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SRQ DAILY Mar 28, 2017

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"The bottom line is, the party supports the Democratic candidates."

- JoAnne DeVries, Sarasota Democratic Party
 

[Politics]  Where The Votes Are: Voter Loyalties Put To Test
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

When do voters cast ballots, and who do they cast their support toward when their favorite pol gets eliminated from a runoff? Those questions will be discussed at a precinct-by-precinct analysis this morning at SRQ Media Group’s Sarasota headquarters.

Continuing a trend in recent years, more voters cast ballots well before polls opened on March 14 for municipal elections in Sarasota, North Port and Longboat Key. Indeed, in North Port, more than half the votes cast in the special election were absentee ballots—2,176 of them—sent by mail, compared to 903 ballots cast at early voting and just 911 cast on the day of the election. In Sarasota and Longboat Key, voting at the polls remained the favored method of voting by a plurality of voters, but most still had made final selections before polls opened. In Sarasota, a combined 6,875 votes were cast before the election, compared to under 6,000 on the day of, and on the Key, nearly 2,400 votes were cast by mail or at Early Voting at City Hall, compared to under 1,300 who voted the day polls opened. 

But the most intriguing study at the Where The Votes Are workshop could involve the split loyalties of Sarasota city voters. The runoff for the Sarasota City Commission election, where voters are allowed to vote for two candidates to fill two seats, could be determined by how much support remaining candidates get from supporters of those opponents eliminated in March. Top vote-getter Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, for example, saw tremendous overlap between her support and that of eliminated incumbent Susan Chapman. Of the 2,719 who voted for Ahearn-Koch, 844 also backed Chapman, the greatest overlap in support between any of the eight candidates running in March. Likewise, a significant number of supporters of former Mayor Fredd Atkins also backed Ahearn-Koch. But what can’t be discerned is whether Ahearn-Koch was the first or second choice of voters, making it difficult to figure the intensity of her support.

Hagen Brody, the second-highest performer in the March election, saw the greatest overlap with supporters of Martin Hyde, the third-highest vote-getter and the last of the three candidates to make the runoff. Both Hyde and Martin can probably rely on supporters of the two of them to vote again, but the two remain in a three-person race for two seats. That makes support for opponents a risky base to rely upon. 

Complete breakdowns of cross-over supporter will be discussed at Where The Votes Are. Doors open at 7:45am, with a presentation beginning at 8am. 

[Politics]  Democrats at Odds Over Sarasota Contest
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Whether the Democratic Party should be involved in a Sarasota City Commission contest once again has seeded dissent within the organization’s ranks. But this time, it’s opponents of a slow-growth agenda angry at the party backing a candidate. 

Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, the top vote-getter in the Sarasota municipal election on March 14, is one of three candidates still seeking one of two seats on the Sarasota City Commission. She’s also the candidate still in the contest most closely associated with STOP!, an organization focused on reforming the administrative approval process at City Hall and requiring more projects go to public hearings. Now, her opponents accuse her of misleading the public about how much input citizens have in setting development rules. 

Ken Shelin, a former Sarasota City Commissioner who debated Ahearn-Koch at a Better Government Association about approval processes, says STOP! has been misleading voters about the process, and wrote in an email to Democratic leadership that said of Ahearn-Koch, “the woman is fearless about lying.” “Jennifer doesn’t really understand government, and she is proposing to sit at the commission table and legislate,” Shelin told SRQ. “That’s why I’m upset at Democrats.”

Ahearn-Koch took umbrage with Shelin’s assessment and his willingness to complain to party leaders before bringing his accusations to her directly. “Shouldn’t I be a part of this conversation? I’m shocked by the statement,” she says. Ahearn-Koch sat on the planning board for the city and says she understands the approval process. Her push for a more public process has some leaders frightened, she says. “I’m wondering why they are so afraid of raising this discussion.”

As for party leadership, Sarasota Democratic Party Chair JoAnne DeVries says individuals who choose to support Ahearn-Koch will do so. “The bottom line is, the party supports the Democratic candidates,” she says. Hagen Brody, another Democrat, is also running for the seats. DeVries stressed the party will not be taking a major role in this or any city election. But many leaders of the party also have backed Ahearn-Koch. As for the candidate herself, Ahearn-Koch says party involvement in support of her candidacy has been very light. Brody could not be reached for comment.

Patrick Gannon, who was running for the seat before being eliminated in the March election, stated in an email to the party that he was “distressed” at the party backing Ahearn-Koch, and wrote some Democrats would “consider voting for a non-Democrat candidate in this runoff election.” Martin Hyde, a Republican running for the seat, says he remains unconcerned about party activity, and while he hopes Republican leaders can successfully encourage some people to vote for him, he doubts party involvement will be what decides the race. But he did say Gannon made strong points arguing against Ahearn-Koch’s position on administrative review. “He’s got a point,” Hyde says. “The whole STOP! principle is disinformation.”

Two years ago, Democrats controversially backed Democrat Liz Alpert over Republican and neighborhood leader Eileen Normile. Now, Normile is one of the leaders of STOP!. Gabriel Hament, who managed Alpert’s campaign, now wants the party to back off of Ahearn-Koch. “What I’m trying to do is protect the party from Trojan Horse candidates who are registered Democrats but don’t hold progressive principles,” he says. What Hament would like, he says, is for the party to better vet candidates. 

[Tuesday Tech Talk]  Who's Tracking You?
Pedro Perez, pedro@nuevoadvertising.com

Living in a connected world sucks sometimes. By browsing the Internet, we are exposed to thousands of the unseen and unknown tracking technologies connecting you and your browser data to companies across the globe. What do they do this for? Well, they can customize how they target you with ads and communications, they can analyze your browsing behavior and they can integrate their own third-party web browser technology. These trackers generally slow down page load times as they transmit and download data, increase clutter on websites with ads and pop-ups and often put your information at risk as they share your browsing behavior with other companies.

This is happening hundreds of times a week and thousands of times a month on all your devices. There are many third-party companies that will allow you to block most tracking software. Take a moment if you haven’t done that yet and do a little tiny bit of research. In the long run it will pay off. 

Nuevo Advertising

[Daily Shop]  Pretty in Pineapple
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Flamingos, rainbow pops, cacti, oh my! Hammitt's little tote goes a long way, with a splash of springy motifs such as prickly pineapples and neon sunnies. Pack this genuine-leather bag with all the warm-weather essentials: a coral-tinged lipstick, a roll-on beachy perfume and, of course, your own pair of summer-ready sunglasses. Bring the sands of Venice Beach to Siesta with this sweet and spunky mini bag created in Los Angeles.  

Photo courtesy of L. Boutique.

L. Boutique, 556 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-906-1350.

[Synergy]  Penny Hill Group Joins Fidelity Bank

The Penny Hill Group has joined Fidelity Bank’s retail mortgage division. The group, comprised of Senior Mortgage Specialist Penny Hill, Area Manager Scott Kolbe and Mortgage Specialist Paul Eidel, will focus its energies on servicing the Gulf Coast of Florida. Hill and Kolbe have been partners in the mortgage business for 21 years, previously working as a premier team at EverBank, as Private Mortgage Bankers with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and 10 years with Chase Home Mortgage where they achieved number one volume producer nationwide. Hill has served on the Board of Directors at Roskamp Institute and a member of the Sarasota/Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR). The group supports many local nonprofits and charities including SMH, SCF, CAN, Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens, Conservation Fund, Tidewell Hospice, Girls Inc., Planned Parenthood, Florida Studio Theater and HSSC. Fidelity Bank was founded in 1974 and has grown to become the largest community bank in Metro Atlanta with lending capability throughout the United States. Fidelity Bank is increasing their banking and mortgage footprint in Florida. The Penny Hill Group will play a major role in Fidelity’s growth plan. 

Fidelity Bank

[Synergy]  Bailey Speaks at Urban Land Institute Tour

Williams Parker shareholder Charlie Bailey participated as a speaker at the Urban Land Institute of Tampa Bay’s “Sarasota Hot Projects Tour” this past March 21. The event featured an insider’s tour of Sarasota’s downtown development projects, including the former site of the Sarasota Quay, which is being redeveloped by GreenPointe Holdings. Bailey, who represents GreenPointe, and Rick Harcrow, regional president of GreenPointe, discussed plans for the 14.7-acre property, which include the construction of 695 residential units, 175 hotel rooms, 38,972 square feet of office space and 189,050 square feet of commercial space. The tour also included stops at The Westin Hotel, VUE Sarasota Bay condominiums and The Mark sales center as well as an update on the Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 project. A land use attorney with Williams Parker, Bailey counsels developers and landowners on a variety of land use matters, including developments of regional impact, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, special exceptions, conditional use approvals, site plan approvals, variances and development agreements addressing concurrency issues. In Sarasota, he handled the development of Whole Foods at University and Honore; represents national and local homebuilders, such as Taylor Morrison, Pulte/DiVosta Homes, DR Horton, Kolter Homes, WCI, Tivoli Homes, and John Cannon Homes, and multi-family community developer A.G. Spanos Companies; and has handled zoning and other permitting for projects like West Villages, Sarasota National, Palmer Ranch, the LT Ranch, and the Forest Lakes and Sunrise golf courses redevelopments. 

Williams Parker



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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]  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: 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: 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: 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]  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

[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]  MUSIC: Music and Paws in the Park: Seranation , March 31, 6-8pm

Benefitting Royal Pet Rescue Seranation is a six-piece, reggae-rock/pop band from St. Petersburg, FL. With band members hailing from different musical backgrounds, Seranation has a unique blend that they have labeled "Tropical-Rock". Seranation constantly delivers catchy lyrics, tasteful guitar hooks, and up beat tempos. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

[SOON]  GALA: Firefly Gala , April 1, 6:00-11:00pm

The 7th annual Firefly Gala, presented by The Dart Foundation features an intimate concert by Flo Rida at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club. Benefitting Forty Carrots Family Center, this award-winning gala includes cocktails, a gourmet dinner and a full-scale performance, all to help strengthen families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34202

[SOON]  MUSIC: Diego Figuieredo with O Som Do Jazz , April 1

Acclaimed by the critics as the newest discovery in the guitar world, Figueiredo has made a massive impression in the contemporary jazz world. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, O Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing Brazilian jazz, Bossa Nova, samba, samba, Balanço and MPB.  O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of 1960s Brazilian music. www.fogartyville.org

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Closing Night Celebration, Remember Warhol: 30 Years Ago , April 1, 5:30-8:00pm

Come celebrate Andy Warhol with fans and art lovers. Some 80’s music and a disco ball will be in the back of the Alfstand & Contemporary gallery along with food and beverages. Renowned photographer Christophe von Hohnenberg will be signing copies of his award-winning book. This is the last chance to view the critically acclaimed Remembering Warhol: Thirty Years Ago exhibition before showing at ART New York, May 3-7. For more information please visit www.alfstandand.com

Alfstad & Contemporary , 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ring Sarasota , April 1, 8pm

Florida’s premier bell ensemble explores rhythm from a new, light-hearted, and daring rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and classic Glenn Miller in “Moonlight Serenade” to the West Indian Island Calypso beat of “Yellow Bird.” Feel the pulse of Abba’s disco classic “Dancing Queen” and the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” You’ll marvel at Ring Sarasota’s crisp and precise technique illuminating the pizzicato stylings of Leroy Anderson to the smooth jazz texture of Errol Garner’s “Misty” and more! It’s more entertaining than you can imagine! Tickets start at $20. 

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Brazilian Sensation Diego Figueiredo Performs with O Som Do Jazz , April 1, 8pm

WSLR presents a fabulous fusion of jazz, classical guitar, and bossa nova with acclaimed Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo accompanied by Tampa-bay based O Som Do Jazz, heralded as “the best Brazilian band in Florida.” Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 at the door. Advance tickets are available at www.wslr.org.

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