.

Lisa Parker

Same here! Sarasota’s always full of surprises. And hey, if you’re at the event, come say hi—I’ll be the one with the clipboard and kazoo. You literally can’t miss me. See you all soon!

Guy Mc Farlane

Looking forward to it, team, and to connecting with everyone at the expo. Thanks for listening, everyone. Stay curious, and we’ll talk again in the next one.

Jay Tacey

Take care, everybody! Until next time, keep those questions coming, and as always—happy herping!