SRQ DAILY Feb 27, 2020
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"The math just doesn’t add up and I don’t understand the rush."
Despite a contingent of New College of Florida students, alumni and faculty making an impassioned plea for the school’s independence, the powerful Florida House Appropriations Committee this week moved forward with a plan to fold the school into the University of Florida.
It’s an issue that has united members of the Sarasota and Manatee County delegations, but the proposal moved through committee on a largely party-line 17-11 vote.
“The math just doesn’t add up and I don’t understand the rush,” said state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota. “If you think about what we’ve done in the last couple years merging affiliate campuses, without really providing good stakeholder input, it doesn’t project stability in Florida’s university system.”
All Democrats voted against the merger proposal, as did state Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud. He represents the Lakeland community where Florida Polytechnic University, another college that would be merged with UF under the bill, operates today.
Most Republicans on the committee, though, went along with a proposal from state Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, who argued New College costs the state six times per bachelor’s degree what it costs to get a University of Florida student through a four-year program.
Fine said it was purely numbers driving his push to merge schools, something he proposed less than three weeks ago after learning of the high costs of degrees. “It makes me look like a heartless guy,” he said, “but maybe I am.”
The sponsor did bring an amendment to allow UF and New College to negotiated a phased in merger.
New College has come under fire for troubles with enrollment. The college received over $10 million two years ago to boost its enrollment from the mid 800s to 1,200 students by 2023. Enrollment has dropped every year since.
Good argued the numbers look low now partly because New College just graduated its largest class ever. Supporters also noted the school graduates the highest number of Fulbright scholars in the state, producing twice as many per capita as Harvard University.
Students stressed the environment at the school is unlike any other in the state system, with managed assessments determining advancement instead of grades.
No Senate companion legislation has been filed regarding a university merger. 
The time: 1942. The place: Sarasota.
World War II rages through Europe and the Pacific, and somewhere offstage the men of this small town wage bloody war on the Axis powers. Closer to home, at the Oberon Theater, an aspiring director forever living in her partner’s shadow tries to wrangle up the cast and the cash to put on her own productions of Shakespeare’s Henry IV (parts one and two) and Henry V, filling the roles with all women and keeping the theater open while the men are away. Teaming up with her trusty crew and an aging star with thin skin and delusions of grandeur, the stage is set for this latest comedy from playwright George Brant.
And what a lovely stage it is—the design crews at Asolo never disappoint. From my vantage, the proscenium of the Oberon towers overhead with the majesty of a storied playhouse. Under its vaulted arch, everything wonderfully aged and placed evokes an era long past, and a spiral staircase and elevated ledge allow for some welcome vertical movement, as characters scamper up and down, stroll above the scene or depend from the banister like a dramatic rhesus monkey.
The show puts its best foot forward in those moments of broad physical comedy, when its cast gets to revel in the absurd and throw their bodies fully into the joke, whether it be the over-the-top antics of the always-funny Tina Stafford or the entire cast lumbering about the stage in an attempt to understand the testicular dynamics involved in everyday male ambulation. Much like his performance in Murder on the Orient Express, Matt DeCaro plays his part with a comfortable charisma that elevates a rather predictable character into something familiar but fun, but it is Peggy Roeder who steals the show as the earnest but oblivious Winifred Snow. Even sitting silent as a piece of prop furniture, while other characters battle it out, Roeder’s performance becomes a comedic highlight, which is a testament to both the actor and director Laura Kepley.
However, not every character enjoys the same highs. Many of the characters remain rather one-note, and, as the grounded Abbott to the rest of the cast’s Costello, lead Madeleine Maby just isn’t given much to do beyond alternating between fretful and forceful, depending on the needs of the moment. And while all of these moments move along in a coherent and logical manner, it does seem to sort of just move along. Without clearly defined and compelling stakes or any sense of a ticking clock or looming consequence, the show lacks a necessary narrative drive.
In a similar vein, social commentary remains rather on-the-nose and shallow in its exploration, which is more likely to appease the audience than challenge or enlighten it. We’re happy to see a woman of color realize her dream of appearing onstage, but the only real obstacle presented by the play is a moment’s hesitation from the director, which passes nearly a quickly as it appears, reducing a historic fight to a footnote and an emotional moment of triumph to a box to be checked. The idea of being openly gay in 1942 receives slightly more nuanced treatment, but still avoids treading into real substance or conflict.
Of course, perhaps this is unfair to the intent of Into the Breeches, which would rather be taken as a fun romp through theater-centric in-jokes and duel-of-the-sexes comedy, but the front-and-center inclusion of those other aspects speaks otherwise.
Unfortunately, something falls short with Into the Breeches, which ultimately amounts to less than the sum of its parts. All of the pieces are there in the premise and the characters for something emotionally dynamic and delightful, but the play in its current form does not quite delve deep enough to realize those potentials or satisfy those expectations. There’s a lot of promise in there, and something leaner and punchier mired in the fluff.
Matt DeCaro, Madeleine Maby and Peggy Roeder in Asolo Rep's
Many promising students get sidetracked and step away from their education when hurdles appear, not knowing where to turn for help. Mentoring matters for these students. A study showed that at-risk young adults who met regularly with trusted mentors were 55% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education than those without mentors.
Students who request mentors come from various academic, socio-demographic and economic backgrounds. They have in common a desire for a trusted advisor who will be available for them as they navigate the terrain from high school to college and/or career. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is seeking volunteer mentors who genuinely care about kids and take great satisfaction in knowing they contribute to students’ success. Caring mentors augment the work of the EFSC, which provides professional and experienced leadership, organization and infrastructure to orchestrate student and mentor success.
More information is available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/Mentoring/ and 941-927-0965.
Innovative Dining is pleased to announce that Chef Rich Knowles is now the Owner/CEO of the locally owned, boutique style catering company. Former owners Jeremy Hammond-Chambers and Danny Gibbons express their gratitude for the support Innovative Dining has experienced in the last 10 years. They are pleased that with Rich Knowles at the helm the level of service provided to their clients and future clients will continue. Rich Knowles is Chef and owner of enRich Bistro a restaurant and catering service in Bradenton, Florida. The Knowles family has deep roots in the area going back for five generations.
Long ago in an ocean not so far away, turtles had 12-foot shells, seabirds had teeth, and “sea monsters” with powerful jaws prowled beneath the waves. Sunday, February 29 through May 31, 2020, Mote Aquarium visitors can peek into this ancient world—87-70 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous—thanks to the special exhibit “Savage Ancient Seas,” featuring replicated skeletons cast from the real fossils of extinct ocean animals. This exhibit is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Follow @MoteMarineLab #splashintothepast
Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Fergeson Skipper, P.A. is pleased to announce it has named Michelle Lajoie Hermey president of the law firm. Hermey has been with Fergeson Skipper since 1994.
Hermey was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2007 and is board certified as a specialist in real estate law. Her areas of practice include residential and commercial real estate law and banking and finance law. Hermey is a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, Women’s Council of Realtors, and Sarasota Association of Realtors, where she served on the Realtor/Attorney Joint Committee and as chair. She is the recipient of the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award and AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Today, Thursday, February 27, the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO) in partnership with Suncoast Technical College (STC) and Sarasota County Career and Technical Education (CTE), will hold its Sixth Annual “SIX & A MIX” Multievent. The three-part event schedule will include six separate workshops followed by hors d’oeuvres and beverages reception/networking mixer, and will conclude with a VIP Panel interview with audience Q&A following. The featured guests for the VIP panel will be Booboo Stewart and Fivel Stewart, two stellar young actors from Los Angeles, who have been seen in Descendants (movie and TV series episodes), Marvel’s X-Men Days of Future Past, The Twilight Saga, Westworld, Mortal Kombat X: Generations, Hansel & Gretel and Hope Bridge, among numerous other credits in globally successful and nationally popular movies and current as well as upcoming television series. Kicking off the beginning of the event, six workshops will run concurrently on various topics/skillsets in the film, television, streaming and other genres of the entertainment industry, including scriptwriting, talent, special FX makeup, camera and other technical elements. Following the workshops, the reception/networking mixer will take place in the main STC Atrium where sponsors’ exhibit tables can also be visited. For questions or other information, please contact the Film Commission at 941-309-1200, extension 104 or via email to info@filmsarasota.com
Clickbooth.com LLC, the recognized leader within the online performance marketing industry announced today the unification of its divisions into one new global brand, Perform[cb]. This extensive rebrand was driven by the integration of the CPA and mobile networks into one comprehensive performance marketing network, and includes a new logo, positioning, and website. Through Perform[cb], the company has created the premier performance marketing destination for marketers, advertisers, affiliates and partners. Perform[cb]’s vision is to empower brands to acquire new customers through incremental digital channels on a pay-for-results model. Perform[cb] will continue to develop its proprietary platform and focus on building their highly curated partner marketplace, allowing marketers to leverage “cost-per” pricing that aligns with customer lifetime value. Perform[cb]’s innovative network structure means that customers will be able to access all of the performance marketing solutions and support they require from just one team. Customers of the unified divisions will have unprecedented access to Perform[cb]’s end to end Performance Marketplace platform, industry knowledge, and expansive network of partners and distribution channels. Many customers were already working with two, or all, of the former divisions. Today they will be able to continue these relationships through one converged brand experience.
Raul Elizalde, president and chief investment officer of Sarasota-based Path Financial, was quoted in a Fortune Magazine's February 25 online article regarding the potential impact of the Coronavirus on U.S. markets. "Many U.S. businesses that are deeply intertwined with the global economy—apparel, electronics, energy—are issuing warnings that their results are likely to be affected because of the virus. The only question is the extent of the damage, and that will depend on the duration and extent of the disease’s spread," Elizalde said. "This is why the stock market's weakness cannot be just dismissed as simple volatility. The effects on the real economy are very likely to be real." Click here to read the full Fortune story: https://fortune.com/2020/02/25/coronavirus-cdc-stock-market-dow-s-p-500/
Fifth Third Bank, National Association, announced that it is creating two distinct Florida regions to best serve its customers and position the Company for continued success in its growth strategy. David Call, who has ably served as regional president for Florida, will lead the new South Florida region. Cary Putrino, who leads the Wealth & Asset Management business in Florida, has been named the North Florida regional president. “Local talent, local knowledge, local decision-making and local relationships are the hallmarks of Fifth Third’s success,” said Phil McHugh, executive vice president and Head of Regional Banking, Wealth and Asset Management and Business Banking. “As our growth continues to accelerate in the Sunshine state, we are excited to make this leadership investment as a way to further leverage this key differentiator in our service to customers.” Call has helped Fifth Third build its brand throughout Florida, serving as a regional president since 2008. He has also helped implement Fifth Third’s $32 billion Community Commitment, which includes mortgage lending, especially in low- and moderate-income communities; small business lending and investments; and community development loans and investments. He has delivered on high performing results that have positioned the Bank in the top ten banks in Florida based on deposit share. Call has been with Fifth Third since 2002 and held numerous positions in the Commercial and Retail lines of business. Based in Naples, he will oversee the Southwest and Southeast Florida markets.
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is reminding voters, who vote by mail in the March 17 elections, that completed domestic ballots must be received by the elections office no later than 7 pm on election night to be counted. Voters may return ballots by mail or in-person and, beginning with the March 17 presidential primary, may drop their voted ballots into secure vote-by-mail drop boxes located inside all elections offices and early voting sites Drop boxes are available now in all three elections offices in Sarasota, Venice and North Port during regular business hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday and until 7 pm on election night.
In addition, during the early voting period, beginning Saturday, March 7, through Saturday, March 14, vote-by-mail ballots may be dropped in secure boxes inside early voting locations at the North Sarasota Library and the Sarasota Square Mall, and the three elections offices between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm daily. Turner also urges voters to read and follow the instructions included with vote-by-mail ballots to ensure their ballots are counted. Voters should complete and sign the ballot certificate envelope and the voter’s signature should match the signature on record.
Voters may track their vote-by-mail ballots at SarasotaVotes.com. To track, click on the “Vote by Mail” icon on the home page, select “Track your Vote-by-Mail Ballot,” and follow the easy directions. The March 17 elections include the presidential preference primary, Holiday Park Park and Recreation District election and Longboat Key bond referendum. For more information, voters may contact the supervisor of elections office at 941-861-8600 or visit SarasotaVotes.com.
On Friday, March 13th SRQ's Women in Business will be hosting the highly anticipated SMARTGirl Mentorship Summit and Leadership Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency. Fostering a 'curated network,' the mentorship program aims to help create a collaborative open forum between local elementary and middle school aged girls and succesful, inspiring businesswomen from Sarasota. SRQ Media believes girls can do anything, and so does our keynote speaker for 2020: Sebrena Pawley. After entering the foster care system directly from the hosptial, Pawley alternated between foster care and homelessness. Fast-forward to present day, and Sebrena has transformed her life, becoming a champion and tireless advocate for teens and young adults in New York City. The Area Manager for Young Workforce Development at Eckerd Connects and the founder of the scholarship program 'I Was 16 Yesterday," SRQ is delighted and honored to host Sebrena at this year's SMARTGirl Summit.
The only museum in the world dedicated solely to women in sports is due to make its mark in Sarasota.
Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!
Guests can “step back in time” to see an in-depth history of both Ferrari and Porsche, and the incredible cars that were released along the way, at Sarasota Classic Car Museum’s upcoming exhibit. The exhibit will showcase over 16 Porsche models, from 1951 to 2004, as well as six classic Ferraris ranging in years from 1965 to 2011. This exhibit is included in the price of admission to the museum.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 5500 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Sarasota’s hometown circus, Circus Sarasota, is ready to bring chills, thrills and laughs aplenty to audiences of all ages during its professional winter show, Circus Sarasota 2020. Each year, an international cast of renowned artists is chosen to showcase the finest acts in various circus arts disciplines. Once again featuring new and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota 2020 will offer high-flying, heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts that defy both expectations and the boundaries of human limitations. This year’s show features incredible artistry on the flag pole and single trapeze, fast-paced Alanian riders on horseback, hand-to-hand acrobatics, juggling, breathtaking aerial artists, and much more! All performances are rain or shine and take place under the air-conditioned Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park (behind the Mall at UTC). Showtimes are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m., and President’s Day (February 17) and Sundays at 1 and 5 pm. Tickets are $15-$55, with children under 2 free. Go to CircusArts.org, call the Box Office, or visit the Big Top Box Office beginning Monday, January 20, 2020 (140 UTC Dr., Sarasota) Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. When picking up tickets, please present your confirmation email or I.D.
Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park, 140 UTC Dr., 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
This program is designed specifically for Deaf visitors. Attendees will tour the museum and its collections accompanied by an ASL interpreter. Each program will feature a theme highlighting works from the collection. The tours are free of charge but advance ticketing is required and space is limited. Tickets for will be available 30 days before each program.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The 14th Annual Paws on the Catwalk Luncheon benefiting the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) will take place on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the luxurious Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota. Doors will open at 10:30 am for signature cocktails, interactive experiences, and premium shopping at pop-up boutiques from a curated collection of retailers. Around noon, guests will sit down for a delicious lunch and live entertainment. The fashion show of previous years has been replaced with a dynamic, artsy, and sizzlin' hot main event that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Along the way, there will be a premium raffle, one-of-a-kind art, and adorable animals to pet, snuggle, and maybe even adopt. Head to the rooftop bar to keep the party going afterward. Paws 2020 is one event you do not want to miss! Individual tickets are $200 per person, and sponsorship and underwriting opportunities start at $500. You can purchase tickets and sponsorships, plus buy items like raffle tickets and event merchandise in advance HERE (items will be available for pick-up on the day of the event). If you have any questions, please contact Autumn Steiner at 941-955-4131 x121.
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm 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
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
Join Southeastern Guide Dogs for an evening of art and purpose as they unveil 46 new sculptures in the Puppies on Parade fundraising campaign. Don't miss the custom painted puppy banks that will be on display around the Tampa Bay area in the coming months. Each bank will provide a unique bit of visual art as well as a collection point for donations to Southeastern Guide Dogs. Meet the artists and sponsors of our puppy banks at this special event. RSVP to Frances Marinaro at frances.marinaro@guidedogs.org
Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street E., Palmetto
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
Florida Creativity Conference celebrates 17 years in 2020! If you are open to awakening more of your creative potential, this conference is the great opportunity to explore creativity in many wonderful forms! FCC provides hands-on and interactive learning, music and movement, connecting and innovating. Participants walk away with a fresh ‘tool kit’ of creative problem solving skills and productive practices for their personal and professional life, and a sparked imagination which can positively impact every area of life!
USF Sarasota-Manatee - March 6-7, 2020 | Ringling College of Art and Design - March 8, 2020, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 | 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
The hilarious mockumentary-style short film Wax Paul Now, featuring prolific actor Paul Giamatti of Showtime’s Billions and HBO’s John Adams, will screen at the Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival this March. A lighthearted take on the power of grassroots democracy, the film will show alongside several other documentary and narrative shorts.
Hollywood 11 Cinemas , 1993 Main St., Sarasota
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