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SRQ DAILY Feb 10, 2025

Monday Business Edition

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."

- Iris Martin, Sales and Marketing Director, Aviva Senior Living.
 

[Politics]  Steube Fills Bill to Abolish USAID
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

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.

[Leadership]  New Director, Aviva Senior Living

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.” 

[New Homes]  BB Living at Wellen Park Introduces New Neighborhood of Luxury Single-Family Rental Homes

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. 

[Ribbon Cutting]  Whole Health Celebrates Her Health Gynecology and Whole Health Pediatrics with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

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.  

To learn more, visit

[County News]  Land Acquisition and Management Program Acquires Two Properties in Venice

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. 

[Business News]  BayCare Acquisition Expands Tampa Campus by More than Seventy Five Percent

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.  

To learn more, visit

[Appointment]  Adria Jensen Appointed to the Pines of Sarasota Foundation Board of Trustees

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. 

[The Giving Coast Luncheon]  Giving Tree Wishes

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 2025 We Love Our Pets Competition]  Pets We Love is Live!

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! 

[SOON]  SPORTS: Casual Cornhole , January 16 – December 25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders , January 25 – March 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Book Drive , February 1 – March 31, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities Opening reception , February 13, 3:00pm - 5:00 pm

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. 

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Annual Thunder By The Bay Music Motorcycle Festival , February 14 – February 16, Various Times

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Gecko's Trivia Nights , January 20 – September 27, Various Times

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

[SOON]  FOOD: Taste of Art , December 5 – March 31, 5pm - 8:30 pm.

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station Open Houses , January 18 – December 13, Various Times

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

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Sunrise Beach Walks , February 5 – March 27, 8:00 am - 9:30 am

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Together We Bloom , February 15, 4:3opm - 9:00pm

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Magazine1 Launch Party , February 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

[SOON]  FOOD: A Bit of India , February 13, 2;00 pm - 4:30 pm

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)

SRQ Media Group

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

Copyright © 2025 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
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