The question of whether Sarasota needs an elected mayor will once again come before the Sarasota City Commission. That’s after the Charter Review Committee passed a proposal for a modest mayor. The matter still needs to win support from the Commission to put the matter on the ballot, where voters ultimately will have a final say.

The proposal advanced would take one of two at-large places on the Commission and make it into a four-year mayor. Right now, city commissioners vote annually amongst themselves on who should serve as mayor for the year.

CRC member Dan Clermont, a former City Commission candidate, said he feels confident this proposal will be the one that finally comes to be in a city that has long debated the merits of a directly elected mayor. “It’s more evolutionary than it is revolutionary,” Clermont said. “The mayor the mayor would have any no different than what (current Mayor) Erik Arroyo enjoys today. But the people of the city would be making the choice of that person instead of the members of the City Commission.”

Still, the measure only narrowly passed. Cathy Antunes, another CRC member who voted against a mayor proposal, said she has concerns about giving someone the mayor’s gavel for four years, and said she felt prior Mayor Hagen Brody abused the powers of the position during his one year. “Four years of that could be a big problem, and without any accountability to the position, I prefer a rotating mayor,” she said.

Brody, who still serves on the City Commission, incidentally only said he wanted to see the details of the proposal before he voted on putting the matter to ballot.

Antunes also had concerns about a citywide election for mayor, thereby preventing a mayor representing a single-member district a chance at the job. No minority candidates have ever won a citywide election to the Commission, while several Commissioners like Fredd Atkins, Willie Shaw and Carolyn Mason (who now serves on the CRC and also voted against the proposal) all won election in District 1, then were selected by peers to serve as mayor.

Clermont rejected the argument a Black mayor could not win election cityside. 

“The mayor-elect of St. Petersburg is African-American,” referring to Ken Welch, who will be sworn in as St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor today. “There’s no reason to think that city is more evolved or sophisticated than Sarasota.”

Through the years, many questioned if any mayor proposal would ultimately serve as a step to a strong mayor, often derisively called a boss mayor.  Clermont also dismissed that concern, saying if anything, having a legislative mayor much like that in Venice and Bradenton would be an achievement on its own. It may even quash further discussions of requiring a more administrative mayor.

But at least one person wonders if a “weak” mayor proposal was even worth the trouble of installing. That’s Arroyo, the current mayor. He was just selected to a term more than a year after his 2020 election, and while the job has its perks, there’s plenty of limits on the position He said mayors with power like Jane Castor in Tampa and Lenny Curry in Jacksonville can raise the prominence and power of a community.. Without administrative power to enact a vision for the city, he questions if the proposal would provide anything but a title. 

“The proposal sent to us is a waste of time,” he said. “I get it. People fear one person taking and being able to do all these things. But it’s what we have with a governor at the state level and president at the federal level— an executive that’s in charge.”  

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Lakewood Ranch had another record-setting sales year, bolstered by the opening of new villages, its third town center, expanded restaurant and retail offerings, and plans for new schools and a public library. The Ranch saw 2,574 new home sales in 2021, up from 2,149 in 2020 – a 20 percent increase year-over-year and the best sales year on record. Lakewood Ranch was recognized as the best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the country for the fourth year in a row by RCLCO, an independent real estate consulting firm. 

Much excitement centered on Waterside Place, which is on its way to becoming one of the area’s most popular dining, retail, and experiential destinations. Lakewood Ranch’s newest town center opened for business in November, featuring not only shops and restaurants but becoming the new home of The Farmers’ Market and Ranch Nite Wednesdays, perennial favorites of the community for more than four years. Waterside Place is the centerpiece of Waterside Village, located in the Sarasota County portion of The Ranch. Waterside currently offers single family homes in LakeHouse Cove and Shoreview as well as rental townhomes, apartments, and senior living options in a variety of waterfront neighborhoods. Demand has been extremely brisk for Waterside and builders will be introducing townhomes, cottages, single family rentals, and large custom homes in the next phase of development. 

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Dr. Amy Gambow, a Florida Certified Forensic Examiner, has joined Carter Psychology Center. Dr. Gambow is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in forensic and clinical services. She is specialized in the area of forensic assessment, including mitigation, competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, risk, sexual offenders, parental capacity, and disability. Dr. Gambow has frequently served as an expert witness in criminal and other legal cases. In addition to expert evaluations and testimony, she offers case consultation for legal professionals and work product reviews. Dr. Gambow earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology from Palo Alto University. After completing an accredited internship with emphasis on forensic assessment, Dr. Gambow completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University Psychiatry and Law Service where she specialized in criminal forensic evaluations and treatment. Dr. Gambow has worked as an inpatient psychologist within a state psychiatric hospital and as an outpatient forensic evaluator for the courts.  She continues to serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine and clinical supervisor to trainees. A frequent speaker and researcher, Dr. Gambow has published and presented on topics related to forensic assessment and treatment, clinical diagnostic evaluations, and juvenile offenders. Carter Psychology Center also offers general therapeutic and diagnostic services including treatment for mood and behavior disorders, relationship concerns, memory and cognitive concerns, academic problems, as well as personal growth and development. 

The critically-acclaimed La Musica International Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 36th season in 2022, with events from February 15 to April 13. Four concerts will be held at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The season kick-off event, and the first concert with special guest pianist Wu Han, will celebrate the legacy of co-founder and associate artistic director Derek Han, who passed away in April of 2021. Subscriptions to all four concerts are $195 and include a festival rehearsal pass; single concert tickets range from $50-$65. Bruno Giuranna, La Musica’s co-founder and artistic director, stated, “Although covid keeps me from traveling to Sarasota this year, my gift to La Musica is the repertoire patrons will enjoy throughout the festival. I am especially saddened to miss paying tribute to Derek Han, my colleague and good friend, but I know he will be listening from afar.”  

For more information about La Musica, visit

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources (LHR) announces “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" as their 2022 One Book selection. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and perseverance, and the power to overcome adversity. Renee Di Pilato, who serves as the LHR director, said the book was both inspirational and uplifting, and available in multiple formats for kids, teens and adults. A committee selects the One Book title each year and then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at county libraries and other venues, and has featured both local and bestselling authors. The entire community is encouraged to participate. In 2022 LHR will provide programming and displays as part of this One Book selection, and the entire community is invited to participate. As part of this 2022 One Book selection, LHR will host the author William Kamkwamba for the following speaking engagements: 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb, 17 at Suncoast Technical College Conference Center in North Port, 4445 Career Lane, which is located next to the Shannon Staub Public Library and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.  

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The Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) will offer four $1,200 scholarships for 2022 to college students, according to Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett. Applicants must be registered Florida voters and have lived in the state for at least the two preceding years. Applicants must be either a Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication major, and be at least a junior in college. Students must be enrolled, or accepted for, full-time studies in an accredited college or university in Florida, and have at least a “C” average for the previous year. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 11, 2022. Applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county in which the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist to send to the FSE Scholarship Committee for consideration. 

For full details and applications click here

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is hosting its sought-after, annual fashion show on Friday, March 18, 2022 at The Ritz Carlton Sarasota. As in past years, SPARCC Runway #SRQ2022 promises to be buzzing with excitement! Guests will enjoy valet parking, a champagne toast, shopping in the premiere, pop-up fashion boutique (featuring great deals on high-end fashion pieces from SPARCC Treasure Chest), a delicious luncheon complete with wine service, and an unforgettable and fantastic runway fashion show. Registration and shopping at the pop-up boutique begin at 10 AM, with the seated luncheon and the fashion show following at noon. This year’s Event Chair is Diane Muldoon, and Darci Jacob is the Fashion Show Chair. All proceeds support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

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The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club, a not-for-profit Florida Corporation with a 501(c)(3) status, will welcome David Brooks, Author, The Second Mountain, The Road to Character and The Social Animal, New York Times Columnist and major political and social analyst to the May 5, 2022 luncheon to be held at Michael’s On East.

David Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs. He holds several prestigious positions as a commentator: Bi-weekly Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times, Regular analyst on PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered. David’s New York Times bestseller, The Road to Character, “explains why selflessness leads to greater success. He tells the story of ten great lives that illustrate how character is developed, and how we can all strive to build rich inner lives, marked by humility and moral depth. In a society that emphasizes success and external achievement, The Road to Character is a book about inner worth.”

In his most recent book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life (Random House), David explores the four commitments that define a life of meaning and purpose: to a spouse and family, to a vocation, to a philosophy or faith, and to a community. His previous books, The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement, uses the story of a fictional American couple to explain the importance of neuroscience and sociology in understanding America’s politics, culture, and future. His other books, Bobos in Paradise and On Paradise Drive are in a style he calls “comic sociology”—descriptions of how we live and “the water we swim in” that are as witty and entertaining as they are revealing and insightful. Bobos in Paradise was a New York Times bestseller. 

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Students from four area counties are invited to apply by Feb. 15 for more than 70 scholarship opportunities offered through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. By completing a single application, students under the age of 24 in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte or DeSoto counties have an opportunity to be selected for scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 in financial support for the upcoming academic year.

Students have until Tuesday, Feb. 15 to complete the online Traditional Scholarship application available at www.cfsarasota.org/students/scholarships-for-students-under-24-years. Students must be pursuing or planning to pursue further education at an accredited university, community college, technical school, or certification program. Applicants must also be a current resident, graduating high school senior, or a graduate of a high school located within our four-county region.

Recipients are selected based on need, merit, or a combination of both, and scholarships are designed to fulfill a diverse array of academic goals at colleges or technical schools. Some of the unique opportunities students are eligible for through the single application include the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) Booker Law Academy Scholarship, Destinations Florida Scholarship, and Performing Arts Scholarship, among others. 

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Sarasota-Manatee travel lovers are invited to meet with and hear presentations from top-rated luxury travel suppliers at the Second Annual Sarasota Luxury Travel Forum. The free event will be held at The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota from 4-7:30 p.m. on February 16 and will be hosted by Marc Bokoff of Cruise Planners. Bokoff has decades of experience with land vacations, cruises, resorts, destination weddings, and group travel. This year’s Luxury Travel Forum promises to be extremely informational, with a dozen of the industry’s most respected brands – including land, sea, river, and rail suppliers – in attendance. Guests will enjoy refreshments while they consider options for their next vacation, taking advantage of specials and discounts exclusive to Bokoff’s clients. Travel companies represented at the Forum include: Abercrombie & Kent, American Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Kensington Tours, Lindblad Expeditions, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Rocky Mountaineer, Scenic Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, and Uniworld River Cruises. 

For more information click here