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SRQ DAILY Jun 26, 2018

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"It's a huge market for us."

- Rick Piccolo, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
 

[Flight]  Season Brings Thrice Daily Service to Chicago
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Could new flights between Chicago and Sarasota during season increase the importance of the Midwestern metropolis for this region? American Airlines on Monday announced it would offer seasonal daily service between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport beginning on Dec. 19. Additionally, United Airlines, which offers daily service to O’Hare year-round, will run flights twice daily between the Chicago airport and SRQ airport.

That means that, at least during season, the Sarasota airport will have three flights a day connecting the Gulf Coast to the Windy City. It’s the first time there’s been that type of connection between the destinations since Southwest Airlines abruptly ended all AirTran service at SRQ airport in 2012. Before that point, AirTran did three daily trips between SRQ airport and Chicago Midway International Airport, according to SRQ airport President Rick Piccolo, and had 120,000 passengers on that flight for whom Sarasota or Chicago served as the origin or destination. “It’s a huge market for us,” Piccolo says.

When the now-defunct AirTran left SRQ airport behind, it briefly looked like there would be no direct flights between Sarasota and Chicago but United in 2012 quickly announced seasonal flights to O’Hare. The flights proved successful and United expanded to year-round service, and now offers twice daily service during the winter season. Once American starts its flights, it will mean a connectivity between the cities matching the AirTran days—at least for a portion of the year.

Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, says the tourism bureau will increase its marketing in Chicago, based on the news of the additional flights. Chicago today remains the sixth largest original destination for visitors to Sarasota County. “Interestingly, if you look at the 2016-17 period, it grew by 2 percent,” Haley said of the Chicago market. And since many travelers to Sarasota have loyalty to certain airlines, she’s excited to see both United and American connecting the two cities.

Piccolo and Haley say the Midwest has always proved important to tourism to this region. In recent years, Haley says, some Atlantic coast markets have grown in significance while the Midwest’s economic conditions led to a certain decrease in traffic from visitors there. “But Chicago itself has always remained very strong,” she says.

American service to O’Hare begins Dec. 19. Flights will be on an E75 Embraer RJ-175 with a first-class cabin and two-and-two coach seating. Tickets are available for purchase now. 

Photo courtesy Chicago O'Hare International Airport

[GoodBite]  Mediterranean Manifesto
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

From the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean coastline to the Gulf shores of Sarasota, think Greek the next time you crave a freshly prepared, top quality, healthy, hearty dish. “Honest Food, Honest Practices” remains the undying mantra at this blue-colored hot spot. Blu Kouzina delivers by continually bringing Greece’s signature, wholesome culinary scene to St. Armand’s Circle for locals and tourists alike. Not only striving for the freshest ingredients obtainable, you will not find a single microwave or freezer on site either—baking their own breads, preparing their meats on premise, selecting fresh fish from local fishermen and sourcing organically grown produce daily.

Both traditional and contemporary dishes are made with a special key ingredient—Blu Kouzina’s very own extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from their 100+ year old olive grove in Greece. The Green Gold Tsakiris Family Estate covers over 100 acres of land and comprises of over 3,000 beautifully flourished olive trees. The olive groves are organically maintained, carefully hand picked, cold pressed and first pressed, then bottled under the Grove’s name and shipped exclusively to Blu Kouzina Restaurants. Rooted as a family business, all Tsakiris family members have experienced and helped in the harvesting process, which happens every year from November-December. Other staple ingredients the owners deem inherent for cooking include sea salt, wild oregano (rigani) and organic thyme honey. The sea salt is from the Mani Peninsula, located by the Mediterranean Sea where the process involves seawater trapped inside the holes of volcanic rock drying up in the sun, leaving the pure, dried sea salt which is then hand picked and packaged straight from the rock and into Blu Kouzina’s recipes. Their oregano is found within the Tsakiris Estate during the summer months while the shepherds roam and herd the sheep, they hand collect the indigenous herb, let it dry out and package for essential seasoning. Their thyme honey comes from beehives located in Mani, Greece where there is no cellular phone signals, in order to keep the bees alive and healthy. This prized honey fills up during the warmer times of the year where it is collected and sealed by local beekeepers. The unique flavors and scents of the Tsakiris family are what truly keep Blu Kouzina a genuine destination—taking you on a palatable journey to the amorous blue islands. 

Blu Kouzina, 25 N Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, 941-388-2619.

[Government]  Three Openings on Manatee County Tourist Development Council

Manatee County has three openings for the Tourist Development Council (TDC), a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the expenditures of Tourist Tax Revenues. The TDC is comprised of nine members who make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners concerning the effective operation of the projects set forth in the Tourist Development Plan and the uses for which Tourist Development Tax revenues may be spent. The TDC is seeking one member who is an owner/operator of a motel, hotel, recreational vehicle park or other tourist accommodation in the County and subject to the 5 percent resort tax in Manatee County. Another two seats are available for applicants who are involved in the tourism industry and who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development; however, the applicants must not be subject to the 5 percent resort tax in Manatee County. All applicants must be registered voters in Manatee County. Applications are due July 17 and may be found online at the website below. 

Manatee County Tourist Development Council Application

[Community]  Final Presentations of The Bay Master Plan Today

Today marks the last two opportunities to attend one of the remaining community presentations of the Master Plan for The Bay. Gina Ford and Susannah Ross, from the Sasaki Design Team, will provide an overview of the master planning process to-date, the current modified master plan, including an update on strategies for finance and governance and next steps. The team will also answer questions and solicit feedback through a short survey. Sasaki Design Team is inviting and encouraging members of the community to attend. Both presentations will be held at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, with the first at 1:30pm and the second at 5:30pm. The 1:30pm presentation will also be live streamed on Facebook Live via The Bay’s Facebook page. The forums are free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested. 

The Bay Sarasota

[Business]  GCCF Elects Board Officers

The Board of Directors of Gulf Coast Community Foundation has elected Judy Cahn as chair and Scott Collins as vice chair for one-year terms as officers. The board also reelected member Janis Fawn to a three-year term on the board. All board terms begin July 1. Cahn, a community volunteer and philanthropist who previously worked for 35 years in investment banking, has been a Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board member since 2011. She served as vice chair of the board for the past two years. Collins, president and founder of Sarasota-based wealth management firm Fiduciary Wealth Advisors, has served on the Gulf Coast Board since 2010. He currently chairs its governance committee and has previously chaired the board’s audit and community investment committees. The other members of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board for the 2018-19 term are Anne Essner, David Green, Rod Hershberger, Pauline Joerger, Tracy Knight, Anand Pallegar, Mark Pritchett, Michael Saunders, Susan Sofia, Joe Stephan, Bayne Stevenson and Tommy Taylor. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

[Business]  Livengood Completes Examination for Accreditation in PR

Kim Livengood, chief communication officer with The Eclipse Agency, has successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, entitling her to use the APR professional designation. The announcement was made by the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine professional communication organizations that directs this competency certification program. The accreditation program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession. The computer-based portion of the Examination is administered throughout the year at more than 300 Prometric Testing Centers. The Panel Presentation is conducted prior to the computer-based portion of the examination by a panel of three accredited members of one or more of the nine organizations participating in the UAB. Professionals earning the APR must maintain their credential through continuing professional development, providing leadership to the profession and serving their local communities. 

The Eclipse Agency



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Warhol: Flowers In the Factory , February 11 – June 30

This exhibition showcases the surprising and little examined, role of nature in Warhol’s art and life. The spectacular 15-acre tropical setting of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Sarasota Bay will provide a matchless context for examining Warhol’s fascination with the natural world in this focused, immersive exhibition. It is curated by Carol Ockman, Ph.D., curator-at-large of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Robert Sterling Clark Professor of Art History at Williams College

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  GALLERY: "40 by 8" , June 25 – August 31

True to its name, the summer exhibit, curated by Mark Ormond, features 40 works by eight artists, including Luisa Basnuevo, Jean Blackburn, Luis Delgado, Daphne Gamble, Leslie Lerner, Melissa Meyer, Helen Shulman and Joyce Ely Walker. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.


Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, 1288 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236.

[SOON]  THEATER: Murder for Two , June 27 – July 29

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman who dreams of becoming a detective. When shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney, and Whitney ends up dead, Marcus sees an opportunity to prove his sleuthing skills. With only a short time to solve the case, he has to find out, “whodunit?” In a witty musical homage to classic murder mysteries, Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, and murder.

 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: SAF Film: "Modern Ruin: A World's Fair Pavilion" with Matthew Silva , June 28, 5:30pm-7pm

"Modern Ruin: World's Fair Pavilion" (2015) tells the story of Philip Johnson's New York State Pavilion during the glory days of the fair, and chronicles its demise over the past 50 years. The film details its post-fair use as a 60s concert venue and 70s roller rink, including the years of neglect and recent growing advocacy efforts. Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for SAF members, and students with IDs as well as Ringling College staff get free admission. 

Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: Films on the Fairway , June 30, 7pm

The Palms Golf Club and the Sarasota Film Festival are teaming up for Films on the Fairway. Throughout the summer, you will be able to enjoy a film, food and fun on the gorgeous greens of the Palms Golf Club. In their upcoming screening, the golf club will show Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the 1981 Steven Spielberg classic starring Harrison Ford. Tickets can be bought in advance or purchased at the door. Premium tickets are also available on a limited first come-first serve basis. For $27.50, enjoy dinner, a beverage of choice, a golf cart with preferred viewing, unlimited popcorn and waitress service! Reservations must be made and paid in prior to June 23rd, 2018.

The Palms Golf Club, 1990 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , June 30, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 1, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , July 4, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 4:30pm-10:00pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three-hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack's, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Curry Creek to Nokomis , July 7, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy the great outdoors with a kayak paddle led by John Sarkozy, through Nokomis and the Curry Creek Preserve. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. Bring drinking water, suncreen and your sense of adventure. 

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 10, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  THEATER: What the Butler Saw , July 10 – July 29

Wild, risqué, and ferociously funny, Joe Orton’s classic farce takes aim at everything from sex to psychiatry. In an exclusive, private mental health clinic, Dr. Prentice is attempting to seduce his prospective secretary when his wife walks in, interrupting his sordid intentions and kicking off a maniacal tour de force involving a state inspector, bellboys, slamming doors, and, above all, Orton’s wicked wit and breakneck dialogue. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Tops from Flops , July 11 – July 22

A musical review of America’s most treasured musical theater songs that came from some of Broadways biggest fiascos.  Enjoy an evening of great and enduring all-time hits from composers like:  George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and many more!  An exuberant tour through the last 75 years of Broadways musical giants all spawned from Broadways biggest flops.

Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Tenth Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival , July 12 – July 14

Troupes are coming from all over the country, from as far away as France and Spain, all ready to bring their best spontaneous hilarity to the Gulf Coast. Featuring an unprecedented THREE headliners - Baby Wants Candy (Chicago), Impro Madrid (Spain) and Impro Theatre (LA) - one for each day of the Festival. Plus, several returning favorites including North Coast (NYC), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin, TX), ImprovBoston (Boston, MA), STACKED (Chicago, IL) and Available Cupholders (Austin, TX). 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 15

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

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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