The traditional Old Florida feel of east Manatee County drew Liv Coleman to live there. It’s a lifestyle she doesn’t see considered in Tallahassee. “Tallahassee doesn’t see the same problems or pursue the same dreams as voters,” Coleman says. Now the Democrat is running for Florida Representative in deeply Republican District 73, but believes voters will find more to support in her platform than those of Republican opponents.

A Political Science professor at the University of Tampa, Coleman would arrive in Tallahassee with an understanding of state government. And she says she would focus not on special interests lobbying lawmakers but on the real world needs of constituents. That includes expanding Medicaid and exploring the possibility of free community college and technical school in the state of Florida. “Those are issues that have broad-based support across the country,” she says.

Improving educational access would also help commerce in the region, says Coleman. “I’d like to see people get jobs right here in the community that may pay a good wage,” she says. She looks toward similar programs in Tennessee that garnered bipartisan support in the state.

In terms of lower education, she’d like the state to shift away from high-stakes testing. The state does not need to continue with federal Common Core standards, she says, and should instead allow local leaders to focus on curriculum needs. She does want funding at the state level focused on improving traditional schools, where the vast majority of Florida students are enrolled.

On issues like gun control, she says there’s plenty to like and dislike about a recent measure passed in the Legislature following a mass shooting at a Parkland high school. She appreciates improving background checks, for example, but would like to have seen attention on a gunshot loophole allowing people to bypass regulations by purchasing from individuals. And she does not support arming teachers. At least lawmakers finally broached topics like increasing the gun buying age, she says. “A lot of lawmakers still are afraid to even talk about it,” she says.

Coleman works in Tampa, but her husband teaches computer science at New College of Florida in Sarasota. Growing up in Minneapolis, she moved here with family in 2015. This fall, she will be teaching one less course so she can spend more time greeting voters and building grassroots support for her state House campaign.

Coleman filed for the office in January, ready to challenge incumbent state Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. Now Gruters will seek an open state Senate seat. Coleman remains the only Democrat in the race. Republicans Melissa Howard and Tommy Gregory have filed for the seat as well and face off in an Aug. 28 primary. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 6. 

Not impressed with a digital invite waiting in your inbox from your college roommate for her upcoming wedding? There’s definitely a hang-on-your-fridge fondly missed opportunity there. Thankfully, one major heartfelt tradition that has not been erased due to the virtual advances of our techy age are classic cards sent in the mail. Arguably, there’s nothing better than receiving something other than literal junk mail or bills in the mailbox. Even more so, tearing into a beautiful personal note from someone close prompting you to join in their upcoming celebrations.

Local gift boutique Write-On Sarasota is all about the celebration—keeping handheld salutations very much alive with offerings of top trending stationary and greeting cards for all occasions. Write-On even helps you design the perfect elements to accessorize when you say, “I do,” with Invitation Suites covering beginning-to-end essentials, from wedding invites, save the dates, RSVPs, personalized envelopes, day-of signage, name cards, table numbers, labels, menus, escort cards, programs and thank yous. Every item to incorporate with your big day is accounted for in the whole set, which is custom-made in-house, personalized for each couple and encompassing a matching theme in its entirety. The stunning evidence doesn’t have to be gold starred on your email to savor—you can tuck these items away into your memory box to store in your closet for those moments when you crave tangible nostalgia.

Write-On also has the connections to partner up with your wedding planner. In the past, they've worked with some of the best wedding planners here in Sarasota—NK Productions, Jennifer Matteo Event Planning and Choreographed Events. See the co-working magic below! 

Image provided by Write-On Sarasota.

Write-On Sarasota Brides

So Sarasota isn’t tropical enough for you? You don’t have to run far to dispatch yourself to the Caribbean with this handcrafted Tiki cocktail. At Ophelia’s, the Rum Hum Punch is a sound approach to a lay-back, feet-up kind of day by the bay. As far as spirits go, you and your party will be asking Captain who? Because Morgan means nothing when you live in an area that distills its own award-winning premium rum. Siesta Key White Rum and Spiced Rum are both used to mix this summer cocktail up, along with Banane du Bresil, Creme de Mure, fresh tropical juices and crushed ice. The local twist on a classic rum runner is dangerously drinkable and presents itself in a groovy tribal man glass, garnished with an edible orchid and mint leaves. For the tropical-fiends at heart, head on bayside to fill your Caribbean void. The natural splendour of Ophelia’s provides fun, islandy vibes whilst serving up the refreshing, tiki libations you crave on a humid Florida day.  

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Ophelia's On The Bay, 9105 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, 941-349-2212.

Manatee County Community Paramedic Earl Kulpa has become the first internationally certified community paramedic in Florida, one of only 112 in the nation. Kulpa now he holds a high level of credentialing from the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) as an internationally certified community paramedic. The Certified Community Paramedic Examination focuses on the knowledge level of experienced community paramedics, including competency in mobile-integrated healthcare, expanded EMS services in rural and urban settings, services beyond traditional emergency care and transport and various other healthcare, mental health and service needs. Community paramedicine is an emerging healthcare method that expands the reach of primary care and public health services by utilizing EMS personnel to care for individuals outside of the hospital in non-urgent settings, performing patient assessments and other preventative care measures. Since launching in 2016, Manatee County's Community Paramedic division has graduated 144 patients from the Community Paramedic Program, addressing a multitude of medical and social issues. It has also diverted more than 500 ambulance transports and received more than 675 program referrals from community partners, resulting in $818,000 in avoidable health care costs since program inception. 

Manatee County Community Paramedic

The Resort at Longboat Key Club has announced that it will once again honor the area’s top nurses and medical professionals at an invitation-only luncheon to be held May 11 from noon to 1pm. Nominees and their advocates will enjoy a complimentary three-course gourmet meal prepared by the culinary staff at the prestigious resort and club. The event celebrates the outstanding efforts individuals in the nursing and medical professions put forth every day to improve the lives of others. Nominations can be submitted by medical practitioners, community health organizations and private individuals.  Nominations must be received by end of day on May 7. Attendees will be selected based upon the information provided in the submissions. Nomination forms can be found online at the website below or by contacting Amy Anthofer at at the Resort at Longboat Key Club. One lucky winner will win a VIP Package that includes a one-night stay in a luxury suite at The Resort at Longboat Key Club and their selection of a Golf Experience or Spa Experience for two. 

2nd Annual Nurses and Medical Professionals Appreciation Luncheon

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will host the department's first Career Night for middle school, high school and college students next week. The May 1 event will take place at Robinson Preserve's new Mosaic NEST, the new, elevated treehouse education center. This event will take place from 6 to 8pm, with a panel discussion starting at 6:30pm. County departments and divisions from several areas will be on hand including the Recycling division, Parks and Natural Resources' IFAS Extension program, Resource Management, Ecological Services, Volunteer and Education and Natural Resources. Each will share stories, tips on breaking into the field and answer questions about their jobs and daily duties. 

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources

Salute companies, organizations and programs supporting veterans in our own backyard. Don't miss your opportunity to share your work with the readers of SRQ Magazine this July! 

SRQ Magazine’s Content Marketing Division engages you with our readers powerfully in print and strategically online. 

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