SRQ DAILY Jan 24, 2019
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"Control of excess nutrients into waters will help, but won't rid us of red tide."
Florida officials dropped $17.3 million in emergency spending to clean up and research harmful algal blooms last year. And with red tide still occasionally showing up in Southwest Florida, it’s possible the expense will still go up.
Most of that money, more than $14 million, went to cleaning up dead fish from beaches, according to Gil McRae, director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The funding became available through executive orders signed by Gov. Rick Scott last year at the peak of algal blooms in July and August.
In areas where the economy relies on coastal tourism, like Sarasota and Manatee counties, explosive algal blooms impacted business for months. Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, says hotel cancellations and cuts in room rates led to significant declines in tourist tax revenues.
“It’s hard to exactly quantify the impact but we know red tide plays a role,” she says.
McRae testified to Florida House members Wednesday that the red tide blooms suffered in Florida in 2018 were the longest and most severe ever recorded. The event seemed similar to algal blooms dating back to 1946. when Florida’s population was a tenth of what it is today.
Haley says the region still feels enduring effects. Visit Sarasota County customer satisfaction surveys in December showed a record low 66-percent satisfaction rate among visitors to the region. In December 2017, the same survey found a 91 percent satisfaction rate.
McRae says the state has contributed resources toward studying algal blooms, including studies done in Sarasota area canals in concert with researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory.
But he also warned that algal blooms, a natural occurrence, will never completely go away.
“Control of excess nutrients into waters will help,” he says, “but won’t rid us of red tide.”
Haley sees signs water quality will be a high priority issue in the coming Legislative session, she says. And Visit Florida in December just started a new program promoting Southwest Florida beaches.
The region still sees red tide reports. This week, the only red tide off Florida’s coast could be found in patches of water off Charlotte County. Haley says whether local beaches see an impact literally changes with the wind.
“But the good news, if it can be called that, is that this is more of a normal red tide, behaving in a way we are more accustomed to,” she says. That's unlike red tides in August that impacted every beach in the region simultaneously.
“If a beach is impacted," Haley says, "I have the ability to direct people to a different beach.” 
Come Regatta Weekend Friday, February 8, Bradenton’s landmark Pier 22 Restaurant will host a party for the ages. Just because the racers have passed the finish line, doesn’t mean venturers have to head home. Regatta fans are invited to stay late for a post-race celebration right at the Riverwalk Gateway, for after-dark waterside entertainment and al fresco dining. Guests are encouraged to be seated no later than 6:30pm for a fantastic and musically choreographed fireworks extravaganza, presented by Manatee Memorial Hospital and created by the first family of pyrotechnics—Zambelli International. Following the night-sky illuminations, champion flyboarder Kristen "The Destroyer" Smoyer will put on an illuminated performance. No need to worry about battling the crowds, because both attractions can be viewed right from the PIER 22 patio and terrace areas.
Photo provided by PIER 22 Restaurant, 1200 1st Ave. West, Bradenton, 941-748-8087.
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is reminding citizens that the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the March 12, 2019 Town of Longboat Key and Holiday Park Park and Recreation District elections is Monday, February 11. Turner recommends that voters confirm before the February 11 deadline that they are registered to vote and that their voter registration information is current. A voter may check his or her voter eligibility at the supervisor of elections website. Just click on “Voter Information” in the main menu and then on the “Voter Lookup” link and follow the instructions.
New paper voter registration applications must be completed, signed and returned in person to an elections office or postmarked by the February 11 deadline. Applications submitted electronically no later than 11:59pm on February 11 will also be accepted. Signature updates must be received by the elections office by 8:30am on Monday, March 4. Address and name changes may be made any time prior to voting.
Applications are available at all three elections offices in Sarasota, Venice and North Port; at public libraries, military recruitment offices, and public assistance offices, and may be downloaded. Voter registration applications may also be submitted through any tax collector’s office that issues Florida driver licenses or Florida ID cards.
For more information or assistance, voters may call the supervisor of elections office at 941.861.8619 or visit the supervisor of elections website below.
The law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick has announces the newly elected members of the firm’s Management Committee and the newly elected Chair as of this January. The new members of the Committee include Jennifer B. Compton, who also assumes the role of Managing Partner of the Sarasota office. Compton is board-certified by the Florida Bar in labor and employment law. She previously served as the Sarasota Marketing Partner. The firm is led by this Management Committee, comprised of nine partners, as well as the chief operating and chief financial officers.
CareerSource Suncoast has added Cassandra Decker as the Community Investment Manager, overseeing a new regional workforce initiative and helping to lead key conferences including the State of Jobs Conference and State of Talent Conference. She will use her local and state knowledge of the Florida education system to seek alignment between job preparation and employment opportunities for those residing in the Suncoast region. Decker previously served as Community Engagement Senior Specialist for United Way Suncoast, where she redesigned and oversaw key educational programs including ReadingPals and LearningPals in 10 Title 1 schools, mobilizing approximately 300 volunteers to support over 1600 students during her tenure. Her experience includes working with the Hillsborough Education Foundation on Take Stock in Children, in-depth research and support of the Migrant Education Program for her graduate program assessing migrant workers’ access to financial resources, developing a comprehensive Youth Plan for Sarasota County, and supporting and promoting key initiatives such as “Soar in 4” with the Manatee County School District.
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
The Ringling is proud to welcome over 10,000 students to their museum each year. During this tour, Katie Nickel, School and Teacher Programs Coordinator, will walk through the galleries through the eyes of a child and explain how she strategically designs school experiences for different ages and subject areas.
Museum of Art , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
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
From hurricanes to red tide and sea level rise, learn how a changing climate affects the Sarasota-Manatee region and the state of Florida. Expert speakers will discuss the challenges and impact on our region while uncovering the adaptive strategies that bring unique social and economic opportunities.
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
An ever-changing spoof of Broadway musicals, sing and laugh along with the roast of such timeless Broadway hits as LesMiserables, Cats, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and many more. The costumed cast of four talented singer/entertainers wrap highly professional performances with musicality and laughter.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
"Dance Makers" is the annual dance celebration bringing together some of the most sought out contemporary choreographers. The evening will feature new and imaginative dance works by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers, such as Ana Maria Alvarez (LA), Katiti King (NYC), Kira Blazek (NC) and Kwesi Johnson (UK), in addition to a multi-media solo set on Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, choreographed by Tennille Lambert (NYC). This versatile program is sure to delight and inspire - while offering something a little unexpected.
Jane B Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Attend the Grand Opening to celebrate the launch of the Center For Sight at the Pelican Plaza office location. Attendees will enjoy exclusive discounts, extravagant giveaways and prizes, special swag bags for first 500 attendees, and delicious food and drinks with samples from surrounding businesses to kick off the new location and store.
Center For Sight , 8224 South Tamiami Trail., Sarasota
Manatee Community Foundation will present a free community lecture and discussion with Peter Kegeyama, author of “For the Love of Cities” and “Love Where You Live.” Kegeyama will be joined by Lilly Weinberg of the Knight Foundation and Johnette Isham of Realize Bradenton. Kageyama will talk about what attracts people to get engaged in special places and why people love their cities.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is thrilled to announce our Steak & Burger Event, Celebrating Our Youth of the Year, will be held at The Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on February 1, 2019 at 6:00 pm. Join us for this western-themed, fun filled night, where kids eat steak and adults eat burgers! Support of Steak & Burger helps financially sustain high-quality programs that we offer to more than 7,000 youth in Sarasota County. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, helping our members reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Join Designing Women Boutique on Saturday, February 2nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the areas most unique Upscale Sidewalk Sale offering only the best fashion brands with new and gently loved merchandise, as well as vintage and limited selection items. Entry is free.
Browse amongst booths filled with beautiful clothing and jewelry, elegant handbags, fine art, antiques, home furnishing and more. Expect to see goodies from Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Versace, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and many other favorites. Food court, refreshments and other goodies will be available for purchase.
Another highlight of the day will be the presence of appraisers Linda Dyer, Colleene Fesko, Stuart Whitehurst and Sara Wishart as seen on PBS Antique Road Show will be on-site by appointment providing verbal appraisals and to evaluate any treasures shoppers care to bring along. There will be a minimal charge for this service and the time slots will fill up fast.
Proceeds will benefit DWB’s grants program and their signature GroundWorks initiative that funds scholarships, mentoring and career advancement opportunities.
Designing Women Boutique, 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Drawn from the superb collections of the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy, this extraordinary exhibition reveals the figure of the knight in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through over 80 exquisite objects, including full suits of armor, helmets, corselets, swords and other weaponry. The exhibition explores the function and craftsmanship of these exquisite objects as well as their historical context, focusing on themes of love and war, jousts and tournaments, and the 19th-century revival of interest in medieval knighthood.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
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