SRQ DAILY Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
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"We are constantly seeking people willing to volunteer their dock for VOG installation as well as drillers ready to drill some oyster shells"
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Tuesday’s election results delivered substantial change and signaled a changing of the guard in Manatee and Sarasota politics.
That was especially prominent in Manatee County, where two Republican County Commissioners and a county constitutional officer lost re-election. That was inevitable in an at-large County Commission race pitting two incumbents against one another. George Kruse beat Kevin Van Ostenbridge with 58% of the vote in the Republican Primary. That was after Van Ostenbridge opted against running for his old district seat and spent a record $204,000 on the countywide race.
But voters also turned out Commissioner Raymond Turner, with challenger Bob McCann winning a Republican Primary with 54% in District 5. Meanwhile, Carol Van Felts won a District GOP Primary with 54% and Tal Siddique similarly won a Republican Primary with 61%, with the less well funded candidate winning in each seat. Voters also turned out Supervisor of Elections James Satcher in favor of Republican Primary challenger Scott Farrington.
In Sarasota County, the biggest loss for an incumbent was arguably School Board member Karen Rose. Challenger Liz Barker unseated her with just over 51% of the vote. Rose had been endorsed in the nonpartisan office by Gov. Ron DeSantis and selected as Board chair this year. But Tom Edwards, an incumbent backed by the Sarasota County Democratic Party, won a three-person nonpartisan race with nearly 56% of the vote. That means he will avoid a runoff in November.
On the Sarasota County Commission, former Sheriff Tom Knight ousted Sarasota County Commissioner Neil Rainford in a Republican Primary with nearly 61% of the vote. Rainford had been appointed by DeSantis to the seat following the death of County Commissioner Nancy Detert, and he stood for election for the seat for the first time this cycle.
In the District 1 Sarasota County Commission race, Teresa Mast won a Republican Primary with more than 55% of the vote over Alexandra Coe.
In other important races, an anti-privatization slate of Sarasota County Public Hospital Board candidates easily won four Republican primaries in a closely watched race. Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Kevin Cooper, Pam Beitlich and Sarah Lodge each won their primaries with greater than 62% of the vote, and will advance to face Democrats in November.
In Manatee, there will be runoffs for two School Board seats. Heather Felton and Mark Stanoch will advance to a District 1 runoff, while Charlie Kennedy and Jon Lynch do the same in District 3.
In legislative races, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan won a Republican Primary with 61% over challenger Eddie Speir, and will now face Jan Schneider, winner of a Democratic Primary, in November. State Rep. James Buchanan, meanwhile, conquered a Primary challenge as well with almost 74% of the vote over challenger Michelle Pozzie.
The area’s one open legislative seat was in House District 72, where Bill Conerly won a Republican Primary with about 31%, beating Rich Tatem’s 28%, Alyssa Gay’s 22% and Richard Green’s 18%.
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Oyster Boys Conservation (OBC) is hosting a live gathering for volunteers, donors, and community members on Thursday August 22nd, at the Gulf Gate Food+Beer location. This gathering is a chance to meet the team and to hear firsthand about the impactful projects OBC supporters have helped push to the finish line.
Suncoast natives Dom and Vince Marino started Oyster Boys Conservation, a 501(c)3 organization two years ago when they learned about the high rate of manatee death in Florida waters. The brothers decided to take action and dedicated their nonprofit group to cleaning local waters with a little help from some oysters. Vertical oyster gardens (VOGs), the Marinos discovered, were one of the fastest and most effective ways to have a positive impact on their environment. The main purpose of OBC's work is to restore the oyster population within Florida waterways. The means of accomplishing that is through awareness, education and volunteer recruitment.
In 2022, OBC celebrated their 100 VOG Celebration event. This event was held to mark completion of their first project (100 VOGs in Blackburn Bay) and their official formation as a 501(c)3. Now they are once again hosting a celebratory event to bring community members together and to celebrate 2 years of OBC by enjoying food and drinks at Food+Beer, and a network of like-minded individuals celebrating Florida waterways and OBC.
Food buffet tickets at the event start at $25 per person and drink tickets are $15 for two drinks. They are also accepting goods/services as donations for a fundraising raffle/auction throughout the evening.
The Oyster Boys encourage everyone to visit their website (https://oysterboys.org/) and sign up for their newsletter. “We are constantly seeking people willing to volunteer their dock for VOG installation as well as drillers ready to drill some oyster shells,” says Dom.
Second Birthday Bash, Thursday, August 22nd, 6:00-9:00 PM, Food+Beer, 6528 Superior Ave, Sarasota.
Pictured: Dom and Vince Marino of Oyster Boys Conservation. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces a charitable gift of $5,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will be used to support the 2024-2025 Write A Play Program, a year-round arts integration program providing students with the example, the inspiration, and the skills to write their own original plays. Now in its 34th year, Write A Play reaches over 35,000 students annually and is designed to inspire the next generation of playwrights. Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $45 million.
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Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) President/CEO Erin McLeod received the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service to the community. This prestigious accolade, part of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program, recognizes individuals whose lifelong efforts have made a significant impact. Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert also honored McLeod by proclaiming August 14 as “Erin McLeod’s Day.” The ceremony took place at SFC’s Sarasota campus. McLeod's work is particularly crucial given that approximately 30% of Southwest Florida's population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey. Under her leadership, Senior Friendship Centers has become a cornerstone of support, providing essential services and programs that promote wellness, connection, enrichment and joy throughout the aging journey. Over 150 attendees, including state, regional, and local leaders, came celebrated McLeod’s 20 years of dedication. The event featured speeches from notable figures including Dr. Jennifer M. Pilate, Certifying Agent for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Program; Sarasota City Mayor Liz Alpert; Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber; Kathy Silverberg, Vice Chair of the SFC Board of Directors and former publisher of the Herald-Tribune; and Dr. Felton Pilate, Grammy Award winner and President of United Spirits Media Group, and our own Chief Development Officer, Declan Sheehy. The evening culminated in a heartfelt champagne toast led by Silverberg, acknowledging McLeod’s profound impact on the community.
Pictured: Senior Friendship Centers President/CEO Erin McLeod giving a thank you speech to the crowd. Photo courtesy of SFC.
First 1,000 Days Suncoast is excited to announce the appointment of Renee King as the initiative’s newest Family Navigator, alongside Tina Wilson. In this pivotal role, King will guide families through the complexities of accessing essential services during pregnancy and the crucial first 1,000 days of a child's life when critical development occurs. With over 15 years of experience in social services across public, private, and non-profit sectors in the Tampa Bay region, King brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the position. In addition to her role as Family Navigator, she is currently a therapist at Psychological Management Group in Temple Terrace. Her extensive background also includes roles as a therapist with Families First Florida, NICU Care Coordinator at Tampa General Hospital, and a school social worker with Hillsborough County Public Schools, among other positions. Launched by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, with continuing support from Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and other local donors, First 1,000 Days Suncoast partners with more than 90 community organizations to connect families in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties with essential resources and support. They served 306 clients in 2023 alone. According to Dr. Chelsea Arnold, DNP, APRN, FNP-bc, Initiative Manager at First 1,000 Days Suncoast, King’s extensive experience and background make her a natural fit for the team. King earned her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in women’s studies from the University of South Florida, and her master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. She also holds a certification as a licensed clinical social worker.
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s Board of Directors recently approved more than $5.2 million in grants. Much of the funding aims to bolster nonprofit organizations that help weave the social safety net for vulnerable families and individuals in the region. The largest grant, at $750,000, will strengthen the workforce that provides critical child-welfare and support services across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. “Many of these grants will fortify our hard-working nonprofit partners, which have faced ever-growing demand for their services—whether that’s housing with supportive services for homeless adults, therapies for young people with developmental disabilities, or essential programs for child safety, health, and well-being,” said Teri A Hansen, President & CEO of Barancik Foundation. “Chuck and Margie Barancik believed philanthropy has the power to enrich the lives of all people. Our Board is honoring that vision by investing in these crucial nonprofits on which our community has come to rely.”
The Sarasota Opera's 2024 Food and Wine Fest returns with a large roster of participating restaurants from Sarasota to St. Armands to Bradenton 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Taste a plethora of savory and sweet flavors and enjoy wine tasting on stage and throughout the historic Sarasota Opera House. Individual tickets: $75 if purchased in advance; $85 at the door. VIP tickets for early admission: $100. Proceeds will support Sarasota Youth Opera & Education. Sponsorships are available. For more information visit SarasotaOpera.org or call 941-328-1300.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota.
As a founding member of the Dover String Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt was awarded first prize in multiple international chamber music competitions and received two Grammy nominations. Sarasota Orchestra principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra earned a Grammy nomination for his recording with the Lincoln Trio, and Natalie Nedvetsky is a laureate of several international piano competitions who boasts over 250,000 followers on social media. Their program includes trios by Mozart, Bruch, and Robert Schumann and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! A wandering gunfighter enters the Mexican village of San Miguel and plays two rival families against each other in a town torn apart by greed, pride, and revenge. This film helped define a new era for the Western and usher in its most iconic star. Directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Wolfgang Lukschy, Marianne Koch and Gian Maria Volonté. Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This Marx Brothers classic is a satire about the nature of war, politics, and affairs of the state. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, and Margaret Dumont. Running time: 1 hour, 8 minutes
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel and the United States. They have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Their program of French music includes sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saens.
Project Phoenix and Resale will help clients who are starting over due to losing a home through a fire or other life changing events. Residents Sarasota and Charlotte County who have experience said events get household, personal, and or food items at no cost. Must first call for an appointment and be reffered by a local nonprofit.
Project Phoenix and Resale, 36 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223
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
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
Selby Gardens is delighted 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 are on view amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. Presented in partnership with Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio and sponsored by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Awaken Outreach in North Port/Venice has a drive through food pantry every Friday from 9:00am-12:00opm. Food is supplied by All Faiths Food Bank. Food pantry for walk in clients is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm and Wednesday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. The first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am- 1:00pm clients may get a hot meal, haircut, and shower, clothing and household items.
Awaken Outreach , 4940 Pan American Blvd. in North Port
We are proud to present our second annual art showcase, Expressions Exhibition, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Sarasota Opera House. The Expressions Exhibition will include a silent auction of local artists’ works, live music, free lite bites, and a cash bar. Artwork in various mediums submitted by youth from Sarasota and Manatee County will also be showcased in celebration of their creative expressions.
Also Youth, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
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.
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.
Break out your big hair and acid-washed denims and get ready to rock out with some of your favorite artists in The Planetarium. The event takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 23 through August 31. There are various food and drink options available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Please note that Laser Light Nights involve bright, flashing lasers that may not be suitable for people with photo sensitivities. Viewer discretion is advised. Laser Light Nights are at a volume similar to a rock concert, so earplugs are recommended for those who prefer a lower volume. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
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