SRQ DAILY Jun 24, 2024
Monday Business Edition
"A classical liberal arts education, when done well, is the best education one can receive."
A lot of changes went into effect at New College of Florida over the last year. But one that hasn’t changed is its reputation as a high-value education, according to The Princeton Review.
The higher education authority ranked the Sarasota school as No. 20 on its list of Best Value public colleges in the country. That puts it behind Florida State University, at No. 16. The Georgia Institute of Technology topped the list. The school remains the highest ranked small liberal arts college on the list. With an enrollment just north of 700, New College was the smallest school to make the top 50 Best Value public colleges. Wheaton College in Illinois, with an enrollment of more than 2,000, made the list at No. 49.
“A classical liberal arts education, when done well, is the best education one can receive,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “The return on investment of receiving that education at New College, where the price of tuition remains reasonable for American families, is an important benchmark we strive to uphold.”
New College scored a return-on-investment rating of 91 out of a possible 99 on The Princeton Review’s metric, which is based on 40 data points. An accompanying profile on education service’s website quotes students highlighting the narrative evaluations and senior theses. “The evaluations force students to fully participate and the professors to pay close attention,” reads a student quote included in the profile. Notably, the profile also noted a 30% minority population and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ students. It also quotes students noting the convenience of the beach and downtown Sarasota as enhancing campus life, even if having fun “in a glorified retirement community requires ingenuity of the New College student population.”
Corcoran took over as president after a shakeup last year, when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a new majority of trustees who promptly removed former President Patricia Okker.
The school has long touted its value. It was ranked No. 29 nationally on the same list from The Princeton Review in 2022 and 2023. So this year’s rankings mark a climb up an already prestigious list.
That said, New College previously was ranked No. 3 on The Princeton Review’s Public Best Schools for Making an Impact at No. 3 in 2022 and No. 4 in 2023, but failed to make the top 20 this year. Similarly, the school previously appeared on Public Best Alumni Networks list at No. 7 in 2022 and at No. 8 last year, and did not make the top 20 this time around.
But it jumped up to No. 3 on the Public Best Schools for Financial Aid list, up from No. 7 in 2022 and No. 4 last year.
All reinforce the reputation of New College as an institution delivered a liberal arts education at a high value and low student burden.
"The schools we chose as our Best Value Colleges for 2024 are a select group: they comprise only about 8% of the nation’s four-year undergraduate institutions,” said Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review, in a statement about the rankings.
“We commend their administrators, faculties, staff, and alumni for all they are doing to educate their students and guide them to success in their careers. These colleges are also exceptional for the generous amount of financial aid they award to students with need and/or for their comparatively low cost of attendance.”
Dr. Roopa Chari’s heart has always been in finding natural solutions for the ailments that plague the population such as fatigue, weight, inflammation, cholesterol, and other pesky health issues they’d rather not take table-sized tablets to treat.
For Dr. Chari, her zeal for integrative medicine has been lifelong, and endowed to her by her mother. “She is my inspiration. Since I was young, she would bring in healers from India and other countries who talked about mind, body, medicine, spirituality, and nutrition. My mother always told me that if I went into medicine, I could be the bridge between both worlds.”
A medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine, Dr. Chari, pursued her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Health System, in affiliation with the University of Chicago.
After her residency, she was able to mentor under naturopathic doctors to master her passion for helping others address their issues with advanced, natural approaches. In 1997, Dr. Chari moved to San Diego with her family before opening the Chari Center of Health. Together with her brother, Deepak Chari, an engineer and advanced voice biofeedback specialist, the Chari siblings fulfill both physical and emotional aspects of modern natural healing.
In May of 2022, following their beloved mother’s passing, Dr. Chari and her brother moved to Bradenton to be closer to family. “It was divine guidance,” Dr. Chari says.
The Chari Center of Health opened in Sarasota in January 2023. With decades of experience in holistic medical practices, they pride themselves on their comprehensive, cost-friendly lab work. Following the lab work, Dr. Chari then creates a functional medicine report. “In traditional labs, they say from one extreme to the other is normal,” Says Dr. Chari, “In functional medicine, we say there’s a very narrow range of normal. That way I’m able to go line by line with my patients as I explain the significance, meaning, and effect of their lab work.” Dr. Chari has also created a treatment program based on her patients’ blood work. After a comprehensive intake questionnaire, Dr. Chari confirms the information with the patient, before arranging for the bloodwork. With the report, Dr. Chari can give recommendations that are tailored to the patient’s unique history and lab work; thereby addressing any issues the patient might have and reversing them.
“I remember this mother, who was struggling to take care of herself because she had a son who needed a lot of help due to his autism. When she came in to see me, I was able to catch a lot of things like cholesterol, inflammation, weight, and blood sugar issues she had.” Says Dr. Chari, reflecting on one of her fondest success stories, “If we hadn’t addressed that, it could have been significant. What did happen, though, is that she lost weight, and her friends told her that she looked 30 years younger. She had so much energy, and she was able to take care of her family more by taking care of herself.” Dr. Chari also notes the Chari Center of Health has the tools to prevent insomnia and treat medication-less diabetes and high cholesterol.
“In all,” Says Dr. Chari, “our long-term goal is to help and connect with this beautiful community. We absolutely love Sarasota. We feel it’s heaven on earth.”
Chari Center of Health - 11161 E. State Rd 70 Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch - (941) 413-1077 - www.charicenter.com.
Pictured: Dr. Roopa Chari (left) pictured next to her brother and associate, Deepak Chari (right). Photo courtesy of Dr. Roopa Chari, M.D.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the winners of its National 2024 AIA Design Awards during a prestigious gala held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C on June 7, 2024. The category of Regional & Urban Design was established to honor the best in urban design, regional and city planning, and community development. Sarasota-based architecture firm SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture was bestowed with an Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design for Rosemary Square, designed by architect Jonathan Parks AIA and project managed by Selma Göker Wilson, INT'L ASSOC. AIA, RIBA. A national AIA award is the ultimate acknowledgment of impactful, exemplary work in architecture and design. Rosemary Square was among only a handful of projects in the country to be recognized in this category, including others located in Washington, D.C.; Staten Island, NY; Chicago, IL; and Austin, TX. Hundreds of submissions to the AIA design awards were received from across the United States for the design awards juried by a panel of peers: Neil Kittredge, AIA, Chair; Beyer Blinder Belle, New York; Mide Akinsade, AIA, Perkins & Will, Houston; Kim Reddin, AIA, FLAD, Madison, Wis.; Sheba Ross, HKS Architects, Atlanta; and Vince Tam, AIA, HNTB, Dallas.
The official groundbreaking for Car Bank SRQ, a premier private warehouse facility for car collectors, motorsports enthusiasts, RV/boat owners, hobbyists, or anyone who needs extra space, is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 9 am-11 am, at 6562 Palmer Park Circle, Sarasota, Florida. Car Bank SRQ will feature 18 car condominiums, each approximately 24' x 42' with a 21-foot ceiling. All units include a half bathroom, industrial ceiling fan, separate utility sink, and HVAC system. Owners can customize their space with a mezzanine, lifts, epoxy flooring, cabinetry, extra lighting, and outlets. The facility features a 12’x14’ garage door and a separate pedestrian entrance. Built to withstand Category 4 hurricanes, Car Bank SRQ ensures maximum protection. The inspiration for Car Bank SRQ came about when developer Todd Segal faced limited garage space for his expanding car collection. His vision of providing a solution for like-minded car collectors in the same predicament, offering both security and true ownership, led to the creation of Car Bank SRQ. Todd Segal and Tom Bury are the developers and the facility is being constructed by Calusa. Michael Saunders & Company agents Joanna Benante and Ann Martin are leading the sales efforts for Car Bank SRQ. "Car Bank's thoughtful design along with its high-quality finishes far surpasses the competition. From affordability to location to customization, it’s the ideal car collector garage condo community," states Todd Segal. He adds, "Car Bank SRQ is an extension of one's home, adding instant square footage in proximity to where you live with true ownership." The facility is conveniently located in Palmer Ranch near dealership row on Clark Road, Siesta Key, Casey Key, west of trail, and all of Sarasota. Prices range from $389,000 to $429,000, with 15 units already under contract. Additional details at carbanksrq.com.
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller has been named a Triple Crown winner by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the fourth consecutive year in a row for its outstanding financial reporting for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. Manatee County is one of only 17 counties out of 67 in Florida to receive this prestigious award. The Clerk's Office received the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting due to earning the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award for its Popular Annual Report. This is the 44th consecutive year the Clerk's Office earned the ACFR award and the 25th consecutive year it earned the Popular Report award. The ACFR's 191 pages provide a detailed view into the financial position of the County and goes beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to give a "spirit of transparency and full disclosure," while the Popular Report, at 28 pages, provides a condensed and simplified report of the detailed information provided in the ACFR that is easily understandable to the general public and other interested parties without a background in public finance. The reports are evaluated by an impartial panel of public finance professionals from across the country, highlighting the exceptional quality and reliability of Manatee County's financial documentation. In addition, the Clerk's Office received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Port Authority's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the 30th consecutive year. These award-winning reports are available on the Clerk's website, www.ManateeClerk.com. There, visitors will also find the financial reports for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.
North River Ranch, an award-winning community in Parrish, is on track to surpass $75 million in 2024 new home sales by the end of this year’s second quarter. Home builders actively selling in the new home community are Cardel Homes, Pulte Homes, Homes by WestBay, Neal Communities and David Weekley Homes. North River Ranch is the flagship master-planned community by local land developer Neal Land & Neighborhoods. The sell-out of Brightwood neighborhood at North River Ranch, totaling 620 single-family homes, and Homes by WestBay reaching one-million-dollar home sales in the neighborhood were significant contributors to this milestone. Several home builders are expanding their single-family home offerings in two new neighborhoods as part of the latest phase for the master-planned community. Part of this latest phase is the construction of a Homes by WestBay new model home underway in the Longmeadow neighborhood and other builder models in these new neighborhoods scheduled to open early this fall. Development at North River Ranch continues to ramp up with the progress of Market Walk at North River Ranch, the community’s first shopping plaza. Following the opening of Publix on March 21 a range of quality services and dining options will join Market Walk later this summer. Model homes from Homes by WestBay and Pulte Homes are located in the community’s Brightwood neighborhood. Model homes from Cardel Homes and David Weekley Homes are located in Riverfield and Neal Communities’ model homes and villas are located in Wildleaf. To learn more about North River Ranch, visit www.northriverranch.com. For more information on Neal Land & Neighborhoods, including the company’s latest development news, visit www.NealLand.com.
S-OneHoldings Corporation, a global company headquartered in Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, has been named to Inc.’s annual Best Workplaces list for 2024. Prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility. "We're ecstatic to be selected again as an honoree of Inc.'s Best Workplaces 2024," stated Art Lambert, S-One Co-Founder. "This recognition represents a strong vote of confidence that our team members enjoy our work environment that embraces our values of Openness, Accountability, Customer First, Respect, Embrace Change, and Selfless Service." After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 543 honorees this year. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization’s benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking. “Each year, Inc.’s Best Workplaces program recognizes the very best in terms of companies that have fostered a truly amazing culture,” says Inc. Editor-in-Chief Mike Hofman. “We use hard metrics and data as well as qualitative measures for judging in order to find the very best—and we’re proud that the program is highly selective.”
All current jobs through the Department of Transportation for road/construction are listed on a map of Florida. Clients of the Women's Resource Center will first apply online and then begin the job search. Local agent for Manatee and Sarasota counties will work directly with client helping with job search and building a resume. Currently, they are working to promote womrn in this field.
The Womens Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
Offered in conjunction with 26 West, the State College of Florida Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation, the monthly Sarasota County Connect Business Networking and Panel Discussion series held through July is for those interested in entrepreneurialism. The program taps into the fast-growing small business climate. Upcoming sessions include: the May 9 workshop with Zeev Wexler, a digital industry leader, marketing automation disrupter and the CEO of a growing marketing firm, who will present on brand-boosting with AI, the June 13 session which features Problem-Solving for Entrepreneurs by Stephen Diasio, a podcaster and professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of South Florida, and July 11 Business IDEA Lab, community forum moderated by Chris Williams, managing director of a Sarasota digital marketing firm, offers an opportunity for participants to share business ideas and gain expert feedback. Sarasota County Connect events run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and are free with advanced registration required at 26west.scf.edu/sarasotaconnect.
All Angels Church is delighted to offer an exhibition of Byzantine-style icons by noted iconographer Christine Simoneau Hales. Since the beginning of Christianity, icons have been revered as aids to prayer and contemplation. They are visual reminders of the Saints and Gospel stories that have inspired all Christians throughout the ages. Ms. Hales has studied for many years and now teaches and produces icons for churches and private collectors. She is sought after for her modern, yet traditional icons for churches all over the world. She has won several grants and awards for her painting and is now a local Sarasota iconographer. She will share the icons she has crafted in the ancient Byzantine Tradition using egg tempera paints and gold leaf gilding on wood panels. There will be over twenty original icons on display, and all icons will be available for purchase by contacting the artist/iconographer. To learn more, visit allangelslbk.org/.
Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. 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. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
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.
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.
The Womens Resource Center presents a Divorce Support Group facilitated by Paula Falk, BS. This in-person, free program happens every Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m., starting May 1, at the Womens Resource Center Sarasota, 340 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Participants can attend one or all of the sessions. To register, visit www.mywrc.org/divorcesupportgroup. For more information, call 941-366-1700.
Art Center Sarasota unveils its much-anticipated annual regional juried exhibit, "Beyond Comfort," on May 23. Juried by Virginia Shearer, the executive director of Sarasota Art Museum, the exhibition calls upon artists statewide to delve into their interpretations of beauty and the grotesque within contemporary art and society. The exhibit, which spans all four galleries, runs through July 27. The opening reception is Thursday, May 23, 6-8 p.m. A critique with Virginia Shearer will take place on Thursday, May 30, 3:30 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
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.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
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.
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive live art dinner showcases called A Taste of Art. The first of these events takes place Thursday, February 1, 5:30-8 p.m., at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. The events will continue on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Guests who visit Chaz 51 on these evenings will be able to witness the creation of captivating works of art in real-time. To make a reservation, call Chaz 51 Steakhouse at 941-484-6200. To find out which artists are scheduled for February, check out the calendar at CreativeLiberties.net.
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.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
The Salvation Army of Sarasota has a new Food Pantry that is now open Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00om to 2:00pm at 1701 South Tuttle Avenue. Food is being supplies by All Faiths Food Bank.
Salvation Army of Sarasota , 1701 South Tuttle Avenue
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