[Business]  Economic Development Official Becoming Reality
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqmediagroup.com

The push to hire an economic development official that will bring diverse businesses to downtown Sarasota is fast becoming a reality. Various groups have already committed about $75,000 to help pay the salary for the new post.

"It's time we had our own localized economic development muscle," said Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell.

The official will focus his or her energy on companies within the heart of Sarasota—and work alongside the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota City Commission and the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District (DID).

City Commissioners voted to include funding in the preliminary budget for next year, which will help pay for the economic development officer. The budget is $40,000 right now ($25,000 in cash and the rest from in-kind donations of facilities and support.) The DID board voted Tuesday to fund another $25,000 for the post.

The Chamber has also budgeted $25,000. As envisioned now, the official will report to Chamber administration on a day-to-day basis.

Roxanne Joffe, chairwoman for the Chamber's Project Downtown Council, said a devoted economic development official will surely help recruit companies to Sarasota with the character and needs of downtown in mind. Joffe hopes the position will help personify downtown and add to the area's vibrancy.

City Manager Bob Bartolotta said he would like a list of slated objectives to work toward in the next three years. That will be enough time to produce actual recruiting results, officials said. Share:

[Daily Shop]  Sole Supporter
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

You reserve the right to change your hair color, handbag and mind on a moment’s notice—now you can change the look of your favorite flip flops too. SwitchFlops at Patchington take your preferred mode of summer transport and add interchangeable straps to keep things fresh. Choose basic shoe styles like casual flat soles—or the slightly more formal wedge—then stock up on girly straps with patterns, ornamental flowers, crystals and the like. Share:

Patchington, 386 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota, 941-388-2801

[Good Bite]  Glutinous Grain
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

After the infamous Sexy Man Roll becomes a mere memory of a few bites past, the only dessert that can follow it is the Drunken Poet’s Sticky Rice with Mango. Sliced mango, drizzled with coconut milk, sits atop black sticky rice—think chewy, sweet and dark risotto—a presentation far-removed from the standard ice cream sundae. Allow the main components to mingle in the same mouthful—the cool, candied nature of the mango, contrasting delightfully with the warm, viscous disposition of the rice. The simple splash of coconut milk adds a not-too-sweet, refreshing quality. The dish is a variation of rice pudding, and contains a popular grain from Southeast Asia as its prime ingredient. In Thailand, black sticky rice is traditionally eaten dulcified and after some digestion. This glutinous grain is reserved for breakfast and dessert, and is rarely eaten with dinner (unlike its Jasmine and Basmati cousins.) The rich and nutty whole grain is done justice at the Drunken Poet, making it chewy and authentic with just a hint of satisfying sweetness. Share:

Drunken Poet, 1572 Main St., Sarasota, 941-955-8404

[Synergy]  SMH Supports Institute of the Ages

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is providing a portion of its office space for the proposed Institute of the Ages—an effort by Sarasota County Openly Pursues Excellence. The space will be in the hospital's Main Plaza offices in downtown Sarasota. The Institute's goal is to make the city's high-age population a business asset. This will be achieved by working with national companies—as well as research organizations and the public—to test and create new products, services and policies that will benefit the aging national population. Share:

Sarasota County Openly Pursues Excellence

[Publicity]  Mary Anne Servian Hired as Business Director for Sarasota Ballet

Former Sarasota Commissioner and Mayor Mary Anne Servian will serve as Business Director for the Sarasota Ballet. Servian has enjoyed a career consulting with municipalities and local governments to improve their management and operation practices. As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the company's administrative structure, Servian will be responsible for special projects in operations and development. Share:

Sarasota Ballet

[Opening]  Sign Up at USF North Port

A building sign was installed at the new University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee campus in North Port. Classes are being offered at the building on Pan American Boulevard, beginning with the fall semester in August. USF Sarasota-Manatee now allows those interested in bachelor's or master's degrees to finish programs at the new campus. The North Port location is part of an expansion of the university's geographic reach to South Sarasota County. Share:

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

[Today]  DRAW: Themed Sketch Night, Art Center Sarasota, 5:30—8:30pm

This is a summer series for adults, with each session featuring unique and unusual models, settings and genres. Tonight’s theme is “Tattoo Night.” Put it in ink and discover body art. Two models will candidly bare their lavishly-adorned physiques. Allow yourself to be inspired by these titillating, yet tasteful, drawing soirees. This is an excellent opportunity to refine your drawing skills in the company of your fellow artists, and to explore fresh, new poses. Sketch nights are held on a drop-in basis, so no registration is necessary. Cost is $12 for ACS members and $16 for non-members. You must be 18 or older to participate. Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2032. Share:

[Today]  COMEDY: Comedian Flip Schultz, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 7:30pm

With his affable demeanor, rubbery limbs and tall, wiry frame, Flip Schultz reminds many of a young Jim Carrey. He has been seen on HBO, Star Search, and in National Lampoon's Funny Money. Schultz will be performing at McCurdy’s through this Sunday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 3333 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-925-3869. Share:

[Today]  THEATER: SYLVIA, Florida Studio Theatre, 8pm

This is a whimsical comedy about a captivating canine named Sylvia (played by an actress), and the hilarity that results when man’s best friend comes between man and wife. After 22 years of marriage, and with an empty nest, Greg and Kate finally have time to work on their strained relationship—until Sylvia is brought home. Kate is willing to go to great lengths to rid their home of the dog, but she does not anticipate Sylvia’s affection. This play will be performed at Florida Studio Theatre through August 29. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-9000. Share:

[Soon]  OUTDOORS: Shallow Water Shelling, Holmes Beach, July 29, 10am

Join Around the Bend Nature Tours for some shallow water shelling tomorrow morning. You will identify, observe, catch and release shells in the calm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. All of the Around the Bend guides are Professionally Certified Master Naturalists through the University of Florida and the National Association of Interpretation. Call to reserve your space. Cost is $15 per person. 48th Street Beach Access, Holmes Beach, 941-794-8773. Share:

[Soon]  KIDS: DIARY OF A WIMPY KID Day, Elsie Quirk Library, July 29, 11—11:45am

Tomorrow afternoon, children can enjoy a program full of activities related to the popular book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, created by Jeff Kinney, about the hilarious adventures of middle school student, Greg Heffley. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a New York Times Best Seller and had a big screen adaptation released in March of this year. This special event is designed for children ages 5—11. Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn St., Englewood, 941-861-5000. Share:

[Soon]  CRAFTS: Art for Adults, North Port Library, July 29, 1—3pm

This is a special class designed specifically for adults age 55 and older. Participants will learn a non-traditional technique for creating decorative dolls using recycled materials such as olive oil bottles. All materials will be supplied, but participants may want to bring a piece of cloth they wish to incorporate into the design. Registration is required by phone. North Port Library, 13800 South Tamiami Trail, North Port, 941-861-1307. Share: