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SRQ DAILY Jul 13, 2017

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"It has been an honor to serve you for the past five years."

- Tom Harmer, Sarasota County Government
 

[Exec Moves]  Harmer Leaving County Post for Key Job
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer on Wednesday informed county officials he intends to leave his position in December to become Longboat Key’s next town manager. “It has been an honor to serve you for the past five years,” Harmer said.

Harmer will succeed Town Manager Dave Bullock, who intends to retire in January. The overlap in the men’s tenure will allow for a smoother transition there, Harmer says. As for his time in Sarasota County’s top staff post, Harmer listed a high level of customer service as his greatest achievement in improving the culture within the county government.

County Commissioners greeted the news with dark humor, with Commissioner Nancy Detert promising to conceive of “good punishments” for the island municipality for recruiting talent away. Commissioner Al Maio noted the irony there: “If we come up with diabolical schemes to punish Longboat Key, he (Harmer) will have to figure a way out for them.”

Harmer succeeded County Administrator Randall Reid after that administrator received poor performance reviews from sitting commissioners five years ago; Harmer ironically had been recruited to Sarasota County by Reid and worked as deputy county administrator at the time.

No plans have been announced yet for finding Harmer’s replacement. 

[Sports]  Music Half Marathon Adds 10K
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

As the Sarasota Music Half Marathon grows larger, organizers next year will introduce a race that’s much shorter. In a bid to bring in runners interested in less demanding runs, event planners will introduce the Sarasota Rockin’ 10K.

Ryan McCarthy, event director, says the creation of a shorter run, to be held simultaneously with the Sarasota Music Half Marathon on Feb. 4 next year, responds directly to a demand among local runners, who often invite friends to come to the Sarasota event but hear a rebuff when they hear of the 13-mile distance for the Music Half Marathon. “They maybe feel a little scared of running a half marathon but say if we had a 5k or a 10k we’d do it,” McCarthy says.

The event has grown substantially since it launched three years ago, adding about 1,000 runners each year and selling out every time. The race on Feb. 5 attracted 4,000 runners, McCarthy says. With the addition of a 10k in the event, organizers hope to bring in another 1,000 to 1,500 participants in 2018. Already, slots in the half marathon already are half sold out, he says.

The 10k event will start minutes after the half marathon, McCarthy says. All runners will run on the same course at first, starting at the Van Wezel and crossing the Ringling Bridge to St. Armands circle before coming beck across the causeway. Then 10k runners will return to the Van Wezel immediately while half-marathoners cross through Hart’s Landing and take a longer route to the south to Cherokee Drive before circling back. Live music acts perform along the route, with the half-marathoners of course passing more performance locations.

McCarthy notes that the event raises proceeds for local causes, and in 2018 hope to raise $85,000 for local nonprofit organizations. Reservations for the Sarasota Rockin’ 10K go on sale Friday at 9am. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 28: Dornier Do 28
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor's Note: This is part 28 of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Rankin’s flown near 40 planes so far this year (some to be covered in future installments) but it’s perhaps the Dornier Do 28 that has left the most lasting impression. “When people ask how this year has been,” says Rankin, “this is one of the three or four that I think of immediately.” With a storied past and an unusual design, the Do 28 proved “trickier” than most but well worth the challenge.

A German aircraft, the Do 28 first appeared in the late 1950s as a twin-engine variant of the Do 27 and proved to be an incredibly rugged and versatile craft, eventually being utilized in the armed forces of more than 30 countries. Equipped with two 290-horsepower Lycoming engines mounted on stub wings, the Do 28 sports short takeoff and landing capabilities and great handling at low speeds, making it optimal for inhospitable terrain with limited landing opportunity.

The stub wings—little engine mounts on either side of the fuselage—lend to the charm of the plane, giving it an atypical appeal. “Airplanes ultimately all look the same, but not this one,” says Rankin, making note of the gullwing doors and large stance (for a tailwheel craft) as well. “This all collectively contributes to an unusual creature,” he says. But while the stub wings are unconventional (the pilot has to actually step on and over them to climb in), Rankin suspects the element helps preserve the design of the wing, when converting the Do 27 to a twin-engine craft.

The Do 28 has a reputation for being trick to fly, but incredibly versatile once mastered, and Rankin does not dispute this. Flying with Eric Hayes out of St. Elmo, AL, Rankin flies the craft for about 35 minutes in the air, but it’s Hayes who performs the takeoff and landing. A plane that requires significant pilotage, movements are broad and large; even when landing, when other planes call for small and precise adjustments, the pilot of a Do 28 will be wrestling the stick. “This plane is a handful,” says Rankin. “It has some personality.”

And that personality seems almost the opposite of the helicopters he’s been flying in previous weeks, trying to master the tiny movements necessary for the perfect hover. “Not even the same ballpark,” he says with a laugh. “Other than flying, there’s nothing in common here.”

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and Eric Hayes fly the Dornier Do 28.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Beaded Brilliance
Gabrielle Holliday

Walking through the bustling and crowded streets of Harare, Zimbabwe on one of his buying trips two and a half years ago, owner of Nontando, Gary Stern, stumbled upon a man named Bernard. Handcrafting original wire and bead sculptures to sell to tourists and locals alike, each piece in Bernard’s portfolio can take up to 80 hours to make, as he painstakingly places each bead in the correct spot to create detailed representations from the accumulation of individual hues. This sculpture of a giraffe stands almost four feet tall with thousands of brown and white beads intricately wrapped around the wire frame. Adding a touch of whimsy to any room, the one-of-a-kind beaded sculpture’s rich backstory will be a talking point for years to come. 

Photo by Gabrielle Holliday.

Nontando, 6578 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, 941-929-7844.

[Recognition]  SMH Earns NICHE Designation

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has earned designation as a NICHE hospital, part of an international network of healthcare providers committed to improving care to the elderly. NICHE—which stands for Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders—is a special designation awarded to hospitals implementing system-wide interventions and initiatives that promote excellent outcomes in patients 65 and older. Sarasota Memorial is one of 766 hospitals internationally that has earned the designation. Participation in the prestigious NICHE program confirms Sarasota Memorial’s commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for older patients through evidence-based, age-sensitive nursing care and comprehensive support for families and caregivers. Approximately 63 percent of SMH’s inpatient admissions are 65 years and older. Based at the New York University College of Nursing, the NICHE program collaborates with more than 43,000 healthcare providers around the world on geriatric issues and has developed a comprehensive curriculum and care model to help improve the older patient's experience and enhance the effectiveness and satisfaction of staff working with seniors. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Synergy]  County Commission Approves 2018 TDC/A Grants

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County has announced that the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners approved the recommendations for funding of the 2018 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDC/A) Grant. TDC/A grants come from a portion of the tourist development tax dollars. This money is designated to fund Sarasota County arts and cultural organizations to develop high quality programming that attracts tourists to our area. Grants are available to organizations with recognized ability to produce, present and promote cultural and arts activities that appeal to tourists.  

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

[Opening]  Osprey Avenue Bridge to Reopen

The Osprey Avenue Bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic on Friday, July 14 by 4 p.m. The bridge had been closed since August 2016 to allow work crews to install two microtunnel segments which are critical to the success of the Lift Station 87 project. During this first phase of work, the contractor has successfully microtunneled under Hudson Bayou and Luke Wood Park and is currently installing 36-inch diameter sewer mains inside the 60-inch steel casings. The first phase of the project is nearly complete, with minor work remaining. The City received bids for the second phase of work, building Lift Station 87, on July 10, 2017. Once a contractor is selected and authorized to proceed, the construction period is 920 calendar days for final completion. The final phase of work, installing the gravity sewer mains, is scheduled to take place in 2019. Once the entire project is completed, wastewater flow will be redirected from Lift Station 7 to Lift Station 87. 

Lift Station 87 Project



[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: Art Making , July 13, 5-8pm

Drop by the Children’s Welcome Center in the Visitors Pavilion which has been transformed into an art studio for the evening. Instructors will teach you how to become comfortable will many different materials that artists use. This event is free and all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  MUSEUM: View Calendar Gallery Walk & Talk - Skyway Artists: In Their Own Words , July 13, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Step into the galleries and celebrate the thriving artistic practice in our community. Talk with artists from the Greater Tampa Bay area who work in a variety of media. Want to know more about works in the Museum’s collections and exhibitions?  Join Museum staff and guests for these “bite size” programs that focus on issues and ideas.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Little Black Dress: Salute the Runway Fashion Show and Luncheon , July 13, 11:30 am- 1:00pm

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will team up with local women veterans through the Goodwill Manasota Veterans Task Force to recycle dresses from Goodwill and put together an amazing fashion show. Join us at the Hyatt July 13 and discover the unique creations of these wonderful students while supporting a good cause!

Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: YPG ProDev: Finding Your Center , July 13, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Join YPG on July 13th for a professional development workshop you won't want to miss! If you're struggling to strike the right balance between your job and your personal life, this is the event for you. Roxanne Joffe, founder and president of MagnifyGood, will share techniques for balancing career goals with a fulfilling personal life during this interactive session. Free lite bites and drinks will also be served. This event will be at CoWork SRQ, located within in the historic Archibald building, on the 2nd floor. Please allow yourself time to park and walk. Free parking is available in the Links Garage, behind the former World of Beer. Tickets are $5 for YPG/Chamber Members ($15 for future members).

CoWorkSRQ , 1962 Main Street, Suite 200, Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. , July 13 – July 17

Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond his toyshop to discover the meaning of family. When the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto’s wish to bring his beloved puppet to life, the new father quickly learns about the challenges of being a father.

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  MUSEUM: ROAR! Ringling Order of Art Readers , July 14 – July 28

ROAR! is a storytime program, designed to engage toddlers and preschoolers in activities that connect art with early literacy. This program is free and no registration is required.

Education Center , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Family Day: Skyway , July 15, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Join us for a special family day to celebrate the special exhibition now on view, Skyway! This Family Day will feature activity stations, and a special summer-themed family activity booklet to use in the galleries. Family Days are fun for the whole family! Join us for art making, and activity stations. We will also distribute themed family activity booklets to use in the galleries.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art  , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Brian Craft and Ashley Figlow present On the 21st Century , July 15 – July 16

A swift-paced, vibrant variety show featuring mash-ups of popular songs, musical theatre favorites and beyond. Brian and Ashley will add some flavor and put a new twist on some of your favorite tunes while keeping those toes tappin’ throughout.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Chamber 411 Member Briefing , July 18, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Join Sarasota Chamber members and guests at Chamber 411, for a new member introduction and reception. Meet Chamber staff and hear about exciting committees and initiatives that benefit area businesses. Bringing approximately 50 business cards, company brochures or flyers to share with fellow members is recommended.

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce , 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Blue Eyed Bettys , July 18 – August 20

With Daniel Emond on banjo, Sarah Hund on fiddle, and Ben Mackel on guitar, The Blue Eyed Bettys delight with their contemporary bluegrass sound. An original music group formed while performing in the hit FST Cabaret show Poems, Prayers, and Promises, audiences are snapped to attention with their powerful vocals, three part harmony, inventive storytelling, and natural onstage chemistry. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Timeline , July 20 – July 21

Join SCD for the debut of a new solo danced by Stephanie Bastos, who performs with the aid of a prosthetic leg. The riveting work is based on Stephanie Bastos’ life and will kick off the SCD summer performance series.

New College of Florida, Black Box Theatre (Hamilton Center), 5850 General Dougher Place, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Michelle Kasanofsky presents To All the Men I've Loved Before , July 20 – July 21

Kasanofsky will serenade audiences with her favorites from male composers and songs about men and relationships like “Fever,” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” Featuring her dad and son.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art Making , July 20, 5-8pm

Drop by the Children’s Welcome Center in the Visitors Pavilion which has been transformed into an art studio for the evening. Instructors will teach you how to become comfortable will many different materials that artists use. This event is free and all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance , July 20 – July 23

Directed by Leymis Bolanos Wilmott, a one woman show performed by Stephanie Bastos, who dances with the aid of a prosthetic leg.

New College of Florida, Black Box Theater, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 GOOD HAND: Building Capacity in Our Philanthropic Sector , July 20, 7:30-9:00am

Join SRQ Magazine for the last SB2: Breakfast Symposium of the season on Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 7:30 am-9:00 am at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Keynote David Odahowski, President & CEO of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundationwill give us insight on building capacity in the philanthropic sector. Special guest panelists include: Roxie Jerde of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Stacey Corley of Ringling College of Art and Design, Veronica Brandon Miller of Goodwill Manasota, Susie Bowie of Manatee Community Foundation and Heidi Brown of the Jewish Family and Children's Service. Moderated by SRQ MEDIA Executive Publisher Wes Roberts. Tickets are $35/per person and includes a delicious breakfast buffet provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

The Francis, Downtown Sarasota, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Chamber Connect , July 20, 5am - 6:30pm

Make connections with Chamber business professionals at this bi-monthly event. Enjoy light appetizers, a cash bar and door prizes in a laid-back atmosphere perfect for meeting your next customer or client. They will be networking over complimentary hors d'oeuvres, as well as a cash bar, to kick off an early start to the weekend.

Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar - St. Armands , 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Shrek the Musical , July 21 – July 22

Based on the Oscar-Winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek the Musical is a hilarious show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

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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