SRQ DAILY Feb 10, 2025
Monday Business Edition

"I am committed to fostering a strong sense of teamwork by creating personalized experiences for our current and future residents that involve all departments."


As a freeze and review of USAID makes headlines in Washington, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, said he’s ready to get rid of the foreign aid program altogether.
Steube filed legislation to abolish the United States Agency for International Development program completely, saying the program for too long has acted without effective oversight while spending public fund.
“For too long, USAID has funneled billions of American tax dollars into bloated, inefficient foreign aid programs that are riddled with waste, corruption and ideological bias,” Steube said.
“Instead of benefitting American taxpayers who fund these programs, USAID’s initiatives often push progressive social agendas that are out of touch with the values and interests of our nation. Worse yet, these dollars frequently end up in the hands of bad actors who do not have America’s interests in mind and misuse the funds for purposes far removed from their original intent.”
Over the last week, Steube took issue with several programs focused on LGBTQ rights on other countries. He criticized a “Rainbow Migration” program that provides legal costs for LGBTQ people to make asylum claims in the United Kingdom, a HIAS program in Peru providing for social and economic protections for women, girls and LGBTQ individuals, a Center for Population Health Initiatives program in Nigeria funding sensitivity for police dealing with LGBTQ and vulnerable populations, and an Africa Regional Democracy Fund urging greater social acceptance of LGBTQ people in Botswana.
“American taxpayers deserve better than unelected bureaucrats burning their hard-earned dollars on far-left vanity projects,” Steube posted on X. “We will not rest until we restore sanity to federal spending.”
Steube’s bill would halt all federal funding to USAID and redirect it to the State Department. He said this would create oversight and accountability for the funding.
“American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize misguided globalist experiments that do nothing to strengthen our country or protect our interests aboard,” he said.
Photo curtesy Stub's Office Facebook: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota.


Aviva Senior Living is proud to welcome a new member to its leadership team, Iris Martin as Sales and Marketing Director. Iris is deeply passionate about serving the senior population, with over 28 years of experience in the field, including the past 14 years specifically in senior living. She recently held positions at Freedom Plaza Senior Living in Sun City Center, FL and The Waterford in Juno Beach, Fl. Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin. Her diverse background in both healthcare and senior care has given her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the needs of older adults. Iris says, “I am committed to fostering a strong sense of teamwork by creating personalized experiences for our current and future residents that involve all departments.”

Residential rental opportunities continue to grow at Wellen Park with the introduction of BB Living at Wellen Park, a brand-new neighborhood coming to the Playmore District. Under development by BB Living, this gated neighborhood will offer 200 three- and four-bedroom single-family homes for rent in a beautiful setting with natural wetlands, lakes and robust community amenities available exclusively to BB Living residents, all professionally managed and maintained by the onsite management team. For more information about Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla.

Last week, Whole Health, a holistic and integrative clinic in Lakewood Ranch, celebrated the opening of a new shared office space for its partner practices, Her Health Gynecology and Whole Health Pediatrics. Whole Health, the collaborating partner with Her Health Gynecology and Whole Health Pediatrics, was founded by Dr. Kinga Porter in 2017 with one goal in mind — giving patients the health care they deserve. Located at 6600 University Parkway in suite 305 at the Center Point Medical Building, the 2,122-square-foot facility houses the two new practices, offering direct services to patients without the constraints health insurance typically impose. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to commemorate the occasion.


Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), a part of the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program, has acquired two ecologically significant properties in Venice, furthering its mission to protect and preserve Florida’s natural habitats. The acquisitions, finalized on Jan. 21, include a 4.14-acre property on Lemon Bay Drive, purchased for $350,000, and a 5-acre property on East Venice Avenue, acquired for $950,000. For more information about Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

BayCare has acquired a 36-acre office parcel in the Tampa Bay Park which includes three buildings and two parking garages adjacent to St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s and St. Joseph’s Women’s hospitals. BayCare, West Central Florida’s largest health care provider, announced Tuesday that it had acquired a 36-acre office parcel just west of its St. Joseph’s hospitals' campus in Tampa to provide room for strategic growth. The partial acquisition of the Tampa Bay Park includes three buildings and two parking garages and is adjacent to St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s and St. Joseph’s Women’s hospitals. In the short term, BayCare is working individually with tenants of the facilities to support lease agreements. Relocating or adding BayCare offices and clinics to the property will happen over time.
Sarasota Partner Adria Maria Jensen has been named to the Pines of Sarasota Foundation Board of Trustees, furthering her commitment to giving back to organizations that provide critical services to the community. The Pines of Sarasota Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the Pines of Sarasota, a senior living community that provides rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care services. The Foundation raises funds to enhance the quality of life for residents, provide nursing education programs, improve facilities, and ensure compassionate care for seniors, especially those who have outlived their financial resources. Dedicated to the betterment of her community, Adria has also held board positions with Meals on Wheels Sarasota and Legal Aid of Manasota.


Tuesday, January 28th, SRQ Magazine hosted the annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. Local nonprofits, foundations, corporate donors, individuals and civic leaders came together to celebrate the community's spirit of giving and recognize leaders in philanthropy. Attendees were invited to share their “giving wishes” on behalf of area nonprofits by writing their wishes on gift tags and hanging them for display on the SRQ Giving Wish Tree.
The Senior Friendship Centers wishes for catering at their volunteer celebration events. To help facilitate this, reach out to Kathy Pappas (kpappas@friendshipcenters.org).
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens wishes to repair the Mangrove Walkway. To help with repairs, reach out to their development department (development@selby.org).
Second Heart Homes wishes to have new pairs of shoes for every resident. To be part of this initiative reach out to Megan Howell (megan@secondhearthomes.org).
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation wishes to build a new performing arts center at The Bay. To help facilitate this wish, reach out to Kassidy Gardner (kgardner@performingartsfoundation.org).
Rise Above Performing Arts wishes for a new fog machine. To help with this wish, reach out to Jacob Ruscoe (jacob@riseabovearts.com).
As these organizations call on the community to fulfill their wishes, click on each organization to learn more and find ways to give back. The spirit of giving is for all who want to give back to our local community!


SRQ Magazine's "Pets We Love" contest is now live! Send in a photo of your pet and a memorable story that captures what makes them special. From there, our editors will nominate this year's "Best in Show" who will then be voted on by our readers. The pets who receive the most votes will be invited to a special photo shoot at the SRQ Studios. The Pets We Love Best in Show photos and stories will be featured in the May/June 2024 edition of SRQ Magazine. Click here to submit your pet for this year's competition!
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Architecture Sarasota announces its 2025 program: “Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders.” Building on the momentum of last year’s discussions, which played a pivotal role in the City of Sarasota’s decision to move forward with a new downtown master plan, this year’s series will continue to explore fresh perspectives on Sarasota’s future. The lineup includes Gil Penalosa (February 11), Brent Toderain (February 25), and Paul Kalbfleish (March 11). Each speaker, celebrated for their expertise and engaging style, will share insights tailored to Sarasota, informed by their time spent in the city before their presentations.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency will be collecting donations of new books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. The books will be distributed to the children and families enrolled with Children First, as well as distributed to the agency’s local nonprofit and education partners.Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, kicked off its second annual “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book drive on February 1. Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency will be collecting donations of new books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. The books will be distributed to the children and families enrolled with Children First, as well as distributed to the agency’s local nonprofit and education partners.
Children First, 1723 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities,” showcasing the bold, evocative creations of three Gulf Coast artists: Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Dwight Rose, and Allen Pettigrew.
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes, specials and FUN!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
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.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is excited to announce the return of the popular sunrise beach walks.The walks will be held every Wednesday and Thursday at Siesta and Nokomis beaches. Walkers are asked to check in with staff before or after their walk between 8-9:30 a.m. Enjoy a fun and energizing start to the day with this community-favorite event. For just a one-time registration fee of $5, participants will receive a punch card and have an opportunity to receive an event T-shirt and gift from the Florida Department of Health.
Siesta and Nokomis Beaches, Various Locations
Looking for an extra special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart or share a fun night out with your besties? This is IT! You don’t need to already know about the great things that Healthy Start does for our community in order to join us - we look forward to meeting new friends, along with welcoming our longstanding champions, during this night of fun and entertainment. Savor delicious, passed appetizers followed by a fabulous sit-down dinner enhanced with local beer and wine and our signature cocktail - all served in a most picturesque setting. Enjoy dancing the night away with DJ Steve Rice, an exciting live auction, and much more!
The Retreat Sarasota, 3500 Journey Lane Sarasota, FL 34240
Magazine1 is celebrating the release of its second and third issues with a reading from several of its contributors! Magazine1 is a literary magazine based out of Bookstore1 in Sarasota, Florida. Our magazine is an online publication and features works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, visual art, and hybrid work that may not fit evenly into any other genres as they are traditionally understood. We will be featuring readers from our most recent two issues, come celebrate them with us!
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Experience a bit of Indian culture right here in Sarasota. This intimate event will include a fashion show with lenghas, shalwars, saris, and Indian jewelry. Learn how to wrap a sari and enjoy culturally traditional finger foods, desserts, and music. Door prizes and changes to win special clothing items.
Private Home in Bent Tree , (34241)
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