SRQ DAILY Nov 19, 2019
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"We are in the process of connecting those that came before us with those that will come in the future. These old buildings that we restore still have a lot to tell us."
An exclusive kick-off ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 13 for The DeMarcay, luxury residential condominiums in downtown Sarasota by GK Development. The event saw more than 100 people attend to celebrate breaking ground for the anticipated preservation project. “Over the past year, we have been diligently getting everything in place to start construction on The DeMarcay, including updating the finishes for our buyers and tending to all of the details to get this project underway,” said Greg Kveton, partner at GK Development.
“The first thing we have to do is protect and preserve the two historic facades on the building during the construction process. They are very brittle and old so as we remove the building behind the facades, we have to stabilize them with a very unique process led by our preservation architects and our engineer.” Born from the historic De Marcay Hotel and the Roth Cigar Factory, the project aims to preserve the history and “boutique pied-a-terre.” Marking the beginning of the construction process, the ceremony celebrated reinventing the former hotel and cigar factory, and repurposing selected interior materials for use inside the new 18-story condominium complex. A portion of The DeMarcay’s lobby will utilize the original tin tiles on the ceiling, while the original interior doors will be used as decorative wall installations in the common halls, among other elements that will honor the site’s locale and history. It is said that the project is specially designed to seamlessly blend with the aesthetic of Palm Ave.’s setting that’s become the discernable fabric of the downtown neighborhood for decades.
The general contractor for the project is Voeller Construction, based in Palm Harbor, along with Sarasota architecture firm Parker Walter Group. “Sarasota has an extremely rich history here with about 100 years memorialized in these two facades,” said M. Jeffrey Baker, partner at Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects. “This project of reinstating and redefining these facades into the building means so much. We are in the process of connecting those that came before us with those that will come in the future. These old buildings that we restore still have a lot to tell us.”
Chicago-based interior design firm, Ma'am Design Collective, plans to maintain design elements that reflect the site's historic past. “The building here is a metaphor for the future of Sarasota and the past,” continued Baker. “These character-defining features, such as the doors, windows and canopies, are features of what Sarasota is. When you see buildings like this, it makes this place unique and special and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
Located directly across the street from the project at 32 South Palm Avenue, prospective buyers can visit the showroom and sales gallery to view the variety of new visuals, including a scaled replica of the building, virtual reality tours of each residence and samples of the interior finishes.
Construction is slated for completion by summer 2021. 
One can imagine the first Thanksgiving, Abenaki and Wampanoag filling in the largely empty seats of the Plymouth colony's sparsely adorned main hall. There were nearly twice as many Native Americans as there were survivors from group of religious refugees and communards that had followed William Bradford to the other side of the planet; so one can assume the three groups actually mixed to a certain extent. Over the years, Thanksgiving has developed into an event that's geared more for friends and family than for unexpected connections, but the holiday remains imbued with that same sense of community and unconditional warmth. And, when one is sharing one of the great biergarten-style picnic tables at Phillippi Creek Oyster Hall, passing napkins to old friends on your right, salt and extra butter to new acquaintances on your left, it's possible to feel some connection to how that first European-American harvest festival must have been.
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar has been in Sarasota for half a century, and the grandeur of its riverfront location might understandably distract its visitors from the grandeur of the building itself—solid wood from roots to canopy, and unexpectedly large, it feels like an old Florida fish camp zoned for mixed use as an ancient great hall. For years, they've established themselves as a comfy location for Thanksgiving revelers that would prefer to skip the kitchen, and their Thanksgiving menu reflects years of improvement. The croissant and andouille stuffing is a highlight, as is the cranberry sauce. The turkey is as juicy and fresh as you could want, and the sweet potatoes might just change your life.
The original Thanksgiving, of course, was a celebration of the land and its bounty, and so it's appropriate that Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar also maintains its usual selection of classic seafood offerings through the Thanksgiving holiday. If you decide to skip the turkey and indulge in a heaping plate of Florida stone crab, linguini and clams, or a pound and a half of steamed lobster, you won't regret the decision. The seafood far surpasses even Sarasota's stringent standards, so you may find yourself asking for a second ramekin of melted butter before the meal is through.
Give yourself a break this Thanksgiving, and get to know you neighbors. Save the dishes for the staff at Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar.
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar will be open on Thanksgiving Day serving the full menu and Thanksgiving-inspired favorites.
Photo provided by Sammi Battista
Pictured: Walter McDonald and Abe Waterman with
Tervis joins more than 80 companies, including several large corporations such as Mastercard, National Geographic, UPS, and L’Oréal in joining the Sustainable Brands Corporate Member Networks. Sustainable Brands is a global network of companies who have committed to using their role and influence in the business community to work towards a more sustainable economy. In total, the Sustainable Brands Corporate Member Networks represents over $2.1 trillion in annual revenue and has a combined workforce of over 4.5 million employees around the world.
“I'm excited to welcome Tervis as the newest member of our community," said Darren Beck, vice president of the Corporate Member Network for Sustainable Brands. "Our members are courageous optimists. They believe that brands can profit by being a force for good in the world, and Tervis fits in beautifully. In this peer-to-peer network, members regularly challenge, inspire and support each on the path to becoming sustainable brands. Tervis leadership and unique insights will add great value to the learning and collaboration in the community and help scale our collective impact."
Residents in the Sarasota community and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to receive free dental services at University Parkway Dental on Saturday, November 23. Dr. Janielle Silliman, Dr. Alvaro Preciado and team at University Parkway Dental will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance. Participating doctors include Drs. Janielle Silliman and Alvaro Preciado of University Parkway Dental, Dr. Judy LoSecco of Comfortable Care Dental, and Drs. Hilda Parajon and Marina Gabriel of Lifetime Dentistry of Bradenton. “We understand that many people in our community and across the nation haven’t been to the dentist for a long period of time. Some don’t understand the importance of dental health, but more often than not, they don’t have the financial means,” said Dr. Silliman. “This event is a great opportunity for us to share our time and resources with those less fortunate and give back to the community.”
Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County Public Libraries have announced the launch of ONEPass, an innovative partnership that greatly expands teacher, staff and student access to a myriad of diverse learning tools. These free digital resources —all available through Sarasota County Public Libraries— were curated for the school district by age group.
Resources like Mango Languages, Creativebug and LearningExpress were selected that would maximize engagement and help build skills in reading, language, math and the arts, among other focus areas. The tools can be found through the existing MySCS portal, an online hub that teachers, staff and students already use to access digital textbooks, articles and media. One number —the school district-issued “A” or “N” number— is all that is needed to start exploring and using the suite of resources.
“Knowledge is a driving force for advancement,” said Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “Our goal is to continually inspire the community to learn, which is why we partnered with the school district on the ONEPass initiative. Whether it is learning how to play a new instrument, working through practice tests about history, or preparing for a future career or college, these tools will continue to open doors. We are pleased to support our community’s teachers, district staff and students as they pursue a variety of educational goals.”
Join Diane Ford at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre this Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 7pm. Three HBO specials (Women of the Night, One Night Stand and Command Performance). Eleven nominations for Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards. Thirteen appearances on "Evening at the Improv." Winner of the Critic's Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Writer on an episode of television show "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen. Tickets $25 per person, available online.
McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
The State College of Florida is delighted to host its 19th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday, November 20th at Michael’s On East. This year’s Luncheon will share how the State College of Florida is educating First Responders so they are better educated, prepared, to serve our community. Individual tickets may be purchased on SCF Foundation’s website for $100. For more information, contact Nicole Harris at (941) 752-5262 or HarrisN1@scf.edu.
Michael's On East , 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, FL
In honor of Children's Grief Awareness Day, please join leaders of local grief support organizations for a free community event on why childhood grief matters.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant in Sarasota. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat a delicious meal with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15-1:45pm.
The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue
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
Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.
FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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
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
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
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