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SRQ DAILY Jan 30, 2017

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"Condo residents have a special appreciation for what it means to live in this community."

- Patrick Gannon, Sarasota City Commission candidate
 

[Demographics]  SCOPE 2016 Community Report Card

SCOPE has begun updating the data in the Community Report Card. Highlights from the demographics section are seen in the above graph. According to the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Sarasota County has an estimated 399,538 residents as of April 1, 2016. This figure has increased by 20,090 people, or 5 percent since the last US Census in 2010. Sarasota County ranks 27th in population growth out of the 67 counties in Florida, it is the 16th most populous county in Florida. Most people in Sarasota County (64 percent) live in unincorporated areas. The most populous city in Sarasota County is North Port, with 64,472 residents, or 16 percent of the county population. Out of the three cities and the unincorporated areas in Sarasota County, North Port has had the most population growth since the 2010 Census, with an additional 7,115 residents in five years (+12.4 percent). 

SCOPE Sarasota

[Politics]  Gannon Sees Vibrancy, Residents Co-Existing
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor's Note: This is the third in an eight-part weekly series profiling candidates for Sarasota City Commission.

The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association has always held an unusual position in the balance between neighborhood interests and business advocacy, with its members seeking both preservation of a quality of life for residents who also want to relish an amenity-rich and commercially successful downtown. As organization president Patrick Gannon runs for Sarasota City Commission, he hopes voters want that same balance of interest at the dais at City Hall. “Downtown is truly a mixed-use neighborhood,” he says. “It requires a much more thoughtful approach. You can’t be one-sided in terms of commercial or residential. Condo residents have a special appreciation for what it means to live in this community.”

Gannon is one of eight candidates running for two at-large seats on the commission. Currently serving on the City Planning Board, he boasts civic involvement and political experience, having served two years ago on the steering committee for City Commissioner Liz Alpert’s campaign. He has worked on issues including the sound ordinance, tree canopy rules and planning multi-modal transportation. In each instance, he says the hope has been a Sarasota where a vibrant business and nighttime atmosphere can be achieved without damaging the quality of life. “We have a large generational span of people in town,” he says. “At the same time, we are crafting a set of rules that work. I see the inherent conflict that comes about, but we have addressed it through open communication.” As long as overall shared goals are kept in mind, he says, a vibrant community will result.

He’d like the city to keep a priority of creating workforce housing in town, and sees projects like the BOLD Lofts downtown as positive additions to the city. He notes some conflicts between business and residents have been solved without ordinances changes, noting conversation facilitated with World of Beer and nearby condo owners about how speakers were directed and sound would be contained at that venue. He acknowledges the suddenly booming construction downtown has raised certain overdevelopment concerns, but feels that came after years of recession-related stagnation. He notes many complained around 2008 about a heavy loss in city services, and that only recently has started to reach levels from nearly a decade ago.

A citywide election is scheduled for March 14, with a runoff likely on May 9. Other candidates include: Tahiti Park neighborhood leader Jennifer Ahern-Koch; former Sarasota Mayor Fredd “Glossie” Atkins; former prosecutor Hagen Brody; incumbent Commissioner Susan Chapman; Gulf Business Systems owner Martin Hyde; pedestrian safety advocate Mikael Sandstrom; and former stockbroker Matt Sperling.  

[Synergy]  Willis Smith Awarded Tidewell Hospice Contract

Willis Smith Construction has been awarded the construction management contract for the Tidewell Hospice’s Lakewood Ranch Hospice House, planned for the corner Rangeland Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Blvd in the center of the Lakewood Ranch Community. The Lakewood Ranch Hospice House project development will include a single story 22,000 square foot building that will provide 12 care rooms, two family room areas and kitchen facilities for the families of the Patients. The facility will also include a centralized nursing station, a full kitchen and two laundry facilities. The plan will allow for future expansion for an additional 12 care rooms as the Hospice House grows within the Lakewood Ranch Community. A landscaped memory garden and fountain for family members will also be part of the facilities. 

Willis Smith Construction

[Recognition]  Chef Martinez Selected for 2017 Cayman Cookout

Local Chef Jose Martinez of Maison Blanche on Longboat Key joined top chefs from around the world this month for the annual luxury culinary event on Grand Cayman island, the Cayman Cookout. Hosted by acclaimed chef and culinary expert Eric Ripert, Martinez worked alongside gourmet gurus such as Emeril LaGasse, Tim Love, Anthony Bourdain and Jose Andes to guide attendees through a full-course experience. Martinez was the only chef in the Gulf Coast area to attend. 

Maison Blanche

[Recognition]  Spice Bay Sale Sets Record Price on Siesta Key

A 3,765-square-foot Siesta Key home sold on January 20, 2017 for $2.235 million, the highest-priced residential non-waterfront sale for the past year. The three-bedroom, three and a half-bath home is located at 1219 Sharswood Lane, in the exclusive, 14-lot, bayfront community of Spice Bay on the southerly end of Siesta Key. Built in 2010 by Sarasota builder Ryan Perrone, president of Nautilus Homes, and designed by architect Clifford Scholz, the home was the first of the Perrone's trademarked Jewel Box homes and captured the 2010 Parade of Homes Winner distinctions in its class for Best Curb Appeal, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, Best Architectural Detail and Best Overall.Nautilus Homes will break ground in February on a new 4,827-square-foot home directly across the street from this most recent sale. The new model home, called the "Shearwater," is another Jewel Box home,also designed by Scholz. 

Nautilus Homes



[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: First Responder Appreciation Month , January 1 – March 31

The Downtown Improvement District (D.I.D) kicks off the New Year with the first ever First Responders Appreciation month to honor firefighters, police officers and EMS professionals.  The D.I.D encourages you to show your gratitude for our first responders the entire month of January. Wear D.I.D sponsored First Responder Appreciation Month buttons, display D.I.D sponsored First Responder Appreciation Month flags, give a thumbs up to first responders, write a letter to a first responder, wear your red, whites and blues, or lunch on the D.I.D, in the D.I.D.

[SOON]  THEATER: Next Fall , February 1 – February 12

Directed by Kathy Junkins, Next Fall portrays the ups and downs of an unlikely couple's five-year relationship with sharp humor and unflinching honesty. This play paints a beautiful and funny portrait of modern romance, asking the hard questions about commitment, love and faith. Tickets are $18. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Trail

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Steak and Burger Celebrating Our Youth , February 3, 6:00pm

Cowboy-up and join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in celebrating our youth at the Steak and Burger Dinner at the Lee Wetherington Club.  Dawn your best western casual look, enjoy mouth watering food and an evening to remember. Table Sponsors start at $1,000 and individual tickets are on sale for $125.

Lee Wetherington Club, 3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Encore! Create Your Next Chapter with Joy & Purpose , February 3, 9:30am–3:30m

This daylong conference features powerful speakers who will shatter the myth of mid-life crisis, featuring interactive sessions conducted by life coaches and educators, testimonials by people who have successful transition stories to share and roundtable discussions. The fee is $99 and includes lunch.

State College of Florida, 7131 Professional Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Giacomo Gates , February 4, 8pm

The ever-cool Giacomo Gates is a bigger-than-life, old school, hip jazz singer that doesn't just swing, but finds a way to use his voice with the presence of an instrumental giant on the trumpet or tenor! Gates sings vocalese that packs a wallop with a powerhouse trio backing him up. Whether its up-tempo bop, ballads or blues, Gates' intimate style, served with sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity, gives you the feeling he is in your living room singing just to you. Tickets start at $25. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota Florida

[SOON]  SPORTS: Bradenton Area River Regatta , February 4, 8:00am-10pm

The Bradenton Area River Regatta has it all, including speed, stars, and showmanship, in a free family spectacle that will have you holding your breath through every heart pounding moment. As Manatee County’s largest spectator event, the action is riveting and the thrills nonstop as world-class performers on and off the river showcase their awe-gasping athleticism and see-it-to-believe-it championship skills.

Riverwalk Regatta, Green Bridge, Bradenton, FL 34205

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Top Dog , February 4, 6:30-9:00pm

Join local dog lovers and their companions at The Francis for Top Dog: Carnevale Do Cani, a dog show like no other. Enter your pup in this playful competition and if you want to strut your stuff too, come dressed for to the theme and be part of the show. All Top Dog ticket purchases help support Donte’s Den and their mission to offer long term and permanent dare for dogs whose owners are unable to care for them due to illness, injury, abandonment or military deployment.

The Francis, 1289 N Palm Ave, Downtown SRQ

[SOON]  SPORTS: Sarasota Music Half Marathon , February 5, 6:30 am

Clear your schedule and start training for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon on Sunday, February 5, 2017! Whether you want to run like a Kenyan or take a leisurely stroll with your friends and enjoy the live music, this is the event for YOU! 20 bands, neighborhood cheer zones, lawn parties, cool bling and our own signature Rockin' Beer Mile are all coming to Sarasota to bring you home! You’ve never seen an event like the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. Big crowds, great bands, painted portlets and Girl Scout Cookies! A race even Mick Jagger would love.

Van Wezel , 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Older Than Dirt , February 8 – June 11

A musical comedy providing a witty and heartfelt 360 degree view of aging. Featuring songs by Shel Silverstein, Adam Sandler, and Neil Young, this play takes the audience on a journey through the pitfalls and perks of aging, and is a part of the Sarasota Festival of New Plays.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave.

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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