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SRQ DAILY Feb 21, 2017

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"That affords us the ability to tie into transmission lines and our substation to have a way of getting power out onto the grid."

- Bill Orlove, Florida Power & Light
 

[Energy]  FPL Commissions Parrish Plant, Announces More Solar
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Florida Power & Light Company officials celebrated the commission of a new solar power facility in Parrish on Monday, where they also announced plans to build new universal solar power plants at eight locations by early 2018. “We have been working hard to drive down the costs of adding solar so we can deliver even more zero-emissions energy to all of our customers,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy. “We have proven that it’s possible to cut emissions and deliver reliable service while keeping electric bills low for our customers.”

The FPL Manatee Solar Energy Center was one of three solar facilities commissioned Monday and brought online late last year; others now operate in Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The expansion of solar here comes less than eight years after the commission of a plant in Arcadia, an event so groundbreaking nationally it attracted then-president Barack Obama to its opening celebrations in 2009 to announce a clean energy initiative at the site.

Bill Orlove, FPL’s lead communications specialist, says FPL is in good position to bring more solar centers online because it can place plants near existing facilities and connect to an established power grid. For example, the Parrish center sits next to an existing natural gas plant in operation since the 1970s. “That affords us the ability to tie into transmission lines and our substation to have a way of getting power out onto the grid,” he says. Even as FPL relies more on renewable solar energy, it can then count on existing plants for support as well, ensuring, for example, that power availability isn’t subject to clear weather. This allows the company to produce a substantial amount of solar energy without raising utility costs to consumers, Orlove says. 

The actions have drawn praise from environmental activists. Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida, attended the Monday event and lauded the announcement of new solar centers. “A year ago, I stood here as FPL broke ground on this solar site, marking the start of the installation of one million solar panels that are now producing zero-emissions energy,” Draper says. 

The three plants commissioned Monday represent more than 1 million solar panels now powering the region, and the eight new plants will bring another 2.5 million panels to power areas around the state. That’s enough panels to wrap around the coastline of Florida twice.

The commission event in Parrish was also a community event, bringing students from around the state together to participate in solar-themed events, such as a cookout using solar-powered ovens and a race with student-built vehicles that run on solar.

Photo by Armando Solares/FPL: Daniel Lopez and Samson DelTorto, both seniors from Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, Fla., make adjustments to their solar car at Florida Power & Light Company’s Manatee Solar Energy Center in Parrish on Monday. Nearly 50 groups of students from around the state demonstrated how they could harness the sun’s power and turn it into energy during the company’s commissioning event of the three universal solar power plants. 

[Tuesday Tech Talk]  Website Wall
Pedro Perez, pedro@nuevoadvertising.com

I had an interesting conversation with a potential client recently. We were discussing his corporate website and how he hit a wall in terms of getting leads. He was well versed in SEO strategies, he had kept the website up to date, posted fresh content frequently on a blog and had dabbled in pay-per-click advertising. The interesting part of the conversation was when we started to discuss who his website user is. See, sometimes you can get so focused on getting your message out that you forget about who you are trying to communicate to.

The potential's industry is home health care so the person accessing the website for information would generally not be the person utilizing the actual services. I discussed how different generations utilize technology and access information differently. We talked about how Baby Boomers are far different from Millennials in how they search for content, what social media channels they use and how they use websites.

My advice was this: fix any issues that would limit the organic search optimization. Clean up the website and remove any errors in the code that would prevent your search engine listing from being recognized properly. Next, determine who the website user is and if needed modify the language and call to action on the website. Does the user prefer to read information on the website or speak to someone on the phone or via chat? Do they want to complete a contact form and provide their personal information? Do they want to read about the company or perhaps testimonials from other people that have utilized services?

Once the discovery is made and the proper steps have been taken to remedy any issues, I suggested an exploration into lead-generating channels such as pay-per-click advertising.

We could’ve dove right in and recommended an aggressive and costly plan to manage this potential client's online marketing efforts, but it wouldn’t have succeeded. Take a step back to review things from time to time. Make small adjustments in your efforts and in time you will see big results. 

Nuevo Advertising

[Daily Shop]  Sip in Style
Kendall Sompolski

Do you remember your first Tervis? Well, babies everywhere can now start their own Tervis collection with the new, customizable My First Tervis Sippy Cups. You may still be riding the wave of the wine glass Tervis, but who’s to say your little one doesn’t want to be just like you (minus the wine) and have their own personalized Tervis to sip out of? The double-handled, spill-proof design makes mommy-and-me time extra special, especially if you design matching mugs. Major kudos to Tervis for the lifetime guarantee—this custom sippy cup is unbreakable, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free for all the thirsty little monsters out there.  

Photo courtesy of Tervis.

Tervis Online Store

[Apricot Lane]  Dynamic Game-changer
Kendall Sompolski

What’s better than BOGO at Publix and 2-for-1 drink specials at Daiquiri Deck? The reversible, pop-culture-inspired Inevitable dress by Animapop found at Apricot Lane. Combining two dynamic dresses in one, this Italian import is a total game-changer for women on the move as well as anyone who has felt the pain of shoveling clothes into your carry-on because your suitcase is allegedly “over the weight limit” (let’s be honest, we’ve all been there). Plus, the fabulous laser-cut, neoprene fabric is wrinkle-free, easy to wash and rolls nicely into a garment bag, making it wonderful and light to travel with.  

Apricot Lane, 464 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941- 960-1435.

[Travel]  SRQ Offers Third TSA PreCheck Enrollment Period

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is inviting the community to enroll in the TSA PreCheck expedited screening program, offering a third temporary enrollment event from Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17. An expedited screening program, TSA PreCheck enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a more efficient screening experience, including no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. To apply for the TSA PreCheck March enrollment event at SRQ, visit the website below. Once on the site, click the Apply Now button, follow the steps and select an appointment time. The cost for five years of TSA PreCheck in all participating US airports is $85 per person. To complete the application process, proof of identity and US citizenship documentation is necessary. The application process is completed at SRQ with fingerprints for a background check and the collection of the $85 application for five years of service. 

TSA PreCheck

[Recognition]  Moody's Upgrades Sarasota County's Tax Bond Rating

New York-based Moody's Investor Services has announced that Sarasota County's limited ad valorem tax bond rating has been upgraded from A3 to Aaa. The upgrade reflects a full six-level increase in the ratings for the Series 2008 and 2005 bonds, which are used for the acquisition of lands in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), indicating a stable outlook. Due to the previous economic downturn, Moody's had downgraded these bonds in 2011 from Aa2 to Baa2. In July of 2011, the county defeased approximately $17.5 million of outstanding bonds to improve the debt coverage of these bonds. Moody's upgraded these bonds to Baa1 in October 2013, and then to A3 in February 2015. According to Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer, the bond rating increase represents the cautious and responsible management of public funds by county officials. 

Sarasota County

[Travel]  AAA Releases Regional Gas Price Brief

Motorists saw little movement in pump prices this week, according to AAA, but gasoline could soon be on the rise as spring approaches due to refinery maintenance, an increase in driving and the switch to summer-blend fuels. Currently, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.283, up four-tenths of a cent from last week, down five cents from a month ago and 56 cents higher year-over-year. In Florida, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.283, up less than one cent from a week ago, nine cents lower than a month ago and 53 cents more expensive than last year. The lowest regional averages in the state are in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($2.183), Orlando ($2.193) and Jacksonville ($2.202). 

AAA Gas Price Index



[TODAY]  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

[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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Close up on Opera: Dialogues of the Carmelites with John Goodman , February 22, 10:am

The “Close Up On Opera” series is presented by John Goodman, a well-known expert on the subject and also president of Sarasota Music Archive. In this segment, Goodman discusses the Sarasota Opera’s upcoming production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites.” More info at www.sarasotamusicarchive.org

Geldbart Auditorium of Selby Library , 1331 1st St., Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Stir It Up: 60+ Speed Dating with a Twist! , February 22, 7:00-9:00pm

Join Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life and The Friendship Centers for Stir It Up, an exciting event series featuring craft beer sampling, speed dating and a rock ‘n’ roll and Motown dance party. Whether you are a senior seeking a companion or a soulmate, this special event is your chance to meet a variety of like–minded singles one-on-one, in a safe and energetic environment. This signature event sells out quickly; RSVP today.

The Aviva Campus , 1951 N. Honore Ave. 34235 Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: James Madison Institute 2017 Naples Dinner , February 23, 7:00pm

The James Madison Institute will host its 2017 Naples Dinner on Thursday, February 23 featuring Judge Andrew Napolitano, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey.  He sat on the bench from 1987 to 1995, when he presided over more than 150 jury trials and thousands of motions, sentencings, and hearings.  Judge Napolitano taught constitutional law and jurisprudence at Delaware Law School for two years and at Seton Hall Law School for 11 years. He was often chosen by the students as their most outstanding professor. He returned to private practice in 1995, and began television work in the same year. The event is taking place at the Naples Ritz-Carlton Resort with a VIP reception at 5:30 and dinner at 7:00. 

Ritz-Carlton Naples , 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota-Bradenton Antique Toy and Doll Buying Show , February 23 – February 26

Toy collectors are encouraged to bring as many toys as they can to this event and receive top dollar. The show is interested in old toys and dolls from the mid-1980s and earlier. No collection is too large. Items that are also popular are Tiffany items, sterling silver, old costume jewelry, Hummel and, Royal Doulton figurines. Admission and Parking is free. February 23rd-25th 9:30am-5:00pm and February 26th 9:30-4:00pm. For more information about the show, please call Bruce or Laura 941-302-0572 or email oldtoys1960@aol.com

Holiday Inn, 5464 Lena Rd., Bradenton

[SOON]  GALA: createSRQ Gala, An Evening of Excellence Evolved , February 24

The culmination of the high school arts competition and show, the createSRQ Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The recent evolution includes a traveling art show and mobile auction of student artworks. Overlooking Sarasota Bay, the evening consists of dinner, dancing and a short live auction that pairs the student artwork with experiences such as tickets to the Broadway Show Hamilton and a trip to Napa Valley. The attire is cocktail and, due to the mobile bidding, smart phones are an encouraged accessory. Tickets can be purchased online at $250 per person.

Michael's On the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Beth McKee and her Funky Time Band , February 24, 8pm

A Mississippi native, Beth McKee offers fiery-sweet songs of tenacity and purpose, sung to a deep southern groove. The resulting sound is a composite of the places she’s called home; Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The Funky Time band consists of Beth McKee (vocals, piano & accordion), Juan Perez (drummer/percussionist), Gerry Wilhelm (bass), and Grant Peyton (guitar). Tickets: $12 in advance $15 door. Food provided by Carr’s Corner Café. www.fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Velvet Caravan , February 24, 8pm

Velvet Caravan is an unorthodox, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, stand-up bass, percussion and keyboards (including accordion) that weaves together Latin and gypsy music into acoustic swing jazz. This envelope-pushing group is just as successful at dazzling jaded cocktail drinkers as they are at commanding the rapt attention of serious music aficionados in whisper-quiet recital environments. Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, Southern-Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, or simply “European Redneck Music with a Classical Influence,” as the band declares, you’re bound to enjoy the show! Tickets start at $27.50 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 34238

[SOON]  GALA: Big Top Gala , February 25, 6:00pm-11:00pm

Come one, come all and join the American Cancer Society at the Big Top Gala- Circus of Yesteryear at Feld Entertainment. This one-of-a-kind evening features live circus performances, exquisite dining, live band, dancing, a spectacular auction and much more. With your support, the American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

Feld Entertainment Studios, 800 Feld Way, Palmetto, Florida 34221

[SOON]  GALA: Annual Masquerade Ball , February 25, 6:00pm-11:00pm

Groove in the cool ’70s club scene and dress in your glam best for the Boys & Girls Club’s 6th Annual Masquerade Ball: Disco Fever Saturday Night Glam. Get ready to party during an unforgettable evening of dining, dancing, friends, and fun.

Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, FL 34293

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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