SRQ DAILY Sep 6, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"These first six months of 2021 have consistently demonstrated the demand for housing in our area. "
The real estate market continues to ride high in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As real estate professionals continue to report record sales each month, expert analysis shows the Sarasota-Manatee region remains one of the best places in Florida to secure a home loan.
A SmartAsset study shows Manatee County as the No. 5 market in Florida for securing a mortgage, with Sarasota County coming in right behind at No. 6. Sumter County, home of The Villages, is the No. 1 Florida county in the rankings.
In Manatee, the loan funding rate is around 64.61% percent; it’s about 63.67% in Sarasota. The annual mortgage rate for both counties sits at $13,506, while property taxes sit around $300 higher each year in Manatee than in Sarasota. Overall, the study shows there’s still a lot of interest in the Florida market and a desire by lenders to accommodate the demand.
“You’ll probably still want to shop around for a lender when you’re ready to refinance your mortgage,” the SmartAsset study states. “You don’t have to use the same lender who provided you with your first home loan and you may get a better refinance mortgage rate by switching lenders.”
The study came out about a week after the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee reported record-setting June sales. Closed sales in June leapt 41% in the region to about 2,849. That means there’s been a full 12 months of year-over-year sales growth. Year-to-date, there’s been about $5.8 billion in single-family home sales in the region in 2021, an 85.1% increase from the prior year. On top of that, there have been some $2.6 billion in condo unit sales, a 65.2% increase in that sector.
“These first six months of 2021 have consistently demonstrated the demand for housing in our area. This past month reported the largest volume of sales ever recorded for the month of June,” said Alex Krumm, broker-owner of NextHome Excellence and 2021 RASM President. “Interest rates are still playing a big role in the home-buying ‘frenzy’ here, as well as the desire to live and invest in Sarasota and Manatee counties.” 
Graphic courtesy SmartAsset
Are you paying a high interest rate on your credit card? If so, there may be something you can do about it by making a balance transfer to a card with a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
Depending on the quality of your credit, moving some or all of your balance over to another card could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest over time.
So how do you know if a balance transfer is a good idea for you? Here are some tips as you consider your options:
- Consider whether there’s a transfer fee. Some financial institutions charge a fee ranging from 3% to 5% of the total balance. This should be taken into account as you make your decision, while also factoring in the lower APR on the card.
- Check to see if there is an annual fee on the new card. That should also factor into your analysis of whether a move is a smart thing to do.
- Make more than the minimum payment each month, regardless of the APR. Have a plan for paying off the debt – otherwise, it’s a financial road to nowhere.
- Work on improving your credit score. Those with good to excellent credit will be able to take advantage of the best balance transfer offers.
For qualified cardholders, Achieva Credit Union is offering an introductory 2.3% APR on balance transfers until January 2023. Also, the card has no annual fee and includes the opportunity to avoid a balance transfer fee.
You don’t have to be an Achieva member to talk things through with us; you would join the credit union if you decide a transfer to Achieva’s card will work for you.
To learn more visit www.achievacu.com/credit or contact us at 800-593-2274, and we can help you determine if a balance transfer is right for you.
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The promotional balance transfer APR of 2.3% will be applied to balance transfers which post to your account through your March 2022 billing cycle. The promotional APR of 2.3% will apply to transferred balances until the January 2023 billing cycle. Following the January 2023 billing cycle, your standard APR of 9.9% to 17.9% for balance transfers, purchases and cash advances will apply based on your creditworthiness. Achieva reserves the right to cancel, extend or otherwise modify promotional rates and terms at any time before a balance transfers posts. Offer open to existing and new cardholders subject to credit approval. Additional limitations, terms and conditions may apply.
Join us for The Event at TerraNova, a US Equestrian and internationally-sanctioned event hosting a range of competition levels, including Starter through the internationally-ranked CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S at its new expansive facility just east of Bradenton and Sarasota Oct. 22-24, 2021
Experience exciting, world-class equestrian competition while enjoying a unique TerraNova spectator experience with VIP tables and cross-country tailgating, boutique shopping in vendor village, food trucks and gourmet fare
The expansive TerraNova facility boasts an old-Florida feel with giant Spanish-moss-draped oak tree hammocks, lush green grass lanes, the sounds of sandhill cranes and other native wildlife often seen around the property.
No detail was overlooked, with six state-of-the-art arenas and a sprawling cross-country course covering 225 acres of picturesque Florida countryside. TerraNova is a welcoming setting for all levels of horse enthusiasts to enjoy equestrian sports. The team at TerraNova built a family-friendly facility designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for competitors, horses and spectators. Make it a family affair and bring the kids out to enjoy the day or whole weekend. There will be a children’s area with horse-themed and other fun Fall activities.
Mark your calendars for Oct. 22-24 to experience a weekend of top-notch equestrian competition at a premier facility committed to an upscale experience for all.
This month, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Manatee County Teen Court/Teen Court Too program. The Manatee County Clerk’s office implemented the Teen Court/Teen Court Too program as an alternative to the juvenile justice system. Before Teen Court, first-time youth offenders charged with a crime were summoned to appear for arraignment before a circuit court judge assigned to the Juvenile Division. The process was lengthy and expensive.
Teen Court/Teen Court Too is a diversionary program designed to stop youthful delinquent behavior before a pattern is established. The program allows first-time youth offenders, ages 10-17, a second chance while holding them accountable for their actions. In Teen Court, a youth is judged by a jury of their peers – literally. Teen Court is comprised of youth volunteers who serve in court roles such as the defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, clerk, bailiff, and juror.
Since 1991, the Teen Court/Teen Court Too program has kept over 18,000 cases out of the juvenile court system, saving Manatee County taxpayers over $54 million. Additionally, the Teen Court/Teen Court Too program offers youth rewarding volunteer opportunities. Youth who volunteer participate in court roles which provide insight into how the criminal justice system operates.
For more information about the Manatee County Teen Court/Teen Court Too program, visit the Manatee County Clerk’s website at www.ManateeClerk.com/Departments/TeenCourt.
Photo courtesy of the organization
Omeza, a Sarasota-based skin science company, announced recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Omeza® Collagen Matrix through the FDA 510(k) premarket notification process. Omeza® Collagen Matrix is Omeza’s first Rx product, and the first drug/device combination matrix of its kind for chronic wound care.
“No one is taking on the challenge of making advanced wound care products both effective and affordable, yet preventable amputations are on the rise. We are determined to bridge that gap,” said Sarah Kitlowski, President of Omeza. “Our mission is to give practitioners groundbreaking new tools to help protect and manage the wound during the natural processes of wound closure.”
Omeza® Collagen Matrix (OCM) is a wound care matrix comprised of hydrolyzed fish collagen infused with cod liver oil, which acts as an anhydrous skin protectant, and other plant-derived oils and waxes. When applied to a wound surface, the matrix is naturally incorporated into the wound over time. Omeza® Collagen Matrix is designed for intimate contact with both regular and irregular wound beds to provide a conducive environment for the patient’s natural wound healing process. The product features a no-prep application supplied in easy-to-use, unit dose vials.
Inquiries from medical and health professionals should be directed to info@omezapro.com.
Image courtesy of Omeza
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that treats PTSD, trauma, anxiety, phobias and other mental health conditions. The therapy is ideally suited for the COVID-19 era, as millions of people deal with the trauma and anxiety of their own illness, the grief of losing a loved one or the anxiety associated with losing a job. ART provides effective relief from the strong physical and emotional reactions associated with PTSD in an average of four sessions. ART has been used extensively to help veterans, first responders and civilians grappling with trauma.
ART International is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and awareness of this life-changing therapy – and is committed to increasing the number of clinicians certified in this treatment. More than 200 ART trainings are planned for 2021. ART International's clinicians have been working to care for the mental health of healthcare workers, first responders and lay people affected by the COVID-19 virus. Since ART offers fast and effective relief from the symptoms of trauma and anxiety, it is a well-suited treatment in hospital settings. Licensed clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors are eligible to participate in the training. Therapists who complete the session will earn 21.5 CEUs and are immediately certified to use ART in their practice.
For more information on ART International’s upcoming training sessions, or to sign up for a session, individuals can visit artherapyinternational.org
As a member of the Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota, the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals, Carol has continued her education regarding the latest technology, equipment, and research available to hearing healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive service delivery to her patients.
If you are interested in attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Celebration, and in meeting Carol Pandis in person, please join the event for light refreshments and fun conversation at Hear Again America, 4141 S Tamiami Trl., Suite 7 Sarasota on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony begins at 4:30pm and Grand Opening Celebration 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. RSVP by Friday, September 17th to be entered in a special drawing. Please contact Lindsey at 941-222-0755 or LindseyL@HearAgainAmerica.com
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) received two awards from the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) in recognition of annual report materials and volunteer contributions. Sarasota County PRNR was presented with the Public Relations Printed Material Award and the Voluntary Service Individual Award at FRPA’s annual conference in Orlando. The FRPA Public Relations Printed Material Award was given to PRNR for the Walk in the Park report, a comprehensive annual summary that provides a year in review as well as a look ahead to future projects and goals. The report provides readers with a visually enhanced timeline of parks and beach improvements, capital projects, economic impacts of sports tourism and more.
The FPRA Voluntary Service Individual Award was dedicated to Erma and Dave Miller, who have contributed over 47 years of volunteer services at Sarasota BMX, part of the Youth Athletic Complex. "We are thrilled that for the third year in a row we have earned The Florida Recreation and Park Association Voluntary Service Individual Award. We are incredibly fortunate that the volunteers in this community are as dedicated to our parks system as we are. The Millers are a prime example of the many volunteers we have that continue to preserve our world-class amenities," Rissler added.
More information on the FRPA awards program can be found at frpa.org/awards
Key Chorale is pleased to announce a grant from The Exchange, in the amount of $10,000 to help support their upcoming season, Renaissance, and specifically the November Sheer Grace performance in collaboration with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees. “We were so excited to get this generous and unexpected grant. This has been a challenging time for all of us and so glad that The Exchange is in a position to continue lifting up the arts and our community,” says Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s $5,000 Sponsorship grant allows Key Chorale to focus on their music and missions and this season Gulf Coast Community Foundation will be the presenting sponsor for Key Chorale’s American Roots: Bluegrass concerts in April 2022.
Wednesday, October 13th at 2pm. The Poetry Zoom Book Club led by Doug Knowlton. The Poetry Book Club is currently discussing works of local published poets. This month’s selection is Linda Albert’s Charting the Lost Continent. A fee of $18 is required for participation. This includes a copy of Charting the Lost Continent to be picked up at Bookstore1 and the book club meeting. There is an additional fee of $5.50 to have the book shipped. Poetry has the power to help us deeply connect with others while accessing our higher selves. At its best, poetry can act as a reflective mirror and catalyst for personal growth and societal change. Charting the Lost Continent comes at a time in history when its message is more important than ever as both men and women collectively work toward female empowerment, self-acceptance, and gender equality. Linda Albert is an internationally published award-winning poet, essayist, and former theater director. Her book Charting the Lost Continent has been chosen as a finalist and medal winner by the Florida Authors & Publishers Association. Ticket purchase required for Zoom link. More event info at https://www.sarasotabooks.com/bookclubs or 941-365-7900.
New College of Florida will celebrate the 42nd anniversary of its annual Scholarship Clambake, hosted by the New College Foundation, on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 6pm. Featuring cocktails at sunset, New England fare and a live auction, Clambake has been one of Sarasota’s most popular philanthropic events for more than four decades. The event will take place on the New College bayfront beside College Hall, 5800 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota. All ticket proceeds benefit student scholarships. Tickets start at $250, and sponsorships are available. For more information, please call 941-487-4800.
Join us on National First Responders Day, October 28th 2021, in honor of our HEROES at the 2021 Manatee Leadership Prayer Breakfast hosted by Paul Sharff, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Help us maintain the tradition of assembling together to build relationships and pray for our community, our state and our nation in support of our youngest citizens. Doors open at 6:30am, breakfast served at 7:15am, program starts at 7:30am promptly and ends at 9am sharp at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. This event will benefit the From Cradle to College Foundation that exists to support the 6,500 children served every year by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.
St. Armands Circle, in collaboration with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota, announced on Tuesday, a lineup of nationally acclaimed acts scheduled to perform at the inaugural Sarasota Arts LIVE event on Sept. 18. from 11am to 2pm. The confirmed lineup features notable pillars of the Sarasota arts community, including the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre and national recording artist, The Alan Grant Band. The arts-focused event will pair an extraordinary ensemble of performances with immersive artist pop-ups spread throughout the district’s lush central Circle Park, allowing attendees to jaunt from booth to booth while connecting with local artists, taking in live painting sessions and interactive exhibits.
Michael Murphy Gallery, Tampa’s premier fine art gallery, is proud to announce its presentation of Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection. The collection will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at the gallery beginning September 16, 2021. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to meet Madame Christine Argillet, daughter of Dali's legendary publisher and confidante Pierre Argillet, during scheduled special appearances by Madame Argillet for the public: Saturday, September 25 from 1pm–3pm and 7pm–9pm as well as Sunday, September 26 from 1pm–3pm. All appearances are complimentary to the public. For additional information about this exhibition, contact the gallery via phone: 813.902.1414 or info@michaelmurphygallery.com. RSVPs are strongly recommended HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salvador-dali-the-argillet-collection-tickets-165960505339.
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. Breathe: An Outdoor Yoga Series will take place every second Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm. Dates are June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8.
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.
The John and Mable ringling Museum of Art is pleased to present Ecoperformance Week, Sept. 6- 12, 2021. Ecoperformance events at The Ringling have an arts-driven focus on conversations, performances, activities and films about ecology, climate, culture and environmental justice. The field of eco-performance looks at climate change and environmental justice as multifaceted environmental and social phenomena that can be transformed through cultural engagement. The week will kick-off with a streaming presentation of Ludic Proxy: Fukushima on Sept. 6. Set a few years after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster in Fukushima, Japan, the film is a video adaptation of Brooklyn-based theater-maker Aya Ogawa’s play Ludic Proxy. The presentation, which runs approximately 35 minutes and is presented in Japanese with English subtitles, may be viewed anytime during the day. Additionally, all ticketholders will have access to an “on demand” version, available from Sept. 6-12, 2021. Performance and Environmental Justice: A Panel Discussion will be offered via ZOOM on Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. This panel presents perspectives that elucidate and redefine environmental justice and how culture, performance and storytelling impact awareness and social transformation around these issues. The series will include two films that will be screened in the Historic Asolo Theater. TrashDance will be presented Sept.9 th at 1 p.m. Trash Dance follows choreographer Allison Orr as she finds beauty and grace in garbage trucks, and in the unseen men and women who pick up our trash. Waste Land will be shown Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The week will close with a workshop on Sept. 11 via ZOOM. Decolonizing Theatre Basics with Groundwater Arts will examine the nuances of colonization and how they intersect with how we live and work. The workshop will entail both active and passive activities, videos and discussions, creating radical access points for everyone of all levels to leave empowered.
The Ringling Museum , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The City of Sarasota will host three community meetings to welcome input on infrastructure projects for the continuation of the countywide Penny Sales Tax. Residents are invited to suggest infrastructure projects during the following public listening sessions: Wednesday, Sept. 15 6pm– 7:30pm at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., Thursday, Sept. 16, 6pm – 7:30pm at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., and Wednesday, Oct. 6 6pm – 7:30pm at City Hall Annex – SRQ Media Studio, 1565 First St. Input also can be provided online at www.SarasotaCountySurtax.net. The Sarasota County Penny Sales Tax, also known as the sales surtax, surtax, or one cent tax, is a countywide voter approved one percent sales tax used to invest in local infrastructure improvements, including parks, libraries, schools, sidewalks, police vehicles, street resurfacing and mobility upgrades. Sarasota County voters approved the Penny Sales Tax in 1989 and again in 1997 and 2007. The current surtax expires at the end of 2024. Voters throughout Sarasota County will have an opportunity in November 2022 to continue the Penny Sales Tax for another 15 years to fund local infrastructure projects.
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
We are please to announce that the 7th Annual Manatee Pride Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021, once again at the beautiful downtown Bradenton Riverwalk, from noon to 5 pm. We credit our sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and patrons for making Manatee Pride the success it has become. We know and appreciate that you have supported Manatee Pride in the past, and we also know LGBTQ+ youth in Manatee County would not have a safe space in Manatee County without the corporate and community support we've received since 2010. We would welcome your continuing support at our 7th Annual Festival. In the past, all of the proceeds benefited Prism Youth Initiative Inc., a non-profit Florida corporation, however, in October of 2020, Prism Youth merged with Also Youth. Also Youth continues to provide even more services to the LGBTQ+ youth in Manatee County and all the proceeds will benefit the youth in Manatee County. Also Youth’s mission is Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth and their Allies, and Creating Inclusive Communities. Manatee Pride 2021 will again have live performers and renowned bands, great food at reasonable prices, beer, cider, health checks and more. We expect our attendance to meet or exceed our previous attendance record. Our all inclusive community is growing every day. 452 3rd Ave W., Bradenton
Manatee Pride
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce Experience Extraordinary Day, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Visitors will be able to experience the Museum of Art, Circus Museum and Bayfront Gardens free of charge. Visitors must pre-register to enjoy free admission. Register online at https://www.ringling.org/events/experience-extraordinary day. Please present either a printed or an electronic ticket at the admissions desk. The Ringling is open 10am to 5pm daily and parking is free.
Let’s Get Healthy Tampa Bay Wellness Expos, Florida Penguin Production’s annual wellness expo series, is returning to 4 locations this September. (Brandon, Sarasota, Clearwater & Citrus Park) Each “Let’s Get Healthy Wellness Expo” will feature 30-40 wellness related resources & activations catered to patrons of all ages. From Geriatrics to Pediatrics, and holistic to modern, we have it all in one place for Tampa Bay to learn more about all the options available to them. Activities include fitness demos, free health checks, healthy food & drink samples, product sampling stations, a Teddy Bear Giveaway sponsored by Florida Blue, and dozens of vendors on display including many of the top Health Insurance brands, chiropractors, mental health, government services, primary care, fitness, and healthy food and drinks. Sponsored by Florida Blue, Liberty Dental Plans, Life Guard Imaging, and Your CBD Store. September 18th (10am-2pm) at The Mall at University Town Center - 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, September 19th (11am-3pm) at Westfield Brandon Mall - 459 Brandon Town Center Dr, Brandon, September 25th (10am-2pm) at Countryside Mall - 27001 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, and September 26th (12pm-4pm) at Citrus Park Mall - Center, 8021 Citrus Park Town, Tampa.
Prepare your mimosas, sit back, and relax while Heather Graham shares intimate knowledge about her career and sneak peek into her upcoming book. “The Unknown” is the latest in the Krewe of Hunters series and takes place in New Orleans. A suspicious fire sets off an investigation that sends an agent to catch a serial arsonist roaming the shadowy streets of New Orleans... before the city burns down. Registration is open for the virtual event that takes place on September 19, 2021 at 1pm. Tickets begin at $15 and can be purchased at https://libraryfriendsemlwr.org/events. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Heather Graham, majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. She has written over 200 novels and novellas including category, suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, and the occult.
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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