SRQ DAILY Jul 19, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"As we're looking for mitigation strategies for red tide, we're not only looking at the water quality impacts of treatment options, we're also looking for potential impacts on the benthic and fish communities,"
After spending years working in the nonprofit and cultural arts sector, Tammy Hauser felt excited as she took on a different business venture. In 2018, she launched Discover Sarasota Tours to give bus tours of Sarasota, and while she suffered through a slow tourism year thanks to red tide, she found serious success in 2019.
“As we were going into 2020, we were looking at running three sold out trolley tours a day,” Hauser recalled. "I had thousands of tickets just booked and was over the moon.”
She got so excited about a career on wheels, she found herself buying a classic ice cream truck as well, which she dubbed The ChillMobile. Successful and chill, she was mobilized for an adventure. It just wasn’t the one the whole world embarked upon.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit virtually every sector of the economy hard last spring, but the hospitality industry took a particular bruising. On March 20, 2020, a statewide lockdown closed down the trolleys. But food delivery services were deemed an essential service by the state. As every business made a COVID pivot, Hauser turned attention full time to ice cream.
“I had the truck and zero knowledge of ice cream or how to do it,” Hauser said. “The first few weeks were so frightening. When I would go out, I might be the only one out. Maybe Amazon, myself and a couple other food trucks. It was like a post-apocalyptic movie.”
Social media helped.
“During this difficult year, social media has been a critical part of my success - from finding my truck on Facebook Marketplace to reaching and building a loyal customer base through my Facebook and Instagram pages.”
Then she started working with Visit Sarasota County and talking with homeowners’ associations and the arrival of the ice truck was turned into a legitimate event. She’s bring her truck into neighbrohoods and go door-to-door to serve families one at a time while maintaining social distancing. “I would have 200 people come out as I drove from driveway to driveway,” he said.
Eventually, the busses started running and Discover Sarasota Tours was back on the road, first booking for small groups and eventually offering full service again. “We are busier now than I had been in season two years ago,” she said.
She has a staff largely running the trolley business, though. Hauser herself remained focused on scooping ice cream. But the reopening of Florida also impacted that business. The emergency model of selling ice cream driveway to driveway no longer makes sense. Hauser has started serving at conferences and special events. On Sunday, she celebrated National Ice Cream Day at Bayfront Park, offering half off Lickity Splits ice cream cups.
“I love the spirit of this truck; it’s almost a calling,” Hauser said. “I’ve been working a long time. I have had more of a spiritual connection to me in this than anything I’ve ever done.” 
Photo courtesy Tammy Hauser
Published in the July magazine, In Conversation: The State of Real Estate showcases five local experts in the real estate and construction field. Below is an excerpt from the discussion in which Budge Huskey of Premier Sotheby’s International Real Estate shares insight about his thoughts on the future of the residential market.
ARE WE EXPERIENCING A BOOM IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET? WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
I don’t like to use the term boom because it implies a bust. I was around during the last one, and that truly was terrible, but this is real people, real demand, real money, real desirability to the market. We’re not going to be able to sustain the same pace of sales that we’ve had in probably the last six to nine months, but the demand is going to continue to be there. I see values being permanently reset in the Sarasota market in the new construction and resale. I believe that we are going to increasingly become more like some other areas of the country, and whether that’s a good thing or not, you could argue. Increasingly though, if you want to live here, you’re going to have to have the economic means to do so because that’s the realities of supply and demand and the market forces that are currently in play.
This is an excerpt from the In Conversation with Leaders in Real Estate and Construction published in the July 2021 edition of SRQ Magazine. Click here to see the full article.
The law firm of Blalock Walters, P.A. is pleased to announce attorney Mark Barnebey, director of Florida Municipal Attorneys Association (FMAA) executive board, was elected to serve as the organization’s treasurer for 2021-2022.
Jennifer Topjun has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group as a Realtor in the Sarasota office. The Sarasota office is located at 2000 Webber Street. Topjun can be reached at (941) 374-0969 or jentopjun@gmail.com.
Tom Tryon, a former opinion editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and David Lyons, a former international executive for The Coca-Cola Company, have joined Second Heart Home Inc.’s board of directors.
IAS Marketing Services, a full service marketing and advertising agency based in Sarasota, Florida, is pleased to announce the hiring of our new Digital Marketing Associate, Katie Kleinkopf.
Siesta Beach will host the state’s top lifeguards for the 2021 United States Lifesaving Association James “Mac” McCarthy Memorial Surf Lifeguard Championships July 21 and July 22. Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier said, “Hosting this competition gives Sarasota County the opportunity to thank lifeguards for all they do to protect citizens and visitors alike along our beaches and those across the state."
A bloom of Florida red tide, patchy and persistent since December 2020, has recently increased in severity in Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and along the coast from Pasco to Sarasota counties, causing respiratory irritation at local beaches and widespread fish kills. The Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative, led by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is developing the tools and technologies to mitigate red tide and decrease the impacts on the environment, economy and quality of life in Florida. During the first two years of this six-year Initiative, over 25 projects are already underway.
Annie Murry of San Lorenzo, Paraguay, Emily Ellis of Durham, N.C., and Andrea Garcia-Estrada of Goshen, Ind. have been selected as the recipients of the DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Heritage Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Academy Award winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian Steven Wright continually sells out theaters internationally with his skewed comedic view of the world. Since his Tonight Show debut, which caused such a stir that Johnny invited him back to perform again within a week, the deadpan surrealist master has pushed the comedic boundaries in film, television and the live stage. With an Oscar-winning short film, a 2014 Emmy nomination, two Grammy-nominated CD’s, three critically acclaimed hour specials and countless appearances on TV and in film, Wright is a prototype comedian that others continually try to follow.
Save the date for Sarasota Contemporary Dance's 16th Main Stage Season "GRIT" is a testament to the company's passion, purpose, and perseverance. After surviving and celebrating its landmark 15th season through a global pandemic, SCD is returning to the stage with greater conviction than ever before in its responsibility to progress contemporary dance in Sarasota. Tickets and subscriptions will become available soon. The fundraiser will be held to kick off the season at Waterworks Sarasota.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance , 1005 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast invites the community to a monthly Food Truck Friday Night this summer at their Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey. Enjoy food and fun with friends while taking in a summer sunset at this family-friendly event. Each month, July through September, a different food truck will be onsite serving up local flavor on the shores of Little Sarasota Bay. Members of the Conservation Foundation team will be available to answer questions about their work and the Burrows-Matson House will be open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for this picnic-style gathering. The dates and food trucks are as follows: Friday, July 23, 5pm to 8pm - Curb Your Appetite (classic American fare) Friday, August 20, 5pm to 8pm - Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company (creative versions of a family favorite) Friday, September 17, 5pm to 8pm - Killik’s Kitchen (modern Asian-Hawaiian fare) “After the isolation of the last year, connection is what we are all craving,” notes Christine Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. “Connection with other people and connection with nature. We hope these Friday nights help our community reconnect with each other and with our beautiful natural environment.” Bay Preserve is located at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey, Florida. This series is free and open to the public, however in an effort to ensure plenty of parking, RSVPs are requested. To RSVP for any of the dates, visit conservationfoundation.com/events. Food prices vary by truck. Learn more about each truck’s menu on Facebook.
Conservation Foundation, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey
The Suncoast Local Book Fair is an in-person event. No registration required. Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 South Palm Avenue. Monday, August 2nd 10 am. – 3 pm Suncoast Local Book Fair. Bookstore1Sarasota's celebration of local authors! 12 local authors are taking part in this event. Author’s genres include poetry, children, memoir, and self-help.Author biographies, book information and event schedule available here: https://www.sarasotabooks.com/local-author-book-fair2021.
Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 South Palm Ave., Sarasota
Classic Albums LIVE returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, September 24 at 8 p.m. The group will bring Led Zeppelin II to life on stage – note for note, cut for cut. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 9 at 10 am. “One thing I know for sure is that Zep fans are unrelenting in their love for the band. Many people don’t realize that during the ‘70s – no other band or artist came close to selling as many albums as Led Zeppelin.” – Craig Martin, Founder of Classic Albums LIVE. Tickets are $32-$72 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To view a full listing of upcoming events, visit www.VanWezel.org.
The Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, July 30, 2021 through Saturday, August 14! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. The Summer Circus Spectacular takes place at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota). Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Opening Night Performance & Celebration, Friday, July 30 @ 7:00 PM
The Ringling Museum , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Wear and share your love of Sarasota Orchestra. During the months of June and July, the beautiful music of Sarasota Music Festival and Summer Music Camp fill the air. By purchasing a limited edition T-shirt by July 24, you make it possible for Sarasota Orchestra’s mission to shine through programs like these and provide our musicians with the ability to enrich the community during all four seasons of the year. Help us celebrate the Sounds of Summer by wearing and sharing your love of Sarasota Orchestra with your friends. Thank you for your support of these wonderful programs. T-shirts purchased before June 26 will ship in mid-July. T-shirts purchased from June 27 through July 24 will ship in mid-August.
Fitness with a furry twist. Instructors Janet Boyden and Elizabeth Seymour will lead a combination yoga/pilates class in HSSC's brand-new Education & Training Center. Burn some calories and get our zen on, then celebrate a great workout with wine and light bites. Expect some shelter pets to join the fun too. They will have two fantastic yoga-themed raffle baskets up for grabs: each worth $100+. Space is limited, so sign up today.
Details:
Date: Thursday, July 22, 2021
Time: 5:30pm
Place: HSSC's Education & Training Center, 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Cost: $25 per attendee (includes yoga/pilates session, wine, and light bites)
Raffle Entries: 1 for $10, 3 for $20. Two yoga-themed prize packages, each worth $100+.
Shelter Dog & Cat Cuddles: Free
Please bring your own yoga mat, straps, blocks, towels, and water.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County , 2331 15th St., Sarasota
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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