SRQ DAILY Dec 12, 2019
Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning
"I've seen a lot of change on Main Street 30 years ago, that once was run down, and is now very vibrant. So I'm pro-expansion, but we just need to control it a little bit"
As Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert looked at four-year-old campaign flyers from her last campaign, she was reminded about a hot button issue of the day. The city struggled with chronic homelessness, and a point-in-time survey found Sarasota was home to 1,106 homeless individuals.
This year, that same survey found 303.
“I feel like I have followed through on a promise to do something about that,” she said. “Obviously I did not and the city did not do that alone.” But efforts from Homeless Outreach Teams to more recent homeless court redirection helped change the scope of a problem.
She also feels support for a Housing First model, over a shelter pushed by Sarasota County leaders at the time, has proven to be the better path forward.
Alpert last week filed for reelection to her District 2 seat, and hopes voters see results. Besides homelessness, she also takes pride in a plan for The Bay where City Commissioners delivered. “There have been other plans that just got shelves, but I feel very good about the face that this is now coming about,” she said.
There have been fights Alpert lost along the way too. Most recently, she was on the losing end of a vote to approve a master plan for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. She’s among leaders concerned cultural institutions seeking ways to survive and grow may consider leaving the city.
“We are a cultural center, and I want to keep it that way,” she said. “I don’t want to lose Selby Gardens or the Orchestra to another location. My goal is to do what I can to figure out how we keep them in the city.”
On controversial topics like administrative review, she’s taken arrows for not pushing more public hearings. Alpert said she’s open to changes to the process, but they must be early in application review, and she can’t support uncertain public hearings added after applicants invest thousands into a process.
Alpert faces former City Commissioner Terry Turner, advisory board member Terry Wells and activist Martin Hyde. 
Jerry Wells has enjoyed Sarasota for 30 years, ever since his parents started traveling here. After six years of calling the city home, he’s ready to become a leader.
Already a member of the Sustainability and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards with the city, Wells, has filed to run for Sarasota City Commission in District 2.
“I’ve been very active in the community here,” he said. “I kind of think we need to take a more business like approach to run the budget.”
A Wall Street veteran who previously worked at Goldman Sachs, he sees an importance in keeping taxes and fees low, especially with a real estate market exploding property values.
When it comes to growth, he notes the city for the most part sees redevelopment. “I’ve seen a lot of change on Main Street 30 years ago, that once was run down, and is now very vibrant,” he said. “So I’m pro-expansion, but we just need to control it a little bit.”
Talk about changing administrative review processes in the city and Wells grows concerned about hurting the value of properties and engaging in de facto taking of development rights. “You have to let people know what they can build before they buy,” he said.
But he counts himself an active member of neighborhood associations. He’s been a member for years of the Lido Key Residents Association, and of late, has attended meetings in nearby St. Armands Circle.
As for priorities, Wells wants Sarasota city officials more engaged in fighting red tide and improving water quality.
As the city prepares for the first time in years to hold a City Commission election concurrent with state elections, in the fall of an even-numbered year, Wells for one feels enthused. “I’m glad we moved the election cycle,” he said. “It will get bigger turnout when we match it with a bigger election.”
Wells faces incumbent Liz Albert, former Sarasota City Commissioner Terry Turner and activist Martin Hyde.
Photo courtesy Wells campaign.
Del Webb has introduced three new series of GenYou Floor Plans at Del Webb Lakewood Ranch.
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch’s new GenYou series will consist of a dozen new floor plans, featuring zero-entry walk-in showers, point-of-use storage, and widened hallways.
“Our new GenYou home designs now offered at Del Webb Lakewood Ranch were born from feedback solicited from our current and prospective homebuyers,” said Josh Graeve, Vice President of Sales for PulteGroup’s Southwest Florida Division. “We reprioritized space and maximized functionality to reflect how our active residents spend time in their homes, whether it’s cooking gourmet meals, entertaining family or practicing a new hobby.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection joined the Florida Recycling Partnership and other stakeholders in November to celebrate Florida Recycles Week with a press conference and educational displays at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
DEP Deputy Secretary John Truitt presented a Recycling Recognition Award to Tervis, recognizing the company’s 83.72 percent recycling rate, outstanding reuse efforts, and commitment to Florida's environment and recycling goals.
"The department is proud to join the Florida Recycling Partnership to recognize the importance of recycling and celebrate the organizations that are helping Florida work toward our recycling goal," said Secretary Noah Valenstein. "We’re honored to recognize Tervis for their innovation and commitment in protecting Florida’s environment.”
All Faiths Food Bank is pleased to welcome Rachel Bradley as Director of Philanthropy. Bradley has five years of fundraising and marketing experience as Director of Development and Marketing at Ronald McDonald House Charities and Director of Mission Advancement at United Way. She also participated in fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ara Parseghian’s Medical Foundation. Before working in the non-profit sector, Rachel’s career was in business-to-business advertising sales and marketing roles. She earned her BA degree in Organizational Communications from Indiana University South Bend.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing has added Sun Coast Loaded Cannon Distilled Spirits to their portfolio. Sun Coast Loaded Cannon Distilled Spirits was founded in late 2017 by Steve Milligan, a retired Chemical Engineer with over 35 years of global experience in the chemical industry. Milligan is the president and distiller. Opening its doors in July of this year, the distillery has a pirate-themed tasting room and gift shop where learning tours are also given. Loaded Cannon is committed to buying all raw materials from Florida, where possible, and milling its own grains. They even have a corn silo. The team boasts a “hand crafted, copper kissed” product lineup including vodka, rum, gin, and flavored derivatives. They even have bourbon, rye, and rice whiskey aging in barrels. Their goal is to be an innovator and unique to the craft distillery industry.
Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.
FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
PINC is People, Ideas, Nature, and Creativity. It's a one-day, conference-style experience delivered by a cascade of international speakers from every imaginable discipline, skill, and talent you can think of. Speakers range from Iditarod champions, the founder of Vertical Farming, a famous felt artist and a lawyer whose territory is outer space, all the way to Nobel Prize winners, perfume virtuosos, a Master Acoustician, and the doctor who performed the first-hand transplant. Whether a speaker or a guest, the PINC experience attracts creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, specialists, designers, artists, scientists, and anyone looking to stimulate their mind, heart, and soul. It's an opportunity to participate in an eclectic mix of the fundamental pieces that create the human experience. If you want to be inspired, you want to be at PINC.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
¡Vívelo! merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance, and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region, this production provides strong entry points for audiences of all ages seeking a highly energetic folkloric performance experience.
Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition.
The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.
Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Returning for the third year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet brings its stunning production to the VPAC for three performances. Accompanied by 26 musicians from The Venice Symphony with guest conductor Joeseph Caulkins, and a brand new set, these pre-professional performers will stun you with their elegance and strength in this holiday tradition. Single tickets on sale now at veniceperformingartscenter.com or (941) 218 3779.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens 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 (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. 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 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never-ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233
Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.
Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233
Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, 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 34243
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
