SRQ DAILY Dec 2, 2024
Monday Business Edition
"We believe that patients come before profit and being a physician-owned practice we can prioritize patient care."
Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, and Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, pressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency for answers after employees refused to offer help to some homes with Donald Trump signs posted.
Buchanan, co-chair of the Florida Congressional Delegation, held a press conference with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody supporting a state lawsuit against FEMA.
“It is downright unconscionable to deny relief to storm victims simply because of their political preference,” Buchanan said. “FEMA has a responsibility to serve every American equally—especially in times of crisis. That’s why I’m leading efforts in the House to demand answers from FEMA to not only ensure all bad actors are held accountable, but to ensure this never happens again.”
Buchanan led a letter signed by 54 Republican lawmakers demanding accountability from FEMA Administrator DeAnne Criswell.
FEMA has confirmed 20 Plant City homes were initially passed over, and fired Marn’I Washington, a FEMA supervisor overseeing Central teams on the ground after Hurricane Milton. Washington later told CNN her teams did help Trump supporters, but one team employed standard “avoidance” measures in response to a trend that “ran with those Trump signs.”
Criswell, nominated by President Joe Biden, said discrimination won’t be tolerated. “This was reprehensible,” she posted on X. “I want to be clear to all of my employees and the American people, this type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct.”
She testified to the House Oversight Committee, confirming the Plant City homes had been skipped but said she knew of no others.
But Steube sent her a letter urging prompt investigation.
“FEMA is intentionally dragging their feet on providing answers to Congress in the remaining weeks of the Biden-Harris administration” Steube wrote. “Floridians are outraged at the discriminatory practices FEMA implemented against Trump supporters. The discrimination is now seemingly widespread, contrary to FEMA’s claims.” 
Phot courtesy Buchanan's office: Florida Attorney General and Rep. Vern Buchanan discuss FEMA discrimination allegations.
At Bliss Dermatology, customers are promised a blissful experience. The clinic is dedicated to enhancing the skin health of those who need it most. Specializing in treatments for skin cancer, psoriasis, and other conditions, Bliss Dermatology offers a wide range of services to meet everyone's needs. Dr. Michelle Pennie runs the practice and shares her expertise as both a doctor and entrepreneur, committed to providing the community with healthy and beautiful skin.
Dr. Pennie, what books or podcasts are you reading now that expand your business perception?
A notable book I picked up recently was Buyback Your Time by Dan Martell. The book highlights strategies entrepreneurs can take to grow their businesses. With podcasts, I listen to The Entre MD and The Peter Attia Drive. Both give insight into the business of health and wellness. What I have learned is that you truly need a good team behind you. It's nice to be able to grow my team so I can focus on what I enjoy doing most– surgeries.
Share one of your business bucket list items.
There are two big goals: We want to be the best dermatology practice in our region and make sure our customers get the best experience with us. Our reputation amongst the South Sarasota and Englewood area is important to our future, not only in how we treat our clients but being a good place to work.
How does your life philosophy relate to your work at Bliss Dermatology?
Personal relationships matter more than my business success. We want to foster pleasant experiences when our patients walk in. We believe that patients come before profit and being a physician-owned practice we can prioritize patient care. When I think about Bliss Dermatology, I think about our patients, our team, and my colleagues.
Michael Saunders & Company, a premier luxury real estate firm and member of Luxury Portfolio International, proudly announces the addition of distinguished REALTOR® Lesley Barton to its team of exceptional agents. With nearly a decade of experience in Florida real estate, Barton brings an impressive track record of success and a reputation for providing concierge-level service. Previously with Coldwell Banker's International President's Circle and ranked in the top 4% of associates worldwide, Barton has earned numerous accolades, including the "Best of Charlotte" Sun Newspaper's Concierge Real Estate Agent award and Charlotte County's Agent of the Year from Rate My Agent. Lesley Barton will be working out of Michael Saunders & Company's Punta Gorda office.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) welcomed over 350 guests to the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, November 23, for the 11th Annual Champions for Children gala to honor Caldwell Trust Company. The signature event was presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation and recognized Caldwell Trust Company’s transformational commitment to helping local youth achieve their full potential for nearly three decades. Proceeds will ensure youth across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have access to award-winning programs that foster academic success, strong character and leadership, healthy lifestyles, and career readiness.
Sarasota Memorial is the first health system on the Suncoast to earn “GED” Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to providing extra resources to help address the complex social and physical needs of older adults. GED accreditation is one more step SMH has taken as it continues to prioritize the care of older patients. In 2019, SMH-Sarasota received national recognition as an “Age-Friendly Health System,” joining more than 100 hospitals across the U.S. implementing best practices to enhance care for older adults. Shortly after opening in 2021, SMH-Venice also earned the “Age-Friendly” designation, which is awarded to hospitals that prioritize elements of care most important to older patients.
As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System continues to expand its range of services and geographic reach, the community-owned health system is making a significant investment in a new, fully integrated electronic health records system that will help clinicians in different locations better coordinate care and harness the power of innovative technology and tools for the future. When fully implemented over the next two years, patients will notice exciting changes too, including My Chart, a user-friendly patient portal that will give people improved access to their complete medical record in one location and securely exchange information with their care teams.
Forestar Group Inc. ("Forestar"), one of the largest single-family residential community developers in the nation, announces the development of Saddlestone —
a new neighborhood located within Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. Saddlestone adds more than 570 acres and 1,300 homesites to Star Farms. With this new addition, Star Farms encompasses nearly 1,300 acres and 2,800 lots and establishes the community as the largest in Lakewood Ranch. Adjacent to Bourneside Boulevard and 44th Avenue East, the first phase of Saddlestone includes 300 homesites nestled along environmental features. Visit www.starfarmslwr.com and join the VIP Club for the latest information.
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.
Since we opened in January, SRQ is getting to know us for our hand-tossed & crafted Pie's, Calzones, Sammies & Salads + our tasty beverages. Now you can join your buddies for what some call 'the most wonderful time of the year' - FOOTBALL SEASON! Drop in when you're strolling on Main to catch your team or join your buddies for Pie On Main's Game Watching parties, featuring Happy Hours from 4-7:00 Daily, plus our Special Sub of the Day and extensive selection of Domestic and craft taps. Ask your friendly barkeep about our Tuesday Karaoke or our sister restaurant, 3.14 Pi in Siesta Village. Convenient parking in our lot on First Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join Charles Miano in this online workshop focused on painting figures within landscapes under studio conditions. Learn how to seamlessly integrate human forms into natural settings, creating a visual story inspired by the old masters. Discover how to manipulate light and shadow to enhance the presence of figures, creating depth and realism in your paintings. Learn how to compose dynamic scenes that balance human presence with the natural beauty of the environment.
Online, Online
From November 20th to December 2nd, two back-to-back paddleboard tournaments will take place at Nathan Benderson Park. The holiday series will begin with the 2024 ICF Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Championships, followed by the 3rd Annual Last Paddler Standing SUP race. These family-friendly events will offer attendees the chance to meet with world-renowned paddlers, gain insights into the growingly popular sport, and participate in various onsite activities.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
This round-table will engage a public audience with the history of the Italian Renaissance by challenging received ideas about the nature of maps and the history of European exploration. By exploring complexities of artistic representation, spatial projection, and map production, the presentation will broaden attendees’ understanding of Renaissance culture and world history before the Age of Exploration, while also introducing them to some of the digital techniques scholars now use to study such maps.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion - New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
CreArte Latino Cultural Center is excited to announce that it has moved to a new location in Sarasota County. The new facility features enhanced amenities designed to better serve the community as a vibrant cultural center and theater. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is Monday, December 9, from 5 to 6 p.m., and is open to the public.
CreArte Latino, 1913 Northgate Blvd, Sarasota.
If you wish to make a presentation to the Delegation, please submit a Presentation Request Form to my office by Monday, December 2nd, 2024. My office can be reached for the Form at (941) 361-2465 or via email at Andrew.Parker@myfloridahouse.gov for any additional questions.
Sarasota County Commission Chambers,, 1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with UnidosNow and The Ringling at the third annual NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and UnidosNow. This elegant evening, held in the magical Museum of Art Courtyard, features dining, dancing, music, and fellowship that honor the rich and dynamic cultures that have influenced our Gulf Coast community, including the African diaspora, Indigenous America, and Europe. The event kicks off with festive Puerto Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá and parades into the night with an upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang. Dress in white to call in the season with elegancia as we come together to honor unity and the riches of our region.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
This annual get-together joins community and business leaders; philanthropists; non-profit agencies; foundations; and volunteers in an inspiring celebration of non-profit excellence, mission, and impact: past, present, and future! Our theme this year, DARE TO C.A.R.E.! will celebrate the power of Collaboration, Action, Responsiveness, and Evolution as we celebrate 35 years of services and impact in our community!
Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation. The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real - and that's what made it beautiful. A smash hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this soaring and inspiring musical features two decades of King’s hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Embracing Our Differences is pleased to announce the return of “Embracing Kindness,” its collaborative exhibition with Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. Now in its second consecutive year, this year’s exhibition runs through December 18 on the Museum’s great lawn, parallel to the Tamiami Trail. It features 14 enlarged images of original artwork created by students under the mentorship of renowned Sarasota artist and educator Jeffery Cornwell. Spanning more than two decades, these selected works celebrate the transformative power of kindness and respect, as expressed by young artists from Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program, as well as NewGate School, who participated in Cornwell’s visionary art programs.
Sarasota Art Museum , 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Wellen Park expanded its annual holiday celebration to eight days this year, bringing the sights and sounds of the holidays to Downtown Wellen. Festivities include the traditional tree lighting ceremony, photo ops with Santa, live music and performances by local school and community choirs, and even a snow party. Guests can also explore the Cottages for Kids Holiday Village, benefiting the Salvation Army.
Various Locations
The fundraising event will feature compelling narratives from families whose lives have been transformed by The Florida Center, offering a glimpse into the powerful impact of its programs. The Florida Center for Early Childhood announces its inaugural “Wonder Gala,” a newly reimagined fundraiser poised to make an even greater impact than its predecessor, the Winter Gala.
The Ora, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
