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SRQ DAILY May 15, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"Damage to one of these things will damage the other, and vice versa."

- Nan Summers, Manatee County
 

[Tourism]  BP Funding to Boost Tourism, Coastal Improvement
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Settlement funding connected to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 could soon be used to improve tourism attractions, boost the fishing industry and preserve environmental treasures in Manatee County. Officials last week announced how up to $6.3 million in Restore Act funding could be used, including projects at Robinson Preserve, the Florida Maritime Museum and the Gulf Shellfish Institute among other programs.

Nan Summers, grant coordinator for Manatee County, says officials made the concerted effort in seeking the funding to show how programs could address a number of elements impacted by the oil spill, touching on ecotourism, economic development and coastal preservation with the projects. “Damage to one of these things will damage the other, and vice versa,” she says.

Major projects to be funded include:

  • Transforming 150 acres of farmland into a “masterwork of environmental stewardship” at Robinson Preserve.
  • Launching a pilot workforce development program for natural resource protection careers.
  • Boosting the county’s Coastal Watershed Program to develop better drainage systems and improve water quality.
  • Investing in a Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.
  • Funding a Gulf Shellfish Institute program to address obstacles to shellfish farming.

Kristin Sweeting, Florida Maritime Museum supervisor, says the Folk School, which holds classes on traditional jobs dating back to Cortez’s history as a working commercial fishing village, serves to preserve history in the region and train people with traditional skills like canning, quilting and net mending. “It gives a complete picture of what life was like in a commercial fishing village, or really any early settlement in the state,” Sweeting says.

The work by the Gulf Shellfish Institute started about a year and a half ago and has studied ways to augment the scallop population in areas like Sarasota Bay and Port Manatee. "The research is intended not only to help the local economy grow with industry, but also grow demand and interest with ecological restoration," says Dr. Bruce Barber, director of the institute.

The county remains in the process of gathering public input about the project, and invites the public to comment on a survey at mymanatee.org/restore. Input will be collected through June 21, Summers says. After that, Manatee County commissioners will vote on the final grant request before a 15-year proposal gets submitted for consideration at the federal level. 

Photo courtesy Florida Maritime Museum: Scrapbooking classes are be held at the Folk School.

[Exec Moves]  Eddie Named Sarasota Mayor

Sarasota City Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie on Friday was selected as mayor for Sarasota for the next year, while Commissioner Liz Alpert was named vice mayor. The vote happened at a special City Commission meeting where new commissioners Hagen Brody and Jennifer Ahearn-Koch were sworn in to four-year terms, following victories in a city election held the prior Tuesday. 

Sarasota City Commission

[Exec Moves]  Jarvis Named Acting Principal for Ashton

Superintendent Todd Bowden has named Phillippi Shores Elementary School Assistant Principal Kristi Jarvis as the new acting principal of Ashton Elementary School. Current Ashton Principal Christopher Renouf has been appointed to a district position as executive director of elementary schools.  Both Jarvis and Renouf will begin their new duties June 7. Jarvis, 39, has been assistant principal at Phillippi since 2015. She was an assistant principal intern at Tatum Ridge Elementary School from 2012-15. She taught third and fourth grade at Brentwood Elementary School from 2005-12. She also served Brentwood as a literacy/data coach, a reading /math resource teacher and testing coordinator. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Jones International University in Centennial, Colo., and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. She also has studied in the Ohio State University Literacy Collaborative program, which focuses on coaching and modeling early reading skills. While serving as a school administrator, she also has taken an active role in Sarasota County School District leadership. She has been active in the Report Card Committee and the Textbook Adoption committee. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Exec Moves]  Butera Named Selby Foundation Executive Director

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has selected Carol Butera as its new executive director. She will begin her duties in mid-July, 2017. In the last 22 years, Butera has demonstrated successful leadership in foundation, non-profit, philanthropy and educational organizations, most recently as vice president of Children First. Butera was thrilled to have been unanimously selected by the Administrative Committee to succeed Selby’s former leaders: most recently, Dr. Sarah Pappas, who will begin a non-profit consulting practice, and previously, Debra Jacobs, now president and CEO of the Patterson Foundation. Since 1955, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has awarded more than $120 million in grants to assist nonprofits in carrying out their missions in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Selby Foundation has also provided college scholarships to help more than 5,000 undergraduate students achieve their educational aspirations. 

William G. and Marie Selby Foundation



[TODAY]  GALLERY: A Walk in the Park: Exploring Manatee's Preserves , February 17 – May 28

Featuring the work of photographer Grant Jefferies, the exhibition, which includes more than 20 photographs taken throughout Manatee County's preserves, will be on display in the second floor Rincon Gallery. The photos highlight the natural beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife that can be found in the area. Visitors may purchase tickets to the Museum online at SouthFloridaMuseum.org.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Brandenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Unclear Fear + Hate Through Art at the Heritage House , May 16, 7pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat invites the public for a very special community program. Interventionist artists Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova will talk about their artwork Unclear Fear + Hate.  The session will result in active participation by all who attend.  Afterwards the group will move to the beach and create their own interpretation of the theme. Those who come should bring beach chairs and refreshments to enjoy the sunset. To register please email reservations@HermitageArtistRetreat.org

The Palm Houe, 6630 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 GOOD PEOPLE: The Tourism Economy , May 18, 7:30am-9:00pm

Join SRQ Magazine for another dynamic SB2: Breakfast Symposium on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 7:30 am-9:00 am at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Keynote Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Associationwill give us insight on the 2016-2017 impact of tourism on quality of life. Special guest panelists include: Rick Piccolo, President & CEO, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport; Jeff Mayers, General Manager, The Resort at Longboat Key Club; Elliot Falcione, Executive Director, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 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]  GRAB BAG: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom , May 18, 11am

Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the plantation kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate slave daughter. Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food, while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family. She attempts to straddle the worlds of the kitchen and the big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves. Meet the author at this reading. Reservations for this event are suggested. 

Bookstore1, 12 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Men Whiskey and Watches South County , May 18, 6:00 pm

Men,Whiskey and Watches - South County at the Suncoast Air Center, is raising awareness about child abuse in our community. Enjoy libations from local restaurants, whiskey tastings from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, premium cigars and live and silent auctions. A ladies sky lounge from Sun Bug will be featured at the event for all of the women in the room. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.

Suncoast Air Center, 400 Airport Ave. E Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Starflower Retreat Mixer , May 18, 6:30pm

The Starflower invites Guitarist/Singer Scott Owens to play his original songs. Herbal Elixir and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. There is a suggested $20 donation. Please RSVP.

Starflower Retreat, 7085 Wild Horse Cr. Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Amazing Acts of the Greatest Show on Earth , May 19 – September 11

Explore the history of the Greatest Show On Earth, from the days of P.T. Barnum to the later partnership with the Ringling brothers, up to the contemporary shows from Feld Entertainment. The exhibition features original posters spanning the history of this singular brand, giving visitors the opportunity to marvel at a few of the amazing talents that have performed for the Greatest Show on Earth. Free with admission. For more information visit www.ringling.org.

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Men Who Cook & Brew , May 21, 6pm

This year's event will feature craft beer from local vendors, along with Sarasota and Bradenton's finest guest chefs who will prepare a dinner filled with their favorite recipes. The final fundraiser of Asolo Rep's 2016-17 season will also feature a raffle for gourmet cooking classes, awards for best table décor and “People’s Choice” best chef, live music, the parade of chefs and more. Individual tickets are $200 and are available online or by contacting the Asolo Rep Special Events Department.

Mattison's Bayside at the Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., 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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