In the words of one of America’s finest men of letters, “school’s out for summer.” Unfortunately, where that exclamation once evoked jubilation in the hearts of children everywhere with daydreams of Disney vacations and outdoor summer camps, it now elicits uncertainty. For many parents, a summer in which in-person camps may not be available has them asking, “now what?” One possible answer comes from an institution many would ordinarily believe can only offer itself as an in-person spectacle. This summer, Sarasota Opera has a two-week virtual youth summer camp that will replace their in-person offerings—and at just $25 per student, a highly affordable rate made possible by generous donors, the Opera hopes to increase its outreach and introduce fresh blood into a classic art form.

“The nature of what we do is so in-person,” says Youth Opera Music Director Jesse Martins, “and technology has never really played that big a role in opera.” But, like every arts organization, the Opera has taken this pandemic as an opportunity to reimagine the way it can utilize technology to engage its audience. In this case, the Opera already had its summer curriculum from previous in-person iterations and had to adapt them to the now-ubiquitous Zoom format. “Every year we do what we call a 360-degree experience,” says Martins, “where we cover stagecraft like wigs, make-up, props and costumes in addition to opera history and chorus.” For this summer’s virtual camp, Martins and the Opera’s other instructors also found that one particular element of the camp might lend itself better to the Zoom format than in-person. “Last year we started teaching how to write your own opera,” says Martins, a segment in which students receive a prompt in the form of music, lyrics or a scene, then produce the remaining material. Rather than have to create the material on the spot, students have the opportunity to work on the assignment outside of class and garner a greater understanding of how an opera’s libretto or score relates to its production. 

Of course, the fine print for any successful youth program should also include considerations for the people that provide the students. “We want to make it easy for parents too,” says Martins, “so we had all of our instructors make sure their projects can be done with household items.” That means fewer trips to the craft store for parents already struggling to manage a household in the new 6-foot economy. In addition, the camp’s curriculum will be a blend of live-interactive and prerecorded lessons, allowing for diverse schedules. “We’re really excited about what we’ve put together,” says Martins, “and we hope kids who never really thought they’d be able to do it will give it a try.”

The camp runs June 8th through June 19, from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. A Zoom account and a device with a camera and microphone are required to participate. No audition is required, and all skill levels are welcome. 

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, 941-328-1300

If you have a particular gardening question you'd like answered and featured in a future column, email SRQDailyGardening@srqme.com

Crowley Nursery, 16423 Jomar Road Sarasota, 941-322-0315.

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announces 18 new routes for summer 2020. The new flights beginning in June and July expand the airline’s rapidly growing presence in major cities, including Boston, Chicago, Newark and Philadelphia. To celebrate these new, low-cost flight options, Frontier is offering fares as low as $29*, which are available now at FlyFrontier.com. Plus, as another step to support the health and well-being of customers, the carrier will be the first U.S. airline to implement mandatory temperature screenings for passengers and team members beginning June 1, 2020.

“We’re pleased to announce 18 new routes and demonstrate our commitment to providing low fares to great destinations for our customers as the country reopens,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial for Frontier Airlines. “Frontier has been at the forefront in implementing numerous measures to support passenger well-being in-flight and we are seeing a strong uptick in summer travel demand. We anticipate these new routes to a variety of popular vacation destinations will be in high demand as family and friends seek affordable domestic summer travel options.”

New routes available from the following cities:

From Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Starting July 4
From Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLW): Starting June 6
From Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): Starting July 4
From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Starting June 6

Frontier has been an industry leader in health initiatives and most recently became the first U.S. airline to announce required temperature screenings for all passengers and team members beginning on June 1, 2020. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be denied boarding as a step to better protect other passengers while flying.

Additionally, in April, Frontier announced sweeping health and safety enhancements affecting every step of a customer’s travel journey with the airline. Beginning with required face coverings that must be worn by all passengers and team members throughout every flight and a health acknowledgement. Prior to completing check-in via the company’s website or mobile app, passengers are required to confirm that:

• Neither they nor anyone in their household has exhibited Covid-19 related symptoms in the last 14 days
• They will check their temperature before heading to the airport and not travel if they have a fever
• They will wash their hands/sanitize before boarding the flight
• They understand and acknowledge the airline’s face covering policy and pre-boarding temperature screening policies

Frontier also introduced a fogging disinfectant to its already stringent aircraft cleaning and sanitation protocols, which provides a safe, certified disinfecting solution proven to be effective against many viruses, including coronavirus. The fogging includes virtually every surface in the passenger cabin. Planes are wiped down every night with additional disinfectant, as well.

During flight, main cabin air is a mix of fresh air drawn from outside and air that has been passed through an air filtration system that features HEPA filters capable of capturing respiratory virus particles at more than 99.7% efficiency – similar to those used in hospital environments. Frontier’s modern all-Airbus fleet is among the youngest in the world - all aircraft currently in operation are less than four years old. 

Click for details on safety precautions.

Realtor Traci Creighton of RE/MAX Alliance Group has been certified as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) and e-PRO. The RENE certification is the only negotiation credential recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Conferred by the Real Estate Business Institute, the RENE curriculum examines all types of negotiation formats and methods and gives Realtors the tips and tools to be successful advocates for their clients, including sharpening their negotiation skills, dealing with behind-the-scenes issues, sorting out competing objectives, and handling a wide range of personalities and situations. The e-PRO certification is awarded to agents who have received advanced training in using the latest technology and social media to promote listings and find properties. It is the only technology certification to be officially recognized, endorsed and conferred by the National Association of Realtors. Creighton is a second-generation real estate professional and multimillion-dollar producer serving the Venice, Englewood, North Port, and surrounding south Sarasota County and Charlotte County areas. 

Engineering News Record’s 2020 Top 400 Contractors list has been released and DeAngelis Diamond has ranked for the sixth consecutive year, landing at #297. Every year, ENR ranks the top U.S. construction companies by their revenue from the previous year. This year’s Top 400 earned a cumulative contracting revenue of $414.38 billion in 2019 – a 2.3% increase from 2018 and a new record.

Click for more info.

The Florida Studio Theatre announced this week that it will give back to the community by offering full scholarships for its Summer Theatre Camps to children of front line workers. Additional full and partial scholarships are available based on financial need.

FST is running in-person three-week Summer Camps for students ages 7-17 as well as one-week online Summer Camps for students ages 4-12 beginning the week of June 1. A full list of FST’s summer camps is below. Those interested who qualify for these full scholarships should call FST’s Education Office at (941) 366-1350 for eligibility, more information, and to enroll. Scholarships are made possible thanks to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and support from individual donors. “We’re proud to be able to offer scholarships to students whose families have been impacted by the current pandemic,” said Josh Ford, FST’s Director of Education. “Theatre is about exploring and processing our own emotions as well as really hearing the emotions of others. So these are the times when Theatre is so essential to build on our awareness, to understand that we’re all in the same boat, and to practice empathy. Theatre is also a really fun way to blow off steam! These scholarships are just one way that we can serve those who have served our community so fearlessly.”

With FST’s summer camps, young people have the opportunity to nurture their own creativity, build self-esteem, and gain emotional awareness. Intro to Little Theatre: Online helps students ages 4-6 improve coordination and confidence, while also learning how to express themselves authentically. In Intro to Children’s Performing Arts Camp: Online, students ages 7-12 will work with professional artists to create their own original theatre pieces. 

Photo courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

Catch the craving every Friday with a gold standard Fish & Chips meal now offered at your neighborhood Metro Diner. When image002.jpgguests bite into their Fried Fish Platter, they will enjoy two flaky fillets of wild caught North Atlantic cod – beer battered and fried to crispy perfection – served with creamy tartar sauce, coleslaw, seasoned fries and a garden salad to start for only $11.99. Make it a sandwich and eat up with fries and a pickle for $9.99. One bite and you’ll be hooked. Both meals are available for dine-in and takeout on Fridays only. 

Click to place an order.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota has received a $5,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance as part of an Emergency Community Support Grant to help independent agents give back to their local community during the COVID-19 crisis. Nominated by Lori Augustyniak of Horizon Insurance, the donation will go directly to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, an organization that delivers heart-healthy meals daily to more than 800 homebound seniors, veterans, children, and families.

“My team and I have worked with Meals on Wheels of Sarasota since 2015, and we are incredibly thankful for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance for stepping up to the plate and providing extra funds to help the community when we need it most,” said Augustyniak. “Meals on Wheels of Sarasota has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and the $5,000 donation will help them continue to make a difference in our community.”

Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have a rich history in supporting local and national causes on the corporate level with the Liberty Mutual Foundation, Safeco Foundation, the employee involvement program Liberty Torchbearers, as well as through its Independent Agent Giving programs.

"This means so much to us and the community we serve," said Marjorie Broughton, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota. "Funds will be used to help us continue to help people in need in Sarasota during a very challenging time."

In addition to the $1M emergency community support grants, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance already committed to invest $375,000 into local nonprofits in 2020 through the Independent Agent Giving programs, Make More Happen, and Change Agents.

“The goal of the Emergency Community Support Grants is to help our independent agents make an immediate impact during this critical time in the local communities where they live and work,” said Alexis Holzer, Program Lead for Independent Agent Giving at Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance. 

Click for more on Meals on Wheels.

Join The Players Centre for Performing Arts as we give back to the community with the SunCoast Blood Mobile! The Players is trying to give back to the community as much as possible during this time when we cannot produce live shows and June 10 from 3 to 6pm we’re doing just that. There is a great need for blood right now and you could save lives with one donation. For your donation you'll receive $5 off at Station 400, one voucher per donor to an upcoming Players 91st season production and $10 off at Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant (restrictions apply.) This way, you can help other local companies through this unprecedented time!

If you cannot donate yourself, no problem, just let others in your circle know about it!

Some interesting facts about blood donation –

How much blood can a patient use? It is difficult to put an exact figure on each type of procedure or illness, but listed below are general estimates for the top blood using events:

— Hip Replacement Surgery - 3 to 4 Units
— Leukemia Treatment - 6 to 8 Units
— Stab Wound Treatment - 6 to 12 Units
— Heart Surgery - 6 to 12 Units
— Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding - 5 to 50 Units
— Aortic/Abdominal Aneurysm - 5 to 50 Units
— Traumatic Organ Damage - 10 to 100 Units
— Liver Transplant - 30 to 150 Units

SunCoast Blood Centers provides a reliable supply of quality blood products and services to hospitals and health centers in need. Our singular purpose is to collect, test, process, match, store and distribute all the blood products required to serve the hospitals and health centers in our community. 

Schedule an appointment.

Mixon Fruit Farm is open and ready for business. During this challenging time, the Mixon's have made a few changes that they are very excited about and want to share. On Saturday , June 6th from 10 am - 3 pm the Mixon 's are having a craft fair with approximately 30 vendors.  "We are spreading them out through the plant to honor Social Distancing", says Janet Mixon. Mixon's has added a new Bee's and Butterfly's Education area.  This area will be available for everyone to spend some time to learn about the importance of Bee's to farmers.  They will also have Gabby Hermann, with the Lipizzan Horses and Monica Welde, with Bearadise Ranch  with information on all the things they are planning for the summer in Manatee County.  The Amazing Play Place, with the 20ft. water slide will be open, free to the public.  They will also be offering Bogo tram rides to see the animals.  So, come and enjoy some of the Mixon fresh juice for your vitamin C and explore the new items at Mixons.  2525 27th St E. Bradenton or Call for more information at 941-748-5829.  

Click for more info.

The annual fireworks show over the Manatee River, generally celebrated on Independence Day, July 4, will be moved this year to Labor Day, Sept. 7.  The decision to move the date of the fireworks was made by Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant, in consultation with Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea. The fireworks are set off over the Manatee River for spectators who gather on the Green Bridge and along the river on both sides. The show will launch at dark, which in early September will be around 8 pm. Mayor Poston allowed that moving the fireworks to Labor Day has a whole new meaning in light of the public health crisis.

“Having this event on Labor Day allows us not only to be more safe and confident from a public health standpoint, but it also allows us to properly honor those whose labor kept us going through the COVID-19 crisis,” Poston said. “First responders, law enforcement, health-care worker and grocery store workers, for example – so many people kept on working through this crisis, and we are all grateful. This fireworks celebration is to honor them.”

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant echoed Mayor Poston. “We look forward to celebrating all our red, white and blue collar workers this Labor Day, including the first responders, health care workers and business owners that have helped to sustain us during these unprecedented times,” Groover Bryant said.

"The annual fireworks display with our city partners is one of the most popular events for Manatee County residents on the 4th of July," Coryea said. "We appreciate everyone understanding that the celebration has been postponed in the best interest of public health and safety."

More details will be announced as the event nears. 

The Bishop Museum will reopen its doors to the public on June 3. “As an important part of the Southwest Florida community for more than 70 years, The Bishop is pleased to carefully begin welcoming guests back to our campus,” said Museum CEO Brynne Anne Besio. “We’ve made important changes — following the best guidance available from local and state governments, the Health Department and the CDC — to help keep our guests and staff as safe as possible.”

The Bishop has tens of thousands of square feet of space, making it easy for visitors to maintain social distance. We're also implementing some additional changes that you need to know about before your next visit: New hours with timed entry: 10am to 3pm Wednesday-Saturday, with timed entry at 10-11am, 11am-noon, noon-1pm and 1-2pm. Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, with timed entry at noon-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 pm.Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Seniors-only hours: Starting June 10, seniors 65 and older can exclusively enjoy the Museum from 10am to noon every Wednesday in June. Touch-free check-in — we strongly encourage guests to purchase tickets online in advance at www.BishopScience.org. Guests may also purchase advance tickets by phone at 941-746-4131.  New one-way traffic flow through the exhibitions — we will have new signs directing guests through the route. Staff and guests will also be required to wear masks. (Guests must bring their own.)

The Museum Store is also open and following new touch-free procedures. A wide selection of educational and fun products is available, including puzzles, children’s books, science kits and plushes of manatees and other animals. During this phase of reopening, The Planetarium and the Mosaic Backyard Universe will remain temporarily closed, and the Museum will have reduced ticket prices: Adults, $16; Seniors, $15; Youth/Student, $12; Ages 5-11: $10; and Ages 4 and younger, free with a paying adult. 

Click to check out the events calendar.

All Faiths Food Bank recently received grants and support for COVID-19 response efforts totaling $225,000 from the following organizations: The Stone Foundation, Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, The Florida Blue Foundation, Publix Supermarket Charities, Hancock Whitney Bank, St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church, Venice Lions Club, Iberia Bank, Tiny Hands Foundation, Siesta Key Chapel, Caldwell Trust Company, State Farm, Zenith, Saint Boniface Episcopal Church. 

Click for more info.

DOH Sarasota is set to host two by appointment only COVID-19 drive-thru or walk-up testing opportunities for Sarasota County residents next week. This community based COVID-19 testing is for anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting.

To date, DOH Sarasota has tested more than 2500 community members for COVID-19 during our community-based testing events. To make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Callers will be screened using current CDC testing criteria. Appointments are limited however more testing opportunities may be scheduled in the future. While these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walk-ups, and people on bicycles.

Mid-County: Tuesday, June 2, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Laurel Civic Association, 509 Collins Road, Laurel. South County: Wednesday, June 3, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port. Additionally, the State run COVID-19 testing sites in North County are available for those who are asymptomatic and would like to be tested. Walk-up COVID-19 testing at Robert L. Taylor Community Center is for anyone regardless of symptoms, 9 am to 6 pm daily. COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site at the Mall at University Town Center is for anyone 18 years or older regardless of symptoms, 9 am to 5 pm daily. 

Click for more info.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is pleased to announce that Mote Aquarium will reopen to the public with controlled capacity and timed entry on June 5, 2020. Mote Members have been invited to member preview days on June 3 and 4. Mote Aquarium has been closed to the public since March 16 for the wellbeing and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests returning to Mote Aquarium can expect a variety of changes that ensure a commitment to safety for all.

Face Coverings – Mote Aquarium visitors over age 5 and all Mote personnel will be required to wear CDC-recommended masks/face coverings to limit the spread of disease.
If a guest arrives to the Aquarium without a mask, a disposable mask will be provided to them.
Controlled Capacity – In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Governor of Florida, Mote Aquarium will operate below current statewide capacity requirements.
Timed Ticket Required – In order to accommodate controlled capacity, Mote Aquarium will use a timed entry system. Each operating hour will have a limited number of tickets allocated for sale/reservation.  Guests will be required to purchase tickets online that will only allow for entrance during a certain hour of the day. Mote Members will be required to reserve a time online for their entrance. Mote Members will receive instructions from Mote via email and Mote's website.
Limited Contact – In an effort to protect Mote guests and staff, many aspects of operations have been redesigned to limit contact. Admission sales will be limited to online only.
Mote’s gift shop and the Deep Sea Diner, which will reopen alongside the Aquarium, will be limited to cashless transactions and operate with other health safety protocols.
High-touch experiences like the animal touch habitats, hurricane wind simulator, and virtual reality experience are closed until further notice.
Social Distancing – Several aspects of Mote Aquarium operations have been adjusted in an effort to adhere to CDC recommendations for social distancing, Mote Aquarium entrance has been remodeled, and directional signage and reminders for social distancing have been posted.Parties are asked to be no larger than 10 and guests are asked to remain at least 6 feet apart from those not in their party. Mote Aquarium presentations and narrations are closed to avoid congregation.All Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff are practicing social distancing, reducing movement around the facility to what is necessary for operation only.
Health & Sanitation – Mote has committed to even higher standards of cleanliness around the Aquarium and entire facility, Mote asks that guests who are not feeling well should please remain at home.All Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff members are required to perform a temperature check upon arrival at work. Any staff who arrive at work with a temperature at or above 100.4°F, will be required to leave Mote property until such time that that individuals’ temperature can consistently be tested at a level below 100.4°F.
We have increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces in and around the Aquarium.
Additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed around the Aquarium and in behind-the-scenes staff areas, and will be continuously monitored for refilling needs. All areas accessible to members of the public have undergone measures to enhance both air circulation and filtration. These measures include air flow enhancement, UV treatment, and increased filtration. 

Click for summer camp programs.

COVID-19 has changed just about everything in our lives, and yet, our children continue to grow, learn and build the architecture of their brain during this time. This week is our final installment for the Spring in ways to support the healthy brain development of your child: the need for parents and caregivers to take a break.

Parents and Caregivers, Sometimes You Just Need a Break

Over the past several weeks we’ve talked about the importance of supporting our children’s brain health development during COVID-19, including: Executive functioning: Developing the essential skills that enable us to control impulses, make plans, and stay focused. Interaction: Practicing back-and-forth interaction with your child. Social Connections: Connecting socially in the era of social distancing. This week we’re talking about the importance of taking care of you. Sometimes, you just need a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything, it’s probably time to take a step back and give your own brain a rest. We are all struggling right now. COVID-19 has changed our lives and all of us — including you — are doing the best we can. It’s important to remember that you just can’t do it all.

By giving yourself a break, you are also helping your kids. Giving yourself a time out, models for your kids how to proactively walk away from a stressful situation or living in general, and refresh, restore and carry on. By taking some “me” time, you can come back from your break rejuvenated and ready to support your family's needs.