SRQ DAILY Jan 7, 2019
Monday Business Edition
"We're still open, we're still here and we need the business."
Whether a sign of recovery or coincidence, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce this week will host four ribbon-cuttings for new businesses on a single day. A joint event will be held Wednesday at 5pm to celebrate the openings of Island House Tap & Grill, Local Chill, Siesta Key Wine and Swell Things.
“It’s a great chance to get some business for our new folks,” says Rachel Dixon, promotions and event coordinator for the Chamber. The businesses—three food services companies and one clothing retailer—all opened in Davidson’s Plaza in the last two months, she says.
That happened even as red tide continues to diminish tourism on Siesta Key. There’s been a number of businesses that closed shop on the island and many more that report profits down from prior years.
And while state officials last week said all Florida waters appeared to be clear of red tide, Dixon says that, on Friday, reports from Mote Marine Laboratory included red flag warnings for light respiratory irritation, even as reports of dead fish on the coast became rare.
Bob Davidson, whose Local Chill first opened its doors on November 19, doesn’t read too much into the sudden flurry of new businesses. “We were all in plans to open long before there was ever a red tide issue,” he says. “This is just a coincidence.”
As for whether traffic has been good on the island, Davidson says new businesses don’t have year-to-year figures to compare whether November or December sales were up or down from prior seasons.
But he says there’s been plenty of business to keep his ice cream shop successful. “Business is good and there are a lot of tourists here,” he says.
Dixon says businesses feel optimistic, even after red tide made for a tough year. But the chance to celebrate a number of new companies opening doors in relative proximity also provides a great chance to draw traffic to the island. “Especially at trying times, we've worked hard to tell people we’re still open, we’re still here and we need the business,” Dixon says. 
Manatee County businessman and community leader Ron Allen will receive the 2nd Annual Robert P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s 56th Annual Dinner on January 31, 2019 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The Chamber’s Annual Dinner program will also recognize outgoing Chairman of the Board Darcie Duncan, Duncan Real Estate, and incoming Chairman Bill Poulton, Tropicana, as well as celebrate the Chamber’s mission and accomplishments. Created to recognize and inspire community leaders, the Bartz Award celebrates the legacy of the late Bob Bartz, who was president of the Manatee Chamber for almost 35 years until his passing in early 2017. He cared deeply about Manatee County’s economic health and worked diligently, using the Chamber programs and influence, to make a positive difference. Allen is described by colleagues as a generous leader, friend and successful businessman who exhibits a powerful community commitment. Past chairman of the Manatee Chamber and a graduate of Leadership Manatee and Leadership Florida, he is president of NDC Construction Company, NDC Development Company, and NDC Realty. The event will be held from 5pm to 9pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, and tickets are available by calling Kim Dalglish at 941-748-4842, ext. 121.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing has announced that it will add distribution of Naughty Monk cans to its portfolio of craft beer. Naughty Monk Brewery is a 9,000-square foot facility with 6,000 square feet of production brewery space, housing a 15-bbl, three-vessel production brew house and a 1-bbl pilot system for one-off creations. It also includes a 3,000-foot tasting room. Gold Coast Eagle will start distribution of cans in January with three brands from Naughty Monk—Naughty Blonde Ale, Reel Naughty IPA and Lakewood Ranch Lager. Gold Coast Eagle Distributing is located in Lakewood Ranch Florida and employs more than 160 associates. Gold Coast Eagle services over 1,800 retail locations per week.
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s Downtown Sarasota office has welcomed three new affiliated sales associates: Daniel Carrozzo, Wade Davis and Jesse Kelley. Previously with Michael Saunders & Company, Carrozzo brings over 17 years of local market knowledge and experience. Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in residential real estate sales and custom home building in the Sarasota area. Kelley initiated his real estate career 28 years ago in Indiana. His experience in real estate includes investment, rural, commercial and residential properties.
Ashley French, a fulltime professional Realtor, has joined SaraBay Suncoast Realty, Inc. Bringing vast knowledge in digital and social media marketing, as well as a designer's eye for advertising and print-media marketing, French provides client-focused, attentive and dependable service to all her clients looking to buy, sell, build or invest in real estate in Manatee County. As a realtor, she streamlines processes, negotiates deals and delivers results for her clients’ satisfaction.
The Magic of Ma’Ceo... described by the ocala star banner as an- “Equine Cirque du Soleil”! This theatrical European style, equestrian themed, cirque show tells a beautiful seamless story with a contemporary blend of Acrobatics, Aerial, Dance, and Equestrian Arts woven to the acoustic beats of rich Spanish guitar. This renowned show has toured the nation this past decade, recently performing in Honolulu, Hawaii, Alaska, and Las Vegas. For the first time ever, Cirque Ma’Ceo will be performing in front of their hometown crowd,Sarasota Florida! To make this occasion even more special, we will be offering a VIP ticket to purchase a Benefit Dinner with the rare opportunity to eat, drink, and personally get to know the cast of Cirque Ma’Ceo right under the Big Top! A large portion of the ticket proceeds will be directly donated to Big Cat Habitat and the animals who have filled our lives with joy.
Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota
This rollicking, music-filled farce, which premiered in 1879, includes home-town references to our own Pittsburg Pirates. At eight years of age, Frederic was apprenticed to a group of fun-loving, soft-hearted pirates. Now 21, he decides to leave the pirates to lead “a blameless life.” He makes it his goal to eradicate these pirates. Fun and mayhem follow.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
In the black of night, a Salem village reverend discovers a group of teenage girls dancing devilishly around a fire in the woods. When his daughter exhibits strange catatonic symptoms the following morning, the townsfolk are frenzied with rumors of witchcraft. Deep-seated jealousy, deadly accusations, and seething resentments pit neighbor against neighbor as a deeply religious community is thrown into turmoil, in this Arthur Miller classic.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
“Who Stole the Mona Lisa?” is a whimsical and imaginative animated film that offers a delightful, multimedia, classical music performance presented in synchrony with a live performance of Igor Stravinsky’s Suite from “The Firebird.” Live and visual pairings of “Babar the Elephant” and “Pictures at an Exhibition” complete the program. Alexandre Moutouzkine mans the piano while Edward Alley narrates.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Artists are local, national and international, and Art Center Manatee is one of only five venues in the country to host the exhibit. Admission is $5. In a neighboring gallery, and on display for the same period of time, the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society will also be showing work from its member-artists.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.
“Welcome to the 60s” where Tracey Turnblad, a pleasantly plump teenager dreams of fame and fights to racially integrate the Corny Collins Show. This winner of eight Tony Awards (including “Best Musical”) is based on the John Waters film and proves that “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”
The Players Theatre, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Through movement, mime, and comedy, a veteran solo artist recalls and recreates the indelible memories from thirty years of touring twenty-five nations.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 masterwork, Nora Helmer slammed the door on her marriage and family life, leaving her family. This sequel imagines her 15 years later as a successful writer and independent women, but she must return home to the one man who can help her. Universally acclaimed during its recent Broadway run, this new comedy raises questions about marriage and the roles of women have—and have not—changed.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name , Christopher is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an ear-shattering discovery.
In Gallery 1, Sarasota Visual Artists Studios will present an exciting exhibition featuring the work of Andrea Dasha Reich, Barbara Banks, Bill Buchman, Duncan Chamberlain, Grace Howl and Larry Forgard. A collaboration between Jen Nugent and Jack Arbough uses drawing, collage and video to address competing impulses to conserve and explore in Gallery 2. In Gallery 3, the Manasota branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History highlights African-American artists from Sarasota and Manatee counties. And Gallery 4 features an open, juried exhibition.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Join SRQ Magazine for SB2 for the State of the Economy at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota with a panel of regional experts from small businesses, economic development, finance, hospitality and real estate including Jacki Dezelski of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Cooper of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Drayton Saunders of Michael Saunders and Company, Mark Huey of the EDC of Sarasota County, Philip Rich of Seaside Bank, Jeff Mayers of The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Sharon Hillstrom of the Bradenton Area EDC. The winners of the 2019 Localpreneur of the Year Competition will also be announced and recognized during a special awards program. Tickets are $55/person, $250 for a half table of four and $500 for a table of eight. Registration begins at 11am. The program runs from 11:30am to 1pm. Ticket online at SRQSB2.COM.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Kicking off 2019 with a bang, Program 4 features a world premiere from Sarasota Ballet’s Resident Choreographer and Principal Dancer, Ricardo Graziano, alongside David Bintley’s Four Scottish Dances and the company premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Varii Capricci. This will be the eighth full work choreographed by Graziano for the Company.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
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