Even as he runs against an incumbent in a Republican-leaning district, Democrat Ed James III remains confident and optimistic. An experienced campaigner and native Sarasotan, the under-30 candidate for Florida House representative in District 72 has created buzz since announcing his campaign in a well-attended event at the Bayfront Community Center. And while he still trails his Republican opponents when it comes to money in the bank, finance reports show that plenty of well-monied donors see potential in the run. “I’ll tell you one thing, I’m not going to leave any vote on the table,” James said. “I hope voters will see someone deeply committed to bringing about change.”

James right now is the only Democrat running in the district. State Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, announced two weeks ago that he would seek re-election to the seat for a fourth and final two-year term; Republican Robert Wyatt also remains a candidate in the contest. Through the end of June, Pilon, who had been considering a run for state Senate, has raised $61,520. Wyatt is still sitting on a $150,000 personal loan. By comparison, James raised $12,375 in the first weeks of his campaign, and political committee New Direction Florida has pulled in $12,800 as well. And a list of supporters includes such prominent donors as Obama booster Caryn Lobo and School Board member Shirley Brown.

James supporters quickly note that the last time Pilon faced a Democrat in a presidential election year—now-Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert in 2012—the challenger raised a total $32,197 and won 46.1 percent of the vote. The last time most voters in the district were represented by a Democrat, though, was in 2010, when Pilon himself unseated incumbent state House Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, and redistricting has made the district a more Republican district since that time.

James knows this, and does not plan on rallying Democratic votes alone. He plans to run on issues like honoring government pension commitments and maintaining a competitive workforce, issues that resonate with voters across party lines. “We’re not taking a partisan approach,” he said. “We believe the voters are intelligent enough to make decisions that are best for them and their families.” And James knows how to run in difficult territory. He played a critical role in 2014 in helping Democrat Gwendolyn Graham win a Congressional race in a conservative Panhandle district. He also played an early consulting role in the recent Sarasota City Commission campaign for Shelli Freeland Eddie, who, like Graham, unseated an incumbent. 

James did stress he holds progressive views on matters like a woman’s right to choose and on gay rights, and believes the voters in the district will support him in that. And he plans to get feedback from every voter he can. “I plan on working harder than any other candidate in the state of Florida, and come Nov. 8, 2016, our campaign will be victorious,” he said. 

Thanks to The Shamrock Pub’s wildly popular annual event “Summer Chef Jam,” it’s been a summer full of warm Monday nights spent noshing on tasty local treats and sipping on refreshing local brews in the front parking lot of the pub in downtown Sarasota. So far this summer, I’ve had the pleasure of eating Chef Caleb Taylor of Jack Dusty’s version of a fried egg sandwich with house cured pork paired with JDubs Poolside Kolsch. I’ve braved the heat for the frosty intrigue of a pickled watermelon popsicle served by the talented Emily Harris of Pop Craft Pops and washed it down with Darwin’s Chirapa Spice Porter. I’ve also discovered the talent of one Chef Evan Gastman of The Cottage Siesta Key. Chef Evan prepared a Duck Bacon and Roasted Lemon Apricot dish (pictured) that packed an almost emotional punch of flavor. It’s been a very long time since I ate at The Cottage but thanks to Chef Evan’s Monday night offerings I intend to spend a lot more time there. There’s always a DJ and a fun crowd comprised of Sarasota’s best and brightest and for $25 a person I can’t think of better way to spend a Monday night. For upcoming restaurants and menus check out Shamrock’s Facebook page or give them a call. 

Shamrock Pub, 2257 Ringling Blvd., 941-952-1730

The Central Sarasota Farmer's Market, Geraldson Community Farm announced Sample Sarasota, an evening foodie market. It will be held the fourth Thursday of every month from 5 to 9pm at Mandeville Beer Garden on North Lemon Avenue. The market opens July 23, featuring locally produced food and samples of locally crafted beer. 

Sarasota Farmer's Market

Lendacy hired Michael Murphy as client director. He will be responsible for business development in the West Palm Beach/Miami area as well as Southeast Florida. Murphy brings an extensive portfolio of experience in the bond market in both the U.S. and Europe to his role as a client director at Lendacy. 

Lendacy

This summer, come play in the sun and learn about the local marine environment through hands-on, educational activities designed by Mote Marine Laboratory’s Education Division.

One of Mote’s goals, outlined in its 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, is to help youth connect with the environment in fun, interactive and meaningful ways, with a special focus on children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about marine science and its impact on our future.

Mote recently welcomed Elaina Todd as the new Community Engagement Coordinator to help share our world-class marine science with people of all ages. Mote is able to provide free education and fun to the community as a result of our generous donors and the valuable partnerships Mote has helped build.

Mote is partnering with Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, which created the Gills Club — to bring science to girls in our community. The Gills Club is geared toward girls ages 6-17. The club is free for participants and meets July 18 and August 15 from 1pm – 2:30pm. RSVP is required, so sign up today!

Mote also shares its research and education programs with Girls, Inc.; Just for Girls; Pace Center for Girls; Boys & Girls Club, Sarasota; Easter Seals; Laurel Civic Center and RL Taylor Community Center.

For more information about Mote’s outreach programs, click here. 

Mote Marine Labratory is a 2015 SRQ Story Project partner and the featured non-profit organization this July. To learn more about the numerous educational programs, marine rehabilitation and scientific studies at Mote Marine Labratory, visit them online at mote.org or call (941) 388-4441.