SRQ DAILY Feb 11, 2021
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"At its heart, interior design is a form of alchemy, a process that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary."
Manatee County Commissioners will part ways this month with County Administrator Cheri Coryea. Next, leaders in Manatee County have expressed interest in hiring former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines to the post on an interim basis, but School Board Member Scott Hopes has also expressed interest in the job.
Commissioners on Tuesday canceled a planned meeting to discuss terminating Coryea, set up months after she survived a post-election effort to install new leadership after the November elections and days after County Commissioner George Kruse said he felt threatened an extramarital affair would be disclosed following an informal meeting with County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and arranged by Coryea’s office. The political tumult has led to divisions within Manatee County since November.
Hines, an Osprey attorney, said he’s been looking for a way back into local government since term limits forced him to retire in November after two terms. He’s considered taking a job in lobbying. But Manatee County Attorney William Clague received permission Tuesday to discuss the interim post with Hines. The former Sarasota County elected official said he will speak with commissioners in coning days about the possibility.
But he feels confident he can bring the understanding of a county policymaker to the administrative post. “The right balance falls between someone who says I’m controlling things and just going to the commission to ask for approval on a done deal versus someone who is hands-off completely and nothing happens without a meeting,” he said.
He demurred when asked about applying for the job long-term. “I don’t have it yet on a temporary basis,” he stressed. But he did say with decades of experience as an attorney before holding office, he brings experience in law, as a business owner and as an elected official to a job that could benefit from all those things.
Right now multiple county commissioners expressed confidence Hines could hit the ground running, including Coryea supporter Whitmore and critic Vanessa Baugh. Commissioner Misty Servia noted he has experience with searches for three Sarasota County Administrators.
Hopes’ name also came up from some commissioners. The Manatee County School Board member has looked into the issue enough to learn through the Ethics Commission there would be no legal requirement he resign his elected office to take the county position. He said he’s talked with county commissioners about potentially signing on to the job on a one-year contract. “My position is with these executive positions, if someone is looking for longer than a one-tear agreement they have no confidence in their ability to succeed and they want the protection,” he said.
Hopes also brings a range of experience. He oversaw a $15 billion budget in Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration in the Agency for Health Care Administration, but also has served as chairman and CEO of Healthcare Management Decisions, where he’s worked 31 years. He served on the University of South Florida Board of Trustees and continues to teach there and at LECOM.
And County Commissioners also briefly discussed hiring former Manatee County Schools Superintendent Rick Mills. 
Blending the timeless with the unexpected, Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors creates exceptional living and working spaces.
“At its heart, interior design is a form of alchemy, a process that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. However, as processes go, it’s not a simple one,” said Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB, and a principal at Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors.
“There is a lot to be considered, which is why collaboration with clients is so important. Fueled by a deep understanding of each client and their vision,” Sparkman said, “We aim for a design that never ages while pushing boundaries and incorporating new ideas, textures, and concepts.”
Regarding the interior design of commercial projects, said Sparkman, the goal is to add value with effective space planning that contributes to productivity. “The modern workplace must be comfortable and energizing,” he explained, “creating an atmosphere of purpose and activity.”
The architect is joined in this pursuit by Sweet Sparkman, lead designer Eloise Abraham. “We take great joy in helping clients create environments that accurately reflect them and their own stories,” Abraham added. “That’s why we want to serve as more than just designers; but confidantes, who listen, learn, respond—and above all, care.”
To learn more, download the Sweet Sparkman Interiors capabilities overview here.
Couples looking for a Latin-inspired Valentine’s night out can head to El Melvin Cocina Mexicana in downtown Sarasota, which is offering a special three-course El Amor tasting menu for two for $69/couple from February 10-14. The tasting menu can also be enhanced with El Melvin’s drink special, a love-induced Pomegranate Margarita, offered for an additional $10/person. Menu items include everything from a tuna poke tostada starter to surf and turf tacos with housemade corn tortillas to a roasted pineapple ice cream dessert.
Advanced reservations for Valentine's Day are highly recommended and can be made by calling 941-366-1618.
An architectural masterpiece in Lakewood Ranch has sold for $3.5 million. The gated French chateau-style estate, located at 15514 Anchorage Place, boasts almost an acre of manicured gardens and a magnificent lake view. Jim Soda, Donna Soda and Laura Stavola, of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lakewood Ranch office, represented the seller; Stephen Downes of Dwell Real Estate brought the buyer.
Nailed It DIY Studio, at 5537 Palmer Crossing Circle, will host a Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 27 at 10am. The opening festivities will include studio tours, DIY demonstrations, party booking opportunities and complimentary projects for guests to create on site. This free event is open to the public and will feature fun giveaways, sweet treats, and raffle drawings at the top of every hour until 4pm. Nailed It is bringing Sarasota the Ultimate DIY Experience. Guests will learn to safely use power tools while being guided through the steps to sand, build, paint, design, and create a project as unique as they are. Guests at any level of experience will feel right at home with the help of highly-trained “Art-Tenders” leading them through their project. Nailed It offers flexible DIY open studio time to fit any schedule and food and beverages can be brought into the facility. Nailed It DIY Studio in Sarasota is owned and operated by Michelle Bianchi and Michelle Rinaca Kenner. This dynamic duo has roots in the non-profit world as well as graphic design and marketing. Together they are ready to share their ingenuity and aptitude in crafting to deliver the Ultimate DIY Experience. The Clark Road and Honore location is the first of three planned locations in the area.
The Junior League of Sarasota’s 44th annual “Simply Sarasota” Tour of Homes will be February 26 & 27, 2021, completely virtual for the first time in the event’s history. This virtual event will provide a look into some of the most sought-after homes in the area, ranging in styles from modern, traditional, historic and new construction. Hosted by John McCarthy, Vice President of Historic Spanish Point at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, general admission tickets are $35 in advance through February 22 and then will increase to $40.
Debi Reynolds a Realtor with Florida Suncoast Real Estate has earned the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, placing her among 3,500 elite real estate professionals in over 45 countries. The designation was awarded to her by the National Association of REALTORS® for completing rigorous coursework devoted to learning international real estate practices and demonstrating proficiency in international business.
You can contact Debi Reynolds at 941-799-1568 or email her at debireynoldshomes@gmail.com
Based on Federal order of all public transit systems, including Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT), are required to have all passengers wear face coverings. The order requires all public transportation operators to ensure that any person on the bus or transit vehicle wears a mask when boarding, disembarking, and to use best efforts to ensure compliance for the duration of travel.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently awarded Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) five grants totaling more than $728,000. The funds will be used to help purchase equipment for Cardiovascular Services and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “The Healthcare Foundation is so grateful for the generosity of our donors,” said Mason Ayres, president of the Healthcare Foundation. “It is with their support that we can continue to fulfill our mission to provide support to SMH in the areas of patient care and technology, helping to ensure that exceptional healthcare is available to everyone in the community.”
Check out all the incredible feature articles in SRQ Magazine's February 2021 edition.
Click here to read the feature articles from SRQ Magazine's February 2021 edition.
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast is pleased to announce that the PMP Alumni: At Home free virtual recital featuring the Ariel Quartet, postponed from January, will be released on February 18, 2021. In 2003, The Ariel Quartet was invited by The Perlman Music Program to attend its very first Chamber Music Workshop on Shelter Island, NY. Between 2011 and 2016, the quartet was a frequent visitor to Sarasota and Manatee counties, performing at the Sarasota Opera House, the Venice Performing Arts Center, and other community venues, as well as participating in education outreach programs in local schools. Hailed by The Washington Post as “...a blazing, larger-than-life performance...” and distinguished by its virtuosity, probing musical insight, and impassioned, fiery performances, the Ariel Quartet has garnered critical praise worldwide over the span of nearly two decades. Formed in Israel as teenagers at the Jerusalem Academy Middle School of Music and Dance and celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2020-21, the Ariel was named recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, granted by Chamber Music America in recognition of artistic achievement and career support. The ensemble serves as the Faculty Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where they direct the chamber-music program and present a concert series in addition to maintaining a busy touring schedule in the United States and abroad.
Box of Squirrels will play on February 10, 12 and 13. It was written and performed by Dennis McSorley. The tale paints the picture of a young man and his serendipitous start in teaching. Doubt and fear and uncertainty open a door he discovers. Who he meets through it become life long connections to trust and learning from others shaping his life in wondrous ways. A native New Yorker based in Vermont, he's been doing theater and storytelling over 20 years, even fooling the Brighton Fringe Festival UK into a Best Actor Nomination. His three solo works have been performed in Solo Festivals in NYC, Prague, Providence RI, Waterbury VT and SaraSolo! 'Typhoon of Tenderness' was cited for excellence in Prague in 2016 and received the "Best Drama" nod at The 2019 SaraSolo Festival.
Fill your shopping bags for the week every Sunday, November through April, 10am to 2pm at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch. Located in the parking lot of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Available products include seafood, milk, cheese, bread, butter, cold-pressed juices, jams & pickled deliciousness, fresh pasta, ready-to-eat foods, honey, soap, truffle oils, mushrooms, popcorn, gulf sea salt, and knife sharpening.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
What is this thing called love? Sarasota Orchestra will serenade you “Night and Day” until “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”. This Valentines Week program, from February 11 until Febriary 14, 2021, features treasured tunes by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Puccini, and more. Feel your heart and soul sing along to the music. $10 Streaming Access from February 18 through 23.
Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trail
In a high-speed world, information is more accessible than ever before. But what happens when the very science you turn to for answers raises even more questions? Playwrights Thomas Gibbons and Jacqueline Goldfinger discuss their plays in progress on February 11, 2021 at 11am - both asking the question: are so-called technological "advancements" helping or hurting humanity's future?
The online presentation, "The History of Sarasota County", is scheduled for Thursday, February 11 at 11am. Attendance is free, but you must register to attend. A grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is underwriting this webinar. Discover the intrigue, drama, and perseverance that sparked Sarasota District civic leaders in 1921 to break from Manatee County to create Florida's 62nd County. Learn how the Tamiami Trail and the 1920s Florida land boom impacted the formation of Sarasota County - and how visionary Sarasotans persevered to fulfil their dreams and economic ambitions as they led a county independence movement. Come listen to Dr. Frank Cassell, a nationally known historian, and author of the book "Creating Sarasota County" as he recounts all this and more in an exciting, thought-provoking, and fascinating presentation.
Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era with Journalist Jerry Mitchell. A Zoom Author Visit on February 11 at 7pm. A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era: On June 21, 1964, more than twenty Klansmen murdered three civil rights workers. The killings, in what would become known as the “Mississippi Burning” case, were among the most brazen acts of violence during the civil rights movement. And even though the killers’ identities, including the sheriff’s deputy, were an open secret, no one was charged with murder in the months and years that followed. It took forty-one years before the mastermind was brought to trial and finally convicted for the three innocent lives he took. If there is one man who helped pave the way for justice, it is investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell. Jerry Mitchell has been a reporter in Mississippi since 1986. A winner of more than 30 national awards, Mitchell is the founder of the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting. The nonprofit is continuing his work of exposing injustices and raising up a new generation of investigative reporters. There is no charge for this event. There is the option of a $7 charge for this event to help defray the cost. Reservations required for Zoom link.
Eager to bridge the void of excellent jazz performances created by the pandemic, WSLR+Fogartville and the Sarasota Jazz Club have joined forces to present a series of four concerts featuring some of the best jazz talent in the area. The Bridge Jazz Series will kick off on Thursday, February 11th with performances by ARIELLA and The Barker Project. The first concert in the series will be virtual only. For the next shows in the series, Fogartyville will be offering limited in-person seating with strict health and safety guidelines in place. Virtual gates will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for Sarasota Jazz Club and WSLR+Fogartyville members, $15 for non-members, and $25 for those that will host a watch party. Tickets are available at www.wslr.org. Infusing funk, jazz and samba with blues, soul and tango, award-winning touring duo Ariella and Nicolas Kraster have created a memorable ear-catching sound. Formed in September 2013, they quickly became one of the top acts in the Sarasota area, as evidenced by their nomination for best local group in Tampa Bay and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. Ariella combines stunning melodies with infectious grooves and great beats, in order to create a catchy, yet direct and edgy sound. The Barker Project is a young, energetic group of talented musicians under the leadership of bassist Johnnie Barker. With two vocalists and a horn section, The Barker Project takes jazz and fusion to a new place. With their unique interpretations, improvisation and innovative stylings, The Barker Project delivers cutting-edge sounds that delight and surprise with each performance. In addition to Barker, members include Aaron Washington (drums), Liam Kaiser (guitar), Camilo Molina (trumpet/flugel), DeAntonio Dublin (keyboards), Petra Greenidge (vocals); and Marc Dortch (vocals).
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. News outlets besiege followers of global news with reports, analyses and opinions on the big events of the day. But what happens after the media move on to the next big story? Amb. Chamberlin’s presentation looks at crises that are still threatening but have faded from the front pages on Thursday, February 11 at 10:30am.
Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead and Sarasota County Centennial 2021 are partnering to present a free webinar celebrating Sarasota County’s 100th anniversary on February 11 at 11am. A grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is underwriting this webinar. Discover the intrigue, drama, and perseverance that sparked Sarasota District civic leaders in 1921 to break from Manatee County to create Florida’s 62nd County. Learn how the Tamiami Trail and the 1920s Florida land boom impacted the formation of Sarasota County—and how visionary Sarasotans persevered to fulfill their dreams and economic ambitions as they led a county independence movement. Come listen to Dr. Frank Cassell, a nationally known historian, and author of the book “Creating Sarasota County” as he recounts all this and more in an exciting, thought-provoking, and fascinating presentation.
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