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SRQ DAILY Aug 2, 2017

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"The advantage of a Ritz-Carlton or a St. Regis is you get the benefit of overall brand recognition and whatever consumer loyalty points they bring."

- Virginia Haley, Visit Sarasota County
 

[Hospitality]  St. Regis to Run Colony Redevelopment
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Unicorp Development this week confirmed that St. Regis will provide the flag for a luxury resort at the long-shuttered site for The Colony. “What was once a dilapidated eye-sore,” announced Unicorp on Facebook, “will soon be home to a five-star St. Regis Resort.” 

The arrival of the luxury brand looks to introduce the key to a new market of wealthy travelers. “St. Regis is known as a highly desirable, exclusive brand that I think will cement Longboat’s reputation as an elegant destination,” says Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County. 

Unicorp last week submitted plans for a 166-room hotel with 102 residential units, two restaurants, a 15,700-square-foot spa and a new ballroom. The new plans will require approval from the Town of Longboat Key.

It’s a different approach for a luxury resort than the storied Colony. Having a flag like St. Regis in some ways may overshadow the destination and won’t allow the same sort of independence of resorts that operate independent of any major flag. But St. Regis brings with it enough marketing and prestige based on the known standards in quality for the Starwood Hotels & Resorts-owned brand. Haley said that while The Colony would frequent international trade shows and invest heavily in marketing on its own, the St. Regis brings with it an existing reputation and consumer incentives to bring people to the Gulf Coast.

“When you are a non-flagged brand, you really have to ramp up your marketing,” Haley says. “The advantage of a Ritz-Carlton or a St. Regis is you get the benefit of overall brand recognition and whatever consumer loyalty points they bring. You get national brand advertising, and usually a national and international sales team.” Sarasota enjoyed that boost in the post-9/11 economic slowdown when the newly opened Ritz-Carlton still had people around the globe calling Sarasota leaders to ask about the posh property. 

[Film]  "In A Heartbeat" Wins Hearts Nationwide
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Following its release on July 31, the senior thesis film from recent Ringling College of Art and Design graduates Beth David and Esteban Bravo has quickly gone viral, amassing more than 4 million views on YouTube in less than two days. In addition to an outpouring of support from viewers and fans, coming in the form of countless social media posts, fan art and cries for a feature-length film, the short film has garnered attention from outlets like MTV, Buzzfeed, Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly.

Entitled In A Heartbeat, the roughly four-minute animated short (David and Bravo were both 2017 graduates in computer animation) tells the story of a closeted teen named Sherwin, whose heart literally leaps from his chest when he falls in love.

View the film at the link below. 

Image courtesy of Ringling College.

In A Heartbeat

[Good Bite]  Taste Buds On Vacation
Gabrielle Holliday

Take a walk on the wild side and discover the refreshing Tropical Bowl from the Green Zebra Cafe. Adding a colorful flair to one’s breakfast, this bowl takes a base of blended acai berries and tops it with blueberries, strawberries, bananas and pineapple, creating a juicy center to be sandwiched between crunchy granola and a light sprinkling of delicate, shredded coconut. The crisp and crumbly granola soaks up all the fruity flavors, balancing the sweet and the tang, and adding some textural variety to the experience. The pineapple and coconut highlight that beachy feel and island vibes, taking one’s mouth on vacation. 

Photo by Gabrielle Holliday.

Green Zebra Cafe, 476 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-388-2848.

[SRQ Story Project Partner Spotlight ]  A Closer Look

It is common to lose some visual acuity with age. Lighthouse of Manasota has a shop full of solutions: The Peepers Store has magnifiers from small to large to aid reading. One popular option is the hand-held video magnifier. No bigger than a phone, these cordless digital devices have a high-resolution camera and viewing screen, with self-contained LED lighting. Even the smallest text shows up bright and clear, with up to 12x magnification. This is not your grandfather’s magnifying glass, though he would have been happy to have one. What makes the Peepers store unique is the variety of different products on hand for comparison, and expert staff ready to assist customers with hands-on testing of equipment and to ensure the right product for the individual’s needs. 

Lighthouse of Manasota

[Exec Moves]  McLaurin Promoted to Goodwill Director of Transportation

Goodwill Manasota has promoted from within to fill a critical post at the organization: Ron McLaurin has been named director of transportation and logistics. In this role, McLaurin will be responsible for overseeing all who pick up and deliver donated goods at homes, businesses, attended donation centers and Goodwill Good Neighbor Centers; coordinating and transacting salvage sales and zero waste opportunities to maximize revenue and profitability and further Goodwill's green environment initiatives; and increasing revenue by staying abreast of salvage market prices and ensuring the Logistics Center on Whitfield Industrial Way has sufficient warehouse space. McLaurin was hired by Goodwill Manasota in 2015 as a store assistant team leader. He was promoted to store manager in March of 2016. His ascent with the organization continued as he was promoted to manager of transportation and salvage in May of 2016; he was named to his new post in April of this year. 

Goodwill Manasota

[Synergy]  Players Receives 50K Challenge

As the Players Centre For Performing Arts gears up for another season and prepares for its upcoming move to Lakewood Ranch in the next 3 to 5 years, another anonymous donor has arisen to issue a fundraising challenge. For the month of August, The Players has been given a challenge to raise $50 thousand for operation expenses in order to receive an additional $50 thousand in matching funds toward capital for the new project. The Players is reaching out to all of its donors to participate. There are three ways to donate: visit the website: theplayers.org/support-us/donate, call the box office at 941-365-2494 with a credit card number or mail a check for the amount of your choosing to The Players with “$50K Match” in the memo line. 

Neal Signature Homes

[Synergy]  Sarasota Opera Receives Grant for World Premiere

Sarasota Opera has received an $8,000 grant for the commissioning of composer Rachel J. Peters for the creation of Rootabaga Country, Sarasota Youth Opera’s sixth world premiere, scheduled to be performed on November 11 and 12, 2017. The grant is provided byO PERA America’s Opera Grants for Female Composers program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Female Composers program provides financial assistance to identify, support and help develop the work of female composers writing for the operatic medium, raising their visibility and promoting awareness of their compositions to the field. After a nationwide search, Sarasota Opera commissioned composer/librettist Rachel J. Peters to compose Sarasota Youth Opera’s next world premiere. Peter’s opera, Rootabaga Country, was selected over 12 other submissions. This will be the sixth opera commissioned by the Sarasota Youth Opera program with the most recent being Little Nemo in Slumberland in 2012. 

Sarasota Opera



[TODAY]  THEATER: Doublewide , August 2 – August 20

Jim Starkey’s American Dream is a modest one: to replace the family’s doublewide trailer with a comfy house his daughter can inherit. Forces and desires beyond his control, though, may shape his family’s aspirations. Doublewide is a heartfelt and resonant comedy about a blue-collar family’s elusive dreams, and just how far they will go to hold on to them… and to each other. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Eli Schildkraut presents Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) , August 3 – August 6

Combining his passion for musical theatre and his love of introducing people to new music, student music director Eli Schildkraut and his talented friends return to Venice Theatre’s Cabaret Festival with an evening of somewhat obscure songs from the musical theatre repertoire. Equal parts entertaining and insightful, Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) is sure to have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and a couple of new tunes in your head.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: National Theatre Live, Amadeus , August 4, 6:30pm

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote Mozart's talent or destroy his name. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God. Lucian Msamati plays Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Pilgrims , August 4 – September 10

On a ship to colonize a newly discovered planet, a soldier and a teenage girl find themselves quarantined in one of the ship’s cabins with only an outdated robot and each other for company. When they’re no longer able to create fantasies to escape their past lives, the two cabin-mates are forced to explore their own traumatic histories in order to connect and survive. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Sinning Sirens , August 4 – August 5

Check out the hottest local burlesque troupe featuring the Sirens you love – RubyyJean Siren, Karma Kandlewick, and Ginger Holliday. Also introducing Chief Peach, the Sirens’ fun loving drag king! And who could forget about Toez, the adorably creepy tapping clown? Join Venice Theatre for a night of beautiful ladies and live vocals that will make you want to come back for more.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: FREE Admission for Kids at Sarasota Jungle Gardens Back-to-School Celebration , August 5 – August 6

For two days, Aug. 5 and 6, adults may bring up to three children each for free with the purchase of a full-priced adult admission. Take this time to enjoy one last vacation bash with the family before it is time to hit the books again.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  SPORTS: AUGUST Free 5K Fun Run or Walk , August 5, 7:00am-9:00am

August 5th New Balance will host their free 5K Fun Run (or Walk) designed to be fun & allow participants to test skills or just enjoy getting up & out by themselves or with family or friends. Open to all ages & ability levels, runners and walkers, this out & back loop course runs through the local neighborhood, over the South Bridge onto Siesta Key Beach & back. Team New Balance members will follow up with runners/walkers on the route. Come run/walk by yourself or with family & friends. RSVP for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate and raffles!

New Balance Sarasota, New Balance Sarasota 1872 Stickney Point Road Sarasota, FL 34231

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: WSLR’s Ninth Annual “Very Merry Jerry Day” , August 6

 Break out the tie-dye and hula hoops for WSLR's annual celebration of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia was born on August 1, 1942, and lived to become one of the most famous counterculture icons of the 20th Century. Playing guitar and singing for his band, The Grateful Dead, as well as several others, Garcia took his hippie movement from the 60's into the 90's, inspiring the following of millions of long-haired, tie-dye t-shirted, carefree "Deadheads." Musicians honoring the Dead this year will include the Michael Miller Band, Grass is Dead, and The Schmitz Brothers.  The event is held at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center with doors opening at 4pm and music starting at 5pm.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Power Hour Lunch , August 9, 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

A Chamber of Commerce networking opportunity, at this event each guest is invited to make an introduction to the group and pitch an elevator speech about their business. Please RSVP at least 24-hours prior to the event to save your spot. Depending on availability, member walk-ins will be charged $25.

Hotel Indigo , 1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Arsenic and Old Lace , August 9 – August 20, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is about two charming and innocent old ladies running a boarding house for "acceptable" gentlemen roomers. Single tickets are $18.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Tr.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Gallery Walk & Talk - Portraits , August 10

The Ringling photography collection is rich in portraits by artists such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Avedon. Join museum staff as they introduce viewers to both artists and their subjects in these “bite size” programs that focus on issues and ideas.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Don’t Quit Your Day Job , August 10 – August 11

Venice Theatre’s multi-talented employees get the chance to strut their stuff on stage. From the box office and marketing to production and development, representatives from just about every department are pitching in to put on a great show. Enjoy performances from Allan Kollar, also the MC, Barbara Mullen, Brad Wages, Cara Herman, Dorian Boyd, Eric Watters, Kelly Duyn, Kim Gaesser, Kim Kollar, Laurie Colton, Lynne Buhle, Tay Tufenkjian and Tim Wisgerhoff.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

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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