The total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 288,000 in June, and the unemployment rate declined to 6.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. Job gains were widespread, led by employment growth in professional and business services, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and health care. Gains came in much high than projected by economists, who anticipated job gains in the lower 200,000s. The unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 6.1 percent. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 325,000. 

The only opening to represent Southwest Florida in the Legislature without getting past an incumbent has made for one of the most watched races in the region. The Republican primary for House District 74 attracted physician Julio Gonzalez and party regular Richard DeNapoli to the fray.

DeNapoli, who moved with his family to Venice last year, chaired the Republican Party of Broward County in 2011 and 2012. The attorney is running on keeping taxes low in the state to make for a better business climate. "I want to see if we can attract companies into the district," he said. "I like what Gov. [Rick] Scott has been touting for bringing businesses to Florida, and I want to make sure to promote to companies that we have a workforce that can be trained for their purposes." That means improving educational resources for fields like science and math and making strides in manufacturing. DeNapoli also wants to see reductions in sales taxes and praised phasing out taxes on leases.

Gonzalez also said he wants job creation, but is stressing the importance of having a representative qualified to address health issues. A physician who just completed a law degree, he feels he could make a difference shaping policy in that arena. "We have a seasoned subpopulation that is largely healthcare consumers, and they view their healthcare as threatened in many ways," he said. "They are very interested in a representative who understands the challenges." He expects a major priority to be the handling of Medicaid in Florida, where he said reimbursements have gone so low it disincentives physicians taking on Medicaid patients at a time when many rely on that system for their needs.

The race has been heated from the start. Gonzalez has stressed that he has a longer history in the community than his opponent. DeNapoli, meanwhile, said he has spent months knocking on doors and actively getting to know the region while his opponent focused earlier this year on professional improvement. DeNapoli has touted his history working with state government, in roles such as Florida real estate commissioner, and his support from such political allies as state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota. Gonzalez, who earned the endorsement of the Florida Medical Association, feels his voice would fill a niche in Tallahassee because of his expertise in other areas and not just law and politics.

The two are running to succeed state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, who is barred from seeking re-election by term limits. The primary is open only to Republican voters, thanks to two write-in candidates in the contest. The winner of the primary will face only the write-in opposition in the general election. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 26. 

Sarasota City Commission: The board today is scheduled to vote on Bayfront/Marina Island Park Open Space utilization and will hear a presentation from the Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 Coalition. Sessions are scheduled today at 2:30pm and 6pm at City Hall.

Sarasota County Commission: The board on Tuesday will consider presentations on lobbying services for the 2015 Legislative session and receive an update on homeless services. The meeting begins at 9am at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice. 

Castle Connolly Medical has designated Christopher Sforzo, M.D., as a “Top Doctor” in the region. Sforzo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Florida Orthopedic Specialists and Sports Medicine, specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He was the first surgeon to perform an endoscopic carpal tunnel release at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. 

Florida Orthopedic Specialists and Sports Medicine

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe announced Steven J. Krause will co-chair its Advisory Board, along with current co-chair Margie Nellum Lee. Krause is a Senior Vice President and Trust Advisor at Northern Trust Bank. He moved to Sarasota approximately two years ago from Chicago. After being introduced to Christine Jennings and enjoying WBTT performances, he became interested in the organization, it’s talented young performers and what the organization does to further enlighten the community. Prior to coming to Sarasota, he was a Personal Trust Relationship Manager in Northern Trust’s Lake Forest, Schaumburg, and Chicago, Illinois offices.  

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Last week SRQ welcomed new resource, SRQMAG.COM, to offer you an engaging, dynamic way to receive our content. Of the undertaking, CEO, President Lisl Liang said, “Thank you to everyone who contributed content, imagery, and creativity as we implemented the many pieces that went into creating a new online experience for our readers and viewers. In particular, I would like to thank Seth Bracewell for being our partner in this massive project. His dedication, innovation and expert programming skills made it possible for us to take such a bold leap in the engineering of both projects.”  

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