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SRQ DAILY Feb 18, 2020

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"The smell of this holy triumvirate never fails to excite the salivary glands of even the most ardent vegan."

- A & G Caribbean Ribs.
 

[The Dish]  For Ridiculous Ribs, Follow the Smoke
Andrew Fabian, andrew.fabian@srqme.com

Heat, smoke and meat. The smell of this holy triumvirate never fails to excite the salivary glands of even the most ardent vegan. But for those who partake in animal flesh, this trinity serves as a beacon for food fraternity, calling the hungry like a smoke signal that declares, “come, friends, and fill thy bellies.” That some form of barbecued dish exists in practically every single culture and cuisine the world over should suffice as evidence of its appeal. In spite of this, it can still feel sometimes like there just aren’t enough good BBQ joints around. So, add this one to your list: A & G Caribbean Ribs.

Like many modern eateries, this BBQ outfit is situated on wheels. Unlike many modern eateries, however, this one does not travel from brewery to brewery in search of customers—nor does it need to. Over the last 10 years or so it has migrated around the University Parkway corridor, parked first at the Shell gas station on University and Lockwood Ridge, then in a strip mall on Tamiami near the airport, and now back to the Southeast corner of DeSoto and Lockwood Ridge. But, through each multi-year stint at its locations, the outfit has remained committed to providing enormous portions of charcoal-grilled food for less than just about any other BBQ joint in town. 

Their lunch special ranks as the best value overall, with a choice of ribs, chicken leg quarters and pulled pork for proteins and a choice of three varieties of rice—red beans and rice, black beans and rice, or yellow rice. Each combination of meat and rice will only run you $7, and, like any good Latino cook, the proprietors err on the side of too much food. In the case of ribs, they don’t appear to have a standardized system in place for portion size, seeming to rely on an intuitive sense of when the container has achieved critical mass. Rest assured, whether the final rib-count is 4 or 6, they will all be grilled exquisitely to a crispy, smoky exterior and a tender interior. For best results, opt for ribs with black beans and rice, and go heavy on the house sauce. And come hungry.

Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. 

Caribbean BBQ Truck, 3250 DeSoto Road, Sarasota,

[ShopTalk]  Zero Waste Bar Now Open in The Bazaar

Community members are invited to discover safe and effective ways to clean the house, while minimizing single-use plastics. For those looking to make changes that positively impact the environment but don’t know where to start, the newly-opened Zero Waste Bar can help. The new shop inside The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Zero Waste Bar currently features household cleaning products from Molly’s Suds. The public is invited to bring their own containers (or get one there) to fill up and keep refilling – it’s a simple way to eliminate single-use plastic containers, which are piling up on landfills and in the oceans. Molly’s Suds are made with earth and plant-derived ingredients to enhance efficiency and cut down on cleaning time, without compromising your family’s health. 

Zero Waste Bar will also carry bamboo toothbrushes and Humby Organics shampoo and conditioner bars and other made in-the-USA, environmentally, sustainable products. The shop is owned by public relations professional Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC. Livengood saw the popularity of these types of shops in St. Pete and Tampa and felt Sarasota was ready. “Learning about minimizing waste and helping the environment is a journey,” said Livengood. “It would be very difficult to live a completely zero-waste lifestyle but, if we strive to do even some small things, together we can make a difference.”

Visit Zero Waste Bar inside The Bazaar at 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota — Thursday through Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit ZeroWasteBarSRQ.com

Photo courtesy of Kim Livengood.

[Facility Expansion ]  Fawley Bryant Architecture And Binghamton University Unveil Plan For $60 Million Baseball Complex Renovation And Expansion

Last week, Fawley Bryant Architecture (FBA), a full-service architecture firm with offices in Bradenton and Sarasota, was on site in Vestal, N.Y. for the unveiling of Binghamton University’s $60 million Baseball Stadium Complex. Hired by the Binghamton University Foundation in December 2017, FBA worked to complete concept design studies prior to the project being released to public RFP. After the selection process, FBA has been functioning as the design architect with New York based architectural firm, CSArch, as architect of record. Under contract since January of 2019, the final design, renderings and 3D animation released at the January 11 press conference were all produced by Fawley Bryant Architecture. This fully funded donor project will build an 84,000 square-foot facility to support the baseball team that will include a new stadium, clubhouse and indoor training facility. It will consist of increased fan seating, locker rooms, batting cages, coaches’ offices, study spaces and an athletic training room. The new stadium complex will not only help the University to continue to recruit top high-school athletes but will also meet NCAA requirements for hosting postseason tournament play. The indoor training facility will include a turf baseball infield with a four-story ceiling, providing athletes the ability to practice year-round. The project reflects an aggressive construction timeline; construction will begin within the next few weeks, letting the team play in their new home stadium next year. 

For more information on this project and Fawley Bryant Architecture

[Legal]  State Officials Reveal Gross Mishandling Of State Funding By FCADV

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) announced today that an investigation by Florida State House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee has revealed a gross mishandling of funding by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The ongoing investigation into the state program revealed exorbitant compensation payouts, abuse of state dollars, withholding of information, and breach of public trust. “We are gravely concerned to learn what has transpired at our State Coalition,” said Jessica Hays, President and CEO of SPARCC, “These are millions of dollars in misappropriated funds that could have gone directly to helping victims of domestic violence.” Although it receives funding from the FCADV, SPARCC is certified by the Department of Children & Families, the agency now tasked to oversee state funding for Florida domestic violence centers. Hays said she is grateful to legislative leaders, especially Rep. Margaret Good, who sits on the committee conducting the investigation, for working diligently to bring this injustice to light and for their continued efforts to ensure sound oversight of Florida’s 42 domestic violence centers. “We want to assure our community that we remain focused on serving survivors,” Hays said. “There will be no interruption of services as a result of this ongoing investigation.” Hays said the ongoing findings of this investigation do not reflect upon the life-saving programs and services provided by Florida’s domestic violence shelters. “We have all been betrayed by the outrageous actions of these individuals,” she said. “SPARCC fully supports this investigation. We want transparency and accountability.” 

To learn more about Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)

[Seminar]  Dreamers & Doers Speaker Series to Feature Michael Saunders, Local Entrepreneur and Female Powerhouse

DreamLarge is pleased to announce the second installment of its interactive speaker series, “Dreamers & Doers: Breaking Barriers with Michael Saunders,” on March 25 from 5:00-7:30pm at Michael’s On East. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Saunders, the founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, as well as engage in meaningful discussions with industry peers and professionals over light bites and drinks. During the evening, Saunders will share how she overcame various obstacles along her entrepreneurial journey and how she’s successfully built Michael Saunders & Company, an independent real estate brokerage with principal offices in Sarasota. Since the company’s establishment in 1976, Saunders has grown her real estate firm from a single office into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices, achieving sales of $2.78 billion in 2019. In addition to her business influence, Saunders’ contributions to a multitude of cultural and charitable organizations, including her own MSC Foundation, have helped shape Florida’s Gulf Coast. “The amount of high caliber business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in our region is truly astounding. We created Dreamers & Doers to connect these visionaries with young professionals, rising stars and those looking to learn from the best in the industry,” said Anand Pallegar, founder of DreamLarge. “Michael’s tenacity, determination, and business acumen are unparalleled, and we’re so excited for her to share her knowledge with the community.” Tickets to Dreamers & Doers are $15. Also following the main event is an intimate, multi-course dinner with Saunders from 7:30-9:00pm; tickets are $200 and seating is limited. 

Dreamers & Doers: Breaking Barriers, 2019

For more information on his event and Michael Saunders, or to purchase tickets

[Live Stream]  Seeing Yourself in STEM: Aquanauts to Astronauts

Participate in a free interactive live stream this February – Seeing Yourself in STEM: Aquanauts to Astronauts. Join Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum online February 27 at 2:00 pm ET for a discussion of African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and beyond. Community organizations, school classrooms, homeschool groups and the public are invited to connect via Zoom. In honor of Black History Month, this livestream will highlight African Americans working in STEM industries. Join marine biologists and SCUBA divers from Sarasota, Florida-based Mote Marine Laboratory and aerospace educators and geomorphologists from the New York, New York-based Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. This program will connect participants with African American leaders who are providing stellar contributions to the scientific community, from sea to space. Part of the PEC Spring into Digital Learning online festival. This 50 minute discussion is free and for all age ranges.  

To register for this event or to learn more about other programs

[Donations]  Halfacre Construction Company Employees Contribute to Loveland Center

Since 2011, employees with Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, have voluntarily chosen to contribute through recurring weekly payroll deductions to the Loveland Center, a nonprofit that provides educational and vocational programs and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties. As of February 2020, the donation total reached just over $33,000 from an average of 20 of its staff members. In 2015, Halfacre Construction Company completed construction on The Nancy Detert Residences on the Loveland Center’s Venice campus. The Residences provide supportive housing comprised of three two-story apartment buildings and a community center building where residents have access to an array of recreational services to support their inclusion in the community. This independent living model provides an affordable housing option that allows adults with developmental disabilities to maintain their independence in a less restrictive environment. 

The team at Halfacre Construction Company, including Rick Rutherford, Chelsea Gruber, Mike Lawton, Reed Giasson, Carl Webb, Mitch McKnight, Holly Beach, Ralph Rush, Jack Cox, Jerry Kreissler, Jay Simpson, Jacob Lowther, Tom Rees, Craig Emery, Greg Witt, B

To learn more about Halfacre Construction Company

[Air Travel]  SRQ Sees 53% Traffic Increase in January

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) passenger traffic set an all-time record for one month in the history of the airport with 225,655 passengers traveling through the airport in January.  Traffic for January 2020 was up 53% over January 2019. “We are excited to see our twenty-third straight month of passenger traffic growth at SRQ. For 2020, we expect to grow double digits and we are off to a great start.  With so many visitors and the local community embracing our airport, we are optimistic that airlines will continue to add new destinations at SRQ to meet passenger demand,” said Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. SRQ added a new destination with Allegiant Air starting nonstop service between SRQ and Allentown, PA (ABE).  The airport currently has 9 airlines serving 38 destinations.  

For more information on areas served and booking flights



[Florida Senate]  Grip on the Gavel
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Bill Galvano presides over the Florida Senate in his 16th and final season. 

Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!

[SOON]  MUSEUM: The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari , February 1 – May 1, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Guests can “step back in time” to see an in-depth history of both Ferrari and Porsche, and the incredible cars that were released along the way, at Sarasota Classic Car Museum’s upcoming exhibit. The exhibit will showcase over 16 Porsche models, from 1951 to 2004, as well as six classic Ferraris ranging in years from 1965 to 2011. This exhibit is included in the price of admission to the museum. 

Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 5500 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Circus Sarasota Showcases The Finest International Talent in 2020 Show , February 7 – March 1, 10 am - 5 pm

Sarasota’s hometown circus, Circus Sarasota, is ready to bring chills, thrills and laughs aplenty to audiences of all ages during its professional winter show, Circus Sarasota 2020. Each year, an international cast of renowned artists is chosen to showcase the finest acts in various circus arts disciplines. Once again featuring new and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota 2020 will offer high-flying, heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts that defy both expectations and the boundaries of human limitations. This year’s show features incredible artistry on the flag pole and single trapeze, fast-paced Alanian riders on horseback, hand-to-hand acrobatics, juggling, breathtaking aerial artists, and much more! All performances are rain or shine and take place under the air-conditioned Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park (behind the Mall at UTC). Showtimes are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m., and President’s Day (February 17) and Sundays at 1 and 5 pm. Tickets are $15-$55, with children under 2 free. Go to CircusArts.org, call the Box Office, or visit the Big Top Box Office beginning Monday, January 20, 2020 (140 UTC Dr., Sarasota) Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. When picking up tickets, please present your confirmation email or I.D.


Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park, 140 UTC Dr., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: New Topics Lecture Series | The Art of Art Recovery: Recovering Stolen and Looted Works of Art , February 20, 5:30pm
A lecture with Christopher A. Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International. Art crime is an ugly fact of art history. Fortunately, Marinello is on the case. His case studies offer a compelling glimpse at the painstaking detective work and tenacious legal wrangling that goes into recovering looted treasures. Tickets are $15. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at ncf.edu/new-topics, or by calling the New College events hotline at 941-487-4888.

Mildred Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SB2 | STATE OF THE ECONOMY AND LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS , February 20, 11:00 AM

The SRQ State of the Regional Economy luncheon and panel discussion will explore the forecast on the horizon of small business, regional economic trends and economic development. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Localpreneur of the Year program at which we will honor the finalists and winners of the annual cometition recognizing business leaders who have forged a successful path for their entrepreneurial endeavors in our region. 

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Florida Southern College Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Bus Tour , February 20, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Get on the bus for an amazing tour of Frank Lloyd Wirht architecture at Florida Southern College! Tour departs from Center for Architecture Sarasota for Lakeland, FL where attendees will experience an expert docent-tour of the campus. The tour is followed by a buffet lunch at the historic terrace Hotel. The cost of the tour is $125, includes transportation, tour, and lunch. Center for Architectures mission is to heighten understanding of and appreciation for innovative architecture, good design and resilient urban planning. The gallery is free to the public and open Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm-5pm, and Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Art of Performance: Inez Barlatier - Spotlight Florida, Moun-Moon | The Ringling Museum , February 21 – February 22, 7:30 PM

Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.">

Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FILM: Grace Hartigan: Shattering Boundaries , February 24, 1:00 pm

Shattering Boundaries is a portrait of artist Grace Hartigan, a courageous and key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement in American Art. Attendees are invited to see Hartigan’s work on display in Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection after the film. Admission is $5/ free for members. 

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., 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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