We are entering a joyous time of year–full of holiday festivities, family and fun. It can be easy to forget that for many in our community, the final weeks of the year do not create such excitement or produce the plentiful blessings we so often take for granted.

For those facing empty cupboards, mounting bills or other special challenges, the holidays are a reminder of the looming threat of financial instability. They worry about how they can support themselves and their families–enjoying special meals, traveling to visit family and opening gifts may simply be unattainable dreams. 

Many of these individuals are just like you and me. They are motivated people with unique interests and talents.  They are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and relatives–they are our neighbors. Their lives, however, have been impacted by physical or emotional challenges, difficult pasts, mental handicaps, unexpected job loss or outdated skills, issues that have made a steady income and self-sufficiency difficult to achieve. 

Where families struggle, however, Goodwill is there to help. Thanks to the support and generosity of our caring community, Goodwill Manasota is able to bring happiness to these individuals at this very special time and throughout the year:

• Instead of worrying about how she will put food on the table, a local single mother will get the career training she needs to provide for herself and her family, helping to lift them out of poverty. 
• A wounded veteran will get the opportunities he needs to become financially self-reliant.  
• A young man with Down syndrome will feel the pride of being a contributing member of a team.

Through the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. Last year, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce.

We are so grateful to our caring community for understanding that intangible things like independence, self-determination, dignity and hope are worth sharing and celebrating. Together, we are working to bring peace and joy to those that face incredible challenges through programs that provide the opportunities for a better life.

Wishing YOU, our friends and neighbors, all the joys of the holiday season. 

Bob Rosinsky is president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota

The power to tax and spend is arguably one of the most fundamental elements of a functioning government. Per usual, as the 2015 session approaches, there are a significant number of revenue and expenditure based issues that the Florida Legislature will be expected to address. 

It is the opinion of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce that, during this session, the Legislature should prioritize the elimination, gradual or otherwise, of the sales and use tax on commercial real property rentals. 

This opinion is not necessarily derived from a desire to positively affect a business’ bottom line, a disagreement on how the tax revenues are spent, or the rate at which the tax is levied. But, rather, the opinion stems from a consideration as to whether or not the tax is warranted. For example, is it justifiable to require commercial tenants to pay taxes on taxes? 

Before considering its validity, it’s important to understand the tax, which is commonly known as the commercial lease tax. According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the tax is “due at the rate of six percent (6 percent) on the total rent paid for the right to use or occupy commercial real property.” Basically, it’s a tax on the rent that businesses pay for their offices, retail space, warehouses, etc…

One interesting aspect of the tax is that Florida is the only state in the U.S. that imposes a statewide sales tax on commercial leases. Being the only state that levies a specific tax doesn’t necessarily make that tax unacceptable, but it certainly makes it peculiar. To the state of Florida, it currently equates to a roughly $1.4 billion peculiarity. Where the peculiarity of this tax begins to render it unjustifiable is in how it affects the state’s ability to compete with the rest of the country. This tax simultaneously makes Florida less attractive for businesses who rent facilities and makes Florida businesses less able to reinvest in their businesses, hire more workers and pay better wages.

As mentioned, though, just because a tax is unique doesn’t make it invalid. Instead, as former United States Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo opined, “(t)he validity of a tax depends on its nature.” 

The nature of the commercial lease tax is that, according to the DOR, it can be levied on “ad valorem taxes…common area maintenance, customer (free) parking, or janitorial service.” The commercial lease tax creates a very real scenario where a tenant is required to pay a tax on a tax. For example, ad valorem taxes, more commonly known as property taxes, are oftentimes paid by a tenant. In those instances, tenants are literally paying sales tax on property taxes. 

The nature is also that, according to the DOR, “the lease of real property by a parent corporation to one of its subsidiaries, or by a shareholder to a corporation, is subject to sales tax.” The commercial lease tax creates a very real scenario where a tenant is required to pay tax on space that is already owned by a related company. This scenario is akin to a child having to pay sales tax on the rent that he or she pays to a parent in order to occupy a room in a house that the family already owns. 

Finally, the nature of this tax is that it presents a huge opportunity cost burden on the Florida economy. According to a 2013 report prepared by Fishkind and Associates, “(t)he removal of the commercial lease sales tax revenue represents an estimated five-fold increase in economic benefits to the State of Florida.”

The power to tax and spend is arguably one of the most fundamental elements of a functioning government. Critical to that function is a justification for the taxes levied and the revenues spent. When the nature of a tax renders its justification difficult, it is likely time to adjust or eliminate it. 

SRQ Daily Columnist Kevin Cooper is the vice president for Public Policy and Sarasota Tomorrow Initiatives for The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

With little fanfare, the Florida Veterans for Common Sense released a report this month entitled, “Why it is so urgent that we take action to reduce carbon emissions; and what we can do about it.” It begs the question, “How will the U.S. Military maintain global dominance in the face of ever-worsening changes of the global climate.” 

“ISIS is a pin prick compared to the threat of Climate change.” Gene Jones, the President of FLVCS

The release of the report, along with the October release of the Pentagon’s 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap, shows that climate change will have a serious effect on regional and global stability. 

As the earth’s temperature continue to rise, the extreme weather will continue to stretch not only our resources, but also our military as it comes to the aide of the victims. With no exit strategy available, the focus of the military on climate change has transformed from a “future threat,” to an “immediate threat” to peace.

Internationally, the impact of climate change has been seen by an impaired access to food and water, uprooting and displacing large numbers of people, and mass migration. A long-running drought contributed to the conflict in Syria and disputes over territory, water and other resources, have become a “threat multiplier” for recent conflicts in Darfur, Tunisia and Egypt.  

From the military’s perspective, rising sea level is an imminent danger. 80 percent of the world’s population lives within 200 miles of a coastline. The toll of extreme weather events both at home and abroad, have all served to impact national security. 

Then there are the military bases themselves. 

An immediate concern for the military is, for example, the Navy’s coastal installations.  The military has identified the five top military bases at risk to sea level rise are: Diego Garcia, Bahrain, Guam, Eglin Air Force Base and Norfolk Naval Air Station. 

At one meter above sea-level, the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is a critical logistics hub for U.S. and British forces in the Middle East. It also houses Air Force Satellite Control Network equipment that is used to control the GPS constellation. With only 10 square miles of dry land, it faces the threat of coastal erosion and flooding.

The Newport News shipyard is also the only yard in the U.S. that builds aircraft carriers. Located on the southern tip of Virginia, it is not only at risk of sea-level rise and storm surge, but it also faces threats from hurricanes in the Atlantic.

Norfolk, Virginia, is home to the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, as well as a nuclear submarine construction yard.  In 2003, most of the Langley Air Force Base was under water when the tidal levels rose 7.9 feet during Hurricane Isabel.  Two hundred facilities on the base were affected at the cost $166 million.  In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed 95% of Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

We should also acknowledge the vulnerability of our nuclear power plants that depend on our waterways and coastlines. Currently there are 62 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 100 nuclear reactors in 31 states in the United States. Worldwide there are 30 countries operating 435 nuclear reactors for electricity generation. Currently there are 72 new nuclear plants are under construction in 15 countries. 

“A changing climate will have real impacts on our military and the way it executes its missions. The military could be called upon more often to support civil authorities, and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the face of more frequent and more intense natural disasters. Our coastal installations are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased flooding, while droughts, wildfires, and more extreme temperatures could threaten many of our training activities. Our supply chains could be impacted, and we will need to ensure our critical equipment works under more extreme weather conditions.” - Pentagon’s 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap 

SRQ Daily Columnist Susan Nilon is the president of Florida Talk Radio and owner of WSRQ Radio. She hosts The Nilon Report on WSRQ Sarasota 1220AM/106.9FM weekdays 4pm-6pm. Email her at susan@sarasotatalkradio.com.

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Last weekend, Gloria Musicae, along with Sarasota Young Voices and the Gulf Coast Community Choir, held an “In Thanksgiving” concert devoted to saluting the tradition of philanthropy that unites our community through the art of music. It’s often said that music is a universal language, and philanthropy shares that trait in so many ways. The spirit of philanthropy knows no boundaries and the joy of giving invokes a feeling of connection between people from all different walks of life and backgrounds. Much in the same way an artist reaps joy from sharing their talent, the act of giving is equally fulfilling.

I am reminded every day of how blessed we are to live in a community that is so rich in the values of philanthropy. With so many caring individuals, it’s no surprise our community is known for amazing acts of generosity that make a positive difference every single day. Sarasota has made a name for itself thanks to the incredible amount of impact that is being made in the areas of healthcare, education, arts, social services and a myriad of other causes that donors are passionate about.

I’m excited the third official Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, is right around the corner! Started in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and the 92^nd Street Y, Giving Tuesday was envisioned as a movement to create a national day of giving back, as well as kick off the giving season and highlight philanthropy in the United States. The campaign is now getting bigger than ever, and thousands of nonprofits, foundations, corporations and communities are committing to raising awareness for important causes everywhere. Since we have a day for being grateful followed by a couple of intense days for gift buying, isn’t it terrific there is an effort creating a tradition to celebrate the joy of giving and how you can really make a positive difference?

This year, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is pleased to offer $100,000 to match all Season of Sharing donations-dollar for dollar-that are received on Dec. 2.  As a founder of Season of Sharing 15 years ago to ensure families on the verge of homelessness are able to remain in their homes, the Community Foundation would like to magnify the powerful national day of giving that showcases the giving spirit and inspires all generations of philanthropists.

If you’re looking for more causes and organizations to support this Giving Tuesday, the Giving Partner–www.thegivingpartner.org-is a great resource. Launched in 2012 from a collaborative effort by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Manatee Community Foundation, with support from The Patterson Foundation, the Giving Partner is an online tool that provides in-depth information about more than 430 nonprofit organizations that serve Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. You can ensure that your Giving Tuesday contributions are going to good use!

As we enter this holiday season, remember that while the majority of giving occurs between Thanksgiving and New Years, our community’s charities, and more significantly, those they aid, need support year round.

It’s never too late–or too early–to become a philanthropist. People making a difference through acts of generosity come in all shapes and sizes, whether it is volunteering your time, lending your talents, or sharing your treasure, each role plays a part in reinforcing our community’s reputation as a gem of the nation in philanthropy. Every act of giving is a vote of confidence and commitment for your love of this region. 

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Richard “Adam” Bell, a donor greeter and sales floor associate at Goodwill Manasota, recently won a gold medal at the Special Olympics after weightlifting 147.5 lbs. Adam, who has competed in the Special Olympics for the past 10 years, won his first gold medal on November 16 at this year’s State Fall Classic competition, held in Kissimmee, Fl. Adam began his career with Goodwill through a partnership with Loveland Center, one of the many local agencies Goodwill works with to employ those with barriers to self-sufficiency. In October, Goodwill Manasota celebrated a milestone as 12 percent of its 800 local employees have some type of disability or severe barrier to self-sufficiency. The organization plans to continue creating jobs for those who are traditionally considered unemployable.  “We are extremely proud of Adam for his recent win in the Special Olympics! Adam is a prime example of someone who has exceeded expectations, set goals and succeeded through employment,” said Bob Rosinsky, president & CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We always look at someone’s ability, not their disability – we want our employees to know that they can do anything they set their minds to. This win is a personal achievement for Adam, but we are all celebrating in his success.” 

Goodwill Manasota

As a continuation of its popular “HD at the Opera House” series, Sarasota Opera will be hosting two showings of the 1954 classic “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The showings will be on Friday, December 12 at 7pm and again on Saturday, December 13 at 1:30pm.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with a valid student ID, and can be purchased now online at www.sarasotaopera.org or at the Sarasota Opera Box Office.  Sarasota Opera launched its “HD at the Opera House” series last April after receiving several grants allowing the company to purchase projection equipment for the opera house. The goal of the series is to expand Sarasota Opera’s programming from the fall and winter season to year-around showing operas as well as theatrical and ballet presentations from around the world. In just its first season, the “HD at the Opera House” far exceeded the company’s expectations in both revenue and popularity. 

Sarasota Opera

Sarasota will be getting its first-ever, citywide moving music festival on February 8 when 15 local bands converge on the race course for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.  From high school marching bands to rock, country, soul and hip hop, participants and spectators will be entertained from start to finish. The “13.1 Mile Moving party” is planned to have more bands, entertainment and along-the-route fun than any other half marathon in the country. Billed as a Sarasota Signature Event, the race and course will start/finish at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and is designed to involve the community, residents and support local non-profits by showcasing the talent, beauty and history of the city and its neighborhoods. 

Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Do your foodie friends want to show their love for our oceans? Surprise them with Mote Farm-Raised Caviar. This sumptuous Siberian sturgeon caviar is raised sustainably by Mote, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the world’s oceans. Purchase it in person at Whole Foods (in Florida and many other regions nationwide) or through your favorite online caviar retailer, such as CaviarStar.com or BrowneTrading.com. 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Once again, Tervis will celebrate the holidays with a community event at their Osprey store on Tamiami Trail. On December 6 find something for everyone on your holiday list and from 11-2pm listen to six schools groups sing their hearts out. Performances from local schools include: Pine View School Chorus, Out of Door Academy,  Pine View School’s Bowmanshop Quartet, Bay Haven School, Gocio Elementary and Riverview Chorus (Hillsborough). 5% of sales on December 6 will be donated to the participating school groups. Other activities include a live remote and prizes with Jones & Crane, Make your own tumbler for $20 on the Tervis Fun Fuser™, and complimentary photos with  Tervis® Giant Elf.  For more information call 941-966-8614. 

Tervis