What’s a city of cultural arts to do when fear lurks with every crowd?

Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin and Sarasota Department of Health Officer Chuck Henryon Wednesday met with performing venue leaders from around the city to discuss appropriate response to the coronavirus. The health threat, just declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has raised a greater level of alarm in Florida since the first patient to test positive, a Manatee County resident, was treated at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. That patient was since released. But a Lee County patient was the first of two deaths, both reported last Friday.

The meeting including the Baltimore Orioles, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota County Fair, Sarasota Film Festival, Mote Marine Laboratory, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Studio Theatre, Arts Alliance of Sarasota County and the city-owned Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Barwin said local institutions didn’t see a significant drop-off in sales until this weekend. But officials are urging all businesses to remain careful but calm.

“The cases here are few and far between,” Barwin said. “We know who the at-risk groups are, and the venues are all using their best practices to minimize risk from any virus, including common seasonal flu.”

Leaders at all venues are wiping down surfaces and keeping sanitizer handy; some have ushers wearing gloves when handing out fliers.

For the moment, there’s no need for venues to cancel gatherings, whether that’s musical performances or baseball games. And Barwin noted that none of the 23 confirmed positive tests in Florida so far originated in Sarasota County.

Health officials promised prompt briefings if that changes, and are issuing flash reports to the public. The city website now has a link to the reports on its homepage.

At-risk groups include those in their 70s or older, particularly those with underlying health conditions. Arts leaders in the region have been responsible and offered credit or refunds to ticket holders who need to cancel because of coronavirus concerns.

“We don’t want anybody at risk to go just because they bought ticket and don’t want to waste money,” Barwin said. “But all of our venues gladly grant tickets to future events or full refunds. That’s a reasonable thing to do at this point.” 

Photo: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

It all started in 1937 when seven Pinellas County teachers were denied a loan from a bank. The teachers soon banded together to form a nancial institution of their own – a credit union – with just $99.25. Today, Achieva Credit Union has more than $1.7 billion in assets, and over 160,000 members across 26 branches. 28,000 of those members are right here in Sarasota. Achieva was ranked number 9 on Forbes’ list of Florida’s 10 Best Credit Unions in 2019. And an added bonus — you can bring your dog into any pet-friendly branch. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that have the same host of products and services as banks do — but where Achieva differs is that their main priority is on customer service and the well being of all their members. Achieva puts their attention on what matters most — you, your family and your financial well being. Credit unions like Achieva are owned by their members, not outside shareholders. This means Achieva’s profits are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, lower loan rates, higher savings rates and a more personalized approach to member service. 

Learn More about Achieva Credit Union in the March SRQ BrandStory 

View Achieva Credit Union's BrandStory Here

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system, announced the City of Sarasota is among 20 new cities and counties selected to participate in the 2020 LEED for Cities and Communities Grant Program. The program helps local governments committed to accelerating progress on climate change, resilience and social equity planning, measure and track performance using LEED. Cities and counties participating in the 2020 program receive access to education resources and technical support as they pursue LEED certification. The City of Sarasota has a long history of ambitious sustainability efforts, such as its Ready for 100 effort and commitment to 100 percent renewable energy community-wide by 2045 and for City operations by 2030. This LEED certification will improve the City’s ability to understand its sustainability performance and use data-driven metrics to strategically invest in improvements. 

“The City of Sarasota has already earned its reputation statewide as a leader in sustainability efforts,” said City Manager Tom Barwin. “Our selection for this forward-thinking program only further establishes our national standing as a community that is at the forefront of striving to meet the environmental challenges of the present and preparing for a sustainable future.” LEED for Cities and Communities gives planners, developers and local governments – large or small – a framework for implementing strategies to address energy, water, waste, pollution and carbon, and takes into account social and economic indicators, including health, equity, education and prosperity. Through LEED, local leaders hone metrics around initiatives; benchmark performance relative to peers; and communicate to and educate stakeholders on progress. More than 100 cities and communities around the world have already achieved LEED certification.

To learn more about Sarasota’s sustainability goals and progress, visit sarasotaFL.gov/sustainability. 

The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Key Chorale celebrate their dynamic ten-year collaboration in this year’s production of Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices, with Decade of Wonder, a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. Ten years ago, the CAC’s Pedro Reis and Key Chorale’s Joseph Caulkins joined forces and created a production that had never been seen before when they combined over 100 voices of the Key Chorale with the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra and live circus artists. This season’s three performances will feature acts choreographed to some of the most exciting, unforgettable music ever written. Circus artists of both national and international acclaim will dazzle audiences with their unique skills during musical collaborations in piece after piece. Cirque des Voix 2020 will feature music from Karl Jenkins, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Danny Elfman and more.

“Perhaps the greatest gift of the last 10 years is that Key Chorale has been welcomed with open arms into the greater Circus family,” said Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale Artistic Director.  “The countless performers who have dazzled us by their grace, power, and strength are now our friends. Each season when we come together it feels a little like a family reunion – singers, instrumentalists, and circus artists – coming together to present a show unlike any other, to celebrate the very best of our art forms and do something we could never do alone." 

Pioneering oceanographer and marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle will address more than 400 philanthropists, nonprofit and civic leaders, environmentalists, and students at a luncheon hosted by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Earle, one of the most respected ocean scientists ever, is the founder and president of Mission Blue, which works to establish marine-protected areas around the globe. Her storied scientific career includes many firsts—first female head of NOAA, first human to dive untethered at 1,250 feet, first “Hero for the Planet” named by TIME magazine, and more. Earle’s ties to the Gulf Coast region include serving for a year as interim director of Mote Marine Laboratory in the 1960s. Better Together, the foundation’s annual community-education luncheon welcomes renowned thought leaders to Sarasota to discuss urgent issues and big opportunities facing the Gulf Coast region this coming Friday, March 13 at 11:00 am at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive in Sarasota. Credentialed media may cover this event. To participate in the media roundtable and/or to reserve a media seat for the luncheon and lecture, contact Greg Luberecki at 301-466-9594 or gluberecki@gulfcoastcf.org.  

To learn more about this event or to register

In recognition of Sunshine Week, March 15-21, 2020, The Manatee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, is honoring Florida’s commitment to government in the sunshine. Clerks play an important role in providing access to important documents, while also safeguarding confidential information. Florida has a long history of protecting citizens’ rights to have access to public information. Beginning in 1909 with the Public Records Law and evolving to the Sunshine Law, Florida has long supported providing access and the ability to participate in government. Florida’s Sunshine Laws rank among the strongest in the country, demonstrating the state’s commitment to protecting residents’ rights to remain informed and engaged. “Our citizens trust that they will be able to access information that they are entitled to, as the law provides,” said, Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.  “We are especially proud that we take this time every year to continue education with our staff on public records laws and create awareness for our citizens.” In honor of Sunshine Week, Clerk’s office employees will be wearing yellow on Monday, March 16, and staff members have been undergoing annual training on Florida’s Sunshine and Public Records laws. While Sunshine Week is only once a year, Clerks uphold government transparency with accurate record-keeping and efficient reporting every day. Clerks are committed to serving the public and maintaining access to records and information. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers encourages constituents to take full advantage of the information they have at their disposal year-round. For more information about public records in Manatee County, visit www.manateeclerk.com.   

For more information on Sunshine Week

The owner and co-founder of the Sarasota-based luxury builder Nautilus Homes, Ryan Perrone, was recently selected as a “40 Under 40” rising star by both Professional Builder magazine and by the Business Observer. Both honored Perrone, who is 35, for outstanding achievements accomplished before the age of 40. Professional Builder’s 2020 40 Under 40 list included 14 women and 26 men who were selected from more than 100 nominations submitted from all regions of the United States. All are leaders and innovators in the field of home builders, developers, designers, researchers, and sales professionals. The honorees also are notably active in giving back to the industry and to their local communities. “This year’s 40 Under 40 Award winners are an outstanding group of smart, determined, and innovative young housing industry leaders,” says Professional Builder’s editorial director Denise Dersin. “Whether they went to work for an established company, joined a family firm, or started their own business right out of high school, they have achieved remarkable success in their chosen careers while also dedicating time and energy to community and charitable endeavors.” She adds that Perrone is featured in the magazine’s March issue and online at probuilder.com.  

Ryan Perrone, owner and co-founder of the Sarasota-based luxury builder Nautilus Homes

To learn more about Nautilus Homes

Service clubs from Pine View School will distribute more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce and other food to low-income families in Sarasota. Fresh produce often goes to waste as grocery stores leave up to 50 percent of it behind, even though it is perfectly edible. Farm Share, a Florida-based non-profit, takes this fresh produce and transports the food to organizations to give to low-income families throughout Florida. The Farm Share project in Sarasota is led by Pine View’s PeaceJam club and is supported by several other Pine View based service organizations, in collaboration with Gocio Elementary. PeaceJam is a service-learning, peace action-driven organization, which unites youth and Nobel Peace Laureates to create systematic, positive change. The organizations that will staff the event include Serteen, Key Club, Builders Club, Interact, Diversity Council, and NHS/NJHS, all of which are clubs based at Pine View, a public school in Osprey, serves intellectually gifted students in grades 2-12. While PeaceJam's partnership with Farm Share is a long-term relationship, the project aligns with Pine View's School history of service projects, such as #FeedingOurFuture—an effort to provide food security and literacy rich-home environments for Sarasota families in need.

“Imagine a semi-trailer filled with thousands of pounds of fresh produce. This is what Farm Share sends to us that we then have the privilege to distribute in our local community,” said Luis Guevara-Flores, Pine View PeaceJam Ambassador and one of the two project managers for Farm Share. “The distribution at Gocio Elementary was scheduled with the idea of providing food assistance to support families just coming off of spring break,” he said. In addition to promoting fresh locally grown foods, we arrange each food groups into original and easy recipes that are made directly for each family’s diverse needs,” said Odelia Tiutyama, PeaceJam Ambassador and co-manager of Farm Share. “Over the past 9 years, Pine View Peace Jam has coordinated 35 pounds of healthy and local food to more than 1,000 Sarasota-Bradenton families that are in need at each of our events. It is truly incredible to evidently know that we have made a real impact in our community."

The event will be held from 9 am to 12 pm, Saturday, March 14, at Gocio Elementary School, 3450 Gocio Rd Extension, Sarasota. 

B & I Contractors, an employee-owned Florida based Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing subcontractor, is taking a less traditional approach to celebrating its 60 years in business. As a token of gratitude to the communities to which B & I owes its great success and longevity, the 2020 celebration bash includes making a greater impact with the company’s charitable giving. Not-for-profits receiving B & I’s support include Education, Healthcare and Community organizations. From hosting a blood drive at B & I’s headquarters in Fort Myers to providing sponsorships to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Strides for Education 5k, the Hillsborough Community College Golf Classic, Ringling College of Art & Design Avant-Guard Fundraiser, the Golden Angels Gala benefiting the Jackson Health Foundation and the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Tour de Broward among others, B & I aims to strengthen community ties and share its resources where it matters most—saving lives and helping the younger generation flourish. “B & I demonstrates its Core Values—Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork—through our work in the community. We strive to improve the Quality of life, show Integrity by our hard work, and we Team with wonderful not-for-profit partners to identify the needs in the community,” shared B & I’s President of 25 years and 2020 Lee County Heart Walk Chair, Gary Griffin. 

To learn more, call 239-332-4646 or visit bandiflorida.com

Heather Graham visits Ringling College of Art and Design, weighs in on sexism in Hollywood, cult movies and more. 

Click here to read the full story in our March 2020 Home Edition of SRQ Magazine!