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SRQ DAILY Jan 12, 2017

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"We do need to think carefully about how to give out those units until we prove there is a need."

- Jim Brown, Longboat Key Town Commission candidate
 

[Politics]  Tourism Central in LBK Elections
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

How should Longboat Key balance the needs of residents and the rising interest of tourists in the island? The question seems central to town elections being held on the island this spring, and comes as some world-renowned hotel sites ponder their future. 

Voters on March 14 will decide who fills two seats on the seven-member town commission. Commissioner Jack Daly is being challenged by conservation activist Larry Grossman for the District 4 seat, while former commissioners Jim Brown and Gene Jaleski fight for an at-large seat. Commissioner George Spoll won the election to the District 2 seat unopposed.

Grossman says the island can’t widen its roads anymore and needs to be looking at ways to reduce burdens on infrastructure even as an increase in AirBnB rentals and the potential addition of tourism units looms. “We can’t handle the traffic,” he says. “We have a mismatch between the capabilities—and the resources and physical limitations of the town—with demand.” With his background in planning in Alexandria, VA, he wants to redirect city efforts on multimodal transportation and getting less people driving on the island. Commissioner Daly, running for his second term, says voters need his experience over someone never elected to the board, and that the town needs to be measured and careful as it reviews its comprehensive planning documents. “I’m very comfortable with the direction of our policies,” Daly says, mentioning that the city already regulates rentals, and that the balance of tourism and residential units on the island right now seems on track.

In the citywide election, Jaleski characterizes the race as a decision for voters to choose between leadership that wants a place suitable for living or a place geared to tourism. “I’ve been preaching tourism doesn’t serve a high-end residential community. There are different lifestyles,” he says. Those living in multi-million-dollar mansions shouldn’t live with short-term rentals dominating life on the island, and as plans for redeveloping The Colony come up for consideration in town, Jaleski wants the town to find ways to stop an increase in tourism—and maybe even decrease it. Brown, for his part, agrees that a spike in AirBnB traffic has proven problematic. He also notes that the island community is one of a few with rental restrictions enforced in town, and that the commission had defended the right to do so in court. Voters have approved more tourism units, even if they have not supported many new projects where those units can go. “We do need to think carefully about how to give out those units until we prove there is a need,” he says. Such planning matters will be complicated, and he says his six years on the commission and seven on the planning board will be useful. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 2: Boeing-Stearman N2S
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Back in the cockpit, US Navy pilot Ryan Rankin began his year-long quest to fly 52 distinct planes this past week by taking off from Pensacola International Airport in a Boeing-Stearman N2S. An open-canopy biplane from the World War II era, the United States Army Air Corps (there was no Air Force yet) utilized the NS and the Navy the N2S as trainer aircraft for young aviators. With fewer than 11,000 manufactured and its role replaced by the Texan model Rankin now flies for the Navy, a quality N2S was found in the hands of pilot Roy Kinsey, the founder of Veterans Flight, which once a year flies veteran WWII pilots into Pensacola and takes them up in the vintage craft for a flight over Memory Lane.

“Some of them are a little parted out,” says Rankin, “but this was a good example with lots of original parts.” The weather was slightly overcast but smooth, and he and Kinsey took the N2S for a brief aerobatic spin, looping and rolling. Rankin’s flown open-canopy before, but that doesn’t mean it’s old hat. “It never gets old,” he says. “At first it’s startling, but it’s incredible being out there in the wind.” (It can get a bit cold though.)

All-in-all, Rankin reports a comfortable flight with “no big surprises.” Being an older model, the N2S lacks many modern creature comforts and some modern-day technological assists, but at the same time it remains a trainer plane and designed not to throw pilots but teach them. “It will make a pilot out of you,” Rankin says, noting the N2S does a good job in highlighting basic piloting errors such as an uncoordinated turn (when rudder and aileron movement are not in sync), without falling out of the sky.

The biggest challenge came in getting off the ground. Equipped with a tail wheel as opposed to the modern nose-wheel design on jets today, the whole plane tilts back while on the ground, pointing the pilot up at an angle with the massive Continental 220hp radial engine directly ahead. “The big thing is you can’t see right in front of you,” says Rankin. Taxiing on the runway, he and Kinsey made zigzags to see where they were going. Landing can be similarly difficult, but Rankin earned his tail-wheel landing certification prior and pulled it off just fine.

If anything, it seems to have been a nostalgia trip. “I’m very much a student of aviation,” says Rankin, “so to sit in the seat where others who did amazing things in the war sat was great.”

For more about this flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Rankin in front of the Boeing-Stearman N2S. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Scout's Honor
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Thus is the Scout Law, a responsibility each new and old Boy Scout of America vows to uphold while serving their communities and learning the ways of the world. Alongside oaths and pledges, scouts also need gear—as a certified retailer of Boy Scouts merch, Children's World is the place to grab everything your Cub needs. Find the compass game, both the beginner and advanced versions, perfect for helping each scout along his way. The game/learning tool helps scouts learn the basics of using a compass, using coordinates to locate an object or lead them back to their campground. Girl Scouts can get in on the fun as well—this "toy" works for all explorers.  

Children's World, 4525 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 941-955-6999.

[Hires]  Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Joins SMHCS

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System welcomed a new Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist to the health system’s First Physicians Group (FPG) network and community this month. Stephanie Hedstrom, MD, joined Felice Baron, MD, in FPG’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice on January 2. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Hedstrom specializes and co-manages the care of women with complicated, high-risk pregnancies and their unborn babies. Dr. Hedstrom provides a full spectrum of perinatal services, including pre-conception counseling and prenatal testing. She has more than 20 years experience managing conditions complicating pregnancies, including cardiovascular disease; hypertension; preeclampsia; maternal metabolic diseases, such as gestational diabetes; renal and autoimmune disease; genetic and chromosomal disorders; fetal growth abnormalities; risks associated with advanced maternal age; and multiple gestation (twins, triplets and quadruplets). 

First Physicians Group

[Hires]  Blalock Walters Law Firm Hires Lapointe

The law firm of Blalock Walters, P.A. added principal Matthew J. Lapointe to its business, corporate and health law practice groups. Lapointe brings over two decades of high-level experience, concentrating his practice on business and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and health care law. Lapointe practiced for 15 years with a large, multi-specialty firm in New Hampshire before moving here. He represents companies and entrepreneurs in the full range of business and corporate matters and serves as general outside counsel to business owners in all sectors of the economy. He advises business owners on day-to-day issues, such as personnel problems, as well as on strategic issues, such as business succession planning and business sales and acquisitions. Lapointe advises physician groups, dentists, assisted living facilities and other health care institutions and advises on compliance with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, the federal anti-referral law, anti-kickback law, Medicare and Medicaid compliance, as well as compliance with state licensing laws.  

Blalock Walters

[Synergy]  J.E. Charlotte Construction to Build Animal Medical Center

Venice-based commercial construction company, J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp., has been selected to build the new facility for Animal Medical Center of Lehigh Acres in Lehigh Acres, FL. J.E. Charlotte Construction is currently assisting veterinarians Dr. Whitney Whitford and Dr. Charley Whitford with pre-construction phase services and acting as the construction manager. The husband-and-wife team is planning a multiphase project, including a new veterinary clinic and boarding facility. The first phase of the project includes building a 12,000-square-foot veterinary medical center with day boarding and grooming services. The second phase of the project will include a second detached building of 10,000-square-foot full-service pet resort. 

J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Together & Apart: The Love Letters of Georgia O'Keeffe & Alfred Stieglitz , November 17 – January 13, 5:30-8pm

Love letters, spanning more than 30 years, between Georgia O'Keeffe & Alfred Stieglitz, is the subject of Together & Apart. The opening night recpetion will be held November 17th. The show will feature a 20ft x 20ft installation that includes two symbolic bedrooms, a ceiling-to-floor silo and 2,500 pieces of correspondence. 

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th Street, Suite A

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Great Society , January 13 – April 2

On the heels of Asolo Rep’s wildly successful All the Way, The Great Society continues Robert Schenkkan’s profound exploration of Lyndon Johnson’s turbulent years in the White House. In his second term as president, besieged by political opponents, Johnson summons all his political wiles to try to push through Congress some of the most important social programs in U.S. history. His vision of a Great Society became the most ambitious effort ever to test what American government is capable of achieving. And in doing so, to discover what it is not. Actor Nick Wyman returns to the Asolo Rep stage to reprise his role as L.B.J. in this unflinching examination of the morality of power.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, 34243

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SILL 2017 Speaker Series , January 9 – March 31

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is kicking of its 46th season of popular global issue lectures and musical conversations beginning on January 9 and continuing through the end of March. This season will include 96 lectures and musical conversations from internationally renowned musicians, performers and acclaimed experts. SILL also provides delayed presentations to selected senior communities. Single tickets to SILL events are only $10 at the door, when available and a season ticket for 12 lecture series costs just $85. 

[SOON]  GALLERY: createSRQ Juried High School Art Show , January 13 – January 16, 12pm–4pm

View over 200 art works on display, created by high school students from across Sarasota County. An evolution of Evening of Excellence, createSRQ is a multi-faceted initiative of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to elevate arts education has become the area’s preeminent high school arts competition and exhibit.

Roskamp Exhibition Hall, 2700 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Hunter and Doe , January 13, 8pm

Two of Canada's most versatile performers come together in Hunter and Doe to create an unusually magical blend of percussive guitar, agile vocals, dynamic fiddle playing, and fiercely rhythmic tap footwork. The explosive duet of Stephanie Cadman, a world-renowned step-dancer and a fierce fiddler, and Jeremy Walmsley, a multi-instrumentalist and a stellar high tenor, is breaking musical boundaries and giving birth to a new, electric fusion of sound. Tickets start at $22.50 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, Florida

[SOON]  THEATER: Thrillers, Chillers and Killers , January 17 – January 29

Join the Crosely Estate for the next installment of their theatre series, Thrillers, Chillers and Killers. Murder and intrigue take center stage as your hosts from the past, Gwendolyn and Powel Crosely present an evening of three, chilling classic stories from Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Louisa May Alcott. 

Powel Crosely Estate , 8474 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Wild Carrot , January 18

Can you play a 1930s’ standard followed by a traditional tune from the 1800's and then launch into a song written just last week? Pam Temple and Spencer Funk of the award-­winning, Cincinnati-­based duo “wild carrot" can. Rooted in traditional American music, their music reaches to jazz, blues, traditional folk songs, not-­so­-traditional songs, show tunes, and originals. Blending guitar, mandolin, concertina, penny whistle, dulcimer, and bowed psaltery, “wild carrot’s” entertaining, honest, and moving performances have something for everyone. Tickets start at $22.50. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, Florida

[SOON]  GALLERY: Mr. Krisztian: Exordium , January 21, 7pm

Fine artist and painter Mr. Krisztian debuts new work and steps into the Sarasota arts scene with his first solo show. Meaning "beginning," Exordium is a one-night showing in the space next to Palm Avenue Fine Art.

[SOON]  THEATER: Brownsville Song (b-side for tray) , January 25 – March 26

Brownsville Song by Kimber Lee is an award-wining play based on real-life tragedy and loss. Its a beautiful and compelling tale that sheds light on the cycle of violence and the strength of families in Brooklyn's inner city. The play will be held at the Gompertz Theatre.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Sarasota World Affairs Council January Lecture , January 26, 6:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next installment of their 2016–2017 lecture series on January 26 featuring Terry Garcia, the man responsible for the National Geographic Society Core Mission Programs that support and manage more than 400 scientific field research, conservation and exploration projects annually. Mr. Garcia will be the featured speaker during a unique and inspiring dinner event in celebration and support for the Sarasota World Affairs Council and Mote Marine Laboratory and their service to the Sarasota community. 

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 GOOD EDUCATION: Learning for a Lifetime , January 26, 7:30am–9:00am

Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 7:30-9:00am for the next installment of the 2016-17 SB2 Season on the adaptations going into innovative thinking in the K-100+ education experience with Keynote Speaker Mary Chance, President of the Consortium of Florida Education and panelists Jennifer Vigne of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art and Design and Mireya Eavey of CareerEdge. Tickets $35/per person. Register online at www.srqsb2.com. Symposium location is at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALA: A New Beginning Fashion Event , January 26, 11:30am–1:30pm

Selah Freedom presents their fourth annual A New Beginning Fashion Event from 11:30am–1:30pm at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Co–chaired by Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman, this fashion show and champagne luncheon will showcase stunning fashions from Selah Vie Boutique and Karen Roth Eco Luxe Resortwear, inspirational survivor stories and fabulous raffle prizes. Ticket and sponsorship opportunities are available. 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

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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