SRQ DAILY Nov 9, 2022
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We hope these donated sets will not only provide athletic enjoyment for the Bradenton Police Department, but also be a way for officers to relieve stress."
Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy was booted from office, the last casualty of a conservative takeover on the board that started two years ago. Republican Amanda Ballard defeated the incumbent.
Meanwhile, Republican Mark Smith came out on top just barely in a Sarasota County Commission race over Democrat Fredd Atkins. That victory came despite Democrats holding a voter registration advantage in a county commission race for the first time in more than a half century.
State Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, comfortably won a second term, winning by nearly 11 percentage points over Democratic challenger Derek Reich in an evenly divided district
"It’s an honor to serve the people of Sarasota, and I’m humbled to continue the mission. We have big work ahead of us but tonight we celebrate and reflect on our successes across the state," she said.
Meanwhile, a Sarasota County sales tax won renewal with about almost 78% of voters coming out to support the levy.
A national red tide seemed to reach to local level races, guaranteeing all state lawmakers representing Sarasota or Manatee counties will be Republican in the next session. Republican Reps. Tommy Gregory and Mike Beltran both won re-election in Manatee County House seats.
At the federal level, U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, and Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, also won low-profile contests, and likely will join a new Republican majority in the U.S. House.
The same goes for the entire county commission for both board. Beyond the Ballard win in Manatee County Commission District 4 and Smith win in Sarasota County Commission District 2, Republican Joe Neunder won a Sarasota County Commission District 4 seat with 58.3% of the vote.
On the Sarasota City Commission, incumbent Jennifer Ahearn-Koch was the top vote-getter in an at-large contest, with Debbie Trice winning a seat as well while Dan Lobeck came in last place after making the three-candidate runoff. Rick Howard and Nick Pachota won seats on the Venice City Council and Philip Stokes secured a spot on the North Port City Commission.
In Manatee elections, Cindy Spray won a seat on the School Board after a District 2 runoff. Lisa Gonzalez Moore came out on top in a Bradenton City Council race in Ward 4 while Marianne Barnebey was re-elected in Ward 2. Sunshine Matthews won a Palmetto City Commission race. 
Early next year, The Pickleball Club, a brand-new, healthy living, private pickleball complex will be opening in Lakewood Ranch. Eager to give back to the community in which they live, the Club's owners, Brian and Valerie McCarthy started The Play For Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to three key categories: the youth, veterans and first responders, who are often at an increased risk for stress-related physical and mental illnesses. The Play for Life Foundation’s mission is to introduce the sport of pickleball to qualified organization by granting a Club-N-Box, containing nets, paddles, balls, and instructional material on how to play and setup a court.
On October 28th, National First Responders Day, the Foundation donated its 31st Club-N-Box portable pickleball set to the Bradenton Police Department.
“We are very appreciative of Play For Life's donation, and plan to use the Club-N-Box for community outreach programs throughout the year, as well as for fun team building and physical training activities for our Officers and Bradenton Police Explorers Post No.1004,” said Bradenton Police Department Assistant Chief Joe Wiesman.
The West Manatee Fire Rescue Station was a recent recipient of a Club-N-Box. "You can't believe how much fun it is giving one of these boxes to our local firefighters," says Brian McCarthy, founder of The Pickleball Club and chairman and president of the Foundation. "They move the fire engine out, open up the doors, set up the court and they start playing pickleball in the firehouse. It is so cool to see.”
“My husband Brian and I started the Play For Life Foundation to be an extension of The Pickleball Club and be able to give back to our community so that they can improve their healthy lifestyle with a fun sport that can be enjoyed by all ages,” said Valerie McCarthy, executive director of the non-profit organization. “We hope these donated sets will not only provide athletic enjoyment for the Bradenton Police Department, but also be a way for officers to relieve stress.”
Pictured: From left to right: Sergeant Aaron Pilant, Officer Josh Sanchez, Officer Zachary Butterfield, Assistant Chief Joe Wiesman, Bradenton Police Department.
Twenty community leaders from across the region graduated October 28 from the 2022 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The group made up the 16th class to participate in Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s long-running board development initiative. The following individuals who completed the 2022 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute, plus their board affiliations, are: Kecia Carroll, Invest in Incredible Consultant; Stevan Collins, Sarasota British Club; Christina de Guia, Embracing Our Differences; Paula Dulski, American Association of University Women, Venice Branch; Robert Frank, Friends of the Myakka River; Samantha Gholar, Emerge Sarasota; Melanie Griffin, Rocket Phonics Foundation; Stephen Guffanti, Rocket Phonics Foundation; Jay Handelman, Foundation of the American Theatre Critics Association; Steven Kennedy, Helping Our Returning Neighbors; Debbie Krider, SCORE; Kory Lee, Tidewell Foundation; Pamela Mahoney, Senior Friendship Centers; William Nease, Rocket Phonics Foundation; Keith Pandeloglou, Lakewood Ranch Community Fund; Richard Pocker, Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota; Susan Spayd, Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County; Dan Starostecki, Child Protection Center; Sam Stern, Pines of Sarasota Foundation; Elizabeth Topp, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The institute is now offered each year at two Gulf Coast Community Foundation locations: Venice Headquarters and our new, downtown Sarasota Philanthropy Center. The institute provides high-level board governance training to new and veteran voluntary, nonprofit board members. Applications for the complimentary February session open on Monday, November 14. To apply, visit https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/gulf-coast-board-institute.
Pictured: Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program hopes donors will be generous this Thanksgiving after Hurricane Ian wiped out their holiday reserves. Those who donate a turkey, a food gift card, or $10 will receive a free T-shirt as part of the T-shirts for Turkeys campaign sponsored by The Joy FM radio station. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program will be collecting donations of food and funds at the following locations: Chick-Fil-A, 5384 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7; Chick-Fil-A, 4573 14th St W, Bradenton, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7; Chick-Fil-A, 8420 S. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9; Woodland Church, 9607 E State Road 70, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. As always, donations serve families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Non-profits are especially strapped this year. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, volunteers rushed to distribute food to affected families. To make sure everyone had food, the groups had to dip into the resources they were saving for the holidays. Local food pantries participating in the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program hope that households with the means to give will help other families in the community have full tables this Thanksgiving.
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s is proud to present the 11 th annual Cause 4 Fashion luncheon Bayside at the Van Wezel on Tuesday, December 6 th . Join us for a celebratory afternoon of local fashion modeled by people fighting Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners and families. The proceeds from the event are invested in free local programs and services for the Parkinson’s community. Event co-chairs Maria Beck and Aimee Chouinard look forward to welcoming you to this unique, uplifting and empowering event. Guests will enjoy a mimosa toast on the Van Wezel terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, take a chance in the drawing and enjoy a delectable lunch specially prepared by Mattisons at the Van Wezel. The fashion show will kick off with local Parkinson’s fighters rocking the runway in the latest local fashions. Fashions by: Camilyn Beth, North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique, and Macys at UTC. Stylist: Sandy Hapoienu. Event planning by Mary Kenealy Events. Limited sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets remain. Purchase today at: Visit www.neurochallenge.org/events/cause4fashion/to show your support. For questions, contact Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz, Development Director, at Jennifer@neurochallenge.org, 941-926-6413.
Pictured: Local Parkinsons fighters at 2021 event. Photo courtesy of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinsons.
The Imagine Museum, a contemporary glass art gallery located in downtown St. Petersburg, announced Tuesday that veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their immediate family members will receive free admission throughout November in recognition of National Veterans and Military Families Month. Located on Central Avenue, the museum plans to showcase its “Flight and Illusion” installation, a series of military-themed glass art created by Imagine Museum Founder Trish Duggan. Additionally, the museum features artwork created by Harvey Littleton, founder of the American studio glass movement and World War II Army Signal Corpsman. The Imagine Museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m. For more information on the Imagine Museum’s free veteran admission or other special offers, visit www.ImagineMuseum.com/special-offers.
The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for designing, developing, managing and operating 53 acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into an iconic public park, has added Tony Gamelin to its leadership team as Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Gamelin will report to Founding CEO AG Lafley and work closely with the finance committee and Board Treasurer, Rob Lane. He will also work closely with Chief Operating Officer Bill Waddill on development and implementation, Derick Kitson on park management and maintenance, and with The Bay Park Conservancy partners at Fontana and Stutler Enterprises. Gamelin is a seasoned finance and accounting executive with a broad base of experience and the ability to balance goals, strategies, and operating budgets with best-in-class execution. For over 25 years, Gamelin has performed CFO-level services with non-profit and private companies across a wide range of industries including retail, construction and professional services. Tony also served as CFO at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Tony currently serves as a board member and finance committee chair of the Safe Children Coalition. He volunteers his time as a Bridge A Life co-founder and team leader for a long-term ministry and humanitarian project in Uganda. For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732.
On Thursday, November 3, the North Port Police Officers Association, a three-year-old nonprofit serving the men and women of North Port Police Department, visited Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Venice Headquarters to discuss their heroic relief efforts after Hurricane Ian. The association was provided a $50,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief Fund and is nearly half-way to their goal of enough funding to support all members who experienced tragedy following the storm. The officers shared that while they were ensuring our community was safe after the storm, they were unsure of the safety of their own families and homes. One officer in particular shared that after helping rescue others, he had to travel home by airboat to see what was left of his own livelihood. Many are unsure how they will pay for the damages to their homes and some are without homes at all. Gulf Coast was honored to meet the boots on the ground who are working every day to uplift and rescue our region.
Pictured: NPPOA 24. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
The free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley runs daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm to and from Siesta Key Village and Turtle Beach. A mobile app is available to track the trolley in real time. New transportation on and off Siesta Key is now available via Sarasota County’s OnDemand Service. Customers can request a ride via a mobile app, which is available in app stores for iPhone and Android devices, online at scgov.net/OnDemand, or by calling 941-300-1553. OnDemand uses accessible minivans and operates similarly to today’s popular ridesharing services like Uber and Lift. The OnDemand vehicle will pick up customers and take them to their destinations within the same zone.
Siesta Key Beach
The Secret Marriage (Il matrimonio segreto) An opera in two acts. Sung in Italian with translations in English. Music by Domenico Cimarosa and Libretto by Givovanni Bertati. Tells the story of a social-climbing father who wants his eldest daughter to marry an aristocrat and is prepared to buy his way in. When the would-be suitor arrives, his eye falls on the younger daughter instead. But she has secretly married her father’s clerk. Although not often performed, this delightful comic opera was such a hit at its premiere, that the audience insisted on an encore, of the entire opera! (61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 Ph. 941-328-1300 Email boxoffice@sarasotaopera.org) October 28th-November 12th
Sarasota Opera
A family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as we lead the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy this performance appeals to children of all ages. During the PUPPY PALS Comedic Stunt Dog Show you will witness some of the most incredible dog stunts and behaviors ever performed by man’s best friend. For more information: www.manateeperformingartscenter.com, Ticket Office 941-748-5875.
Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205
2022 Vets, Pets & Jets 5K and Fun Run at SRQ presented by KW Suncoast, Humane Society of Sarasota County and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. This one-time-only event is sure to add some spring to your step. Go inside the gates of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) for a competitive 5K and a 1-mile fun run/walk like no other. The course will be safely nestled along an active taxiway on the north airfield of SRQ. We’ll also have food, music, vendors, activities, and prizes, so bring the entire family—even the four-legged members. And since it coincides with Veterans Day weekend, we’ll be doing a special salute to our military service members. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County. All participants and attendees must register by 11:59pm on November 9. No day-of registrations allowed, even for spectators, per airport policy.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 1120 Clyde Jones Road Sarasota, FL 34243
The Players Centre is proud to team up with Sarasota Jewish Theatre and the SaraSolo Festival to present Rhapsody for Golda, Nov. 9 – 13, 2022 at Studio 1130 at The Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.) Blake Walton directs this new musical with book, lyrics and music by Sharon Ohrenstein and music by David Ohrenstein, and choreography by Vanessa Russo. Sharon also stars as Golda Meir. Synopsis: This original one-woman musical tells the story of the rise of one of the greatest stateswomen of the 20th Century, Golda Meir. Meir was an Israeli politician, and teacher, who served as the fourth prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974. She was the first woman to become head of government in Israel. Where: Studio 1130 – The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 - Please park and enter the mall at Connor’s Steak and Seafood - Tickets: Preview night- $20; All other dates- $25.
Sarasota Orchestra Presents Acclaimed Guest Artists in November Concerts. Chamber Soirée 2: Orion Weiss and Friends November 13th, 4:00pm at Holley Hall. Sarasota Orchestra musicians are joined by world-renowned pianist Orion Weiss, one of the most sought-after soloists in his generation of American musicians. Bach’s Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering is a Baroque masterpiece. Cesar Franck’s mighty Piano Quintet is a highly Romantic work, full of emotional intensity.Known for his affinity for chamber music, Orion Weiss is widely regarded as a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) with “powerful technique and exceptional insight” (The Washington Post). Tickets from $40, available at www.SarasotaOrchestra.org or (941) 953-3434">
Sarasota Orchestra Presents Acclaimed Guest Artists in November Concerts. Chamber Soirée 2: Orion Weiss and Friends November 13th, 4:00pm at Holley Hall. Sarasota Orchestra musicians are joined by world-renowned pianist Orion Weiss, one of the most sought-after soloists in his generation of American musicians. Bach’s Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering is a Baroque masterpiece. Cesar Franck’s mighty Piano Quintet is a highly Romantic work, full of emotional intensity.Known for his affinity for chamber music, Orion Weiss is widely regarded as a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) with “powerful technique and exceptional insight” (The Washington Post). Tickets from $40, available at www.SarasotaOrchestra.org or (941) 953-3434
Holley Hall
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is pleased to present Sybarite5 opening the Tuesdays at the Historic Asolo Theater Series at 7:30 p.m. on November 15. They will perform their Groove Machine program with new dance-inspired works along with the world premiere of “Apartments” by Jackson Greenberg, which was commissioned for them. The piece explores the intersection between everyday sounds (rain, electrical wires, coffee machines), human communication (via string instruments), and current events (via AM news radio). The concert is sponsored by Charlotte and Charles Perret. For more information and tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202. Tickets ($30-$50).
EXHIBITION: The Orchid Show 2022, October 15 – December 4, 10 AM – 5 PM Marie Selby Botanical Gardens showcases the beauty and diversity of orchids in “The Orchid Show 2022: Capturing the Perfect Shot.” This immersive, photography-themed exhibition features innovative horticultural vignettes with hundreds of orchids in flower in the Tropical Conservatory and large-format photos of rare orchids from the Gardens’ own collection in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. On view through December 4 at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus. For more information, visit selby.org. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 Historic Spanish Point campus: 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 TEL 941.210.0874
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Siblings Mordy and Jane have a problem. Their dreadful, centenarian grandfather is an emotional and financial tax on the family, and he just won’t die. Scheming almost entirely via sarcastic and misspelled text messages, the siblings hatch an outrageous plan to relieve their family of their grandfather’s burden. Zany, twisted and inventive, this dark comedy reminds us it’s much easier to write what we could never say face to face. LOCATION 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236 CONTACT (941) 321-1397 info@urbanitetheatre.com www.urbanitetheatre.com
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236
The Orioles will partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host their annual “ThankFull” Thanksgiving turkey distribution for families in need in the Sarasota Community. This year marks the third straight year in which the Orioles and All Faiths Food Bank have hosted a turkey distribution at Ed Smith Stadium. Since 2020, more than 1,300 turkeys have been distributed at the Ed Smith Stadium distribution site. Orioles staff, as part of the Orange & Black Gives Back program, will also be on-site to volunteer. All Faiths Food Bank will distribute more than 13,000 turkeys and sides at numerous distribution sites this year, their largest holiday distribution ever.
The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The iconic three-day Festival, organized by and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is scheduled for February 17-19 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Continuous live music will be featured throughout the weekend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of the stage. The Festival plans to feature over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, a motorcycle stereo sound off competition, motorcycle freestyle demonstrations, a tented full bar area with seating, a “little riders” kid zone, a food court, “Thunder Alley” inside Robarts Arena and so much more! For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete listing of all Festival events visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG | (941) 487-7904.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Sarasota Film Society is proud to present "Movies For Heroes", a year long Salute to our Military. Active, Non-Active, Retired Personnel & their family are welcomed to join us once a month at 11am at Burns Court & Lakewood Ranch Cinemas starting in January of 2022 for a year of free movie screenings. 10% of the concession sales from these screenings will go to Wounded Warrior Project. Space is limited, reserve your tickets today. Location Burns Court Cinemas 506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236.
506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236
On November 1st we launched the Epicurean Greece menu at Michael's On East: "The culinary team at Michael’s On East is challenged to create new dishes inspired by the world’s most exotic destinations each month. Join us to experience ever-changing, palate-pleasing global cuisine with Michael's Epicurean Adventures. The three-course dinner menu is available Tuesday through Saturday evenings for $42.95 per person." The menu includes: “Kasarma Seafood Saganaki” - Shrimp, Clams and Swordfish with Roasted Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Spinach, Gremolata Butter, Orzo Pasta, Toasted Goat Cheese, and Ouzo Flambé; and “Grande Bretagne Braised Baby Lamb Shank” - Braised Lamb Shank with Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Carrots, and Lemon Risotto.
Pets! November 2 – 20, 2022. This critically-acclaimed musical revue consists of 22 musical scenes dealing with the very special relationship between people and their pets. It’s clever, user-friendly and suits audiences of all ages. Cats, dogs, mice, turtles, iguanas, parakeets and other species are having the times of their lives. The scenes range from a dog hungrily eyeing his owner’s bagel in “There’s a Bagel on the Piano'' to the hilarious, harried Rumanian dog walker in “I Walk Ze Dogs.” For more information visit www.manateeperformingartscenter.com, Ticket Office 941-748-5875
Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205
SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR Every Saturday and Sunday running November 5th-27th, 2022 at Woods of Mallaranny (29847 FL-70 E.Myakka City, FL 34251). Welcome one and all to four weekends of exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts, & pure family fun at the 18th Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair! Live the majesty and madness of knights, jesters, minstrels, acrobatics, wenches, and sword swingers! Watch jousts and human combat chess tournaments! Listen to musical displays of powerful bagpipes and the heart pounding drums. Feast on turkey legs and hearty ales. A full day of entertainment. You will not miss your favorite show as you stroll through the village as the shows repeat several times a day to adjust to your schedule. Get into the fun by wearing your favorite medieval or renaissance garb to feel part of the clan! For tickets visit www.sarasotamedievalfair.com Phone 1-888-303-FAIR (3247)
Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E. Myakka City, FL 34251
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