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SRQ DAILY Aug 11, 2016

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"Forget about me; how about working moms with kids? How about anybody with children who is working? It's interesting, foolish and disappointing."

- Joe Gruters, Republican candidate for state representative
 

[Politics]  Gruters, Vernon Debate Family Obligations
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Is it too time-consuming to be a politician, a business owner and, well, a father? Joe Gruters, a Republican candidate for state representative for District 73, says an opponent goes too far in a recent political mailer suggesting children are too much of a time commitment for a public servant. But Steve Vernon, the other Republican in the race, says that criticism is taken out of context, and the problem is Gruters is stretched too thin with countless outside obligations. “Joe’s got all these competing priorities,” Vernon says. “He’s juggling too many balls, and he is not focused on the people.”

The mailer sent out by Vernon lists facts about himself in contrast with Gruters, who is labeled a “Sarasota Party Boss.” The mailer critiques Gruters lack of military service compared to Vernon’s time in the Marine Corps and calls Gruters a RINO (Republican In Name Only) for critiquing conservative groups like Americans For Prosperity. But Gruters takes special issue with the last line: “Will have a new business, multiple political appointments and two volunteer positions of authority with the Republican Party, and is the father of three babies that will distract him from representing the district.”

“When you bring somebody’s family into it, and especially criticizing kids and saying they are a distraction that is disqualifying, it’s just so preposterous,” Gruters says. Gruters anticipated being called an establishment candidate; he serves as chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota, vice chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, co-chair of Donald’s Trump’s presidential campaign in Florida and sits on the Florida State University Board of Trustees. He quibbles with the suggestion his volunteerism was a problem—“says if I’m active and engaged, it’s a negative”—but says going after his three children is too much.

Vernon says he obviously did not feel having children was disqualifying, but noted Gruters also just opened his own accounting firm in addition to all these responsibilities. The mention of obligations was “cumulative,” he says. “When you are involved in everything, that’s a problem.” Gruters, though, says such logic diminishes the work of numerous volunteers and working parents. “Forget about me; how about working moms with kids?” he says. “How about anybody with children who is working? It’s interesting, foolish and disappointing.”

The Republican primary is scheduled for August 30. The district includes parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The winner of the primary will face Democrat James T. Golden in the November election. 

[Exec Moves]  SANCA Names Sullivan as President, CEO

The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates on Wednesday announced Robert J. Sullivan as the new president and CEO of Nathan Benderson Park. Sullivan was selected from more than 60 applicants for the job. “Bob’s mindset that public venues are designed to provide a variety of events and activities that enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for the citizens and businesses in the community mirrors our philosophy,” says Bill Robinson, SANCA board chairman.  “We are confident he is the right person to lead Nathan Benderson Park and the great team we currently have in place.”

Sullivan most recently managed the Multi-Purpose Events Center in Wichita Falls, Texas for 11 years. That venue included an arena, convention center, horse exhibition center and memorial auditorium. Previously, he also worked in senior management roles at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California, Sheffield Arena in England, Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California and the MetroCentre in Rockford, Illinois.

“Nathan Benderson Park has established itself as a premier rowing center and versatile county park hosting a multitude of community sponsored events,” says Sullivan. “I am excited to begin working with the SANCA board, the staff and Sarasota County Government, taking NBP to the next level of excellence locally and on a world stage.” 

[Daily Shop]  Serious Shade
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Without a doubt, the sunglasses perched atop a slender nose can make or break an outfit. Sarasota's newest luxury eyewear boutique, Spectacle Gallery has all your cool-girl shade needs covered, with hard-to-find brands from way across the pond. Take these hand-made in France Thierry Lasry stunners—just big enough to emanate that Jackie O style without overpowering your face—called the Snobby. More than just a chic cat eye, these iridescent flaked frames catch the sun's rays, with flecks of eggplant purple, emerald green and creamy beige. In these sunnies, you'll be the coolest cat around, even if you're rocking sweatpants.  

Spectacle Gallery, 1286 North Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-365-5606

[Recognition]  Watson Earns Additional Certification

The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association have given Ginger Watson, account executive and ISA Certified Arborist with ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design, her FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) certification. The certification program is the industry’s only standard for measuring horticulture knowledge on everything from plant and pest identification to landscape management.  

ArtisTree Landscape

[Recognition]  Cason And Eisemann Named Super Lawyer Rising Stars

Super Lawyers selected Sarasota real estate attorney Nancy Cason for the fifth consecutive year to its 2016 Florida Rising Star list. A partner of the Sarasota law firm Syprett, Meshad, Resnick, Lieb, Dumbaugh, Jones, Krotec & Westheimer, P.A., Cason was first elected to the Rising Star list in 2012. Cason’s colleague, Associate Attorney Derek Eisemann, was also selected to the list.  

Syprett Meshad

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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