SRQ DAILY Jan 16, 2020
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"I'm grateful for the thousands of supporters who are working with us to create positive change and who, like me, are focused on ensuring this district has the representation it deserves."
The Sarasota-Bradenton area appears likely to host another multi-million congressional campaign in 2020.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, announced this week he raised $524,000 in the final quarter of 2019. Now state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, revealed she raised $362,000 over the same period if her effort to unseat the incumbent.
“I’m grateful for the thousands of supporters who are working with us to create positive change and who, like me, are focused on ensuring this district has the representation it deserves,” Good said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far—this is just the beginning.”
Buchanan over the course of 2019 raised $1.91 million for the 2020 cycle.
"We’re honored to receive such broad support from people across the district who are responding to Vern’s effective and successful record of fighting for seniors, veterans, middle-class families, the environment and the protection of animals,” said Max Goodman, Buchanan’s campaign manager.
Of course, the fourth quarter totals come on the heels of a third quarter where Good outraised Buchanan, raking in $450,000 while the incumbent collected $356,000. And Good’s team notes that at that point, Buchanan reported $534,000 in cash on hand. That’s because Buchanan this year paid back a candidate loan he put into his campaign coffers during his 2018 race against David Shapiro.
In the end, Buchanan bested Shapiro by 10 percent, and the incumbent emits confidence about his race against Good as well. But Good, recruited by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has been heralded as the toughest candidate to challenge Buchanan in years.
Regardless, the money already flowing into the region shows both sides expect to spend heavily on the 2020 contest. 
Pictured: Vern Buchanan, Margaret Good
The big question hanging over any production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express comes down to one simple premise: Why watch a whodunit when you already know, well, who done it? Based on the production currently onstage, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s response seems to be equally direct: ‘Cause it’s fun as hell.
Directed by Asolo veteran Peter Amster from a script by the Tony Award-winning Ken Ludwig, Asolo Rep’s production sidesteps the issue by transforming a suspenseful thriller into a madcap comedy. And like a trip on the great old train itself—it’s the journey, not the destination. The mystery remains for the unfamiliar, but the production refuses to rely on plot machinations to entertain an audience likely to already know the answer, rather flexing all those other dramatic muscles that make the stage so exciting—the sets, the larger-than-life characters and the sheer performance of it all. And when the curtain goes down, the plot feels more like a delivery mechanism for all of those things than the main course itself.
Despite not being a member of the cast, Paul Tate dePoo III may very well be the star of the show. For though you never see him on the stage, his wondrously designed sets (realized as wondrously by the Asolo crew) become a character all their own, with intricate traincars as beautiful and full of secrets as any of its passengers. Revealing the storied locomotive car-by-car, fragment-by-fragment, all brought to life in sumptuous detail, it’s a feat of engineering as much as a triumph of the stage. And just when you think you’ve discovered how dePoo did it, he unveils another compartment and you’re wondering how big this train really is—and where you can snag a ticket.
Rising to the occasion is a charming cast embracing their cartoonish archetypes with infectious abandon. David Breitbarth embodies the consummate Monsieur Bouc, owner of the Orient Express and professional host, with every outsized expression of pride, conviviality or, ultimately, desperation. Tina Stafford delights as the obnoxiously irrepressible singin’-and-dancin’ Minnesotan with a penchant for show tunes and ex-husbands. Matt DeCaro’s Ratchett oozes menace and obscenity, and Alex Pelletier (a third-year student at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory) garners a laugh from the audience every time her aggressively German Greta Ohlsson gets a line. It’s an operation in extreme reactions and thick accents all around, and where the set is immaculate in its dedication to recreating the bygone majesty of the great train, the cast revels in this heightened theatricality, winking and nodding to the audience as their over-the-top personas chew through the feast dePoo and Amster laid out for them.
And not enough can be said about James DeVita, who makes his Asolo debut as the famed Hercule Poirot, mustachioed and oh-so-French. (Belgian?) From the set of his shoulders to the point of his toes, DeVita inhabits the lead with such totality that it’s easy to forget there’s an actor in there. And it’s largely on his performance, in sync with the lighting and sound crews, that the show realizes its dynamic tonal shifts from comedy to drama and back again.
Amster’s airtight direction somehow keeps all of this under tight control—even those chaotic moments when the whole thing seems one penny away from going off the rails. And the director’s cinematic touches continually invoke a nostalgic whodunit atmosphere that invites the audience to leave its cynicism at home and climb aboard because it’s all in good fun.
There are moments of drag and perhaps opportunities for a nip and a tuck here and there, and I remain undecided on the opening mechanic—clunky execution or purposeful camp?—but none of these significantly detract from what is ultimately a bloody good time.
James DeVita and David Breitbarth in Murder on the Orient Express. Photo by Cliff Roles.
What are the benefits of an ASID Membership and engagement? To separate the decorators or someone with a air for decorating from professional designers, ASID joins those who have a combination of formal design education and/or full-time work experience and have passed a prominent accreditation examination, administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). “ASID designers have thousands of hours of education, experience and training, which give them the skills to deal with more than the furnishings and finishes,” says says Holly Dennis, ASID-FWC community chair for Sarasota and former president. “They use analytical problem-solving skills and process complex technical data essential to your project needs and complexities. ASID designers act as consultants and project managers to create an overall project roadmap, managing procurement, supervising contractors, and overseeing budgets.”
The resources inherited from becoming a member of the ASID include Professional Development—career stage programming that focuses on the impact of design, the business of design, leadership development and community partnerships. ASID regularly plans several CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) for its members, including online programing of various webinars and courses—designed to help members expand their knowledge, elevate their practices and grow their business. The organization also holds many networking opportunities with its built environment colleagues, which include the local chapters of AIA (American Institute of Architects), CSI (Construction Specifiers Institute) and industry partners. The Florida West Coast Chapter especially, is on top of hosting in-person engagements throughout the year with industry experts and thought leaders, to initiate trade programs and business solutions. Members also benefit from Research & Knowledge Management—tapping into ASID’s well-equipped research team, whom provide economic, sector, career stage and of course, design data and market research. “We are continually striving to improve the value proposition for all of our members by providing a sense of community, design resources, and enhancing partnerships,” says Dennis.
Sarasota watersport retailer, Vanhunks Boarding Co., provided kayak support in the open water off Gandy Beach for Kevin Navas, former Navy Seal, who participated in the 2020 Tampa Bay Frogman Swim this past Sunday. The grassroots effort began in 2010 in St. Petersburg as a way to raise money for a severely injured active duty Navy SEAL at the time. It has since evolved to an annual 5K point-to-point swim that is now an official Navy SEAL Foundation fundraiser event and has raised over $3 million dollars for the Foundation in the last decade.
At the Frogman event, a swimmer and kayaker complete the 5K together in honor of a Seal that has lost his/her life. This year, Navas and Cochrane completed the swim and kayak, respectively, in honor of QM2 Navy SEAL and Petty Officer James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, FL who gave his life for his country at the age of 28 in Afghanistan. A helicopter carrying Suh and the rest of an elite SEAL team heading to help a group of outnumbered soldiers near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border was shot down over the mountains in June, 2005. It crashed into a ravine, where it was swarmed by enemy forces. The story of the crash was documented in the film Lone Survivor.
Vanhunks also donated its 13’ Black Bass Kayak to the silent auction which raises money for the gold star families. The gold star families are families who have lost loved ones who were part of the Navy so the proceeds of the whole event go to them.
Photo of Kevin Navas and Tyrone Cochrane, courtesy of Vanhunks.
Allegiant Private Advisors has named Kristina Eastmond and Melissa Walsh, CFP®, CFA, AIF®, principals of the independent firm offering fiduciary-level financial planning and investment advisory services. Both finance professionals have also earned promotions within their respective divisions of the firm. Eastmond has been promoted to director of client service and Walsh to senior wealth advisor.
“Our team approach to customized wealth management focuses on assembling and retaining an exceptional family of colleagues who share a dedication to client success,” said Allegiant Private Advisors President Benjamin W. Jones, CFP®, AIF®. “Allegiant is a boutique firm, built to be our clients’ advocate, thanks to professionals who always work in each client’s best interests. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Kristina and Melissa as key leaders in the firm’s—and our clients’—future success.”
The American Marketing Association of Tampa Bay is hosting another Sarasota-Manatee event for professionals south of the Skyway. The event, titled ‘Generate More Demand For Your Brand in 2020’ is hosted by Deborrah Ashley, top business coach, LinkedIn consultant and a national speaker. Ashley has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Black Enterprise, The New York Times and CNBC, on podcasts, at conferences and at summits for her innovative LinkedIn strategies. She has over two decades of experience in marketing and developed successful launch and positioning strategies that generated over $300 million for her clients. Ashley's presentation is perfect for entrepreneurs and large business leaders alike. Come to this session to learn how to gain a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace and to engage high-value clients and land key opportunities.
The event will take place at Evie’s Tavern and Grill on Whitfield Ave (off of University Pkwy) on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Admissions is $5 for AMA members and $10 for non-members.
Photo of Deborrah Ashley, courtesy of AMA.
The Bay Park Conservancy is pleased to announce that the Fountain Garden in The Bay Park, is now open to the public. The Fountain Garden, located on the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail, features Florida-friendly vegetation, walking paths, park benches, and a restored fountain in a historic pond. The milestone occasion was celebrated alongside friends, supporters, and key stakeholders in an informal evening reception on January 14. “When community leaders formed Bayfront 2020, they envisioned the goal of progress on The Bay Park site by the year 2020,” said AG Lafley, founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy. “Today, with the opening of the Fountain Garden, we are one step closer to seeing The Bay Park become a reality. We are excited about the continued progress toward our vision of creating a public park that is open, accessible, welcoming, and free to all.”
Staying true to its guiding principles and its commitment to the environment, the restoration of the Fountain Garden replaces exotic vegetation with Florida-friendly vegetation, creates a no-mowing and no-fertilizer buffer of about 30 feet around the pond to help improve water quality, and finally, restores the historic fountain in the pond to enable aeration and improved water quality. “Though this is a small project within our bigger initiative, it is emblematic of our dedication to create an environmentally preserved, enhanced, and sustainable Bay Park,” said Bill Waddill, Chief Implementation Officer of The Bay Park Conservancy. While this is just a preview of the park to come, the first 10-acre phase 1 is expected to break ground this summer, once the site plan is approved by the city.
Photo courtesy of The Bay Sarasota.
The Healthy Sarasota County Worksite program- which is administered through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County- designates employers who are carrying out health promotion actions endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proven to improve the health and well-being of their employees. A major component of these health promotion actions is tobacco control. Twenty-one worksites in Sarasota County have been awarded the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite designation, many of which have tobacco-free worksite policies. One of the best ways that employers can improve the health of their employees is by passing a tobacco-free worksite policy. Through the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Initiative, no-cost wellness consultations and resources are provided.
If interested in becoming a Healthy Sarasota County Worksite or passing a tobacco-free worksite policy, more information and an application can be found at www.HealthySarasota.com or call 941-861-2969.
Zodiac LEGO (2018) is a series of individual works that is constructed of Lego bricks to represent the following animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The Ringling is the first museum in the United States to show this traveling exhibition. These colorful works are made entirely of small LEGO pieces and demonstrate the artist’s continued interest in the zodiac animal concept.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Concealed and Revealed offers a unique selection of paintings by the artist, along with numerous objects from the Solomon Archive on view for the first time. Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) described himself as an “Abstract Impressionist” alluding to the fact that his work infused impressionism into the processes, scale and concepts of Abstract Expressionism. Solomon moved to Sarasota in 1946 with his wife Annie. His was the first work of contemporary art to be collected by The Ringling in 1962. His paintings were greatly influenced by climatic factors and reveal a fascination and concern for Florida’s aquatic environment. Solomon incorporated his experience as a camouflage designer during World War II into his painting. It is not well-known that he was also an accomplished graphic artist, who in his early years designed commercial signage for prominent hotels and businesses in Sarasota. Like his work in camouflage, Solomon’s calligraphic skill was essential to the development of his later gestural abstraction.
Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed is presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon and is accompanied by a 96-page publication with essays by former curator at The Ringling Michael Auping, George S. Bolge, Dr. Gail Levin, and Mike Solomon. The exhibition will include artworks from private collections and The Ringling’s permanent collection.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind display of native Borucan Art at the annual Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica exhibit and sale. The Opening Reception on January 4, will give attendees the first chance to purchase the masks of their choosing before the exhibit opens to the general public on January 5. The hand-carved and painted, vibrant masks will be on display in The Museum of Botany & the Arts. Members of the Borucan tribe will be at the exhibit on select days for mask carving demonstrations.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota
Ringling Reflections programs are designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. They are relaxed, conversation-based gallery tours in the Museum of Art. The tour routes will be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for use free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Listening devices, including induction loops for t-coil hearing aids, will be provided. Portable stools will be available for all participants. Tours take place on select Sundays. Please plan on arriving to the museum’s Visitors Pavilion at 10:00 to check in. The tours are free of charge, however, advance registration is required and space is limited.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990’s, this new dance theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experience as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of letters she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Choral Artists of Sarasota continues its 41st season with “Celebrating Sondheim,” Saturday, January 18, 4 pm, at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. This tribute to Stephen Sondheim, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this year, features his music from such acclaimed Broadway shows as A Little Night Music, Company, Sweeney Todd, and Sunday in the Park with George. Renowned musical theater artists Ann Morrison, Amy Jo Connours, Michaela Ristaino, Ben Pattison, and Matthew Nall will join the 40 singers of Choral Artists of Sarasota in this concert. “In celebrating Sondheim in his 90th year, this performance allows us to present a retrospective of his most iconic works alongside some musical gems that will touch a chord in all of us,” says Joseph Holt, artistic director. “Sondheim has the gift to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.” Tickets are $28 to $45; $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900. A free Concert Insights event, which offers audiences the opportunity to learn about the artistic director’s insights about the program theme and music—and a chance to meet soloist Ann Morrison —is Tuesday, January 7, 10 am, at Center for Arts and Humanity, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail. The event is free but please register online or by phone as seating is limited.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Bookmaking taught by Barbara Gerdeman. Students will learn to make two different types of books – a journal/planer and an interesting “Squash” book, both of which can be filled with notes, drawing, photos, etc. This Saturday class is for youth ages 11-17. Each class students create artworks focusing on specific mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture and collage. Art history vocabulary and artists will be discussed. Students will practice art skills such as color mixing, shading, blending, composition and more. Projects are created and taught by our talented summer camp teachers. All supplies included. Students must be pre-registered by the Thursday before the session starts. Sessions will be canceled Friday morning if we do not have enough students registered. Members: $20; Non-Members: $25. Register by January 16 by 3pm.
Art Center Sarsota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The Windjammers Unlimited is a 501(c) 3 historical music society that is dedicated to the preservation of traditional music of the circus. They will be performing a free concert at the Bolger Campiello. In circus lingo, “windjammers” refers to circus musicians who “jammed their wind” through their instruments usually twice a day for big top performances. Circus music catered to the needs of the different acts. For example, a high-flying trapeze act could be characterized by a graceful waltz. An act containing animals, such as lions, would probably use a march. No advance registration required.">
The Windjammers Unlimited is a 501(c) 3 historical music society that is dedicated to the preservation of traditional music of the circus. They will be performing a free concert at the Bolger Campiello. In circus lingo, “windjammers” refers to circus musicians who “jammed their wind” through their instruments usually twice a day for big top performances. Circus music catered to the needs of the different acts. For example, a high-flying trapeze act could be characterized by a graceful waltz. An act containing animals, such as lions, would probably use a march. No advance registration required.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Mote's Special Lecture Series features expert speakers highlighting fascinating ocean topics on Monday evenings. Doors open at 5:30 pm and lectures start at 6:30 pm in Mote Marine Laboratory's WAVE Center, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, 34236. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members (per ticket per lecture). Registration required for all. Jan. 20: Dr. Randall S. Wells—"Insights into the lives of Sarasota Bay's bottlenose dolphins, from 50 years of research"
WAVE Center at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 2020 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast and Community Awards celebrates the late Rev. King Jr.’s advances in social equality for everyone. Community Awards honorees are Dr. LaShawn Frost, Principal, Booker Middle School (education), Mr. Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County (community service), Suncoast Women of Action (community service), Progressive Sarasota (community service), Mr. Lem Andrews, College and Career Advisor, Booker High School (champion of youth), Ms. Betty Jean Johnson (Dr. Martin L. King Jr. legacy award), and Mr. Jakobie Green, junior student, Booker High School (youth emerging leader). Dr. Edward E. James II will be posthumously awarded the liberty and justice award. Dr. Rachel Shelley, award-winning principal of Booker High School, is the keynote speaker.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota, 34234
The sermons and speeches of Martin Luther King Jr., comprise an extensive catalog of American writing and oratory – some of which are internationally well-known, while others remain unheralded, and some await re-discovery. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, visitors to the museum may enter the Historic Asolo Theater during regular opening hours to hear recordings and to see videos of MLK's speeches, interviews and sermons.
Historic Asolo Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
A lecture with Andrew Prince. Downton Abbey’s main characters sported a glittering array of tiaras, combs, earrings and necklaces. Prince was the artist behind these exquisite creations. His talk will explore the fascinating intersection of jewelry, fashion and history in the opulent era at the turn of the twentieth century. Tickets are $15. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at ncf.edu/new-topics, or by calling the New College events hotline at 941-487-4888.
Mildred Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
The Roskamp Institute and director Eric Gordon invite you to attend the Sarasota premiere of the acclaimed movie When All That’s Left Is Love at an exclusive event at Burns Court Cinema in Sarasota. All proceeds will support the work of the nonprofit Roskamp Institute. When All That’s Left is Love is the emotional gripping story of a wife’s determination to care for her Alzheimer’s-stricken husband in their home. With unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access, the film reveals the toll that the disease takes on families coping with Alzheimers, while also showcasing the power of love that sustains both patients and caregivers. The Sarasota premiere will take place on Thursday, January 23 at Burns Court Cinema with a VIP reception to follow at 530 Burns Gallery.
Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236
Steve Martin and Martin Short return to the Van Wezel by popular demand on with their latest production, “The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment.” Their celebrated comedy show redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century."
Van Wezel , 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Get sculpted as you join us for a Zumba fitness class in the Museum of Art Courtyard with Zumba Instructor, Lena porter. Please dress for a moderate- to high-intensity one-hour workout class. Your Zumba ticket includes Art After 5 Admission.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
STYLE WARS is regarded as the indispensable document of New York Street culture of the early ’80s, the filmic record of a golden age of youthful creativity that exploded into the world from a city in crisis. Style Wars captured the look and feel of New York’s ramshackle subway system as graffiti writers’ public playground, battleground and spectacular artistic canvas. Opposing them by every means possible were Mayor Edward Koch, the police, and the New York Transit Authority.
Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Mixed Media taught by Shelley Kishpaugh. Taking inspiration from Picasso, students will make a face using a mix of things like cardboard, craft foam, markers, yarn and more and then write a brief story about the person or animal they created. This Saturday class is for youth ages 6-10. Projects are created and taught by our talented summer camp teachers. All supplies included. Students must be registered by the Thursday before the session starts. Sessions will be canceled Friday morning if we do not have enough students registered."
Art Center Sarsota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The Sarasota Ballet launches the 2020 Winter - Spring Season with the January 31st opening of Redefined Movement, at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The triple bill includes Sir Frederick Ashton’s dazzling Les Rendezvous, an early example of the intricate and nuanced choreography present throughout Ashton’s career; the Company Premiere of Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs, a display of Paul Taylor’s signature approach to modern choreography choreographed to Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concertos"; and Dominic Walsh's robust and vivacious celebration of Neapolitan culture and charm, I Napoletani.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
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