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SRQ DAILY Jul 20, 2017

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"We want the park to serve as an outstanding venue, and we know all eyes will be on Nathan Benderson Park and Sarasota and Manatee counties."

- Stephen V. Rodriguez, SANCA
 

[Exec Moves]  SANCA Hires Sports Foundation VP as CEO
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A Florida Sports Foundation executive will take over leadership of Nathan Benderson Park this year just as the Sarasota venue prepares for its biggest moment on the world stage. The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates announced on Monday that Stephen V. Rodriguez will come on as the organization’s president and CEO in August.

Rodriguez, who served the past 18 years as senior vice president at the sports foundation, says this opportunity attracted him because of how quickly Benderson park became recognized as a major venue. “I was looking at the potential of the facility and the potential it has as a world-class international facility but also as an outstanding community asset,” Rodriguez says.

He takes on his new post less than two months before the start of the World Rowing Championships, which run Sept. 24 through Oct. 1 and mark the arrival of the most prominent event at the venue to date. “Anyone in sports would be more than enthusiastic to be involved with such a high level event,” Rodriguez says. “All of us understand the importance of the World Rowing Championships to the rowing community. We want the park to serve as an outstanding venue, and we know all eyes will be on Nathan Benderson Park and Sarasota and Manatee counties.”

The publicly owned park also has been the subject of some controversy in recent years, with many questioning whether enough private funding had been raised to support improvements to the facility, making the arrival of a foundation executive in the CEO role especially notable. But Rodriguez would not speak to any potential shortcomings in fundraising for the park in the past, saying he would need to learn the internal operations before identifying any deficiencies.

But as far as his own background, he said one of his proudest achievements with the Florida Sports Foundation had been the continuous operation of the Sunshine State Games, now the longest standing state games in the country. “When the recession hit, state games throughout the country started folding. We were affected as well, but by changing some of the ways we do our event structure and the way we do business, we were able to not only keep the games alive but keep growing,” he says.

Similarly, he also oversaw significant growth in the Florida Senior Games, which grew from being chiefly a recreational event to becoming a highly competitive outing. Along those lines, he says sports hold the potential for improving not only the tourism and visitor economy but in providing for an active and healthy lifestyle for those living here all year.

Rodriguez will be the third CEO for the organization. Paul Blackketter, who helped develop the park as a sporting venue during his time at Benderson Development, came on as SANCA’s first CEO in 2009 and announced his departure from the organization April 2016. Bob Sullivan came on last year but announced earlier this year he would retire by the end of the calendar year. When Rodriguez begins in August, Sullivan will stay on as long as needed during the leadership transition. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 29: Ikarus C42
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 29 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.

Flying doesn’t have to be about pushing the limits or getting that adrenaline rush. Sometimes flying is just about relaxing—about soaring through the air, seeing the sights and taking joy in the wonder of flight. And after a busy two weeks flying around the UK taking off from Lincoln, England with Colin Law in his Ikarus C42, Rankin found exactly that.

A pharmacist by trade, Law’s passion for flight doesn’t come from past military service or thrill seeking, but in that pure enjoyment of the act. And the C42 fits perfectly. German-built and introduced in the late ‘90s, the C42 forgoes the fancy for a relatively stripped down flying machine designed to comfortably and efficiently cruise the skies alone or with a friend. Powered by a Rotax 912 engine (a common and reliable engine Rankin has encountered many times this year) and comprising largely of a cockpit and a simple support beam wrapped in Kevlar-like material extending out as the tail and body. A “pleasure craft,” says Rankin, the C42 found its fans as a safe and easy-to-maintain craft. Minus many of the frills of more expensive craft, “a lot less can go wrong,” he says.

Flying over the English countryside for roughly half an hour or so, Rankin revels in the change of scenery and its green rolling hills—and its history. With Law as his guide, the pair flies low, picking out details. They look down on Lincoln Cathedral—once the tallest building in the world, a title claimed from the Great Pyramid of Giza in 1311 and lost to St. Mary’s Church in Stralsund, Germany in 1549—and Law points out the numerous WWII-era airstrips dotting the countryside, some still active, others still bearing marks of the war.

It’s the decompression that Rankin needs, and he slips into the zone, just flying to fly. In a simple craft like the C42, it’s just him and the sky. “You can just take a second and let the moment last a little while longer,” he says. With every flight, Rankin dips again into the stream that is the history of aviation and wonders at the opportunity. “It’s incredible how far we’ve come,” he says.

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and Colin Law fly the Ikarus C42. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Soft as a Cloud
Gabrielle Holliday

One aspect that working women’s clothing typically lacks tends to be the one most desired, comfort. The second that women arrive home, stiff dresses and blazers are exchanged for pairs of leggings and sweatshirts; but what if it didn’t have to be this way? The Señorita Dress from Soft Surroundings combines the coziness of athleisure with the formality of work attire with its off-the-shoulder style and bright colors and pattern, effortlessly transitioning from the boardroom to the beach. Featuring a cloud rating of a two, a scale developed in-house to measure the softness of an item, and being described as “heavenly soft,” this dress won’t hold anyone back. From shoes, to jewelry, to makeup, Soft Surroundings has a created a brand focusing on comfortable and stylish women’s clothing able to be worn at home, work or play. 

Image courtesy of Soft Surroundings.

Soft Surroundings, 140 University Town Center Dr. Suite 140, Sarasota, 941-552-7000.

[Exec Moves]  Venice Regional Names Caruso as CFO

Venice Regional Bayfront Health has named Maria Caruso the hospital’s chief financial officer (CFO). Caruso had been serving as interim CFO since April 2017. Caruso has a decade of experience in financial management of hospitals and health care systems. Prior to joining Venice Regional as assistant chief financial officer in 2015, she served as controller for Deaconess and Valley hospitals in Spokane, Washington. She previously worked as a financial analyst and staff coordinator for Community Health Systems in Franklin, Tennessee. Caruso holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in economics from the University of Florida and a master’s degree with a specialization in finance from Argosy University. 

Venice Regional Bayfront Health

[Exec Moves]  Baxter Joins ArtisTree

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design has announced the hire of Jason Baxter to accommodate new growth in Manatee and Sarasota counties. As a new account executive for ArtisTree’s North Branch, Baxter will oversee foremen and crews serving homeowner associations in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas. Jason has more than 19 years of industry experience and has received his Florida Horticulture Certified Professional certification from FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association). Founded in 1990, ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design specializes in planned community/commercial maintenance and landscape design/installation. Services include community maintenance, pest control, irrigation, tree service, landscape design and installation, hardscape installation and landscape lighting. 

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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]  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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: YPG Summit: "Thrive" , July 21, 8am - 12:30pm

Learn new ways to grow personally, professionally, and as a leader in the community with the Sarasota Young Professionals. Nominations are currently being accepted for the Young Professional of the Year Award. Registration is now open: $50 for YPG Members, $65 for non-members.

USF Sarasota - Manatee , 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, SMC-C305, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Kettle of Fish at the Van Wezel , July 21, 9am-5pm

Kettle of Fish, one of the hottest live acts in Southwest Florida, play festival music that features blues, soul and funk with the energy of rock ‘n roll. Making classics new again and their originals sound like classics, from blues to bluegrass and from Hank Williams Jr. to Jimi Hendrix, Kettle of Fish promises a night of good times and good music.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Nick Drivas presents Love at First Sight , July 22 – July 23

Join Nick Drivas as he shares memorable stories from his life, ranging from his first car to his first love, while performing Great American Songbook favorites like “Come Fly With Me,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” and “The Way You Look Tonight” during this fun and reminiscent journey called that will have audiences smiling for the entire ride.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Dorian and The Furniture , July 23, 8pm

Now a staple of the Summer Cabaret Festival, Venice Theatre's resident sound designer and technician is back for a night of his favorite mellow rock tunes.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Conversation-The Age of Bronze: Past and Present , July 25, 10:30am

The ability to cast tools, weapons and works of art in bronze was so important to the development of civilization that we refer to an entire era as The Bronze Age. Explore the processes used to create works in the collection and the methods of casting developed in different cultures. Less formal that a lecture presentation, Conversations are designed to be programs where staff and guests can share research projects or topics of special interest. All Conversations take place in the Chao Lecture Hall in the Center for Asian Art.

Museum of Art Chao Lecture Hall, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Chamber University: SEO Basics - Get Found Online (with Shana Tibi) , July 25, 3:30pm - 5pm

Learn expert tips from First Page Advantage's Shana Tibi on how to "be the answer for a Google search." Bring your laptop, as hands-on instruction will be provided on how to stand out online above competitors. Complementary for Chamber Members; $10 for non-members.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce , 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Liz Pascoe-Broome & Friends present Not My Type , July 27 – July 28

Liz and her cast of talented singers – including David Walker, Dorian Boyd, Charlotte Crowley, Jamie Lee Butrum,and Brian Craft – will perform songs by iconic musical theatre characters that they will never get to play because they are the wrong “type.” With Eli Schildkraut on piano, Not My Type will feature songs from a variety of great musicals like: Little Shop of Horrors, Book of Mormon: The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, and many many more!

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art Making , July 27

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]  GALLERY: Painting Children's Portraits , July 28 – July 30

Often without much experience, students contend with washed-out or chalky flesh tones when painting portraits, In this seminar, learn how to capture a likeness, as well as the vibrant tones of a young person's skin tone. 

Southern Atelier, 7226 21st St. E., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Zombie Prom , July 28 – August 12

Set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where a zany, tyrannical principal lays down the law, a pretty senior has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns a glowing zombie still determined to take her to the prom. Directed by Brad Wages.

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Ballet Presents: International Intensive Summer Showcase , July 28 – July 29

The Sarasota Ballet’s International Intensive Summer Showcase will feature students from across the world performing works by some of the big names in dance, including Sir Matthew Bourne, Marius Petipa and Antony Tudor! These pre-professional students have spent the 5 weeks leading up to the performances working with an incredible faculty featuring guest teachers from The Royal Ballet, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Elmhurst Ballet School. Join Sarasota Ballet for spectacular performances July 28 and 29 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available on their website or by calling the box office at 941-359-0099.

FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243

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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