Through much of 2015, candidates weren’t sure what Sarasota’s lone state Senate district would look like. Court battles left questions about who would even be eligible to run. But now that boundaries are likely set, three prominent political figures in the region are battling it out for the Republican nomination.

Former state Rep. Doug Holder, former Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson and sitting state Rep. Greg Steube all have eyes on a state Senate seat now held by state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice; Detert is not seeking re-election and has filed to run for Sarasota County Commission. But until a map was finalized by the courts in late December, there remained a strong possibility Steube, Patterson or both might be drawn out of the district.

Holder, despite now facing strong contenders for the race, says he feels quite satisfied with the shape of the district. The entirety of his old state House district lies in the Senate district, so he brings a political base to the race, and he feels his record in Tallahassee will play well in a primary. “Certainly between Nora and I,” he said, “I am much more conservative than she is. You can see my record of keeping taxes law, supporting smaller government and focusing still on increasing our economy. But I am also a huge supporter of the arts—I was an arts student in school—and that is a unique priority of our community.”

Patterson, though, also has won plenty of elections in Sarasota County, the entirety of which is now in the district. An admirer of Detert’s record, she expects her roots in the area to play a big role in success. She noted she has lived in the same community for decades, a contrast with other candidates. “One of my opponents just moved from where he has been living to be in Sarasota County, and another moved to the area to run here in the first place,” she said, referencing Steube’s 2014 move to the county and to criticisms dating back to 2006 that Holder moved to his House district just to run for that office. 

Steube, the only sitting office-holder now seeking the seat, stressed he has always represented part of Sarasota County since he was first elected to the House in 2010. “I’ve always been supported by a vast majority of the district,” he said. His House district includes parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The son of Manatee County sheriff Brad Steube, he enters this primary after developing a strong reputation among gun rights supporters, but acknowledges that certain challenges come with serving while seeking higher office. Notably, he can’t raise any money for a campaign during the legislative session this year.

And of course, the Democrats look to make the race competitive as well. Though no candidate has announced, Sarasota Democratic Party chairwoman Christine Jennings said one is exploring a bid now and could announce soon. "Charlotte County makes this district challenging," she said, "not impossible."

Of course, there also remains some chance of change to the district, which today includes all of Sarasota County and a northwest part of Charlotte County. Appeals regarding the statewide map of Senate districts could drag into March, likely the reason the Division of Elections still hasn’t opened the race up to candidates for the 2016 election cycle; Patterson and Holder are technically filed to run in 2018 while Steube has a state House campaign open and is informing donors he plans to move funding to a 2016 Senate race as soon as the state opens it up. 

World Bites Kafe has taken up residence in the spot vacated by Big E’s Coffee Shop, in the plaza across from Ringling School of Art & Design. I was excited to grab lunch at the tiny “kafe” earlier this week. I was drawn by the siren song of “global street eats and exotic infused iced teas,” sung by owner Peter Miletic. The menu is as eclectic as promised, with sweet and savory crepes, ciabatta sandwiches, salads and tacos showcasing diverse flavor profiles. I was torn between an Asian Ginger Fruit Salad with a Honey Thai Basil Glaze and a Fire Roasted Vegetable Crepe with Fire Roasted Eggplant Chutney, so I split the difference and got tacos instead. I chose the Asian Taco with bulgogi, crunchy ginger, cilantro daikon slaw and spicy Japanese mayo and the Caribbean Jerk Spiced Chicken Taco with pineapple salsa and ginger barbeque sauce. The bulgogi (Korean grilled marinated beef) was juicy and spiced to perfection as was the jerk chicken and each taco was presented in a gently crisped taco shell. The accompaniments were fresh and tasty and the portion was just right for lunch. I had to try an infused iced tea so I washed it all down with a Thai Basil and Fresh Ginger Green Tea which was so good that I think I’ll go back tomorrow and try the Mango Cilantro or the Dark Cherry Aloe.  

World Bites Kafe, 2805 North Tamiami Trail, 941-448-0007

Residential mortgage lender Ruoff Home Mortgage announced the opening of a Sarasota office, temporarily located on Fruitville Road.  This is the company’s first office in the state of Florida but its 21st location overall. Greg Miller, vice president, will serve as the branch manager and will oversee operations for the Sarasota office, including the hiring of additional loan officers and support staff in the next few months. 

Ruoff Home Mortgage

State of the Arts Gallery owners Tre Michel and David Steiner announced to opening of new space at the Downtown Sarasota establishment. The gallery remains in its location but has expanded the footprint of its State Street location. 

State of the Arts Gallery

Neal Communities introduced a new product line at the company’s Indigo neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch. The Cove series will now be available in the neighborhood.The new product line also coincides with the opening of a new model, the Sea Star, and of Club Indigo, the community’s recreation center. The Sea Star model includes 2,379 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a three-car garage. 

Neal Communities