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SRQ DAILY Feb 26, 2024

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"The program, as our region, has grown so much in the past years that we have expanded the submission categories and judging panel to reflect this."

- Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher, SRQ Magazine.
 

[State]  Gruters Pushes to Fund Selby Scientific Priorities
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Heading into the final weeks of Session, Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said he wants to secure funding for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

He has two big asks for the local institution, filing an appropriations request for $1.8 million for shoreline restoration and protection at Historic Spanish Point, and another request for $1.8 million in order to safeguard Selby Gardens’ world-class collection of orchids and bromeliads in hurricane resilient glasshouses.

The state Senator heaped high praise on leadership for the botanical gardens, especially since the 2014 hire of Jennifer Rominiecki as president and CEO.

“Since Jennifer Rominiecki has taken over, it’s like Disney World,” he said. “It’s very nice, and they’ve done all of it through non-government grants and private fundraising. This is about the state stepping up and making sure they create a safe atmosphere and a resilient one for the research going on there.

The glasshouses would be used at Selby Gardens’ main Sarasota campus, where the plant life has been deemed scientifically significant. 

At the Downtown Sarasota campus, we are currently housing the world's best scientifically documented living collections of orchids and bromeliads in glass houses from the 1970s in the flood zone," Rominiecki told SRQ. "We lost one house during Hurricane Ian, and we need to embark on creating new resilient structures on higher ground to protect this vital research collection for future generations."

Selby Gardens took over Historic Spanish Point in Osprey in 2020. In the funding request there, Rominiecki wrote the funding was needed to reduce stormwater runoff and protect the historic pioneer-era buildings on site.

“This necessary improvement will protect the shoreline on pristine Sarasota Bay, including mangroves, vulnerable to storms and erosion on the shoreline of the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus,” she wrote in a request to the Legislature. “The site has two flood zones in the highest risk for annual flooding and one internal flood zone of moderate risk. Shoreline erosion is already present. It is critical now to reduce runoff, improve quality of State waters, and protect historic structures important to the State of Florida.”

Gruters will fight for the funding, along with other budget items as the 60-day regular legislative session winds down, which runs through March 8. The budget is also subject to vetoes by the Governor. 

Photo courtesy Selby Gardens.

[Celebration]  2024 Home of the Year Celebrated at SmartHouse Integration
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

It was standing room only for SRQ Magazine's 2024 Home of the Year celebration Friday evening when winners were announced at an awards ceremony that took place at SmartHouse Integration, the event’s presenting sponsor and host. Each year, homes are submitted to the competition by home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers in the Sarasota and Manatee region, representing projects from Siesta Key to Myakka, Anna Maria to Downtown Sarasota. A panel of judges from around the country jury the entries and award the Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards.

“The Home of the Year Competition celebrates Gulf Coast homes in the region that articulate superlative architecture and design form and function, from the integrity of the space to the design process,” said SRQ Magazine Executive Publisher Wes Roberts in his welcoming remarks. “The program, as our region, has grown so much in the past years that we have expanded the submission categories and judging panel to reflect this.” Judges for this year’s competition were architects Bruce Sparano, Hugo Mijares, David Poorman, Peter Pfieffer, Brad Tomecek, Alan Barley and Mark Rudolf.

Light bites and cocktails provided by Pier 22 Catering were plentiful as attendees mingled throughout the intimate atmosphere of the SmartHouse Integration showroom where they were able to interact with the most innovative designs in home electronics, security, and home management systems.

Awards were given for all things home-related, including best kitchen, bathroom and interior design, with the architects of Sweet Sparkman taking home the coveted Platinum prize for the Best Overall Home Over $4 Million. Congratulations to all of the stunning entries and winners in the 2023 Home of the Year Competition.

For a complete rundown of winners, winning projects and judges’ comments, pick up the March issue of SRQ Magazine, available next week. 

Pictured: The architects of Sweet Sparkman celebrate with SRQ Publisher Wes Roberts. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Leadership]  Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. Recruits Sonya Shoemaker as Regional Sales Manager Southeast for CNC Cabinetry

Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiter, Ben Durshimer, of Sonya Shoemaker as Regional Sales Manager Southeast for CNC Cabinetry. Jennifer Young, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is excited to welcome Sonya as a key member of the regional leadership team. As the Regional Sales Manager, Sonya will be responsible for developing the Dealer Channel and the management of independent representatives throughout the Southeast. Sonya is tasked with strategically driving sales growth in conjunction with the company’s network of strong assembly-distribution operations. With an extensive background in sales, Sonya successfully led the Mid-Atlantic Builder Channel for American Bath Group as Regional Sales Manager. She previously held positions with Moen Inc., Delta Faucet Company, Ferguson Enterprises and Thos. Somerville Company. CNC Cabinetry is a well-established manufacturer and distributor of Kitchen Cabinets, Counter Tops, Bathroom Vanities and Vanity Tops. CNC Cabinetry maintains a network of qualified sales and service representatives throughout the country. Specializing in servicing dealers with all kitchen and bath needs as a ONE STOP SHOP, CNC Cabinetry provides a full spectrum of pricing, ranging from low to high end as well as standard to custom. Throughout over thirty years of business, CNC Cabinetry has earned a reputation of excellent craftsmanship, progressive design, and superior service. 

[Business News]  Knight Strategic Communications Expands Services and Operations to Support Client Growth, Launches New Website

Last week, Knight Strategic Communications (KSC), a fast-growing communications firm headquartered in Tampa Bay, launched a new website to highlight and announce an expansion of its services and market operations. By collaborating with West Coast consultancy onyxopal, it is now providing valuable business development services along with its established competencies in media relations and brand development. “Today’s communication firms must break out of service and market silos if they are going to help their clients achieve measurable success,” says KSC president Elizabeth Knight. “We are positioned to help clients who are trying to raise capital and find partnerships not only develop their brands and amplify their messages in the media, but also identify potential investors and collaborators throughout the U.S. and pitch them effectively.” To enhance support for KSC’s clients beyond the offerings of traditional public relations firms, its work with onyxopal will expand its services into business development, including partnership and investor sourcing, sales pitching, and more. “Business creation in the U.S. is experiencing a significant surge, largely fueled by the creator economy. This has led to an infusion of more creativity into all commercial elements of these ventures,” says Claire Uhar, founder of LA-based onyxopal. “We are lucky enough to play a small role in connecting these companies to new, unconventional, strategies that differentiate their brand and diversify their revenue.” KSC's announcement comes after recent reports ranked Florida #1 in entrepreneurship in 2023, indicating a rapidly growing market with an influx of startups and growing businesses. Knight noted that these companies can now hire powerhouse communication firms from anywhere in the nation, including Tampa Bay. “Even before COVID and the remote work trend, traditional marketing and PR power hubs in major markets like New York City and San Francisco began to decentralize and spread geographically,” she stated. “Now, companies can find powerhouse communication partners in their backyards. We brought our expertise from New York firms to Tampa, expanded to Los Angeles and can now service clients anywhere.” Knight Strategic Communications (KSC) concludes its team lineup with Mia Kurecki, Account Executive, accompanied by support from regional and national partners to offer extended services in areas such as grassroots marketing and social media. For more information, visit www.knight-sc.com. 

[Recognition]  Christopher Alan Homes Promotes Gilkey to Director of Sales and Marketing

 Christopher Alan Homes has promoted Carlos Gilkey to director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Gilkey is responsible for leading and strategizing sales and marketing initiatives to drive revenue and support home sales. Gilkey first joined Christopher Alan Homes as a sales representative in 2018. He has a decade of experience in the construction and homebuilding industries. Gilkey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Headquartered in Southwest Florida, Christopher Alan Homes is a preferred single-family builder in Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town; West Port; Burnt Store Village and Deep Creek. The builder-owned company also builds on individual homesites in Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties in Southwest Florida and Palm Bay on Florida’s East Central Space Coast. Christopher Alan Homes is the only local homebuilder among Southwest Florida’s top five builders for single-family residential permitted units, a ranking it held for the second consecutive year in 2022. For more information about Christopher Alan Homes visit christopheralanhomes.com or call 855-44-MYCAH. 

[Recognition]  Buchanan Honored for Record Protecting Wildlife, Combatting Animal Cruelty

Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chairman of the bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, earned a 100 percent rating in the U.S. Humane Society’s just-released 2023 legislative scorecard. Buchanan was one of only 13 Republicans in the entire 535-member Congress to score 100 percent. Buchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty. The Humane Society has praised Buchanan, calling him “a tireless champion for animals.” The Humane Society scorecard is based on individual voting records and leadership efforts concerning key animal welfare priorities. In 2020, the Humane Society of the United States named Buchanan “Legislator of the Year,” making him the only member of the U.S. House ever to win the prestigious award twice. He was the first member of Congress from Florida to win the honor in 2015. In 2019 and 2020, Buchanan earned a perfect score from the U.S. Humane Society. The list of issues highlighted in the Humane Society scorecard includes: Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475), which Buchanan introduced, prohibits both the reopening of horse slaughter plants in the U.S. and the export of American horses for slaughter. Buchanan reintroduced this legislation in 2023 and has garnered 214 cosponsors, Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 5399), which Buchanan helped introduce, phases out testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals in the U.S., Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 3090), which Buchanan is an original cosponsor of, seeks to end notorious training barn cruelty that plagues Tennessee walking horses and related breeds, Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act (S. 2555/H.R. 5041), which Buchanan cosponsored, empowers DOJ to seek meaningful penalties, and it also encourages greater collaboration with the USDA to ensure that DOJ has access to evidence needed to initiate cases, Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624), which Buchanan cosponsored, addresses gaps in welfare standards for tens of thousands of breeding dogs and puppies, Buchanan’s has had 32 legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007. Buchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far. 

[Recognition]  Sheriff Hoffman Holds Award Ceremony

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards at a ceremony on Tuesday, February 20. Sergeant Michael Jackson received the Life Saving Award for his actions on October 25, 2023, when responding to a report of a female in distress and possibly drowning. Corrections Deputies Neil Pizzo and Ramiro Sanchez received the Life Saving Award for their actions on December 5, 2023. Deputy Elizabeth Gray-Smith received the Life Saving Award for her actions on August 7, 2023. Deputies Craig Edwards, Michael Randazzo, and Trent Narra were presented the Heroic Achievement Award for their actions on December 16, 2023. Dominic Yacca and FWCC Officer Kelsey Dalton were each given a certificate of recognition for their contributions to this rescue. The Economic Crimes Unit presented a certificate of recognition to Kagy Jewelers, a Sarasota business, for their cooperation and time spent assisting law enforcement with an identity theft case. 

[New Homes]  Private Neighborhood Amenities in Sunstone at Wellen Park Officially Open to Residents

Residents of Sunstone in Wellen Park now have more activities to choose from with the neighborhood’s lakeside amenity campus officially open for use. Featuring a private clubhouse with a fitness center, pickleball courts and a heated spa, Sunstone’s resort-inspired amenities elevate the community’s vibrant fun-filled lifestyle and emphasis on health, wellness and community connections. The beach-entry pool with a shade canopy and lap lanes is expected to open in March. The campus also offers a grilling pavilion with bar-style seating and indoor and outdoor destinations for residents to gather and socialize, including an event lawn, a Paw Park, a tot lot and a tree-shaded sitting area circling a firepit. Engaging events and unique programs coordinated by an activity director provide even more ways to connect over shared interests and experiences. Located in Wellen Park’s Playmore District close to CoolToday Park and Downtown Wellen, Sunstone offers thoughtfully crafted single-family homes and attached low-maintenance villas by Mattamy Homes, North America’s largest privately-owned homebuilder. The gated neighborhood’s collection of 13 floor plans includes two villa designs featuring two and three bedrooms, two baths and 1,500 to 1,765 square feet of living space. Single-family homes in Sunstone offer two to five bedrooms, up to four full baths and 1,500 to nearly 3,000 square feet in one- and two-story floor plans. The homes feature a choice of coastal, craftsman, West Indies and modern exterior architecture.Six designer-decorated models are open daily. Sunstone also offers quick move-in homes with professionally curated design and style options, saving homebuyers considerable time in the building process. For more information about Sunstone, visit wellenpark.com/neighborhood/sunstone. 

Pictured: Featuring a private clubhouse with a fitness center, pickleball courts and a heated spa, Sunstone's resort-inspired amenities elevate the community's vibrant fun-filled lifestyle and emphasis on health, wellness and community connections.

[Recognition]  Mental Health and Wellness Program Recognized as One of the Top in the Nation for Patient Care

Patients who need mental health treatment throughout the state of Florida find help and healing at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. The hospital offers the only inpatient, voluntary, acute care behavioral health program in the Sarasota area dedicated to older adults. It serves people who are 50 years old and older who need acute mental health treatment in a safe, compassionate, and tranquil environment. Recently a patient wrote, “…In 2023 I didn’t have a single suicide attempt or hospitalization. I credit part of that to the time I spent at [the hospital] and the skills I learned there and the caring staff that were always ready and willing to listen…” Patient experiences like this have earned the caregivers the 2023 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® by Press Ganey. The award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country according to performance in patient experience. “There is a great need in our community for mental health treatment and we are a unique program since we serve those 50 and older. The best award for us is taking care of patients and seeing someone improve, that’s the greatest accomplishment,” said Vladimir Einisman, MD Psychiatrist and medical director of the mental health and wellness program at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. As a winner of the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award®, the hospital is in the top 5% of healthcare providers in delivering inpatient patient experience in the last year. 

[Announcement]  S-One Joins UN Global Compact to Safeguard the Environment

S-One Holdings Corporation, a global company headquartered in  Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, proudly announces that they have joined the United Nations  Global Compact initiative — a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure  of responsible business practices. The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to align their operations and  strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world. With subsidiaries and brands dedicated to developing and selling products for the printing and graphics industry,  sustainability is one of the ways S-One does business ethically and responsibly. S-One designs and produces  environmentally conscious printing products manufactured, used, and recovered in a sustainable way that embraces a circular economy. S-One products are designed to help customers reduce their environmental impact  while delivering exceptional results. Innovative product designs with a focus on sustainability are demonstrated through the company's subsidiaries. Brand  Management Group (BMG), an S-One subsidiary, developed HP Recycled1 Satin Canvas, a first-of-its-kind,  printable canvas made with recycled water bottles2 and coating materials. BMG’s HP Large-format Media Portfolio  includes 39 Recyclable Products, 41 FSC-Certified Products, 4 Products with Recycled Content, and 3 CE-UKCA Certified wall coverings. S-One Labels & Packaging (S-OneLP) designs and develops sustainable packaging containing renewable materials that when they reach their end of life, can be composted and returned to the earth. A variety of S-OneLP ReEarth compostable flexible packaging films received both TUV OK compost HOME and TUV OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification. Another sustainable choice is S-OneLP’s ReTreve recyclable family of films. These flexible packaging films meet the Sustainable Packaging Coalition guidelines for store drop-off recycling. 

To learn more, visit

[Economic Report]  Orioles Economic Impact in Sarasota County Topped $72 Million in Most Recent Report

Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report found that the Orioles generated more than $72 million in economic impact and created more than 970 jobs in Sarasota County during the most recent reporting period, which took place from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. In addition to the Orioles’ local impact, the report found that the organization generated more than $86 million in economic impact in the state of Florida, while also creating more than 1,000 jobs. The analysis measures the total impact created by the Orioles’ year-round operations in Sarasota, highlighted by the team’s Spring Training efforts, minor league training facility, and numerous events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex. Since 2015, the Orioles have generated nearly $584.5 million for the local Sarasota County economy and more than $686 million for the state of Florida. This impact is delivered through the club’s continual efforts to promote tourism in the region, including $1 million annually in marketing opportunities for Visit Sarasota during broadcasts on the Orioles Radio Network and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. In addition to Spring Training operations, the Orioles bring people to Sarasota County by hosting a myriad of special events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex throughout the entire year. Ed Smith Stadium hosted numerous events throughout 2023 including the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic, Sarasota Orchestra’s Outdoor Pops concert, Sarasota County Movie Night, and Orange & Black Gives Back Week of Service youth baseball clinic. Since the organization made Ed Smith Stadium its Spring Training home, more than 1.3 million people have attended Orioles games in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Government found that attendees of Orioles year-round events spent more than $19.2 million at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments during the most recent report period. On average, attendees spend more than $14 million annually at local establishments, another major contributor to the club’s overall impact on the region. Beyond economic impact, the Orioles have provided more than $3.9 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth through baseball clinics and the annual Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge, and give back when the community needs them the most. The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host food collections throughout the year and Ed Smith Stadium is used for their annual “ThankFULL” Turkey Distribution, providing local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays. This Spring Training, the Orioles will continue to partner with numerous local non-profits, including All Faiths Food Bank, Mothers Helping Mothers, and SunCoast Blood Centers, encouraging fans to assist them in giving back to their Spring Training home.  For more information on the Orioles’ impact in Sarasota County, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.  



[SOON]  BUSINESS: Borrow Smart, Choosing the Right Loan for Your Business Needs , March 27, 12pm
This presentation will highlight the various types of bank loans from consumer and residential to commercial loans for business. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Can Writing a Book Boost Your Business , March 20, 12pm
Writing and publishing a book can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial journey. It is an endeavor that goes beyond sharing knowledge and insights. It is a powerful tool to build credibility, increase influence, strengthen your personal and business branding, drive personal growth, and leave a lasting legacy. We’ll be reviewing the types of publishing and the pitfalls. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  SEMINAR: The Dawn of Civilization with David Miano , March 17 – April 21, 2-3:30pm
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new line of live online courses featuring the expertise of Dr. David Miano. In this six-part series, we will study the emergence of the first complex societies in the ancient Near East, beginning with the earliest settlements in the Epipaleolithic period and finishing with the development of the first empire in the mid-third millennium BCE. We will pay special attention to how societies grew across the expanse of time, from small hunter-gatherer villages to large consolidated states, taking a close look at the invention of agriculture, the wheel, bronze metallurgy, writing, literature, and the development of religion and government. To do this, we will rely on material remains, primary source documents, and art, which illuminate the unique features of ancient Near Eastern societies. Enroll now to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the best, live on Zoom. To enroll and learn more, visit mianoacademy.org.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: New Worker Categorization: W-2 vs 1099, Challenges for Business Owners and Independent Contractors , March 14, 12pm
In 2024, the Department of Labor will issue regulations that will require business owners to reconsider how they classify their workers on company tax returns. Effective March 11, 2024, these rules describe many newly created factors to help business owners determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The rules have created a situation where some businesses may inadvertently misclassify workers on company tax returns, and could incur civil and criminal penalties if the IRS suspects intentional misconduct. Once this new rule takes effect, the risk of misclassification may skyrocket. This means that more businesses may face potential liability for not paying these benefits to their workers. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Choosing the Right Business Type, An Attorney Weighs In , March 13, 12pm
There are so many options when choosing a business entity. Your choice can affect your legal liability and asset protection. Sara Castro Potts explains the options and helps you decide which is best for your business. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Passive Profits, Active Pursuits, Build Your Retirement Nest Egg with a Franchise , March 6, 12pm

Do you know what you will retire to? Or keep your job and create income via semi-absentee or fully absentee franchise options. Sign up for this webinar that could change your life. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Oyster Boys Fundraiser with the Baltimore Orioles , March 4, 1:05pm
Support the Oyster Boys and enjoy a spring training game with the Baltimore Orioles on March 4. $5 of every purchase made through the following link goes directly towards the Oyster Boys Conservation. https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Oysterboys20240212-14581004
[SOON]  MUSIC: Hannah Cope and Marcelina Suchocka , March 3, 4pm
Former and current Sarasota Orchestra principal musicians Hannah Cope, harp and Marcelina Suchocka, percussion, join forces for an innovative program of standards for each instrument along with classics reimagined for marimba and harp duet. Cope made her mark on the harp world as the 2020 winner of the American Harp Society Foundation Grandjany Memorial Competition and is now the principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. When Suchocka is not in Sarasota, she performs as principal percussion of the Britt Festival Orchestra and as an extra with many major American orchestras. The pair perform at First Presbyterian Church on March 3 at 4:00 pm. Single ticket: $40. For tickets and more information, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
[SOON]  FOOD: Winederlust Dinner , February 29, 6pm
To celebrate Leap Year on Feb. 29, Viento Kitchen at Zota Beach Resort is hosting a one-night-only Worldly Wine Dinner, Winederlust Dinner, a blend of the words wine and wanderlust, which refers to the act of exploring and experiencing different wines from around the world. Hosted exclusively at select Florida Opal resort restaurants for one night, the series, created in collaboration with Jackson Family Wines, features five-course prix-fixe dinners highlighting varietals plucked from all over the globe. Each course is expertly crafted to accentuate the flavors of the showcased wines. The Winederlust Dinner at Viento Kitchen on Longboat Key will begin at 6 p.m. and costs $139.70 per person. Book now at OpalCollection.com/leap-day-winederlust-dinners.
[SOON]  THEATER: Ruby , February 28 – April 7, Various times

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to finally bring to the stage the world-premiere musical, Ruby. The show is a musical retelling of the true story of the shocking killing of a White doctor in Live Oak, Fla., and the Black woman, Ruby McCollum, who was accused of his murder. Ruby is a fascinating, powerful story, one that has been touched upon in books and documentary films. Now it finally takes the stage live in what promises to be an emotional musical drama. Performances take place in the Donelly Theatre at 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and active military. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call the Box Office at 941-366-1505.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Using Mergent Intellect to Find New Customers , February 28, 12-1pm
This webinar is perfect for anyone looking to identify who your prospective customers are and create targeted B2B and B2C prospective customer lists. Discover the power of Mergent Intellect, which contains detailed company profiles, industry overviews, and forecasts powered by Dun and Bradstreet, custom market research, residential contact information and consumer data powered by Claritas/Nielsen. Learn how to filter and export lists at will based on company criteria like location, size, revenue, and industry NACIS/SIC codes, to target your B2B potential clients, or based on demographics to target your B2C prospective customers. Once you have the lists, you can use traditional or digital marketing channels to nurture and sell to them. We will also give a brief overview of other business resources available from Manatee Libraries, free to access with your library card. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  THEATER: Born with Teeth , February 21 – March 29, Various times
Do not miss the opportunity to witness the fascinating dynamic between Shakespeare and Marlowe as their secrets unravel on stage. Born with Teeth runs through March 29, 2024. Visit asolorep.org for a full performance schedule. Tickets start at $35 and are available now in person at the Asolo Rep Box Office at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, by phone at 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388, or online at asolorep.org.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Bird Photographer of the Year , February 13 – April 28, Various times
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of birds. The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition has landed at The Bishop, showcasing winning and finalist images that capture the beauty, drama, and intricate details of avian life. Travel to remote corners of the globe through stunning photographs: witness eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering, and penguins waddling. Each image is a testament to the skill and passion of the photographer, offering a unique window into the lives and wonders of these feathered marvels. Beyond a visual feast, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of our interconnected planet and the importance of bird conservation. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.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]  SEMINAR: Downtown Sarasota, Hindsight, Insight and Foresight , January 24 – February 28, 6-7:30pm
Downtown Sarasota: Hindsight, Insight and Foresight is a four-part speaker series conceived to spark an informed and constructive community-wide discussion about the future of our downtown. The six-week series will take place at Art Ovation Hotel and explore the evolution of downtown Sarasota over the last two decades with a group of four distinguished speakers, Andres Duany, David Houle, Mitchell Silver, and Victor Dover. Speakers will address vital topics including the current downtown master plan and how it was shaped two decades ago, how downtown has developed since then, the macro-level forces affecting the city, effective current downtown planning practices, and insights drawn from successful urban planning in other locales. Lectures will be held on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit architecturesarasota.org.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Expressions of Experience, Two Generations, Two Perspectives. , January 17 – February 29, 11am to 4pm daily
Please join us to experience this unique exhibition featuring father/daughter local artists, Pamela Olin and Richard Olin. This premiere exhibition features three-dimensional works that offer a glimpse from the perspective of two distinctly different generations. The pieces address the transitions they have experienced over the last several years, making them relatable to all ages. As a duo, this public exhibit is both a curiosity and an insight into the self-expression of two generations of artists linked by DNA. Plymouth Harbour Gallery, 700 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Visit www.pamelaolin.com and www.olinrich.com to learn more.
[SOON]  SEMINAR: Global Issues , January 9 – March 29, Various times
2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of Sarasota Institute of the Lifetime Learning Global Issues series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 9-March 29, features 24 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center in Venice; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video. https://sillsarasota.org/index.htm.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Music Mondays , January 8 – March 25, Various times

The 2024 season of Sarasota Institute of the Lifetime Learning Music Monday Series presents performances and lively conversations with renowned and emerging performers, January 8-March 25, on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms in Sarasota; and Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice. https://sillsarasota.org/index.htm.

[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]  MUSEUM: Working Conditions at The Ringling , August 26 – March 3, varied times

Explore labor through The Ringlings Working Conditions photography exhibit, running until March 3, 2024. The Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries radically changed the nature of human labor. That era is defined by a global shift from producing goods by hand to manufacturing by machines and technologies that emphasized efficiency. Working Conditions explores the myriad ways in which photographs have communicated ideas about labor since the nineteenth century through examples from The Ringlings photography permanent collection. For more information, visit ringling.org.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.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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