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SRQ DAILY Nov 8, 2016

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"I'm just a nervous wreck. We all are."

- Christine Jennings, Sarasota Democratic Party
 

[Politics]  Tensions High on Election Day
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, made his last campaign stop in Florida in Sarasota on Monday, just days after Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine came to town to whip up support among the party faithful. Election year emotions have gripped the Gulf Coast along with the nation in recent weeks. Now, political leaders have only today left to rally voters to polls.

Sarasota proved especially important to Trump this year, as Republican Party of Sarasota chairman Joe Gruters served as the candidate’s Florida campaign co-chair. At Robarts Arena on Monday, Trump delivered a message carefully tailored for Florida voters, promoting job creation on the Space Coast and Florida military bases while stressing his own roots here. “Florida, my second home, a state I love so much,” Trump told supporters, reminding them he lives part-time in Palm Beach. “By the way, once this is over, Hillary [Clinton] will never come back to Florida.” 

Democratic nominee Clinton has also fought hard for Florida support but not in Sarasota. Kaine, however, spoke to supporters at a Sarasota event on Saturday night, where he stressed the significance of victory in the Sunshine State. “If you win it in Florida, it’s won. I’m not joking,” Kaine said. “If Hillary wins it, it’s over. That’s cool. You don’t have to wake up and see what’s up in Ohio or Nevada. Who wants to wait ’til Mountain Time?”

Trump may not be back in the state until the election is over, but Gruters remains hard at work today getting out the vote. Volunteers have been phone-banking in a half dozen offices in the county, and Gruters says a network of drivers will be available today to help anyone get to the polls who needs assistance. “We’re doing everything we can. It’s an organization unlike anything else we’ve done in Sarasota,” he says.

Elsewhere in town, Sarasota Democratic Party Chairwoman Christine Jennings was at Democratic headquarters with more volunteers than the building could hold. She had 20 people phone-banking inside and another 30 outdoors placing calls to voters. “It’s all parties can do at the end,” she says. “We knock on doors and we place phone calls.” She spent much of the afternoon in North Port rapping on doors of possible supporters who have yet to vote.

Both Gruters and Jennings feel confident their candidate can win Florida’s 29 electoral votes, a key part of any national campaign hoping to pull together the 270 votes needed to win the White House. But both also stressed the need to get out the vote for local races from the Florida Legislature to the hospital board. Jennings hopes upsets can be pulled for Democrats like Frank Alcock, who challenges Republican Greg Steube for an open state Senate seat, and Fredd Atkins, who is running for Sarasota County Commission against Republican Mike Moran. Gruters hopes for a big enough night to see a candidate like Jim Bender, the Republican running to unseat long-time Democratic incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates. 

Polls will be open today until 7pm. 

Photos by Wyatt Kostygan, Wes Roberts

[Daily Shop]  Pedal Pusher
Taylor Young

Feel the swift, brisk Florida wind as you cruise your way to the beautiful beaches of Siesta Key. Electra Bikes, sold at Sarasota’s neighborhood bicycle shop, Village Bikes, will leave any rider with an undying need to venture off in this sleek cruiser. Coming in three eye-popping colors of neon pink, green and mauve, not only will you catch major rays, but your wheels will also demand attention. Appearance aside, the bike features patented flat foot technology, along with comfortable seating and an extremely ergonomic ride. Test out all the perks for yourself and put the pedal to the metal. 

Village Bikes, 3898 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-7702.

[Recognition]  SMH Ranks Among Nation's Top Heart Hospitals

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has been named among the 50 best heart hospitals in the nation, according to Truven Health Analytics. No other hospital in the Suncoast region made the 2017 list, which is based on how well the nation’s hospitals cared for Medicare patients with heart problems over a five-year period, from 2011 to 2015. According to Truven Health Analytics, if all hospitals performed at the level of Sarasota Memorial and the other top 50 award winners, more than 9,000 lives could be saved and more than 6,000 heart patients could be complication free. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Exec Moves]  SMHF Names New President

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. (SMHF) has announced that Mason Ayres has been named president of the organization. Ayres will be responsible for leading the foundation’s fundraising programs. Ayres is a member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served as president of both the Greater Naples Planned Giving Council and the Estate Planning Council of Naples. Ayers' previous experience includes director of planned giving for Ave Maria University as well as an extensive career in the travel/hospitality industry with companies such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando.  

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

[Synergy]  Baby Quasar Donates to National Breast Cancer Foundation

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sarasota-based Baby Quasar has donated $3,300 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Baby Quasar produces devices that use light therapy to treat wrinkles and acne. The products are 100 percent effective, safe, FDA-approved and made in the United States. 

Baby Quasar

[Exec Moves]  Spalsbury Named YMCA VP of Development, Marketing

The Sarasota YMCA named Tracy Spalsbury as vice president of Development and Marketing. In this newly created position, Spalsbury will lead fundraising and marketing strategies for the organization. Spalsbury formerly served as director of marketing and communications for the YMCA .   

Sarasota YMCA



[SOON]  THEATER: Million Dollar Quartet , November 9 – January 1

A smash-hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet, tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. This musical gives audiences a unique behind the scenes look at these musicians before they were icons. Single tickets and subscriptions are available online or by calling the FST box office. 

Gompertz Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave Sarasota, 34236

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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