As former Gov. Gary Johnson came to Florida with the Libertarian National Convention last weekend, he brought with him hope of running more than a symbolic campaign. While his name has only appeared in three national polls this year, all have shown him garnering 10 or 11 percent of the vote, and if he can start regularly showing at 15 percent he will earn a spot on presidential debate stages later this year. “We have an opportunity to achieve major party status,” Johnson told SRQ Daily. “We have been doing this so long, and for what end? To this end, right now.”

For now at least, major party leaders on the Gulf Coast aren’t that concerned. How Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota and Florida chairman for presumptive nominee Donald Trump’s campaign, attributes Johnson’s standing today to a divisive primary season. “It takes time to heal wounds from a tough primary season, but I am confident between now and November most people will come around,” he said. Graters noted even presidential candidates like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who lost the Florida primary to Trump in March, have endorsed Trump.

As for Democrats, a divisive primary continues there, but Sarasota Democratic Party Chairwoman Christine Jennings remains unconcerned with the Libertarian ticket. Jennings will attend the Democratic National Convention in July as a nominee for likely nominee Hillary Clinton. “The party will come together,” Jennings predicted of Democrats. “The party will have one goal and that will be to defeat Trump.” And while the polls with Johnson in them show him pulling as much support from Clinton as Trump, if not more, Jennings feels if the Libertarians do gain footing, it will be more at the expense of Republicans than Democrats.

And from the language used at the convention, Libertarians will spend much of their energy attacking the GOP. Libertarian Party chairman Nicholas Sarwark said he has reached out to donors like the Koch Brothers and SuperPACs like FreedomWorks about this year spending their money on the Libertarians instead of Republicans this year. Johnson said he felt Trump’s nomination marked the “end of the Republican Party” and vice presidential nominee Bill Weld noted the Whig Party in the 1800s went from dominant to disappeared in a span of sic years. 

But Sarwark also noted many Democrats have been frustrated by a Democratic process “so rigged” for Clinton over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He insists his party will do more than spoil chances for the right. “The plan is for me to be invited to an inauguration,” he said. 

Late afternoon strolls on the Santa Monica Pier and nights out on the Sunset Strip get translated into everyday Sarasota wear with this breezy summer dress by Veronica M. The versatile piece from the LA-based label combines two tried-and-true favorites: maxi and wrap. In the complex navy and white print (known as “mercury”), intricate tribal bands meet starburst medallions. Not only does this feather-light garment transition easily from beach days to downtown nights, it’s also as low-maintenance as they come. Set your shrinking worries aside—the polyspandex blend can be machine washed, dried and rewashed without ever losing an inch. This flowing frock should be a go-to for your next vacation: fold the dress into any size suitcase and it won’t wrinkle and sink wash it in a pinch. 

Photo: Heidi Stone

RHA Boutique, 1935 S. Osprey Ave, Sarasota, 941-706-2627

A master level 2 stylist at Cutting Loose Salon, Cheyanne Clark has recently been promoted as artistic director. Clark joined the salon 2008 when it first opened and since then her work has been featured in Hollywood Reporter, Sarasota magazine, TLC's Say Yes to the Dress, and Discovery and Style magazine. As newly appointed artistic director, Clark will be responsible for conceiving, developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of Cutting Loose. 

Cutting Loose Salon

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has added three new members to the Board of Directors: Mary Lou Winnick, Marilyn Thompson and Daniel DeLeo. DeLeo is board certified in business litigation and the majority of his practice is devoted to representing business, Thompson has been an active member of the Bradenton/Sarasota Chapter of Links Inc. upon her arrival. Winnick has been serving as Board President for the Asolo Repertory Theatre since 2014. 

Community Foundation Sarasota