SRQ DAILY Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"This is all going a little off the rails here."
The divided nature of the Manatee County Commission went on full display Tuesday as the commission chairwoman Vanessa Baugh held onto her post in a narrow 4-3 vote. That occurred the same day the commission voted to part ways with County Administrator Cheri Coryea, who has appeared to maintain the support of the same three commissioners who voted to strip Baugh of her chair.
“This is all going a little off the rails here,” said Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse. “I’m talking about the last 90 days, not the last 90 minutes.”
Kruse, who was sworn onto the commission in November, had been the swing vote in pushing Coryea out, though the commission on Tuesday ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of a severance with the administrator that included $204,000 in pay.
But the biggest contention on Tuesday came courtesy of a push to take away Baugh’s gavel, if not drive her from office completely. Baugh was at the center of a controversy last week when the state coordinated with Lakewood Ranch to establish a pop-up site to administer 3,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Ron DeSantis faced national criticism when those shots were only made available in the wealthy community, though DeSantis stressed at a press conference last week the doses were supplemental to Manatee County’s regular allotment of vaccines.
Baugh helped negotiate the site, but faced greater criticism after asking that she and four others be put on a VIP list to receive the vaccine. The Manatee County Commissioner ultimately did not receive any dose of vaccine and issued a public apology after the Manatee County Democratic Party called for the Republican commissioner’s resignation over the issue.
“I have apologized to my constituents and my colleagues for a lapse in judgment,” Baugh said. “These petty partisan political calls are nothing more than the divisive politics our Nation needs to steer away from.”
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, also a Republican, read a state statute at Tuesday’s meeting and inferred that by seeking the special treatment Baugh may have broken state law. A complaint alleging the same is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office.
None of Baugh’s peers suggesting quitting her term early was warranted. But County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, the only Democrat on the board, made a motion to ask for Baugh to resign the board chair post and for the commission to remove her from it. “This was a bad decision,” Bellamy said of the VIP request. “There should be some consequences. We are misled about the power we have. We work for the citizens.”
Whitmore and County Commissioner Misty Servia voted in favor of the motion, but a majority of the board, including Baugh, shot it down.
County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, also elected in November, said ultimately commissioners are accountable to voters and no one else. He noted some called for his own resignation after he raised the issue of firing Coryea days after taking office, but every county commissioner has seen someone call for their job in the past few months. The board, though, should not respond to the outcry of the moment and instead start to focus on the good of the county long-term.
“We do have a lot of infighting up here,” he said, “and I’m ready for that to end.” 
Image from Facebook: Vanessa Baugh and Cheri Coryea.
LaunchPad4U is a comprehensive community resource center available for students, teachers, parents, and community partners. Designed as a learning lab where innovative pilot programs can be launched, it also serves as an extension of the College Career Life Readiness work being done in the Student Success Centers.
Above all, it is a place where 16- to 24-year-olds can find mentors, advisers and practical resources that enables them to optimize their full potential by creating an actionable plan beyond high school.
LaunchPad4U is a haven for teachers as well, where they are valued as high-level professionals, have choice in their professional learning, and can enhance their excitement about teaching.
It also serves as a convening place for community partner work groups from the collective, PLANit Sarasota; providing students and volunteer mentors with meeting space where they can build relationships with one another; and using workshop space for experimental learning activities.
More information is available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/LaunchPad4U and 941-927-0965.
Local music school Music Compound continued its tradition of "giving back" with a recent donation of $1,500 to the Child Protection Center. The funds were raised through the sale of craft soda advent calendars, titled "24 Days of Cheer." The kid-friendly items featured 24 craft soda flavors including butterbeer, sour apple, candied bacon, chocolate raspberry root beer, and more. Since its founding in 2016, Music Compound has donated more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
Pictured: Music Compound owner Jenny Townsend (left) with Child Protection Center community engagement associate Lou Ann Linn.
Today, beginning at 4pm, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will host a Zoom conversation with acclaimed writer and activist, Kevin Powell. Kevin Powell is a well-known literary, political, cultural, and hip-hop voice. He is a poet, journalist, blogger, civil and human rights activist, public speaker, filmmaker, former two-time candidate for the United States Congress, and an author or editor of 14 books. The event is open to anyone 13 years of age and older. At the conclusion of the program participants should be able to develop their voice for social justice; demonstrate positive ways of being an ally and/or advocate; know how to have those tough conversations around race and politics; access the keys to being a peacemaker making strides for social change; and get involved in their community to make a difference.
For more information and to receive the Zoom link, send an email by 2pm on 2/24/21 to Kevin.Powell@bgcmanatee.org.
Recent funding from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation focuses on supporting early learning needs, strengthening mental health supports, and building equitable pathways to education, healthcare, and legal services. Funds will also support the economic recovery of local arts organizations. “Addressing the systemic issues that impact generations of families requires sustained focus and effort,” says Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Barancik Foundation. “We are optimistic that the investment of these resources will lead to a brighter, more resilient community.” Grantees include: First 1,000 Days Sarasota, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, and Children First.
For the sixth year, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe – in collaboration with The Jazz Club of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Schools – will help history to come alive for area students. Jazzlinks is an integrated arts experience to help illustrate, through music and theatre, the contributions of African Americans in U.S. history. “While we prefer to be able to see students enjoying the performance in person, we are confident that our video resources and wonderful artist moderators will help them to gain an understanding of the subject matter in a way that’s much more fun and memorable than simply reading from a textbook,” said Jacobs. “We are also happy to bring an arts experience to many students who may not have the opportunity to enjoy live music or theater.”
New College senior Garland Hanson is working with All Faiths to initiate an investigative analysis of food insecurity among veterans throughout Sarasota County, increase participation at All Faiths’ existing Veteran’s Pantry by working to reach new clients, and identify and develop new healthcare and veteran-focused organizational partnerships to expand services to benefit veterans. “We recognize that, for area veterans, there are significant gaps in services and we would like to enhance and potentially expand our work with veterans beyond our existing mobile pantry,” said Amber Lee, Director, Data Analyst. We are grateful for the Arts & Humanities Internship Program, which is enabling us to benefit from Garland’s expertise and enthusiasm, with the goal of better serving area veterans.”
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Van Wezel Foundation announce Bilingual Virtual Family Literacy Nights. These free events are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm. via Zoom. Through these literacy nights, families have the opportunity to learn and play together through the arts and receive corresponding books, free of charge. Upon registration, families can select if they prefer to attend the workshop in English or Spanish. Teaching artists for the Zoom sessions create lessons using supplies that can easily be found at home.
Fashion Funds the Cure is proud to be returning to The Mall at University Town Center on March 6th. This inspiring fashion show features the dreams of pediatric cancer patients alongside professional models, live entertainment, and a silent auction all accompanied by a full dinner catered by Seasons 52. 5.The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is proud to have received a perfect score, 100%, for financial health and transparency as well as 9 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator
Animal care staff from The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature released two manatees, another successful release that will allow the two female manatees to return to the wild with the hope that someday they might help sustain and build the manatee population. “It was great being able to get Felicia and Viva back to the wild,” said Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care for The Bishop. "While they are a little too immature to reproduce at this time, we hope now that they’re back in the wild, they’ll continue to grow in size and experience to become successful mothers in the future.”
Images courtesy of The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Local urologist Robert Carey, MD, was honored for his pioneering work in the field of robotic surgery this month. Dr. Carey was honored by Intuitive Surgical, maker of the da Vince Robotic Surgical System, after reaching a milestone achieved by only a handful of Florida surgeons.
The New College Foundation announces the appointment of two new directors of philanthropy, Declan J. Sheehy and Marcia Crawley. “We’re very pleased to welcome Marcia and Declan to our leadership team,” says MaryAnne Young, New College Foundation’s vice president of advancement and executive director. “They each bring a new level of experience, initiative and knowledge to the Foundation at the perfect time.”
The Junior League of Sarasota’s 44th annual “Simply Sarasota” Tour of Homes will be March 5 – 7, completely virtual for the first time in the event’s history. This event will take a look into some of the most sought-after homes in the area, ranging in styles from modern, traditional, historic and new construction. All event proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Sarasota’s charitable community initiatives, including its signature project of Aging out of Foster Care. Tickets are $35-$45. The event can be viewed at the time of choosing and will be accessible via most devices.
National purchasing cooperative Sourcewell has awarded Sarasota-based Cruise Car a coveted four-year contract with an estimated annual value of $18 million. “We are thrilled to be selected by Sourcewell after a very competitive process,” said Nathan Kalin, President of Cruise Car. “We look forward to being able provide our flexible low-speed, street-legal vehicles to states, counties, municipalities and other public agencies across the country.”
A one-of-kind coastal retreat on Casey Key has entered the market for $19.9 million. Nestled on 3.5 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, this resort-like compound encompasses 120 feet of direct Gulf frontage and well over 1000 feet of Bay frontage. Located at 1900 Casey Key Road, the property is marketed exclusively by Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Downtown Sarasota office.
Cheers to the bars batching carryout cocktails so you can pour a socially-distanced one not far from the couch.
Click here for the full article in SRQ's February 2021 issue.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announces the following changes to the 2020-2021 season:
- Paul Anka – Greatest Hits: His Way on March 17, 2021 is being rescheduled to a future date.
- The South Pacific performances on March 29-30, 2021 have been rescheduledto April 14-15, 2022.
- Kenny G’s performance on March 31, 2021 is being rescheduled to a future date. for the new performance date.
- The Sweet Caroline Tour performance on April 21, 2021 has been rescheduledto March 1, 2022.
When students see themselves represented in science, everyone Wins. Join us for a week of free STEM programming featuring amazing women researchers working in marine science. Students at home and in the classroom will see lively science demonstrations and chat with actual scientists. Sign up for one or more days. Bonus activities will reinforce concepts covered during the programs. Recommended for students in grades 5th–9th. Recordings will be available to all registrants. Feb 23 - Jasmin Graham, Mote Marine Laboratory: In Danger of Becoming Endangered – In this program, Ross' favorite park is going to be bulldozed and is upset he's going to lose his favorite hangout spot. Krystan then compares that to habitat loss and brings in a biologist to explain that animals become endangered when they no longer have a place to live. Feb 24 - Ximena Arvizu, Eagle Ray Project - Mexican Caribbean ID? More Like IDK! – In this program, Ross is trying to identify different shore birds, but he is having a difficult time. He calls Krystan to see if she knows someone who can help. Krystan brings in an animal photo ID expert to teach Ross tips and tricks for field biology and what it takes to identify animals in the wild. Feb 25 - Dr. Katie McHugh, Chicago Zoological Society: Making Music with Marine Mammals – In this program, Ross is listening to whale calls as music and Krystan tells him that those calls are more than just music, but actually methods of communication. Ross doesn't believe her, so she brings in an animal acoustic expert to teach how animals talk to each other and how biologists are using animal sounds to help conservation efforts. Feb 26 - Laura Garcia Barcia, Florida International University: Say Bye to Bioaccumulation – In this program, Ross dropped his favorite snack on the ground and still ate it anyway. While Krystan is disgusted and tells him he shouldn't do that, Ross doesn't seem to take it seriously because it's just one piece and a few germs won't hurt. Krystan then compares this to bioaccumulation and brings in a biologist to explain that a few pollutants can quickly build into a large, toxic amount.
Kayaking doesn’t get much cooler than this. Take a break from the sun and join us for an evening paddle as we explore Florida’s coastal waters at dusk. Discover the animals that bring Sarasota Bay to life at night while taking a relaxing paddle on the moonlit water. Adults only, 18 years and older. Time varies depending on sunset. $36 for members and $40 for non-members. This month's full moon paddle will take place on February 27 and 28.
Join us this spring for Endless Oceans: Conservation in the Community. This semester-long course kicks off the first week of March and you do not want to miss it. Designed to give lifelong learners the opportunity to discover and explore the Gulf Coast's vibrant community of environmental conservation organizations, each class will feature Mote research and guest experts from local organizations working to promote environmental conservation. Students will complete a semester-long project on an environmental topic of their choosing. For this semester, we are once again all-virtual for classes (via interactive Zoom Meetings) and we have added an exciting option for local participants, 3 in-person, fresh air field trips. The semester runs from March 4 through April 15 and will take place from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, registration closes on March 3 and space is limited.
Tune in to our free, virtual Coffee with a Scientist featuring Dr. Andrea Tarnecki, Mote Staff Scientist in Marine Immunology, presenting "Mining Marine Microbes" on March 17 from 10am to 11:30am. For assistance with registration please call Susan May at (941)388-4441 ext. 392 or email: smay@mote.org.
Join us for this virtual, webinar style Teen Science Cafe hosted by Mote’s High School Interns on March 24 from 4pm to 5pm. Speaker will be Raquel Martinez, Youth Organizer, Alliance for Climate Education Presentation. Raquel will be speaking about the organization’s work in climate justice and sharing resources to engage the teens in climate action. In this Cafe, Raquel will bring climate change solutions to life and inspire the next generation to lead the charge against climate change. This program is for teens and pre-registration is required. This is a free program, but space is limited so register today.
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "March comes in like a lionfish," right? Well, of course, that's the idiom we say around a marine lab. But you might be wondering, what's the deal with lionfish anyway? Do they share any similarities with their carnivorous cat cousins? Believe it or not, yes they do and we ain't LION! For the MANE event on March 26 at 6:30pm, join Mote Marine Lab fish biologists as they team up with big cat conservation biologists to Lounge and Learn all about lions and lionfish. We take PRIDE in knowing you'll have a ROARing good time. Ages 21 and up. Registration closes at 5:30pm on the day of the event. Price is per connection. If you plan to connect multiple people from more than one device (phone, computer, tablet, etc.), you will need to purchase one ticket for each connection/device. This is a webinar-style, entertaining and interactive virtual program.
On Saturday, March 6 at 8pm Roy Book Binder will perform a live show at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. A limited number of in-person tickets are available. Tickets are $22 for members and $26 for the general public. Advance tickets are available at www.wslr.org. Roy Book Binder is the epitome of the singing, songwriting, storytelling Bluesman troubadour. Book Binder became a student and friend of the legendary Reverend Gary Davis in the early sixties, and subsequently toured with him in the late 1960s. It was from these early days he became equally at home with Blues and ragtime. Fogartyville will be operating under strict Covid protocols and there will only be a limited number of in-person seats available – mostly outdoors. Ticket buyers will have the option of purchasing 2 or 4 tickets and will have to provide the names of all persons in their party. There will be a temperature check at the door and those not abiding by the venue’s safety measures will be asked to leave. More information is available on the Fogartyville website at www.fogartyville.org.
Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens continues on the evening of February 24 at with cellist Dorothy Lawson (in collaboration with Selby Gardens’ “Lichtenstein Nights”). Acclaimed cellist, member of ETHEL, and Hermitage Fellow Dorothy Lawson will share her music as part of this special “Lichtenstein Nights” evening. Lawson is a founding member and artistic director, of ETHEL, one of America's most adventurous string quartets. She has performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the White Oak Dance Project, Philharmonia Virtuosi, the American Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and numerous new music ensembles. Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street. Ticket sales information to be released soon. Additional information will be available at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
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. Is food a commodity or human right? Dr. Aron Troen will discuss that securing a sustainable supply of abundant, safe, nutritious, and affordable food for this and future generations is one of the great challenges of our time. To feed our families and planet, we will have to invite both science and politics to the table on Thursday, February 25 at 10:30am.
If you or someone you know has decided to live at home alone (called “aging in place”) rather than moving to a senior living arrangement, you may want to brush up on some safety and wellness measures for being independent, healthy and comfortable in your own home. Consider an upcoming series of seminars sponsored by Youthful Aging Home Care at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key. Wednesday, January 20, 1pm to 2pm Falls Prevention, Staying Safe at Home. Wednesday, February 17, 1pm to 2pm Neuro-Nutrition, Eating Well for Brain Health. Wednesday, March 24, 1pm to 2pm Overcoming Isolation, Maintaining Connections at Any Age. Seminars are presented by Nicci Kobritz, President of Youthful Aging Home Care. Nicci is a nurse practitioner and geriatric specialist with more than three decades of experience in developing and managing health care services. Nicci has received awards and recognition for her home care services and her volunteer work. Read more about Nicci at www.youthfulaginghomecare.com. The Aging in Place seminars are being held via webinar OR in person (with social distancing and face masks) at The Paradise Center. Register in advance: 941-383-6493 or email SuzyBrenner@TheParadiseCenter.org to receive your weblink. Free for Members or $10/person.
Art Center Sarasota (ACS), The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), and the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative (SBAC) recently announced the winners of the 2021 “Black Muse” exhibition. The three groups collaborated to present this year’s exhibit, which solicited work from artists of African descent throughout the state of Florida. The exhibit was juried by Elizabeth Goodwill, MFA, education for Art Center Sarasota; and artist and SBAC board member Alyssa Lazin. The winning works will be presented virtually on all three organization's websites through March 5. The $1,000 first prizeaward went to Krystle Lemonias, a Jamaican-born artist who lives and works in Tampa. The $750 second prize was given to Jesse Clark, a Haitian-American photographer and Ringling College of Art and Design student. Honorable mentions went to Cora Marshall of St. Petersburg; Musa Kunene, a Swaziland-born student at Ringling College of Art and Design; and Greg Rumph, vice principal and Riverview High School in Sarasota.
Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a juried exhibition of original art showcasing the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. Forty-six artists created 79 pieces from intricate jewelry to glass sculptures. Visitors will have the opportunity to virtually meet the artists and the show’s judge Susana Weymouth at the virtual opening reception on Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82206474125. The show runs through March 20 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the closing reception. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery.
As we enter the festival’s 12th year, we are especially proud to present a premier line-up of 21 remarkable and diverse films that will impact, provoke, and move you. They are documentaries, narratives, tragedies and comedies, mysteries and love stories. Most have won awards and will have special meaning to our community of viewers. All films are being held virtually. During this time of COVID we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our Sponsors for their continued support of the Jewish Film Festival. In doing so, you are fulfilling our Federation’s mission and the tenet of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, ultimately, helping to provide our community much needed enjoyment. The Jewish Film Festival is one of many programs also sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The yearly Film Festival that attracts so many movie-goers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, is all about strengthening Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee. We hope you will leave energized, inspired and moved by the rich traditions and culture of Judaism found in movies celebrated around the world. See you at the movies.
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