Ben Carson technically swung through Sarasota on Wednesday as part of a book tour, but from the throngs of people waving political placards to the media following his steps across the country, it was clear the greatest interest was in the neurosurgeon’s surging presidential campaign more than in his newest bestseller. During a stop at Bookstore1Sarasota, he fielded questions about marijuana and Cuba from national and local press, then sat for hours in the locally-owned shop shaking hands and greeting potential supporters.

Bookstore officials said the event was the largest ever held at the retail shop, and indeed the throngs on Main Street could never have fit in the small store. It wasn’t the typical venue for a candidate who leads all other Republican contenders in the newest Wall Street Journal/NBC poll. But Carson said there is no reason for him to change how he is doing business. “I don’t feel I have to make a lot of changes because I am not a politician,” he said. “Politicians are always putting their finger in the air and saying, ‘Now what do I have to do,’ whereas all I have to do is tell the truth.” 

On that front, Carson fielded questions from press on a variety issues. On relations with Cuba, he told SRQ, “I would like Cuba to be a partner with us, but we are going to have to have some leverage to do that.” When asked about upcoming Florida referenda on legalizing marijuana, he said, “Medical marijuana in an appropriate way is excellent. It works very well for seizure patients. I think general legalization of marijuana is a terrible idea.” But on incarceration of drug addicts, he took the stance, “people who are just taking drugs, putting them into an incarceration situation with violent criminals is not helpful to us.”

Crowds of supporters surrounded the bookstore throughout the morning awaiting Carson’s arrival, but dissenters arrived as well. A dozen protesters highlighted controversial comments Carson has made about Muslims, chanting “Say no to racist fear; Muslims are welcome here.” Fans of Carson’s, though, appreciated the candidate's demeanor and his faith-driven course to the positions he takes, even controversial ones. “He is a godly man,” said Sandra Tracht. “He will run this country with God’s guidance, always.” 

Photos by Wyatt Kostygan: Ben Carson visits fans at Bookstore1Sarasota

Check out a full gallery of photos at SRQMag.com

Venice Theatre’s Stage II raises the curtain on a new season tonight, starting with a production of Martin McDonagh’s Tony Award-winning dark Irish comedy The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Enter the world of Maureen Folan, brought to life by actor Nancy Denton, 40 years old and lovelorn, sparring with her spiteful mother (Lynne Buhle) as she fights for one last chance to find the love of her life. By turns hilarious and tragic, McDonagh’s prose shines with its typical brilliance.

“It’s extremely smart theater,” said director Kelly Wynn Woodland, who previously directed McDonagh’s A Behanding In Spokane for Venice Theatre. “It’s a beautiful command of the Irish dialect, and the use of language reflects both the classical Irish playwrights and a quick, almost Tarantino, dialogue.” Unsurprisingly, McDonagh’s films, such as In Bruges, have also found critical acclaim.

Balancing the playwright’s trademark pitchblack humor and the pathos of his characters is key, and not something done easily, said Woodland. “It’s a challenge because it can turn in a second,” she said, a moment of humor becoming tragic or vice versa. So Woodland and the cast held constant table readings, studying the text until the rhythm of the language became second nature and they could identify the precise point where the tone changes for maximum effect. “It helps to be kind of deranged,” she laughed.

Another potential hurdle in adapting the work of an Irish playwright? The Irish accent, notoriously tricky to master but easy to scrutinize. “A lot of people have an ear, and my actors certainly do,” said Woodland, also a dialect coach. “But it wasn’t necessary with this group at all. You won’t find a better cast.”

It’s a bold opening move for the season, but “Stage II is a bold place,” Woodland said unconcerned, “and we have a following for the darker plays.”

Opening tonight in Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre at 8pm, The Beauty Queen of Leenane runs until Nov. 22. Tickets are $28 for adults, with a student discount available. 

Local-owned frozen treat shop Pop Craft is on the move. Formerly located along Bee Ridge Road, this boutique popsicle experience has just opened its doors at a new location on Siesta Drive, just east of the trail.

The new store is everything that a popsicle shop should be: bright and beautiful with a heavy emphasis on fun. The freezer cases are full of expertly paired flavors like sweet and spicy Mexican Chocolate and Roasted Banana with Candied Pecans. Also important is more space in the back, which allows for packaging and shipping of Pop Craft pops to anywhere across the country, thanks to a newly minted online store. Already, popsicles made with love in Sarasota have been shipped as far away as Michigan. In state orders offer free shipping, which is good news for Floridians who rightfully believe that some days require a Pop Craft popsicle.

As with any move, fresh plans have been set for the new location, like an area for guest seating outside. “When people are out to eat, we hope they will stop by for a popsicle and try out our growing menu,” said owner and popsicle maven Donna Tortorice.  And with Cinnebistro slated to open soon, Donna is looking forward to moviegoers stopping in for a popsicle before or after a movie. 

The new location provides Pop Craft with a perfectly sized storefront and with room to grow and test out new treats, like Puppy Cups. Donna’s organic recipe is full of wholesome ingredients like banana, peanut butter and pumpkin in a portable icy cup for dogs to enjoy. “My chief tastetester and quality control is Samantha, my black Standard Poodle,” says Donna. “They usually sell out at the farmers market every Saturday!” But not all of the growing list of flavors have gone to the dogs. “I have a vegan chocolate flavor in the works that is a dream come true. Made with real cocoa and coconut cream, it tastes so indulgent but is 100% vegan and gluten free.” 

All natural flavors are available under every end of the spectrum, from tart and tangy Key West Lime to inventive, like Raspberry Rose Almond and Peach Mojito. Seasonal favorites like Caramelized Pumpkin are available through the fall, with delicious flavor pairings that seize the season. 

For store hours or to order Popsicles for your holiday celebrations or special event, visit PopCraftPops.com. 

Pop Craft is a member of Nosh, the SRQ Magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Pop Craft | 2095B Siesta Drive, Sarasota FL 34239 | 941-706-3231

Blalock Walters for the second year in a row has been ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers.  In 2016, the firm earned the recognition in the following areas: Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates Law. Firms included in the 2016 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.  

Blalock Walters

NewGate School, the lab school of the Montessori Foundation located in Sarasota, was among the first groups invited to participate in the newly reopened Florida House Institute program in September. The NewGate students volunteered to become the FHI’s operational test class. The FHI program is designed as a half day exploration focused on harnessing and understanding the energy created by students in their daily lives. The program engaged 27 NewGate students and teachers to test the FHI learning stations. 

NewGate School