Bob Johnson, who represented Sarasota in the Florida Legislature over portions of three decades, died Monday night at the age of 80. The long-time public servant was known for fighting to get Southwest Florida needed infrastructure during the ‘70s and ‘80s, and continued to be involved in local politics even in recent years.

Johnson served in Tallahassee in both chambers of the Legislature. He was a member of the Florida House of Representatives during two stints, first from 1970-76 and again from 1982-84, then served in the Florida Senate from 1984 through 1992. The Republican during that time earned a reputation for pressing hard for his district at a time when major metropolitan areas—and Democrats—dominated state politics. “He was a guy that a lot of people in Tallahassee didn’t like because he always delivered pork to Sarasota,” said Kerry Kirschner, who served on the City Commission much of the same time Johnson was serving in Tallahassee.  

Kirschner said Johnson was directly responsible for the extension of Interstate-75 south of Tampa happening when it did as opposed to 10 or 15 years later. “He was excellent at getting us money at a time when Southwest Florida was really treated as a stepchild to the rest of the state, particularly Miami and Orlando.”

Even after Johnson’s time in office drew to an inauspicious close, when Democrat Jim Boczar defeated him by 14,000-plus votes in 1992, he remained actively involved in local politics. In recent years, he was known for regular lunchtime political discussions with other historic Sarasota leaders such as former City Commissioner Gil Waters. “he was a wonderful person,” recalls Waters’ wife Elisabeth Waters. “He did a lot for New College and for Sarasota. He was a very good person. Gil really loved him and thought the world of him.”

And he remained active in the private sector up until his death. A founding partner for law firm Johnson, Browning and Clayton, he specialized in estate planning, business and real estate law. Law partner Robert Browning said Johnson was working as late as Monday, the day he passed. “He was a great lawyer,” Browning said. “He would work hard to solve a client’s problems. He could pick up a a phone and get things done.” 

Pictured: Then-State Rep. Bob Johnson, R-Sarasota, on the Florida House floor in 1982 during a debate about a Buy American bill.

The Giving Challenge raised in excess of $2.6 million before midnight, and will still be raising funds until noon today, making it likely the Challenge will result in more donations than the event did in May 2014. Donations raised through the Challenge go to the 449 nonprofits participating in four Southwest Florida counties during what has become the most high-profile giving event in the region for the year.

The Challenge on Tuesday got off to a strong start, with more than $900,000 being raised in the first hour after the event began at noon Tuesday. By the end of the business day, the amount more than doubled, and the $2 million mark was passed by 5:30pm. As of 11pm, more than $2.64 million was raised through 23,300 gifts. That means the Challenge on pace to easily surpass the $3.12 million raised last year.

The event, being spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has shown remarkable success in the past few years as Sarasota philanthropists proved themselves among the most generous in the nation. This year, The Patterson Foundation will match new donor gifts up to $250. “There is truly no other Give Day event in the country that offers this kind of incentive without limit,” said Susie Bowie, vice president for Philanthropic Education and Marketing for the Community Foundation.

The Challenge is a partnership of the Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation, with support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Community Foundation will make special grants, including $70,000 in grants for organizations that receive donations from the most individuals, as well as awards for Best Nonprofit Partnership, Best Business Partnership, Best Video, Best Board Member Engagement, Best Overall Campaign and superlatives. 

The Giving Challenge

When Chef Jozi Korotkov came to The H2O Bistro at Hotel Indigo Sarasota just over a month ago, it was never his intention to stay in Sarasota or do anything other than fill in while the hotel searched for a new executive chef, but management ended up offering his the permanent job. Chef Jozi hails from Chicago and apprenticed under many well-respected chefs before he began running his own kitchens. The chef he most enjoyed working with in the past and whom he still counts as a mentor and friend is Sarasota’s own Chef Pedro Flores of The Table Creekside.  

When did you know you wanted to be a chef?  When I was five years old my mom and grandma would let me help in the kitchen, kneading dough and cutting dumplings. I knew that I wanted to be in the kitchen forever.

Why did you decide to accept the position of executive chef at H2O Bistro at Hotel Indigo? The management team and the employees are bright, positive, and passionate and they made me feel at home almost immediately. I love the small, intimate setting of the bistro. And, of course, the weather here is great.

What is your signature dish?  Pork Ossobuco with Pumpkin Risotto. 

Sarasota real estate developer and yacht builder Piero Rivolta was awarded a silver medal by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association for his collection of poetry, Just One Scent: The Rest Is God, republished in March by Sarasota-based New Chapter Publisher. FAPA honored Rivolta and his fellow winners and finalists during a banquet held Sat., Aug. 8, at Walt Disney World Resort. Just One Scent was originally published in Italy in 1999, eventually selling more than 7,000 copies worldwide. 

New Chapter Publisher.

Mobile technology repair company MTech Repair has launched a new division offering managed mobile device services to business and commercial clients. Called MTech MDM, the service helps businesses support their mobile technology.  

MTech Repair