SRQ DAILY Nov 12, 2019
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"The realtors loved it since they were able to see the construction in action and get a feel for the floor plans. I don't think anyone has ever hosted such an event right in the midst of construction."
Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools Todd Bowden reached a deal to step down as leader of the school district. Bowden announced Monday he had been presented with and accepted a “mutual separation agreement.” The Sarasota County School Board will vote on the deal at a Nov. 19 meeting .
“For three years I have had the privilege of serving Sarasota County schools as superintendent. I have witnessed excellence among our teachers, dedication between our principals, care from our staff and innovative approaches to learning by our administrators,” Bowden said. “Because of their efforts, our students have excelled academically and are well-positioned to become caring and informed citizens of the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve so many, and I hope the next superintendent will further propel this outstanding school district to excel even more.”
But the tenure has also been rocky. From the start, Bowden was dogged by accusations of sexual harassment. As the School Board remained locked in a 3-2 divide over the quality of Bowden’s leadership, the majority approved a a contract for Bowden through 2023 that required a 4-1 vote to fire him.
Critics said that seemed too high a threshold to reach, but it seemed more likely to happen in recent weeks. Allegations against Jeff Maultsby, Bowden’s Assistant Superintendent of Schools, led to the high-ranking administrator’s termination last month, and a report indicated Bowden failed to properly address complaints early.
Two School Board members—Eric Robinson and Bridget Ziegler—have consistently assessed Bowden poorly. Shirley Brown, who voted against hiring Bowden but supported his contract extension, publicly announced the superintendent should step down.
Tuesday evening, the Sarasota Democratic Party and Republican Party of Sarasota County issued a rare joint statement calling for Bowden’s removal. “Following the mishandling of a sexual harassment complaint against the district’s chief operating officer and a scathing report by an outside investigator, Bowden has lost the support of a majority of the School Board, the teachers’ union and the broader community,” the statement reads. “This poor leadership risks destroying the trust that was built by previous Superintendents.”
The separation agreement as written would immediately put Bowden on paid administrative leave, but he would remain on the payroll through the end of 2019. An acting superintendent would be appointed to take over all of Bowden’s responsibilities and Bowden would only be required to be available in an advisory capacity to the new district schools chief. 
Photo by Wyatt Kostygan: Todd Bowden at the Sarasota County School Board chambers.
Sarasota based firm, Seaward Development LLC., remains focused on developing boutique communities for homebuyers, including the EPOCH, an 18-story condominium community of just 23 residences—currently under construction on Sarasota’s downtown bayfront, between South Palm and Gulfstream Avenues. EPOCH was designed by Nichols Brosch Wurst & Wolfe of Coral Gables and is being built by Gilbane Construction. In October, Florida Gulf Coast real estate agency, Michael Saunders & Company (MS&C), was appointedthe exclusive listing broker for EPOCH, which is currently under construction. Seaward Development announced the partnership with MS&C for the final 60% of sales, just as the 5th deck was being poured on the new luxury tower.
“Joining forces with MS&C is a natural fit for us,” says Patrick DiPInto, President of Seaward Development. “Both of our firms are locally based, entrenched in luxury waterfront real estate and laser focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. EPOCH offers an incredible location with unparalleled views of the bay, the highest level of finishes and a focus on personal service. We trust that MS&C will help spread our message around the world.”
Sales and marketing for EPOCH have been overseen by Amy Drake of Property Perspectives Group. Having spent 10 years as Division Director for MS&C New Homes & Condominiums team, Drake mentioned that working with MC&C is “like going home,” she says. “I am thrilled to be back with the best new homes team in the business and to be working again with a visionary like Michael Saunders. The company has the resources and reach like no other and the entire MS&C team speaks the language of our sophisticated buyers.”
Recently, Seaward Development held a private realtor event—hosting over 50 of MS&C’s top realtors selling downtown luxury properties for a special Hard Hat Tour of the EPOCH tower while under construction. Gilbane Construction assisted in taking them up in two separate groups to see the bay views from the 4th level deck. “The realtors loved it since they were able to see the construction in action and get a feel for the floor plans,” says Michelle Esposito Young, vice president of operations for Seaward. “I don’t think anyone has ever hosted such an event right in the midst of construction – plus we had Polpo’s pizza truck at the construction trailer, which is always a winner.”
For sales information and appointments visit EPOCHSarasota.com or the Sales Gallery at 53 South Palm Ave. or call Amy Drake at 941-376-9346.
Photo from private realtor hard hat tour, courtesy of Seaward Development.
The opening of Blasé Bistro & Martini Bar becomes reality on Thursday, November 14. Partners Cindy Breslin and Kevin Skiest welcome diners into Sarasota’s new French Mediterranean dining experience, exhibiting a romantic, artsy, upscale-casual environment surrounded with deep purples, burnt oranges and original art. Capitalizing on Breslin’s 22+ year restaurant experience as the owner of Blasé Café & Martini Bar on Siesta Key, the two partners collaborated with their culinary team to create an innovative menu profiling the flavors of the Mediterranea and dishes that showcase the iconic touches of France, along with chef-driven influences. Adding to the ambiance and visual appeal of Blasé Bistro is the marble curved original bar from the Don Cesar in St. Petersburg. The bar was moved from Blasé Café on Siesta Key, to further enhance the visual allure of the Bistro.
Menu highlights and signature dishes include Hors d’oeuvres ranging from a Cauliflower Bisque, Ratatouille Tartine and Butternut Squash Agnolotti to an enticing Charcuterie & Fromage plate. Fruits De Mer offer creative twists including Oysters with Cucumber Mignonette, Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche with Coconut Broth and Crispy Wild Rice, Shrimp Kadalfi and Red Curry Mussels with Lime Gremolata and Laffa Bread, a housemade garlic flat bread. Mains include a vegetarian Pasta Cynthia, Crispy Whole Red Snapper and Day Boat Scallops with Roasted Savoy Cabbage and Caviar Crème Fraiche. Additionally, Plats du Jour presents daily specials that spin off the European traditions of homemade pastas, Cioppino and Roasted Chicken Bowl, to name a few. For the something sweet, selections include Clafouti with Grand Marnier Marinated Fruit, Chocolate Pot de Crème and Ricotta Beignets. On the sipping side, innovative craft cocktail and martini menus along with a thoughtfully selected wine list including 12 wines by the glass, and champagne splits are also available.
Blasé Bistro & Martini Bar, 1920 Hillview St., in Sarasota’s Southside Village. For more information and restaurant updates, visit blasebistro.com or call 941-312-6850.
Photo courtesy of Blase Bistro.
Whether you are planning on having a house full of guests, keeping it small, or dining out for Thanksgiving, Mattison’s Restaurants and Catering gives you plenty of options to choose from to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving stress free and actually spend time with your friends and family instead of slaving in the kitchen while everyone else eats, drinks and watches football.
All three Mattison’s Restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day offering traditional Thanksgiving specials and limited regular menus. If you don’t want to get out of your stretchy pants, Mattison’s offers Complete Family Style Feasts available for pick-up on Thanksgiving Day! The feasts include Fresh All-Natural Antibiotic & Hormone Free Whole Oven Roasted Turkey, Apple Walnut Stuffing, Mashed and Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Giblet Gravy, Fresh Cranberries, and Rolls with Boursin Butter. This is not a meal kit…everything is fully cooked and ready to heat up. House made Apple, Pecan or Pumpkin pies can be added. Also available is the oh-so-delicious Spiced Pumpkin Torte, featured on WWSB Channel 7 The Suncoast View. The turkey and side dishes can be ordered a la carte if you just need the turkey or have been asked to bring a side dish or dessert. No matter how you spend your Thanksgiving we hope it will be filled with friends, family and good food. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
The American Marketing Association is hosting an event in Sarasota next Wednesday, November 20—the first in a series of Sarasota-based events through the Tampa Bay chapter. "There’s a serious lack of professional development opportunities for marketing professionals since the AMA doesn’t have a dedicated Sarasota chapter ," says Laitin Schwerin, Senior Account Executive. "So this upcoming series of events is a nice win for Sarasota! There will be once-monthly events starting in the New Year to give Sarasota marketing professionals opportunities for professional development without having to trek up to Tampa." The event on Wednesday, November 20 is called 'Leveraging Video Content in Your Marketing Strategy’ and will run from 6:00 — 7:30 pm at Stonewood Grill and Tavern (5415 University Parkway, Sarasota). The speaker is Glenn Zimmerman, TEDx Speaker, award-winning director and video strategist and President of Mad Bear Productions. Zimmerman will discuss how story telling through video can communicate your company’s message while creating an emotional connection with your customer.
A special guest will be in-attendance during Friday night’s playoff action at Palmetto High School. Congressman Vern Buchanan, representing Florida’s 16th Congressional District, will participate in the ceremonial coin toss prior to the football game. Kickoff takes place at 7:30 pm. The Palmetto Tigers (9-1) are hosting the Braden River High Pirates (4-6) for the Class 6A-Region 3 first-round football game. Harllee Stadium is located at 1200 17th Street West in Palmetto. TigerVision will broadcast the game live online at palmettotigers.com/tigervision/.
The 10th Annual ‘Turkey Shoot’ will be held at the City’s historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club (1000 Circus Blvd.), on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. The event will begin with an 8:45 am, shotgun start on the British Course. Eighteen holes with a golf cart, including G’s Southern Kitchen, the clubhouse grill, is $25.24 plus tax. The Buffet Breakfast will be available to ‘Turkey Shoot’ participants from 7 am – 8:30 am. “We invite golfers to gobble up some fresh air and healthy exercise in the morning before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner,” said Parks & Recreation GM Sue Martin. “Don’t be a turkey — join the fun!” For more information or to register, contact the Golf Shop at 941-365-GOLF (4653).
Sarasota County will celebrate America Recycles Day from 10 am — 1 pm, Saturday, November 16, with a free event where residents and visitors can learn about recycling and other sustainable practices. Sarasota County Solid Waste staff will host a variety of games and activities, provide information and demonstrations about single-stream recycling and local vendors will share information about their recycled, reused and environmentally friendly products. In addition, waste collection trucks will be available for viewing. "As part of the Keep America Beautiful initiative, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States," said Wendi Crisp, program manager for Keep Sarasota County Beautiful. "We're looking forward to another educational and family-fun event." The event will be held at the Sarasota County Chemical Collection Center (8750 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota). In addition, multiple food trucks will be onsite and 107.9 WSRZ will be broadcasting live.
Famed in particular for his speed and a tendency to create images overflowing with colorful characters, Jack Davis was one of the founding members of Mad Magazine's "Usual Gang of Idiots." He supplied covers for Tim and TV Guide, designed numerous album covers and movie posters, and, over his 60-year career, became one of the most in-demand caricaturists and cartoonists in the world. This exhibition attempts to show Davis' range by bringing together a selection of his original work that demonstrates his breadth of subjects and his skills as an artist. This body of work focuses on American popular culture, diving deeper into his career than the sports and caricature work for which he is best known. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 5-8pm. Evening Panel Discussion, Thursday, November 14, 6-8pm.
Lois and David Stulberg Gallery in the Richard and Barbara Basch Visual Arts Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival held on Siesta Beach every November. In just 24 sculpting hours, the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand, the festival also features live music daily along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur competition. Hours are extended on Saturday & Sunday until 9 pm with colored lights on all the sculptures and live music!
Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985. Since, Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Glenn Gould, Martha Argerich and Bill Evans; he has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys, and established himself as a creative force in the jazz world.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is thrilled to announce the Champions for Children Gala will be held at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on November 23, 2019. This year, we will honor Tom and Debbie Shapiro. Join us for an enchanting evening with silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Paul Mattison and dancing. All proceeds will support our valuable programs designed to enhance more than 9,000 Club members' academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development.
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “Global Health: Why You Really Must Care,” featuring Richard Skolnik, former Director for Health in the South Asia Region of the World Bank and Executive Director of Harvard’s US-supported AIDS treatment program for Botswana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. He will discuss some of the key challenges in global health, the threats they pose for the U.S. and the world, and how they might be addressed. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
As part of Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director’s passion to collaborate with local musicians, SCD will join forces with Reverend Barry & The Funk, an 8-pc funk band featuring a 3-pc horn section, and one of the fastest-rising “buzzworthy” acts in the state of Florida. Fueled by their recent #1 Global Position on ReverbNation’s Funk Charts after the release of their debut album “SxyGdLuv,” and the success of their recent breakout single “LoveShine,” the band is now headlining festivals and larger venues around the state. This is the first time that SCD will be partnering with a funk band, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they are already a Sarasota favorite. This production will feature original choreography by Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott in collaboration with the SCD dancers. This unique evening is sure to be unlike any other, and is not to be missed!
Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service.
The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition.
The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.
Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Returning for the third year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet brings its stunning production to the VPAC for three performances. Accompanied by 26 musicians from The Venice Symphony with guest conductor Joeseph Caulkins, and a brand new set, these pre-professional performers will stun you with their elegance and strength in this holiday tradition. Single tickets on sale now at veniceperformingartscenter.com or (941) 218 3779.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens 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 (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. 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 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, 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 34243
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. Celebrate the New Year in style.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
PINC is People, Ideas, Nature, and Creativity. It's a one-day, conference-style experience delivered by a cascade of international speakers from every imaginable discipline, skill, and talent you can think of. Speakers range from Iditarod champions, the founder of Vertical Farming, a famous felt artist and a lawyer whose territory is outer space, all the way to Nobel Prize winners, perfume virtuosos, a Master Acoustician, and the doctor who performed the first-hand transplant. Whether a speaker or a guest, the PINC experience attracts creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, specialists, designers, artists, scientists, and anyone looking to stimulate their mind, heart, and soul. It's an opportunity to participate in an eclectic mix of the fundamental pieces that create the human experience. If you want to be inspired, you want to be at PINC.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Home Alone. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.
Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.
This Mexico-city based theater ensemble has created a suite of works that explore ideas of democracy in the 21st Century and blends them with narrative collages from Mexican history. The solo work Tijuana is the staged result of a real anthropological theater experiment undertaken by Lagartijas ensemble member Gabino Rodríguez, in which he abandoned his life in Mexico City to work on an assembly line in a Tijuana factory on the U.S. border. Passing under a false identity for six months, he earned the legal minimum wage to explore how the current day Mexican working-class survives.
Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never-ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233
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