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SRQ DAILY Nov 6, 2018

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"You’ve got a far left candidate on one side and a pretty far right candidate on the other side, and in between no-party-affiliation voters scrambling and trying to make their voices heard."

- Mike Bennett, Manatee Supervisor of Elections
 

[Politics]  Record Turnout Expected This Election Day
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Elections officials expect record turnout for a mid-term as voters head to polls. Already, more than 234,000 voters have submitted ballots either through the mail or at early voting locations through Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“We have some competitive races on the ballot statewide, with U.S. Senate and the governor’s race,” says Ron Turner, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections. “And in addition to that, we have a high-profile Congressional race and a lot of local races.”

Indeed, national interest seems high nationwide in a mid-term with control of the U.S. House and Senate at stake. In Florida, Democratic incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson faces a challenge from Republican Gov. Rick Scott in what shaped up to be one of the closest matches in the country. And the gubernatorial contest between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis, both picks that appeal to the bases of the parties, has garnered perhaps even more attention.

“You’ve got a far left candidate on one side and a pretty far right candidate on the other side, and in between no-party-affiliation voters scrambling and trying to make their voices heard,” says Mike Bennett, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. “You’ve got two truly opposite candidates and philosophies competing. I don’t think we’ve ever seen two candidates so diametrically opposed as we have in those two.”

And as Turner notes, voters in this area also weigh in on one of the biggest House races in the state. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan R-Sarasota, faces maybe the most serious challenge since his first election to the House in Democrat David Shapiro. Nearly $8 million has been spent in the District 16 fight alone, and when you combine spending by Shapiro, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and PAC money by groups like Floridians for a Fair Shake, totaling $4.13 million in spending, it marks the first time Democrats ever outspent Buchanan, who spent $3.78 million.

Turner says in Sarasota County, more than 43 percent of voters already turned out before Election Day. He expects to see greater than 60 percent turnout by the time polls close tonight. Four years ago, the governor's race spurred 58 percent turnout in the county.

Bennett says Manatee turnout sits around 50 percent and will only shoot up from there.

Bennett made special mention of polling workers in Lakewood Ranch, who have dealt with crowds of over 1,000 voters every day and kept lines moving at a steady clip despite a long ballot this year.

And Turner says voters seem to be taking every race seriously, down to 12 statewide constitutional amendments and six local ballot measures.

State records show in the two-county area, at least 107,959 Republicans and 80,173 Democrats cast their ballots by mail or at early voting locations. Now, all that remains are Election Day votes.

Polls open at 7am and close at 7pm. 

[Philanthropy]  Asolo Rep Receives Arts Appreciation Grant from GCCF

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced that it is the recipient of a $70,000 Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant will support the theatre's highly anticipated 2018-19 season, which kicks off in November with a reimagined production of The Music Man. The Arts Appreciation Grant will help to underwrite the 2018-19 season, including the costs associated with the creation of the sets, costumes, props and the hiring of the top actors and artists in the country. The season features an array freshly envisioned classics, including The Music ManThe CrucibleNoises Off and Sweeney Todd, and also exciting new works, including A Doll's HousePart 2Sweat; The Cake and Around the World in 80 Days.  

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[Education]  Poranchik Named Principal of Cranberry Elementary School

Brad Porinchak has been named the new principal of Cranberry Elementary School in North Port, pending School Board approval. He replaces current principal, Linda Daniels, who is retiring at the end of December. An employee of Sarasota County Schools since 2005, Porinchak has served as an assistant principal at Cranberry Elementary since 2017 and as assistant principal at North Port High School from 2014–17, where he was responsible for instruction, administration and promoting the use of technology in the classroom. He is highly regarded among the Cranberry school community and has been an instrumental part of the leadership team to maintain Cranberry Elementary’s A-grade for the 2017-18 school year. Porinchak will be the second principal at Cranberry Elementary since the school opened in 2002. He will work alongside Linda Daniels and assume the role of principal effective December 20, pending School Board approval. Prior to his assistant principal positions, Porinchak served as the school district’s K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist from 2011–14. He was also an Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry and AP Chemistry teacher at North Port High School from 2005–11. 

Cranberry Elementary School

[Expansion]  The Exchange Marks Expansion Opening with Weekend Celebration

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) is commemorating its new 3,000 square-foot furniture wing and freshly renovated clothing, jewelry, art and housewares departments with an celebration on Friday, November 9, and Saturday, November 10, 9am–4pm. This free event, open to the public, offers opportunities to register to win free gifts, including a Huffy Cranbrook bicycle and a selection of high-end creations by famed designer Isabella Adams. A 10-percent discount is available on Friday and refreshments will be served both days. The new 3,000-square-foot furniture wing, designed by Hoyt Architects, greatly expands the consignment shop’s offerings and has been a six-year process. After years of careful deliberation, the organization purchased the neighboring convenience shop and its parking lot in 2017. This addition effectively solved the difficulties of creating a loading zone for the nonprofit and ensured The Exchange’s future for years to come. Hoyt Architects was retained to oversee the entire project.  

The Exchange

[Law]  Bentley & Bruning Ranked in U.S. News 2019 Best Law Firms

Sarasota-based law firm Bentley & Bruning, led by attorneys Morgan R. Bentley and Kevin R. Bruning, has announced that it has received a ranking in the 2019 edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer included in the 2019 The Best Lawyers in America publication for its specific practice area and metro combination. Bentley was included in the 2019 edition of Best Lawyers in America and numerous years prior. The practice at Bentley & Bruning P.A. is primarily focused on business and real estate litigation. Businesses throughout Southwest Florida turn to the firm for pointed advice and assertive legal representation. The team is well-equipped to handle even the most complex, high-profile commercial matters in an effective manner. 

Bentley & Bruning



[Spotlight]  Inside the Artist's Process with Julie Kanapaux

Julie Kanapaux is a contemporary abstract artist influenced by nature on both micro and macrocosmic scales. Julie is owner and Chief Creative Officer of Kan Kan Studios; an adjunct faculty member at Ringling College of Art and Design; and a member of the local artist collective S/ART/Q.

What is your vision as an artist? As an artist, my goal is to challenge the viewer to have a new perspective. I want to reinforce ideas regarding our connectivity and unity with both nature and fellow man.

Share with us your inspiration as an artist? I am most inspired by the vast beauty of our environment. This exists on both micro and macro scales, from the smallest leaf to the cosmos at large. We are surrounded by infinite perfection.

How would you describe your process? Recently, I translate paintings and drawings done with traditional materials into a digital format, where I then overlap and layer them amongst more industrial imagery. I love contrasting the spontaneous nature of paint and pen with the systematic technique of creating digital artwork.

What is your favorite medium to work in and why? I consider myself a “painter” at heart. There is something about the unpredictability of fluid materials that forces an artist to constantly adapt and improvise. When I paint, I feel like the materials are a medium between me and the great unknown. I rarely know how something will turn out in the end, and I love how it pushes me to be flexible. 

Learn more about Kan Kan Studios!

[Upcoming Marketing]  25 Days of Christmas, Digital Holiday Shopping Program

Participate in this year’s 25 Days of Christmas digital holiday shopping program featuring 25 featured gifts this holiday season through SRQ’s digital and SRQ DAILY platforms. Contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or growmybusiness@srqme.com to secure your spot today. 

Click for more info!

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Ole! Popular Latin and Spanish Music , November 6

A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring popular Spanish and Latin tunes showcasing the skill of Carmen de Vicente, one of the masters of Spain’s national instrument: the challenging, centuries-old castanet. Joseph Holt joins on piano and Erol Ozsever on guitar.

Michael's On East Ballroom, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: Sarasota World Affairs Council Speaker Series , November 6, 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2018-19 lecture series, Kurdistan and Iraq after ISIS: What’s Next?, featuring Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Representative of the Kurdish Regional Government to the United States.  She was elected to the Leadership Council of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in 2010.  Her father, Sami Abdul Rahman, a veteran of the Kurdish freedom movement, was murdered in a terrorist bombing in 2004.  Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay.  The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested (sarasotawac.org).

MILDRED SAINER PAVILION, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder , November 7 – January 13

Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. Along the way, Monty has to juggle his mistress, his fiancée and the constant threat of landing behind bars. It will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Texas Hold'em Tournament , November 8

Be a winner and save veterans' lives - support ending PTSD! $75 per person includes 20,000 starting chips. Guarantee $1,500. Unlimited cash re-entires until 7:35pm. Proceeds to benefit Reset Therapy Professional Institute, LLC.

One Eyed Jacks Poker Room, 5400 Bradenton Road, Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Inspire--Modern Home Magazine Symposium , November 8, 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Join SRQ MEDIA as we hear about the inspiration behind some of Sarasota's most iconic home designs. $5 Cover includes one glass of beer or wine and light bites.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Sight Unseen , November 8 – November 18

A critically acclaimed artist has created art that is so popular, that now his works are bought ‘sight unseen.’ Happily married with a pregnant wife, the artist decides to visit his former model and lover while attending a retrospective of his work. Written in a non-linear progression, expect forward and backward jumps in time.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: By the Sea , November 9 – December 10

This group exhibition celebrates the beauty of glistening waterscapes with inspired artwork. Sarasota-based and nationally acclaimed artist Linda Richichi presents oil and pastel paintings along with Florida Landscape artist Gary Borse and other gallery talents. This show aims to not only highlight nature’s beauty, but also use the space as a platform for conversations about conservation.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Theatre Re: The Nature of Forgetting , November 9 – November 10, 7:30PM

At the intersection of art and science, The Nature of Forgetting bursts with creativity, joy and heartache. Collaborating with neuroscientist Kate Jeffry, the London-based dance theater company, Theater Re, has created a moving articulation of the countless dimensions of memory and amnesia, linking science with real life experiences.

The Ringling

[SOON]  THEATER: Dike , November 9 – December 16

Written by Hannah Benitez, a Cuban-Jewish-American millennial originally from Miami, Dike follows a pair of sisters from a religious family who reunite after two years of separation to navigate the cloudy waters of identity. An awkwardly hilarious and gripping exploration of love, sexuality, and sisterhood, with an all-female cast, Dike questions the limitations religion and social conditioning raise within all of us.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival , November 9 – November 12

Recently named America's #1 Beach, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here. From November 9th - 12th, enjoy live music, food and drink vendors and sand art you must see to believe!

Siesta Key Beach

[SOON]  GALA: The Venice Symphony Sapphire Gala , November 10

The Venice Symphony celebrates its 45th anniversary and welcomes Music Director/Conductor Troy Quinn with its biggest soiree in five years. Guests will enjoy dinner, an open bar, live music by several Venice Symphony ensembles, a visual journey through The Symphony’s past and a short and spirited live auction.


Venetian Golf Club, 105 Pesaro Dr., Venice.

[SOON]  HEALTH: 2018 American Heart Association Suncoast Heart Walk , November 10, 8:00AM

Be a Heart Walk hero and help the American Heart Association save lives from heart disease and stroke by attending the Suncoast Heart Walk on Saturday, Nov. 10, at JD Hamel Park. Your participation supports scientific research that makes more healthy heart beats possible. The Heart Walk starts at 7:30 a.m. and is family-friendly. Walkers can enjoy a vendor expo with fun, interactive activities, a short program, and a 1-mile or 5k walk. Registering is free and easy! You can register as an individual, on a community team, or with your company! Just visit www.SuncoastHeartWalk.org.

JD Hamel Park, Main St & S Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: John Denver-Coming Home , November 11 – November 12

The season kicks off with this annual salute to veterans, featuring tribute artist Tom Becker. Come hear Tom Becker sing all of the favorite John Denver songs and wear red, white, and blue as the Pops honors every veteran with God Bless The USA, Salute to the Armed Forces and many more. General reserved discounted tickets are available to veterans and their families. Each performance is at different locations one at 1 Ram Way, Sarasota and the other at 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton.

[SOON]  MUSIC: PMP Alumni: Around Town at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium , November 11 – November 12, 5:00PM

PMP Alumni: Around Town returns to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Wave Center with string quartet performances featuring PMP alumni Doori Na and Jeremiah Blacklow, violins, Chloe Thominet, viola and Bryan Park, cello. 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Wave Center, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, 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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