SRQ DAILY Feb 24, 2022
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"I’ve apologized to the officer in question, and now I’m apologizing to the community as a whole."
Congressional candidate Martin Hyde issued a publicly apology after the Sarasota Police Department released video of a traffic stop. The body camera footage shows he threatened an officer’s job, both to her face as she wrote him a ticket and to other officers called to the scene.
“I’ve apologized to the officer in question, and now I’m apologizing to the community as a whole,” Hyde said in an extended Facebook statement. “I’m going to do my utmost to behave better going forward. I’m not running away though as that’s not in my nature. There is nothing more I can say, or will say on this subject other than I’m sorry for any offense caused to anyone.”
Hyde was stopped by Officer Julia Beskin for driving 57 mph in a 40 mph zone, and was also cited for failing to produce a valid registration and for texting while driving. Body camera footage shows Hyde, immediately after Beskin walked to his window after pulling her over, began name dropping political connections and threatening her livelihood. “You are making career decisions,” Hyde told Beskin.
He also insists on her waiting until he can call a supervisor to the scene, and says he will call the police chief, city manager and mayor over the traffic stop.
“Is it your Russian immigrant status that makes you talk to people like this?” he asks her at one point. Beskin originally came to the U.S. from Latvia, speaks Russian, and has worked at the Sarasota Police Department for seven years.
Hyde, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, for his House seat, also flashed a campaign logo appearing on his cell phone case, before he started filming her while shouting “You’re lying” repeatedly. “You’re talking to a congressional candidate like this?” he said.
Buchanan’s campaign declined to comment on the situation.
Later, body cam footage from another offer who responded to the scene shows Hyde complaining to other police. “We’re going to make sure she pays the price for being disrespectful,” he said.
Hyde has run twice for Sarasota City Commission unsuccessfully, and had picked up endorsements from the local Police Benevolent Association. He has trailed Buchanan in fundraising, though he’s pickup up some prominent endorsements from right-wing figures like Roger Stone and Michael Flynn. Both worked with former President Donald Trump’s political campaigns, though Trump has endorsed Buchanan.
The brouhaha with the traffic stop appears to have delivered political consequences to Hyde’s campaign. The Republican Club of Longboat Key previously planned to bring in Hyde as a speaker on March 8, but after news of the stop broke, the club sent a new invitation out stating a new guest speaker would be announced. 
Sarasota Opera opened its 2022 Winter Opera Festival to a sold-out audience with Puccini’s Tosca on Saturday, February 12. The performance signified Maestro Victor DeRenzi’s 57th time at the podium conducting the beloved work. “Opening night always comes with a sense of excitement for everyone—the performers as well as the audience. The opening of Tosca on Saturday night was especially meaningful, because we had the largest company involved in putting on a performance and the largest audience in our theater since the pandemic began in 2020. It speaks to the commitment by everyone and the care they took to keep themselves and each other safe. We all have a lot to be proud of,” said Maestro DeRenzi.
Sarasota Opera’s 2022 Winter Opera Festival continues with Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment, Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers opening March 5, and Verdi’s Attila, opening March 12. For more information, visit SarasotaOpera.org, or call the Box Office at 941-328-1300. Sarasota Opera is located at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Photo: 2022, The Daughter of the Regiment. Photo by Rod Millington.
Sarasota Opera Box Office 941-328-1300, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
March 9th, 2012, Sarasota Mayor, Suzanne Atwell, presented Dr. Silverstein with a proclamation for “Dr. Herbert Silverstein Day”. Ten years later, Vice Mayor, Kyle Battie will be presenting Dr. Silverstein with a reissuance. Dr. Silverstein was first given this honor on March 9, 2012, for his dedication to Ear Research Foundation, being a leader for over 40 years in the otology field, his
contributions to surgical developments and diagnostic procedures, and being recognized as one of the “Best Physicians in the USA”. March 9th, 2022, Dr. Silverstein will be reissued “Dr. Herbert Silverstein Day” proclamation at Silverstein Institute, beginning at 12pm noon. Event is for staff and board members, due to space.
Grapevine Communications was thrilled to take home 16 ADDY Awards from the Suncoast Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), recognizing the creative spirit and excellence in advertising. The advertising, marketing and public relations agency won two gold and 11 silver awards at the AAF ceremony, which took place February 19 at CMX CinéBistro in Sarasota. The awards were for print collateral, brand video, website design and development, ad design, cross-platform campaigns and digital newsletters. The agency also earned two AMY Awards, which are given to the highest scoring entry in each category, and the prestigious Judges Choice Award for logo creation.
“I can think of no better way to kick off our twentieth anniversary than to see the hard work we produce for our clients rewarded with prestigious industry recognition,” said Allison Imre, Owner and President. "Taking home 16 awards not only demonstrates the caliber of talent and creativity at Grapevine, but also the success and impact our work has in achieving the goals of the businesses, professionals and organizations we serve."
Conducted annually by the AAF, the local phase is the first of a three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to win American Advertising Awards – recognition as the very best in their markets. At the second tier, local winners compete against winners from other local clubs in district competitions. Grapevine's gold entries will automatically advance to the District Awards, which encompasses Florida and the Caribbean. The winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards.
Pictured: Members of the Grapevine Communications team with ADDY awards.
Sunnyside Village has hired Chris McGee, a veteran of the aging services field, as the popular community’s new Executive Director. McGee brings 20 years of experience to the position, most recently as Vice President of Operations with a large senior care organization where he oversaw 23 senior living communities from Vermont to Ohio to Florida. McGee replaces J. David Yoder, Sunnyside’s Executive Director for the past 14 years, who retired officially a few days before McGee began in January, in order to ensure a smooth transition. Curtis Ross, chair of the Search Committee, said the Sunnyside Village Board of Directors was impressed with McGee’s personal and professional values, relational approach, operational knowledge and previous experience in campus development and expansion. McGee also brings hands-on, direct-care experience, as he began in the field while in college working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. He earned a BA in Healthcare Administration from Providence College in 2001, and since then he has worked in a management capacity in the field at for-profit organizations.
Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner starring Caroline Borole and featuring a special guest performance by Belinda Davids is set to perform at the Van Wezel on Tuesday, Mar. 22 at 8 p.m. Hear all the energetic Rock and soulful R’n’B hits that made Tina one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music – “Simply the Best”, “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “River Deep Mountain High”, “Proud Mary”, “Nutbush City Limits”, “We Don’t Need Another Hero”, “What You Get is What You See”, “Private Dancer” and many more. For Caroline Borole, music has been a major influence in her life. The South African-born songstress credits her family, who saturated her childhood with a multitude of musical genres and artists, with shaping her personal musical style. When the company began casting for the Tina Turner tribute in 2017, Caroline was hard to overlook for the leading role, with a natural rasp and extraordinary power to her voice, and an athleticism on stage that Director Johnny Van Grinsven simply couldn’t find elsewhere. This resulted in a highly acclaimed and sought-after show. Tickets are $27-$72 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is launching a new scholarship for low-income students called Jumpstart Your Future! Thanks to generous donors, the Education Foundation has created the Shanney / Richardson Scholarship Fund. The fund allows the Education Foundation to partner with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide 75 low-income students with one-year Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships, which will cover 30 credit hours at the Florida state college tuition rate. In addition to receiving scholarships, recipients will have the opportunity to attend three virtual workshops in areas such as financial aid, life skills, and career explorations. These workshops will help students prepare for life after high school.
Low-income class of 2022 public high school seniors in Sarasota County Schools with an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher who plan to enroll full time at a Florida technical college, state college, or state university will be eligible to apply for a Jumpstart Your Future! scholarship. Students must be low income as verified by parents 2021 IRS 1040 Federal Income Tax Return These students must show proof of demonstrated financial need, and preference will be given to students who have attended a Title 1 school, who are currently employed, or who will pursue a career. Students currently dual-enrolled at Suncoast Technical College are highly encouraged to apply. At a time when college applications, especially to community colleges, are down due to the pandemic, the Education Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to provide such valuable assistance to low-income students who aspire to earn a high-value technical certification or college diploma. Applications will open on February 22 and close on April 15. The Education Foundation will award 75 scholarships by May 15.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded 13 local nonprofit organizations through its annual Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle to promote the humane care of domestic animals across four counties and the care of all animals located in Sarasota County that are looking for a forever home. With generous support from the Helen C. Schwieder Fund, Robert Parker Fund, and others, more than $161,000 will fund emergency veterinary treatment for urgent cases or extraordinary medical needs for domestic animals, as well as volunteer program development including the growth of foster programs and resources to support them. A committee of community volunteers, staff, and local animal welfare experts were part of the evaluation process.
In the last three years, Animal Welfare Grants have invested $537,000 in 28 local nonprofit organizations working towards the betterment of animals in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. The Animal Welfare competitive grant cycle is offered annually. For more than 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for everyone who calls our area home. With the trust of the community, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $350 million in grants to support causes addressing not only animal welfare, but also education, health and human services, the arts, and the environment, among others.
A Commemorative Exhibit of Ian North’s Works “Seeking Love: The Journey." Ian North invited the viewer to derive their own meaning from his artworks, to discover their own story in his mixed media assemblages. Ian had a successful solo exhibition at SPAACES in February of 2021. The day the exhibition closed he suffered a fatal heart attack. His talent extended far beyond the visual arts. Ian was a musician and songwriter, releasing groundbreaking music in the ’70s and ’80s. He was a Sarasota community icon, well respected for his visual art and music contributions. To commemorate his art and his life, this show will exhibit a collection of his life’s work and the art card collection he lovingly created for his wife over the last 21 years. Opening Night Reception is Friday, February 25th, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm. Saturday Brunch Reception is Saturday, February 26th, 2022 from 11am to 2pm. By Appointment Only on February 28th & 29th.
"Freestyle through life," A collaborative performance with freestyle musician Karim Manning and SCD Company Member Monessa Salley, bringing a unique and interactive experience to SCD's Home Studio. This performance will take place on Friday February 25th and Saturday February 26th 2022 at 7pm and Virtual Stream will take place on Saturday, February 26th at 7pm.
The Booker High School VPA Music department will soon host its most delicious event of the year: Death By Chocolate: In This Hour on Friday, February 25 at 7pm, Saturday, February 26 at 2pm, and Saturday, February 26 at 7pm at Booker High School (3201 N Orange Ave) under the Pavilion. Tickets are available at https://bookervpa.com/calendar. Death by Chocolate has long been one of the most anticipated events of Booker High’s VPA season. Patrons enjoy a buffet of music while also indulging in sweet treats. Exploring the nature of time — fleeting, yet eternal, limiting and yet infinite, natural and yet a construct of mankind — Death by Chocolate: In This Hour presents songs of various genres, performed on multiple instruments.
Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnne Falletta returns to Sarasota for this colorful program on Friday, February 26 at 8pm at the Neel Performing Arts Center, Saturday, February 26 at 8pm, and Sunday, February 27 at 2:30pm at the Van Wezel. Ravel originally composed his beloved Mother Goose Suite for the children of dear friends. The sounds of the Charleston, ragtime, and blues pervade Gershwin's unforgettable Piano Concerto. Pianist Aaron Diehl brings the work's infectious rhythms and melodies to life. The concert concludes with Rachmaninoff's technicolor Symphonic Dances, a vibrant work that ranks among his most thrilling compositions.
Jerry Chesley, Saturday, February 26 – Saturday, March 19, 2022. Jerry Chesley’s watercolor paintings, giclées and mixed media set the stage for surrounding oneself in a rich indulgence of colors. His work showcases a variety of subject matters, including still life, florals, architecture, and land/seascapes. Chesley has art degrees from SUNY College at Buffalo and has studied at the University of Art in Siena, Italy. He is an instructor at the renowned Chautauqua Institution summer program, and a past president of the Florida.
In March, Art Uptown Gallery artist Liz Cole will exhibit “Painted Words,” a colorful collection of acrylic and collage paperworks. Ms. Cole’s paintings are comprised of layers of color, patterns and markings that provide as rich a dialogue to the viewer as the written word. The “Painted Words” exhibit runs from Saturday, February 26 through Friday, March 25. The public is also invited to a reception on First Friday, March 4, from 6-9pm. Art Uptown Gallery welcomes you to the 1367 Main Street gallery, where the diverse art works of 29 local artists are shown seven days a week.
Looking for art and craft to beautify your home or office? Or be inspired by? Then join us for the Premiere of the Sarasota Winter Craft Festival in downtown Sarasota on February 26-27, 2022. The event is produced by Paragon Festivals and hosted by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association. The event is held in JD Hamel Park located in downtown Sarasota. The Sarasota Winter Craft Festival in JD Hamel Park lays a diverse palette of original, handmade works by artisans, crafters and vendors from across Florida. On display will be arts and crafts in painting, sculpture, jewelry, candles, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more. Hours are both Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm with free admission. Bring your sense of discovery and appreciation of the beautiful.
The Melges 15 Winter Series features three events, the second on February 26 and 27. More than 60 teams from around the country will compete in this sailing regatta. Sarasota Bay will be teeming with colorful spinnakers as the sailors make their way down the course. The Melges 15 Winter Series is hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. See Sailingsquadron.com for more information about sailing on beautiful Sarasota Bay.
To combat Tallahassee's hateful, fast-tracked "Don't Say Gay" bill, Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida are holding an emergency rally on Sunday, February 27 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the John Ringling Bridge, Downtown Sarasota. Join them as they proudly and loudly SAY GAY and unveil the world's largest progress pride flag--700 feet "The Grand Flag" across the John Ringling Bridge. Parking available at Bayfront Park or at the bridge. If inclement weather the event will be postponed. Project Pride SRQ’s mission is to expand awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal. Our vision is an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported and celebrated.
Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight, Student Scholar Soiree on February 28, 2022 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N Orange Ave. Student Scholar Soirée and Recital showcasing solos and group numbers from the Key Chorale Student Scholars as they entertain you with songs from Classics to Broadway. Come support and cheer our musicians of tomorrow while enjoying cocktails and light bites.
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has 64 gold albums, 35 platinum albums, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Las Vegas Walk of Fame, spanning a career of over five decades. He has recorded romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock and gospel, charming millions of fans around the globe. His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries. This performance will take place on Monday, February 28 at 8pm.
Archaeologists have the unlikely job of saving the lives of people who have passed. For a generation or more, freedom-seeking people built lives in hamlets from the Manatee River to Sarasota Bay. Angola, as the early 19th century maroon community is known, was a haven of liberty from slavery and its inhabitants numbered in the hundreds until the community was destroyed in 1821, with survivors escaping to the Florida interior or the British Bahamas. The National Park Service recognizes the archaeological findings in east Bradenton as evidence for their Network to Freedom, the Underground Railroad. Working with local and descendant communities, historical archaeological research has pieced together fragments from ceramic sherds, glass fragments, oyster shells, and more of their belongings. From Legend to History traces the research process, shows the archaeological and archival evidence, and seeks to inspire hope from unsettled times. The exhibit began December 1, 2021 and will end February 28, 2022. The Ringling’s Community Gallery is always free and open to the public. The public exhibition space is located on the ground floor of the museum’s Center for Asian Art. If you wish to visit the Community Gallery please ask for a free wristband at the Visitors Pavilion upon your arrival at The Ringling. The Community Gallery is generously funded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
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