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SRQ DAILY Jul 3, 2015

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"It's a community event and just bringing people down to the Bayfront is always a great time."

- Kathryn Wilson, Marina Jacks
 

[Holiday]  Of Spectators and Celebratory Munitions
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Independence Day weekend has arrived, and no matter where you are or what your pleasure happens to be, chances are there’s something going on over the next few days to pique your interest and get you out of the house. Between barbecues and boat races. midnight block parties, live bands and the thunder of fireworks, brace yourselves and strap in. It might get loud.

Ease into the celebrations at Marina Jack, where the Dining Room and Deep Six Lounge will both be featuring a celebratory three-tier menu dining experience beginning at 4:30pm, and local band Kettle of Fish will perform in the Blue Sunshine Patio beginning at 6pm. For those looking to get out on the water, the Marina Jack II will be setting out on a cruise from 6:30-8:45pm, complete with buffet and drinks and returning in time for the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, courtesy of Zambelli Fireworks, at 9pm, .

“We love putting these events on for the public,” said Kathryn Wilson, public service manager for Marina Jack. “It’s a community event and just bringing people down to the Bayfront is always a great time." For those just looking for a spot to watch the fireworks, Wilson recommends City Park, where spectators can lay out towels and chairs to make their own little nook. “But there’s really not a bad spot downtown,” she added.

A quick jaunt down Tamiami Trail, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens whips up a little patriotic spirit of its own with the All American Barbecue from 6-10pm across the grounds. With live music from the Lauren Mitchell Band, and food from Brick’s BBQ, Polo Grill’s Texas Taco Stand and La Dona Donuts, as well as a kids’ zone including an inflatable obstacle course, face painting and lawn games, it’s the July 4th event “for every generation,” said Roger Capote, director of events at Selby Gardens. “One thing we strive for is a lot of community involvement,” he added, “to bring the community in to see the things we can do.” Between burgers and activities on the Great Lawn—also an ideal spot to watch the night’s fireworks—take time to enjoy the Tom Stephens exhibit and the succulent garden, which Capote recommends this time of year.

For those in Bradenton, the annual fireworks display over the Manatee River, fired off the Green Bridge and drawing spectators from both sides of the river, Bradenton and Palmetto, kicks off around 9pm. “We have a great display in downtown Bradenton,” said Greg Campbell, general manager and executive chef at Pier 22, where the July 4th Fireworks and Pig Roast celebration has been sold out for weeks. “It’s probably one of the most underestimated fireworks shows around. It’s hard to compete with those big boat shows, but every year we seem to be piling in 10-20,000 people.” 

[Sports]  Powerboat Grand Prix: Climax and Conclusion
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

With the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix in full swing, docks rock swollen and full to bursting with varied high-speed nautical conveyances. Boat owners pace the shores champing at their bits, ready for the races and the chance to compete for pride and a piece of the $70,000 prize purse.

Tonight, families can stop by the Festival Parade of Boats as it rolls through Main Street and take a gander at this year’s entrants and racers; just tuck the kids away before heading to the Downtown Block Party, running from 4pm-midnight between Orange and Lemon avenues, complete with vendors, food and a swimsuit pageant.

The racing begins in earnest Saturday morning at 10am off Lido Beach with qualifying rounds for powerboat and jet ski racers and the beginning of two continuous days of racing, according to Lucy Nicandri, executive director for Suncoast Charities for Children, the nonprofit organizer of the Grand Prix. Revamping the race schedule so that races are divided by class and spread over two days instead of one, Nicandri promises a more intuitive viewing experience this year, where spectators from the beach will be able to clearly identify who’s racing who and who’s winning amidst the spray and the foam. The addition of Aqua-X and jet ski racing “brings another new element,” said Nicandri, but the spirit of the event remains and it’s still for a good cause.

“It’s going to be a great time—it’s great entertainment and it’s free,” said Nicandri laughing, “but still, the bottom line is that it’s going to help a great non-profit.” For the last 30 years, the Grand Prix, in some form or another, has been an important fundraiser for Suncoast Charities, according to Nicandri, enabling the nonprofit to provide needed services and construct new facilities. “It’s part of our history,” said Nicandri.

The races conclude Sunday off Lido Beach with the final rounds from 10am-5pm, followed by an awards ceremony on the beach at the Sandcastle Resort, free and open to the public. 

[Daily Shop]  Red, White and Boutique
,

This is the weekend for Red, White and Blue, and luckily D-Luxe Boutique has all you need to get by. These star shorts with a red tank are a perfect pair to help celebrate the holiday, and the light weight makes them practical for every outdoor festivity you have planned. The shop, located in the Historic Downtown Village, also has a collection of breezy white dresses and tops for a classic and clean look you can wear throughout the season. Pair with a necklace for some sparkle and your all-American look will shine. 

D-Luxe Boutique, 1853 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-343-2423

[Recognition]  Commission Chair Mason Earns Lifetime Freedom Award
,

Commission Chair Carolyn J. Mason has been selected to receive the 2015 Lifetime Freedom Award from the NAACP's Sarasota County Branch. Mason served on the city commission from 1999-2003, including a stint as mayor from 2001-03. In 2008, she became the first African-American elected to the Sarasota County Commission. Now in her second term, she serves as the chair. Mason is scheduled to receive the honor at the Freedom Awards Banquet on Oct. 8 in Sarasota. 

NAACP

[Exec Moves]  Messenger Joins L. Boutique

Donna Messenger joined L. Spa as part of the boutique’s "Dream Team of Skin Health Experts.” L. Spa is now her exclusive skincare location in Sarasota. Messenger has over 20 years of experience as a licensed aesthetician and named "The Doyenne of Dermaplaning" by Harper's Bazaar.

  

L. Boutique

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

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