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SRQ DAILY Mar 27, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"They don't care about the records they are requesting, but about tripping up local government and filing a lawsuit."

- Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota
 

[Housing]  Single-Family Home Inventory Up

According to the Realtor Association of Sarasota Manatee, the combined inventory of single-family homes and condos in the Sarasota-Bradenton area reached 8,557 in February, the highest number since April of 2012. The number of single family homes for sale in Sarasota County is up by 15.1 percent from February of last year, and is up by 6.5 percent in Manatee County. Condo inventory also increased from last year with Sarasota County up by 24.3 percent, while Manatee County was up by 1.6 percent.

Inventory has been rising in each county for nearly twelve months, resulting in an increase of month’s supply and bringing the area even closer to the benchmark of a balanced market of 5.5 months. In Sarasota County, the month’s supply of condos reached 6.2, indicating a buyer’s market, while single family homes are at a 5.1-month supply. Manatee County is at a 4.9-month supply for condos and a 4.6-month supply for single family.

 

RASM

[Politics]  Steube Seeks Records Law Reform
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The bill limiting how often attorney’s fees will be covered by governments when mistakes are made with delivering public records now seems poised to be passed by the Florida Senate. State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, says if the bill becomes law, there will be less abuse of records law by profiteering attorneys, but some local transparency advocates say the legislation seeks to disincentivize watchdogs demanding government officials follow the law. 

Steube, who sponsored the public records reform (SB80), says local governments around the state have been increasingly plagued by attorneys aiming at reimbursement rather than public information. “Law firms have been set up that just intentionally set up governments for violations,” Steube says. “They don’t care about the records they are requesting, but about tripping up local government and filing a lawsuit.” State law for years has called on governments found to be in violation to cover attorney’s fees, but Steube says that led to frivolous suits.

Notably, Lakeland in 2014 settled a case for $160,000 after activist Joel Chandler alleged the city had miscalculated charges to meet a records request made of the Lakeland Police Department.

But Michael Barfield, who has worked for Sarasota-based Citizens for Sunshine on records and Sunshine violation cases, says this legislation could hurt many citizens making responsible records requests. “It stinks,” he says. “It’s bad for transparency and bad for citizens being informed by the democratic process.” Specifically, he says media outlets could see delays in having reasonable records requests met by law enforcement and local governments. He suggests judges already have plenty of discretion in dismissing truly frivolous lawsuits. He also says Citizens for Sunshine only files suits when governments are truly in the wrong and mishandling requests from citizens. “The courts and the Florida Bar have appropriately dealt with cases where abuse has been proven,” Barfield says. 

Steube would not finger Citizens for Sunshine or any local group as responsible for frivolous suits, but says his office has worked closely with media advocates to ensure the law only targets abuse. His staff notes that while the bill narrowly passed its first committee, Government Oversight and Accountability, with a 4-3 vote, the bill has been amended to focus more narrowly on frivolous suits since then. After picking up the endorsement of groups like the Florida Press Club and First Amendment Foundation, the bill passed out of the Judiciary committee, which Steube chairs, with an 8-0 vote. The biggest change is allowing a judge discretion in whether a government must pay attorney’s fees.

The bill now awaits a third reading and final vote on the Senate floor. 

[Exec Moves]  CAN Promotes Denny to Director of Marketing and Comm

Community AIDS Network (CAN) has promoted Lori Denny to the position of director of marketing and communications for the organization. A Florida resident since 1981, Denny is an experienced marketing professional and former business owner. With many years in the small business for-profit world, Denny joined CAN to dedicate her efforts for the direct benefit of people in need. CAN is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the treatment, care and continual wellness of people living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other STDs. CAN clinics offers medical, dental, psychological and lifestyle counseling to all patients, regardless of their financial, insurance status or ability to pay. 

Community AIDS Network

[Synergy]  Sarasota County Seeks Community Input on Proposed UDC

Sarasota County is seeking the public's input as it creates a Unified Development Code (UDC) that updates and brings together the land development and zoning regulations, which control the development of all properties in unincorporated Sarasota County. The project started in March 2017 and will last approximately 18 months, with the county working with the consultant Calvin, Giordano & Associates. During the initial research/discovery phase of the process, the county would like to know what items or issues citizens feel should be addressed, and residents may attend any or all of the following public meetings to learn more and provide comments: April 6: Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Commission Chamber, Sarasota; April 10: Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Commission Chamber, Sarasota; April 19: Development Service Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Conference Room 2, Sarasota. 

Sarasota County

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Promotes Eight

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight has announced the promotion of eight Sarasota County Sheriff's Office members. Lieutenant Joe Giasone has been promoted to the rank of Captain assigned to the Court Services Bureau, and Sergeant Debra Kiner to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to the Law Enforcement Division. Sergeant Jeffrey Vajdik has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to the Courts and Corrections Division. Detective Mark Lefebvre has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Patrol Bureau, and Deputy Tara Shea to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Courts and Corrections Division. Emergency Operations Supervisor Kristen Fitzpatrick has been promoted to the rank of Manager assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau, and Communications Operator I Linde Bryington to the rank of Supervisor assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau. Animal Care Technician Crystal Davis is promoted to the rank of Animal Services Supervisor assigned to the Special Operations Bureau. 

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office



[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]  PERFORMANCE: Momix Opus Cactus , March 28, 8:00pm

Internationally celebrated for presenting work of superior inventiveness and physical beauty for over 35 years, Momix combines athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, props and pure talent. Under the direction of Moses Pendleton, the breathtaking dance company returns to the Van Wezel with Opus Cactus. Back and better than ever after a ten-year break, Opus Cactus brings the American Southwest to life with dynamic images of cactuses, slithering lizards and fire dancers.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons, Ojibwe/First Nations: Wellness, Wisdom and, Updates from Sabal Trail and Standing Rock , March 28, 6pm

Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons travels the globe with The Indigenous Grandmothers of the Sacred, presenting on issues including foster care of indigenous children, supporting women in recovery from addiction, and combating fetal alcohol syndrome in Native American communities. Tickets are $10-20, Sliding Scale Potluck at 6pm, Program at 7pm. www.fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Where the Votes Are , March 28, 7:30-9:00am

Join Senior Editor Jacob Ogles for a precinct-by-precinct analysis of the March 14, 2017 Municipal Election featuring highlights and key findings.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Center for Architecture Atelier Talk , March 29, 5:30-7:30pm

Halflants + Pichette is an award winning modern architecture studio founded in 2006 with offices in Sarasota and Tampa. The firm’s goal is to create thoughtful, high quality modern designs that respond to context and function. Halflants + Pichette provides a range of services that include architectural design, interior design, master planning, and full construction services. Refreshments and drinks will be served. Members are free and non-members are $10. For more information please visit www.cfasrq.org for more information. All sales are final. 

Halflants + Pichette , 1383 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Blood Brothers , March 30 – April 23

By Willy Russell

In this dramatic musical, twin brothers are separated at birth, with one raised in wealth and other in poverty. They grow to be friends and then bitter enemies without ever knowing their blood connection. There will no performance on April 16 (Easter Sunday) show times Tuesday-Saturday 8pm and Sunday 2pm.For More Information and to Purchase Tickets please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/blood-brothers/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2: GOOD CULTURE Burgeoning Arts , March 30, 7:00am-9:00am

Join SRQ Magazine for another dynamic SB2: Breakfast Symposium on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 7:30 am-9:00 am at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Keynote Nathan Schwagler, Co-Director of the Dali Museum, will give us insight on arts organizations creating energetic spaces for creativitySpecial guest panelists include: Steven High, Executive Director, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Jeff Rodgers, Director of Education, South Florida Museum; Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director, Sarasota Museum of Art; Tom Barwin, City Manager, City of Sarasota and Board Member of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization. Tickets are $35/per person and includes a mouth-watering breakfast spread provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Silver Foxes , March 30 – April 2

The Silver Foxes are a troupe of professionally directed, volunteer performers who are celebrating 25 years of quality entertainment. Their annual MainStage production evokes Carol Burnett-style variety shows with singing, dancing, and hilarious sketch comedy. Tickets are $29. Show times March 30-April 1- 7pm, April 1- 2pm, April 2- 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/the-25th-annual-silver-fox-show/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz at two - Patrica Dean Trio , March 31, 2pm

Patricia Dean - on drums and vocals. As a drummer, she is an inspiring and supremely tasteful timekeeper, accompanist and soloist. As a jazz vocalist, she is swinging, sensitive and wonderfully musical. For more information please visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Bo-Nita , March 31 – April 30, Wed-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm


You could say that life gets a little weird for precocious 13-year-old Bo-Nita when she winds up with a dead ex-stepfather on her bedroom floor. With humor, pathos and a dash of Midwestern magical realism, this wild one-woman, seven-character adventure follows a mother and daughter’s elaborate plan to try to hold their dysfunctional family together. Tickets range from $5-$28.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Film Festival , March 31 – April 9

Held annually, the Sarasota Film Festival presents cinema alongside exciting programs and events, with more than 180 films screened each year including features, documentaries, shorts and kid–friendly picks. Entering its 19th year, the film festival is proud to bring the best new and veteran independent filmmakers to this week long festival with local and kid–friendly programs that showcase the Gulf Coast community. 

Sarasota Film Festival, 332 Cocoanut A. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FOOD: Wine Walk to Ca' d'Zan , March 31, 6pm

Enjoy fare by Sarasota's top caterers while sipping on a variety of wines provided by Total Wine & More. Each tasting station will be theatrically decorated in the spirit of this year’s theme, red or white. Learn about wines while you enjoy the splendor of the Ringling grounds and gardens on this self-guided wine tasting tour along the drive to John and Mable Ringling’s historic mansion. Tickets for this event are $135/person. To purchase tickets and for more information please visit https://www.ringling.org/events/wine-walk-ca-dzan

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

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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