Palm - Robarts Memorial Park

“A smile is not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to reflecting on your experience of purchasing a grave site. However, in my case, this is a special story. I am 82 years old, in good health and happy with my life, So, why would it be time now to think about purchasing a grave site? I was across the street at Target doing some shopping. As I left, I thought I would visit my parents’ grave site which is located right across the street at the Sarasota Palms Memorial Park. After visiting their grave site, I was just on my way out of the parking lot, when the thought came to me that maybe it would be a good idea to just stop in the office and ask a few questions about a grave site. Truthfully, I really felt that I was not ready to actually do something that day as important as selecting a place to rest for eternity. Why? I am too healthy and vital. This was something I had many years to think about. I was a little nervous at first because I felt that it was really not time for me to think seriously about this. And this is where things changed. I was greeted by Amanda Separk. Her relaxed smile and light hearted personality made me feel very comfortable. She made me feel very much at ease. Actually, as we walked through the different things I needed to know, it more like speaking with a friend who cared. There was a feeling of life and hope that came over me. Not what you would think when you were talking to someone about this matter. As we spoke the thought came to me that this was the time to plan for the future. It was not a sad moment…it was a happy moment because I felt I was being honest with myself and this whole thing was good. I have to thank Amanda Separk for that. I completed purchasing a grave site that day and am so happy that I did this. If it had not been for Amanda, I don’t think it would have ended this way.”

— Howard Scheckner

“My mother passed away on May 27, 2023. Her service at the Funeral Home was on June 3rd. I met with Sheila Jarvis on June 9th to order her marker. I was told "at most" it would take 12 weeks for it to be installed. After months of email exchange I went to the cemetery to meet with Sheila in person on December 1st and she assured me she would call the marker provider on December 4th to determine what was going on. My question to anyone reading this, is why didn't SHE know what was going on? But anyway, she did phone me on the 4th, told me it was in the warehouse, and would be installed that day. I returned to the cemetery on December 12th to put some flowers down and it was not there. She lied to me. I then met with the supervisor Cassandra and she assured me the same, that it would be installed that day. She did send a photo the next day showing it had been installed, however, they used the wrong color granite. I emailed her in response and let her know that day. I then followed up with another email on December 15th and 17th, including Sheila. Still no response to how they would resolve the granite. I then called Cassandra on December 19th on her cell phone that she provided to me. It is December 21, 2023 and still no response via email or phone. I am BEYOND disappointed! Hoping this might get the attention of leadership. I will follow up with the BBB if not. This is terrible client service and my Mother deserves better, as do I.”

— June

“Many of the gravesites are collapsed and sunken. The markers and monuments have been overgrown with weeds and vases are bent and broken very likely having been hit with lawnmowers. The people buried here I am sure paid the premium price for their loved ones gravesites to be cared for in perpetuity and it’s just not happening. This is shameful.”

— Jutt Rockjaw