SRQ DAILY Apr 11, 2017
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"I'm encouraged about how this partnership can bring the next generation into plant research, and how these students can add new ideas to the field."
Last fall, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens announced a collaboration between the Gardens and New College of Florida, providing the opportunity for students from the college to work with Selby Gardens professional staff on plant science, conservation and public outreach. This April 20, the inaugural class of six students will present the findings of their research at an evening in their honor and hosted by Selby Gardens, and collectively receive the first annual Calusa Prize for their efforts.
Moving quickly, the partnership announced in November came to fruition this past January, when six students from New College entered the grounds to work on everything from illustration to evaluation to exhibition. Emily Bleske worked on botanical illustrations for scientific description, while Cassandra Detrio-Darby and Elena Meyer made contributions to a field guide on the ferns of Belize. Iliana Moore evaluated pathogenic fungus in the Mexican bromeliad weevil, and Kaylynn Low the potential spread of exotic fruit trees into Florida ecosystems. Julia Pope assisted in exhibit curation in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. An annual partnership, students working in horticulture, botany, public garden management, research, education, conservation or documentation can apply.
In addition to delivering brief presentations on their experience and research findings, the students will receive, in varying amounts, the $25,000 Calusa Prize to support further scholarly research.
“The enthusiasm shown by the students and amount of work they completed impressed our professional staff,” says Bruce Holst, director of botany at Selby Gardens, who oversaw five of the students’ work. “I’m encouraged about how this partnership can bring the next generation into plant research, and how these students can add new ideas to the field.”
The Calusa Prize will be awarded annually to multiple New College students who complete an internship with Selby Gardens. Projects will help further the mission of the Gardens and also ensure new generations of scientists are engaged with plant conservation and education.
Student presentations are on April 20, and free and open to the public. 
Pictured: Pen and ink botanical illustration by Emily Bleske. Image courtesy of Selby Gardens.
Chris Bales finds inspiration in bodies of water from coast to coast. Sea shells on the beaches of the Jersey Shore called out to her to create her first hand-made jewels as a child. Now, the Gulf Coast beckons, along with the natural materials found in Mexico and Bali, fueling her use of colorful gemstones, pearls, fossils, shells and beads. See the Mexican influence and Bali-style oceanic opulence in aqua-hued stone necklaces, bracelets and dewdrop earrings. Each piece channels the energy found in the crashing waves and tranquil lagoons across continents. Bales' company, Elligators Sterling Silver Jewelry, has a collection on view locally at 530 Burns Gallery.
Image courtesy of 530 Burns Gallery.
L. Boutique beat out the rest of the show, stomping through the competition in this year’s Best of SRQ competition while also sealing in a second win in the Best Fashion Boutique category. Walk right over to L. Boutique, trade in your mediocre flats, booties or heels and swap them for a fashionable pair of J Slides’ sand-embossed sneaker or Dolce Vita’s boho natural chunk-heel sandal and trendy perforated silver slide. L. is filled with the best of the best in unbeatable shoe brands and styles—any pair you choose will add the perfect touch to any look while giving you a little spring in your step while you’re walking the streets of Sarasota.
Photo courtesy of L. Boutique
L. Boutique, 556 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-906-1350.
Are you new to the term social listening? Chances are you’ve already been monitoring what people say about you online and if you use this information to enhance your business, you’re engaging in social listening. Take the next steps to not just monitor your brand, but also use your social listening efforts to gain insight, customers and to build your brand. Here are a few tips to get you engaged:
1. What social media channel does your customer frequent?
Your first step is to determine which social media channel your customer frequents. It could be Facebook or Twitter or perhaps industry blogs. Track and then join the conversation when the time is right.
2. Become a problem solver.
Monitor key words or phrases that relate to current issues your customers may be experiencing. Use these issues to solve the problem or provide a turnkey solution.
3. Improve your customer service.
Identify your positive feedback, but also any negative feedback you may receive. Certainly show your appreciation for those that recognize your job well done and reply to negative comments and try to turn the negative experience into a positive one.
Two tools that we find helpful to social listening:
Google Alerts: It doesn’t cover social media or most blogs, but it is a good place to start. As the name states, Google Alerts will send an alert when a website has posted something about you. Sign up at google.com/alerts.
Hootsuite: This app provides tools to manage your social media accounts. You can manage multiple channels, schedule content and engage your customers. There are free and paid options available depending on your needs. Sign up at hootsuite.com.
With a little fine-tuning you can turn your social listening into an opportunity to build your customer base. Already using social listening? Share your thoughts and tips with us.
The Independent United Ways of Sarasota and Manatee Counties are joining forces to host a community discussion on the 2017 ALICE Report. ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) households live above the poverty line but below the ALICE threshold, due to the high cost of living and unforeseen emergencies and expenditures that leave families one step away from poverty. In the region, 41% of hardworking families are ALICE households. Despite improvements to the local economy in this years report, the region has still not risen to its pre-recession status and by initiating a conversation in the local community, the regional United Ways hope to engage local non-profits, employers, local government and community members in a meaningful discussion of regional issues. Trends, data, solutions and policies will be explored, followed by a panel discussion to share employer strategies that are being used to assist struggling families and increase employee retention. The ALICE conversation will be held on April 14th, from 1–3pm, at the State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch Campus auditorium, 7131 Professional Parkway E. Sarasota, Fl. 34240. Registration is $15, and the proceeds will be going toward United Way Suncoast’s financial stability initiatives.
Pat Neal, CEO and chairman of the board at Neal Communities, was recognized by the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition with its 2017 Defender of Faith and Freedom Award. Representatives from all three branches of state government attended the annual Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition Legislative Prayer Breakfast in Tallahassee and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, the 2016 recipient of the Defender of Faith and Freedom Award, presented this year’s award to Neal, a former state Senator and former member of the Florida House of Representatives. He is on the Judicial Nominating Committee, the board of directors of Tax Watch and is currently chairman of the Tax Watch Committee on Property Taxation, which is charged with forming policy for the 2017 Legislature. Most recently, Neal and his wife gifted $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.
Newly transplanted Harry Brock moves to Washington D.C. with his ex-showgirl Billie Dawn in tow, Harry has hopes of breaking into “special interest business” with an ethically challenged senator. Harry hires a young reporter to help Billie improve her social etiquette skills to get ahead in D.C. society. When Harry finds himself in a frenzied turn of events, he discovers a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
A sweeping, involving courtroom drama based on the 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial.” Inherit the Wind won three Tony Awards for its fast-moving exploration of the Creationism vs. Evolution schism whose debate still rages today. Show times Tuesday-Saturday 8pm and Sunday 2pm. For ticket prices and for more information please visit there will not be a performance April 16 (Easter Sunday) https://venicestage.com/portfolio/inherit-the-wind/
Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice
La Musica’s International Chamber Music Festival brings outstanding European and American chamber musicians together to present exciting programs of familiar and seldom-heard chamber music. Among the events during the annual festival in April are open rehearsals, pre-concert lectures, youth activities and concerts performed at the historic Sarasota Opera House.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Special WEDNESDAY Jazz at Two with Bruce Wallace, bass; Marty Morrell, vibes; Richard "Stretch" Bruyn, piano; Ron Gregg, drums. Concert will feature a tribute by Marty Morell, a member of the Bill Evans Trio for seven years, to vibist Milt Jackson. For more information please visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events
Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
Be on the lookout for the Easter Bunny at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 40,000 candy-filled eggs will be brought to the gardens. The egg hunt will begin at 11am, 12:20pm, and 2pm. Guests are asked to bring their own baskets and exciting activities will take place after the hunt. As always, guests will be able to enjoy up-close interactions with animals and nature. This is an event that you will not want to miss! For more information please visit www.sarasotajunglegardens.com
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Benefitting Royal Pet Rescue. Renesito compositions denote a broad conception of the sound of the Cuban Tres, in which he uses expressive resources of classical music, jazz and world music. Its roots lead him to recreate and develop melodies, rhythms, styles and rhythms of the Trova, the Changüí Nengón, the Conga, Rumba and Son Santiago, making a kind of journey through the different playing styles of the eastern country, mixed with the urban concept of Arsenio Rodríguez and Child River. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com
Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community. Each year, more than 4 million Relay For Life participants around the world rally communities to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to fight back. Relay For Life events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. The Relay For Life movement fuels the mission of the American Cancer Society, an organization that touches the lives of so many.
Return to the days of live radio theater as Powel and Gwendolyn Crosley host an evening of Radio Theater to promote their new radio station and the dramatic stories that they will be sending out over the airwaves. Music, mystery, and good old-fashioned promotion makes solid entertainment.
The Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
Dr. Harold Wanless, a scientist at the University of Miami, will be at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to explain why sea levels are rising in Florida, and why our beaches are eroding so quickly. USFSM students will then show self produced videos with the theme "What does climate change mean to our generation?" Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for students with RSVP. For tickets, visit www.usfbdhclimatechange.com.
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Join the Friendship Centers in Sarasota for an evening of speed dating for 55+ singles. Enjoy beer, wine, treats, traditional speed dating and activities to help break the ice. The DJ will get you in the dancing mood after the speed dating too so tell your single buddies and gal pals to call and reserve your spot today.
The Friendship Centers in Sarasota, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join the Child Protection Center at Michael’s on East for their 5th annual Blue Ties & Butterflies, an evening that lifts the veil of child abuse and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. This event is designed to build awareness about CPC’s mission in prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse.
Michael’s on East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Benefitting Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Ari and the Alibis infuse funk, jazz, and samba with blues, soul, and rock to create a memorable ear-catching sound. In 2016, they were nominated for best local band in Tampa Bay, and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. They also received Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit). Ari and the Alibis played at the Bradenton Blues Festival “Appetizer” Concert in 2016. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com
Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton
Nearly two hundred exhibitors will showcase an outstanding selection of boats ranging from motor yachts and fishing boats to cruisers, runabouts and personal watercraft. Also on display will be a full range of marine electronics and products, as well as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and other on-the-water toys. Additionally, the show offers free kids’ fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday, presented by Captain Dingman. Children will learn everything they need for a successful catch, including how to fish the water column, lure selection, casting and more. All participants will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. There also will be a free kids-only raffle at the end of each clinic with chances to win fishing gear.
Marina Jacks Sarasota, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Share the legacy of Mable Ringling’s beloved rose garden and enjoy a beautiful brunch alongside the garden. Surrounded by blooming roses, Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a reception complete with entertainment and mimosas. In recognition of Mable's legacy the net proceeds from this event will support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Bayfront Gardens.
Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Join The Players’ electrifying dance troupe The Flash tappers for a show that will knock your socks off! This show is “All About Tap!” and features choreography from son of the greats such as gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Ruby Keeler in evergreen hits such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Mack the Knife” and “Money, Money.” Show dates are April 22nd at 8pm and April 23rd at 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/snap/
The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Sideline plays songs you love. Some are bluegrass classics, some are destined to be classics, and all of them are performed in a way that makes audiences understand why these pickers and singers are A-tier bluegrass players, loved and adored by fans the world over. Band includes Steve Dilling, Jason Moore, Daniel Aldridge, Skip Cherryholmes, and Troy Boone. www.fogartyville.org
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
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