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SRQ DAILY Oct 31, 2017

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"It really helps people to understand floor plans and all that you have to offer."

- Leisa Weintraub, Neal Communities
 

[Technology]  Virtual Reality Updates Real Estate Game
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

If someone wants to visualize life in a new home at the Indigo gated community, she doesn’t need to travel to a Lakewood Ranch model home. A website unveiled Monday features virtual tours with interactive floor plans, building upon technology utilized by Neal Communities over the past five years to give a next-level exploration of the property. It’s just one of the ways new technology continues to change how homes get sold in the region and elsewhere.

“It really helps people to understand floor plans and all that you have to offer,” says Leisa Weintraub, Neal Communities spokeswoman. “Touchscreen is so widely accepted now with iPhones and iPads, people are comfortable using it.” And sales people can alter floor plans in ways that just wouldn’t be feasible with models. If someone wants a swimming pool, patio or an extra wing on a home, the change can be made in a virtual representation of a house with a few strokes.

Of course, Neal Communities isn’t the only firm digitizing its home tours. At BLVD Sarasota, Key Solutions Real Estate set up a virtual reality sales center downtown to showcase amenities and views in the new condominium. With tours developed by Sarasota company Imerza, sales representatives marketing the luxury units there can give a tour of an unfinished space and even change the flooring, finishes and fixtures for those exploring the virtual environment.

And one thing that could never be done with a model unit, the digital tours can also showcase the views out of every individual spot in the tower. Using camera-equipped drones, pictures were taken of the view in all directions from each floor of BLVD, then the resulting images get used as backdrops. “Everything is built out through virtual reality,” says Cooper Daves, a sales consultant for BLVD.

Daves says the sales people for the condo like to equip potential buyers with 3-D virtual reality goggles to give an immersive experience, while Weintraub says Neal typically relies on virtual tours using mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. The different experiences get tailored to the customer base companies are trying to reach. But particularly for builders and developers who often sell product that’s not yet been completely constructed, the new uses in technology offer new and impressive ways to showcase community amenities and luxury features in homes in a way superior to brochures filled with two-dimensional renderings. 

Rendering courtesy Neal Communities: A digital rendering of the Silver Sky model of home, as seen on the Indigo website.

[Synergy]  Sarasota Youth Orchestra Receives Barancik Grant

The Sarasota Youth Orchestra program has received a $15,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for student financial assistance. This grant will be used to provide scholarships for the Sarasota Youth Orchestra program. Scholarships are awarded for tuition, instrument rentals and private lessons. The Sarasota Youth Orchestra provides comprehensive after-school instrumental training and performance experience to young musicians at all levels. The program is devoted to students gaining a much deeper understanding and appreciation of classical music to carry for a lifetime. 

Sarasota Youth Orchestra

[Expansion]  Ribbon-Cutting Set for STC-North Port

Elected officials and administrators from the School Board of Sarasota County, the Sarasota County Commission and the North Port City Commission will cut the ribbon to dedicate Suncoast Technical College-North Port and the Shannon Staub Library Nov. 7 at 9am.The project is the result of agreements among the school board, the county commission and the city commission to share the facility and costs for the benefit of citizens. The college includes a conference center jointly funded by Sarasota County Schools and the City of North Port. The budgeted and projected final cost for all components of the two-story, 77,500-square-foot facility, including furniture, fixtures and equipment, is $27.7 million. Suncoast Technical College-North Port, which opened to students Oct. 17, is the latest career and technical education facility of Sarasota County Schools. The Shannon Staub Library is the newest addition to Sarasota County Libraries. It will open Nov. 7, the day of the ribbon-cutting. The college is now enrolling students for classes that start in January on the North Port campus. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Recognition]  Bradenton Fire Earns Classification Bump

The City of Bradenton Fire Department received official notification from the Insurance Services Office of an improvement in the department’s Public Protection Classification.The department’s new Class 2/2X rating goes into effect on February 1. Previously rated as a Class 3/9, this improvement demonstrates the department and city’s commitment to the proficient and prudent provision of emergency services. The Bradenton Fire Department is now considered to be in the top 4 percent of all fire departments, nationwide. 

City of Bradenton



[TODAY]  THEATER: The Rocky Horror Show , October 27 – October 31, Friday 8pm and midnight, Saturday 8pm and midnight, Tuesday 8pm

Get in the mood for Halloween with The Rocky Horror Show. Follow the story of newlyweds Brad and Janet as they seek shelter at a mysterious castle and meet the esoteric host Dr. Frank 'N' Furter and his creation Rocky. Catch the cult-classic musical and join in on the fun as an audience participant.

Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: 2018 Best of SRQ Local Competition , February 12

The 10th annual “Best of SRQ Local” Readers’ Competition is officially open! It is time to sound the alarm, rally the troops, take to social media and VOTE for your favorite Sarasota establishments and causes to be recognized in one of our most popular editions of the year.

Readers can vote on local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and hotspots culminating in the compendium published in the April 2018 edition of SRQ Magazine. We hope you’ll share your favorite local experiences—from stellar sushi, most memorable on-stage productions to best happy hour.

SRQ Magazine

[SOON]  FOOD: Keep the Dream Alive , November 13, 7:00PM

The Jewish Housing Council Foundation's 7th Annual Keep the Dream Alive event will be held for the first time on the Aviva Campus (1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota) and feature a bountiful dessert extravaganza by Chef Paul Mattison and his crew. Benefitting the Jewish Housing Council Foundation's Benevolent Care Program, Keep the Dream Alive will allow JHCF to continue honoring the founders’ dream of assuring that qualified residents can age in place, even if they have exhausted their resources.

Aviva Senior Life Campus, 1951 N. Honore Ave Sarasota, Florida 34235

[SOON]  MUSIC: Dan Bern , November 1

A singer, songwriter, guitarist, novelist and painter, Dan Bern is a jack of all trades. Most notable of all is his penchant for composing, having written over one thousand songs. His albums contain songs with influences from well-known artists including Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Sprinteen and Elvis Costello. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Moon Over Buffalo , November 2 – November 19

In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me A Tenor, this theatrical farce centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s.  On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, the nearly washed-up stage duo receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom!

The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Flaming Guns of The Purple Sage , November 2 – November 19, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm

Jane Martin's bodacious and satirical play combines humor with horror. A rodeo competitor is facing hard financial times on her ranch where she helps injured cowboys. Find out what happens when she comes face to face with the one-eyed Black Dog, a Ukrainian biker. Tickets are $27 for adults, $17 for college students and $15 for children.

Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Flip Flops & Fashion , November 2, 11:00AM

Get ready for an easy breezy afternoon with your toes in the sand Children First’s 10th Annual Flip Flops and Fashion Luncheon. Guests will gather together at Sharky’s on the Pier under a tent on the beach to enjoy dazzling views of the Gulf and tropical fare, while supporting at-risk children and families in our community. See fashionable finds from L. Boutique, Scout & Molly's and Sun Bug modeled by Children First supporters adorable children as well. There will be a chance drawing, an opportunity to purchase orchids and many other ways to support Children First.

Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 Harbor Drive South Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: La traviata , November 3 – November 21

Violetta, a famed Parisian courtesan, has lived a life of lavish parties with influential friends. She abandons it all to be with her beloved Alfredo, but when her past threatens his family’s honor, she must forsake her dream of love.
Verdi’s awe-inspiring music combined with a heart-breaking libretto has made La traviata one of the repertoire cornerstones of opera companies around the world.

Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Fall Wonders , November 3, 6pm to 9pm

Fall into the new season with this gallery featuring the work of many local artists. This display will celebrate the seasons arrival with special work from individuals including Barbara Krupp, James Griffin and Bill Farnsworth. The exhibit will run through November 30. 

Dabbert Gallery, 46 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Zimoun , November 3 – December 22, Opening Reception: Nov. 3, 5:30–8pm

The inaugural show of Alfstad&’s fifth season, the eponymously-titled exhibit features a site-specific installation, as well as two prints created by the internationally acclaimed Swiss artist. With simple and functional components, Zimoun builds architectural platforms of sound. His installations use commonplace industrial objects to explore mechanical rhythm and flow in prepared systems. The show also inaugurates Alfstad&’s new, totally reimagined artspace with an opening reception.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Rockin Lobster , November 4, 6:30PM

Watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico while dining on delicious Maine Lobster on the beach at Rockin’ Lobster. The rockin' fun features live music by Version 3.0, delicious food, a silent auction and exciting beach activities. Be sure to stay for the lantern release, as Children First makes a wish and release a lantern in honor of a child and family in their program.

Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 Harbor Drive South Venice, Florida

[SOON]  FOOD: Brunch on the Bay , November 5, 11:30AM

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s signature annual event, Brunch on the Bay, will celebrate its 24th anniversary on November 5 marking over two decades of raising funds for local undergraduate scholarships. Around 18 of Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ finest restaurants and caterers will prepare some of their signature dishes for the event, held under tents on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. In the 23 years of Brunch on the Bay, the event has added over $1.3 million to the university endowment and generated over $1,000,000 in scholarships.

USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: SWAC Speaker Series , November 6, 5:30PM

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Alizė Carrėre will highlight her experience as a culture ecologist, climate researcher and writer visiting over 37 counties to document how humans are innovating and adapting in response to climate change. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.

Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Road 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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