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SRQ DAILY Mar 13, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"Whether this is the exact proposal or if it needs tweaks, I believe in my heart that Longboat Key needs the Colony."

- Virginia Haley, Visit Sarasota County
 

[Development]  Colony Fate Drives Election Interest
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A plan to redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort site on Longboat Key has inspired huge political interest on the barrier island. Alongside elections for two seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission, voters on Tuesday will decide on a ballot question about a proposal from Unicorp National Developments that could mean the construction of a new hotel and luxury condo project at the former hospitality destination. But since the plan would also call for higher density than ever existed on that land in the past, much less what Longboat Key town code would allow today, voters may send everything back to the drawing board. 

The Colony introduced many a Longboat Key resident to the island in the first place. “The Colony had an uncanny ability to attract new people to the area,” recalls Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, “and we miss that to this day.”

Certainly, public interest in the site has led to historic political participation. By the time early voting closed on Saturday, 38.8 percent of registered voters in the Sarasota County portion of Longboat Key had voted early or absentee (Manatee County did not publish results this weekend). By comparison, a town election in March 2015 drew out 30.61 percent of voters. This is before polls even open on Tuesday, and Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections says the Colony plan is the likely reason for the high interest.

A website from Unicorp, which includes artist renderings and scenic videos of the prospective project, showcases the potential final results. If the referendum were approved, it would increase density on the property to add 180 residention units, creating a density of 24.11 unites per acre or 417 total units. Unicorp has announced plans to develop 18 luxury residences, 180 hotel rooms, a 20,000-square-foot spa, a resort restaurant and amenities including a ballroom, tennis club, lazy river and multiple pools. The plans also call for including such beloved sites as the historic hotel's Monkey Bar from the historic hotel, which closed in 2010.

The plan, though, raised raised concerns among many islands because of a significant increase in density. Peter Rowan, the registered agent for the Preserve Longboat political action committee, notes that the old Colony project had 237 units on property compared to the 417 in the current plan. Rowan says for a new project not grandfathered in before the 1984 code, only 103 properties would be allowed on property. To stick to The Colony’s original density might not draw ire, but the expansion seems excessive. “I don’t think residents here want Miami Beach-kinds of hotels and condos lining Gulf of Mexico Drive,” he says.

Unicorp representatives have told town officials they need not develop at the maximum allowable density proposed in the referendum, and could scale back on hotel rooms and building heights to allay neighbor concerns. Tourism officials now await the results, knowing it’s residents who will ultimately get the final say. “You have to live on Longboat to understand Longboat,” says Haley. “Whether this is the exact proposal or if it needs tweaks, I believe in my heart that Longboat Key needs the Colony. Any barrier island destination needs to continually reintroduce itself so new people fall in love.” 

Polls will be open Tuesday on Longboat Key from 7am to 7pm. Commission elections will be held in Sarasota and North Port the same day. 

Graphic provided by Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections

[Exec Moves]  Ellis Named to AHS Board of Directors

Icard Merrill attorney Bradley J. Ellis has been named to a two-year term as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Hiking Society (AHS), a non-profit which serves as the nation’s leading voice on policy issues and legislation to ensure funding for trails, preservation of natural areas and protection of the hiking experience. Ellis is a member (non-equity partner) attorney of the firm, and concentrates his practice in the areas of land use and zoning, construction, local government and governmental liability (inclusive of litigation and appeals). Ellis is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of its Order of the Arrow national honor society in which he serves among the top leadership of the Arrowmen Conservation School, which both trains Scouts to conduct conservation projects and also conducts large-scale conservation projects throughout the nation. It was this association with the BSA/OA and his extensive experience in trail-building conservation projects that prompted AHS to invite Ellis to join their volunteer board. 

Icard Merrill

[Synergy]  RASM Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee presented a $5,000 sponsorship to Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. With this sponsorship, the Association will play an important monetary and volunteer-based role in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity Sarasota home at Sterling Lane. This home represents the fifth Team Build house that RASM has partnered with. Since 1984, Habitat Sarasota has provided safe, affordable homes to low-income working families. The organization builds new homes and renovates purchased properties with an emphasis on energy efficient features using building materials and techniques for sustainability, culminating in lower monthly expenses for homeowners. Each year, the RASM Community Outreach Committee selects community projects to partner with as part of the RASM Gives Back program. Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is a 2017 project, along with The Blessing Bags Project, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Children’s Healthy Pantry, Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T), Heroes Welcome Home, Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, The Tiny Hands Foundation, Sarasota YMCA and Special Olympics Bradenton. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

[Synergy]  Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant From SunTrust

The SunTrust Foundation recently awarded Embracing Our Differences a $10,000 grant to help fund its educational outreach programs. A key component of its ongoing educational initiatives, Embracing Our Differences' annual teacher workshops and retreats provide area educators with skills, strategies and resources to provide curricula and lesson plans relating to art appreciation, character building and diversity education. Presented in partnership with regional school districts and nationally recognized educators, these programs positively impact the lives of thousands of area teachers and students every year. Embracing Our Differences is a not-for-profit organization that uses the transformational power of art and education to celebrate and promote the diversity of the human family. It accomplishes this through an annual, large-scale outdoor juried art exhibition and a comprehensive series of educational initiatives, programs and resources designed for teachers and students. 

Embracing Our Differences



[TODAY]  THEATER: God of Carnage , March 8 – March 19

A playground altercation between 11-year-old boys bring together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. Directed by Elliott Raines, tickets are $18. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Trail

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Stolen Legacy: Theft and the Quest for Justice , March 14, 7pm

How can we seek justice for Holocaust victims whose property was taken and lives were torn apart? In her new book, former BBC investigative journalist Dina Gold describes the Nazi seizure of her family’s stately six-story building and her extensive battle to reclaim it and rebuild their legacy. Join Gold and other guest speakers to learn about the ongoing challenges of restitution and the Museum’s resources that individuals like Gold have used to research the fate of family members and that others have used to build legal cases, including the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database and the International Tracing Service archive. Register online or contact Museum Southeast@ushmm.org https://www.ushmm.org/online/calendar/eventDetails.php?event=SETLLSARASOTA0317

Temple Beth Sholom

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: New Stages , March 16 – March 19

With the Historic Asolo Theater under renovation Ringling’s New Stages is a work of art that promises to transform your role as a spectator into an active participant through alternate venues. Join Ringling on March 16-19 for Experiment #42.000 by the Institute for Psychogeographic Adventure. By yourself or in the company of a friend, you will be led through a series of performance encounters ranging from the intimate to the spectator. Each, an elaborate experiment that will uncover the psychogeographic qualities of The Ringling galleries and gardens. 

The Ringling , 5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: Double Trouble: Anne Feeney & Erick Schwartz , March 17, 8pm

Anne Freeney dubbed the "minister of culture" to the movements for economic, social justice and human rights; her critically acclaimed recordings are widely available. Her anthem "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" is being performed by activists everywhere, including Peter, Paul and Mary. Award-winning singer/songwriter, performer, satirist multi-instrumentalist and entertainer Eric Schwartz (aka Eric “Red” Schwartz) has been playing music and comedy venues nationally for fifteen years. Eric’s songs go from the political to the profane, sometimes both. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. www.fogartyville.org

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

[SOON]  GALA: Gala Weekend of Light Chasers Art Shows , March 17, 5-8pm

To restore the Keith Mansion, be sure to wear and bring some green, as donations for the mansion restoration project will be greatly accepted. A percentage of all proceeds from the Light Chasers Art Show sales will be going towards restoration funds. Come mingle with artists from throughout the week as you enjoy refreshments, music and, the gorgeous ambience of the Keith Mansion. Do not miss your opportunity to view wonderful landscapes, rending the Paint Sarasota Paint Out March 18th and 19th.

Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz at Two - The Jerry Eckert Trio , March 17, 2pm

Jerry Eckert and Rich Mac Donald on drums with Bruce Wallace on Bass. For more information please visit www.jazzclubofsarasota/calendar-of-events

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: An Evening at the Avant-Garde , March 18, 6:30pm

Fire up your rocket and join the Ringling College of Art and Design for the cosmic annual scholarship fundraiser, An Evening at the Avant Garde that benefits Ringling College students, the brightest stars in the galaxy. Rescue Will Robinson from ever-present danger. Show Darth Vader he’s not your father. Zoom around the Skypad with Jane Jetson. Fly beyond infinity as Buzz Lightyear. Whether you love imagining interplanetary adventures or prefer gazing through a telescope from Earth, your space–themed costume is sure to electrify the crowd at Avant–Garde. 

Ringling College Campus, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: La Vie en Rose: Parisian Society Cafe Music , March 19, 3pm

New York-based French singer Violette and the seven-piece La Vie en Rose Band are a delightful marriage of French chanson and Golden Age swing, performing a repertoire of timeless American standards and French jazz, with a special tribute to Edith Piaf. Tickets and more info at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

Venice Preforming Arts Center, 1 Indian Way, Venice

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Mental Illness: Roads to Recovery , March 19, 10:30am-12:30pm

Dr. Matthew Edlund will lead the discussion on recovery by talking about physical, social, spiritual and mental health balance. Dr. Edlund is a Board certified physician in both psychiatry and sleep disorder. He is a published author and contributing writer for Psychology Today, Huffington Post and MSNBC news. The panelists will share their experiences as an individual living with mental illness and a family member who will share perspectives on recovery. Diane A. McKay, Psy.D. and Director of Behavioral Health at LECOM will moderate the panel. Reservations are recommended by March 12 by calling 941-376-9261 or email at namisrq@gmail.com. Donations will be gratefully accepted. A light buffet breakfast is included.

Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Kingston Trio , March 19 – March 21, 8pm

The Kingston Trio always provides a wonderful trip through a musical genre that is adored by millions. You’ll be sure to enjoy their beautiful harmonies, simple-yet-meaningful songs, and top-notch musicianship. Tickets are $54. For more information please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/the-kingston-trio/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa 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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