Democrats this year hope to win a seat on the Sarasota County Commission for the first time in decades. The Manatee County Commission notably has included one Democrat on it for about as long. As it happens, the year could end with each board having one Democrat who happens to be the only Black official holding county office.

But there’s a mix of hope and anxiety right now about whether this year’s midterms will be a hospitable environment for either board to end up with one blue seat. What can the results of the August primary tell us in either case?

In Sarasota, Fredd Atkins, a former Sarasota City Commissioner and the city’s first Black Mayor, pulled somewhat of an upset in the Democratic primary in County Commission District 2. Despite spending less than two other competitors, he took 35.3% of the vote to beat sitting City Commissioner Hagen Brody’s 34.24% and conservationist Mike Cosentino’s 30.47%. I’ll leave the mission of how Atkins brings his opponents’ base of support back home for the general election to his campaign. But in total, there were 10,825 Democrats who cared enough about this contest to weigh in on Aug. 23.

On the same day Atkins won, Mark Smith snagged the Republican nomination with 57.77% of the vote over Lourdes Ramirez’s 42.23%. He notably earned more votes than Atkins, with 4,820 Republicans bubbling by his name compared to 3,821 who supported Atkins in his primary. But then only 8,344 Republicans voted in the race at all, nearly 2,500 fewer voters than participated in the Democratic primary.

It seems Atkins’ fate rests in his ability to win over those who favored Brody and Cosentino in August. If the party can unite, Atkins should make up lost ground and win over independent voters (who history shows us are more likely to vote like their neighbors even if they won’t register with a party).

Up in Manatee, another Democratic Primary played out in a different District 2. There, Manatee County Commissioner Bellamy plays defense after winning the nomination over former County Commissioner Charles Smith, a previous foe Bellamy unseated in a primary four years ago. He was able to secure victory winning 63.9% of the vote, though that only represented 2,637 voters. In total, just 4,127 Democrats in total voted in the district race. 

No Republican primary played out but Amanda Ballard, an attorney and counsel to the Department of Children and Families, will appear as a Republican challenger to Bellamy on the November ballot. And there were other Republican primaries held countywide in August, including in District 2. For example, 4,876 District 2 Republicans cast ballots in a congressional primary, more than the number of Democrats who voted in Bellamy’s August Democratic race. A total of 4,427 Republicans voted in one of two state Senate contests. And 4,835 voted in the high-profile county-wide race where Carol Whitmore lost her own County Commission seat. Of note, Bellamy and Whitmore have been viewed as allies on the board despite a difference in party affiliation.

Thanks to changes redistricting wrought in the county this year, the District 2 race may not be one decided in the Democratic primary, as it traditionally has been in the past. Bellamy needs for there to be greater enthusiasm to vote in November to put up a solid challenge against Ballard this fall.

Of course, the primary turnout only says so much. Turnout will be higher in November, with Governor and Senate contests driving voters to the polls. A lot of voters most likely will weigh in on the race for the first time during the general election. And the mood of the electorate about national politics may determine if more Democrats than Republicans vote. Still, August voters represent some of the most politically engaged and reliable participants in democracy. The turnout from the primaries should give a significant hint how things turn out in the general.

Jacob Ogles is a contributing senior editor for SRQ MEDIA who has been covering business, politics and community issues for SRQ Magazine and SRQ DAILY since 2008. He also contributes the Under The Hood column which appears in the Saturday Perspectives edition of SRQ DAILY offering a twice-monthly analysis of the driving forces behind Sarasota-Manatee politics. 

Image: (left) Sarasota County District 2; (right) Manatee County District 2.

When I first came to New College of Florida a year ago, one of my priorities was to increase the College's reputation nationally. Rather than being seen as a "hidden gem," I wanted New College to be known as a "heralded gem."

This fall, I’ve seen that hope of mine come to fruition. I’m proud to say we just welcomed our largest incoming class in five years, with 30% more students than last fall.

Classes began on Aug. 29, and a diverse cohort of high-achieving students (many with a grade point average of 4.0) arrived from all over the state, country and world. These students were drawn to our customized honors curriculum and our career-integrated learning experience. We have also seen an increase in the number of new students who graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes.

“Our numbers this fall show that New College is poised to educate more leaders of tomorrow than ever before,” says New College Provost Suzanne Sherman, Ph.D. 

At a time when college enrollment numbers are on the decline nationwide, our pronounced upswing is worth celebrating. 

“The widespread appeal of a New College education is reflected in the diverse fall class,” says David Boisvert, New College’s interim vice president for enrollment management. “New College is such a special community and the world is taking notice.”

The widespread appeal of New College is evidenced by the numerous accolades the College has received in just the past couple of months. Fiske Guide to Colleges named New College one of the nation’s 20 “Best Buy” Colleges and Universities, and The Princeton Review ranked New College among “The Best 388 Colleges” in the country for 2023.

In fact, every year since The Princeton Review began publishing its “best colleges” rankings in 1992, New College has made the list. The Princeton Review also ranked New College No. 3 for the Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact (Public Schools), and No. 7 for both the Top 20 Best Alumni Networks and the Top 20 Best Schools for Financial Aid (Public Schools).

In “The Best 388 Colleges” guide, New College is described as a “uniquely small and unconventional public institution” that “provides challenging courses for highly self-motivated students who want a large amount of control over their academic choices.”

I couldn’t agree more. Self-motivated students choose New College for a reason, and their experience here often serves as the launching pad for their big ambitions.

Our high rankings and increased enrollment this fall are further proof of the value of a New College education. But our success as an institution can best be told through the stories of our students—students who are generating their own national visibility for being innovators and trailblazers.

For example, over Labor Day weekend, one of our New College seniors—Antonia “Toni” Ginsberg-Klemmt—was featured in ABC Audio's special, "Impact: Climate & Sustainability” with Aaron Katersky. The radio broadcast was streamed on stations all over the world.

Toni is an OZY Genius and a multi-award-winning entrepreneurial student. Her sustainable GismoPower invention (a mobile solar-powered carport) is taking the green industry by storm, and she exemplifies the kind of inventive spirit that is so strong at New College. She created GismoPower on our campus, is currently competing for the American Made Solar Prize, and is helping revolutionize global solar energy usage (and she hasn’t even graduated yet).

When I am surrounded daily by students like Toni, I can’t help but be inspired. So it brings me such joy this fall to see New College earning the recognition it deserves as the state’s designated honors college—a place where bright, driven students can pursue their passions and thrive as individuals.

I’m honored to serve as president for my second academic year at New College, as our visibility continues to grow.

Patricia Okker, Ph.D. is the president of New College of Florida. 

Image courtesy New College of Florida Facebook

I love Sarasota. That is why this election season we must vote for leaders and ballot measures that support bold action on climate change. The latest IPCC report (https://templatelab.com/climate-change-report/) calls for a strengthened response to climate change to reduce the impacts it is already having. I am concerned about the threat of hurricanes and the worsening red tide we are experiencing in Sarasota and how this impacts my family’s health, our community’s security, and our country’s stability.

And I am not alone! Three-quarters of Americans now say they personally are concerned about climate change. Only 14% of us think others around us are very concerned when the reality is that nearly half of us, 45%, are very concerned. 85% of us agree we have a moral responsibility to create a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and our children.

We can use our voice and our vote this election season to protect our climate. Join me by confirming your voter registration and seeing what will be on your ballot so you can make an informed vote. Request an absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person or find your polling location if you are able to vote in person. 

Sydney Otis is a resident of Sarasota.

Image courtesy Pixabay

Hot summer days will get an extra cool start as First Watch, the leading Daytime Dining restaurant concept, introduces new specialty iced coffees to its permanent breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. The two iced coffees, Mint Mocha and Honey Caramel Crunch, feature Ghirardelli® dark chocolate chips, toffee crumbles, honey and sweet cream cold foam. Five limited-time offerings also join the summer seasonal menu, including the fan-favorite Watermelon Wake-Up juice, now through August 13*.  First Watch’s two specialty iced coffees permanently join its full menu, available for pickup, delivery and dine-in service: Mint Mocha – Chocolate and fresh mint topped with a sweet cream cold foam and mini Ghirardelli® dark chocolate chips. Honey Caramel Crunch – Salted caramel and honey topped with a sweet cream cold foam and toffee crumbles. The concept’s new seasonal menu offerings are available through August 13 and include: Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast - Thick-cut, custard-dipped challah bread griddled and topped with fresh strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, warm dulce de leche, whipped cream and spiced gingerbread cookie crumbles, and lightly dusted with powdered cinnamon sugar. Carnitas Breakfast Tostadas - Savory hand-pulled carnitas, Cheddar and Monterey Jack, seasoned black beans and two basted cage-free eggs atop two crispy corn tostadas and topped with white queso, fresh sliced avocado and housemade roasted corn salsa. Garnished with house-pickled red onions, cilantro and a lime wedge. Served with a cup of fresh fruit sprinkled with Tajín® seasoning. Lone Star Brisket Hash - Smoked, hand-pulled brisket and house-pickled sweet peppers in a potato hash, topped with two cage-free eggs any style, Cheddar and Monterey Jack, fresh smashed avocado, housemade pico de gallo, chipotle aioli and scallions. Served with two warm wheat-corn tortillas. With this menu, First Watch is also unveiling its take on a southern classic – cornbread – marking the first time the restaurant has introduced a shareable option during summer to join its signature Million Dollar Bacon. Bacon Cheddar Cornbread - Freshly baked cornbread with Cheddar and Monterey Jack, bacon and scallions. Topped with house-whipped honey butter. From the Juice Bar. Watermelon Wake-Up - Watermelon, pineapple, lime and mint. First Watch’s new specialties are the latest in its revolving seasonal menu, which follows the sun to source the highest quality ingredients, wherever and whenever they are in season, five times a year. These flavorful, limited-time offerings are available to order alongside its robust menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites. First Watch is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. For more information about First Watch, its seasonal menu offerings or to find the nearest location, visit firstwatch.com.