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SRQ DAILY Jun 29, 2020

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"The community should be concerned. I don't think it should be panicked."

- Davider Verinder, Sarasota Memorial Hospital
 

[Recovery]  SMH Promote Mask Use as Sarasota Considers Ordinance
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

When new cases of coronavirus infections appeared on the decline, Sarasota Memorial Hospital celebrated multiple days with no COVID-19 patients in a dedicated intensive care unit. Now, the institution has seen a rapid escalation as numbers surge across the state of Florida.

“We had a really good story to tell in May back when we had a dip in our COVID census,” hospital CEO David Verinder said in a video message. “We opened our elective cases and opened up the hospital in a limited way to visitors. We saw our cases get all the way down to eight COVID patients in the hospital.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rebound in our cases, and today our cases have gone back up. We’re around 34 patients in the hospital today with 10 people being in the ICU. What’s scary is they have gone up so quickly so fast.”

Sarasota County as of Sunday morning reported 1,401 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic reached Florida in March; 96 have died in the county.

Verinder is among medical leaders now stressing the need for individuals to wear masks when they venture into public spaces.

It’s something government officials are pondering as well. The Sarasota City Commission holds a special meeting today at 1:30pm, called by Mayor Jennifer Ahearn-Koch so the city can consider an ordinance requiring face coverings at indoor public spaces and for the outdoors on public property when social distancing cannot be observed. The ordinance is modeled off one in Tampa, though commissioners expect to discuss whether to exempt children under the age of 2 and whether schools in city limits should be allowed to set their own masking requirements.

If approved, the ordinance goes into effect on July 1.

City Attorney Robert Fournier drafted the ordinance and said the city is within its power to put a mask requirement in place. “However, it is my opinion that just because the City has such authority doesn't necessarily mean that it should be exercised,” he writes to commissioners. “Even though the City could adopt a regulation requiring people to wear face coverings, I believe that personal conviction is just one of several other factors to be considered when deciding whether to take this step.”

Fournier wrote that while he now wears a mask in public, he’s concerned about the enforceability of such a measure on the public.

Manatee County Commissioner last week voted against a masking ordinance, and the county has 2,737 cases of COVID-19 and reported 130 deaths as of Sunday. Sarasota County Commissioners declined to take up the issue last week. Holmes Beach is the only jurisdiction in the region with a face covering mandate in place.

Whether the requirement goes into place or not, medical professionals stress the public should begin wearing face coverings to help slow the spread of the virus.

The community should be concerned. I don’t think it should be panicked,” Verinder said. “We all need to take responsible steps so we don’t have a bigger problem we can’t handle.” 

Photo by Wes Roberts

[New Lifestyle Service]  Blue Mimi Takes On Your To-Do List
Ariel Chates, ariel.chates@srqme.com

Blue Mimi, a concierge and lifestyle management company, is here to help overcome the never ending issue of not having enough hours in the day. Born out of a desire to have people spending less time grocery shopping and more time with their families, creator and owner Adela Sejdic wanted to provide a service that would allow clients to enjoy more of their daily life. Blue Mimi is a professional errand and outsourcing resource that, "seeks to alleviate non-productive, routine and time consuming tasks from the lives of both individuals and businesses." Below Adela Sejdic answers a Q&A about her new and exciting business, Blue Mimi.

SRQ: Where does the company name come from?

Adela Sejdic: The initial idea for this business model came to me during my first pregnancy and the first weeks after the birth of my daughter Mia. Her little brother lovingly calls her Mimi, where the second part of the company name comes from. During this time, I wished for someone who would take care of my daily chores and give my family more quality time together. Blue is the color that symbolizes all these qualities and it is also the color of my son's eyes, in which I sink deeply and find an unbelievable calm. With those two special meanings, Blue Mimi was created.

SRQ: What are the most common errands that clients request?

AS: Personal Concierge such as shopping and travel management. Corporate Concierge such as project management and office organization. Mommy & Maternity Concierge such as pre-delivery assistance such as organizing the gender reveal party or the baby shower, nursery design and decorating, hospital preparation, childcare/daycare research, and bed rest support. As well as senior Concierge including grocery shopping, companionship and socialization, holiday planning, Rx pickup and delivery, accompany to medical appointment, and move-in services to a new home or assisted/retirement living facility. We operate on a highly personalized level and offer a wide range of unique services. 

SRQ: What's the most unique errand someone has asked for?

AS: Last year we organized a family reunion at Lake Como in Italy for a client whose family is spread over all continents. We took care of the location as well as the catering and accommodation, and travel arrangements. Even wishes like German rolls for breakfast and Croatian figs with fresh Italian prosciutto were fulfilled. Our network of exclusive partners enables us to serve even the most unusual wishes. 

For more information or to book a service call 941-228-0695 or email info@bluemimi.com.

Click here for more information.

[Event Update]  HVAC Installation & Maintenance Fast-Track Training Graduation

CareerEdge, the workforce initiative of the Sarasota Chamber, is hosting an HVAC Installation & Maintenance Fast-Track Training Graduation. Six program participants are graduating with their EPA certification, HVAC maintenance, preventative maintenance, Forklift, job site safety and equipment repairs skills as well as Bridges to Careers Soft Skills training. The event will be Tuesday, June 30th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Music Compound on 1751 Cattlemen Road.

The HVAC Fast-Track Training is a way for employers to quickly fill in demand HVAC openings that offer a career pathway for future promotions within the industry. CareerEdge brought HVAC employers and STC together to identify the specific curriculum components for this consolidated, employer led hands on training. The Bridges to Careers program taught the students the essential soft skills employers look for when hiring. In March, the instructor quickly adapted the curriculum when STC transitioned to online learning by developing presentations and tests, using Zoom to connect with participants for an hour three times per week through late May. Working closely with HVAC employers, CareerEdge placed participants in internships to ensure they received hands on training on the jobsite and graduated on time. 100% of the students are now employed in full-time employment making above $14.00 per hour as a starting wage. Before going virtual, the training was held at Suncoast Technical College and was made possible by funding from the Eppard Family Foundation and The Harry and Jenette Weinberg Foundation.


 

[New Position]  Manatee Clerk of Court Angel Colonneso Sworn in as President Elect of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers

The Honorable Angel Colonneso was elected to Manatee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller as President Elect of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers (FCCC). On Friday, June 26, Ms. Colonneso was officially sworn into office during the Leadership Transition Ceremony, which was part of the FCCC Virtual 2020 Summer Conference. Ms. Colonneso will serve along with the other newly elected 2020-21 FCCC Officers: President, the Honorable Tara S. Green, Clay County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office; Vice-President, the Honorable Carolyn Timmann, Martin County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office; Treasurer, the Honorable Barry Baker, Suwannee County Clerk of Court; and Secretary, Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Clerk of Court. 

Ms. Colonneso’s new position as President Elect, will allow the Manatee Clerk of Court to support the FCCC’s role and statewide leadership in providing innovative technology, legislative advocacy, education, support to local government and statewide, and more, to protect the public trust. “It is an honor to serve on the Executive Committee with such an accomplished group of Clerks,” said Colonneso. “I am looking forward to the year ahead and serving alongside my fellow Clerks. These are challenging times and Clerks statewide have adapted to succeed. No doubt, under President Green’s leadership we will move forward with a “Can do” mindset.” As President Elect of the FCCC, Ms. Colonneso will serve as a member of the Executive Committee, perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President, formulate and prepare future programs for implementation, serve as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, serve as Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee, along with many other roles and responsibilities.


 

Click here for more information.

[Online Teaching]  Foundation Expands Virtual Training for Consulting for Nonprofits

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has produced a variety of digital training and information resources, including pre-recorded webcasts and a series of interactive webinars, to support nonprofit organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic. Branded I3Digital, the suite of offerings stems from a transformation of the foundation’s highly popular Invest in Incredible (I3) nonprofit capacity-building initiative. The I3Digital resources can be accessed online at GulfCoastCF.org/i3digital.

“With COVID-19, we had to quickly reimagine our capacity-building offerings for our nonprofit partners,” said Veronica Thames, Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and staff lead on the I3 initiative. “We focused on addressing their most urgent needs and on delivering training and knowledge in an easily accessible way. Our I3 consultants have done an amazing job of transforming what they do to meet our nonprofit partners where they are right now.” To date, Gulf Coast’s I3 team has produced 15 videos on topics ranging from remote governance and fundraising strategies for board members and executives to resilience training and mental-health self-care for nonprofit staffs and volunteers.

“The webinar on HR policies with COVID-19 impact delivered very valuable, pertinent information in a timely manner,” said one webinar participant. “[Presenter] Laurie Huebner was outstanding, knowledgeable, and insightful on each topic—HIPAA, I-9, furloughs, layoffs, reductions in force, and OSHA.” 

[Pivot]  Local Bradenton RFID Technology Company Now Stocking Face Masks and PPE Items

ID&C has been a leader in the event technology industry for music festivals, sporting events, hotels, conventions, and many others. With the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, ID&C pivoted into the personal protection equipment (PPE) business. After being unable to find a reliable local PPE supplier, ID&C began bringing in stock supply of both 3-ply and KN95 civilian masks to their warehouse in Bradenton, FL. All masks that are in stock, are CE certified and the KN95 masks are FDA approved with a filtration system.

With a production capacity of around 1 million units a week, ID&C can offer bulk (up to 10 million units), as well as small quantity (as low as 50 units) orders. Local Florida businesses such as Influence Style and Winiger Electric, have already began ordering masks for their staff and customers. ID&C has the ability to serve the local Manatee County region, statewide, and nationwide with their stock face masks during this pandemic.

This pandemic has been a hardship with most staff being furloughed, but through it all, ID&C has been able to adapt to market and customer business needs. ID&C is also committed to helping their local community during this pandemic through mask donations. For every 10 masks purchased online with the code DONATION, ID&C will be donating 1 mask to local hospitals in need.

“Our company has been primarily based in the music and event industry, so we understand the need for safety for the masses during a pandemic like COVID-19. We are extremely excited to now offer PPE items for our local and extended community”. Stated General Manager, Craig Bennett.

If you’re feeling creative, ID&C also offers custom fabric face masks online. Ear savers are also available to ease the strain of daily mask wear and can be customized with your company logo.

All PPE products are available online at www.idcband.com/en-us/respirator-face-masks and free ground shipping is available through the website, as well as next day delivery for an additional fee. 

Click to order masks online.

[Career Services]  Headliners Summer Series Presents Secretary Halsey Beshears

Join the Manatee Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, July 8 from 12 Noon to 1:15pm at its second event in its virtual Headliners Summer Series as Secretary Halsey Beshears, DBPR, provides participants with an overview of the department and the role it continues to play as the state moves through recovery. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the agency charged with licensing and regulating over 1.4 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida.  DBPR has been instrumental in providing official guidance and assistance in navigating the implementation of the Governor's Executive Orders related to COVID-19.  This includes vacation rental operations, restaurants best practices, and licensing information. $15 for Manatee Chamber members and $20 for future members.  

Contact Cara Misiewicz 941-748-4842, ext. 122 for more info.

Click here to register.

[New Location]  Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Opening New Location Soon in Sarasota

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is preparing to open a new franchise location in Sarasota, Florida. The 6,500 sq. ft. swim school is scheduled to open as early as late August 2020 in the Tuttlebee Plaza at 3750 S Tuttle Ave next to TJ Maxx, Office Max and Youfit. Aqua-Tots Swim Schools has been a leader in the swim instruction industry since 1991, offering comprehensive swim curriculum for children as early as four months old. With over 100 locations in 14 countries, families all over the world experience the dedicated, year-round, indoor swim facilities where children become safe and confident swimmers using the proven Aqua-Tots curriculum. Aqua-Tots Sarasota is the second Aqua-Tots location in Florida and the first on the Gulf Coast side of the state, as well as the first franchise location for Franchise Owners David Leary, Lindsay Leary and Annie Rosman. “We are excited to serve our hometown of Sarasota,” said Franchise Owners David and Lindsay Leary. “So much of life here involves water. As parents, we recognize that keeping our children safe in and around water is top priority. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our community with year-round swim lessons.”  

Aqua-Tots Sarasota is now offering pre-enrollment for children as early as four months old and encourages families to reserve a spot in small group (4:1 ratio), semi-private (2:1 ratio) or private (1:1 ratio) lessons before classes fill up. Open six days a week (Monday-Saturday), Aqua-Tots Sarasota will also feature the Special Needs Aquatic Program (S.N.A.P.), which tailors lessons to each child’s special needs and abilities, as well as Fast Track, which serves as a jumpstart to lessons. For those interested in becoming a part of the growing Aqua-Tots family, Aqua-Tots Sarasota is currently hiring swim instructors, front desk staff and an aquatic manager. To apply, send your resume to sarasotainfo@aqua-tots.com.  

Click to learn more or to enroll your child.

[Sarasota School Board]  District Presents Superintendent Candidate Panel Interviews and Community Q&A Session July 1st

The School Board of Sarasota County has selected five finalists to advance to the next phase of the Superintendent Search process. The finalists for Superintendent are, Dr. Brennan Asplen, Dr. Peter Licata, Keith Oswald, Dr. Gonzalo LaCava and Marie Izquierdo.

Information about each candidate, including their full application and responses to initial School Board questions, can be found at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/superintendentsearch. The next phase of their interview process starts on Wednesday, July 1st. Make sure to tune in to the Education Channel or YouTube channel for these can’t-miss events: Panel interviews with the Sarasota County School Board at 8:00am and Superintendent Finalist Community Question & Answer Session 6:30pm. 

Each candidate will have their own panel interview with all five Sarasota County School Board members. While one candidate is interviewing before the Board, each of the other candidates will be on their own special behind-the-scenes tour of our amazing district! Community members will be able to submit questions for the candidates all day on July 1 via the school district’s website. 

Click here for more information.

[Community Finances]  Manatee County Administrator's Presents $710 Million Recommended Budget for Coming Year

Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea today presented County Commissioners with a $710.7 million net budget for next year. The budget is a slight reduction from the current year due to a host of unknowns presented by the global pandemic, but it includes funding for new Sheriff's Office deputies, two new ambulance units and a host of long-needed transportation improvements throughout Manatee County. Manatee Sheriff's Office budget includes 12 new positions, including six patrol deputies, two court security deputies, a new domestic violence unit detective and a resource assistant program deputy to assist with the homeless, among others. MSO will also receive $200,000 for de-escalation training to assist front-line responders in handling difficult situations.

"Today we present a County Administrator’s Recommended Budget for a year that most likely holds more uncertainty than anytime in recent history. ," Coryea said referring to the unknown expenses presented by the coronavirus. "Recently, our financial outlook has come into somewhat sharper focus and we are  proposing a net budget with a decrease of 3.9 percent to the prior year or $28.6 million decrease to the net budget which include the impacts of COVID-19. Built into this is the expectation that we’ll see a more substantial reduction in revenue during the next fiscal year of 2022."  

Click here for more information.



[COVID-19]  SMH CEO Urges Stronger Precautions

In this recorded Zoom interview, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder addresses the rise in local cases of coronavirus and younger patients being hospitalized, the importance of wearing masks in public, and why the hospital is restricting visitors again. 

Click here to watch the full zoom interview.

[COVID-19]  DOH Sarasota Closes Main Immunizations Clinic as a Precaution After COVID-19 Exposure

DOH Sarasota has temporarily closed its main immunizations clinic located at 2200 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota. This closure is being done out of an abundance of caution after a positive exposure to COVID-19 was identified in the clinic. Several staff members have been asked to self-isolate, and the clinic facility will undergo a deep cleaning this weekend. Additionally, DOH Sarasota is in the process of contacting clients that may have been exposed so they know to watch for symptoms and get tested for COVID-19.

"COVID-19 is widely circulating throughout the community, said Chuck Henry, Administrator, DOH Sarasota, "Closing the immunization clinic will limit the possibility of further spread in the clinic." Symptoms of COVID-19 include, fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

The immunizations clinic in our North Port location is not affected by this exposure and is continuing to operate. The Ringling Immunizations clinic will reopen for services by appointment on July 10th. 

Click here for more information.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota's Taste of Pride , June 15 – June 30

Experience the best of Sarasota's LGBTQ-Friendly businesses with Project PRIDE's first annual TASTE of PRIDE event happening June 15 to 30. ​Businesses are offering a discount, pre-fix menu, or free item to celebrate pride month. Some locations are even adding rainbow items to the menu. Participating locations include Clasico Bar, Tsunami Sushi, FST Improv, AVLI Mess Hall, EVOQ at The Westin Sarasota, Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria, Umbrella's 1296, Live Wells Vegan Meal Delivery, Leaf & Lentil, Sage, Rayna's Taqueria, Mitches Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom, and Petals & Sugar.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Virtual: Art Center Summer Art Camps , June 15 – August 7, Varied.

Summer Camp will be virtual this year from June 15 to August 7, 2020! We have decided for the health and safety of our teachers and campers that we will host camp virtually. Camp hours: 10am – 3pm. Cost: $75 for members | $100 for non-members (youth membership is $25) for one week. Space is limited please register for the weeks that your child is interested in.

The Creative Kids Summer Camp is for ages 6-9 years old. The Emerging Artists Summer Camp is for ages 10-13 years old. Contemporary Studies Summer Camp is for ages 14-18.

A Supply List will be sent to parents a few weeks before the camp week starts. The supply lists contain basic materials that your camper will be able to use more than once and where to find them. The camp project packet will be downloadable, for printing at home, on the Friday before the camp week starts and contains the projects for the next week. A printed version of the Camp project packet will be available upon request for pickup at the Art Center the Friday before camp from 10-2pm.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Virtual: 2020 Players New Play Festival , June 29 – July 3, 7:30pm

The 2020 Players New Play Festival has gone virtual. In order to stay safe and to still have our friends listen and experience our 5 finalists. See these brand new, never-before-performed plays through Zoom. The five chosen plays are performed in readers-style theater by actors under the leadership of a local director with a talk-back following the show to give the playwright some constructive criticism led by Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. Tickets must be purchased by noon the day of the show. If you want to take advantage of the group pricing, make sure you decide that when you first purchase, please. The day of the show you will receive a Zoom link to your email by 5pm that evening. Experience a different show each night. Echo Nevada on Monday, June 29. The Manager on Tuesday, June 30. The Rabbit Test on Wednesday, July 1. Next Wife on Thursday, July 2. Medium Well Done on Friday, July 3.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks on The Lake , July 3, 4pm - 11pm

Nathan Benderson Park’s annual July 3 tradition, NBP Fireworks On The Lake, returns with a social distancing twist. It’s the finale of WWSB ABC7’s Independence Day special, tentatively airing at 9pm Saturday, July 4, 2020. The in-person fireworks celebration at the park will be a drive-in, social-distancing event. Fireworks will begin at 9pm on July 3 at the park. Ticketed fireworks viewing areas are on the park’s Regatta Island, in the Green Lot next to the SCAT station on North Cattlemen Road, and on the park’s south end. Vehicles will be spaced to allow for social distancing, so parking in each lot will be limited. Tickets will be sold beginning June 24, 2020. Pricing is $15 per car and $40 for recreational vehicles, with RV parking in the south park lot.

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: Choral Artists of Sarasota's July 4th American Fanfare Concert , July 4, 4pm

For the last 15 years, Choral Artists of Sarasota has honored Independence Day with a concert of rousing songs celebrating the United States. The choral group will continue that tradition this July 4—with a twist. To ensure the safety of its singers and audience, the concert will be virtual. According to Artistic Director Joseph Holt, this year’s concert will feature highlights of previous Independence Day celebrations—and will be streamed over various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. “Audiences should prepare to tune in and sing along on July 4 at 4 pm,” says Holt. “We’ll be safe, and we’ll be celebrating.”

Holt explains that Choral Artists’ July 4th concert “has been a vital part of our community’s celebration of Independence Day for the past 15 years. These concerts featured musical pieces that form the heart and soul of our collective national sense of pride and patriotism. For all these years, Choral Artists has celebrated, through music, the thread of ‘liberty and justice for all’ that characterizes our nation.” He adds that, last year, Choral Artists moved the concert to the Sarasota Opera House due to popular demand. It also partnered with the Sarasota Concert Band last year to present a “musical tradition that is as American as hot dogs, apple pie and fireworks.” Original plans for the live performance of “American Fanfare” were to include patriotic music composed by female composers. This year’s virtual performance will feature one of those works, “The March of the Women” composed by suffragette Ethel Smyth, recorded specifically for this concert.

Holt says the July 4th video will feature hits from the past years, including such patriotic standards as the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America,” and “America the Beautiful.” According to Holt, with the cancellation of the group’s “Listen to the Earth” in April and the July 4th concert, Choral Artists has lost more than $50,000 in ticket sales. “This represents a significant loss of income for our singers,” he says. “As we are all freelance musicians in this organization with incomes derived from a variety of performing opportunities, the pandemic has been financially devastating.”

Online.

[SOON]  THEATER: Online: Asolo Rep Ground Floor Series Presents Making Musicals-Maya, July 2 , July 2, Online at 6pm

Tune in to our Facebook and YouTube pages this Thursday at 6pm for the first installment in Asolo Rep's new Making Musicals competition, designed specifically for an online audience. On May 21, June 4, June 18 and July 2 at 6pm, we will preview four completely new and original musicals on our Facebook and YouTube pages. Each 30-minute session will consist of a fifteen-minute preview performance of one new musical, followed by a fifteen-minute discussion with the playwright/composer and James Monaghan, Asolo Rep Dramaturg and Literary Manager, and Celine Rosenthal, Asolo Rep Associate Artistic Director, who serves as the Director of the Ground Floor Series and is also directing all four musicals. To add to the fun, we're incorporating a Virtual Happy Hour into the presentation. One day prior to each performance, you will receive an email notice of the broadcast that includes a cocktail recipe specifically chosen to compliment the theme of that week’s new musical.

July 2 at 6pm: Maya. Book and Music by Cheeyang Ng; Book and Lyrics by Eric Sorrels.

At the center of the story is Maya Mehta, a Cambridge-educated girl from India striving for recognition as a poet in the West, while her family plans her wedding to a wealthy prince. But in one life-changing moment, the Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi against the tyranny of the British Empire, arrives on Maya’s doorstep. When Maya joins the thousands in their quest to shake the foundations of an empire, the Mehta family’s world changes forever. With a score that fuses Western pop and Indian Classical music, MĀYĀ is about the ties that hold us, the illusions that bind us and the truth that can finally set us free.

[SOON]  THEATER: Online: Asolo Repertory Theatre Online Classes for Kids, Ages 8-18 , July 6 – July 31, 10am, 11am and 3pm

Introducing Asolo Rep Young Artist: Online Classes, designed for ages 8-18. From demystifying Shakespeare to exploring innovative ways of creating theatre together, these classes will spark your young artist’s imagination and help to hone their theatrical technique. See below to find out more about the exciting content and amazing professional artists who will be leading these classes. Classes are $50 to $75 to register. Contact Asolo Rep Education & Engagement Department: education@asolo.org

Online Program.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Small Wonders: Insects in Focus at The Bishop , June 17 – October 20, Museum hours.

Insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on Earth — functions that often go unnoticed because of their small size or scale. Now, using cutting-edge technology and custom methods that put tiny insects on a human scale, artist and photographer Bob Sober allows visitors to see the patterns, textures, colors and details that have always been present, but too small to appreciate in The Bishop’s newest special exhibition: Small Wonders: Insects in Focus.

Creating human-scale images of insects, with resolution so high that every hair, dimple and tiny structure is clearly revealed, was impossible prior to the technological advancements of the past 10 years. Now, Sober’s skills allow us to see the intersection of natural science and art in the smooth metallic finishes and heavily stippled textures, strange body shapes, delicate wing structures and beautifully engineered body components in this series of 30 images that will are on display in the Museum’s second-floor Rincon Gallery and throughout the Museum.

Small Wonders: Insects in Focus features 30 of Sober’s spectacular images and viewers will find themselves at the intersection of art and science. The exhibition, which is included in the cost of admission, is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance and will be open at The Bishop through October 20.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens Presents Advanced/Intermediate Watercolor Classes , July 14 – July 28, 10am-2pm

Each three-class session focuses on demonstrations and a variety of watercolor techniques. Students with some previous experience will enjoy the freedom to experiment, create their own compositions, or paint along with the instructor. Instructor: Carolyn Merenda. Class Fee per Session: $140, members $125.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: State of the Talent Virtual Conference (SOTC) , July 16, 9am-3pm

The State of Talent Conference is presented by CareerSource Suncoast and is the premier one-day conference experience completely focused on the future of workforce and talent development. This leadership-focused conference provides a unique insight into the current state of talent and what leaders need to do to tackle one of business’ most complex challenges, their people assets. While the original live conference was cancelled this year in light of COVID-19, we are pleased to provide a completely immersive digital experience. Free. Fully Immersive Digital Experience. 4+ CEUs (SHRM/HRCI).

Virtual.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota YPG After Hours at Art Ovation , July 9, 5:30-7:30pm

Join us on Thursday, July 9th for this month's YPG After Hours! Whether you're looking to make new friends, build your network, or learn more about what Sarasota has to offer, this is a great opportunity to connect with other young professionals in the region. Along with drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event. 

Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens Presents Thousands of Flowers in Watercolor Classes , July 27, 10:30am-2:30pm

Paint along with Carolyn, working freestyle in watercolor – allowing the colors to flow freely using a large brush and finishing with an impressionistic study of florals. Instructor: Carolyn Merenda. Class Fee: $70 (Members $55).

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSEUM: The Ringling: Circus and Suffragists , October 25 – January 21, Museum hours.

From its founding in the 18th century, women found path to independence through the circus by actively making the decisions that shaped their lives. Female performers often entered into contracts on their own, moving from one show title to another as it was deemed advantageous to their career. Their well-traveled lifestyles and exposures to a diverse population of performers provided circus women with broad knowledge not only of various cultures, but also on legal matters that impacted their profession. In April of 1912, one week after meeting with women from the Barnum & Bailey Suffrage group, leaders of the Women's Political Union leaders acknowledged that “there is no class of women who show better that they have a right to vote than the circus women, who twice a day prove that they have the courage and endurance of men.” This exhibition is made possible through the generosity of Howard and Janice Tibbals, the Howard Tibbals Collection, and the Howard Tibbals Endowment. The exhibit began October 25, 2019 and will end on January 21, 2021 during Ringling museum hours.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

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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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