One of the area’s top political experts has entered the political fray himself. Frank Alcock, a professor at New College of Florida, announced on Monday he would run as a Democrat for state Senate in District 23. 

Alcock, a regular commentator in the media about the state of local races, walks into the contest with eyes open about his general election chances. The district includes all of Sarasota County, still a slightly Republican county, but also includes much of deep red Charlotte County. “The demographics are tough,” he says. “It’s a big hill that needs to be climbed. I’m late and there is not a lot of time. I’m not naive about what the odds are.” But he wants a civil discourse, something sorely lacking in Tallahassee today by his reckoning, and he wants to ensure all voters, not just those in the Republican primary, get a chance to engage with candidates.

The most attention on the race so far has been on the Republican primary, where a crowded field of experienced professionals will duke it out in August. That field includes state Reps. Ray Pilon and Greg Steube, former state Rep. Doug Holder, former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson and Potomac Financial President and CEO Rick Levine. Alcock expects his chances improve if a more conservative candidate wins that primary, though he declined to comment on who he viewed as the most and least conservative in that field. Regarding timing, Alcock said he pondered running for more than a year. In that time, he ruled out running for Supervisor of Elections, and also made sure New College colleague and former Democratic state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald wasn’t going to enter the field.

But for now, Alcock will be in a Democratic primary. Frank Cirillo, a recent Economic and Political Science graduate of the University of South Florida who just moved back to Sarasota, also has filed for the seat. Cirillo welcomed Alcock into the race. “I think it’s great to have a primary opponent,” he said. “We can sharpen our debate skills and hone our message for the general election.” Cirillo will run on on environmental issues like banning fracking.

The primary election is scheduled for August 30. Winners of the party primaries will face off in the general election, scheduled for November 8. 

LéLu Coffee Lounge’s specialty is caffeine and cocktails, but the Siesta Key establishment’s Mom’s Carrot Cake is worth more than a few shiny carats. A chunky mélange of diced carrots, nuts and dried fruit combines to form a slice like you can't quite identify, which is how LéLu owner Jennifer Smith wants it to stay. The recipe is her mother’s own and kept in close confidence, but a little bit of guesswork may provide the key to recreating this carroty treasure.

A careful analysis by SRQ staff led to the conclusion LéLu’s cake probably contains bits of dried pineapple in the batter and a hint of citrus (could it be lime?) in the frosting. Perhaps the tropical spin on this family favorite could be a subtle nod to LéLu’s Hawaiian vibe and current Floridian home.   

LeLu Coffee Lounge, 5251 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-346-5358

The board of directors of Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities announced the promotion of Vice President of Operations Brad Jones to the company's president and CEO. Originally from Chicago, Jones moved to Sarasota five years ago to take the position of residential coordinator at the Haven, later progressing to director of Adult Services and in July 2014 to vice president of Operations. Brad recently led a successful $1.1-million capital campaign to build a new vocational training center on Community Haven’s 32-acre campus. 

Community Haven

Apricot Lane Boutique announced its Grand Opening in St. Armands Circle. The store will feature apparel, jewelry, shoes, handbags and accessories to create high-fashion looks. The store will open its doors for a soft opening on May 27 to welcome Memorial Day weekend customers and plans to celebrate its official Grand Opening June 3–5. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will take place on June 3 at 4pm. During the Grand Opening weekend, customers shopping will receive 20 percent off entire purchases.  

Apricot Lane Boutique

This month, SRQ sits down with Catherine Bacon and Lori Bacigalupi, two designers whose clothes line the racks at Dream Weaver—Sarasota’s sartorial destination for eclectic, opulent finds—in Mind for Design. Bacon, whose eponymous line focuses on drapey silk garments, aims to create artful, timeless pieces. Bacigalupi’s emphasis on natural-fiber fabrics and painterly design makes her outfits essential wardrobe staples. A taste of what’s next: indigo-dyed garments, bold graphic prints, batik and shibori. 

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