SRQ DAILY Feb 20, 2020
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"This is a statement, but it's also an evolution of me personally."
Democrats now hold a majority on the Sarasota County School Board.
School Board members Jane Goodwin and Caroline Zucker both changed their party registration from Republican to Democrat. That means that along with Shirley Brown, three of five seats are held by registered Democrats.
But Goodwin reminded the board remains a nonpartisan entity, and said her own decision to switch parties was motivated by both local and national politics. “The real impetus was the fact I feel the Republicans have swung much farther to the right than I’m willing to go,” she said.
She started volunteering with Republicans back in college, and said she voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 election. But now she’s dissatisfied with the state of the party and switched her registration just ahead of the deadline to modify registration so she can vote in the March 17 Democratic Presidential Preference Party. For what it’s worth, she’s looking at the centrists running in that race.
Republican leaders for their part said they had little use for Zucker or Goodwin in their ranks.
“For years, many members of the Republican Party — myself included — have been frustrated that Jane Goodwin and Caroline Zucker would campaign as registered Republicans, get elected as registered Republicans, and then vote with Democrats,” said Sarasota Republican State Committeeman Christian Ziegler, “such as when they joined with the lone Democrat to provide our disgraced former Superintendent with a pay increase and protected him for months at the expense of the taxpayers, school district, teachers and students.”
Ziegler, also a Sarasota County Commissioner, is married to School Board Member Bridget Ziegler.
Jack Brill, acting chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota, said he’s happier knowing officials that are Republicans share the party’s values. “We can make sure Republican voters know who they really are,” he said.
Neither Zucker nor Goodwin intend to seek re-election. Zucker will wrap up her time on the board at the end of this year and Goodwin serves until her term ends in 2022.
Sarasota Democratic Party Chair JoAnne DeVries, meanwhile, welcomed the new party members. “I don't believe the change of registration is going to change the dynamics of the School Board,” DeVries said. “I'm sure they will continue to vote in the best interests of the teachers and students.”
Goodwin said she’s taken many arrows through the years from conservatives, especially when she chaired a political committee in support of a school sales tax in 2010. She’s also had problems with state policy on vouchers and charter schools.
“This is a statement,” she said, “but it’s also an evolution of me personally.” 
Photos: Jane Goodwin, Caroline Zucker
Senate President Bill Galvano met Wednesday with New College of Florida President Donal O’Shea. And while he has sympathy for the state honors college, the Bradenton Republican said it’s important for the school to demonstrate fiscal healthiness.
“I’ve always been a big protector of New College,” Galvano told reporters in a gaggle. “I believe it adds value to our community. But I won’t be around for ever.”
Galvano noted that dating back to his days as Education Appropriations Committee chair, he ensured money was backfilled to help get enrollment at New College up. The Legislature provided more than $10 million to the school to pull its enrollment to 1,200 by 2023.
But Galvano said the school cannot sustain itself forever with 37% of its funding from one special payment or another. It’s why Galvano said he discussed the possibility with House Speaker Jose Oliva of merging New College into a larger university. Right now, there’s a proposal in the House to fold New College into Florida State University.
“I do want to have that discussion,” Galvano said, “but no final decision has been made on my part.”
Galvano’s comments came the same day O’Shea held a press conference on the need for New College to remain independent. Only Democrats showed up for the event, but every member of the Sarasota and Manatee delegation has signed letters supporting the school, with the exception of Galvano.
Photo: Senate President Bill Galvano
Without a caring, generous community that donates a piece of themselves to strangers, SunCoast Blood Bank could not provide life-saving help to individuals like Hannah Marsh.
Hannah’s story began in 2008 when she was five years old. She woke up one morning with a severe nosebleed, bruising, and purple spots all over her body. ER doctors found that her platelet count was fatally low and her organs were shutting down. Fortunately, a quick diagnosis showed that Hannah had hemophagocytic lymph histiocytosis (HLH). HLH affects about one in 1.2 million children and causes an immune system malfunction, destroying red and white blood cells and platelets. She didn’t respond to the treatment, and her only hope for a cure was a bone marrow transplant. “There was no match in our family or in the entire U.S. We finally got a match in Germany,” said her mom Kelly Marsh. “Hannah received the transplant one day before her sixth birthday, but for all the months leading up to that, she was totally dependent on blood and platelet transfusions to survive.”
In all, Hannah received more than 400 life-sustaining units of blood and platelets. Hannah’s older sister Shelby, became a blood donor as soon as she was old enough, and the youngest sibling plans to donate as soon as she turns 16. “Before this happened, I really didn’t understand the importance of having a local blood bank that provides the appropriate blood for transfusion as well as having an adequate, safe blood supply within the community,” says Shelby. “I did not have any idea that my family would go through something like this.” To get the next generation on board with donating to save lives like hers, Hannah strongly encourages her fellow high school peers to get on board with becoming avid donors, as she herself is now an active and frequent donor. “I want to give back to the community and thank donors for what they did for me 11 years ago when I was a kid,” she says. “I was given hundreds of bags of blood for months on end. So, I just want to give back a little of what I received.”
The Board of Directors of Florida Winefest & Auction announced the detailed schedule for the 30th Annual Florida Winefest & Auction events. The four-day celebration will take place April 2 - 5, 2020 primarily on the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota Bay under the elegant Winefest tent. To date, Florida Winefest & Auction, Inc. has awarded over $8.6 million in charity grants, making it one of the largest and most successful on-going charity events on the Gulf Coast. Winefest continues to be the best “Party With A Purpose” on the Suncoast. The 2020 Schedule is as follows: Thursday, April 2- Wine and Winemaker Dinners in local restaurants; Friday, April 3- Pique Nique Sur la Baie - held under a festive tent on Sarasota’s Bayfront and Banquet on the Block, a sassy and sophisticated street party on Lemon Avenue with 6 Sarasota chefs, 6 courses and wine from participating wineries; Saturday, April 4- Grand Tasting Brunch & Charity Auction held on the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota Bay and inside the foyer. Wine and Winemaker Dinners in private homes. Silent Disco at the Dimmitt Automotive Group’s Sarasota Studio on State Street; Sunday, April 5- Culinary Market MashUP, a creative combination of chefs, farms and wineries featuring locally grown products and ingredients resulting in culinary magic under the Bayfront Winefest tent. For more information about Florida Winefest & Auction, contact the Winefest office at 941-952-1109 or email info@floridawinefest.org
To review a complete schedule of events with ticket prices and to purchase tickets
For the 14th consecutive year, the Holleran-Bouck Team at RE/MAX Alliance Group has earned the prestigious Five Star Real Estate Agent award. Only 18 agents locally have achieved this distinction. Based on an independent survey of recent homebuyers and industry peers, the Five Star Award is presented to fewer than 7 percent of real estate agents in a given market. Homebuyer clients are asked to evaluate agents based on customer service, integrity, market knowledge, communication, negotiation, closing preparation, post-sale service, finding the right home, marketing of the home, and overall satisfaction. Agents also must receive a favorable regulatory and complaint-history review. Industry peers (mortgage professionals, insurance professionals and real estate professionals) are asked to evaluate agents based on industry expertise, customer service skills, market knowledge and negotiation skills. Consisting of Joe and Virginia Holleran and Lisa Bouck, the Holleran-Bouck Team also received Gold level recognition from RE/MAX Alliance Group based on 2019 production. The Sarasota office is located at 2000 Webber St., Sarasota. The team can be reached at 941-308-6584 or theholleranteam@gmail.com.
RE/MAX Alliance Group: Joe Holleran, Lisa Bouck, Virginia Holleran
To learn more about the Holleran-Bouck Team at RE/MAX Alliance Group
SouthTech, a provider of managed technology solutions serving businesses in Southwest Florida, has teamed up with the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX) to host their next free electronics recycling event. With recycling services provided by Quicksilver Recycling, SouthTech encourages locals to bring in their old and outdated technology. There will be a business card drop with several prizes. The event, known as the “Data Dump,” will be held on Friday, February 28th and located at the GCBX office in their parking lot. SouthTech has enlisted the help of the GCBX to help spread awareness and encourage their members to participate, but the event is open to everyone. “We love being able to provide this service to not just our clients, but the community at large. We’re going to start keeping a running tally of how much we’ve collected across every Data Dump event, and we look forward to seeing that number continue to grow,” said Lauren Selle, Marketing Coordinator for SouthTech.
The event will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on February 28 in the GCBX parking lot, 8433 Enterprise Cir. #120, Lakewood Ranch. Tents will be set up and there will be drinks and snacks for participants to enjoy while they wait for their materials to be recycled. Business card draw winners will be announced at 4:00 pm on the SouthTech Facebook page. The total weight of the electronics collected during the event will be announced on March 1.
Medicare plans and policies change every year, and 2020 is no exception. Charlotte and Sarasota County Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers are invited to attend a free presentation about Medicare’s 2020 updates in Englewood. The presentation will feature professionally trained counselors of the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program. SHINE is a Medicare counseling program offered locally through the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL). SHINE Counselors will offer Medicare: What’s New in 2020 at the Englewood-Charlotte Public Library, today Thursday, February 20 at 1:00 pm. The Englewood-Charlotte Library is located at 3450 North Access Rd. in Englewood. The SHINE presentation reviews the basics of Medicare parts A, B, C and D and explains the 2020 changes that may impact beneficiaries and their health care benefits. A SHINE counselor will be available to answer questions after the presentation.
For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events
Innovative architecture and interior design firm Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP (PRA) is happy to announce that Jedd W. Heap, AIA, LEED AP has recently joined the firm’s Sarasota office as a Senior Project Architect. Mr. Heap’s wide-ranging experience features thoughtfully designed, sustainably focused project types including animal welfare, education, government, commercial, medical office and recreational projects. With over 20 years of local design and construction experience, Jedd has led teams on landmark projects like Sarasota Military Academy, Sun N Fun Resort Wellness Center, Sally & Sam Shapiro Babies & Children's Medical Center, The Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park, and the much anticipated expansion of the Humane Society of Sarasota County. “Our diverse design portfolios and varied project experiences complement each other nicely,” said John Holz, Managing Partner of PRA Sarasota. “Jedd’s multidisciplinary experience is a welcome addition to future PRA projects with the Tampa Bay Rays, North Port Fire and Police, Dioceses of Orlando and Venice, as well as dental, veterinary, medical, and senior living projects across Florida and the country.” Additionally, Mr. Heap takes an active leadership role in the community, serving as the State Director for the Gulf Coast Chapter of the AIA, is a sitting member of the Manatee County Planning Commission, and volunteers his time for local non-profits and his daughter’s elementary school.
Hospitality industry veteran France Langan has been appointed vice president of operations/general manager for the first-ever Compass hotel, a new hotel collection from global lifestyle brand Margaritaville, inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter, and best-selling author Jimmy Buffet. The six-story, 123-room hotel opens this spring and combines the brand’s signature casual luxury with the convenience and comfort of a more intimate hotel setting. “I’m excited to be part of the opening of this new concept from Margaritaville,” said Langan. “We’re moving into our final phase, which includes putting together a first-class team of 90+ employees from this vibrant community.” Langan, who has an impressive 30-year hospitality career, most recently worked as general manager of the Pheasant Run Resort situated on 250 acres in St. Charles, Illinois. Langan has become an active member of the Anna Maria and Manatee County Chambers of Commerce.
Compass rooms and suites will embody Margaritaville’s laidback luxury by featuring modern, nature-inspired designs with Margaritaville’s signature bedding, oversized bathrooms with rainfall showers, smart television, and luxury onsite amenities. Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar features local seafood, salads, and steaks perfectly paired with signature cocktails and craft beer, and the Compass Bar and Chill offers a light menu and drinks near the outdoor pool. The project is a joint effort between Margaritaville Holdings, Floridays Development Company, and Hostmark Hospitality Group. For more information, call 847-517-9100.
Playwright Jason Odell Williams and wife Charlotte Cohn show that couples who work together, can stay together.
Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!
The SRQ State of the Regional Economy luncheon and panel discussion will explore the forecast on the horizon of small business, regional economic trends and economic development. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Localpreneur of the Year program at which we will honor the finalists and winners of the annual cometition recognizing business leaders who have forged a successful path for their entrepreneurial endeavors in our region.
The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota , 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Get on the bus for an amazing tour of Frank Lloyd Wirht architecture at Florida Southern College! Tour departs from Center for Architecture Sarasota for Lakeland, FL where attendees will experience an expert docent-tour of the campus. The tour is followed by a buffet lunch at the historic terrace Hotel. The cost of the tour is $125, includes transportation, tour, and lunch. Center for Architectures mission is to heighten understanding of and appreciation for innovative architecture, good design and resilient urban planning. The gallery is free to the public and open Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm-5pm, and Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Center For Architecture Sarasota, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota
Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.">
Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Shattering Boundaries is a portrait of artist Grace Hartigan, a courageous and key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement in American Art. Attendees are invited to see Hartigan’s work on display in Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection after the film. Admission is $5/ free for members.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
SRQ Strong is bringing nationally-recognized trauma expert Rev. Paul Abernathy, CEO of Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood Resilience Project, to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ for a community presentation, “Building a Community of Hope and Healing; Addressing Trauma, Building Resilience.” Rev. Abernathy, whose work is informed by both a personal and a collective experience of trauma, will discuss the framework he has developed in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to promote resilient and healthy neighborhoods by creating opportunities and support for residents to reach their full potential. SRQ Strong is a growing group of Sarasota County residents committed to learning about trauma and responding to its impact on our community. Its mission is to promote community-wide trauma awareness through healing, education, action and leadership; its vision is to create a community that cares for itself.
The event is free to the public, but space is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/89307259417
To learn more about Rev. Paul Abernathy and his work, you can view his latest video at https://youtu.be/hstV63MVVDg.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Community Room, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota
Artist Walter O'Neill will lead a participatory workshop on the art of buon fresco. Attendees will learn the Renaissance technique of fresco, using the same materials and methods Renaissance artists used. Students will explore the various aspects of creating a fresco: mixing and applying plaster, grinding pigments, transferring drawing and painting in the wet plaster. Please dress casually. Tickets are $15/ $13.50 for members.
Ringling Education Classroom, 5401 Bay SHore Rd., Sarasota
Chasing Ghosts is an inventive feature documentary capturing the vivid life of Bill Traylor, who in his late 80s, living homeless on the street in the thriving segregated black neighborhood of Montgomery, produced a body of extraordinary art. Born into slavery in 1853 on a cotton plantation in rural Alabama, Traylor witnessed profound social and political change during his life spanning slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow segregation and the Great Migration. In his later years, Traylor poured out those memories from within, drawing and painting over 1,000 pieces of art from 1939-42. Using historic and cultural context, the film is designed to bring the spirit and mystery of Traylor’s incomparable art to life.
Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Are you going to BELIEVE? Thirty years ago, Dr. Kay Glasser believed it was possible to build a campus that would help to improve the quality of life for all people in our region. This Leap Day, The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center celebrate those who believed in her vision to get us here, and those who believe in our future.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Students will complete a basic sewing project and work on a fashion design of their own creation aided by our skilled teachers. Students will explore, design and create with the materials they bring and those that we have on hand. Students will learn about fashion design, construction, creative thinking and more. Ages 9-17 years old. Participants will need to bring an idea for an unconventional material outfit, some requested materials and a basic sewing kit. Fashion Bootcamp is taugher by Barbara Gerdeman or Margaret Hillman. Students must be registered by Thursday February 27, 2020. Parents will be notified on Friday February 28 if bootcamp has been canceled.
Art Center Sarsota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Abstract Expressionist Syd Solomon lived and worked in Sarasota, Florida. From his home on Siesta Key, Solomon painted Florida’s coastal ecosystem and was profoundly inspired by the local landscape. Solomon was also an advocate for environmental conservation, a legacy continued by The Ringling today. During this workshop, participants will learn from Rose Garden Horticulturist Kai Sacco as he leads a walking tour of the Bayfront Gardens exploring topics such as coastal ecosystems, red tide, pollinators and the importance of native plants. Attendees will also learn how to create a Florida Friendly landscape using native plants.
The program will begin in the Chao Lecture Hall followed by a walking tour tailored to the topic. Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes and allow additional time to make your way from the Visitors Pavilion to the Lecture Hall.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Goodwill Manasota has announced their signature event, Mardi Gras Gala 2020, where the fabulous Phil Mancini will transform Michael's On East once again into Bourbon Street a' la Michael's serving authentic New Orleans food, in a lively, street party atmosphere! There will be amazing cajun food, awesome auction items, fantastic music, inspiring dancing, marvelous performers and more. Fun and festive marti gras attire is encouraged. Tickets are $175 per person, and can be purchased HERE. For sponsorship opportunities click HERE.
Michaels On East, 1212 S. East Ave Sarasota
Anyone looking for a day out with the family can help celebrate the Grand opening of Epic Eats cafe and enjoy this Pop Up Market filled with talented vendors offering locally made artist pieces from Jewelry, Nails, Cosmetics to handmade crafted pieces. In addition to the pop up outdoor market and vendors, highlights of the event will include live music, a kids zone with face painting and arts and crafts, raffles/prizes and giveaways, food and beverage, as well as a classic car show. Vendors looking to join the pop up market can register HERE.
Epic Eats Cafe, 2419 Bayshore Rd., Palmetto, 34221
Change the destiny of Sarasota’s homeless cats and kittens by supporting Cat Depot’s upcoming gala fundraiser, Whiskers and Waves. This magical evening under the sea will feature remarks from special guest, Gregory Castle, Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus of Best Friends Animal Society, as well as a delicious plated dinner by Zildjian Catering, hand-crafted cocktails, dancing to the tunes of DJ Rob Briya, and with your help, our best silent auction to date! For information, to reserve tickets, become a sponsor, purchase raffle tickets/program ads, or donate an item, please contact us at gala@catdepot.org or call 941- 366-2404 x 302.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota
Finally, a party that leaves us nourished, our cups full, bodies turned on, spirits flying high. That not only activates our highest selves, but also gives us tools to be it in with each other and out the world. This workshop starts with a moving meditation to drop attendees into their hearts with Maggie Kay, then move into a Vinyasa Yoga class to strengthen bodies with Body Heat Yoga Owner, Kelly Prince and Head Teacher, Angela Mynatt. From this place of remembering, dance, connect, and celebrate with sounds by Antoinette Van Dewark and Nati Pitch. The practice will finish with embodiment tools from Maggie Kay and learning how to integrate them into daily lives - so we can always remember who we are. Don't miss this one of a kind yoga experience! Admission is $30, purchase your tickets through Eventbrite.
The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
Celebrate the legendary music of Ray Charles at the Van Wezel with Emmy Award® winner Clint Holmes, 10-time Grammy Award®-winning band Take 6, six-time Grammy nominee and Downbeat vocalist of the year Nnenna Freelon and Grammy winner Kirk Whalum. This 90-minute feel-good extravaganza includes dazzling soulful performances of hit songs including “Hit The Road Jack,” “What'd I Say,” “I Got a Woman,” “I Can't Stop Loving You,” “Baby It's Cold Outside,” “Alexander's Ragtime Band,” “Georgia On My Mind” and many more classic hits. Ray Charles was an American treasure who won every major honor from the Georgia Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, from The Kennedy Center Honors to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as well as induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He transcended racism and cultural upheavals and spread his music based on Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country around the world. Tickets are $42-$67. Purchase at www.VanWezel.org or visit the Box Office. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941- 263-6726. This show is sponsored by Wilde Lexus Sarasota. Pre-show dining is available at Mattison’s at the Van Wezel located in the theater and can be reserved at www.VanWezel.org or through the Box Office.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
This concentrated week of workshops welcomes students of all skill levels and features introductory workshops and master classes with visiting and local artists. Students of all skill levels can explore their creative interests and sharpen their artistic skills in non-credit art master classes and workshops offered by the Ringling College Continuing Studies’ Studio + Digital Arts program during its Spring Art Week, March 7-15. Classes and workshops are offered in figure art, painting and drawing, illustration, jewelry, glass art, fiber arts, sculpture, clay, and ink painting. Classes and workshops are held on the Ringling College campus at 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, and at the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information and to register, visit www.ringling.edu/SDA or call 941-309-5111.
Ringling College of Art & Design, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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