The question of whether state incentives should go to Florida film productions led a conservative group to paper Sarasota mailboxes with a political message last week. 

The words “Stop the Hollywood Handouts!” blared in large type on political mailers sent by Americans For Prosperity, a right-leaning group that has opined against any types of incentives for years. The mailers also included a picture of Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, who for several years has sponsored legislation to create a new rebate program.

Officials at AFP say it’s nothing personal.

“AFP regularly engages citizens of all kinds in communities across the state, sharing information about policy proposals that affect their daily lives,” said Skyler Zander, AFP’s state director. In just the first weeks of this year, we have sent out tens of thousands of mailers on key issues to households from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. We celebrate policies that advance a free and open society while shining a spotlight on shortsighted proposals that would diminish or dilute our freedoms – and we do it, always, without focusing exclusively on any particular political party or individual official."

Gruters has said Florida needs something to attract film productions back to Florida. “This will bring a needed boost to our economy,” he has said at Senate committee hearings on the legislation.

Gruters' legislation would establish a rebate program that may make as much as $2 million in rebates available to productions, but only once projects are completed and they can verify certain guidelines were met. That includes hiring 70% of cast and crew from the state of Florida. Keeping projects that employee Florida film professionals would be an important way to keep graduates from top film schools like Ringling College of Art & Design in the state once they graduate, he said. Instead, many graduates leave to do projects in other states.

There’s particularly urgency for Florida as Georgia has become a new film capital, in part thanks to a generous incentives program there. Long-running series like The Walking Dead and blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame shot there.

The AFP mailer argues now isn’t the time to give money to the film industry. “While Gas Prices are Rising and Grocery Prices are Soaring, Politicians in Tallahassee are Focused on Giving Away Millions in Taxpayer Dollars to Hollywood Movie Moguls,” the flyer states. 

In the February 2022 issue of SRQ Magazine, we interviewed Natalya Evans of  Your Family Matters Law Firm to discuss family law and estate planning. Below is an excerpt from the article.

What is your professional goal, for yourself and/or your practice?

In my practice, I want to help and educate as many local families as I can. A lot of times, unfortunately, as younger parents, we research the highest-rated car seat and the most protective helmet for our kids. And most parents know they need to do something in case something happens to them, but they don't even know where to start. So, I really try hard to get out in the community and put on seminars just to educate families about estate planning so they know, and if they come to use me, great. And if they use someone else, that's fine, as long as they get things in place to protect themselves and the kids in case something happens. That's a huge goal of mine. And obviously, with divorce, just try to keep things as amicable and positive as possible, and not lose sight of the kids in the process. The hardest thing when I did litigate was seeing kids, whether intentionally or not, being stuck in the middle, and unfortunately, at times, being used to get what one of the spouses wants. And, that is just the most heartbreaking thing to see.

Your Family Matters, P.A., 3277 Fruitville Rd. Suite F2 Sarasota, FL 34276, 941-275-2785. https://yourfamilymatterslaw.com/

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The Rosewood Residences project on Lido Key marks Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® first-ever exclusively residential offering. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is a one-of-a-kind project that is the brand’s first exclusively residential development. The 65-unit property is a joint effort of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ronto Group, based in Naples, FL. A just-released rendering of the design by Swedroe Architecture is a first look at the beachfront property on Lido Key. Donna DeLoach and Julia DeCastro, the project’s sales team, say that response to the project has been energetic. They note: “We’re offering something unique to this area. Today’s residential consumers seek a living space combining the amenities, facilities, and services of a five-star resort with the intimacy and comfort of a private home. We’ve seen outstanding area developments over the last few years. But Rosewood Residences Lido Key takes it to another level.” Commanding a wide stretch of three and a half miles of sugar sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico, Rosewood Residences at Lido Key will stand as a benchmark for an exclusive and private waterfront lifestyle. This idyllic way of life is the fruit of a powerful creative synergy. The collaboration begins with Swedroe Architecture, Miami, and interior design by Lillian Wu Studio, New York. Together they bring uniquely imaginative spaces, with thoughtfully orchestrated details, bathed in natural light, and opening to spectacular vistas on every side. The residences sit atop an amenity level conceived, curated, appointed and serviced by Rosewood. The spacious interiors measure from 3,300 to nearly 5,000 square feet. Pricing starts in the high $5 millions. Floor plans and prices for all 65 residences are now available. Construction is projected to be completed in 2025.



 

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The law firm of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen, and Ginsburg, P.A., is pleased to announce that Associates Bianca N. Manos, Nicole M. Price, and Patrick C. Seidensticker have been promoted to the position of member. The advancement reflects a significant move based on their practices and contributions to the firm.

Manos has a diverse practice working in the areas of family law and civil litigation, with a particular focus on matters involving breach of contract, dissolution of marriage, child custody disputes, alimony, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and child support. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in English and minors in mass communications and classical studies. She earned her J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. In 2020, she was recognized for providing 100+ hours of pro bono work and was listed a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Price’s law practice focuses on community association law and general civil litiation, with additional experience in construction litigation, personal injury litigation, and family law matters. She received an undergraduate degree in history and psychology from Johns Hopkins University and her J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Price coordinates Icard Merrill’s pro bono program and was recognized in 2020 for contributing 100+ hours of pro bono work.

Seidensticker’s law practice is concentrated in the areas of commercial real estate, land use, and property valuation. He received undergraduate degrees in philosophy and finance from Tulane University, and his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. In addition, he is co-founder of Tableseide Restaurant Group in Sarasota. 

As the pandemic impacts continue to spur historic levels of need and the cost of living skyrockets for community members in every economic bracket, All Faiths Food Bank is committed to meeting immediate needs as well as bringing attention to – and working to bring down – the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity. All Faiths is pleased to announce its 2022 board of directors, who will help to support and continue the organization's decades of committed service as a trusted organization working to better the community.

The 2022 officers of the board are: Ben Hanan, chair; Terri Vitale, vice chair; Paul Cantor, treasurer; Patricia Courtois, secretary; and Nelle Miller, immediate past chair. Members are: Mary Kay Burns, Tomas Dinverno, Dennis Doughty, LaShawn Frost, Lisa Keverian-Press, Bart Lowther, Hal Munter, Neal Vorchheimer and Elton White.

Burns and Frost are new to the board this year. Burns, who served as the Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health – for both DeSoto and Highlands counties – from 2004-2021, is extremely active in the community. She has served on All Faiths Food Bank’s DeSoto Food & Resource Center Advisory Council and worked with organizations and efforts in DeSoto County including the Age Friendly Network, Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, DeSoto Community Foundation, Rotary Club DeSoto, Take Stock in Children, and United Way Suncoast Leadership Committee.

Frost is the principal of Booker Middle School. Since arriving at Booker nine years ago, the school has been named a College for Every Student (CFES) Pathways School of Distinction (based on its performance during the 2017-18 school year). She has received numerous awards for her achievements in education and the community, most recently as the University of South Florida’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the year for Education; she was also the recipient of the College of Education’s Spirit of Partnership Award.

"As our focus grows from providing nutritional assistance to our neighbors in need to working to eradicate the root causes of hunger, having strong, visionary leaders with diverse backgrounds and life experiences is essential to guiding our efforts," said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths. "We are very pleased to welcome LaShawn and Mary Kay to our board and are confident they will contribute significantly in helping us to carry out our strategic plan, support our culture, and connect us with others in the community."