SRQ DAILY Aug 23, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"What I think is right for me and my children does not invalidate what anyone else believes is right for their children,"
A divided Sarasota County School Board on Friday voted to defy Gov. Ron DeSantis and enact a mandate for nearly all teachers and students in area schools to wear masks for the next 90 days. That came the same day Department of Health data showed a positivity rate of about 15.7% of tests for COVID-19 in the county and 19.8% in the state.
“When I voted for optional (mask wearing), the positivity rate was at 2% in the county,” said School Board member Tom Edwards. “That was 45 days ago.”
The board also included provisions to drop the requirement if positivity rates decline. The policy also allows parents of children with medical conditions that make wearing a mask impossible to opt out, but that option won’t be available to the vast majority of families. But while school officials started the year without any mandate — and apparently no hunger to defy an executive order from the Governor banning such mandates —a surge in cases spurred by the delta variant to the coronavirus changed matters.
School Board member Shirley Brown, a former state lawmaker, said she believed the Governor was overstepping the law in saying the board could not respond to health crisis with a mitigation strategy like masks. “There is a compelling interest,” she said. “The CDC (Centers for Disease control) shows it. The hospital is begging us to take action.”
But School Board member Bridget Ziegler, appearing at the meeting remotely, said she considered a mandate to be stepping on parents’ intrinsic right to make health decisions regarding their children. She cited a parents' bill of rights she lobbied on behalf of for four years before its passage this year. “What I think is right for me and my children does not invalidate what anyone else believes is right for their children,” she said. That ultimately should mean parents can decide if they want their children wearing masks at school, she said.
For his part, DeSantis at an appearance in Manatee County on Saturday criticized the Sarasota board and said the decision in fact violated the law by going against his order and not allowing any parent to opt out of a policy. The Board of Education has said the same thing.
“It violates the Parents Bill of Rights in Florida, which is state law,” DeSantis said.
Of note, the Sarasota School Board, while a nonpartisan entity, saw all three Democrats on the board favor a mandate and the two Republicans vote against it. Sarasota is the sixth Florida county to vote in favor of a mandate without any opt-out.
In conjunction Marlane Wurzbach’s October “Building Sarasota’s Stories” exhibit of her Sarasota historic architecture paintings, Dr. Frank Cassell will conduct a public dialogue on Sunday, October 3, from 1pm - 3pm at the gallery. Dr. Cassell is the author of Suncoast Empire - Bertha Honoré Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota and Creating Sarasota County. Dr. Cassell is also the Chairman of Sarasota County’s Centennial Steering Committee.
Marlane Wurzbach's exhibit runs from Saturday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Oct. 29. There will also be a public reception on First Friday, October 1, from 6pm - 9pm. Art Uptown Gallery welcomes patrons and friends to its 1367 Main Street gallery, where the diverse art works of 29 local artists are exhibited. 941-955-5409 for further information or artuptown.com.
"Burns’ Belle Haven” by Marlane Wurzbach
Intercoastal Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Hematology/Oncology physician Andrew Marple, MD, PhD, to its East Avenue office in Sarasota. Dr. Marple completed his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD and is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Medical Oncology. Dr. Marple is accepting new patients. He is located at the Intercoastal Medical Group East Avenue Hematology and Oncology Practice, 1217 East Avenue South, Sarasota; phone 941-200-1125. Call for an appointment or, to request an appointment online, visit intercoastalmedical.com.
Icard Merrill is pleased to announce that eleven of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®. Shareholder Charles J. Bartlett was named by Best Lawyers as the 2022 Construction Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Sarasota. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as a "Lawyer of the Year" Bartlett was previously named Sarasota Real Estate Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in 2020. Icard Merrill attorneys selected to the list of 2022 Best Lawyers are Charles J. Bartlett (Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate), Michael J. Furen (Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law), Steven R. Greenberg (Real Estate Law), Thomas F. Icard, Jr. (Construction Law, Mediation), Robert G. Lyons (Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs), William W. Merrill III (Administrative/ Regulatory Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning), Alyssa M. Nohren (Real Estate Litigation – Bradenton), and Jaime L. Wallace (Family Law).
In addition, three of the firm’s attorneys are included in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Natalie G. Coldiron (Real Estate), Bradley J. Ellis (Land Use and Zoning), and Jordan J. Riccardi (Real Estate). More information is available at icardmerrill.com.
Blalock Walters, P.A. is pleased to announce that six attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Clifford L. Walters, III and William C. Robinson, Jr. have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Real Estate Law; Charles F. Johnson was selected in the practice area of Litigation – Real Estate and Commercial; Mark P. Barnebey was selected for Land Use & Zoning Law; Matthew J. Lapointe was selected for Corporate Law; Fred E. Moore was selected in Commercial Litigation.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce Director Staci Pickavance graduated Friday from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Executive Leadership Seminar hosted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Director Pickavance, who currently oversees the Human Resources Bureau, attended the 120-hour training program in Daytona in one-week segments over a three-month period. She was joined by fellow upper-level managers from criminal justice agencies across the state. Students learned about topics such as crisis communication, critical thinking, managing organizations, overcoming adversity, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership.
“Participation in the Executive Leadership Seminar is beneficial to graduates, our agency, and the community as a whole,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Sworn and civilian administrators alike must make complex and thoughtful decisions where leadership training can make a difference.”
From left: Director Staci Pickavance and Major Jon Goetluck.
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s received a grant of $15,000 from The Wilson-Wood Foundation to help provide essential care advising, resource referrals and education, therapeutic and support programs at no cost to the Parkinson’s community. This grant will benefit nearly 1800 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers in Manatee County.
“The initiatives and growth of Neuro Challenge are possible due to the generous support from the community. We are extremely grateful for our continued partnership with The Wilson-Wood Foundation which will provide essential services to the Manatee County Parkinson’s community today,” said Dr. Sara Grivetti, CEO of Neuro Challenge Foundation.
This free virtual event will feature Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. who teaches the power of showing up in her book How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired. Become a community partner and SUPPORT free quality educational programming for those who care for kids in our community. The virtual speaker event will be held Wednesday, September 22 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota.
Community Foundation of Sarasota
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto and Intertape Polymer Group present the 15th Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 3100 Fruitville Rd. honoring Archie Griffin, two-time Heisman Trophy Winner, and Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children Sarasota. Registration and breakfast service begins at 7:30am and the program begins at 8am. Tickets are $50 per person.
This year marks the 9th annual Chick-fil-A Fall Stampede benefitting the Children’s Cancer Center. The event is held every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness month. We challenge you to virtually walk or run with your herd for the Children’s Cancer Center. Run/Walk: We challenge you to set a mileage goal to complete by the end of September. All participants will be entered in a chance drawing where 30 people will win FREE Chick-fil-A for a MONTH; 1 Mile, 5 Miles, 10 Miles, 25 Miles, 50 Miles, and 100 Miles. Raise: Create a fundraising page and raise funds throughout the challenge for the immediate needs of children battling pediatric cancer. The top 10 fundraisers will receive FREE Chick-fil-A for a MONTH. Packet Pickup: Drive by our COVID-19 compliant Packet Pick Up Party on Monday, August 31 from 8am to 10am or 6pm to 8pm where all participants will receive a t-shirt, swag bag and a Chick-fil-A sandwich. Tampa: Children’s Cancer Center (4901 W. Cypress St. Tampa) or Sarasota: Fruitville Chick-fil-A (5384 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota). Free Chick-fil-A for a Month consists of 30 promotional cards redeemable for a free Chick-fil-A entrée (Chick-fil-A Sandwich, Original or Spicy, Chick- fil-A Nuggets, Original or Grilled (8-count) or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich). Valid during lunch and dinner hours only.
Florida State University usually sese over 1000+ students in attendance who are seeking part-time employment within the Tallahassee region or wanting a virtual job. 10 am – 2 pm EST. Online via Symplicity Virtual Fairs in NoleNetwork $50 registration fee. Virtual Event.
Florida State University
Life on the Circle only gets better when days are bathed in the summer sun. Enjoy a breath of fresh air and immerse yourself in the perfect setting for adventure and fun. Join us for the “Sol of the Circle,” a series of special events for the entire family. Songs on the Circle will take place every first Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm. Dates are June 1, July 6, August 3, and September 7.
The City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District is increasing the accessibility and enjoyment of swimming at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex. From lessons, to extended hours, they have your swimming needs covered. Learn to Swim: This program provides a positive, fun-filled opportunity for youth to learn abilities that will help reduce the number of water accidents and provide lifelong skills in swimming. Swim lessons are geared toward youth ages 6 months to 12 years. Participants will be divided into classes based on their abilities and ages. Sessions offer eight lessons for a registration fee of $65. Parent & Me classes are offered in a four-week session consisting of four lessons on Saturday mornings for $35. Adding to Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex’s Aquatic Programming is the Aqua Blast Class. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for a steady paced cardio exercises mixed with weights and resistance training. This new class is a great way to burn calories just before lunch time. Non-swimmers welcomed, as this class is in our 3-foot Water Instructional Pool. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting May 11 from 10am to 10:45am. Ages 18 and up are welcome, and classes are $3 each. Purchase a 5-Class Pack for $55. Registration Deadline: Mondays prior to Tuesday class and Wednesday prior to Thursday class. Call 941-263-6732 or register on eTrak: https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/program-guide/online-registration/how-to-register. Starting May 8 Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex will be open on Saturdays. Reservations are available on the hour between 11am and 4pm. The high diving board is closed, but the low diving board will be available. Reservations for Saturday swim are now available on eTrak: https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/program-guide/online-registration/how-to-register.
David Berry, Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Special Projects, is one of Sarasota’s favorite lecturers. His dry sense of humor and wealth of knowledge is sure to both entertain and educate your group. Dr. Berry is available to speak on any of the following subjects: The origins of museums, museum architecture and display, The Victorian museum, early museums in America, museums, education, and community engagement, great women collectors, the illicit trafficking of cultural property, world fairs, an introduction to natural history, great illustrated natural history books, natural history and children’s literature, scientific illustration, natural history specimens, natural history collections, art and medicine, the art of anatomy, the art of astronomy and microscopy, the art of geology and paleontology (including dinosaurs), botanical and zoological art, botanical and zoological gardens, the golden age of botanical exploration, the orchid craze in Victorian Britain, and Japanese garden design and horticultural practices (ikebana and bonsai). $100 flat fee; must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance, $250 for custom topics; must be scheduled at least 6 weeks in advance. Lectures include a single-speaker, slide illustrated lecture. All programs are hosted via Zoom. For additional information, or to book a virtual program, contact Laura Steefel-Moore, Head of Educational Programs, at laura.steefel-moore@ringling.org.
The DSA Presents First Friday Gallery Walk. Enjoy your walk or stroll in Downtown Sarasota with participating galleries, including State of the Arts Gallery on State Street, AlexArt International located at 25 North Pineapple Avenue, Dabbert Gallery on Historic Palm Avenue, Art Uptown Gallery on Sarasota’s Main Street, and 530 Burns Gallery in Historic Burns Court.
Learn about the rich circus history of Sarasota on an unforgettable trolley or van tour. Pass by key city landmarks as our informative and passionate tour guide, Bob Collins, tells stories about the colorful cast of circus characters, showmen, and performers who called Sarasota home. Meander through historic neighborhoods such as the Rosemary District, known for its vibrant food and art scene. Learn about the rich history of the Ringling brothers, the five brothers who owned and operated the circus renowned as the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Pass by the 21-gallery museum John Ringling constructed to house his extensive artwork collection, which opened to the public in 1931. Explore several other locations intimately involved in Sarasota’s circus history, including Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Circus Arts Conservatory, and the Circus Ring of Fame on St. Armands Circle. This 90-minute trolley or van tour is perfect for all ages and shows you a whole new side of Sarasota. Get ready for a fun-filled circus adventure during this show on wheels. It’s an illuminating experience you don’t want to miss. Tours with fewer than 10 guests will travel in our comfortably air-conditioned high-top van. Tour tickets are $34.99 and include FREE Parking.
Join SRQ Strong Monday, August 23 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm for our next community conversation. In this diverse country, immigration (past or recent) is an almost universal experience. This event will feature personal stories from people who have recently arrived in the United States. They will share the challenges they left behind, the difficulties experienced on their journey, and their experiences raising a family in a new culture. The focus will be on Spanish-speaking newcomers and will highlight the positive impact of Hispanics in our community. Leaders from community agencies will also discuss how we can make our community more welcoming. The forum will be delivered twice, once in English and a week later in Spanish.
SRQ Strong, Virtual
Operation Warrior Resolution has another session of Veterans Equine Therapy starting July 12th. It’s 6 sessions, running each Monday from 3pm-5pm, July 12-August 23 (break on August 9) at InStride Therapy, Inc. in Nokomis, FL. Those veterans who have been apart of this previously say it is an incredible experience! The program is specifically designed to address veteran specific issues through the use of horses. The horses provide a very unique experience to learn how to become more self-aware, regulate the nervous system response, be in the present moment, build trust, confidence, connection, and more. To join this upcoming session please email at info@operationwarriorresolution.org, 1629 Ranch Rd, Nokomis
Operation Warrior Resolution
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