« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Mar 25, 2017

"As we continue to strengthen our community, everyone is welcome to participate, even if it is just sharing a thought. "

- Tom Barwin, Sarasota City Manager
 

[Under The Hood]  Same Old Story on Young Voters
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

In a “shock” finding I’ve found after so many election cycles the surprise is long gone, there were once again more voters older than age 90 participating in the Sarasota city elections than there were voters under 30. Best I can say about this election cycle is at least the two numbers were close, were a total 237 of these super senior voters turning out compared to 236 in the younger set. But considering the under-30 set included 6,167 eligible voters compared to the 1,047 in the over-90 crew, this seems cold comfort to those who want to see young professionals seize any level of ownership on the functions of City Hall.

While preparing for the next installment of Where The Votes Are, a precinct-by-precinct study of the March 14 city elections scheduled for Tuesday morning at SRQ’s Pineapple Avenue headquarters, the numbers show that despite significant efforts in the region to engage Millennials, the arena of local politics offers few signs of success. Perhaps an overload of Washington news makes it hard to turn one’s attention on City Hall. Or it could be the long-held conventional wisdom that young voters don’t care about the region’s future because they plan to move somewhere else soon, while those voters with fewer days in front of them at least plan to spend them all here.

But then this defies everything we get told ad nauseam about this new generation of voters. In a recent interview for SRQ Magazine, outgoing Leadership Florida president Wendy Walker noted Millennials today can choose where they want to live and find either a job in that are or a way to work from home; they don’t spend their lives chasing the next job the way most of their predecessors did. This is also supposed to be a generation more engaged in policy and public service. Multiple times this cycle, folks noted this election introduced voters to the first Millennial candidate running for city office in Sarasota, a young man named Mikael Sandstrom who ultimately garnered a mere 357 votes and a 7th-place finish in an eight-man field.

Then again, fuddy old Gen-Xers like myself didn’t participate in huge numbers. Less than 7 percent of 30-somethings and 10 percent of 40-somethings voted in the city election. In the media, we frequently hear complaints of how City Hall, even in this cultural metropolis, listens too closely to the whims of get-off-my-lawn retirees, but guess what? The voters between age 70 and 90 reliably show up at the polls.

And as I noted in a column before the election, the raw population numbers no longer naturally favor older voters. One thing we hear about Millennials that does bear out in registration numbers, this new generation of eligible voters is the largest in some time. City voters in their 20s now outnumber those in their 70s on the rolls, even if they get outnumbered 10-to-1 at the polls.

At a recent SB2 Rumble event held by SRQ Media at the Powel Crosley Estate, a debate squad argued that this region had failed young professionals. In their arguments, they used stats that show how low turnout has been in city elections for years as evidence pols neglected the issues young people cared most about. But I couldn’t help but see this as a cart-before-horse situation. Politicians by nature care most about the opinions of those who vote. Young people upset the city disregards their opinions on everything from noise restrictions to event planning to affordable housing would do far more good making their voice heard on Election Day than by staying home and complaining the morning after.

Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor at SRQ Media Group. He will lead the Where The Votes Are precinct-by-precinct analysis of the March city election returns on the Gulf Coast. The event will be held Tuesday at SRQ’s headquarters at 331 S. Pineapple Avenue. Doors open at 7:45am, presentation at 8am. 

[City Government]  Spring in Sarasota
Tom Barwin, Thomas.Barwin@sarasotagov.com

As winter fades and spring arrives, the storm winds emanating from our national political scene continue to swirl throughout the land. In our new reality of minute-by-minute, blow-by-blow, “breaking news” and Twitter updates, citizens can only wonder whether the tropical storm brewing in Washington, D.C. will dissipate or evolve to a full blown political hurricane.  

It is times like these that provide reminders of the often taken for granted stabilizing aspects of life. In a world of increasing uncertainty, the value of friends, family, civility and community may experience a renewal of appreciation. 

This spring, here at City Hall and in most of our amazing institutions in town, all hands remain focused on continuing to build and strengthen our community. Our Sarasota elected officials, their staff, employees, volunteers and the vast majority of our residents continue to believe that place still and always will matter. It’s good to have a great place to walk around and exhale after the TV news.  

Although 3D movies are fun and can also provide an escape, and virtual reality is coming, our geographical and physical places and spaces will always be where life is lived and where most of our human journey takes place.

Here in Sarasota, so many of our physical places feature the year around color of green trees, technicolor flowers and graceful birds, against the backdrop of blue sky, turquoise waters and interesting buildings. With so many areas of beauty in our coastal village, our physical spaces can often transfer us into the realm of joy, and even spirituality.

This spring citizens will begin to see many new place making enhancements, which have been designed to further enrich our quality of place. For example:  

  • A new Multi-Use Recreational Trail trail is now under construction to help better connect pedestrians and bicyclists from Bird Key to St. Armands Circle. 
  • New Boat dock installations and channel dredging are now underway to enhance the 10th Street Boat ramp to keep the Bay and Gulf open and accessible for boaters. This project will also incorporate new technology to help minimize storm water pollution from entering the bay as we strive to have more dolphins and manatees in our future.  
  • The Tony Saprito Fishing Pier is being inspected to make certain it is structurally sound as we plan improvements to enhance this wonderful asset for fishermen and all residents who enjoy being up front and personal with our gulf breezes. 
  • In North Sarasota, the first of Ringling College’s exciting new sound stage buildings should be ready for a ribbon cutting this spring at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Cocoanut Avenue. 
  • For those who live, work or love visiting downtown, a new, free downtown shuttle will begin operating very soon and is our latest experiment in how to move people around our growing downtown without increasing traffic or air pollution.
  • Supplementing these spring 2017 initiatives our talented new planning director Steve Cover will begin on April 12.
  • Momentum for connecting the remaining 8-mile gap of the Legacy Trail bicycle path from downtown Venice to downtown Sarasota continues to build.   
  • Throughout the spring the Sarasota Bay Planning Organization will continue its work on master planning our Bayfront for decades to come.    
  • By the end of spring we expect the Bobby Jones Golf Club master planning will be ready for consideration by the City Commission.   
  • Last, but not least, I am happy to report that it appears that the city, county, business community and philanthropic community are coming to a consensus on how to deal with the challenge of chronic homelessness. We will be working throughout the spring to organize ourselves to pursue a coordinated and systematic approach to dealing with this very difficult and complex challenge. 

As we continue to strengthen our community, everyone is welcome to participate, even if it is just sharing a thought.  

If you would like to have weekly updates on city initiatives, meetings, agendas, upcoming acts at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, or a link to share your thoughts, please consider signing up for our weekly newsletter delivered most Fridays at 3 pm. Sign up for “Briefs from Barwin” by emailing CityNews@sarasotafl.gov. 

So, when Washington or the news gets you down, I might suggest you take a walk around on solid ground, here in one of Florida’s and America’s awesome towns.    

Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s column. As always, your comments on this or any subject are welcome to thomas.barwin@sarasotaFL.gov

Tom Barwin is Sarasota City Manager. 

[The Detail]  Ecotourism or Insider Industry?
Cathy Antunes, cathycantunes@gmail.com

The fate of so-called “surplus” lands at Sarasota’s premier bird sanctuary—the Celery Fields—may be turning in a positive direction. Restaurant Depot recently withdrew an offer to purchase the public’s seven acres at the northwest corner of Palmer Boulevard and Apex Road.  The controversial land deal generated considerable public outrage; over 200 opponents attended Restaurant Depot’s County Commission hearing. The sale would have shrunk the footprint of the popular birding and recreation park, trading the public’s open space for an industrial entity, pollution and traffic. While Restaurant’s Depot’s exit is a positive development, the fight against the degradation of the Celery Fields continues. The Sarasota County Commission recently put a third parcel of land at the Celery Fields up for sale—a signal that our government continues to dodge a careful evaluation of the public value of these lands and their obligation to appropriately update the applicable planning policy (the CAP or Critical Area Plan). Perhaps the biggest threat to the Celery Fields is the sales contract and industrial proposal for the southwest corner of Apex and Palmer being proffered by County official James Gabbert.

Mr. Gabbert is an elected member of Sarasota County’s Charter review board and a prolific local GOP campaign and PAC donor. Gabbert Investment Group donations include $10,000 to the Eric Robinson-managed PAC “Making a Better Tomorrow.”  In addition, Mr. Gabbert’s firms have given over $17,000 to the campaigns of County Commissioners Paul Caraguilo, Alan Maio, Mike Moran and CharlesHines.  These activities certainly make him an insider when it comes to County politics.

That insider status may explain why Mr. Gabbert’s is the only bid the County received for the public’s 10 acres at the southwest corner of Apex and Palmer. Unlike Gabbert, the Audubon Society was not aware that these lands were put up for sale last spring. This land, like the northwest corner of Apex and Palmer, is included in the county maps of the Celery Fields footprint. According to Audubon Conservation Chair Rob Wright, removing any of the parcels from the Celery Fields lands shrinks the available foraging area for the abundant wildlife populating the park. Mr. Gabbert's proposal claims that the industrial waste recycling use (concrete and construction waste, not glass bottles and aluminum cans) is compatible with the surrounding area, an absurd claim. It ignores the reality of what the Celery Fields has become—a national and internationally recognized ecotourism destination.

To seriously consider putting an industrial waste facility at the Celery Fields, you have to ignore the value of ecotourism to our local economy. The County’s failure to update the Critical Area Plan governing development alongside the Celery Fields (it hasn’t been updated in 25 years) is evidence of a huge blind spot. When campaign donors are permitted to define what is good for business (their business), the rest of us are collectively poorer. Degrading ecotourism to benefit a donor is a bad move. Time for the County Commission to do the right thing.

Cathy Antunes serves on the board of Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Government.  

[Higher Education]  Launching the Future from Ringling College
Dr. Larry Thompson, lthompso@ringling.edu

We tell students when they’re still very young that the sky’s the limit. Well, I believe they can go even further when we encourage and support them in opening their minds and envisioning worlds beyond ours—when they’re encouraged to dream loud and dream big.

For many students, however, these dreams are hard to realize because of geographical, financial and other barriers. So how do we connect students with a unique potential and talent for out-of-this-world thinking with the resources they need to make it happen?

We at Ringling College ask ourselves this question all year round, and one answer is our biggest and most spirited fundraiser—An Evening at the Avant-Garde. This annual costume-themed event centers on a specific concept each year, and this year’s inspiration was “Light Years Ahead,” which could not be more fitting considering the accelerated pace of development and achievement at the College.

Not coincidentally, by the way, our graduation Commencement speaker for 2017 is none other than the astronaut, aquanaut and artist Nicole Stott. Nicole has made two spaceflights and spent over 100 days living and working in space on both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. She has actually seen the earth from space—an awesome perspective we want all our students to have—metaphorically speaking, if not literally!

This year’s Avant-Garde, held last Saturday, welcomed our friends, faculty, staff and donors to a galactic-themed fundraiser for student scholarships. And this year, thanks to our wonderful community, we raised a record amount of approximately $300,000. Attendees gathered on campus to participate in a silent auction, explore a miniature planetarium, and experience virtual realities with our Computer Animation and Game Art faculty. They were truly transported “to infinity and beyond.”

Yet the most moving and significant moment of the evening came when the student recipient of the Avant-Garde scholarship, Nahman L’rar (Illustration, ’18), told us his story—a story that underscored the very real challenges that many students face when pursing a dream beyond the stratosphere.

Abandoned in his youth here in the U.S., Nahman and his siblings spent most of their time and energy fighting for survival. After being sent back to Israel to live with family and friends, they worked hard to stay together, keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. As an act of gratitude for the government assistance given to them, Nahman served three years in the Israeli Army. During all of these trials and tribulations, he held on to his passion for art and drawing, never imagining he would one day have the opportunity to pursue his education and his dream of being an artist. And yet there he stood on campus last Saturday evening, sharing his story and receiving not just a scholarship, but a standing ovation for his bravery and brilliance.

Stories like Nahman’s highlight the extreme struggles many face when pursuing a degree in higher education. The support he received on his journey has empowered him to reach his fourth year of study at Ringling College.

I want to thank all of you who have been friends and donors to Ringling College for helping our students realize their highest aspirations. I also want to thank all of you who give to any institution of higher education, especially any here in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, in support of scholarships for students so that any student can reach for the stars and realize their dreams. You make a tremendous difference, not only to our institution of art and design but, more importantly, to the education of students who otherwise might find insurmountable obstacles on their starlit paths to success.

Dr. Larry R. Thompson is president of Ringling College of Art and Design. 



[KUDOS ]  Michael Saunders Recognized At Leading RE Conference

Michael Saunders & Company was recognized with multiple awards and honors at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Conference Week in Miami. The conference brings together the best names in real estate to focus on what drives success in today’s market by offering targeted programs, educational sessions and impactful networking opportunities. At the conference’s annual awards ceremony, CEO and Founder Michael Saunders was honored with a Hall of Fame Award, the top tier in leadership recognition, for instrumental contributions to the organization and its affiliates. In addition, Michael Saunders & Company won the Best Property Search Award and the Award of Excellence for Outgoing Referral Production. The company received additional nominations for its work during 2016, including nominations for Best Overall Website Award, Award of Excellence for Outgoing Sales Production, Award of Excellence for Equivalent Outgoing Sales Production, Diamond Award, Our World Community Engagement Award and Most Innovative Office Design Award. 

Michael Saunders & Company

[SCOOP]  Manatee Memorial Hospital Demystifies Colon Cancer

In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Manatee Memorial Hospital has teamed up with the American Cancer Society to provide a giant walk–through colon in the hospital’s main lobby on March 27- 31. The giant colon, provided by a grant from the American Cancer Society measures 10’ long, 12’ high and 12’ wide, weighing 125 pounds. A representative from the American Cancer Society and the hospital will take attendees on a personal tour to see what a normal colon tissue looks like compared to diseased tissue. Various stages of diseases will be shown including Crohn’s disease, polyp, a malignant polyp, colon cancer and advanced colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the US for men and women.  

Manatee Memorial Hospital

[KUDOS]  Goodwill's Fawley Scholarship Fund Celebrates 1st Graduate

In 2015, Goodwill Manasota launched the Rick and Coni Fawley Scholarship Fund, to help Goodwill team members who do not have their high school diploma earn their GED and was last year expanded to clients of Goodwill’s free career services program, Job Connection. Scot Eldridge recently became the first community member to successfully complete the program. Starting in December of 2016, Eldridge attended classes three times a week including math, language arts, social studies, and science. He plans to take vocational training at Manatee Technical College (MTC). Goodwill will continue to help Eldridge through its Community College 101 program, which is designed to prepare participants and provide them with the support needed to successfully complete a technical college job–training program.  

Goodwill Manasota

[SCOOP]  Sailor Circus Student Makes-A-Wish To Meet The Pope

Sailor Circus senior Silas Bichler’s wish came true by the Make-A-Wish Foundation when he and his family traveled to Rome, Italy to meet Pope Francis and take a tour of the Vatican. Silas, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth received a blessing from the Pope and was even given special permission to touch the tomb of Pope Saint John Paul II.  "We all felt incredibly blessed to be on this journey with Silas," said Tonia Bichler, Silas' mother. "Silas was ready to pack weeks in advance. All he had talked about for months was meeting Pope Francis." She went on to say even though the trip was short, it was one that will continue to inspire Silas and his family.  

Circus Arts Conservatory

[SCOOP]  Sarasota YMCA Names Laura Gilbert President and CEO

The Sarasota YMCA announced Laura Gilbert as their new President and Chief Executive Officer after serving as the interim President and CEO since October 2016. Gilbert will continue to guide the operations of the Y while strategically planning for future growth. As a 20–year employee of the Sarasota YMCA, Gilbert has served in many capacities including Director of Contracts and VP of Operations and Interim. Gilbert is the first woman to lead the organization in this role in its 71-year history.  

Sarasota YMCA

[SCOOP]  FST's Richard And Betty Burdick New Play Reading Series

Florida Studio Theatre announced its annual Richard and Betty Burdick New Play Reading Series, which will present three new staged readings by contemporary American playwrights. The series will take place in the Bowne’s Lab Theatre on April 30 with Louie, Louie, and La Dolce Vita by Frank Higgins, May 7 with Honor Killing by Sarah Bierstock and May 14 with Sofonisba by Callie Kimbal as part of FST’s Sarasota Festival of New Plays. Seeking to present the best new plays being written in America today, FST continues to grow their New Play Development Program each year. Readings are free to attend, but reservations are required.  

Florida Studio Theatre

[SCOOP]  Teen Prevention Facilitator Training

Selah Freedom is partnering with My Life My Choice to bring the nationally renowned My Life My Choice Curriculum training to Florida. This is a survivor-led, ten–session, girl–centered program was created to develop and strengthen efforts in halting the disturbing wave of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking in the United States. Created in 2002, the MLMC Curriculum is used in schools, group homes, juvenile justice facilities and community–based agencies. 

Selah Freedom

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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024