Local storytellers and fans of the craft assembled to read and show their support at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center last night for the Sarasota debut of literary arts organization Wordier Than Thou. The Pinellas County-based group, created and organized by writer Tiffany Razzano, organizes community open mic events dedicated to storytelling, an oddity in the world of open mics where poetry and music dominate, in an effort to build writing communities and inspire fellow writers to work and then share that work.

“It’s about creating this community. You’re going to be more successful with the community around you and supporting what you do,” said Razzano. “You don’t live in a vacuum. You need to have that audience to get the feedback, and these are the people who are going to come out and buy your book.”

Founded two years ago in St. Petersburg, Wordier Than Thou’s shows quickly spread via word of mouth, gaining popularity through St. Pete and spreading to Tampa. Now, Razzano hopes to achieve equal success in Sarasota.

A distinguishing feature of Rozzano’s organization is the ability to draw featured speakers, accomplished regional authors, to headline the events, sharing short stories, writerly wisdom and even excerpts from works in progress. Last night was no different, with Elizabeth Sims, author of the Lillian Byrd detective series, opening with the first chapter of her forthcoming Byrd novel Left Field. Later, Lynn Waddell, author of Fringe Florida: Travels among Mud Boggers, Furries, Ufologists, Nudists and Other Lovers of Unconventional Lifestyles, read from her humorous take on Florida’s overflowing well of weird.

“It’s community. It’s inspiring to go to a reading and to be around other people writing. Sometimes it kind of shames me into writing,” said Waddell with a laugh. “It’s important to be a part of Wordier Than Thou and support the cause of writers who are willing to read and engage people.”

Both authors stayed to mingle with Sarasota’s fans and aspiring storytellers, sharing tips, signing autographs and selling their work.

The turnout, roughly 40 people, mostly women, with ages ranging from the college writer to the been-around bard, was impressive for a debut event, but Razzano knows it will only grow with time, as words goes round just like it did in St. Pete and the community expands.

“We’ve grown so much and I want to give this a chance to grow,” said Razzano of Wordier’s Sarasota expansion. “Narratives are really important and the art of storytelling is something that’s coming back.”

In case you missed last night’s show, Wordier Than Thou currently has plans for the next Sarasota event come November and following every other month. 

It's math and science time, baby! 

Ground broke Thursday on a new student center and science, technology, engineering and math teaching facility at Out-Of-Door Academy's campus in Lakewood Ranch. On hand for the event were broadcaster Dick Vitale, whose five grandchildren attend the academy and whose name will adorn the student center, as well as Ariane Dart, who directs the Dart Foundation, the organization making the STEM addition possible.

"Education means a great deal to me," Vitale said. "I've been a blessed guy and a lucky guy and I want to extend my hand and make a difference now in someone else's life." Vitale's family was unhand for the groundbreaking and celebration Thursday at the academy, and Vitale took the time to stress the importance in education and in building in youth a sense of dedication and tenacity.

The Dick Vitale Family Student Center should open in summer of 2015. Head of School David Mahler said the center should become the epicenter of student life at the private college prepatory school. Plans include a cyber cafe on the first floor. The Dart Foundation STEM Center will be housed on the second floor.

"This will be enhancing education opportunities for the children all around us," said Dart.

The facility was designed by FleischmanGarcia Architecture and will be built by Willis A. Smith Construction.

Rendering above courtesy Out-Of-Door Academy 

Tucked away beside the hustle and bustle of U.S. 41 traffic sits a holistic haven of healing. Just off Field Road, The OM Shoppe is an unlikely oasis of aromatic oils, crystal geodes, and Himalayan salts. Pungent patchouli permeates the air as energy chimes ding and crystal bowls sing a soothing tune.

Owner Cindy Shannon welcomes you into her Shangri-La, barefoot and radiating a soft orange glow. Her Himalayan Salt Lamps emit a tranquil light known to cleanse the air of toxins and impurities. Mined by hand from natural deposits, the luminous crystal lamps range from deep fuchsia to sunny tangerine and are available in a multitude of styles including globes, bowls, pyramids and carved Buddhas.  

The OM Shoppe, 4521 S Tamiami Trail

The OM Shoppe

Goodwill Manasota was recently recognized at the Goodwill Industries International Summer Conference in Orlando, Fla. with the  

Goodwill Manasota

Two regional giants, The Resort at Longboat Key Club and USF Sarasota-Manatee partnered to ensure a quality and prepared workforce specific to the needs of Sarasota County.  With 19.4% of individuals in our region employed either directly or indirectly in the hospitality and tourism field this program will lay the groundwork for employment opportunities for students to begin and to build their careers in Sarasota County.   

USF Sarasota-Manatee

Frank's Gentlemen's Salon recently opened its first salon at 4141 S. Tamiami Trail in Florida. Owner Sabine Kruta has partnered with Melanie Wright of Greenville, SC to bring the upscale, full service men's salon to Sarasota and has spared no expense on giving Sarasota's men an atmosphere they will look forward to. Frank's features a full blown man-cave complete with solid oak billiard table and HDTV. 

Frank's Gentlemen's Salon

As we celebrate local winners of design awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), marvel at the record real estate sales, and greet an influx of newcomers to our communities, we know that the best way for you to reach this record number of potential patrons is to be in front of them. Ideal for realtors, interior designers, homebuilders, architects, remodelers, and renovation contractors, our SRQ | The Magazine November Home Gallery Roundtable is your chance to ensure our audiences get to know you. Contact our team at 941-365-7702 x211 or GrowMyBusiness@srqmag.com for more information on this opportunity. Space closes September 10, 2014. 

Upcoming Advertising