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SRQ DAILY Oct 14, 2015

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"As the Congressman has said, we've been through so many maps. Let's wait and see what the Supreme Court decides to do."

- Joe Sangiorgio, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Buchanan
 

[Politics]  Party Leaders Operate With New House Lines
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The lines aren’t visible in our physical landscape, but the political world of Southwest Florida is still reeling from a tectonic shift in the legislative boundaries in the region. A circuit court judge last week ruled in favor of a Congressional map that splits Sarasota County into two Congressional districts, a decision that if it sticks will put Sarasota city voters in the same Congressional district as those in South Hillsborough and North Port voters as co-consituents with residents of Okeechobee County.

Sarasota residents at least will still be represented by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, whose district under the map extends through all of Manatee County and into Hillsborough County as far as Adamsville. But much of South Sarasota County will be in the district now represented by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Punta Gorda. Buchanan, who has been deeply opposed to dividing Sarasota into two districts, noted the new lines are not yet set in stone. “As the Congressman has said, we’ve been through so many maps,” said Buchanan spokesman Joe Sangiorgio. “Let’s wait and see what the Supreme Court decides to do.”

But party leaders, responsible for recruiting candidates to run as soon as next year, expect the lines set by Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis are the ones that will stick. Lewis ruled the maps drawn by the Legislature were unconstitutional, and approved these maps as meeting the strict standards of the Fair Districts Amendment. “I think Sarasota County is much better off having one representative,” said Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota. On that much, he and Christine Jennings, chairman of the Sarasota Democratic Party, are in agreement. “We wish this was not the case,” Jennings said. “We wish Sarasota County was kept whole.”

Democrats now will seek out candidates to run against Rooney and Buchanan. While both seats seem Republican-leaning as drawn, Jennings said that won’t be what ultimately leads candidates to run. “This will not deter someone who wants to serve. If you feel passionate about serving, you will find a way to try and win,” she said. Of note, Jennings has run against Buchanan twice, but said right now she is focused on getting others elected. 

Republicans, of course, are playing defense on the seats. Gruters felt confident in both incumbents. “Tom Rooney is a great congressman and I look forward to having him represent half of our county,” Gruters said. “We’re obviously not going to see him as much as we see Vern, but I think he will do a good job. He is a solid conservative.”

Now politicos wait for the next quake, a special session on redistricting Florida state Senate lines. 

Picture: Map of Southwest Florida under lines as approved by Judge Terry Lewis

[Good Bit]  Ugg's Bakery Perqs Up
Kaye Warr

Jenn and Colin Ellsworth are the dynamic duo behind Ugg’s Specialty Bakery in Bradenton. The ‘specialty’ of this bakery is the fact that all of the delectable treats available for special order at Ugg’s are actually gluten free, grain free, legume free, dairy free, soy free, refined sugar free and paleo friendly. The tagline on their website is “Eat like a caveman, feel like a rockstar!” and this charming husband-and-wife team espouse the paleo lifestyle that has helped them to be healthier and happier without having to sacrifice their penchant for sweets. Jenn’s sense of humor is on full display when I ask her why they named their business Ugg’s, blue eyes twinkling, she smiles and responds “What would you name a caveman?” Jenn is excited to let me in on a secret as we sit at my favorite local coffee shop, Perq, and I’m digging into an Ugg’s Mocha Cupcake (flavored with coffee provided by Perq). The secret is a partnership between the bakers and the baristas, Ugg’s Bakery will be taking over the kitchen at Perq beginning in early November and using Perq’s baked goods display case as their ‘storefront.’ What goes better with artisanal coffee than guilt-free cake? 

Ugg’s Bakery, www.uggsbakery.com. 941-747-2375

[Opening]  Waterline Marina Resort to Break Ground

Mainsail Lodging and Development will break ground Thursday on the new Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club on Anna Maria Island. An invitation-only ceremony will take place for the groundbreaking. The event will include a brief program featuring local dignitaries and development partners. Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club is expected to be the island’s only full-service hotel and will feature two-bedroom suites with gourmet kitchens, a 50-slip marina, restaurant and a resort-style swimming pool with oversized sun deck and separate Beach Club. 

[Synergy]  Marshall Part of Major Research Expedition

A major shark-research expedition aboard the internationally known M/V OCEARCH is launching this month in the Gulf of Mexico, with a Mote Marine Laboratory scientist, Dr. Heather Marshall, on board to collect and study shark blood samples in a team effort to gather previously unattainable data on these important top predators. During the October expedition, which has its first shark-fishing day on Oct. 15, scientists from many institutions plan to tag, sample and release hammerhead, tiger and mako sharks. 

Mote Marine Laboratory

[From Vald Svekis]  Tuesday Tech Savvy

Your commentary of technological issues is well versed to the level of a non-techie and on current issues as today's Facebook posting.  Please continue.  I find the explanations logical and helpful in understanding the involved tech issues. Thanks.

Vald Svekis, on the "Tuesday Tech Talk" column in the Sept. 13 edition of SRQ Daily 

[From Rhonda Leiberrick]  Timely Tech

Very timely article today! Our site was hacked—as in SHUT down—last week. Dealing with exactly what you said, infected backup files. Tuesday Tech Talk rocks! Keep it coming.

Rhonda Leiberrick, Habitat for Humanity Sarasota and ReStores, on the "Tuesday Tech Talk" column in the Sept. 13 edition of SRQ Daily 

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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