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SRQ DAILY Dec 28, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"It's about as pure as you can get when it comes to flying."

- Ryan Rankin, pilot
 

[Politics]  RPOF Injects Sanctuary Cities into Special Election
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A new mailer from the Republican Party of Florida looks to make immigration a central issue to a special election in Sarasota, but opponents are labeling the attack a scare tactic pushing an agenda not of interest to voters. 

The mailer hit mailboxes this week and includes an absentee ballot application for the Feb. 13 special election for State House in District 72, as well as the message: “Help Governor Rick Scott stop the liberals from making Sarasota and the rest of Florida a sanctuary from illegal aliens.” The mailer’s return address identifies the Republican Party of Sarasota as the source. 

Candidates to represent the district include Republican James Buchanan, Democrat Margaret Good and Libertarian Alison Foxall.

Buchanan campaign manager Nick Catroppo would not say if the campaign knew the mailer would be coming out but said voters care about this issue. “James and volunteers have heard from residents that illegal immigration and illegal aliens, especially those committing crimes, is an issue that needs to be addressed,” he says. “James will fight to make sanctuary cities illegal and stop the federal government from re-settling refugees from dangerous areas in Florida.” Republican Party of Sarasota Chairman Joe Gruters says the mailer highlights the importance of electing a conservative to represent Sarasota in Tallahassee. “James Buchanan will be a fighter to stop sanctuary cities in the state of Florida,” says Gruters. “Liberals in Tallahassee have consistently blocked Republican efforts to push that through.” And both said Good would contribute to the problem. “Margaret's bought and paid for by the liberal leadership in Tallahassee who oppose banning sanctuary cities like we saw this past legislative session,” Catroppo says.

Good responded to the mailer on Facebook with her own absentee ballot push. “Are you sick and tired of the Republicans in power using hate and fear to gain votes? I know I am,” she wrote, before encouraging voters to sign up online to receive a mail-in ballot. Good Campaign Manager Kevin Lata says voters in the district are more concerned with protecting the environment and expanding Medicaid. He wouldn’t address whether Good supported a strict ban on cities becoming sanctuary cities. But he did say Good would offer an alternative to hard-liners. “When it comes to immigration, you have a lot of people like Dreamers, who came to country when they were very young,” Lata says. “At the federal government level, these folks are being deported, Margaret doesn’t believe in that. She believes immigrants form the backbone and they are what makes Sarasota and what makes Florida a great place to live. What James Buchanan and Rick Scott are doing is using people’s economic anxiety and fear of others to win votes.”

For Foxall’s part, she says the immigration subject isn’t even relevant to a Florida legislative race because so much immigration policy is set at the federal level. She did say both parties are failing on the matter, with liberals favoring a welfare state that incentivizes immigrants to come here for entitlements while conservatives try and deny individuals equal opportunity for career advancement. “I am not for or against sanctuary cities and think the entire premise is out of order,” she says. “The problem is the government is running from the top down and it’s making both sides of the political divide pretty anxious.” She also said her campaign would not employ scare tactics on this or any issue over the course of the race.

This isn’t the first time Republicans have tried to stir turnout in a race through utilizing the sanctuary cities issue. Before Sarasota city elections in May, party leaders, in an effort to get voters to support Republic Martin Hyde, focused on a debate statement by Democrat Jennifer Ahearn-Koch saying if the issue came up, she’d research and consider Sarasota's options regarding becoming a sanctuary city. Ultimately, Ahearn-Koch beat Hyde comfortably, but in the Democratic bastion of the City of Sarasota. District 72 overlaps with the city, but mostly includes an area outside the city limits, and Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district. 

Photo of mailer provided by Margaret Good campaign.

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 52: Grob G103 & Schweizer 2-33
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 52 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.

For Rankin’s final flights of the year, he reaches back into the history of aviation and comes forward with a pair of gliders—the German-made Grob G103 and the American-made Schweizer 2-33. Conceived before both the airplane and the helicopter, even Leonard da Vinci tried his hand. Though still debated whether or not da Vinci’s glider ever flew, examination of the designs led many to believe that its use would have a negative effect on keeping one’s head attached to one’s body. Flying modern gliders with Roger Hinote of the Coastal Soaring gliding club, Rankin had no such difficulties.

Without an engine, a glider needs a bit of help getting airborne. Typically, they’re towed by another plane. Even then, the glider pilot has to be aware and working the stick and rudder. “You are very much flying the airplane,” says Rankin. “It’s not hands-off.” Because both craft are barreling through the air, tow-line or not, the glider pilot must make tiny movements to stay in line with the aircraft doing the towing. It reminds Rankin of flying a helicopter, or flying formation. When the tow-plane hits the release, then it’s time to glide.

Though technically his first time in a glider, Rankin could hardly be called inexperienced when it comes to gliding. In his time in the Navy, he has performed “engine out” landings before, simulating engine failure or fuel loss and gliding his aircraft to its landing. Still, it felt different knowing there was no engine, like a “one-way ticket,” though not the sinister kind. “All airplanes are,” explains Rankin, in that even the best pilots have to land eventually, “but in a glider, unless you can find lift, it’s just a matter of time until you meet the Earth again.”

Finding lift is an important part of staying airborne in a glider, and largely consists of soaring through and over thermals to let the rising warm air work its magic. Experienced gliders will check the forecast for maximum lift (mornings aren’t great; the ground needs time to heat up) and keep a mental map of reliable locations for thermals, like blacktop parking lots.

What surprises Rankin most, as they try a few aerobatics, is just how agile these gliders can be, though he notes the Grob handles considerably better than the “loose and almost sloppy” controls of the Schweizer. “Just imagine driving a moving truck and then getting into a Ferrari,” he says. “Both have four wheels and a steering wheel, but are way different.”

Back on the ground after a smooth landing, Rankin goes straight to the club and signs up, with plans to get his full glider rating soon. “It’s quiet and peaceful, just you and physics,” he says. “It’s about as pure as you can get when it comes to flying.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin settling into the Grob G103. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Marina Jack]  Fireworks with a View

When you join the Marina Jack family on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have front-row-seats to Downtown Sarasota’s incredible display of fireworks to herald in the New Year. Get aboard the swanky Marina Jack II to ring in 2018 in style replete with dancing, entertainment and an elaborate buffet in this 90’ air-conditioned, cruise vessel.  Sipping champagne while you watch reflections of the fireworks ripple over the water with your friends and family is magical—boarding for the four-hour cruise begins at 8pm. Guests can reserve a table in the formal Marina Jack Dining Room on the second floor where the executive chef prepares grilled whole Maine lobster, their signature Bouillabaisse and steaks cooked to perfection at 2,500 degrees—there are two seatings, one at 4-7pm and the second at 8:45pm,— the cozy Deep Six Lounge and Piano Bar or out under the stars on the Blue Sunshine Patio. Each location includes special party favors and a bubbly toast for the countdown! Reserve your seating for dinner and explore live music times with performers and ticket prices online at Marina Jack NYE Fireworks

Marina Jack is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 941 365-4232.

You are Here. Bring on the New Year.

[Community]  RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series Unveils 2018 Speaker List

Individual and limited tickets will be available beginning Monday, January 8, 2018, for the Ringling College Library Association (RCLA) Town Hall Lecture Series morning and evening lectures. The speakers appearing for the 38th annual lecture series represent a diverse group of leaders with a broad knowledge base about the relevant issues in the world today. On Monday, January 22, John Brennan will open the 2018 Town Hall series with his perspective on the role of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as director from 2013 to 2017, Brennan managed intelligence collection, analysis, covert action, counterintelligence and liaison relationships with foreign intelligence services.  Before becoming director, he served at the White House for four years as assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. Next in the series is a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham on February 12. His latest Presidential biography, “Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George H. W. Bush,” debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list in 2015. Financial journalist and New York Times best-selling author Michael Lewis will appear on the Town Hall stage on Monday, March 5, followed by cancer physician, researcher and author Siddhartha Mukherjee on Monday, March 19. The series concludes on Monday, April 9, with founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani. Tickets prices are tiered based on seating: Gold $100, Silver $80, Bronze $70 and will be available on a first come first serve basis.  All morning lectures are scheduled for 10:30am. The evening lectures begin at 7:30pm. 

Ringling College Library Association

[Philanthropy]  Loveland Center Barbecue Bash Nets More Than $150,000

Thanks to community support, Loveland Center, Inc., a nonprofit that provides educational and vocational programs, as well as support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently netted more than $150,000 during its 9th annual Loveland Christmas Barbecue. The Venice Community Center was filled with more than 550 guests and 30 volunteers for the barbecue bash, benefiting the legacy of the 55-year-old nonprofit. Scott Pinkerton, the managing partner of Pinkerton Wealth Management Group, and Amy Archer, the principal at Garden Elementary, served as the masters of ceremonies. The Frances and William Baxter Charitable Foundation pledged to match gifts to Loveland Center up to $50,000 that evening. The audience accepted the challenge, and the match was met and exceeded by $6,500 in less than two hours. 

Loveland Center, Inc.



[TODAY]  THEATER: Once , November 8 – December 31, 2pm, 3pm, 7pm or 8pm depending on day

Once tells the heartfelt story of a Dublin street musician on the verge of hanging up his instrument when a striking woman begins to fancy his haunting love songs. As their chemistry bonds them more tightly, his music expands to new heights. Once’s first note will captivate with the connective power of music.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: The Work of Carl Abbott , December 1 – December 31, Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 2pm

The Center for Architecture Sarasota will be featuring a gallery of Carl Abbott's work. Appreciative of good architecture, design and urban planning, the center has been long been a supporter of the field. The exhibit will include works from Florida, Hawaii and the Dutch Antilles, with additional copies of his book available for purchase.

Center for Architecture Sarasota, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Evita , November 14 – December 30

Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and winner of eight Tony Awards, Evita is among the most passionate and memorable productions. The musical retells the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s celebrated but controversial First Lady. This exemplary musical is set to impress with a spectacular new staging at Asolo Rep.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: Lights in Bloom , December 21 – December 30, 6:00PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over one million lights will illuminate the garden and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa and his elves (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment with SoulRCoaster each evening. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 14th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , 811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Perlman Music Program Winter Residency , December 21 – January 6

The Perlman Music Program’s (PMP) intensive 17-day Winter Residency offers unparalleled musical training for international students, ages 12 to 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. With a faculty led by Toby and Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever. The winter residency’s free public events include orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress student recitals. Question and answer sessions with the Perlmans, PMP students and faculty follow many of these events that take place in a heated, outdoor performance tent on the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: New Years Eve Fireworks , December 31, 7:00PM

The 7th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and menu options onshore at Marina Jack along with a sparkling midnight fireworks show. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II for a four–hour celebration dinner cruise, complete with party favors, live music and fireworks on Sarasota Bay. Either way, you are sure to have a sparkling New Year! 

Marina Jack , 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: An Evening in Mayberry , January 5

The Dillards are a a musical group with a history dating back to The Andy Griffith Show over 50 years ago. Join them for an evening in Mayberry, and have the opportunity to relive musical memories and meet some of the Mayberry friendly faces. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Musical Landscapes , January 6, 7:30pm

See the world from your seat with an evening of musical panoramas. Whitacre's luminous reimagining of the River Cam, which flowed past his window at Cambridge University, features Sarasota Orchestra's own principal cellist Natalie Helm. Hailed for his "energy and enthusiasm," guest conductor Stefan Sanders dynamically guides guests on this matchless musical tour. 

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cast, Cut and Cold - Glass , January 8 – March 24

Technically amazing and visually stunning examples of creations by more than two dozen masters of glass art including Peter Bremers, Vadlec Ciglar and Irene Frolic astound in this exhibition. Numerous examples, styles and methods of glass casting and etching are represented in this one-of-a-kind gallery.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Mountaintop , January 10 – February 18

This performance depicts a fictionalized portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his last night of his life. With a theatrical imagination, the play gives viewers a window into what went on in the legendary man's life, and what his hopes, vulnerabilities and fears were.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit Call for Applications , January 10

SRQ MEDIA is calling for 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls to find your inner “roar” at the 2018 SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit and Luncheon on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 10:30am-1:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Explore the possibilities and celebrate every girl’s potential at SMARTgirl. Participants will engage in an innovative program designed to educate middle school girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grades on career imaginings and the tools they need to succeed through mentorship, soft skills training and hands-on workshops with some of the community’s top women leaders.

 

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Shine the Light Opening Night Reception , January 10, 5:30pm

This three-tier, multi-media exhibition focuses on the current and historical aspects of refugee displacement, persecution and the struggles of finding home. The show features a glass installation by Laura Donefer, photo essay exhibition by Charlotte Schmitz and a short film preview by director Dave Marshall and Deborah Haber. The exhibition is curated under the direction of Deborah Haber, executive artistic director of DEEP Arts, a nonprofit arts organization whose mission focuses on the promotion of new works.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare in Love , January 10 – March 28

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, Shakespeare in Love will offer an entrancing theater production that follows the story of Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright tormented by writer’s block. To his rescue comes the vivacious Viola, Will’s greatest admirer. But Viola has a secret and Will finds himself star cross’d.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Nine , January 11 – January 28, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

Guido Contini is a wreck and dreading his 40th birthday, a dread that stifles the easy flow of his creative juices. He runs off to Venice in search of inspiration. In a swirl of present issues, revisiting traumatic memories and grasping at women likes straws, Contini finds himself on the verge of total annihilation.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  SEMINAR: An Evening With Audrey , January 11, 5:30-8:00pm

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) was one of the greatest fashion icons and screen legends in history whose innate style and kindness captivated the world. Pamela Fiori, former editor in chief of Town & Country and Travel & Leisure magazines and six-time published author, presents a portrait of a much beloved woman, award-winnng actress, devoted mother, humanist, passionate gardener and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Join SRQ MEDIA and WIB Trailblazer Honoree Pamela Fiori for an enchanting evening of sparkling cocktails, conversation and exploration into Hepburn’s luminosity through images, film and stories.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College , 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Emily Larned , January 12 – March 17

This exhibition celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA), a social engaged art project founded in 2008 to investigate labor, time, and what we value. A selection from the first ten years of the project will be featured, and ILSSA co-founder Emily Larned will be in-residence in the gallery for the first two weeks of the show.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: The Hospital Gala , January 13, 6:00PM

Join us for the 2018 Hospital Gala at the Rtiz Carlton to raise funds for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Emergency Services team. All proceeds work to ensure that our families and communities receive the best care and that the accidents or traumas people suffer from can have their urgent medical needs be addressed.

The Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive Sarasota, Florida 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Fred Johnson Jazz Quartet , January 13, 8pm

Fred Johnson is an accomplished musician who has toured with the likes Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea and Miles Davis. A jazz, world music singer, and percussionist, Fred has been collaborating with Tampa Bay musicians for a series of performances with the theme of unity. Don't miss the evening of inspirational poetry, music, and art.

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