At least one new face will join the Sarasota City Commission in April. Without Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie seeking a second term, three candidates have filed for the District 3 seat: attorney Erik Arroyo, Arlington Park resident Dan Clermont and business writer Rob Grant.

Arroya jumped into this race last year, choosing to run for the local office instead of a state House seat. Long involved in local campaigns, he’s running this year for office himself. He feels District 3 had for too long languished without proper attention. “District 3 is working class people, folks who work there and who save up their whole lives to retire there,” he said. “People like my Mom, who worked a bunch of jobs just to make sure we could live in a place like this. And it gets the least amount of funding of all the districts.”

He points to poorly managed roundabouts and other community blight. He sent SRQ a picture of a toppling power poll, held up for the moment with a couple pieces of wood. While poor communities in North Sarasota receive significant amounts of redevelopment investment, and Downtown enjoys attention through city beautification in the city core, Arroyo said south Sarasota and Tamiami Trail often get neglected. That will change if a Commissioner who better knows the district holds office.  “I used to bike these streets,” he said.

Clermont said he’s focused on wastewater improvements and environmental issues with the campaign. Those are matters the city must pay closer attention to, and based on what he’s heard from voters, there’s growing public demand.”People know about the spill in Longboat Key, but they also know there have been many smaller spills, “ he said. “There’s responsibility here. It’s something to take care of here.”

Like Arroyo, Clermont has been on the trail more than a year, and feels good about jumping in early especially since the pandemic limited campaign fundraising and traditional campaigning for so long. The pandemic also made economic priorities a greater need in the district. “People are concerned about COVID-19 but there are really concerned about their personal economics and about the city. I try to bring a positive message.” He would work as a Commissioner to bring activity like a Fresh Market to Midtown Plaza. “With such a negative vibe in the news with politics and the virus, we can forget we live in one of the greatest places in the world."

Grant, a Sarasota High School graduate, has focused on planning issues in the city. Shortly after the city adopted a transportation master plan template, he said its important the input process be examined. The city got things backward, he said, by trying to make a master plan and then planning to adjust its comprehensive plan to comply with it. “The transportation plan should be complying with the comprehensive plan,” he said. “If city staff believe the comprehensive plan need to be changed, that should occur first, and then we can move forward with whatever we want to do next.”

A late entry to the race, Grant has worked to set himself apart on a number of issues. He notes he’s the only candidate vocally opposed to putting another strong mayor charter amendment in front of voters. He praises the current Commission make up as it reads in the charter, with every resident of the city represented by one district commissioner and two at-large commissioners. A strong mayor, he said , would alter the power dynamic of the board in a negative way. He also feels the creation of a mauor would introduce partisan politics into city races. “I’m focused on inclusiveness and unity , and a strong mayor is really about divisiveness.”

Photos: Dan Clermont (left), Erik Arroyo (top), Rob Grant (bottom right)

Trust is paramount when it comes to money matters, and one word makes working with Allegiant Private Advisors a safer option for clients: fiduciary. 

What does this term mean? Simply stated, being a fiduciary is a legal obligation to do what’s in the client’s best interest, without regard to self-interest. There is a huge advantage working with a fiduciary advisor like Allegiant.

“Part of the reason our industry sometimes gets a bad rap is because people think of financial advisors as salesmen who make commissions, often incentivized to sell their own company’s products,” says Allegiant’s President, Benjamin (Ben) W. Jones, CFP^®, AIF^®. (Recent SEC regulations are designed to make all brokers also adhere to a Best Interest Standard but legal interpretations and enforcement remain an unknown.) “The best and only way we can be advocates for our clients is to act as their fiduciary.” 

Allegiant is a fully independent, fee-based firm of wealth advisors, financial analysts, portfolio managers and customer service professionals. Allegiant’s advisors are not salespeople; however, they are required to serve their clients financial planning needs. There is no incentive compensation, no product sales, and all employees are salaried. In all, it is a culture of professional excellence that is solely client focused.

Read More about Allegiant Private Advisors HERE

First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (FTSM) — an organization founded in 2000 with the primary goal of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf – announces $9,494 gift from North Florida PGA Members of the Southwest Chapter at their Chapter awards ceremony at Laurel Oak Country Club.

Through the Southwest Chapter’s PGA Golf Day campaign, the charitable total was raised directly by the hands of PGA Professionals in the Sarasota/Manatee community. “PGA Professionals have a particular affinity for helping children,” states Lakewood Ranch Teaching Professional, Jeff Bourdrie, PGA. “All of us had mentors in our lives who not only taught us golf but also taught us valuable life lessons in how to be good human beings.”

FTSM Executive Director, Lexi McKenney said, “We are thrilled to have the support of PGA Members in the Southwest Chapter. This is a great golf community and PGA Members are the backbone. Their generous donation will further advance the First Tee and Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association mission here, especially during these unprecedented times dealing with COVID-19.” 

Click here for more information.

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is delighted to announce that the nonprofit theater has been awarded a $45,000 “Arts Appreciation” grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. These grants were given to cornerstone Sarasota arts organizations, enabling them to concentrate on what they do best: advance their artistic missions. Thanks to Gulf Coast, these funds will provide key support for FST’s Winter Mainstage and Cabaret Seasons, which will begin in early 2021. “In these uncertain times, we are thankful for the support of organizations like Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. “They recognize the importance of art in our community, and this grant will enable us to do what we’ve done for the past 47 years: produce the best in contemporary theatre at an affordable price.” 

Having appropriate technology and internet access is vital for obtaining information and job-seeking; in our community, many low-income adults and students are at a disadvantage because they lack the tools or sufficient access to the internet. Goodwill Manasota and the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) have come together to meet this high-priority need, launching a pilot program that provides devices, internet service, technology support, and digital skills training to low-income women in the region.

“The digital divide is particularly relevant at a time when in-person interactions among people are limited and virtual interactions are vital,” said WRC president & CEO Ashley Brown. Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky added, “Our goal in this effort is to ensure that all individuals have affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and the devices and skills to effectively navigate the digital world.”

The pilot stage will engage up to 10 low-income women referred by and already receiving services from the partner organizations. The clients will create individualized development plans with a Goodwill GoodPartner Coach and WRC Mentor (or Career Coach), who will work as a team to support the clients throughout the training process. WRC will provide the digital device, local nonprofit Sarasota Technologies User Group (STUG) is donating 10 Microsoft Office licenses, and a Goodwill computer instructor will develop a customized computer training plan that the participants will complete on their new devices. 

Pictured: Jamara James is a participant in the digital equity pilot program, which is being presented by Women's Resource Center and Goodwill Manasota.

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CenterPlace Health is excited to welcome Licensed Clinical Psychologist J. Bart Hodgens, PhD. He provides general psychological services with an emphasis on diagnostic evaluation (including autism spectrum disorder), parent education, and behavioral interventions. Dr. Hodgens is accepting new patients at CenterPlace Health’s Ringling Health Center. 

For more information, visit www.centerplacehealth.org or call 941-529-0200.

Many of us are experiencing financial impacts as a consequence of COVID-19, along with increasing summer utility bills. Investing in energy efficiency measures may be a simple, and low-cost solution. On Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT Partners for Green Places will engage with small businesses and nonprofit organizations about how to save money and take climate action at the same time. During this free, one-hour webinar participants will hear from local business owners, nonprofits, and sustainability experts to learn about the community-wide movement, Partners for Green Places, and how investing in sustainability for your organization can provide significant savings and drive us toward a greener future. 

Click here to register.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS) recently elected  Attorney David Shapiro and Dr. R. Dean Hautamaki, MD, FCCP to its Board of Directors.“We are so pleased that David and Dean have agreed to serve on the JFCS Board,” says JFCS Board Chair Dean Miller.  “They will undoubtedly make significant contributions to our ongoing efforts in serving our community.” 

John Cannon, president and CEO of John Cannon Homes, announces the opening of the company’s newest model home, The Kylie. Located in the Cassia neighborhood at Skye Ranch, The Kylie is offered at $1,499,900 with an 18-month net leaseback that includes furnishings and homesite. The Kylie by John Cannon Homes represents an exciting transitional mixture of coastal and modern architecture. The Kylie is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am – 5:30pm, and Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Private tours are also offered and can be scheduled by calling 941-302-4097.  

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that the following associates have affiliated with the company’s Sarasota area office locations Greg Krome, Downtown Sarasota and Caroline Remillard, Lakewood Ranch. “We are very happy to welcome these new associates to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Budge Huskey, president and chief executive officer. “Their real estate industry experience, deep knowledge of the Sarasota region and commitment to excellent service lead to making customers for life. We are so pleased to work with these talented associates.” 

Click here for more information.

CenterPlace Health is excited to welcome dentist Francis M. Curd, DDS, DMD, FICD, FACD. During his career, Dr. Curd has made a significant mark on advancing the profession of dentistry through his dedication to teaching, serving patients, engaging in research, and contributing to curriculum at numerous academic institutions all while maintaining a focus on mentoring students. Throughout his career, he has been a leader not only in raising awareness of dental health disparities, but in effecting change. “As he continues to recruit and mentor bright minds to careers in dentistry, his goal is to ensure that diversity and inclusion are truly honored in our profession,” adds Madge Potts-Williams, DDS ’81 who credits Dr. Curd with encouraging her to pursue dental medicine. He recruited her to join him at LECOM as an assistant professor of operative dentistry. 

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.

DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available per day, appointments are required as demand for testing is high. DOH Sarasota is prioritizing COVID-19 testing 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, recent loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting.

To be evaluated and to make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Wednesday, July 29, 8:00am to 12:00pm - Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South on the island of Venice.

Thursday, July 30, 8 a.m. to 12:00pm - Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 West Price Blvd, North Port. While these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walk-ups, and people on bicycles.

The following state-run COVID-19 testing sites have been established for anyone regardless of symptoms, with no appointment necessary. 

• Robert L. Taylor Community Center Walk-up testing site, located at 1845 34th St. Sarasota, open 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, or until capacity is reached.
• The Mall at University Town Center Drive-thru testing site, located at 299 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, open 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, or until capacity is reached.
• Publix at Port Charlotte Crossing, located at 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm,or until capacity is reached.

Click here for more information.

Florida’s mangroves and bayous are crucial to our state’s environmental health. Author Gayle Guynup spoke with Chief Implementation Officer, Bill Waddill, about The Bay's Mangrove Bayou and how mangrove's help stabilize the coastline ecosystem and prevent erosion along with how this impacts the future of the park.

As construction of Phase 1 continues, visitors to The Bay may notice the removal of some trees on site. In its current state, The Bay site is roughly 75 percent parking lot, but as progress continues, the area will become 75 percent open park space with thousands of additional trees planted during the various development phases. Phase 1 alone will have 100 new shade trees.  

The Bay Park Conservancy, 655 North Tamiami Trail

Click here for more information.

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie now open extended Sunday hours from 11:00am-8:00pm. Dine in and take out. Offering 35 percent off online ordering and $45 for family value meals.  

Libby's Sarasota, 1917 S Osprey Avenue, 941-487-7300