When people imagine the causes for pollution, they probably picture smokestacks instead of tractor trailers. But a new short film showing in Bradenton this weekend explores the harsh environmental impacts of big farming and urges socially conscious foodies to seek out more sustainable cuisine. As part of a Food Revolution Day event at Darwin Brewing Company on Friday, director Susan Rockefeller’s Food for Thought. Food for Life will look at a history of agriculture policy and its impact on the earth from which the gardens grow.

“People need to think more about where this food comes from and who is growing it,” Rockefeller told SRQ, “and also know that they have the power to make significant change both for themselves and the planet.” The movie builds on the premise that demand for heavy amount of food produced quickly led to practices that were both unhealthy and unsustainable. But new technology and better farming practices, along with a growing food revolution set upon local sourcing for food picked up at the market or purchased off a restaurant menu, can help to restore clean and balanced living and dining.

Geraldson Community Farm and Darwin Brewing Company, both businesses strong voices in local food culture, will host the food revolution event, where there will also be a program with Geraldson and Polpo Pizza encouraging getting children involved with cooking and learning about vegetables. Rockefeller’s film will screen during the children’s program. The event costs $25 for a family, including a pie, a beer a movie and a spot in the pizza class. The event runs from 6-9pm. 

Today will mark the close of election season in the City of Sarasota, when voters will elect two city commissioners. Polls are open from 7am to 7pm.

Voters in District 2 will decide between incumbent Eileen Normile and challenger Liz Alpert. Normile, who was appointed to the seat in November, has run on her success starting traffic summits and contributing to a more collegial environment on the commission. Alpert, who ran for state House of Representatives in 2012, has run on making better progress in dealing with issues like homelessness. In the District 3 race, incumbent Stan Zimmerman faces challenger Shelli Freeland Eddie. Zimmerman, also appointed in November, said 30 years of relationships from years as a journalist in the region will lead to better government relations. Eddie, an attorney in the area, promises to bring a new voice to the commission table and listen to new perspectives on government.

Voters may only vote in the contest for the district in which they live. There is no election in District 1, as Commissioner Willie Shaw was elected unopposed. Voters citywide will also vote on two charter referenda, one regarding eligibility for appointment, the other on setting a timeframe for citizen petitions. 

Pier 1 Imports announced the opening of a new store in Sarasota on South Tamiami Trail in the Paradise Plaza shopping center. The total retail square footage of the store is approximately 9,498 square feet. The store officially opened Monday. Customers through Wednesday will receive a free reusable bag and an iconic Pier 1 Imports backscratcher in celebration of the new store opening. 

Pier 1 Imports

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Rachelle Madrigal has been promoted to sales director and general manager of the Bradenton Marauders. The appointment, effective immediately, was announced by Dennis DaPra, executive vice president and general manager of PNC Park and Facility Management.Madrigal has worked for the Pirates since 2007, most recently holding the title of manager of sales and marketing. In addition to taking point on the day-to-day operations of the Bradenton Marauders, she will continue to oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for both Pirates Spring Training and the Marauders. 

Bradenton Marauders

Imagine building a high rise - so much time and effort is focused developing a strong foundation and carefully developed infrastructure to ensure that the building will stand for decades. A child’s brain develops the same way. In the first three years, much more development, wiring and growth happens than in all subsequent years. Early relationships have permanent effects on brain development, health, and later mental health and social functioning. That is why Forty Carrots believes in intervening early—to ensure that every child can experience positive early relationships to become more resilient to stress and develop other aspects of emotional regulation. From our Infant Mental Health services offered at CYESIS Teen Parenting Program at Riverview High School to our Child & Family Therapy services offered at the Parenting Center, we provide different models and therapeutic approaches to help children, adolescents, and families facing myriad challenges. Our team of educators approach each parent or child with compassion and knowledge backed by years of training and expertise to find the support that each individual needs to tackle the barriers that they are facing. Forty Carrots agrees with the idea that early childhood mental health can be considered to be synonymous with healthy social and emotional development. Infants and children exist in the context of relationships, so we must focus on these relationships with the same fervent energy that we focus on children. For more information about the mental health services provided by Forty Carrots, contact Christina Rodrigues, Parenting Program Director. 

Forty Carrots Family Center is a 2015 SRQ Story Project partner and the featured non-profit organization this May. To learn more about the numerous education and outreach programs provided by Forty Carrots, visit them online at FortyCarrots.org or call (941) 365-7716.