An evening marked by accusations of intentional political disruption and of feeding the toxicity of politics ended with no action being taken to fill Shannon Snyder's soon-to-be-vacated Sarasota City Commission seat. City Commissioners said they wanted to stick with a process already established this summer to accept applications for the board appointment.

"This looks like an end-around to a process we very carefully related and advertised," said Sarasota City Commissioner Susan Chapman. "It's almost an embarrassment to change it."

Snyder was required by law to resign his commission seat when he decided to run for the Sarasota County Commission. On Aug. 26, Snyder lost the Republican primary for the County Commission to fellow Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, who also had to resign his city seat. Caragiulo and Snyder both will remain in their city seats until mid-November.

In anticipation of the departures, City Commissioners set up an application process for District 2 and District 3 residents interested in being appointed to the posts, with the actual appointment occurring in mid-November after the exiting commissioners leave the board. But last week, Caragiulo suggested the appointment to the District 3 seat, Snyder's, be done now, and that Snyder be put in the role. "God help you if you start a conversation in this community," said Caragiulo after a long list of citizens spoke against the proposal at a City Commission meeting Tuesday night.

Snyder had said he would be happy to serve out his term, but it became clear the votes for reappointment were not there as the meeting progressed. He stressed he had no role in proposing his appointment to the job again. "I didn't find out about this until a reporter left a voicemail," Snyder said.

The seat has already drawn one applicant. Stan Zimmerman, a former reporter for the Sarasota News Leader, applied on Tuesday. The city also has had two District 2 applications, including from former City Commissioner Ken Shelin and Planning Board member Vlad Svekis. 

City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell said she was "stunned" by the suggestion Snyder should be reappointed.

Snyder is still allowed to apply for the seat if he chooses. Caragiulo still has an election ahead of him for County Commission, and faces independent Alexandra Coe and two write-in candidates in the Nov. 4 general election. 

Fish tacos are like the new kale or roasted beet salad, aren’t they? It seems everyone has them on the menu these days, but some do them much better than others. You could dine out for a solid month trying to sample them all. If you are short on time and want two of the best in town, venture over to Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar or cali Tacos to Go.

Feel like something crunchy and satisfying, then Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar is your spot for their snapper fish tacos. Served in a blue tortilla shell, the snapper is batter-fried and topped with avocado, feta and a wasabi cream, and served with seasoned rice. It pairs perfectly with their Bacon Bloody Mary.

If you go with the flow or Yelp reviews, the new favorite of locals are the fish tacos from Cali Tacos To Go. Ignore the large photo of Guy Fieri when you walk in, as this joint stands on its own two feet without him. Flour tortillas are filled with grouper tempura, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, Juan’s secret sauce and choice of hot sauce. Order them “Amped” and the tacos are topped with guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Finish off your tacos with one of their cooling aloe vera drinks. If you are still hungry, go with what the crowd says and try the shrimp and chorizo taco.   

Cali Tacos to Go, 2773 Bee Ridge Road, 941-925-8226, calitacostogo.com; Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 South Tamiami Trail, 941-925-4444, creekseafood.com

IberiaBank, a 127-year-old subsidiary of IberiaBank Corporation, has partnered with the Suncoast Community Capital and CareerEdge to provide class instruction and financial support for the “Next Steps” Fund, a scholarship and financial assistance fund for graduates of Bridges to Careers, a program of CareerEdge. Since inception, “Bridges to Careers” has shown a track record of helping gradates transform their lives. A high percentage of students have graduated and gone on to find jobs, receive promotions or return to school. 

IBERIABANK

Florida Studio Theatre announced the hiring of Will Luera as the new director of Improvisation. Luera has been working professionally in the world of Improv for the last 17 years. Serving as the artistic director of ImprovBoston and Big Bang Improv, Luera brings with him the experience of a director, producer, instructor and actor.

Florida Studio Theater

Heather Vallely was recently promoted to assistant vice president of Insignia Bank. She continues her role of assistant branch manager of the Cattlemen Office. Vallely has been in banking for over nine years and has been with Insignia for five. She has worked her way up from a teller/customer service representative into her current position.  

Insignia Bank

Join Jacob Ogles, the Senior Editor of SRQ | The Magazine and SRQ Daily for an in-depth analysis of the August 26 Primary Election on Wednesday, September 10. Jacob is pouring through official polling data to present you with the highlights and key findings. Who turned out to vote? How old were they? Which neighborhoods had the worst turnout? How did the winners emerge victorious? As you participate in this discussion of democracy with many of Sarasota’s most influential political players and enjoy coffee and breakfast in SRQ’s newly renovated studios, you’ll learn the details of our precinct-by precinct analysis of the Primary and find out what to look for in the upcoming November election. 

Join Us