SRQ DAILY Dec 18, 2017
Monday Business Edition
"We've replaced overhead with technology. We don't have the same costs a brick-and-mortar dealership does."
An online car dealer announced last week it would enter the Sarasota market. Carvana, a company billing itself as the Amazon of automobile transactions, announced an entry into Southwest Florida and will do business now from Sarasota to Naples.
Ryan Keeton, co-founder and chief brand officer for Carvana, says this is the fifth Florida market that the company has entered, after Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. That also makes this the first mid-sized market in the state. “We also own the logistics to connect markets and distribution centers,” Keeton says.
The company allows consumers to search through an inventory of more than 8,000 vehicles, including inspecting vehicles using parented 360-degree viewing technology. The service also allows customers when they express interest in a vehicle to have it delivered for a seven-day test period when they can still return it for a full refund.
The business works by keeping large distribution centers around the country, including in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas and Phoenix. Opening each market means setting up an office with just about five to 10 employees, in a non-public-facing location. “We’ve replaced overhead with technology,” Keeton says. “We don’t have the same costs a brick-and-mortar dealership does.”
Keeton says on average, customers can save an average of $1430 against Kelly Blue Book suggested retail value. The decision to enter the Southwest Florida market, the company’s 43rd market nationwide, came because of interest in Carvana’s website from consumers in the region.
“Carvana made its Florida debut less than two years ago and in that short time we’ve seen more people across the state welcoming the new way to buy a car,” said Ernie Garcia, Carvana founder and CEO, in a statement.
What’s the entry of Carvana into this market mean for traditional dealerships? Keeton made clear that disrupting other dealers in the market isn’t the goal of Carvana. “The automatic retail industry is very large,” he says. “We believe there is plenty of opportunity for an alternative.” 
For all those looking to get more involved with the community in the new year, Selby Public Library is hosting a Community Volunteer Fair from 10am to 1pm on Jan. 16. Local nonprofit organizations from Sarasota and Manatee counties will be at the library to recruit volunteers. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about these organizations and their volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit the website below.
Dr. Karen Holbrook, an executive vice president at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will become the regional chancellor for the university come Jan. 2. Sandra Stone, previous USF Sarasota-Manatee regional chancellor Sandra Stone resigned in March of 2017 and the institution has been operating under the leadership of interim regional chancellor Terry Osborn. A senior advisor to USF President Judy Genshaft, Holbrook’s previous posts with the university include senior vice president for research and innovation and senior vice president for global affairs and international research. Other academic administrative experience includes serving as president of Ohio State University and interim president at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Lamarque Elementary School Principal Ryan Bruck will be reassigned for the second semester of the school year. He will serve as an assistant principal at the district’s largest elementary school, Ashton Elementary in Sarasota. Retired principal Sandra Russell has been selected to lead Lamarque until a new principal is named. Lamarque staff and parents have been notified of the change. Executive Director of Elementary Schools Chris Renouf announced that the change will be made at the end of winter break; students and staff return to school Monday, Jan. 8. Bruck has served as principal of Lamarque since September 2016. He was formerly an assistant principal at Cork Elementary in Plant City. Russell served as acting principal of Lamarque in August-September of 2016 and as acting principal at Garden Elementary during the second half of the 2015-16 school year. She previously served as principal of two Sarasota schools, Tatum Ridge Elementary (2005-11) and Brentwood Elementary (1986-2005). Details about the selection process will be shared with the staff and school community in the new year.
“ODA is a phenomenal school where the teachers and administrators go above and beyond to care for and teach their students,” — Michele Jenuleon. Out-of-Door Academy, Sarasota Christian, and Cardinal Mooney High School were all considered Top Private Schools in SRQ last year. Which private school stands out to you? Click below and vote now in SRQ Magazine's 2018 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition.
Poignant and relevant, this exhibit will feature video pieces by five international artists that will challenge viewers to examine their thinking about the US/Mexico border. Each piece offers a meditation on the social phenomena and politics of the border in a reemergent age of nationalistic fervor.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Just in time for the holiday season, comes this marvelously theatrical show! This lively and big band sounding musical delivers a delicious slice of ‘a live radio broadcast from NYC’ in December of 1942. Enjoy the spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
The inaugural show of Alfstad&’s fifth season, the eponymously-titled exhibit features a site-specific installation, as well as two prints created by the internationally acclaimed Swiss artist. With simple and functional components, Zimoun builds architectural platforms of sound. His installations use commonplace industrial objects to explore mechanical rhythm and flow in prepared systems. The show also inaugurates Alfstad&’s new, totally reimagined artspace with an opening reception.
Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota
Enrich the visual impact of some of the most famous images to ever be printed in National Geographic’s almost 130-year celebrated history. From Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl to Michael “Nick” Nichol’s canonized photograph of primatologist Jane Goodall, the exhibition features a total of 50 memorable images ingrained in the American conscience.
South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton
Once tells the heartfelt story of a Dublin street musician on the verge of hanging up his instrument when a striking woman begins to fancy his haunting love songs. As their chemistry bonds them more tightly, his music expands to new heights. Once’s first note will captivate with the connective power of music.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over one million lights will illuminate the garden and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa and his elves (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment with SoulRCoaster each evening. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 14th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , 811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236
The Perlman Music Program’s (PMP) intensive 17-day Winter Residency offers unparalleled musical training for international students, ages 12 to 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. With a faculty led by Toby and Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever. The winter residency’s free public events include orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress student recitals. Question and answer sessions with the Perlmans, PMP students and faculty follow many of these events that take place in a heated, outdoor performance tent on the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL
The five young comedians of local group Millenial Fresh are sure to make audiences laugh in this holiday inspired sketch comedy show. Taking place at Westcoast Black Theatre, this event will be a great way to bust your gut for the holidays.
Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota
The 7th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and menu options onshore at Marina Jack along with a sparkling midnight fireworks show. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II for a four–hour celebration dinner cruise, complete with party favors, live music and fireworks on Sarasota Bay. Either way, you are sure to have a sparkling New Year!
Marina Jack , 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236
The Dillards are a a musical group with a history dating back to The Andy Griffith Show over 50 years ago. Join them for an evening in Mayberry, and have the opportunity to relive musical memories and meet some of the Mayberry friendly faces. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.
Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
See the world from your seat with an evening of musical panoramas. Whitacre's luminous reimagining of the River Cam, which flowed past his window at Cambridge University, features Sarasota Orchestra's own principal cellist Natalie Helm. Hailed for his "energy and enthusiasm," guest conductor Stefan Sanders dynamically guides guests on this matchless musical tour.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Technically amazing and visually stunning examples of creations by more than two dozen masters of glass art including Peter Bremers, Vadlec Ciglar and Irene Frolic astound in this exhibition. Numerous examples, styles and methods of glass casting and etching are represented in this one-of-a-kind gallery.
Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, Shakespeare in Love will offer an entrancing theater production that follows the story of Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright tormented by writer’s block. To his rescue comes the vivacious Viola, Will’s greatest admirer. But Viola has a secret and Will finds himself star cross’d.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
This performance depicts a fictionalized portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his last night of his life. With a theatrical imagination, the play gives viewers a window into what went on in the legendary man's life, and what his hopes, vulnerabilities and fears were.
Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota
SRQ MEDIA is calling for 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls to find your inner “roar” at the 2018 SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit and Luncheon on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 10:30am-1:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
Explore the possibilities and celebrate every girl’s potential at SMARTgirl. Participants will engage in an innovative program designed to educate middle school girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grades on career imaginings and the tools they need to succeed through mentorship, soft skills training and hands-on workshops with some of the community’s top women leaders.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota , 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
