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SRQ DAILY Feb 14, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"It may be worth revisiting those programs to see if they are working the way we want and if they still serve a purpose."

- Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice
 

[Legislature]  Enterprise Florida Future in Crosshairs
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The continued existence of two state agencies focused on marketing Florida to outsiders could be at the center of the biggest political battle in Tallahassee this legislative session. And when legislation proposing an end to both Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida was passed in a committee vote last week, it also showed a fault division between lawmakers representing the Gulf Coast.

Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was the only Republican to vote against the bill, a measure that has been heavily pushed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran. “The whole conversation needs to be focused on jobs,” says Gruters, who feels both Enterprise Florida’s efforts to attract employers to the state and Visit Florida’s marketing aimed at bringing more tourists here both provide critical enrichment to the state economy. Gruters says the incentives and other business services overseen by Visit Florida play a major role in better diversifying the state economy, something important to prepare the state better for the next economic opportunity, while Visit Florida’s efforts to boost tourism, “the lifeblood of Florida,” ensure more people keep falling in love with the Sunshine State, then deciding to move here.

But among those voting against the bill was Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice, who says the issue doesn’t revolve around whether business recruitment or visitor marketing are useful services but around whether these state agencies have been responsible with tax dollars. He remains concerned money has been misspent on high-priced secret contracts with entertainers—a $1-million contract with rapper Pitbull garnered Visit Florida negative attention last year and led to the resignation of Chief Marketing Officer Paul Phipps—and on programs that sometimes show favoritism regarding competition businesses. “It may be worth revisiting those programs to see if they are working the way we want and if they still serve a purpose,” Gonzalez says.  

Gonzalez stressed, though, that the bill passed out of committee last week in a 10-5 vote would almost certainly evolve as the session continues. Gov. Rick Scott responded to the committee vote by tweeting House politicians “turned their back on jobs today by supporting job killing legislation.” That obviously doesn’t bode well for the bill making it past the governor’s desk, Gonzalez says, but by moving past the first committee, that guarantees a rigorous discussion happens this year about what can be done to prevent misuse of state funds by these agencies—or whatever agencies end up taking on the task of marketing the state to businesses and visitors.

But both Gruters and Gonzalez say a conversation about reform in both agencies is needed. “What we need to be doing is making sure these programs are better,” Gruters says. Gonzalez isn’t completely opposed to public incentives or state funding for marketing, but management of taxpayer dollars needs to be done in a positive way. “There is a proper role to help diversify our economy and help attract business from other states, particularly when we are considered in competition with states actively involved in this kind of activity,” he says. “Whether it’s Enterprise Florida or some reformed incarnation of Enterprise Florida, I’m still debating.” 

[Daily Shop]  For the Love of Lace
Kendall Sompolski

Calling all the single or not-so single ladies—whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day this year, treat yourself to a lacey bralette from Shore to add some sex appeal to your lingerie collection. Simply wear one under your favorite low-cut neckline dress or semi-sheer shirt for a seductively fashionable pop of color; even better—wear it solo as you devour an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia while binge watching your favorite rom-coms all night long. The variety of dreamy textures, shapes and colors of these detailed lace bralettes are endless (one of each, please) and will keep you feeling the love this holiday brings all year long—okay, maybe just for the next week.  

Photo courtesy of Shore.

Shore, 465 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-388-3535.

[Synergy]  Johnson Authorized Tesla Powerwall Reseller and Installer

Solar contractor Bill Johnson of solar panel company Brilliant Harvest has recently become a Tesla Energy Authorized Reseller and Certified Installer of the Tesla Powerwall home battery changing the face of the solar industry. For solar, beyond the initial investment cost, the only real downside is that there are times when the sun does not shine and power can not be generated. The Powerwall eases or eliminates that concern. People who install the Powerwall in tandem with their solar system can further disengage from fossil fuels and also have greater energy security in the case of a storm or some other case where energy goes offline. The Powerwall 2 recently launched—with double the capacity—and there are very few Powerwall resellers/installers in the state, and Johnson is the only one in the region. So this is a pretty big deal in the area of renewable power. 

Brilliant Harvest

[Expansion]  Nautilus Homes Launches New Website

Nautilus Homes has launched a new website, Nautilus-Homes.com, to showcase its luxury home portfolio and building services. The new website features a gallery of professional project photography illustrating the Nautilus approach to building finely crafted custom homes, as well as videos, testimonials and a portfolio of available properties. The site also includes a regularly updated blog written by Nautilus president Ryan Perrone, who shares his expertise and curates top stories on trending materials, resources and superior design approaches in home building and remodeling projects. Nautilus Homes is a preeminent luxury custom home building company based in Sarasota, Florida, serving discerning clients throughout southwest Florida.  

Nautilus Homes



[TODAY]  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

[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

[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: Meet the Artist: Kathleen Mulcahy, February 16 & 21 , February 16 – February 21

Alfstad& Contemporary’s Meet the Artist series continues with Kathleen Mulcahy, discussing her magnificent glass exhibition, “Steady Flow of Cool” and how she transforms glass into meditations on cold, sparkling water. She will also talk about the work of her late husband Ron Desmett and his show, “Hollowed Truths.” Kathleen and Ron were co-founders of the Pittsburgh Glass Center and often showed their work together. The reception on February 16 is from 2-3pm and the reception on February 21 is from 6-7pm.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Lunch, Look & Listen: La Flute Enchantee with Jenny Kim-Godfrey, soprano, Betsy Traba, flute and Joseph Holt, piano , February 16, 11am

Part of Artist Series Concerts’ popular Lunch, Look & Listen series, the trio performs works by Poulenc, Mouquet, Mozart and Saint-Saëns. Ticket price includes lunch.  Tickets and info at www.artistseriesconcerts.org.

Micheal's On East , 1212 S. 1212 East Ave., 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

[SOON]  GALLERY: A Walk in the Park: Exploring Manatee's Preserves , February 17 – May 28

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., Brandenton

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Cynthia Sayer’s Hot Banjo Show , February 18, 8pm

Get ready for a fun, entertaining show celebrating America's jazz banjo stars and stories from award-winning banjo star Cynthia Sayer and her band. Packed with swinging music that ranges from Great American Songbook and old favorites to novelty tunes, vaudeville, and virtuoso classics, Cynthia is sure to give you a memorable, toe-tapping experience of the 4-string banjo, America’s joyful jazz instrument. Tickets start at $25. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota Florida

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Bill Buckman's Art of Jazz featuring Nancy Pastore , February 19, 2-4pm

Joining pianist Buchman and vocalist Pastore are Rob Fors, bass; Lenny Balistreri, drums; and Benietsito Campoverde, congas.The group will perform an afternoon of jazz favorites, and Buchman is sure to bring some of the boogie-woogie beat that always delights audiences.

Gazebo at Centennial Park , 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice

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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