SRQ DAILY Oct 21, 2021
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"I don't care how the districts are drawn, the way Sarasota is going from a voter registration standpoint, I expect major wins."
Whatever happens in the redistricting process for state legislative districts, Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, feels confident this region will have Republican representation next year.
“I don’t care how the districts are drawn, the way Sarasota is going from a voter registration standpoint, I expect major wins,” Gruters said.
Gruters, in addition to holding his Senate seat, serves as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. He technically holds the role of republican Party of Sarasota County chair, though Jack Brill has served as acting county chair since Gruters ascended to his statewide position in the party. At the state level, Republicans appear on the verge of holding an edge in number of Florida registered voters for the first time ever.
According to the most recent data from the Division of Elections, there were 23,551 ore registered Democrats than Republicans as of August 31. That’s out of 14,279,017 total voters. The gap is down from Democrats holding a 134,242-voter edge at the time of the 2020 general election.
“We’re going to blow them and we’re never going to look back,” Gruters said.
In Sarasota County, the GOP has long held an edge. Here there’s 43,061 more registered Republicans than Democrats, and 353,761 voters total.
Today, Gruters serves as the only state Senator for Sarasota County, but maps will be redrawn before the next election. On that front, Gruters said he’s had no real involvement and is looking from the outside, not serving on the Senate Reapportionment Committee. “I’m just a Senator,” he said. “I’m interested in learning more about these maps.”
He’ll get a vote on the final maps for Congress, state Senate and state House, which could impact the politics of this region and beyond for a decade. But he said he just wants the maps to stand up to court scrutiny. “I want them to get it right,” he said. “I want there to be no question marks, and I am sure we have the leadership in place to make sure that happens.” 
We ladies endure a lot on the average day. We are undoubtedly one of the strongest creatures to walk the face of the earth. We deserve to be celebrated.
Well that celebration is happening all day today, October 21, as St. Armand’s Circle hosts its monthly Ladies Night event. Several shops and restaurants will be taking part in this affair, which occurs on the third Thursday of every month—offering raffle prizes, treats and refreshments to guests. There will also be a 15% discount offered at participating shops, making this the perfect time to get a jumpstart on that holiday shopping for your friends and family, or, for yourself (we won’t judge). And if that wasn’t enough reason to spend a day hanging with your girls, Ladies Night will also host an 8pm raffle for a grand prize of a $500 Visa gift card, sponsored by Team Renick with Mangrove Realty Associates Inc.
Shake your groove thing and head to St. Armands Circle today. And don’t forget to bring your girlfriends. ‘Cause when the workin’ day is done, girls just wanna have fun.
St Armands Circle Ladies Night, Historic St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, 941-388-1939, ladiesnightonstarmands.com, @starmandsladiesnight
Photo courtesy of St. Armand's Circle Association.
For the past 16 years JFCS of the Suncoast has been spreading holiday cheer to many of its clients through its annual Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior campaigns. Both programs provide donated holiday gifts, including clothing, shoes, books and gift cards, to underserved seniors, youth and families. Last year, in a continued effort to aid individuals and families who were in a dire state due to COVID-19, JFCS invited the entire community to participate in the Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior programs. As a result, more than 200 children and families and 150 seniors enjoyed a beautiful holiday season despite the challenges they had experienced in the previous months. This year, the needs are greater than ever before. JFCS is seeking donors who are interested in adopting families and seniors for the holiday season. Our goal is to donate 150 bags filled with hard candy, stamps, notepads and pens, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, chap stick, Publix, Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart gift cards, no skid socks, tissues and magnets, to seniors. Also, more than 250 youth are in need of toys, clothing, bicycles, books, gift cards, home furnishings and gift cards. JFCS requests that all donated items are new and unwrapped.
All Chanukah gifts are due by Friday, November 19 and Christmas gifts by Friday, December 10. Learn more about both campaigns on the JFCS website. Interested individuals may also contact Karen Pharo via email at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org or call Jessica Plourde at 941-499-7247.
The Van Wezel Foundation (Foundation) welcomes Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Company realtors, to its Board of Directors. Saunders joined Michael Saunders & Company in 2003 and has held several leadership roles, as the firm has grown into its recognition as the No. 1 real estate broker in Southwest Florida, which have culminated into his current position as company president. Saunders served on Bayfront 20:20, the founding organization established to help build consensus among community and neighborhood leaders to shape the future master plan for Sarasota’s bayfront. From 2018 through 2020, Saunders was also co-chair of the Foundation’s Sarasota Performing Arts Center Community Steering Committee. Committed to the success of Gulf Coast business and civic causes, Saunders is also active in a variety of local, state,and national organizations, including the National Association of Realtors®. He is president-elect for Stellar MLS and sits on the Board of Directors for Gulfside Bank, Sarasota Economic Development Corporation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
To foster a connection between the people, the bay and the spirit of human creativity, the Van Wezel Foundation is leading The Future is Now Campaign, a master plan for Bayfront development that includes a new performing arts center.
Embracing Our Differences (EOD) is presenting the launch of “The Oneness of Art,” a powerful yearlong initiative created by the noted poet and teaching artist Cedric Hameed to unite the community through the power of creative expression. The project’s initial phase, which began in September, will engage community members in interactive poetry workshops. Local visual artists and performers will then take inspiration from the words of workshop participants to create original art across a wide range of mediums, including visual art, music and dance. The initiative will culminate in a community-wide celebration of this creative collaboration.
The project has three distinct phases. For the next four months, Hameed is holding 16 workshops reaching out to a broad section of the community. Participants have been selected from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Easterseals Southwest Florida Academy, and Second Heart Homes. During each workshop session, Hameed guides participants in the creation of poetry revolving around themes of self-image, self-esteem, fear and triumph. In the project’s second phase, which starts in January 2022, Hameed will share these poems with commissioned artists and performers from Ringling College of Art and Design and others across the region. During this period, these artists will take inspiration from the poetry to create original visual art and performance pieces. At the project’s conclusion, their work will be displayed and performed at various area locations, including museums, public spaces, and partner organization facilities. Local filmmaker Nate Ilardi will document the Oneness of Art initiative from beginning to end.
Pictured: Oneness of Art workshop, courtesy of Nate Ilardi
The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation today announced that Target Corp. Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell and wife Martha Cornell are donating $10 million to support the creation of a new behavioral health facility. The gift will help fund comprehensive mental health services at a time when the global pandemic and other ongoing crises have further illuminated the need for supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. In recognition of the gift, the new facility will be named the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, announced Sarasota Memorial Health Care System President and CEO David Verinder and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Mason Ayres.
Rendering courtesy of SMH
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Steven and Marjolaine Townsend at the annual Champions for Children Gala on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Steven and Marjolaine believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for our youth. Their humble beginnings have led to their philanthropic passion for equipping the next generation of leaders. Presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, all proceeds from the event will ensure youth across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have access to award-winning programs that foster academic success, strong character and leadership, healthy lifestyles and career readiness. Champions for Children will take place at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.
Mariner Wealth Advisors has expanded its Sarasota office welcoming four financial industry professionals focused on providing clients 360° financial advice designed to last. The Sarasota location, formerly known as Allegiant Private Advisors, recently added Senior Wealth Advisor Douglas Timmerman, CFP®, CExP™, Wealth Advisor Cupp Nguyen, CFP ®, AEP ®, CTFA, Research Analyst Daniel McElwaney and Paraplanner Gillian Cassidy to its growing wealth team. Managing Director Benjamin W. Jones, CFP®, AIF® noted that these staff additions reflect a commitment to continue to provide concierge service to each current client while also laying the foundation for Mariner Wealth Advisors’ growth plans for the greater region.
For more information about Mariner Wealth Advisors, click here
Realtor Wendy Kesslak has earned the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation and Million Dollar GUILD recognition from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. She joins an exclusive group of real estate professionals who have completed the Institute’s training and have a proven performance in the upper-tier market. GUILD recognition is awarded to CLHMS recipients who consistently close sales at or above one million dollars. “Agents who have earned the CLHMS designation are performing at the highest level in their community,” said Diane Hartley, president of the Institute. “The CLHMS seal is a symbol of distinction. Affluent buyers and sellers from around the world look for this symbol of luxury home knowledge and expertise when putting their trust in a real estate professional.” Kesslak greatly enjoys the Siesta Key, Florida, coastal lifestyle and strives to help others "secure their own piece of paradise."
Kesslak is based in the RE/MAX Alliance Group Siesta Key office at 5221 Ocean Boulevard. She can be reached at 941-321-7484 or Wendy4Siesta@gmail.com
Enjoy a daily carnival with rides and games for all ages October 21-24 and favorite fair food, and a Fall Festival Saturday - Sunday from 11am-6pm with family-fun entertainment and more. Event parking and admission are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 on site while supplies last and online in advance for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99 (Pre-sale ends Thurs., Oct. 21 at 5pm). On Saturday and Sunday, ride wristbands will only be available from 5pm to closing. Ride tickets are sold on site for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride. Online pre-sale special: $45 for 50 tickets (includes 1 free ride). Midway hours: 5-10pm Thursday, 5-11pm Friday, noon-11pm Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Parent/guardian supervision is required for guests ages 17 and younger. The Fall Festival will feature live music and entertainment, a pumpkin patch, beer garden, food trucks, vendors and Sunday activities including the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Pageant (11am), Pet Costume Contest (3pm) and Trunk or Treat (4pm).
Presented by Alltrust Insurance, the 2021 Tidewell Trot 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk benefitting Tidewell Foundation is scheduled to be held on October 21, 2021, at Nathan Benderson Park — 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir. Proceeds benefit Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth, and more. The vendor fair will begin at 5pm, the 5k at 6pm, and the 1-mile run/walk at 6:15pm.
TerraNova Equestrian Center welcomes you to its inaugural event, The Event at TerraNova, Oct. 22-24. The Event at TerraNova showcases the Olympic sport of three-day eventing. Like an equestrian triathlon, eventing tests the abilities of horse and rider in three phases– dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Join us for the ultimate in equestrian sport and a lovely day in the country. General admission and VIP experiences are available. Our goal is to create a world-class experience for all levels of riders, horses and spectators. The Event at TerraNova is a destination event for competitors, owners and sponsors, located just a short drive from Sarasota and some of the nation’s top beaches, resort hotels, golf courses and upscale restaurants.
The Sarasota Sailing Squadron located on City Island is pleased to announce that the 50th World Sunfish Championship will be coming to Sarasota in October 2021. The 100 competitors come from North, South, and Central America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Europe. They will be sailing new boats supplied by Sunfish Direct. They have qualified previously in events held in their respective countries and represent the country's best sailors. The week long event will be held Oct. 23-29. Twelve races are planned during the week. A "lay day" is scheduled if needed for inclement weather, a time for visitors to enjoy the many amenities that Sarasota has to offer. Many family members also attend and join in the Squadron's planned activities, enhancing the experience for everyone. The 50th Regatta organizers also plan to invite past Wold competitors to attend which will bring many more sailors to enjoy the racing via spectator boats and entertainment events.
The Venice YMCA Black Tie Gala 2021 will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 6PM at the Venice YMCA, 701 Center Rd., Venice. Join us for a fabulous evening of gourmet dining, bidding, dancing and fun at Venice's Premier event of the season. There will be dinner, dancing, music, and a silent and live auction. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Paul Raker, Executive Director, at 941-492-9622 or praker@ymcaswfl.org. Purchase tickets online at www.ymcaswfl.org/events/black-tie-gala-2021.
Charles McGill: In the Rough from May 29 to November 21. Charles McGill: In the Rough explores the assemblage works of artist, educator, and golf teaching professional Charles McGill, who physically deconstructed and repurposed the plastic, steel, leather, vinyl, and hardware from vintage golf bags to examine the racial and class inequities associated with the sport and leisure activity.
You are invited to see this outstanding show and the opportunity of purchasing original art, digital art prints, and fine crafts by the Ringling College of Art and Design Students. All artwork will be on display online only on this page. To purchase please call 941-822-0442 and make arrangements for curbside pickup or shipping. The twelfth Annual Ringling College of Art and Design Student Show will run October 5-28, 2021.
Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, from October 9 to November 28, brings together two of Sarasota, Florida’s most renowned legacies —orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!, is presented by Better-Gro®, celebrates the breathtaking beauty of orchids in tree-top canopies high above the forest floor with the artistry and spectacle of the circus, particularly the aerialists who perform extraordinary feats of human ability high above captivated crowds. Pairing astonishing air plants with amazing aerial acts enables a fascinating exploration of the intersection of nature and entertainment. The show is deeply rooted in Selby Gardens’ status as possessing the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids. As always, the Orchid Show highlights the diversity and richness of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants on earth. The synergy with Sarasota’s extensive circus history fortifies the theme of this year’s show. Once the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the city remains the home of many circus performers and their families. In addition to The Ringling, housing the finest circus collections in existence, Sarasota is home to the Circus Arts Conservatory and associated Sailor Circus Academy, the oldest youth circus in America.
Drop into the electric and subversive underground dance scene known as bucking. As voguing exploded out of the ballroom scene of NYC, bucking was boldly pioneered in the clubs of the Deep South as a new form of self-expression. When the Beat Drops presents a fresh glimpse into the magnetic artistry and flair behind this emerging dance culture. In his feature debut, famed choreographer and filmmaker Jamal Sims, who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and RuPaul's Drag Race, illuminates the warm-hearted and fierce queer black performers who make up one of the leading bucking groups in the city of Atlanta. As they train for their biggest competition yet, they face the risk of losing their jobs and family to compete at the top levels of this dance scene. Jamal Sims calls dance a super power, and with this film he crafts a vision of the power of dance to bring movement to new heights and elevate the queer community. This On Screen will show on October 21 at 1pm at Historic Asolo Theater.
We are so excited to announce that Cat Depot is the Pet Costume Contest Sponsor at the Fall Festival at University Town Center. The contest is happening October 24, starting at 3pm. Interested in signing up? You can enter your pet into the Pet Costume Contest with the provided link. The Fall Festival is taking place on October 23 and 24 and includes fun activities such as a Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat, Food Trucks, and more. Stop by and visit the Cat Depot booth.
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven't met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience. The Sarasota Festival will take place on October 23, 2021 at Nathan Benderson Park: 4pm Gates Open, 4pm-8pm Enjoy Food Trucks/Music/Fun, 6:30pm Design your Lantern, 7pm-8pm Lantern Launch, 8pm Event Ends.
The 11th Annual Tour de North Port, “It’s the Green Pumpkin!”, is a fun bicycle ride among some of the most beautiful pine flatwoods forests that can still be seen in Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 7am. Begin and end at the Imagine School, Upper Campus, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port. Cyclists will follow an on-road route of either 15, 35, or 65 miles with each route having its own color-coded road markings. The Tour de North Port is NOT a race. First 400 receives a t-shirt, a goodie bag. Breakfast provided - Pre-registration check-in/on-site registration begins at 7am in the cafeteria of Imagine School, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port. Group starts begin at 8am. Lunch available 11am-1pm, Catered lunch will be provided. Rest Stops are open and SAG provided until 2pm, at which time the ride is considered officially over. Parking on campus and along Sycamore Street. Registration packets picked up Imagine School the day of the ride on Sunday, October 24, starting at 7am. Early Packet Pick-Up Party on Saturday, October 23 10am-2pm at the "Taste of North Port Food Fest" event at the City Center Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port.
Join Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio at Marina Jack Dock on Sunday October 24 from 10am to 11am for a gentle yoga class facing the Gulf of Mexico. Help support this beautiful local restaurant by staying for brunch, following your yoga practice. Space is limited and social distancing of 6 feet apart is required. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. Pre-registration is required and no drop-ins please. $25. If it rains and the event is cancelled you will have a credit on your account to use at the next Dock Yoga.
Get in touch with Sarasota’s psychic influence on this interesting trolley or van tour. Learn why Sarasota is called Sedona by the Sea, explore the tools psychics and mediums use, hear about the history of the tarot, and learn why Sarasota is a psychic and spiritual energy center. Visit Pixie Dust on Sarasota’s Main Street, walk the sands of Siesta Key Beach, explore a labyrinth, and then enjoy a Spirit Gallery Reading and a mini tarot reading on the trolley or van. You can also book a 15-minute personal tarot reading with tour guide Michael Newton-Brown at the cottage after the tour. Ages 12+; young people ages 12-20 may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 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.
The first of three Key Chorale Digital “At Home” Concert Series, Season 37 will take place from October 18 at 8am to December 1 at 5pm. Key Chorale is back to celebrate togetherness through the powerful legacy of African American spirituals and Gospel music in a feel-good concert experience sure to set your toes tapping, your hands clapping, and your spirit soaring. Joined by the energetic pulse of The Stephen Lynerd Group and the soulful sounds of the Hammond B-3 organ, this opening concert is full of upbeat, joyful music sure to raise the roof.
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary invites you to Yoga With Tigers, in collaboration with Erika Cain, RYT-200 on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021, Doors Open at 8:45am, 60-Minute Flow Begins at 9:15am. Yoga With Tigers is an ongoing series in Sarasota, Florida. Join us for a unique yoga experience, where tigers and other big cats will safely be in their habitats, as Erika guides participants through a yoga flow surrounded by the sounds of mother nature. This alignment-based class synchronizes breath with movement for you to deepen the mind-body connection and tune into your spirit animal. Practice is for most levels, so you can be gentle on the body if you choose. Allow yourself to be transformed by this flow as you immerse yourself in the outdoor environment and powerful energy of the animals. Big Cat Habitat hopes that this event will help guests connect with our majestic animals in a new way and support our mission to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for big cats and other exotic creatures in need. We take pride in educating our guests on the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations and to keep alive the human-animal connection in our world and in our community. Registration: $45 per person; includes yoga and a single day pass to return to the habitat duringnormal business hours. (Friday thru Sunday 12pm-4pm). Limited space is available. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged. What to bring: Yoga mat, towel and any props to assist your practice. Complimentary refreshments and light snacks available.
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