Presidential candidates seem ready to swoop into Florida over the next two weeks in anticipation of the state’s March 15 presidential primary, but voters today can attend a debate of all the major players—or at least reasonable facsimiles. State College of Florida, Manatee Sarasota will host a mock presidential debate at its Venice campus at 11am, where stand-ins for six major candidates share a stage in an effort to entertain and inform the general public.

“It’s to give our students a chance to shine and practice their debating skills, and also to provide an education for the public,” said Michael Rogers, associate professor of History and Politics at the school. Members of the college’s History and Political Science Club volunteered to represent Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders and Republicans Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump. In preparation for the debate, students have pored over videos of the real presidential debates thus far and studied policy positions for each campaign. “They are going to candidates websites, studying policies and reading transcripts,” Rogers said. “They have been working really hard at it for the last eight weeks.” The professor expects students will attempt to emulate mannerisms for candidates, but said the primary focus of the event will be on accurately presenting the strengths of each person running for president.

And while much of the early part of the debate will be scripted to a degree, with students answering a known set of questions from the moderator, members of the audience will also be invited to pose questions town hall-style, an element that will require the stand-ins to think on their feet. 

The debate will be held in the Selby Room in Building 800 of the SCF Venice campus. The event begins at 11am. 

Thirteen Ringling College graduates and five personified emotions all can lay some claim to this year’s Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature. Inside Out, Pixar Studios’ most recent feature film, won the Oscar Sunday night and officials at the Sarasota College have basked in joy ever since.

“We are proud and impressed with the continual achievements of our graduates,” said Jim McCampbell, Ringling College Computer Animation department head. “We applaud their recognition by the Academy and congratulate them and Pixar on the worldwide acknowledgement Inside Out has received.”

Ringing graduates working on the film included: Katherine C. Bickley, Justin M. Farris, Robert S. Gibbs, Catherine B. Hicks, Alexander J. Marino, Alonso Martinez, Lucas Martorelli, Amber L. Martorelli, Andreas Procopiou, Gwendelyn C. Enderoglu, Jaime R. Landes Roe, Michael W. Sauls and Jessica R. Torres.

“It’s been such a thrill watching Inside Out be so successful, especially when it carries such a wonderful message,” said Roe, directing animator on the film. “I feel very lucky to have been a part of it, and it was so great to have worked alongside so many of my talented peers from Ringling College of Art and Design on such a special film.”

Many credited the schooling in Sarasota with providing the skills to be hired at Pixar and assigned to the film. “I owe my career to your patience and encouragement and for that I am forever thankful,” said Hicks, an animator. “Each of you are in every shot I animate.” 

Still picture from 'Inside Out.'

Sarasota’s food scene gets cooler every day thanks to a plethora of creative and talented chefs and restauranteurs that have taken up residence in our mini-metropolis. While we have truly excellent cafés, restaurants, bistros and gastropubs, one intrepid pop up chef is spicing things up in his own unique way. Chef Louis Robinson, the gastronomical whizz kid behind “Spice”, will be ‘popping up’ at one of my favorite spots, Baker & Wife, next Monday. March 7 is the chef’s birthday and he plans to celebrate in culinary style by treating guests to an elegant and cutting-edge five-course meal experience called “Capsaicin.” As the name suggests, this meal will feature a variety of delicious dishes showcasing various spices. The first course, pictured above, is a delicate blood orange scallop ceviche with burnt habanero, charred papaya, smoked radish and tarragon. Other highlights include cola-braised pork belly and a mango and cayenne panna cotta. For the full menu and to purchase tickets follow the link below and remember: variety is the spice of life. 

Baker & Wife, 2157 Siesta Drive, 941-960-1765.

Spice

Susie Bowie was named as executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation. Bowie is a resident of Bradenton and for the past 11 years has been a key contributor to the success and growth of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. She currently serves as the vice president of Philanthropic Engagement and Marketing for the Sarasota Foundation. Susie will start at the Manatee Community Foundation April 4. 

Manatee Community Foundation

Taylor Morrison, a leading national homebuilder and developer, announced a Grand Opening weekend to mark the debut of Bayside, a waterfront community on Little Sarasota Bay. Planned for March 12-13, the celebration will be the public’s first opportunity for an up-close look at the community. Registered guests will have the chance to win a $100 gift card and learn about limited-time Grand Opening incentives, including a free kayak and 50 percent off Design Center options up to $20,000. Bayside offers an opportunity for new-home construction in a gated community limited to just 49 homesites. Future residents will enjoy a three-acre preserve and peaceful lake, as well as a kayak and paddleboard launch, waterfront boardwalk and fire pit. 

Taylor Morrison

J.E. Charlotte Construction, a Venice-based construction company, completed the renovation of the 1,600-square-foot home of Craft Growlers to Go and Tasting Room on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.The existing building, formerly a bridal shop, was gutted and reconstructed by J.E. Charlotte Construction. The facelift included selective demolition and interior finishes to the building, including paint, stained concrete flooring, lighting, exposed ceilings, ductwork, electrical rework and a new office. 

J.E. Charlotte Construction