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SRQ DAILY Nov 6, 2023

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"When Sarasota Memorial took over management of the facility in 2012, the focus on becoming a leading medical fitness facility was at the forefront of HealthFit's mission, and we have never stopped"

- Doug Sham, Manager, HealthFit.
 

[Politics]  Florida Republicans Hosts GOP Presidential Field
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The Republican Party of Florida hosted seven presidential candidates in Orlando, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. That put Republican Party of Florida Chair Christian Ziegler, a Sarasota County political leader, in charge of the most high-profile political event in the country.

“Putting on an event that big is a big effort but we have a big staff. Being able to piece it together with all the rockstar Republicans we have in Florida was exciting,” Ziegler said. 

The event also served an important role in establishing who participates in the Presidential Preference Primary on March 19. State parties determine who appears on that ballot.

Candidates who spoke at the Florida Freedom Summit pay a qualifying fee of $25,000. That’s a price paid by DeSantis, Trump, Asa Hutchinson, Doug Burnum, Chris Christie, Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy.

But if former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley wants to appear of the ballot, she will have to pay $100,000, on account of a family issue forcing her to cancel her appearance.

The event attracted some 1,500 ticket buyers, and Ziegler said from what he heard, those who attended felt better informed for it.

“It’s one thing to see these guys on Fox News in short clips, but another thing for a long form speech,” he said.

The speeches from candidates ran everywhere from 16 minutes for Hutchison at the Summit’s start to 80 minutes for Trump’s show-closing event. In addition to presidential candidates, the event featured speeches by U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds and Matt Gaetz, and several panels featuring other members of Congress and conservative business sponsors, including Longboat Key-based Rumble.

Ziegler doesn’t know if the Summit changed the standings of candidates running for President. But he said it showed the enthusiasm for the field of candidates and to mobilize for the 2024 election cycle.

“There is mutual respect for both the president and governor,” said Ziegler, who has not endorsed in the race. “It’s unfortunate they are running against each other, but that’s how it works. People will advocate for favorites. It’s fine, but our organization is going to be supportive, give voters access to candidates and let voters have own choice.” 

Photo courtesy Republican Party of Florida: Christian Ziegler sits by Donald Trump as he qualified for the Florida ballot.

[Recognition]  SMH HealthFit Recognized as the Medical Fitness Association's Facility of the Year

Sarasota Memorial’s HealthFit has been named Medical Fitness Facility of the Year for 2023, recognizing its range of medically supervised fitness programs and commitment to excellent outcomes. Focused on functional fitness and strength training for all ages, HealthFit also provides specialized classes to assist people with past injuries, or those living with or recovering from cancer or other diseases, exercise and rebuild strength safely. HealthFit’s oncology exercise and wellness care classes, which are free to the community, include oncology yoga and tai chi, among other recovery exercise. In 2017, the SMH HealthFit facility was first the fitness center in Florida to be certified by the Medical Fitness Association. It remains one of only two certified facilities in the state. To retain the medical fitness designation, facilities must reapply every three years and pass a rigorous on-site inspection of its medically supervised exercise programs and outcomes. “When Sarasota Memorial took over management of the facility in 2012, the focus on becoming a leading medical fitness facility was at the forefront of HealthFit’s mission, and we have never stopped,” said Doug Sham, Manager of the HealthFit Facility. “We started by creating a foundation of programs and services that would allow members of the community to continue their care after they left an inpatient service line or had a diagnosed condition. It’s an incredible honor for the team to be recognized, along with our incredible members who trust us with their health journey.” HealthFit has more than 3,200 members. In addition to all of the amenities of a well-equipped gyn, Sarasota Memorial’s fitness center provides special programs and classes for people with heart conditions, balance/fall risk issues, osteoporosis/osteopenia, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s, as well as custom programs to help women exercise safely during and after pregnancy. HealthFit also offers comprehensive wellness (nutrition, wellness coaching, and exercise) and ongoing community outreach and education. 

Pictured: Doug Sham, Manager of the HealthFit Facility. Photo courtesy of SMH.

To learn more, visit.

[Guest Speaker]  League of Women Voters of Sarasota County to Host a Community Conversation Featuring Mark Smith, Sarasota County Commissioner, District 2

On Monday November 6th Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith will be our guest at the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County Community Conversation event. Commissioner Smith, who represents District 2, will be offering his insights on Sarasota County’s plan to address affordable housing, population growth, natural resource sustainability, implementation of the October 10th “Medical Freedom”resolution, threats to funding the Florida Library associationand answering questions from the audience. The event will take place at Selby Library from 11:30am-1pm and will be live-streamed on our Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/LWVSRQ). To attend in person, register here. For more information contact: Shawn Bartelt, president president@lwvsrq.org. 

[Taxation]  Sarasota Co.Tax Collector Returns Record Profits to Sarasota Co.

Every year, by October 31st, Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates must complete an annual financial report and return excess fees to all taxing districts and the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners. This year, Mrs. Ford-Coates is pleased to share that her office has returned a record $17.8 million in excess fees to the taxing districts, including $16.3 million to the Board of County Commissioners. In her message to the Commissioners sharing this good news, Mrs. Ford-Coates explained that these excess fees represent “what the private sector would call ‘profit’,” and added that “this is the highest percentage returned of all Florida Tax Collectors.” Mrs. Ford-Coates added that over the last 10 years, her office has returned nearly $114 million of “profits” to the Board to fund County expenses. In acknowledgement of the efficiency and creativity of her staff, Mrs. Ford-Coates added, “I am pleased to report that my office cost per capita remains the lowest of all Florida Tax Collectors. One reason for our cost effectiveness stems from my office’s extensive use of technology, including the use of electronic payment methods.” In the last 10 years, over 2 million transactions have been paid at www.SarasotaTaxCollector.com totaling approximately $2.5 billion. 

[Recognition]  Williams Parker Attorney Douglas E. Walker Earns Florida Bar Board Certification in Construction Law

Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce that attorney Douglas E. Walker has earned the Florida Bar Board Certification in Construction Law. The Florida Bar thoroughly evaluated Doug for credibility and expertise in construction law, and professionalism and ethics in the practice of law. He focuses on construction, design, and public contract law. Doug’s thirty-plus years of experience in the construction industry began with a B.S.B.C. from the University of Florida’s M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction. That was followed by six years of construction operations experience for a Fortune 100 construction and engineering firm. He then expanded his industry knowledge and perspective by earning an M.S. in Engineering Construction Management and a J.D., making him a proud triple-Gator. His legal experience includes ten years as assistant general counsel for the same Fortune 100 construction and civil engineering company where he started his career thirty years ago. Doug has an unusually diverse body of construction industry experience. He has taken on operational and legal changes related to public facilities such as stadiums, airports, performance halls, water treatment and desalination plants, highways, and light rail transportation facilities. In the private sector, his experience includes high-rise commercial and residential buildings, hospitality and resort buildings, high-end custom residences, and horizontal infrastructure development. He solves problems associated with changes, delays, differing site conditions, contract terminations, bond claims, and contract negotiations. He helps his clients succeed and confidently go about their business. He considers his role as outside counsel for large-scale contractors and developers as the most rewarding aspect of his practice. 

[New Product]  Tervis Unveils New Tervis VentureTM Lite Water Bottle with 2-in-1 VersaLidTM

Tervis, the nationally loved and family-owned drinkware company founded in 1946, recently unveiled its new Tervis VentureTM Lite Water Bottle with a number of exciting and innovative features. The 24-ounce Venture Lite Water Bottle is Tervis’ lightest drinkware option yet and allows for easy, one-handed operation. With the 2-in-1 VersaLidTM, users can choose between sipping with a straw or chugging with a spout. The water bottle is also leakproof when closing the lid and securing the lock, and an ergonomic handle allows for it to be easily carried for on-the-go occasions. Other notable features for the Venture Lite Water Bottle include it being dishwasher safe, leakproof, BPA-free and fits most cup holders. The Venture Lite Water Bottle is now available at Tervis.com, Tervis retail locations and coming soon to local and mass retailers. Like other Tervis products, customers will be able to customize the water bottle and choose from numerous designs, including licensed team emblems, logos, artistic patterns and more. For more information, visit Tervis.com/venture. 

[Airport News]  Avelo Airlines Takes Flight with New Nonstop Service to Philadelphia from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Avelo Airlines takes flight today with a third nonstop route from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to the Greater Philly’s Wilmington Airport (ILG). ILG is a convenient and travel-friendly alternative to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for travelers heading to the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region. ILG joins Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport, Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) and the Research Triangle’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Avelo will operate this route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Introductory one-way fares between SRQ and ILG start at $59*. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com. 

To learn more, visit.

[Recognition]  Berlin Patten Ebling Awarded 2024 Best Law Firm By Best Lawyers

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC is pleased to announce it has been named a 2024 “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers for the 14th consecutive year. The firm has achieved its regional ranking in two practice areas: Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Firms included in the 2024 Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" are recognized for their ability, professional excellence, and integrity with consistently impressive ratings from both clients and peers. Achieving this recognition reflects a firm's high level of respect among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and practice areas. The 2024 edition of Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" includes rankings in 75 national and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. “We are proud to have earned the respect of our peers and clients in the Sarasota community and beyond,” said Managing Partner Evan Berlin. “Berlin Patten Ebling remains dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in these practice areas, and we are grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us."  

Pictured: The partners of Berlin Patten Ebling.

[County News]  Manatee Clerk Generates the Highest Return on County Investments Since the Pandemic

The Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, announces a $70.9 million increase in the County’s Investment Portfolio—the largest increase in investment revenue since 2019. This significant return on investment is attributed to the Clerk’s staff in conjunction with the Clerk’s investment advisors through diversifying the portfolio and a strong market yielding much higher interest rates than seen since the pandemic. The Clerk, as Comptroller to the Board of County Commissioners, invests in the market Board and other funds that are not yet slated to be spent, to preserve the principle, maintain liquidity, and maximize returns to ensure financial stability for our community’s future needs. “$71 million is going back to the taxpayers in the form of additional revenue to be used by the County to fund important projects and services,” said Angel Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County. The money is invested according to Florida Statute and Manatee County’s Investment Policy, with the oversight of the Clerk’s investment advisor. As part of the Clerk’s mission to protect the public trust through integrity and transparency, monthly investment reports produced by the Clerk’s investment advisors are uploaded to the Clerk’s website every month. These reports provide a snapshot of market conditions and portfolio status. Additionally, the Clerk proposed to the Board of County Commissioners to establish an investment policy advisory board to communicate routine policy updates. For more information about the County’s financial health, visit the Clerk’s website at www.ManateeClerk.com. 

[Veterans]  Veterans Month Kicks Off with a Special Announcement

Congratulations to Rickard Jensen on being voted "Manatee County's Veteran of the Year”, by the Manatee County Veterans Council. This is a well-deserved honor in recognition of Rick’s efforts in the community and at Nathan Benderson Park’s Veterans dragon boating program. Dragon boat practice starts at 4:30pm for most paddlers - but not for Rick Jensen! A born leader and team player, Rick arrives at Nathan Benderson Park at least two hours prior to every practice to ready the dragon boats and setup all the equipment for his team, to lessen the burden on all other paddlers. An "Army of One", Rick, a permanently disabled Veteran, never allows physical limitations to keep him from helping others or hinder him from doing what he loves. Rick, a Holmes Beach resident, served in Vietnam and has traveled the world extensively throughout his military career. He first learned about paddling in 2019 when a friend told him about dragon boating at Nathan Benderson Park. After trying out a few sessions, Rick was hooked. He found dragon boating to be a positive physical activity and great way to connect with other veterans to support their mental well-being. "Whether or not they have experienced combat, we have all been through the same struggles in different ways," shared Rick. Thanks to Rick's efforts and passion, the Veterans Dragon boating program and team at Nathan Benderson Park has grown from just 5 people to over 27 co-ed members and continues to evolve. The team practices 3 times a week and travels throughout the state to participate in dragon boating competitions. In addition to growing the current team, Rick is exploring starting a para dragon boating team, comprised of disabled and able-bodied veterans, to ensure that no one is precluded from participating in this sport of legends. When asked what the number one factor is that propels Rick to push his limits every day and give so much to dragon boating-- is it for physical health, mental support or for the comradery, Rick’s eyes lit up and he stated sincerely with a big smile, "I don't call it comradery. I call it FAMILY." 

Practices take place at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota, on Mondays at 6pm, Wednesdays at 4:30pm, and Saturdays at 9am year-round.



[SRQIST]  Pop-Up Paves the Way
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

POP-UP PAVES THE WAY | For Sarasota County residents without library access, the Pop-Up will bring the wonders of the library to them, November 2023. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  MUSIC: Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience , November 26, 7pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to bring Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience to Sarasota on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. The music never stops in Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience. Produced in collaboration with the Estate of Johnny Cash, this multi-media celebration is like nothing you’ve seen before. Using state-of-the-art technology, Johnny Cash’s rich, iconic baritone has been lifted from archival concert footage and recordings, enabling the “Man in Black'' to perform his biggest hits – “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire” – with a live band again! In addition to never-before-seen footage and on-screen narration by Cash’s only son, John Carter Cash, male and female vocalists will split singing duties to perform even more Cash hits, as well as tunes by artists of the time including The Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins and June Carter Cash. Tickets start at $35 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. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: A Brave New Wonderland , November 18 – December 31, Various times

Hometown hero and international superstar Nik Wallenda is collaborating with the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) to bring an extraordinary holiday spectacle, A Brave New Wonderland, to the CAC’s Holiday-Themed Big Top in the East District at UTC. The show, with 45 performances through December 31, promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling, curated and produced under the creative eye of the King of the High Wire, Wallenda himself, along with his world record-holding wife, Erendira Wallenda. Through breathtaking performances by artists from diverse backgrounds, captivating narratives, and the shared spirit of Wallenda’s personal tagline, Never Give Up! Brave New Wonderland seeks to plant a seed of unity in the hearts of its audience. It's a show where the magic of the season is not just about traditions and celebrations but also about embracing our differences and finding strength in diversity. For more information, visit circusarts.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Free Dentistry Day at Creekwood Dental , November 17, 7am-12pm

Residents in the Bradenton community and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to receive free dental services at Creekwood Dental on Friday, November 17. Drs. Jennifer Pfeiffer, Brian Harrington and team at Creekwood Dental will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance. During Free Dentistry Day, cleanings, fillings and extractions will be provided to patients on Friday, November 17, between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. at 5210 Creekwood Boulevard in Bradenton. Patients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 941-755-1488 or visit www.FreeDentistryDay.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park , November 16, 5pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a newly developed partnership with Nathan Benderson Park as a part of the Hermitage’s 2023-2024 season. Expanding on the success of the Hermitage programming at Selby Gardens and other venues throughout the region, the new Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series launches this year following a popular Hermitage program at the park last season. Each program in the Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park series will feature a celebrated Hermitage artist to be announced. The outdoor series features performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park events are currently scheduled to take place by Benderson Lake near the Nathan Benderson Family Finish Tower. The first event in this series is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th at 5pm and will feature two of the most innovative voices working in theater today. Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park: Theater on the Lake showcases the talents of Hermitage Fellows Terry Guest and James Anthony Tyler. These two talents split the bill to share some of their latest work and discuss the creative process as the sun goes down over the lake. This first program in the new series is presented in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. Admission is free, but registration is required for $5 at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Women's Resource Center You Are Worthy Series , September 14 – November 9, 6-8pm

The Women’s Resource Center presents “You Are Worthy,” an eight-week series from September 14th through November 9th moderated by Chris Florand and Denise Whalin. This in-person series is part of the Women’s Resource Center’s life enrichment programs. The program is $25 for all sessions and takes place at WRC’s Sarasota office at 340 S. Tuttle Ave. To register, please call 941-256-9721 or visit mywrc.org/youareworthy. This program meets weekly on Thursdays from 6-8pm, with each session focusing on developing self-awareness skills, the building block where real personal growth and power to change lives starts.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota Hooters Jeep Nights , September 16 – December 21, 6pm

Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Wellen Park Thanks4Giving Project , October 3 – November 17, 9am-5pm

Wellen Park and The Rotary Club are partnering again this year from October 3 through November 17 for Thanks4Giving, a service project to help make Thanksgiving memorable for members of the community. The Thanks4Giving tree will be set up in the Wellen Park Welcome Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., filled with tags for you to choose from. Purchase a Publix or Walmart gift card and return it to the Wellen Park Welcome Center, where a member of the ambassador team will be prepared to receive it. On Nov. 18, the Rotary Club will collect the cards and use them to purchase full Thanksgiving dinners from Publix and Walmart. These dinners include frozen turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the trimmings for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For more information, visit wellenpark.com.

[SOON]  FOOD: School of Hospitality and Tourism Management All-Inclusive Dining Event , October 17 – November 14, 6-8pm

The public is invited to enjoy an elegant night out at the Powel Crosley Estate, where Sarasota-Manatee students will deliver an unforgettable hospitality experience from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. The event promises to delight guests with a gourmet spread, including risotto, salmon, steak, dessert and an opportunity to customize their own “potato martini” with sautéed Spanish onions, roasted garlic confit, apple smoked bacon and other savory toppings. A second dinner will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the same location. The semi-annual dinner series is an opportunity for students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to gain hands-on experience in designing, preparing and executing an all-inclusive dining event. “This will be a dynamic learning experience for all of them,” said Joe Askren, a professor of instruction in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who, along with his colleague Angad Dang, will assist the students throughout the night. “We look forward to showcasing our students’ skills at these events.” Visit usf.to/taste to purchase tickets.

[SOON]  GALA: Night of Hope and Healing with the Child Protection Center , November 9, 6 to 9 p.m.

Join us in bringing hope and healing to the fight against child abuse in our community. Night of Hope and Healing will feature a wide selection of tastings from crowd favorite restaurants, fantastic live and silent auctions, and most importantly, you will leave the event knowing that you are bringing change, protection, and hope to the most vulnerable children of our community. Sponsoring this event will expose your business to a compassionate, caring, and loyal community while providing the necessary support to give local children access to life saving services. These partnerships provide hope in raising awareness, hope in bringing comfort and joy, and hope in building a world where kids can just be kids. We look forward to seeing you there. Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, https://cpcsarasota.org/events/night-of-hope/.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Choral Artists of Sarasota Present Veterans Day in Song , November 11, 1pm

Choral Artists of Sarasota presents the songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. The featured guest artist is baritone Bob McDonald, a retired Sergeant Major from The US Army Chorus. The performance will be on Saturday, November 11, 1pm, at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets are $40 for guests and $25 for Veterans. Student tickets are $5. For more information, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ Event , December 6, 5:30-8:30pm

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is excited to announce they will be the new home for the 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ event on December 6th, previously put on by Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation. This event has been the premier networking event in the region for decades, which brings together the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Region to enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun. The event will be held at the Premiere Sports Campus from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.For more information, visit members.lwrba.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: 2023 ECOSummit , December 5 – December 6

Get inspired by two days of Big Ideas and Solutions at the ECOSummit as experts share insights and innovations for recharging our environment and reducing our impacts-crucial to sustaining our coastal community’s quality of life. Community storytellers will explore our environmental heritage as a touchstone for a resilient future. It’s a lively and entertaining two-day solutions-oriented experience with lectures, panel discussions, storytelling, and music. Award-winning Americana songwriter Karen Jonas and her band will weave dazzling threads of their dreamy Alt-Country music through the tapestry of stories over two days. Networking coffee breaks, lunches, lunchtime wellness and guided walks, and professional continuing education credits all included. The summit will take place from December 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information, visit scienceandenvironment.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Feast Upon the Fields , December 3, 12:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the beautiful and conserved Myakka Headwaters Preserve. Located where seven creeks converge to form the mighty Myakka River, our Myakka Headwaters Preserve is a breathtaking slice of natural Florida. The property contains numerous diverse landscapes, including floodplain forests, marshland, longleaf pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks. Fields of wildflowers host pollinators of all shapes and sizes, and fern-lined streambanks rise just a foot or two above the clear-flowing water, which supports submerged aquatic vegetation unable to grow in the sunlight-blocked blackwaters found elsewhere in the Myakka River. Experience this stunning landscape firsthand at our eighth annual farm-to-table luncheon, Feast Upon the Fields. Featuring a one-of-a-kind menu by Chef Paul Mattison, this ticketed event will sell out quickly. Early reservations are strongly recommended. conservationfoundation.com.
[SOON]  THEATER: Deck the Halls Returns to Florida Studio Theatre , November 25 – December 24, 10am and 12pm

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to bring children and their families the magic of the holiday season with the latest iteration of Deck the Halls. This interactive family-friendly, music-filled show celebrates everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Since Deck the Halls was first produced in 2016, the show has become a holiday tradition for many families on the Suncoast. This year, the festivities return with all-new sketches, all-new songs, and all-new memories ready for the making. Created by Caroline Saldivar and Sarah Durham with additional material by Dellan Short and Jeremy Weinstein, Deck the Halls plays select Saturdays and Sundays with showtimes starting at 10am and 12pm in FST’s Keating Theatre. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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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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