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SRQ DAILY Feb 9, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"I felt like I was getting into a car I'd driven before."

- Ryan Rankin, pilot
 

[Circus]  Performers Fall From High Wire During Rehearsal
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A fall from a high wire sent five circus performers to the hospital Wednesday, leaving two in critical condition. But Circus Sarasota still plans to open its 2017 Winter Performance as scheduled this Friday.

Ashley Lusby, emergency services media relations officer for Sarasota County, says five individuals fell from a high wire on Thursday, with four of the the five quickly listed as “trauma alerts” and transported to area hospitals. No names were released. Three went to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, two of whom were listed in critical condition Tuesday afternoon with at least one requiring surgery. A fourth patient was transported to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and a fifth went to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. 

The injured were all part of the headlining act for this year’s Circus Sarasota show, where world-famous skywalker Nik Wallenda would be part of a show which included an eight-person pyramid. The show was to be the first to feature a pyramid with that many individuals at a height greater than 25 feet off the ground. Lusby says that the injured performers all fell from heights ranging from 25 to 30 feet off the ground.

Wallenda has won national attention for stunts such as crossing Niagara Falls and traversing the Chicago skyline on a high wire, and last year he performed at Circus Sarasota with a seven-man pyramid show. He has held rehearsals the last several years at a facility near The Mall at University Town Center, which is also where the big top for Circus Sarasota now sets up for its annual winter performance.

The Flying Wallendas famously practice without netting. In The Show Must Go On, a documentary about the Wallendas screened at the 2012 Sarasota Film Festival, filmmaker Paula Froehle showed how the family at a young age starts on low wires and then moves to a higher wire. During promotion for that film, the Wallendas defended that practice in an interview with SRQ Backlot. “When you have a net, you are prone to take chances further than what you are capable of,” Alex Wallenda said then. “What we do is a very calculated risk. We’ve done it 100 out of 100 times. Also, we don’t train to fall.”

The Circus Sarasota show wasn’t just a spotlight on the Wallenda family but on Sarasota’s circus heritage all around. The nonprofit operating both the education programs and Circus Sarasota rebranded four years ago as the Circus Arts Conservatory after the circus took over the Sailor Circus program. Jennifer Mitchell, managing director for the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota, noted to SRQ a couple weeks ago that five of the seven individuals performing with Nik Wallenda in the pyramid this year are Sailor Circus alumni. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 6: Bellanca Citabria
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part six of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Flying out of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, FL, Rankin feels at home in the cockpit of a Bellanca Citabria. Having flown the plane’s older brother, the American Champion Super Decathlon, on many an occasion, the Citabria is a comfortable fit. Everything from the airframe to the instrument layout is “very similar,” he says. “I felt like I was getting into a car I’d driven before.”

Accompanied by Travis Brown, a friend and flight instructor with Tailwheels Etc, Rankin took the Citabria out for a roughly 30-minute cruise to get the feel for the aircraft. Less powerful than the Super Decathlon, the difference was noticeable, says Rankin, with the biggest difference being the lack of inverted flight capability on the Citabria, due to various gravity-fed components in the engine. Still, Citabria is “airbatic” backwards and the plane is designed to perform. Putting the aircraft through its paces, Rankin executed loops, barrel rolls, aileron rolls and even some dogfighting maneuvers like the Split S—a roll into a downward half loop resulting in the plane facing the opposite direction but at a lower altitude—and its counterpart, the Immelman.

Key to designing an aerobatic plane, says Rankin, lies in “certain structural limits that will allow it to pull a certain amount of Gs.” He’s a pilot, not an engineer, and can’t speak to the details, but everything from wing shape to frame design and engine type come into play. The Citabria can handle five positive Gs and two negative Gs, which are actually harder to deal with, says Rankin: “Those are a lot less comfortable and the body is a lot less capable of adapting.” Some pilots can take up to 10 or 11 Gs in test aircraft, but even a few negative Gs can be a challenge, with blood rushing to the head instead of the feet.

Another tailwheel aircraft, Rankin’s growing more and more comfortable with the design but still welcomes the challenge. “There’s more pilotage involved,” he says, “and I appreciate that.” He’ll fly the Super Decathlon again soon and looks forward to comparing the two. 

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and the Bellanca Citabria. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

[Daily Shop]  Love Potion
Kendall Sompolski

With Valentine’s Day approaching in less than a week (cue 50 Shades Darker trailer), romance is in the air—and your skin can join the party too if you head over to PHbotanical, Sarasota’s local hub for organic skincare products. Try out the new Island Romance Face Serum (also available in facial mist and body oil), created with fatty-acid rich apricot kernel oil and vitamins A, C and E, making this oil highly skin-nutritious. The lightweight serum contains high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals and skin aging; use as a moisturizer to deliver nutrients and antioxidants to the skin on a daily basis or double as a night cream and makeup primer. Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, take a leap of faith and fall in love with this face serum this Valentine’s Day.   

Photo courtesy of PHbotanical

PHbotanical, 539 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota,850-591-1329.

[Madfish Grill]  Talkin' Tacos
Kendall Sompolski

Madfish Grill knows how to talk tacos. In a city specializing in perfecting the art of the beloved fish taco, some feel the pressure is just too much. Madfish Grill surpasses expectations with its spin on this Mexican favorite while staying true as masters of seafood. The soft flour tortillas (or corn tortillas upon request) overflow with fresh, spicy blackened mahi, cilantro slaw and get filled to capacity with lettuce, cheddar jack cheese and pico de gallo, all served along house-made salsa. It’s no wonder people have been talking about the Mahi Mahi tacos at Madfish Grill for over a decade.

Madfish Grill is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Madfish Grill, 4059 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, 941-377-3474.

[Recognition]  Crabtree Five Star Real Estate Agent for 10th Year

Michelle Crabtree of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, has been selected as a 2016 Five Star Real Estate Agent. This is the 10th year that she has won for providing exceptional service and overall satisfaction to clients, peers and industry experts, a distinction only held by the top 6 percent of realtors. Less than 7 percent of licensed agents in the Sarasota area are listed as Five Star Real Estate Agents. Crabtree is a third-generation Sarasotan and has been a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker Sale Associate for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the 2014 Florida Realtors Leadership Academy and in 2013 she was awarded Meritorious Service by the Sarasota Association of Realtors and Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Sarasota Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors.  

Premier Sotheby's International Realty

[Exec Moves]  Buckman Leaves LBKCA, Joins Imagine Museum

Jane Buckman, director of the Longboat Key Center for the Arts (LBKCA), has announced that she will be departing the position as of Friday, February 10, in order to take up her new position as Deputy Director of the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg. Buckman has been director at the Ringling College of Art and Design's Longboat Key center for 9 years, with the most recent dedicated to the community-wide revival of studio glass. Buckman begins her new role at Imagine Museum on March 1. 

Longboat Key Center for the Arts



[TODAY]  DANCE: Dance Makers - 11th Annual Concert , February 9 – February 12, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm

Featuring imaginative dance pieces by nationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers—Michael Foley, Doug Gillespie, and Adele Myers. These works are selected by the artistic director to present the strength, power, charm, and diversity of the company and choreographers at Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, 34243

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Matthew Holler - Recent Photographs , February 3 – March 27

Pursuing a career in fashion and portrait photography, Matt Holler is heavily influenced by mid-twentieth century photography. By gathering his inspirations from Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe and Helmut Newton, Holler’s latest exhibition showcases a wide variety of his photographic approaches from 2011-2016.

Patricia Thompson Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Born Yesterday , February 8 – April 15

Newly transplanted Harry Brock moves to Washington D.C. with his ex-showgirl Billie Dawn in tow, Harry has hopes of breaking into “special interest business” with an ethically challenged senator. Harry hires a young reporter to help Billie improve her social etiquette skills to get ahead in D.C. society. When Harry finds himself in a frenzied turn of events, he discovers a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 29th Annual Festival of the Arts , February 11 – February 12, 10am–5pm

Residents and visitors are invited to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more from the 250 artists who are on-site to discuss their inspirations and processes for each hand-made work. Parking is free and pets on leashes are always welcomed. Free and open to the public.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: KidSpace every Saturday , February 11 – March 25, 10:15-11am

KidSpace is a new program for elementary school students who want to explore everything everything there is to know about space and become masters of the universe. We will unleash the awsome power of the Bishop Planetarium. There will be a new series each quater, which will allow students to explore different aspects of the topic each month, including identifing a new constellation. Tickets are $5 for non-members and $3 for members. Register online or get tickets at the Museum's front desk.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: "Clay Stories" , February 11

Explore ancient pottery techniques & motifs while designing your own ceramic art inspired by Florida's native peoples. Work together to tell stories of the past using modern Claymation art! $5 for students in grades 6-8 only, reservations required. Ticket fee includes pizza and a drink.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: IQuest: Creative Games for the Curious , February 11, 4-8pm

IQuest is a monthly program for middle school students in grades 6-8 which takes place on the second Saturday of each month. While each IQuest is different, you can always expect challenging projects and games that inspire out-of-the-box solutions to real world problems. $5 for students’ reservations required. Ticket fee includes pizza and a drink.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Hearts for Homeless Pets , February 11, 9am–2pm

A pet adoption event helping dogs find their forever home, furry would-be friends come to the Bradenton Farmers’ Market just days before Valentine’s Day, where market-goers can meet the adoptable pooches. Dogs from Manatee County Animal Services, Humane Society of Manatee County, Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue, Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida and Underdog Rescue of Florida will be available for adoption. In addition to the local rescue groups, representatives from Southeastern Guide Dogs will be available to explain how to become involved in training puppies to be service dogs.

Bradenton Farmers Market, Old Main St., Downtown Bradenton

[SOON]  GALLERY: Marc Chagall, Flowers and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams , February 12 – July 31, 10am–5pm daily

A first-of-its-kind, immersive exhibition of Marc Chagall’s nature-inspired artwork, on display in Sarasota’s world-renowned botanical garden. As the first botanical garden to exhibit Chagall’s work, “The Color of Dreams” also marks the first time that the profound influence of nature on the great artist is examined in-depth. Tickets and more info at www.selby.org.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: French Connection with Edgar Moreau and Jessica Xylina Osborne , February 12, 3pm

Called the "rising star of the French cello," and a “young musketeer of the bow,” 22-year-old French-born Edgar Moreau consistently captivates audiences with his effortless virtuosity and dynamic performances. Moreau and pianist Jessica Xylina Osborne perform works by Poulenc, Beethoven and Brahms. Tickets and info at www.artistseriesconcerts.org.

Faith Lutheran Church, 7750 Beneva Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Lecture: Marc Chagall's D'Azur with Dr. Carol Ockman , February 13, 11:30am

Dr. Carol Ockman, curator-at-large with Selby Gardens and the Robert Sterling Clark Professor of Art History at Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., discusses Selby Garden’s first-of-its-kind exhibition, “Marc Chagall, Flowers and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams.” The event includes a plated lunch at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens. Tickets and info at www.selby.org.

Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lecture: At Their Doorstep, with author Charlotte Perret , February 15, 11am

Explore the street fairs of Paris and their carnival folk via stories and photographic postcards from the 1900s.

Kamlet Library of the Sarasota Opera House , 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Speaker Series , February 15

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next installment of their 2016–2017 lecture series, featuring Dr. Robert Gallucci, Director of the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress and former Assistant Secretary of State. Dr. Gallucci explores the evolution of the US approach in dealing with nuclear weapons and their re-emergence as critical to Russian defense policy, Chinese force modernization and regional importance in the middle east. He will also address the threat posed by the prospect of a terrorist nuclear attack. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members wine and cheese reception on Sarasota Bay where attendees speak face–to–face to those working directly in the field of international affairs.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Big Fish , February 15 – March 5

This fairytale musical is adventurous, romantic, and remarkably hip for any audience. Based on the 1998 book and the 2003 Tim Burton film, the show revolves around the relationship between a traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his estranged adult son, Will, who is looking to connect with the truths behind his father's tall tales. www.theplayers.org

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Taiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Exhibition Reception: A Walk in the Park , February 16, 5:30pm

Featuring the work of photographer Grant Jefferies, the exhibition, which includes more than 20 photographs taken throughout Manatee County's preserves, will be on display in the second floor Rincon Gallery. The photos highlight the natural beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife that can be found in the area. Visitors may purchase tickets to the Museum online at SouthFloridaMuseum.org.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Bradenton

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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