SRQ DAILY Nov 1, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"We're also handling more containers than in previous years. We've seen in essence more cargo. "
With a supply line crisis looming, state officials are openly wooing shippers to send goods from the East into Florida ports. With Port Manatee still the closest U.S. deepwater port to the Panama Canal, could that mean a boon to local logistics?
Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras said that’s up to shippers themselves. But he said the Palmetto port can handle any demand that comes. “It’s just common sense to take the Panama Canal and drop off containers on this side of the country,” he said.
The port executive first noted that while the current supply chain issue has received significant attention thanks to the impact of COVID-19, this is hardly the first time West Coast ports faced trouble handling shipping. “In a few instances in the past, container ships with holiday gifts piled up on the West Coast, in California ports in particular,” he said.
The issue is most of the containers coming off shipping liners in California end up on rail lines spanning across the United States. Basically, it’s more financially sensible in logistics to go from China to Long Beach, then ride the rails to the East Coast. But when there’s backup out west, Buqueras said it makes sense to consider shipping by boat directly to the East Coast, especially with the Panama Canal now letting larger container vessels through.
In Port Manatee, Buqueras said capacity has already been demonstrated to welcome large ships from the Far East, though he said much of the traffic so far has not been containerized, which is the method of choice for electronic products. The port has welcomed Chinese and Vietnamese lumber and other raw materials.
“In this particular case, the pandemic has not affected Port Manatee,” he said. “We’re also handling more containers than in previous years. We’ve seen in essence more cargo. The effect on Manatee has been almost contrary to what was expected. Our containers are up from 80,000 to 143,000, over a 50% increase.”
It all puts the port in a place to pitch itself as a destination to send goods from around the world. It just depends now whether those sending containers out from China can be convinced to chart a course to Florida rather than California if they want to make sure fancy goods make it onto shelves by Black Friday and Christmas this year. 
Twenty student volunteers from the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab Student Community Innovation Project (SCIP) partnered with Sarasota Urban ReForesters (SURF) and Florida Veterans for Common Sense Fund to design, implement, and promote a microforest that is made up of 1,100 trees. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the location of the planting has shifted from its original location at Nathan Benderson Park to Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club. “Stoneybrook is highly respected for its commitment to the environment and engagement of residents and stakeholders in everything from bird walks to learning tours about the community's multifaceted environmental stewardship program," said Charles Reith, SURF and Florida Veterans representative.
This microforest project was designed to help initiate sustainable changes in Sarasota County and educate the general populace to make more sustainable and environmentally friendly decisions in their daily lives. Once matured, the microforest will transfer substantial amounts of carbon from the atmosphere into the soil and filter water. It is a unique tool to mitigate climate change and red tide crises. The project simultaneously provided a real-world experience for local students to bring an innovative idea from start to finish, building technical and life skills that will help them in their future pursuits.
To engage the community with the project, SURF hosted its first volunteer day on July 17 with over 50 volunteers in attendance. The goal of the event was to create a mulched layer of the microforest that will create a dark and moist environment to block weeds and cultivate a community of beneficial microbes. The next step of the project is to begin the tree planting process. Microforests require dense planting to perform most efficiently so SURF aims to plant over 1,100 trees at the microforest site. The help of willing volunteers is a necessity. To lend a helping hand on the tree planting day on Saturday, November 6, sign up at http://bit.ly/surfplanting. No experience is required, and training will be provided on the morning of the event.
The microforest project at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club is made possible with the support of Florida Veterans for Common Sense Fund Inc., Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Elizabeth Moore, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START), Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay, and The Floyd C. Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation. Follow along the project’s progress @surfmicroforest on Facebook and Instagram.
The forest site at Stoneybrook, prepped and ready for planting. Courtesy of Suncoast Science Center
The 10th anniversary of the Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend, presented by BMO Harris Bank, will be held at LECOM Park on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 2021, with an outstanding lineup of talented blues musicians on the big stage. Many award-winning musicians will perform at this year’s Festival, including: Bernard Allison, Jimmy Carpenter, and Terrie Odabi.
The Bradenton Blues Festival is produced by Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous downtown area for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Proceeds from the Bradenton Blues Festival support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art, and music programs that are free to the community, including our Blues in the Schools program.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces its lineup of upcoming FST Improv performances November 6 - December 31. From the audience favorite Out of Bounds to the debut of a brand-new musical improv show, Treble in Paradise, and the popular year-end celebration, Resolution Rewind, this season is packed with a wide range of improvisational styles and techniques—all designed to get audiences laughing.
Kicking things off is Out of Bounds, a fast-paced competition where two teams of improvisers go head-to-head for the audience’s love, attention, and points. Playing Saturdays from November 6 - 27, Out of Bounds brings FST Improv’s top performers together for an evening of games, scenes, and clever storytelling. “The competitive structure of the show not only excites the cast, but it makes us want to make an impression on the audience even more,” said Will Luera, FST’s Director of Improv. “The audience is directly involved with the show—from calling out suggestions to giving points to their favorite team, which adds an extra layer of energy, fun, and unpredictability.”
Following Out of Bounds is Treble in Paradise, an all-new musical improv show built around audience suggestions and three randomly selected notes on the keyboard. With no scripts, no pre-written musical score, and no idea what will happen next, members of FST Improv will create full-blown musical numbers, drama, and spontaneous choreography completely on the spot. "Treble in Paradise will be full of musical variety,” said Luera. "We're looking forward to telling new stories—which haven't even been written yet—and seeing what we can come up with alongside our teammates. The audience can expect wacky musical numbers, off-the-wall sketches, and dance numbers created completely in the moment.
Finally, FST Improv celebrates the year’s end on December 30 and 31 with Resolution Rewind, two special New Year’s Eve performances providing a humorous look back at 2021. Audience members shape the show by voting for their favorite improv games from the past year online, determining which twelve will make the lineup for Resolution Rewind.
Back for another season of laughter are returning cast members: Will Luera, Kevin Allen, Ally Arana, Suzanne Beaulieu, Sarah Durham, Rebecca Harp, Darryl Knapp, Emily Levin, Erica Maity, Shawn McWhinnie, Sal Piccolo, Kyle Shoemaker, and Autumn Steiner.
Tickets are $12-25 and are now on sale at floridastudiotheatre.org or 941.366.9000.
Photo courtesy of FST Improv
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce that they are once again offering guided tours of the Bayfront Gardens. The tours will start today, November 1 and run through March 28, 2022. Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, beginning at 10:30 AM. This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce guests to interesting botanical specimens on the 66-acre campus while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling’s grounds have been accredited as a Level II Arboretum through ArbNet. The property boasts over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical and culturally significant trees. The Bayfront Gardens tours last approximately 90 minutes and cover about 1 mile in distance.
There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Tickets are available 30 days before each tour. Price: $15 / $10 for Members. More information and tickets are available at ringling.org/events/bayfront-garden-tour
Banyan tree photo courtesy of The Ringling Museum
For Jerry and Fay Bainbridge founded their investment advisory firm as J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc., in 1981, and after ten of those years, moved their company to Sarasota. Now known as JL Bainbridge (JLB), the company's remained a steady family wealth management firm that helps clients manage and control their financial well-being before and throughout retirement. Clients continue to trust how they guide their investments and financial planning and appreciate the sense of financial confidence they give them. JLB is a fee-only, SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm that does not require a specific minimum investment.
With 40 years invested in growing a successful business that’s still growing, many owners would consider selling their firm as a desirable exit strategy. Not the Bainbridges. They have resisted every offer to be acquired and will continue to stay their course of independence. “As much as these firms promise that nothing would change if they acquired us, we know better,” said Jerry Bainbridge. “We’ve always been a clients-first business. They trust us when we say we’ll be with them for the long term. We owe it to them.”
Over the years, the Bainbridges have built a core team of advisors and other staff who manage compliance and client service needs. So, while the founders are very much active in the firm—Jerry continues to work directly with his clients while Fay continues taking care of the firm’s own financials—they have also made sure that the next generation of advisors continues their traditions of close client relationships and long-term financial planning. This, they feel, is the best way to remain independent, and they place full confidence in their team.
For more information on JL Bainbridge Family Wealth Advisors, please call 941.365.3435 or visit jlbainbridge.com.
Manatee County officials visited the Medieval Fair site today in Myakka and received a tour from the property owner. During the tour, Manatee County officials determined the property owner will need to apply for a tent permit in addition to their existing special permit application. It appears the site doesn’t present a risk to the public’s health and safety, but the property owner still needs to continue the special permit process. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.
“Much Ado About Nothing,” an Asolo Rep, FSU/Asolo Conservatory BardWired production — In partnership with Asolo Repertory Theatre will take place on Monday, November 1, 5:30pm at Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. In this 45-minute innovative adaptation, experience the Bard like never before —as part of a neighborhood block party... While their soldiers have been away at war, the community of Messina has learned to lean on each other for support. The intrepid (and self-appointed) Neighborhood Watch are young scouts, led by troupe leader Dogberry—and scout surveillance is at high alert. As the neighborhood’s war heroes Benedick, Claudio, and Don Pedro return home, they have to renegotiate their place on the block. While young Hero and Claudio immediately fall in love, quick witted Benedick and Beatrice need a matchmaker’s push, but their love and re-integration into Messina are jeopardized by dastardly Don John’s villainous machinations.
Our annual luncheon supports our education and community outreach programs. This year’s Perfect Pitch Honoree is Nate Jacobs, Founder/Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Each December, we select a member of the artistic community who has been a driving force in the arts and our collaborative efforts. Enjoy performances by Key Chorale’s Chamber Singers, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the 2021/22 Student Scholars and the students of Visible Men Academy. There will also be opportunities to learn more about the music and mission of Key Chorale and to sponsor a Student Scholar for the season. Perfect Pitch will take place on November 1 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Sarasota Yacht Club.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 3 at 11am for Children's First 13th annual Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon at Sharky's on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice. Enjoy their fabulous beachside fashion show while dining on fresh food and delectable drinks from Fins at Sharky’s restaurant in celebration of Children First’s 60th Anniversary.
Join Big Cat Habitat for our first ever Twilight Lemur Yoga fundraising event, in collaboration with instructor Erika Cain on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021, Doors Open at 5:30pm, 60-Minute Flow Begins at 5:45pm. This is a unique interactive animal experience with gentle yoga weaved into the adventure. Erika will guide you through a yoga flow in our intimate encounter area, while our two beautiful Ruffed Lemurs, Marley and Ziggy, freely leap around and connect with you. Allow yourself to be transformed by this exclusive experience as you become immersed in the outdoor environment and powerful energy of the lemurs. 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, giving you the opportunity to be gentle on your body. 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: $125 per person; includes interactive animal encounter, yoga flow and a single day pass to return to the habitat during normal business hours. (Friday through Sunday 12pm-4pm). Only six spaces available. Advanced reservations ONLY. What to bring: Yoga mat, towel and any props to assist your practice. Complimentary refreshments and light snacks available.
The event will include the sip, stop and shop marketplace filled with wine tastings from vintners around the world and shopping from exclusive vendors on November 4 from 7pm to 10pm at Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave. in Tampa. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, chances to win a closet filled with $30,000 of coveted items, bid on exciting silent auction packages and more. The second portion of our evening will entail a high end fashion show along with a live auction and entertainment. Since the inception, this event has collectively raised over one million dollars for the immediate needs of children and families battling childhood cancer. Don’t miss out on Tampa Bay’s event of the year. All guests will enjoy complimentary wine and champagne. Passed Hors d’oeuvres will be present during pre show along with our fabulous food vendors with tastings from some of the best Tampa restaurants. It is suggested to eat a heavier meal before attending. A suit is the easiest option for men heading to a fashion show. Mix things up if you prefer a more striking look. Instead of your usual tie, leave the top few buttons on your dress shirt undone and add a plaid scarf. Most women wear a cocktail dress or an outfit for a girls night on the town. Women typically wear with their most extravagant pair of heels to contend in the Best in Shoe competition.
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.
Princeton Street Arts 2021 Fall Art Walk will take place on November 5 from 6pm to 8pm. Join us for our Monthly art walk. Visit the working studios of artists in the Princeton Street corridor. Explore this blossoming arts community in the heart of Sarasota. The Princeton street corridor is a growing community of warehouses converted to working art studios. Anchored by the SPAACES Gallery, this little neighborhood has evolved into a premier location for contemporary and conceptual artists. This event features open studios of 12 Princeton Street artists as well as an exhibition at the SPAACES Gallery featuring the work of Diana de Avila, Julie Kanapaux, and Jessica Mowery.
The Florida Department of Transportation’s Commute Connector program has partnered with the City of Sarasota, DreamLarge, Sarasota County, and Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to host the newest installment of BLVD Bike Rides, a free community bike ride that aims to bring residents, neighbors and friends together to celebrate the community and cycling in downtown Sarasota. The ride, which will take place after work in downtown Sarasota will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, starting at 5:15pm. The event is part of Mobility Week, an annual initiative from October 29 through November 5, 2021. Mobility Week is a coordinated and concentrated celebration of activities to promote transportation choices and safety. People that live or work in the greater Sarasota area are invited to grab their bikes and helmets, pump up their tires and join us in the DreamLarge Yard at the corner of Central Avenue and Boulevard of the Arts (600 Central Ave. Sarasota FL 34236). Participants will enjoy a scenic bicycle tour of Sarasota’s vibrant art and urban design with colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Registration for the event is now open; space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Free traditional and electric bike rentals will be available on-site for those who need them. The guided group ride will begin at 5:45pm and will end at the Mandeville Beer Garden for a small networking event after the bicycle tour. Riders are encouraged to stay to meet and network with their fellow bikers. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The approximately 2.0-mile, slow-paced ride will be safely led by City of Sarasota Sustainability Coordinator and local bike enthusiast Jeff Vredenburg. During the event, an on-site transportation fair will allow residents and commuters to learn more about their commute options. Helmets are strongly encouraged.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat presents a conversation on the beach with 2020 Tony Award-nominated playwright and 2021 Hermitage Fellow Bess Wohl. “The Next Horizon: The Latest from Playwright Bess Wohl” is Thursday, November 4, 5:30pm, live on the Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road. This event will also be available via livestream. This outdoor Hermitage event is presented in partnership with the Asolo Rep, which will host the regional premiere of Wohl’s play Grand Horizons starting in January of 2022.
The Fresh Fridays team announces the final programming for its kick-off event, “Best Night Ever.” The first of downtown Sarasota’s elevated first-Friday events initiative seeks to offer residents and visitors dynamic opportunities to engage with the city’s diverse food, music, and cultural assets, reactivating downtown Sarasota as a hub for nightlife, entertainment and recreation. From 8-11pm on Friday, November 5, Lemon Avenue and State Street will be closed to vehicles for the pedestrian-only event. Free food tastings will be provided throughout the event zone courtesy of Cask & Ale, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood., and Serenity Wellness & Smoothie Café. Guests can also purchase their favorite refreshments from participating restaurants within the event zone. Several live music options will also be spread throughout the two-block event zone that cater to a wide variety of preferences, including a jazz guitar duo, a Country cover band, and a DJ spinning contemporary and classic hits. The vibrant block party will be glowing in a dazzling digital light display, making this a comprehensive event for the senses. The first 500 guests will receive a Fresh Fridays cup to go along with other party favors, and guests are encouraged to utilize the Fresh Fridays step-and-repeat photo set up to get their photos taken. This 100% free event is an easy walk from just about any parking spot in the Downtown Improvement District including the State Street garage, where the first two hours of parking are free. Easily accessible and broadly inclusive of tastes, guests may enter the event from either end of State Street (including The Mark’s breezeway) and from Lemon Avenue at Main Street or Pineapple Avenue. Please refer to the included map.
If you love animals, love golf and would love to play at the Resort at Longboat Key Club’s gorgeous Links on Longboat Key Course, please join us for a great morning of golf followed by a delicious cookout lunch at 8:30am on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Love Satchel’s and our no-kill mission but not a golfer? Join us for our gourmet Cookout Buffet Lunch to be served when the golfers head back (likely starting around 11:30). We’re hoping for a beautiful fall day where you can sit back and relax while enjoying a delicious cookout lunch under the oaks at the Longboat Key Club. Raffle tickets for a chance at 1 of 3 baskets containing $100 in lottery tickets will be available and pics of our beautiful dogs and cats looking for their forever homes will be on the tables promoting Satchel’s Be Our Hero sponsorship program.
NextHome Excellence and NextHome In The Sun's annual Free Fall Festival at the Florida Farm Bureau is BACK on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 11am to 4pm. Join us for a completely free, KID-FRIENDLY event. This is one of the most fun events of the year - here are just some of the things you can enjoy at the festival: Carnival Games, Bounce Houses, Dunk Tank, Food Trucks, Airbrush Tattoos, Arts & Crafts, Obstacle Course, Inflatable Axe Throwing, Live Music, Artisan Market, and Fun & Games. All proceeds benefit Heroes Welcome Home, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping veterans buy and maintain their homes.
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