SRQ DAILY May 13, 2023
Saturday Perspectives Edition
"So how does one say thank you to all of you who have given so much of yourself to this organization, to me personally and to each other? "
The story of the Florida Legislature this year was one of compliance. There were few fronts where the Legislature challenged the Governor’s executive moves, including his remaking of the New College Board of trustees. But a funny thing happened the last week of Session. The Florida Senate pocketed confirmation for one of the most controversial new voices on the trustee board for the Sarasota school.
Eddie Speir, the co-founder of Bradenton’s Inspiration Academy, has mere weeks left to enjoy any affiliation with New College. DeSantis may re-appoint him, but that will only set the stage for another rejection next year.
This news took much of New College by surprise. Rather than publicly rebuke an appointment on the Senate floor, leadership left him out of a bulk confirmation. Only when a list of executive appointments published afterward did media learn of the rejection. That’s apparently how Speir became aware. He blamed the school’s new interim president for the Senate’s snub.
“While the reasoning given to me was that I ruffled some feathers in the Senate, I don't believe that for one second,” he tweeted. “I am sure that I did ruffle some feathers, but not enough to overcome a supermajority in the Senate. I am confident it was Richard Corcoran working with his political allies to block me. It is easy to see why. I was resistant to being ‘handled and managed.’ I pushed to operate as an independent board. I was also very involved on campus, meeting with as many students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. This meddling proved too much, even though most of our political and educational views align.”
For the record, I don’t think Corcoran created Speir’s problems. Rather, Speir did himself the disservice of testifying to the Senate at his own confirmation hearing. He was the only one of seven new trustees at New College to make the journey to Tallahassee. There’s a reason most criminal defendants don’t testify at trial. Senate Democrats destroyed Speir, not by challenging him directly but by giving him rope and building the rhetorical gallows from which he could hang.
Speir told senators his Christian faith drove every action, and he would use his position as trustee to spread his own truth. But he also assured senators he would stop students at the school from pursuing truths with which he might disagree. Asked about transgender students, he ranted about radical gender theory. And he promised to show up near-daily on campus to confront students about any topic.
“There’s been different truths that I have shared, that are causing a lot of concern,” Speir testified. “But what I’ve done is followed up on those truths and those statements by showing up on campus and engaging in debate.”
Speir had already earned the distinction as one of the most hated new trustees before he traveled to Tallahassee. He did that before the first trustee meeting, when he publicly called on his blog for firing all New College faculty and bringing back only those who fit with a re-imagined school vision.
But Speir wasn’t the most controversial appointment. That would be Chris Rufo, a 38-year-old conservative bombthrower who lives in Washington and earned notice for leading a national campaign against critical race theory. He rarely attends New College events in person, spending trustee meetings tweeting insults of students from his home and voting by Zoom.
Speir notably shared a stage for a town hall with Rufo after both were appointed. There, the new trustees publicly called for the termination of the university president and provost. Soon after, trustees did fire President Patricia Okker, and after Corcoran succeeded her, the interim president replaced Suanne Sherman as provost.
Now the Senate has fired Speir, but Rufo remains. That suggests the Senate remains onboard for the trolling of liberals at the Sarasota school. But don’t show up in Tallahassee and start saying the quiet parts out loud.
Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor of SRQ Media. 
Screencap courtesy The Florida Channel: Eddie Speir testifies to the Florida Senate.
First and most important, I want to thank our Board of County Commissioners for voting (3-1) to fund the EDC fully for FY 2024. The partnership with our County as well as our interlocal municipal partners is a source of strength for Sarasota County.
It is - in part- one of the reasons for Sarasota County’s high national rankings for attracting entrepreneurs, workers, and businesses from outside our State. It is also the reason many CEOs choose to expand and grow here. We are gratified by the many positive sentiments shared during the BOCC Meeting on May 9, and equally gratified for the favorable comments made by Argus, our Chambers of Commerce, business community and nonprofit organizations.
We can not do our work alone. Economic development is a team sport, and we are appreciative of all those who believe in our mission.
I also want to update you on our CEO transition plan. Last August, after a prolonged search for a CEO and EDC Board decision to appoint me as CEO, the EDC Board of Directors put a succession plan in place. At that time, Erin Silk interviewed with our Board and many community stakeholders, and received the endorsement to succeed me as CEO.
Erin has been in an Executive Leadership Development Program for the past year. At our May EDC Board Meeting, the Board asked that a transition plan be developed. I am pleased to share that my last day will be June 1, at which time I will shift into a consulting role offering assistance to the team when needed. I am confident and thrilled on the Board’s CEO selection. Erin has a strong leadership team in place with Josh Ewen and Allison Evanitz as well as amazing staff. This summertime transition timeline positions Erin and the EDC Team to hit the ground running on Oct. 1, the beginning of our fiscal year.
So how does one say thank you to all of you who have given so much of yourself to this organization, to me personally and to each other? I give gratitude to our past chairs who remain involved leaders in our community, including Joe Hembree Jr. and Sr., Debra Jacobs, John Clarke, CJ Fishman, Ben Hanan, Rod Hershberger, Rob Lane, David Sessions, Larry Fineberg, Rae Dowling, Art Lambert and Charlie Murphy. These individuals, in addition to our Founders, including Halfacre Construction, Michael Saunders & Company, Kerkering, Barberio & Company, Williams Parker and Stantec, have been my “why”…. the reason why I cared so deeply about seeing this organization positioned for sustained success.
Simply put, they deserve to have their time, energy, and vison honored by our very best efforts.
I will see you on May 18 at our Economic Outlook Breakfast!
Lisa Krouse is president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
Photo courtesy EDC of Sarasota County
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
FST Improv’s free-form show, Comedy Roulette, is an off-the-wall improvisation potpourri where performers are freed from the traditional do’s and don’ts of improv. Instead, improvisers are encouraged to follow the funny and launch into a new scene or storyline whenever inspiration strikes. Comedy Roulette plays Saturdays in FST’s Bowne’s Lab from April 8 to May 17, 2023. Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.
Enjoy SIN Nights for Geckos Hospitality and Service Industry Colleagues. Join Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village and let us serve you late at night after your shift on Friday and Saturday nights. We will keep the light on late for you and offer Geckos food and drink specials just for you from 10-Midnight. Come in wearing your uniform or bring in your schedule and enjoy the camaraderie of friends at Geckos on Hillview. 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota, www.GeckosGrill.com.
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, take a virtual trip to the Indo-Pacific by immersing yourself in the botanical heritage of island culture. From palm fronds to plumeria, participants will explore a range of tropical flora. An educational lecture by an indigenous culture expert will inform about the significance of these plants to Pacific Island nations. After the discussion, guests will engage in a hands-on lei-making activity using the native Hawaiian flora featured in the lesson. Design a beautiful lei in this workshop that will satisfy both plant and art lovers in a fun and interactive activity. All plants and supplies are provided for the demos, however, gardening gloves are recommended. Students take home the botanical art prepared in class. Open to all ages and skill levels. General admission is included in the course fee. The class fee is $29 for members and $36 for non-members. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus Event Center Terrace, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, selby.org.
The final concert for this season of Sarasota Orchestratakes listeners on a whirlwind voyage, guided by guest conductor Joseph Young. Villa-Lobos traces connections between the German composer J.S. Bach and the music of Brazil in his Bachianas Brasileiras. The royal site of Aranjuez deeply moved Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo, whose alluring Concierto de Aranjuez has come to be the most famous work for guitar and orchestra. Korean guitarist Bokyung Byun, the first woman to win the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, brings the work to life. Mendelssohns vacation to Italy led to the irrepressibly joyful Italian Symphony. Tickets from $32, available at www.SarasotaOrchestra.org or 941-953-3434. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.
The 7th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza will be held on Saturday, May 13. Admission and parking are free. Adopt-A-Palooza is the largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event in Manatee County, featuring over 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare, local shelters and animal rescues all under one roof. Participating adoption organizations include the Humane Society of Manatee County, Canine Castaways, Cat Depot, Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, Barking Out Loud Rescue, Donte’s Den, Humane Society of Sarasota County, Skyway Dachshund Rescue and Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. The family-friendly event will include a marketplace with over 40 retail vendors selling a variety of products and services, including vendors for pet owners. The proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. For the latest information about Adopt-A-Palooza, visit mymanatee.org. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
Treat your mom to Mothers Day at The Bay this weekend from May 13 to 14. On Saturday, from 12-3 pm make Mothers Day cards at the Ibis Playground. On Sunday at 4 pm, bring your mom to listen to Soul Sensations at The Bay. The first 300 people in the door, will receive a complimentary rose. Register at thebaysarsota.org. On Mothers Day The Nest will be serving mimosas for moms. For more information, visit thebaysarasota.org. The Bay Sarasota, 655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
All three Mattisons Restaurants will be open for Mothers Day, Sunday, May 14th. Menus will feature delicious, chef-crafted specials using all-natural, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients from small family farms and regional purveyors. Mattisons Forty-One will host its fabulous Mothers Day Brunch Buffet. The buffet is $65 for adults, $25 for kids with multiple stations featuring a variety of delicious starters, specialty salads, cold and hot main dishes, a carving station, fresh seafood, and house-made pastries and desserts. Mattisons Riverwalk Grille and Mattisons City Grille will offer chef-crafted Mothers Day specials, an a la carte brunch and dinner menus the whole family can enjoy. Mattisons has partnered with local businesses to say a special thank you to moms as an extra way to treat mom. Anyone 18 and over can enter to win just by dining at any of the three Mattisons Restaurants on Mothers Day. Those doing To-Go are also eligible. Prizes include gift packages featuring spa services, resort stays plus Mattisons Gift Cards, Chef Paul Mattisons. Cookbook and more. Just dine with Mattisons and sign up to win. All Mattisons locations, mattisons.com.
Enjoy the Viola Royale on May 14 at First Presbyterian Church. Brothers Paul and Steven Laraia are both world-class violists. Paul is with the Grammy Award-winning Catalyst String Quartet and has been acclaimed by The Strad for his eloquent and vibrant playing. Steven is with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, having begun his career as principal violist of the Sarasota Orchestra. Their program features music by composers who played the viola, including a viola quintet by Mozart where they will be joined by several Sarasota Orchestra colleagues. For tickets and more information, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota.
Duvals Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering Mothers Day specials on Sunday, May 14th from 11 am-10 pm. The entree selections on the menu include brunch-style selections as well as traditional lunch and dinner options. The entree specials include Steak and Eggs, Chicken and Waffles, Seafood Linguine, and Croque Madame. The chef-curated menu will be available all day for lunch and dinner in conjunction with the regular menus. Duvals also offers the Mother’s Day menu for takeout and free delivery. Limited reservations remain for dine-in. Please call the restaurant to reserve your spot. Duvals Fresh. Local. Seafood, 1435 Main St. Sarasota, duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com.
You are invited to attend a Job Fair on Monday, May 15 at the Carlisle Inn in Sarasota. You will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers available throughout the SCS district, learn about the valuable benefits offered and complete an online application. School and district staff will be available for questions and application assistance. To register, please visit sarasotacountyschool.net. Email recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net with any questions. Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota.
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music from Kettle of Fish and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.
Join the Geckos Hospitality Group family of restaurants to celebrate the culinary creativity of your favorite Geckos Grill and Pub Chefs during the annual Iron Chef Challenge. From May 15th to June 11th and June 12th to 18th each of our six Geckos will participate in a weekly special Iron Chef Menu, with several of our Chefs designing delectable and inventive fare, plus some tried and true favorites with a creative twist. The contest is a weekly competition between Geckos Kitchen Creatives and guests may sample what the GHG kitchen pros have up their Chef Jacket sleeves. Whichever Iron Chef Special Menu is the favorite of our GHG guests for the week wins the Iron Chef title for that week and a cash prize with seven Iron Chefs named after the competition knives have been cleaned and put away in June. There will be a Championship Final the week of June 12-18th, with the winning GHG location being crowned the Iron Chef 2023 Champ. All Geckos Hospitality locations, geckosgrill.com.
The School District of Manatee County is hosting a job fair Tuesday, May 16. A variety of positions are available for teachers and paraprofessionals with on-site interviews available. Interested applicants are encouraged to pre-register, view openings and apply online. For more information or view a list of open positions, please visit www.ManateeSchools.net. Wakeland Support Center, 1812 27th St. E., Bradenton.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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