SRQ DAILY Jul 13, 2020
Monday Business Edition
"The tests that they have done in vitro - in test tubes - are fabulous"
Hospitals in the region continue to face arising number of hospitalizations for COVID-19. But science and research locally also remains on the cutting edge of treatment and medical support.
The first trials in Florida for a dual-action antibody treatment for COVID-19 just took place at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Meanwhile, the Suncoast Science Center has turned its focus to producing more personal protective equipment while the SunCoast Blood Centers step up convalescent plasma collection.
On the treatment front, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is moving ahead with a trial at 150 hospitals nationwide, including three in Florida, for its REGN-COV2 treatment for those hospitalized after being infected with the coronavirus. Dr. Manuel Gordillo, SMH’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, spoke in a media call via Zoom about the trials, which began in Sarasota on Thursday.
Gordillo said this treatment relies on a specifically designed antibody to fight a spike protein attaching itself to cells. “The tests that they have done in vitro — in test tubes — are fabulous,” he said.”They completely obliterate the coronavirus at relatively low concentrations. This has been very impressive. It’s a feat of technology to the point the federal government has noticed that and have given the company a lot of support.”
Allison Warren, a spokesman for the hospital, notes SMH has previously been part of trials around Remdesivir and convalescent plasma treatments, some of the most successful medical ways found to date for addressing COVID-19.
On that front, SunCoast Blood Centers this week issued a call for plasma donation. Spokeswoman Meredith Dropkin said plasma has become the top preferred treatment in local hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients, and SunCoast Blood Centers is providing plasma at no cost to SMH, Manatee Memorial and eight other area hospitals.
The organization recently partnered with the Science Center, where a blood drive will be held July 29 from 11am to 4pm. The Faulhaber Fab Lab at the center has also worked to keep the region stocked with personal protective equipment. There, the COVID-19 Face & Shield Project has provided over 4,000 masks and shields to first responders and health care workers.
All the work becomes even more important as Florida becomes the latest national epicenter in growth in cases of COVID-19.
Sarasota County’s Department of Health last week tabulated the 100th death of an individual with COVID-19. The total cases, dating back to Florida’s first diagnosis of a Manatee County patient at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, were at 3,106 in Sarasota County as of Sunday morning. In neighboring Manatee County, officials reported a total of 5,112 cases and 138 deaths. 
Screen via SMH video conference: Dr. Manuel Gordillo
The State of Talent Conference (SOTC) is a premier one-day conference experience completely focused on the future of workforce and talent development. Powered by CareerSource Suncoast, with partnered host Game On Nation, this leadership-focused conference provides a unique insight into the current state of talent in the workforce. Each year, SOTC brings together some of the best speakers from across the nation focused on talent development to help businesses engage their most valuable assets. With 500+ attendees, participants leave with insightful management strategies, networking and inspiration from the lineup of speakers brought on. While the original live event was canceled this year in light of COVID-19, SOTC will now be providing a free and immersive digital experience on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Of the 10 speakers on board to present an engaging virtual presentation, SRQ connected with a few of the bright lights to hear what they're excited to bring to the table for our region's entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Natalie Johnson is an expert in individual and organizational performance with more than 30 years of experience creating strategies with employers, healthcare systems and carriers to improve company productivity as well as individual performance while maintaining balance, health and happiness. Natalie is an award-winning Health Coach, Performance Coach, Sports Nutritionist and Performance Trainer, and has received a variety of awards throughout her career including Healthcare Hero, Champion of Healthcare, Health Program Innovation Award, Corporate Wellness Leadership Award and Business Leader Woman Extraordinaire.
SRQ: What are you most excited to bring to the table for the SOTC conference this year?
Natalie: Real actionable strategies that people can use right away to help them navigate the change and uncertainty we currently face.
SRQ: Can you share what your seminar topic covers and how you chose this theme for the event—what was your inspiration?
Natalie: The Resilient Comeback – A focus on team and personal resilience. I chose this topic because the information applies to everyone regardless of your occupation. We are living in a time when it would be easy to succumb to the stress and show up in ways that do not make us proud. We have a choice. We can try to manage or we can be more intentional and do more than survive but thrive.
SRQ: What do you hope for participants to take away?
Natalie: I hope they take away that they have power and are in control of a big aspect of COVID and any other adversity they have in their life. You can’t always control the stress itself but you can most certainly control how you choose to respond. Choosing a response that aligns with you showing up as your best self will change the outcome. YOU can change your outcome.
SRQ: Do you have any practical advice or “a-ha” moments you had in your professional life that you can share with our readers?
Natalie: Yes! I had an a-ha moment that I share in my session. It focuses on our ability to re-frame even the hardest of circumstances so we change our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. You have to attend to hear about it.
Photo of Natalie Johnson, courtesy of VidL.
Register for the State of Talent live virtual conference here.
Manatees. Museum mysteries. Space. These are the topics on tap this year for The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s annual Summer Learning Day which will take place virtually this year because of social distancing guidelines.
This day full of free interactive online sessions is sponsored by Mosaic and will take place on Saturday, July 18, for students in grades K-8. Participating students will receive free passes to visit the Museum in person (accompanied by a grownup) and have opportunities to earn more for reading accomplishments.
“There are numerous studies that show children lose reading and math skills during the summer months when school is not in session,” said Brynne Anne Besio, CEO of The Bishop. “That’s why we’ve held free annual Summer Learning Day events at the Museum for the last several years. This year, concerns about summer learning loss are even greater because schools were closed early, and educators — and parents — had to quickly adjust to new online learning platforms for the last few months of the year."
Mattison’s Forty-One Restaurant will be temporarily closed beginning July 5th in order to continue interior renovations in the main dining rooms. Renovations in the private dining area, "The Galleria", have been completed and it is now available for private events. To schedule special events, call 941-315-8950. Mattison's Forty-One will re-open on or around Labor Day depending on how quickly the work is completed. Both Mattison's City Grille and Mattison's Riverwalk Grille are open for your dining pleasure and offer open-air, covered outside dining.
Williams Parker is pleased to announce attorney Michael J. Wilson has been appointed to serve as director of the Education Division and as a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee of the Florida Bar Tax Section for the 2020-2021 term. He also serves as a member of the Directors Committee and Executive Council and previously served as co-director of the Federal Tax Division and director of the Section Administration Division of the Florida Bar Tax Section.
For parents of students interested in the arts – especially those parents considering educational alternatives as the coronavirus continues to disrupt society – Music Compound has a new option. Music Compound is officially launching a new program, The Music Academy, for grades 3-8, that offers core curriculum through virtual means and then afternoon electives in the arts. Just 12 students will be accepted.
The program runs August 17 through May 21, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 - 4:00pm (hours are flexible). Students can attend 2, 3 or 4 days, and half-day options are available.
"As parents weigh their options for the coming year, we are pleased to offer an alternative that provides a solid core curriculum while making top-notch instruction available in music, dance and drama," said Music Compound owner Jenny Townsend. "With just 12 students and large rooms on-site, we will be able to keep the students distanced and will also encourage ample hand-washing and other healthy behaviors.”
The Players Centre for Performing Arts is proud to announce the winner of the 2020 Players New Play Festival held June 29 to July 3 through Zoom! This year’s winning play is The Manager written by Douglas Gearhart and directed by Alyssa Goudy.
Synopsis: Rusty is a little league manager who is facing divorce and is struggling with apocalyptic visions of a fallen world. In his final season as baseball coach for his son Axl, Rusty grasps at this one last chance to hang on to just a bit more childhood innocence before he discovers some harsh and embarrassing truths about his dad. But the season is coming to an end, and their future together as a family is uncertain.
“Congratulations to the winner! We had a very successful festival this year despite the switch to Zoom,” said Interim CEO and Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. “The purpose is to help foster these local playwrights and to help them develop these shows. I’m confident we still achieved that goal this year.”
Lakewood Ranch maintained its position as the best-selling multi-generational community in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2020 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 838 new home sales through the end of June of 2020, besting last year’s numbers by 2 percent. Lakewood Ranch’s overall second place position put it among the top-selling master-planned communities (MPCs) in the country for nine consecutive years.
“No question the outbreak has prompted a flight to quality,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president for LWR Communities, LLC. “Buyers across the demographic and geographic spectrum have, in many cases, accelerated their decision to purchase a home in Lakewood Ranch because it has all the qualities and conveniences of an established town with the added benefit of resort-level amenities in their neighborhood. “Lakewood Ranch’s open space, amenities, and extraordinary array of modern floorplans has become very attractive to those seeking to escape urban centers,” Cole continued. Today, Lakewood Ranch has three town centers, five neighborhood shopping centers, a medical center, A-Rated schools, over 120 miles of trails, 60+ clubs, premier sports complex, and over 1,400 businesses.”
When COVID-19 forced students out of their classrooms and into chatrooms, experts from local foundations and nonprofit organizations came together to help at-risk children stay on track and avoid academic regression. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and Community Foundation of Sarasota County are two of the key players in this community-wide collaboration.
“While teachers worked tirelessly to connect with their students in this new virtual space, a staggering number of children faced unique challenges at home that kept them from accessing, learning and retaining their schoolwork,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
Despite the remarkable efforts of schools and teachers, recent studies suggest children are more likely to experience an academic relapse due to the pandemic, otherwise known as the “COVID slide” or “COVID slowdown.” This concern is even more daunting for students who lack the resources and tools necessary to achieve state standards. Whether children are experiencing food insecurity or witnessing a parent file for unemployment, the pandemic has exacerbated long-standing opportunity gaps and threatens the livelihood of our community’s future leaders if they fall behind academically.
“With partners like the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, we’re closing the achievement gap this summer through our Great Futures Academy at no cost to local families,” said Sadlo.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded $160,000 from the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund and Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in support of this modified summer program.
Great Futures Academy was planned in accordance with the health protocols set forth by federal and local officials including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Florida Department of Health. With the highest safety measures in place, the program provides academic enrichment activities to a limited number of children between the ages of 6 and 12 who are either a student at a Title I school or a child of a local first responder.
The program features academic enrichment activities with supplemental curriculum designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and plan for success after high school graduation. Meals and snacks are also served to program participants at no additional cost.
Mote Marine Laboratory is bringing its 34th annual Run for the Turtles from its original home on Siesta Beach to you, wherever you are, with the first-ever all-virtual Run for the Turtles. Participate in the virtual 5K run or 1-mile fun run/walk any time during July 10-September 10, 2020, anywhere on Earth. Registration is $35 for each adult and $25 for each child (age 13 and younger). Registration is now open and closes at 12am the morning of September 10th.
The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS) is offering embossed mugs and art works by three local artists in a fund-raising raffle that ends on July 20th. “During these difficult times, we are deeply grateful for the support from our friends and donors. Unlike major arts organizations, we don’t have a large endowment to draw on,” said artistic director Ariel Serrano. “Nonetheless,” he said, “the school has reopened on a limited basis, strictly adhering to state and local safety guidelines, while providing training for students regardless of their ability to pay.” Individuals who donate at least $25 will receive a Sarasota Cuban Ballet School mug. These colorful mugs have been donated by a generous fan, Stan Rodbell. Anyone who donates between $100 and $499 will not only get a mug, but will be entered into a raffle for art donated by local artists Tony Reinemann and Nikitas Kavoukles. A donation of $500 or more is eligible for one of two copies of a signed limited edition photography journal from Xavier Photography.
A roundup of this year's paw-sitively paw-esome animal friends.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.
SRQ MEDIA is delighted to introduce the interns selected to participate in the company’s long-standing Summer Intensive Internship Program including Gabriella Alfonso, Grace Castilow, and Winona Nasser. Engaging with the team remotely, this year’s interns join the team to develop their applied knowledge in marketing and advertising, editorial and art and design.
SRQ MEDIA founded the program over a decade ago to provide young professionals entering or continuing their post-secondary work with context, exploration and deep dives into the areas in which they have found passion. Having hosted over 200 interns in the company’s 20+ years, SRQ MEDIA made a commitment to continue the Summer Intensive program during the CoronaVirus pandemic knowing the inherent challenges that have emerged in the media industry would be an incredibly rewarding learning experience for both the company and its interns.
DOH Sarasota has scheduled two by appointment only COVID-19 testing dates at the Venice Community Center July 15 and 16. DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available per day, appointments are required as demand for testing is high.
To be evaluated and to make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
Wednesday, July 15, 8am to 12:00pm at Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South on the island of Venice.
Thursday, July 16, 8am to 12:00pm at Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South on the island of Venice.
As a not-for-profit community organization seeking to continue its support of citizens during this time of need, SSC has partnered with SunCoast Blood Centers (SCBC) to host a blood drive and address urgent blood and platelet deficiencies. Local hospitals are relying on convalescent plasma as a first line of treatment for COVID-19 patients but there is a shortage of reserves to meet current patient needs. New blood and plasma donations are critically needed at this time. All successful blood donations made at the drive will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies at no charge.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic SCBC has relied on the generosity and support of our community. Many of our blood drives are canceled due to the virus so we are especially grateful to the Suncoast Science Center for hosting the upcoming drive,” shared Jayne Giroux, Director of Community Development for SCBC. “While we endeavor to provide the products needed for critically ill COVID patients, we must still provide blood products for those who are suffering traumas, going through cancer treatment as well as having major surgery.”
The blood drive will be held from 11:00am-4:00pm on Wednesday, July 29 at 4452 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233. Volunteer-led tours of the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab will be available for blood donors and visitors. In addition to the COVID-19 antibody test, all blood donors will receive a special memento designed by SSC students using the lab’s state-of-the-art equipment
1-866-97-BLOOD
SunCoast Blood Centers is putting out an urgent call for convalescent plasma to treat patients with life-threatening cases of COVID-19. If you or someone you know tested positive for COVID-19 and have fully recovered from the illness, please contact SunCoast Blood Centers to schedule a plasma donation. Your plasma now contains antibodies to fight the virus and could possibly save the life of someone critically ill.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment
contact: 941-993-8119 Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm or email covid19@suncoastblood.org.
941-993-8119, covid19@suncoastblood.org
Looking for fun and engaging programs that you and your child can do at home? Try these pre-packaged STEMventures. These themed packets delivered via email will include education materials and links to videos of our early childhood educators introducing topics and activities. Follow along with us from the comfort of your own home, pause when you need to and complete at your own pace. The Coast Counts: Join us to learn how humans and animals alike count on our coasts. Roleplay as a Mote scientist while learning how to monitor the health of Florida's coastal habitats and the inhabitants found there. Hide and SEAk: Ready or not, here we come: to learn all about how animals hide from predators and "SEAk" out their prey. Investigate the adaptations ocean animals have at their disposal like patterns, textures, bioluminescence, and more. Sea Shapes and Sizes: From the smallest plankton to the biggest blue whale; round pufferfish to arrow shaped barracuda; the ocean is filled with all shapes and sizes. Join Mote Educators to learn what this variety does for ocean animals then explore the shape of the ocean floor. Each Pre-Packaged STEMventure Theme: $45 for members, $50 for non-members. Upon registering for any OSM program, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your weekly Guide to help prepare for a virtual week with us. Supplies for all of our OSM programs should be easily found around the home. The guide you receive in your confirmation email will detail what you need so you can prepare for your OSM week.
Introducing Asolo Rep Young Artist: Online Classes, designed for ages 8-18. From demystifying Shakespeare to exploring innovative ways of creating theatre together, these classes will spark your young artist’s imagination and help to hone their theatrical technique. See below to find out more about the exciting content and amazing professional artists who will be leading these classes. Classes are $50 to $75 to register. Contact Asolo Rep Education & Engagement Department: education@asolo.org
Online Program.
We unleash the awesome power of The Planetarium during KidSpace, where kids can become scientific masters of the universe! Join us as we take off from the Earth’s surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome.
Cecile Moran, Art Uptown’s July featured artist, presents a rich series of paintings entitled Arboreal Conversations, teeming with color, form and mystery. They prompt viewers to think about the trees themselves and their interconnectedness to each other, us, and forests of the world. The artist realizes her bold compositions through a distinctive layering and resistance technique: paint is applied and removed in selected areas to reveal new and different color relationships. Cecile looks to Florida’s diverse tropical terrain for inspiration. She says, “The landscape here offers remarkable twists and turns that create an otherworldly appeal. My work contains images of plants and trees that give us life through the air that we breathe.” Further enriching the visual experience, many of the works are imbued with gold leaf to create a back light and glow. The painter credits her father’s influence – a sign painter by trade, he taught her the application of gold leaf techniques which he used with lettering applied to glass in his signage.
Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Summer vendors will offer produce, fresh baked goods including breads, pies, bagels and pretzels, wild-caught seafood, Florida-grown mushrooms, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, kettle corn, hand-crafted soap, essential oils, nursery plants and fresh-cut flowers. In addition, local artists will be attending the market offering award-winning photography, unique clay art and jewelry, hand-designed clothing for children and adults, and more. Market staff and vendors have created a CDC-compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for the community, states Farmers Market Manager Lee Perron. All staff and vendors will wear masks and gloves and sanitizing stations will be available. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the City of Venice in order to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines for food and personal safety. During the construction of Fire Station 1 and expansion of City Hall, the market will relocate out of the parking lot but will still operate at City Hall. The Farmers Market will set up on W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques, located between City Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis courts.
Venice City Hall, 401 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
Each three-class session focuses on demonstrations and a variety of watercolor techniques. Students with some previous experience will enjoy the freedom to experiment, create their own compositions, or paint along with the instructor. Instructor: Carolyn Merenda. Class Fee per Session: $140, members $125.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The State of Talent Conference is presented by CareerSource Suncoast and is the premier one-day conference experience completely focused on the future of workforce and talent development. This leadership-focused conference provides a unique insight into the current state of talent and what leaders need to do to tackle one of business’ most complex challenges, their people assets. While the original live conference was cancelled this year in light of COVID-19, we are pleased to provide a completely immersive digital experience. Free. Fully Immersive Digital Experience. 4+ CEUs (SHRM/HRCI).
Virtual.
Summer Camp will be virtual this year from June 15 to August 7, 2020! We have decided for the health and safety of our teachers and campers that we will host camp virtually. Camp hours: 10am – 3pm. Cost: $75 for members | $100 for non-members (youth membership is $25) for one week. Space is limited please register for the weeks that your child is interested in.
The Creative Kids Summer Camp is for ages 6-9 years old. The Emerging Artists Summer Camp is for ages 10-13 years old. Contemporary Studies Summer Camp is for ages 14-18.
A Supply List will be sent to parents a few weeks before the camp week starts. The supply lists contain basic materials that your camper will be able to use more than once and where to find them. The camp project packet will be downloadable, for printing at home, on the Friday before the camp week starts and contains the projects for the next week. A printed version of the Camp project packet will be available upon request for pickup at the Art Center the Friday before camp from 10-2pm.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Get ready for the biggest sale weekend of the season, presented by Venice Main Street and downtown merchants. This year is a little different as everyone will be practicing safe distancing and adhering to the CDC guidelines that are in place. With that said, bring on the holiday cheer. The businesses in Historic Downtown and beyond will have Christmas themed windows and a whole lot more.
Downtown Venice
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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