Expect state Democratic leaders to put significant resources into elections in Sarasota County next year. Scott Arcenuaex, executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, told SRQ Daily the county is one of “very few swing counties in this state.”  “There are just five or six counties like Sarasota that are dead-even or maybe a little Republican-leaning,” Arceneaux said. “When we do well in Sarasota, we’re doing well statewide.” In town last week to speak with leaders of the Sarasota County Democratic Party, Arceneaux said state leaders were aware of the super-local Sarasota City Commission elections this year where Democratic candidates swept Republican incumbents out of office.

“We sent a staffer here for about six weeks,” he said. “We make a big effort in off years in races that can make a difference, and we knew if we can continue momentum in the city turning blue, it will eventually reach the county.” The state party has similarly fought hard to grow influence in Jacksonville city elections, and has successfully turned nearby Pinellas County into Democratic-leaning territory.

Republicans don’t question that Sarasota will be competitive this cycle. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota and vice chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said the region still tilts red, but knows certain candidates can draw significant support. “Sarasota will continue to be a challenge and it will come down to both parties’ ability to bring their own base to show up at polls.” Gruters notes that in 2008, Republican John McCain only got 211 more votes in Sarasota County than Democrat Barack Obama, and Obama that year was the first Democrat to carry Florida in the electoral college since 1996. More notable to Gruters, Republican Connie Mack IV lost the county to incumbent Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 by 10,000 votes in an election Nelson won in 2012, the same year Republican Mitt Romney carried the presidential race in the county by about 15,000 votes. But Gruters remains confident in his party’s chances next year largely because of a full slate of Republican candidates on the ballot top to bottom.

A good example locally may be the state Senate seat expected to be vacated by Sen. Nancy Detert next year. Already, three major Republicans—all veteran elected officials—are vying for the nomination to succeed the Republican lawmaker. Meanwhile, no Democrat has announced. But that will change, Arceneaux said. “To be clear, I don’t have Senate candidates in any Senate districts around the state,” he noted, citing the extended redistricting battle in the Legislature over political boundaries. The Legislature is expected to go into a special session next month about the Senate map. “No one will run for a seat saying I don’t know what it looks like,” he said. “I appreciate [Republican candidates’] aplomb, but they don’t know where they are running, and this Legislature has proven an ability to drive the plane right into a mountain and go to court.” 

Michael Donald Edwards, artistic director for the Asolo Rep Theatre, will receive Equality Florida’s highest honor, the Voice For Equality Award, at the organization’s annual Suncoast Celebration on November 21. The award is for the American Character Project, entering its fourth season at Asolo Repertory Theatre.The Suncoast Celebration event will begin at 5pm atop the Palm Avenue Parking Garage in downtown Sarasota. 

Equality Florida

Albert “A.J.” Stickley, attorney and Sarasota County resident, filed paperwork declaring his candidacy for Sarasota County School Board, District 2. He is challenging incumbent Caroline Zucker. The countywide nonpartisan election is scheduled to take place Aug. 30, 2016. 

Sarasota accounting firm owner Joe Gruters was officially named chairman of the Business, Finance and Audit Committee at Florida State University this week by Florida State University Chairman Ed Burr, the new owner of the Quay property in Sarasota.  Gruters was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2011 by Gov. Rick Scott and will take the helm at the October 2015 board meeting. Florida State University has an annual budget of over $1.5 billion. 

Florida State University

On Tuesday evening, a group of guests gathered at Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue to kick-off the upcoming Bal Masque gala! Representing the sponsors, Harlequin Club Members and Beneficiaries of 2015 Bal Masque, the crowd enjoyed a sampling of delicious fare from Sophie’s and a selection of drinks. Inspired gowns were modeled from top designers in some of the season’s most notable trends. Sally Schule of Saks Fifth Avenue paired each look with an authentic Venetian mask provided by i tesori. The evening was meant to generate excitement about this year’s event, Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil and bring awareness of the organizations to be benefitted with a portion of the ticket proceeds. For more information about Bal Masque, a list of the beneficiaries and to purchase your tickets for the event, visit SRQBALMASQUE.COM.

Event Details:
SRQ Bal Masque
Saturday, October 3, 2015
8PM to Midnight