SRQ DAILY Jul 31, 2021
" It's an emblem of every donor, every grantee, every partner, and every person we work with to transform our region. After all, we are better together and this seal confirms it!"
This month, Gulf Coast Community Foundation earned a significant recognition. We were confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® for three more years.
Gulf Coast has been accredited through the National Standards program since 2006—among the first community foundations in the country to earn this seal of excellence. The rigorous accreditation, administered by the Council on Foundations, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and sound operations for our donors, our nonprofit partners, and our wider community.
Okay, sounds like ‘inside baseball,’ right? A long, technical process to document legal and regulatory compliance, ethical policies and practices, yada yada. Not your most scintillating Saturday morning reading. But, stay with me...
When I look at all 26 National Standards to which we adhere, I quickly see the donors we serve. The nonprofit organizations we fund. And the community leaders we partner with. Their stories both color and command our commitment to achieve these high standards for accountability and effectiveness.
National Standard 11.1, for example, says that we have a long-term goal of securing discretionary resource to address the changing needs of the communities we serve. And National Standard 16 says we honor our donors’ charitable intentions, consistent with community needs. They make me think of the wonderful legacy gifts that donors like Miriam Raines, Alvin Gould, and Helen Hadden entrusted to Gulf Coast before their passing.
Take the Hadden Memorial Endowment: Every year, it allows our staff and Board to identify the best opportunities “to improve quality of life for residents in North Port”—Mrs. Hadden’s specific charitable intention. Just last month, it allowed us to invest in the North Port Connector of the Legacy Trail, mental-health supports for local youth, life-skills training for struggling families, and rental assistance for seniors who can’t afford housing. That’s a lot from one generous donor. And it grows every year.
Then there’s National Standard 24, which says we address community issues and opportunities and strive to serve in leadership roles to assess the impact of that work. Makes me think of our Here4YOUth collaborative, a partnership with Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and dozens of human-service organizations that has helped focus our entire community on the mental-health crisis we are facing. Or our Community Playbook for Healthy Waterways, a “how to” guide that’s been embraced by government staff and grassroots activists alike to identify and inspire the big and small things we must do to restore our watershed.
I see many more examples in each of the 26 National Standards we strive to honor in our daily work. The seal you see above—a sort of Good Housekeeping Seal for philanthropy—reflects much more than the board and staff at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. It’s an emblem of every donor, every grantee, every partner, and every person we work with to transform our region. After all, we are better together—and this seal confirms it!
Veronica Thames is Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 
COVID-19 cases in Florida in the last week escalated at a rate about 11-fold what the state Department of Health reported a few weeks ago. Hospitals across the state, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital have issued a clarion call for residents to get vaccinated.
“The difference this time is it’s predominantly unvaccinated patients that are sick,” said Dr. James Fiorica, SMH’s chief medical officer. “They’re young patients. There’s a lot of emotions and there’s a lot of fatigue at the same time.”
If you haven’t yet received a shot yet, please do. They are free. Millions upon millions have now been fully vaccinated, and the chance of anything bad happening because of the jab remain infinitesimal while the chance of catching and even dying from the virus remains much higher.
In Sarasota County, we have had 35,675 people test positive for the virus, or roughly 8.2% of the population. Of those, 844 died. Meanwhile in Manatee, there have been 43,140 positive tests, or almost 10.7% of the population. A total of 689 never recovered.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration says all of three U.S. deaths have been tied directly to a bad reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. While it’s understandable any fatality from a medicine intended to save lives sounds scary, that’s a miniscule number compared to the more than 187 million fully vaccinated as of July 19.
It’s a disconcerting feeling to see a surge in cases that looks like a worse escalation than anything we’ve seen to date. Since a Manatee County resident became the first Floridian to contract COVID-19, with officials knowing from the beginning he likely contracted the coronavirus from community spread, it seemed Southwest Florida sat on the edge of a frightening public health crisis. We’ve lost so many tremendous people along the way, and still the virus rages on.
If there’s hope to be had, the rate of vaccinations has started to pick back up again after a troubling summer lull. About 67% of Sarasota County residents have had at least one dose of three available vaccines. In Manatee County, that number is under 54%.
There’s greater consequence to this than staff at Publix and Walmart hooking masks back around their ears. Sarasota Memorial Hospital beginning on Monday will reimplement a no visitors policy. That affects not just COVID-19 patients hospitalized but other inpatients who want a loved one’s hand to hold.
And then there’s the continued toll, at this point a fully preventable tax paid in human lives for a broad reluctance to just protect ourselves from a global pandemic. We learned on Friday that a third Manatee County employee had died since June, all of them unvaccinated.
“The pandemic is not behind us; it is still here,” said County Administrator Scott Hopes, an epidemiologist, as he announced yet another loss.
And like it or not, in Florida the management of this spreading pandemic has been left to our broader sense of individual community responsibility. Some people in Florida never can get the vaccine, thanks to other prohibitive medical conditions. Undoubtedly, some never will just to prove no one’s ever going to tell them what to do. Hopefully, that latter group wakes up to the high stakes of this pandemic, one where an evolving assailant is growing stronger and more aggressive.
Just get a shot. You will never know if it saves your life. But you could live to see the latest surge in cases diminish.
Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor of SRQ MEDIA.
Start your morning with a guided kayak tour of Sarasota Bay Staring June 15 and until August 24 from 7:30am to 9am. Paddle across shallow seagrass beds and take in the wildlife that depends on this ecosystem. Soak up some early rays as we look for dolphins, manatees, birds and more. Ages: 12 and older ONLY (no minors under the age of 12 are permitted); any participant under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paying adult participant. Tickets are $36 for members and $40 for non-members.
Pack your bags. This summer, FST is taking the whole family on a one-of-a-kind musical road trip in On The Road Again, an all-new live performance. Featuring songs like “Country Roads,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas, we’ll celebrate all that makes this country special from sea to shining sea. Join us for an outdoor concert in this summer touring performance as we hit the road with music that has defined the U.S for generations. June: Tuesday, 6/29 at 10am - Fruitville Library and Wednesday, 6/20 at 10am - Gulf Gate Library. July: Thursday, July 1 at 10am - William H. Jervey Jr. Public Library, Saturday, July 3 at 10am - North Port Public Library, Friday, July 9 at 10am - Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, Saturday, July 10 at 7:30pm - Elsie Quirk Library, Sunday, July 11 at 7pm - Nathan Benderson Park, Saturday, July 17 at 10am - Selby Library, Sunday, July 18 at 7pm - Phillipi Estate Park, and Saturday, July 24 at 10am - Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library. August: Tuesday, August 3 at 10am - William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library.
An international art exhibit designed to proclaim inclusion, respect and kindness debuts at Sarasota-Bradenton’s Nathan Benderson Park. The annual, juried art exhibit is composed by a Sarasota-based arts and education non-profit, Embracing Our Differences (EOD). It consists of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote. The international exhibit uses the power of art and prose to promote diversity and inclusion. The 2021 exhibit brought 15,912 entries from 128 nations, and from 48 U.S. states. The winning quotes and art are showcased in the Bayfront Park every year, from January through March. Thanks to the generosity of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the public will have another opportunity to see this exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the park May 20 - Aug. 8 and is free for the public to view.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Selby Preschool Book Drive is asking for book donations based on their lesson plans. You can order books online on their amazon wishlist or drop off at the school Monday through Friday. For more information contact Hallie Peilet, hpeilet@thehavensrq.org. 4405 Desoto Rd., Sarasota
The Haven
WSLR + Fogartyville is pleased to host a Summer Spoken Word series for individuals that want to explore the art form or those experienced with spoken word that want to work in a collaborative environment to develop new pieces. Spoken word poetry is a broad designation for poetry intended for performance. Though some spoken word poetry may also be published on the page, the genre has its roots in oral traditions and performance. Spoken word can encompass or contain elements of rap, hip-hop, storytelling, theater, and jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. Characterized by rhyme, repetition, improvisation, and word play, spoken word poems frequently refer to issues of social justice, politics, race, and community. Related to slam poetry, spoken word may draw on music, sound, dance, or other kinds of performance to connect with audiences.
The series will start with four workshops and end with a live performance on Friday, August 13th at 7pm. Each workshop will be two hours in length and participants are asked to make a commitment to all four sessions. The cost to attend all four workshops is $20 per person and scholarships are available if the cost is a barrier to participation.
Participants will learn about the spoken word art form---including (but not limited to) what it is, its history, writing techniques, and performance practices. In doing so, participants will also gain self-knowledge as they create different narratives and performances. All participants will walk away with a portfolio of poems at various stages, as well as two polished performance pieces. They will perform these poems at a culminating event, open to the public. The workshop series will spark creativity, nourish vulnerability, strengthen community and uncover marginalized histories and art (spoken word poetry is inextricably linked to the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and hip hop). The workshop will be limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required. You can register online at WSLR.org.
WSLR, Fogartyville , 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
FST is presenting three staged readings of new work by members of its Playwright Collective, a select group of artists dedicated to developing new work for FST’s stages, in the 2021 August Play Reading Festival. After over a year of developing new plays virtually over Zoom and holding reading series online, this Festival will be FST’s first live, in-person New Play Development event since March 2020.
The three playwrights featured in this Festival—Thomas Gibbons, Kenneth Jones, and Jason Odell Williams—will each travel to Sarasota for one week of rehearsals and play development sessions with FST’s artistic staff, followed by a staged reading of each of their plays for live audiences. Professional actors from across the country will also fly to Sarasota to help bring these new works to life. After each reading, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback to the playwrights. These sessions are essential to the development and creation of new plays, giving playwrights direct access to artistic support as well as valuable audience feedback.
FST has played a role in the development of each of the featured plays. Last year, the theatre commissioned Jones to write Last Call at the Old Slave Quarters Lounge and Williams to write America In One Room. Gibbons has been working closely with FST’s artistic team to develop Steal Her Bones since its first draft.
The 2021 August Play Reading Festival will take place in FST’s Keating Theatre on August 2, 9, and 16 at 7PM each day. Subscription packages to see all three readings range from $28.50-48.00. Single tickets are $20 per-person for each reading. Subscription packages and single tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 941-366-9000.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
This Historical Briefing, presented by John McCarthy, Vice President for Historic Spanish Point, will take place on Wednesday, August 11 from noon to 1pm and is open to all. In the 1950s, young African Americans on the east coast of Florida were inspired to paint their vision of Florida as they saw it. This began a movement that captured old Florida in colorful and evocative oil paintings. The style has seen a resurgence in recent years as newcomers to Florida discover the seemingly simple, yet powerful images created by native-born artists. This virtual program will explore the presenter’s pursuit of highwaymen paintings, the artists and old Florida memories.
Celebrate Christmas in July at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. The Bazaar is home to more than 40 vendors and artisans with unique gifts for everyone. They are open Thursday - Saturday 10-3pm and this week from July 29-July 31 all the vendors will offer deals to make gift giving easy! Also, on Saturday July 31 from 10am - noon join Santa and his favorite elf for Breakfast at Hamlet’s Eatery. Enjoy pancakes, omelets and other delicious breakfast items. Kids will receive a free coloring book created by The Bazar artists and other surprises. Bring your own camera. There is no charge to attend. The Bazar on Apricot & Lime is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota and Hamlet’s Eatery is in the outdoor courtyard.
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., 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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