SRQ DAILY Feb 24, 2020
Monday Business Edition
"It’s the enduring relationship between springtime, Florida and baseball."
Spring Training this year brings with it a little extra flair for Sarasota County. That’s because this year marks the first full season when the Atlanta Braves play at CoolToday Park in North Port.
But the arrival of one of the South’s most popular teams just adds a latest entry to the storied mythos of Florida baseball and an extra boost to the tourist activity it brings.
“It’s the enduring relationship between springtime, Florida and baseball,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.
She spent her Sunday afternoon watching the Boston Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota. The Orioles have now trained in Sarasota for more than a decade, and in 2019 attracted the 1 millionth ticket-holding fan through the gates at Ed Smith Stadium.
A recently released study showed that the Orioles generated $436 million in cumulative economic impact to the county, and the team calculates it will bring $89 million in impact this year.
With the Braves in town, Sarasota County now hosts two Major League Baseball teams. The Braves last week had legendary Brave Hank Aaron on hand to dedicate the street in front of the new stadium to the “greatest player to ever wear their uniform.” That came after North Port hosted the annual Governor’s Baseball Dinner. Gov. Ron Desantis, a world champion Little Leaguer, said the sport “connects each of us, through America’s greatest pastime, to our favorite players and teams.”
And this year, the region feels like the center of sporting activity. As more teams in the past decade and a half gravitated toward the Gulf Coast, Sarasota has become an epicenter of the Grapefruit League. The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to train in Bradenton, with the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin and New York Yankees in Tampa.
To the south, the Tampa Bay Rays train in Port Charlotte, while the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins base out of the Fort Myers area. That makes Sarasota a good place for a baseball fan to spend the spring.
“There’s a certain number of fans who don’t care what team they see,” Haley said, “and just like seeing a beautiful green field on a gorgeous day like today.” 
Photo courtesy Atlanta Braves
For only the fifth time, the Crosley Estate Foundation will host a historical open house event at the Crosley Estate March 10-11, 2020. Guests are invited to tour the historic estate built in 1929, which served as the winter home of Powel Crosley, the American innovator who is most revered for bringing radio to the masses through the manufacturing of inexpensive radios during radio’s first defining decade. A variety of Crosley radios and memorabilia will be on display throughout. New this year – and on loan from the Historical Records Library in Manatee County – the event will feature the Crosley Collection, including Crosley Chattaboxes, Temperators, Xervac Helmets, Musicone speakers, headphones and more. The Manatee Village Historical Park has also donated a Crosley model 66TC radio for the event. The Crosley Estate is located at 8374 North Tamiami Trail. The open houses will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on both days. Guided tours will take place every half hour. Reservations are not required and admission is free, though donations are appreciated. For more information please call 941-722-3244.
A new report commissioned by Florida Realtors® reveals that Sarasota and Manatee’s vacation rental industry contributes $457 million annually to the local economy. Conducted by the University of Central Florida, the study reveals the 2018 direct economic contribution of Florida’s vacation home industry and its impact across the state. “Floridians have long-known that the state’s vacation rental industry has a significant impact on our economy, but the numbers in this report are simply staggering,” says Florida Realtors® president Barry Grooms, a Realtor® and co-owner of Sarabay Suncoast Realty Inc. in Bradenton. “More than $27 billion a year statewide is a substantial contribution to our economy, and the 115,000 jobs it supports are critical to the well-being of many of our communities.” The report focuses on 25 Florida counties, including Sarasota and Manatee. The research shows that when combined, the two-county area accounts for 6.6 percent of the total amount of registered vacation rental homes in Florida. “Given the vital importance of vacation rentals to our economy, I truly hope policymakers and stakeholders consider this information as they deliberate on measures that could impact the industry,” adds Grooms. The report was conducted by the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The data and conclusions provided in the report were generated from data received from the three primary stakeholders involved in the vacation rental home sector: homeowners, management companies and tourists/visitors. In total, 6,240 tourists, 1,748 vacation rental homeowners and 143 vacation rental home management companies were surveyed. That survey data was then triangulated with data from Key Data, the Survey Center of the Bureau of Economic and Business Center, AirBnB, the Florida Tourist Development Tax Association Inc. (FTDTA), multiple county tax collectors’ offices, and the Florida Department of Revenue.
In 2018, Veronica Brandon Miller accepted the Impact in Action Award from the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The recognition was a testament to Miller’s dedication, hard work, innovation, and love for this community. With more than 30 years of creative vision and unparalleled expertise in community engagement, philanthropy, branding and marketing, Miller now brings integrity, enthusiasm, and passion to her role as a Realtor® with Michael Saunders & Company. “Helping people has always been my passion. Now I am honored to help people with what is possibly the largest investment in their lifetime: a home,” said Miller. “This new career pursuit is one that is extremely rewarding.” Prior to joining the Michael Saunders Lakewood Ranch Real Estate team, she served as a vice president for Goodwill Industries. She created multiple programs and initiatives that were duplicated around the globe with stellar success. Miller notes that, of her local achievements, she is proudest of the award-winning Veterans Services Program and Community Ambassador Program – which has engaged more than 10,000 supporters – as well as her ability to leverage more than 330 collaborations in the community.
Realtor: Veronica Brandon Miller
For more information on Veronica Brandon Miller and services
Pinnacle Community Association Management is hosting two, free board certification classes for homeowner and condominium associations on Thursday, February 27, at the Carlisle Inn in Sarasota. Both AM and PM sessions are available. The classes, which include breakfast or lunch depending on the session chosen, are free and open to all current and potential HOA and COA board members. Both Pinnacle classes are taught by experienced Community Association Managers and cover Chapters 718 (Condominiums) and 720 (Homeowner Associations) of the Florida statutes pertaining to board certification. Among the topics covered are the following: Defining fiduciary duty; Analyzing association operations; Preparing budgets and funding reserves; Understanding financial reporting requirements; Assessing insurance needs. All current and prospective homeowner association and condominium association board members are required to complete a certification course within 90 days of being elected or appointed to their boards. If not completed, a director may be suspended from serving on the board until he or she complies with the requirement. Advance reservations are required and can be made either online at PinnacleCAM.com or by calling (941) 444-7090.
For more information on Pinnacle Community Association Management or to register for this event
In 2019, data showing the child abuse rate in Florida steadily declining proved that local and state-wide efforts to prevent and respond to abuse are working. While the trend is encouraging, community partners want that number to be zero. A major investment from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and support from other donors will provide the Child Protection Center (CPC) an opportunity to strengthen the system of care for abused children and increase prevention and education programming. The longest running program of its kind in the state, CPC’s Personal Safety and Community Awareness Program (PSCA) includes age-appropriate safety workshops for children that cover topics such as sexual abuse prevention, internet safety, and abduction prevention training. The program also targets parents, caregivers and teachers on positive parenting techniques, identifying abuse, indicators and impacts of sexual abuse, and safe internet practices. Currently, the program serves students from preschool to high school at 34 schools in Sarasota County. $300,000 over two years in funds from Barancik Foundation will be used to expand workshops to other youth-serving organizations, childcare professionals, and the greater community at-large. The organization plans to produce more educational materials to distribute at the workshops and community presentations. New curriculum will also focus on the ever-changing world of technology, including social media safety, cyber-stalking, and online bullying. For more information on the Child Protection Center, Inc. and the Personal Safety Program, contact Sheila Miller, VP of Philanthropy, at 941-365-1277 x111.
SRQ goes out on a limb with the female Indiana Jones of our time.
Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!
A young woman from Israel, Ayelet, reluctantly joins her grandmother on a trip to the United States. Circumstances both absurd and tragic bring Ayelet, who has little command of the English language, together with Josh, a young American man who has little command of romance, on Christmas Eve. Is their inevitable love an accident…or is it destiny, generations in the making?
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
Come to the Manatee County Agricultural Museum for “Ag at Night’s Creepy Crawly: Friend or Foe?” Attendees get to visit with folks and learn about butterflies and butterfly gardening, common garden pests, vermicomposting, integrated pest management, citrus greening and canker, and have some tasty snacks as well. Ag at Night is a unique experience for adults only (18+). This 4-part programming series features fun topics related to agriculture, historically and today. Guests will experience hands-on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations, and more! Tickets are $8 for members*, $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. NEW this year! Purchase a series pass and never miss an exciting evening. Series passes are $32 and can only be purchased on the February 26 Ag at Night. Pre-registration is recommended as there are a limited number of tickets. Tickets must be purchased for each date of the series. *Members please contact the Museum to confirm Membership and receive your discount code. Tickets can be purchased HERE
The Ag Museum, 1015 6th St. West, Palmetto
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
The Junior League of Sarasota’s 43rd annual “Simply Sarasota” Tour of Homes presented by Charlotte’s Grace Fine Linens & Luxe Home Accents will be held on February 28 and February 29. Exquisite residential properties can be toured in the Siesta Key, Oyster Bay and surrounding mainland areas. Homes range in style from modern architecture to traditional, and from historic to new construction. Attendees can expect interactive demonstrations from local Sarasota restaurants, crafts by local artisans, and live entertainment from musicians and acrobats.
What is Cheese 101? – This course will take attendees through 8+ kinds of cheese, and two wines. There’ll be a little bit of milk science, cheesemaker stories, and a lot of fun. From fresh to blue, and favorite pairings and wine to complement the cheese. A cheese class is a fun night out with friends, or come alone and meet other cheese-loving folks. Classes include tastings of two wines and 8+ cheeses. Space is limited to 16 people, paid in advance either by phone, or at the shop, or online. Please note - if you were given a gift certificate for a 101 please call the shop directly at 941-951-7860 and we will add your name to a class that has spaces and works with your schedule. The cheese classes are taught by the shops trained and enthusiastic cheesemongers. Gift certificates/incentive tabs are not redeemable for special events/dinners.
Artisan Cheese Company, 550 Central Ave., 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
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
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
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
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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