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SRQ DAILY Apr 18, 2017

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"No funding was lost, no monies were lost."

- Mayor Willie Shaw, Sarasota
 

[Government]  Chapman Questions Nadalini Over Audit Error
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

An error in a pension report rose to a criticism of Sarasota charter official from an outgoing commissioner Monday night. Commissioner Susan Chapman says the problems highlight continued problems with a hostile work environment under City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini.

Chapman drew attention to a $30-million bookkeeping oversight in audits of the city’s pension plans. While noting that the problem was in record-keeping—the error does not cost the city anything and the $30 million remains in place—she says the matter incites a lack of confidence in city government. “What is the potential negative impact of this technical weakness?,” Chapman said at a Monday meeting. “How is this related to high turnover in pension administration? How does it relate to repeated complaints about a hostile work environment?”

Nadalini says the mistake has been corrected and measures have been put in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. She fervently denied any accusations of hostility in her offices. “Nobody in my office has been treated in an illegal or harassing or hostile manner or in a discriminatory manner,” she said Monday. “All I expect of employees in the City Auditor and Clerk’s office is for them to work hard and be assured if in fact there are problems or concerns, they bring them to my attention.”

The pension employee responsible for the audit is on leave right now, Nadalini says.

The problem marked the most recent point of tension between Nadalini and Chapman. The commissioner more than two years ago ago pushed for the city’s information technology department to be moved out from Nadalini’s control and under City Manager Tom Barwin. That department a few years prior had been moved under Nadalini’s auspices during an investigation into IT practices under former city manager Bob Bartolotta.

Responses to the audit varied among commissioners. Mayor Willie Shaw stressed that the bookkeeping error seemed to have little long-term consequence. “No funding was lost, no monies were lost,” he says, suggesting the problem was not systemic or at an executive level but with an individual working in the office. But Commissioner Suzanne Atwell said she worried about morale and turnover within the office.

Chapman recently lost a bid for re-election and will leave the commission in May, but says she’d like questions answered. “Even though I'm the lamest of lame ducks, I still have a fiduciary responsibility,” she says. 

[Clever Rose]  Aspen Accents
Kendall Sompolski

Clever Rose introduces Taylor & Tessier to Sarasota—a jewelry line inspired by nature’s beauty and the colorful landscapes and textures that make Colorado the perfect vision behind these artful designs. Each piece is carefully handmade in Aspen and formed through a combination of hide and exotic leathers, wire wrapping, coral, precious metal and semi-precious gemstones and crystals for a look that is modern and organic, not to mention complementary to the fashion styles found in Clever Rose Boutique. Sarasotans may prefer the sand on Siesta Key to snow on mountains, but we sure do appreciate jewelry inspired by it.  

Photo courtesy of Clever Rose

Clever Rose, 533 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-321-4628.

[Daily Shop]  Tiny Tai
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Elegant and delicate jewelry has recently overshadowed gaudy gems dripping from fingers and lobes, with brands such as Brooklyn-based Catbird propping up the more refined options. Jewelry designer Tai is cut from the same cloth, her tiny gold and silver creations the epitome of understated style. Her earrings stand out with designs incorporating itty-bitty diamonds and stones—showcasing everything from five-fingered hamsas to geometric shapes, each earring can be mixed and matched with others from the collection or worn alone in a second or third piercing. Head to INfluence Style to start your collection.  

Photo courtesy of INfluence.

INfluence Style, 474 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-343-2315.

[Synergy]  Walker Participates In Financial Literacy Day

Williams Parker attorney Kimberly Page Walker recently participated as a speaker at Cumberland Advisors’ and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s Financial Literacy Day. Walker spoke on a panel focused on women’s financial issues, including risks, opportunities and ways that women can protect themselves financially. Walker is a board-certified expert in labor and employment law and chair of Williams Parker’s labor and employment practice. She represents employers, including private, public, for profit and not-for-profit entities, in employee-related litigation and provides practical, effective risk management advice. 

Williams Parker

[Recognition]  Neal Communities Reports Strong First Quarter

The season for growth kicked off with solid sales at Neal Communities, one of southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilders, with 96 home sales in March and 306 total sales for its first quarter. Last month, Trulia reported that national housing inventory hit its lowest level on record in the first three months of the year – down 5.1 percent from this time last year. Forty-four of the builder’s 96 home sales last month were move-in ready inventory homes. Overall, 45 percent of total sales in 2016 were inventory homes. Grand Palm, the builder’s master-planned community in Venice, Fla. continued its leading sales position for the builder with 16 new homes sales in March. Another popular community for the builder is the 1,000-acre gated community of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood. With five new models unveiled last month, Boca Royale welcomed seven new home buyers. The Estuary, Neal Communities’ newest neighborhood in West Bradenton, began offering presales to its VIP list last month, which resulted in eight new home sales, and will officially open with a new model in May. Neal South, the company’s division covering Lee and Collier Counties, experienced a noticeable uptick in March with 31 sales, a more than 50 percent increase for the region compared to February. In 2016, Neal Communities broke all of the company’s previous sales records, ending the year with 1,109 sales and 1,129 closings totaling over $430 million in communities from Hillsborough to Collier counties, representing a 13 percent increase in closings compared to 2015. 

Neal Communities



[SMARTgirl]  Thank You SMARTgirl Class of 2017!

Last Friday, SRQ Media hosted its inaugural SMARTgirl Leadership and Mentorship Summit at the Hyatt Regency engaging 84 girls from the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County, Girls Inc., Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and the Sarasota YMCA with 23 mentors representing our region’s many diverse industries such as engineering and software development to law enforcement, photography and medicine. The luncheon consisted of a curated mentoring program aimed to engage the young women in soft skills training, mentorship and career imaginings. Participants heard from keynote speaker, Sandra Stone from USF Sarasota-Manatee as well as 4 alumni speakers representing each participating organization; all emphasizing that we have the power to thrive in any industry through empowerment, tenacity and spitfire determination.

We would like to thank the Hyatt Regency, Seaside Bank, USF Sarasota-Manatee, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and PSAV for investing in 84 futures and creating a dynamic day for each of these young women. 

For a full gallery of photos from the SMARTgirl Luncheon click here 

SMARTgirl

[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Suncoast Climate Change Symposium , April 18, 5–7:30pm

Dr. Harold Wanless, a scientist at the University of Miami, will be at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to explain why sea levels are rising in Florida, and why our beaches are eroding so quickly. USFSM students will then show self produced videos with the theme "What does climate change mean to our generation?" Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for students with RSVP. For tickets, visit www.usfbdhclimatechange.com.

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 2017 Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon , April 27, 10:30am-1:30pm

SRQ | The Magazine will host the third annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees, our judges, keynote speaker, past Leadership Circle ambassadors and the "Hear Me Roar" Trailblazer Award recipient and announce the finalists and winners who will be inducted into this year's esteemed 2017 WIB Leadership Circle. 

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Blue Ties and Butterflies , April 19, 6:00-9:00pm

Join the Child Protection Center at Michael’s on East for their  5th annual Blue Ties & Butterflies, an evening that lifts the veil of child abuse and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. This event is designed to build awareness about CPC’s mission in prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse.

Michael’s on East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Stir it Up , April 19

Join the Friendship Centers in Sarasota for an evening of speed dating for 55+ singles. Enjoy beer, wine, treats, traditional speed dating and activities to help break the ice. The DJ will get you in the dancing mood after the speed dating too so tell your single buddies and gal pals to call and reserve your spot today.

The Friendship Centers in Sarasota, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Ari and the Albils , April 21, 6-8pm

Benefitting Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Ari and the Alibis infuse funk, jazz, and samba with blues, soul, and rock to create a memorable ear-catching sound. In 2016, they were nominated for best local band in Tampa Bay, and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. They also received Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit). Ari and the Alibis played at the Bradenton Blues Festival “Appetizer” Concert in 2016. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 35th Annual Sarasota Boat Show , April 21 – April 23

Nearly two hundred exhibitors will showcase an outstanding selection of boats ranging from motor yachts and fishing boats to cruisers, runabouts and personal watercraft. Also on display will be a full range of marine electronics and products, as well as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and other on-the-water toys. Additionally, the show offers free kids’ fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday, presented by Captain Dingman. Children will learn everything they need for a successful catch, including how to fish the water column, lure selection, casting and more. All participants will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. There also will be a free kids-only raffle at the end of each clinic with chances to win fishing gear.

Marina Jacks Sarasota, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: TapFASTic , April 22 – April 23

Join The Players’ electrifying dance troupe The Flash tappers for a show that will knock your socks off! This show is “All About Tap!” and features choreography from son of the greats such as gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Ruby Keeler in evergreen hits such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Mack the Knife” and “Money, Money.” Show dates are April 22nd at 8pm and April 23rd at 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/snap/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sideline Bluegrass Band , April 22, 8pm

Sideline plays songs you love. Some are bluegrass classics, some are destined to be classics, and all of them are performed in a way that makes audiences understand why these pickers and singers are A-tier bluegrass players, loved and adored by fans the world over.  Band includes Steve Dilling, Jason Moore, Daniel Aldridge, Skip Cherryholmes, and Troy Boone. www.fogartyville.org

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

[SOON]  FOOD: Blossoms & Brunch , April 22, 10:30am

Share the legacy of Mable Ringling’s beloved rose garden and enjoy a beautiful brunch alongside the garden. Surrounded by blooming roses, Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a reception complete with entertainment and mimosas. In recognition of Mable's legacy the net proceeds from this event will support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Bayfront Gardens.

Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz in the Ballpark , April 22, 7pm

Big Band Jazz at Ed Smith Stadium featuring Michele Pruyn and the Swing Sisters and the Sarasota Jazz Project with David Pruyn. Tickets available from the Orioles box office or call 941-893-6300. For more information please visit www.Jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Ed Smith Stadium , 2700 12th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Prince Tribute with the NeXXLevel Band , April 23, 7pm

Prince was a man bursting with music — a wildly prolific songwriter, a virtuoso on guitars, keyboards and drums and a master architect of funk, rock, R&B and pop, even as his music defied genres.  In this tribute concert, the NexxLevel Band and special guests will pay tribute to the man and his music. www.fogartyville.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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