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SRQ DAILY Jul 9, 2020

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"Resiliency is how we perceive and respond to the moment in front of us - not what is in front of us, but how we predict our outcome, for better or worse. "

- Dr. Stephanie Peabody, PsyD, HSPP, Neuropsychologist and Executive Director of Brain Health Initiative
 

-Remembering the awesome spaces of the SRQ Home of The Year 2020. Pictured: Platinum Winner Best Sustainability || Mike's Hammock by Josh Wynne Construction
[Recovery]  Opioid Crisis Spikes Amid Pandemic
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Can Sarasota handle a rising epidemic and a pandemic at once?

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, sounded alarms this week on a spike in overdose deaths at levels unseen since the peak of the opioid crisis in the county. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reports 29 people have died from heroin overdoses in the first six months of 2020. Only 13 fatal overdoses occurred in the county in all of 2019. That rate puts the county on track to surpass the 37-death high of 2017 when the Sarasota-Bradenton area served as Florida’s epicenter of a Florida drug epidemic.

“As far as a reason, there is simply no way to attribute fluctuations in overdose trends to a particular cause,” said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Megan Krahe. “We see routinely fluctuations from year to year, including a significant increase from 2016 to 2017.”

Manatee hasn’t seen quite the same spike, but has suffered 49 overdose deaths this year. Over the first half of 2019, the county recorded 46 deaths.

While law enforcement can’t pin one specific cause for the increase, Buchanan fears the isolation caused by quarantines and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic has delivered consequences in terms of mental health.

“The spike in drug overdoses in our region during the coronavirus pandemic is tragic and alarming,” Buchanan said. “We have to get treatment to those in need both in Southwest Florida and across the country. As we continue to combat the coronavirus we need to make sure we are addressing other health impacts exacerbated by this pandemic.”

He said drug overdoses nationwide spiked 18% in March, then 29% in April and 42% in May, according to the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program. Now he wants the next stimulus package Congress passes tied to COVID-19 to include mental health funding. That’s especially important as some mental health providers in the region scaled back or closed down during the pandemic.

“The opioid crisis has destroyed too many families and lives,” Buchanan said. ”We cannot forget about this crisis even during the coronavirus pandemic.” 

Graphic courtesy Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

[Gardening]  Raise The Stakes In Your Yard
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

If your dragonfruit, banana leaf tree or bamboo is showing signs of droopiness or falling to the wayside, it's totally normal. Many species of plants and trees just need a bit more stability for their oversized leaves or longer branches. This just means your plants need a little extra stabilization and upright provocation to initiate continued growth. But when is it time to pull the stick out of the soil to allow the plant to do its natural thing without depending on your makeshift support system? Kathy Crowley of Crowley Nurseries & Gardens in Myakka City sheds light on the timing and telltale sign of when to raise the stake from your garden or greenhouse to let your plant babies stand on their own feet roots. 

SRQ: How long should I keep a stake on my tree for?

Kathy: When staking is necessary, the sooner the stakes are removed the sooner the plant can develop a strong trunk and root system on its own. With most small trees, remove stakes after one year; larger trees might require stakes left in place for two years. You can test to see if a stake can be removed by moving the trunk of the tree and watching for movement of the root ball. No movement means you no longer need the stake.  Make sure to check the ties as the trees grow they become tight and can harm the tree.  Sometimes a stake is not necessary, as the rocking of the tree from wind can make it stronger.  If a tree keeps falling over in a windy area, leave the stake off and let the tree grow naturally; they really know how to grow against the wind.  The tree may lean to one side, but the top will eventually straighten out to balance itself naturally.

If you have a particular gardening question you'd like answered and featured in a future column, email SRQDailyGardening@srqme.com 

Crowley Nursery, 16423 Jomar Road Sarasota, 941-322-0315.

[New Home]  Manatee Habitat for Humanity ReStore Family Room Makeover Revealed

What happens when you have thirteen children, two parents, one house and a team of home improvement experts from Manatee Habitat? You get a stunning new living space furnished with Manatee Habitat ReStore items, fresh paint, new crown molding, custom built shelving, and a huge happy family. In celebration of Manatee Habitat ReStore’s first anniversary of their new store on 70 and 15th Street East in Bradenton, Director of Retail Operations Karen McElroy offered patrons a chance to win a complete family room makeover. The winner was Yvonne Westermeyer. She and her husband have 13 children and 21 grandchildren and wanted the family/living room space updated and re-designed for get-togethers and provide LOTS of seating.

Before she retired, Yvonne was an emergency room nurse and volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There she saw the need for foster care for babies who had medical problems, were premature, and born to parents who could not care for them. She became a medical foster parent to six of these special needs babies which led to adoption. Two additional children came to the family through the Guardian ad Litem child advocacy program. Now all her children are grown and only five of them are still living at home.

“I am more than grateful for this lovely new living space,” said homeowner Yvonne. “We would like our kids to stay in our family home when we are no longer on this earth. My husband is 80 now and has Parkinson’s. Karen and the team from Manatee Habitat have given us so much – not just in the makeover but in providing a true family space where we can comfortably enjoy spending time together.” 

Pictured: Manatee Habitat Critical Construction Manager Steve Reinfeldt and ReStore Director of Operations Karen McElry at the new living room game table

Click here for more information.

[New Grant]  Asolo Rep Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Asolo Repertory Theatre has been awarded an Arts Appreciation Grant of $70,000 by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. As the theatre rebuilds following significant financial losses due to show cancellations related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Arts Appreciation Grant will provide essential support to help Asolo Rep reopen the theatre and cover costs associated with its 2020-21 season. From securing the safety of its audience, staff, volunteers, and the actors on stage, to covering the costs of producing the season, Gulf Coast's Arts Appreciation Grant ensures that Asolo Rep will be able to continue creating world class theatre here in Sarasota for the Sarasota community, as soon as it is safe to do so.

“During these difficult times we are deeply grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its steadfast belief that the arts remain essential to the continuing development of this vibrant, creative community,” said Michael Donald Edwards, Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Rep. “As we carefully plan for a safe reopening of our theatre, this generous grant will help us implement the necessary equipment and protocols within our buildings that will maximize the health and safety of our audience and our community.”

“Arts organizations like Asolo Repertory Theatre are a major driver of our regional economy and sustain our community’s brand as the arts and cultural destination for southwest Florida,” said Mark Pritchett, President/CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Gulf Coast continues to invest in Asolo Rep because strong and innovative arts partners are vital to a thriving, welcoming region.” 

Click here for more information.

[New Grant]  Child Protection Center Awarded COVID-19 Assistance Grant

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) was selected as the recipient of a COVID-19 Assistance Grant through the generosity of the Venice Golf and Country Club Foundation Grant Fund of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

This grant supports CPC’s Children and Families Supervised Visitation Program (CFSVP) and was provided to help the program meet challenges directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CFSVP has adapted to virtual visitation in order to continue providing its vital services safely as the pandemic affects our community. The positive response to operating through these virtual outlets has resulted in an increase in the number of visits being performed: 746 visits took place in fiscal year 2019, while 302 visits were conducted virtually in the past three months alone.

“This program has allowed me to reestablish a bond with my amazing 13 year old daughter in an environment free of the adult complications between her father and I,” said a CFSVP parent. 

Click here for more information.

[New Grant]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards CareerEdge Funding

CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has received a $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to bolster its work in training and upskilling the local workforce. This grant extends the decade-long partnership between CareerEdge and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, which was a founding funder of CareerEdge and continues to be an active partner.

Training and certification opportunities for prospective and existing workers play a critical role in developing a robust regional workforce. CareerEdge will use grant funds for on-the-job training, internships, and apprenticeship salary subsidies for local employers, Fast-Track training, and employer grants for upskilling their current workforce. In the wake of COVID-19, these programs are more important than ever.
CareerEdge Fast-Track training is a way for employers to quickly fill in-demand openings while offering rapid credentialing and certifications critical within the industry. To do this, CareerEdge brings together employers and educational partners to identify the specific job skills needed in an industry for employer-led hands-on training.

CareerEdge Employer Grants are designated to help employers upskill and train their current workforce. One local manufacturing employer that received funding saw a 93 percent retention rate and 100 percent of its employees that completed training received wage increases. Another local health care employer used grant funds to hire entry-level employees and provide training opportunities for the employees. Upon successful completion of their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, the employee receives a 25 percent pay increase over a one-year period. 

Click here for more information.

[Music Program]  A Little Bit of News and A Lot of Music

Performing arts organizations across the globe are facing challenging times, including the uncertainty of when performing artists will once again be able to connect with live audiences. The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast is forging ahead to celebrate its 2020-2021 (17th) Perlman Suncoast Season. Toby and Itzhak Perlman, along with their faculty and staff, have been busy. They recently completed their annual Chamber Music Workshop by virtually connecting students and faculty from around the world. The PMP Summer Music School (the “Littles” Program) is now in progress, utilizing innovative waysto have lessons and studio classes, collaborative performance projects, and social hangouts. The Perlmans acknowledge and appreciate the impact the PMP Winter Residency and alumni outreach programs have in the community year after year. They are working closely with their faculty and staff to develop and share educational and inspirational programs and performances - featuring the extraordinary and gifted talents of PMP Alumni, faculty, students all from the comfort of your own home. 

[Recognition]  Sarasota Attorney J. Allison Archbold Named to 2020 Florida Super Lawyers List

Allison Archbold of Archbold Law Firm, P.A. has recently been named to the 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5 percent of attorneys in Florida receive this distinction; Archbold will be listed in the Estate Planning & Probate practice area. Archbold - who is a four-time "Best Lawyers in America" honoree - has been practicing estate planning, probate, and trust administration in Sarasota since 2007. Prior to obtaining her Masters of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, she was a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is board certified in wills, trusts and estates.  

For more information, call 941-960-8825 or go to archbold.law.

[Recognition]  Michael’s On East Earns Wine Spectator’s 2020 “Best of Award of Excellence”

Michael’s On East has been honored with the “Best of Award of Excellence” designation for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2020 Restaurant Awards. Recognized among other winners from all over the globe as a top destination for wine lovers, the restaurant is the only honoree in the ‘Best Of Award of Excellence’ category in the Sarasota-Manatee region. Michael’s On East was first recognized by the Wine Spectator in 1989. The elevated ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ award in 2020 represents an upgraded level of recognition for Michael’s On East in the annual Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. “This coveted ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ distinction is a very gratifying recognition for our Wine Team! As our region hopes to welcome domestic tourists to our beautiful area this summer and fall, the international recognition offered by this distinction helps us introduce Michael’s On East and Sarasota to oenophiles across the country,” said Michael’s On East Co-Proprietor, Michael Klauber. 

[Recognition]  Perrone Construction Recognized as Aurora Award Finalist on Two Projects

The Sarasota-based luxury custom home builder, Perrone Construction, has been honored as a finalist for two different categories in the 41st Annual Aurora Awards presented by the Southeast Building Conference. As a Silver Aurora Award honoree, Perrone Construction is one of the top vote recipients in each category and are finalists for the Grand Aurora Awards recognizing outstanding achievement by builders in the entire Southeastern United States and Eastern Caribbean. Perrone Construction has been honored for the Best Custom Home for its build of ‘The Fish Camp’, an island retreat that pays homage to the old Florida stilt homes that dot the Charlotte Harbor coastline, and Best Custom Home for “Villa Azure”, a bold and eclectic coastal contemporary home on Longboat Key. The Fish Camp has also been featured in the national publication Ocean Home Magazine, as well as Florida Design Magazine. It has received several awards, including two SRQ Home of the Year Awards for Silver Best Overall Home $1-2 Million and Platinum Best Bathroom Design. 

[New Position ]  Brenna Wilhm Named Senior Development Associate for Community Day School

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, a Jewish day school serving children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, has hired Brenna Wilhm to serve as its new senior development associate. In this role, she will be responsible for overseeing Community Day School’s fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, special events, and its ongoing capital campaign. She will also oversee grant seeking for the school. The addition of Wilhm comes at an ideal time for the school, as Community Day School continues to raise money for its new campus, with construction beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. Wilhm has two decades of senior management experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, including spending the past 12 years in Sarasota specializing in sales and marketing with a private family foundation and serving as the director of operations for Sarasota nonprofit organization Embracing Our Differences. Having studied violin performance at Oberlin College and holding a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Wilhm recognizes the importance of providing a strong educational foundation for every child. 

[Recognition]  Murray Homes Lands Aurora Award

Murray Homes takes home Silver Aurora Award honors in the 2020 SEBC Award Competition. The award winning project is the 4,223 square foot awe-inspiring Sarasota Modern Retreat, designed by Guy Peterson Office for Architecture and built by Murray Homes. The end result of the home is stunning; from concrete detailing, to the integrated cabientry, house automation and overall landscape and hardscape. Silver Aurora Awards Honorees are the top vote recipients in each category and are the finalists for the Grand and Golden Awards, which winners will be announced on July 31st. 

Click here for more information.

[Cost Savings]  Atlas Networks Launches Free Cloud-Optimization Assessment

Atlas Networks, a technology consulting firm part of the AWS Partner Network, has launched a free cloud cost-optimization assessment to help businesses reduce overspending on cloud infrastructure. Through this consultation process, the team provides customized solutions that generate increased IT efficiency and more predictable costs, without sacrificing the reliability of these critical cloud systems. In addition, organizations that complete this free assessment process typically save an average of 30 percent on their cloud infrastructure. “Today, in the wake of COVID-19, many businesses have reduced staff and are pivoting to remote work. So, reduced overhead and cost savings – especially on technology solutions imperative to business operations – is increasingly important to companies of all sizes,” said Anand Pallegar, founder, Atlas Networks. “Identifying cost-savings and streamlining cloud investments is what our team does best.” 

Click here for more information.

[Reappointment ]  Williams Parker Attorney Bonnie Lee Polk Reappointed by Florida Governor

Williams Parker is pleased to announce attorney Bonnie Lee Polk has been reappointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is tasked with selecting nominees to fill judicial vacancies created in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit (consisting of Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties) which are designated to be filled via appointment by the Governor’s office. Ms. Polk is a litigation attorney. She focuses on clients involved in probate and trust disputes, representing trustees, personal representatives, beneficiaries, and interested third parties in trust proceedings, will contests, and other fiduciary litigation.  

Click here for more information.



[In This Issue]  Road to Recovery
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Engaging regional business leaders for a dialogue about the future. 

Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.

[COVID-19]  COVID Quarantine Affects Glaucoma Compliance

COVID has been hard on everyone, but especially those that depend on medications. The principal treatment for glaucoma has always been the use of eye drop medications. But that treatment only works if the patient adheres to a strict schedule of expensive eyedrops. Not being able to get those drops can be frightening; thinking that without them, you could lose your sight. This has been especially true for nursing home patients and those in quarantine.

For the first time, they are now able to inject a very tiny pellet of medication into the eye as an office based procedure. “I worry about my patients getting and using their glaucoma drops during COVID quarantine. By giving a simple administration of Durysta at the slit lamp, we are able to not only control the intraocular pressure for up to two years without drops but also be assured that the patient is getting the medication they need even when they can’t get to the pharmacy. This long-awaited treatment method Is extremely revolutionary and will save vision.” commented Dr. Friedman. 

Click here for more information.

[COVID-19]  Surgery Update Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties will delay certain inpatient surgeries and procedures, effective Saturday, July 11, to free up capacity for COVID patients. This change does not affect hospital-based outpatient surgeries or procedures, nor those performed at HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

“The number of COVID cases in our hospitals are increasing daily, and we need to ensure that our caregivers and hospitals are in a position to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to our patients. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, making adjustments as necessary,” said Ravi Chari, M.D., president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. 

[COVID-19]  DOH Sarasota Fills All COVID-19 Testing Appointments in South Sarasota County

All appointments for COVID-19 Testing in North Port by DOH Sarasota are full for today, July 9th. Those seeking COVID-19 Testing without an appointment are encouraged to visit one of the State run testing centers in our community as listed below: Robert L. Taylor Community Center Walk-up testing site, located at 1845 34th St. Sarasota, open 8 am to 5 pm daily, or until capacity is reached.
The Mall at University Town Center Drive-thru testing site, located at 299 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, open 9 am to 5 pm daily, or until capacity is reached. Publix at Port Charlotte Crossing, located at 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, open daily from 9 am to 5 pm,or until capacity is reached. 

Click here for more information.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Online: STEMventures with Mote , July 6 – August 31, 8am-9pm

Looking for fun and engaging programs that you and your child can do at home? Try these pre-packaged STEMventures. These themed packets delivered via email will include education materials and links to videos of our early childhood educators introducing topics and activities. Follow along with us from the comfort of your own home, pause when you need to and complete at your own pace. The Coast Counts: Join us to learn how humans and animals alike count on our coasts. Roleplay as a Mote scientist while learning how to monitor the health of Florida's coastal habitats and the inhabitants found there. Hide and SEAk: Ready or not, here we come: to learn all about how animals hide from predators and "SEAk" out their prey. Investigate the adaptations ocean animals have at their disposal like patterns, textures, bioluminescence, and more. Sea Shapes and Sizes: From the smallest plankton to the biggest blue whale; round pufferfish to arrow shaped barracuda; the ocean is filled with all shapes and sizes. Join Mote Educators to learn what this variety does for ocean animals then explore the shape of the ocean floor. Each Pre-Packaged STEMventure Theme: $45 for members, $50 for non-members. Upon registering for any OSM program, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your weekly Guide to help prepare for a virtual week with us. Supplies for all of our OSM programs should be easily found around the home. The guide you receive in your confirmation email will detail what you need so you can prepare for your OSM week.

[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]  MUSIC: Florida Studio Theatre Presents Ariel Blue , July 10 – July 11, 5:30pm-7pm

Florida Studio Theatre is pleased to announce that vocalist Ariel Blue will perform for diners at FST’s Green Room Cafe & Bar Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 from 5:30-7PM each night alongside FST resident pianist Jim Prosser. Blue and Prosser will perform for socially-distanced diners featuring such hits as “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder, “Just My Imagination” by the Temptations, “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5, and “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You” by Frankie Valli. Ariel Blue is a Florida-based actor, singer, and writer. She has been performing for the last 12 years in Mainstage productions with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, FST Improv, and The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. She has performed behind legends like Christopher Williams and Sharon Scott and with the circus in Europe.

FST Green Room Cafe & Bar, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Virtual: Florida Studio Theatre Presents Sarasota Improv Festival , July 10 – July 12

Florida Studio Theatre is pleased to announce that it will present an online improv festival the same weekend its annual Sarasota Improv Festival was slated to take place: Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12. Held completely online, this Festival features workshops, shows, and interviews with established improvisers from around the world, including Joe Bill (a founding member of Chicago’s Annoyance Theater), Craig Cackowski (Quartet, Orange Tuxedo), and Gael Perry (French improv troupe, La Carpe Haute). Shows and interviews can be accessed for free on the Sarasota Improv Festival’s Facebook page. Workshops will be conducted over Zoom and cost $30 each. To register for workshops, visit floridastudiotheatre.org or call FST’s Box Office at 941-366-9000.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Virtual: KidSpace at The Bishop , July 11 – July 25, 10:30am-11:15am

We unleash the awesome power of The Planetarium during KidSpace, where kids can become scientific masters of the universe! Join us as we take off from the Earth’s surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: IQuest: Through the Lens at The Bishop , July 11, 4pm-8pm

IQuest is a monthly program for smart, curious middle school students in grades 6 through 8. While each IQuest is different, you can always expect challenging projects and games that inspire out-of-the-box solutions to real-world problems. Through the Lens: Reboot Explore our two special exhibitions — Myakka River: A Florida Treasure, by Clyde Butcher and Small Wonders: Insects in Focus, by Bob Sober — then try our photography-inspired challenges, puzzles and more. Due to limitations on attendance and staffing, attendees must pre-register by 11 am on Saturday, July 11th. We will be adhering to social distancing measures during all activities and the class size will be limited to 10 children. Masks will be required for all staff and students, and all students will be temperature-screened upon arrival. Admission is $5. Kids only — this is a drop-off program. Paid reservations required; includes a slice of pizza and a drink.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

[SOON]  FOOD: Venice Farmers Market , July 11 – July 25, 8am-12pm

Summer vendors will offer produce, fresh baked goods including breads, pies, bagels and pretzels, wild-caught seafood, Florida-grown mushrooms, boutique cheeses, locally roasted coffee, kettle corn, hand-crafted soap, essential oils, nursery plants and fresh-cut flowers. In addition, local artists will be attending the market offering award-winning photography, unique clay art and jewelry, hand-designed clothing for children and adults, and more. Market staff and vendors have created a CDC-compliant and safe socially distanced outdoor shopping experience for the community, states Farmers Market Manager Lee Perron. All staff and vendors will wear masks and gloves and sanitizing stations will be available. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the City of Venice in order to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines for food and personal safety. During the construction of Fire Station 1 and expansion of City Hall, the market will relocate out of the parking lot but will still operate at City Hall. The Farmers Market will set up on W. Venice Avenue between Harbor Drive and Avenue des Parques, located between City Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis courts.

Venice City Hall, 401 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

[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]  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: Christmas in July , July 17 – July 18, 10am-4pm

Get ready for the biggest sale weekend of the season, presented by Venice Main Street and downtown merchants. This year is a little different as everyone will be practicing safe distancing and adhering to the CDC guidelines that are in place. With that said, bring on the holiday cheer. The businesses in Historic Downtown and beyond will have Christmas themed windows and a whole lot more.

Downtown Venice

[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]  FESTIVAL: One Night in Tortuga , July 25, 7pm-11pm

If you be a Pirate, wanna be a Pirate, a Wench, Blackbeard reincarnated, or just a Landlubber then the honor of your presence is requested at the Anna Maria Island Privateers' Pirate Gathering. Thar be no formal Dress Code, just come dressed as a Pirate, and plan for a whole Lotta Fun. Why thar will be Pirate Grub and a full bar of Grog, a wee bit of music for ya Foot stomp and maybe a Jig or two... The transformation to the Isle of Tortuga will be tak’en place in the beautiful Neptune Room at Seafood Shack in the village of Cortez. The panoramic views of the Marina and Intercostal waters will make you feel as if you're standing on the shores of the Tortugas when pirates roamed, pillaged and plundered back in the day. You're welcome to take a stroll down the docks, but there be no "commandeering" of any ships, cause that be a reason for Ya be keelhauled for sure. Fer a meer Pittance of $50.00 it gets ya a stroll thru the Chow line, a couple of Free Tankards of your favorite Grog and Ya be Gett’en a Keepsake Souvenir from the Privateers. Way more fun than a Barrel of Monkeys. There be a Silent Auction for some Pirate Booty to be hav’en and chance fer some cold hard cash in a 50/50, and other Pirate shenanigans. All money raised will go towards the Privateers, a 501 c3 Non-Profit organization, Mission Statement of “Pirates for Kids & Community”.

Seafood Shack Neptune Room, 4110 127th St W., Cortez, FL 34215

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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