A judge in 2017 declared a Sarasota ban on smoking on the beach to be unconstitutional. Now a Sarasota state senator wants to keep cigarette butts out of the sand statewide.

State Sen. Joe Gruters filed legislation that could put in place a fine of $25 and up to 10 hours of community service for those who smoke on public beaches anywhere in Florida. If that passes through the Florida Legislature and becomes state law, it would eliminate the legal problem that undid Sarasota County and city ordinances. A judge declared local jurisdictions could not pre-empt state law, thereby tossing out a ban on smoking in public parks.

Gruters says the beaches present too much value to the economy. Plus, it’s dirty and gross. “There’s nothing more disgusting than going to the beach and finding a cigarette butt in the sand,” he says.

More importantly as far as the economy goes, smoking impacts publicity for beaches. Siesta Key has twice topped Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches list, in 2011 and again in 2017. Researcher Stephen Leatherman, who compiled data on beaches for the list, gives bonus points for beaches with “No Smoking” policies.

But Florida beaches haven’t been able to get those points thanks to a Sarasota lawsuit. Michael Barfield, board chairman for the ACLU of Florida, worked as a paralegal on that case, and said local police had been targeting homeless caught smoking in public parks.

He’s talked with Gruters about the new bill. “The tobacco industry is not near as powerful as it used to be, so there’s likely a good chance Sen. Gruters’ bill will pass this year,” Barfield says.

But while Barfield says there’s no civil liberty or constitutional right at stake as far as smoking bans, he predicted the ACLU will challenge any law being used to systematically target the homeless.

Gruters doesn’t want that to happen either, he says, and his law allows for designated smoking areas—in pavilions and areas off of the beach itself. “To me, it’s worth pushing for,” Gruters says, “for the enjoyment of everybody attending the beach that won’t have to sit beside someone who is smoking.” 

Known for its soothing floral fragrance and its visually calming color, the pursuit and utility of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a holistic role in the mummification process. But on San Juan Island, there’s a much different herbal practice happening. Pelindaba Lavender is a premier grower of lavender plants, distiller of lavender essential oils and handcrafter of over 200 different wellness and decor products, cultivated from its beautiful farm in Washington. From their own organically-certified fields of flowers and essential oils extracted from them, each step of the process is done on the farm and sustainably handcrafted.

Owner and founder Stephen Robins applies his South African roots with the Zulu word “Pelindaba”, which translates as “place of great gatherings.” And by gathering great elements, such as nourishing crops and discerning people, Pelindaba reaps what it sews. Recently nestled into its new Palm Ave. storefront, formerly Art of Ireland, the pleasantly aromatic and monochromatic retail shop brings a wide range of elegantly designed and effective products to Downtown Sarasota.

If you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep or to ease your pesky arthritis pains, without resorting to packaged medication aids, Pelindaba organizes its wide variety of natural products in terms of what you need lavender’s magical welfare for. From botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household and pet care, find daily uses for lavender for inside and outside your home. Enjoy essential oil candles/potpourri, liquid castile soap, lavender linen water for laundry and work in the garden with lavender insect repellent, fire ant treatment, organic hydrosol and algae inhibitor. For cosmetic and personal care, feel yourself at ease in a silky lavender milk bath and with a skincare arsenal of lavender from toner/cleaners, after shave gels, hair serums, therapeutic massage oils, body lotions/butters and antibacterial powders. Find the gourmet plant even in the kitchen, now appearing more regularly on menus, contributing to a gastronomic revival harvesting sweet and savory foods and beverages, such as salt/pepper seasoning, honey/chutneys, vinegars, ice cream, chocolates, chamomile teas/lemonade, cookies and even dog biscuits. Also for your furry pet pals, source antiseptic and disinfectant soft shampoo, and a calming pillow filled with a blend of lavender buds and rice grains to pacify your pup from New Year’s fireworks. 

Photo courtesy of Pelindaba Lavender.

45 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-554-8785.

With the revelry of the holiday season coming to a close, it could be easy to find yourself in a post-celebration slump. Brighten up the January doldrums by treating yourself to dinner with a view—a dinner that doesn’t even force you to break your resolutions so early on. The stunning grilled watermelon and Macadamia-crusted gouda dish from Fins at Sharky’s is the ideal small plate for putting a dash of excitement into the everyday. Resting on a bed of fresh arugula and thinly sliced beet straw, grilled watermelon filets are layered with Macadamia-crusted gouda; a combination that combines crisp and creamy, sweet and rich. Finished with a drizzle of raspberry balsamic, this dish promises to begin your year on the right note. 

1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has announced the election of Hosana Fieber, chief financial officer at Tervis Tumbler, to serve a three-year term on its Board of Directors. Fieber leads the company’s sustainability mission and has been involved with Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity and Girl Scouts. The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation was established in 2014 as a private, family foundation, and today creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment and medical research. 

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) has announced that it is now accepting applications for its 2019–20 grants and scholarship program. Organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. The Exchange’s board bases its granting decisions on the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the public and the educational impact these programs will have on area students. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements and letters of recommendation. Last year, the organization awarded $250,000 to 19 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 22 students. To be considered, all applications must be received by no later than 4pm on January 31, 2019. For guidelines and application information, visit The Exchange’s website below. 

The Exchange