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SRQ DAILY Feb 20, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"A lot of people are unhappy with the direction in the city."

- Hagen Brody, Sarasota City Commission candidate
 

[Politics]  Brody Wants City Returning to Fundamentals
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

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

Utilities. Infrastructure. Public safety. For Hagen Brody, these are the pillars of what municipal government ought to be providing, yet not what consumes the time of Sarasota politicians today. As he goes door to door introducing himself as a candidate for Sarasota City Commission, the attorney says many residents suggest the city has become distracted with “peripheral issues and pet projects.” He’d like to get government fixated again on what matters. “The vast majority tell me they want the city to focus its tax dollars getting back to the basics of what a municipal government is supposed to provide,” he says.

Brody is one of eight candidates seeking two at-large seats on the Sarasota City Commission, and hopes his background as a professional raised in Sarasota convinces voters to put him on the board. As a former prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office, Brody says he understands how scarce resources can be better used when it comes to issues like homelessness. He believes talk of a new shelter in town is “premature” as the city already has beds at places like Harvest House and the Salvation Army. But he’s also not a fan of the city’s Housing First approach, which he labels an “unattainable magic elixir.” “I don’t believe it’s necessary, first, because of our nonprofits, but it’s also so expensive,” he says. “We’re just paying rent to get them (the homeless) off the street and still not address problems like mental health and substance abuse.” All for a solution he says could cost around $10,000 annually per person helped. “It’s unachievable,” Brody says.

Brody also feels it’s been a solid 15 years since the city made any attempt at long-term planning, and notes many of his opponents boast of their time serving on the city Planning Board during that rudderless period of time. “We need to have a conversation with the public and address issues in our zoning code,” he says. He wants city regulations to ensure a thriving downtown, but one within the traditional bounds of the city core. “We can change course and this is a critical time to do that,” he says. “A lot of people are unhappy with the direction in the city." 

Brody’s own time at the State Attorney’s Office came to an end over a failure to keep his own law license up to date, a problem that threatened convictions and proved a “distraction” for the office that forced his resignation. But he notes he quickly got the problem resolved and still practices law in the city today; he even was selected by peers to serve on the board for the Sarasota chapter of the Florida Bar. “It didn’t cost the taxpayers one penny,” he says.

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; incumbent City Commissioner Susan Chapman; Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association president Patrick Gannon; Gulf Business Systems owner Martin Hyde; pedestrian safety advocate Mikael Sandstrom; and former stockbroker Matt Sperling. 

[Exec Moves]  Peterson Elected CFAS CEO

The Center for Architecture Sarasota (CFAS) founder, Cynthia L. Peterson, has been elected by the CFAS Board of Directors to the position of Chief Executive Officer commencing March 1. She has served as the organization’s board chair since its founding until January, 2017 and will now represent CFAS as its first CEO. After nearly a decade, Peterson is stepping down from the Elling O. Eide Foundation, most recently serving as the chief operating officer. During her leadership at the Eide Foundation she helped lead the establishment of the foundation, its library and collection, the new facility and the assessment and evaluation of the existing historical structures located on the 72-acre natural waterfront property. 

Center for Architecture Sarasota

[Synergy]  Gocio Elementary School Receives ATW Grant

Gocio Elementary School has been awarded a $15,000 Classroom Resource Grant from the American Theatre Wing to enhance the dance space of its arts program. The ATW, best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards, is funding the grant as part of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative. The grant, one of only seven nationwide, will allow the Gocio Arts Program to improve its classroom dance floor. Many years ago, the classroom was outfitted with spongy mats glued to the concrete below. The mats are worn and need to be removed, but their removal would leave the students dancing on hard concrete. The school’s budget will not support new dance flooring, which is critical to help students safely improve their dance skills and meet state arts standards. The prestigious award is in part the result of efforts by the Sarasota County School District, in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Any Given Child initiative, to ensure access to a quality arts education for every child. 

Gocio Elementary

[Recognition]  Gregory, Woodring Graduate Development Course

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight has announced that two lieutenants graduated from the 77th Command Officers Development Course sponsored by the Southern Police Institute, Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. Law Enforcement Lieutenants Brian Gregory and Brian Woodring attended the 400-hour training program in Winter Haven in five, two-week segments over a five-month period. Students learn to develop solutions to specific problems, plan, implement and evaluate management strategies and understand federal requirements for personnel issues. 

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Music Mondays with June Leball , February 20, 10:30am

Featuring John Brancy, baritone and Peter Dugan, piano. As part of an ongoing collaboration between SILL, Artist Series Concerts and Young Concert Artists, baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan follow up their Sunday performance with an appearance at June LeBell’s popular series of musical conversations with great performers. Tickets and info at www.sillsarasota.org.

Church of the palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Stir It Up: 60+ Speed Dating with a Twist! , February 22, 7:00-9:00pm

Join Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life and The Friendship Centers for Stir It Up, an exciting event series featuring craft beer sampling, speed dating and a rock ‘n’ roll and Motown dance party. Whether you are a senior seeking a companion or a soulmate, this special event is your chance to meet a variety of like–minded singles one-on-one, in a safe and energetic environment. This signature event sells out quickly; RSVP today.

The Aviva Campus , 1951 N. Honore Ave. 34235 Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Close up on Opera: Dialogues of the Carmelites with John Goodman , February 22, 10:am

The “Close Up On Opera” series is presented by John Goodman, a well-known expert on the subject and also president of Sarasota Music Archive. In this segment, Goodman discusses the Sarasota Opera’s upcoming production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites.” More info at www.sarasotamusicarchive.org

Geldbart Auditorium of Selby Library , 1331 1st St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: James Madison Institute 2017 Naples Dinner , February 23, 7:00pm

The James Madison Institute will host its 2017 Naples Dinner on Thursday, February 23 featuring Judge Andrew Napolitano, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey.  He sat on the bench from 1987 to 1995, when he presided over more than 150 jury trials and thousands of motions, sentencings, and hearings.  Judge Napolitano taught constitutional law and jurisprudence at Delaware Law School for two years and at Seton Hall Law School for 11 years. He was often chosen by the students as their most outstanding professor. He returned to private practice in 1995, and began television work in the same year. The event is taking place at the Naples Ritz-Carlton Resort with a VIP reception at 5:30 and dinner at 7:00. 

Ritz-Carlton Naples , 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota-Bradenton Antique Toy and Doll Buying Show , February 23 – February 26

Toy collectors are encouraged to bring as many toys as they can to this event and receive top dollar. The show is interested in old toys and dolls from the mid-1980s and earlier. No collection is too large. Items that are also popular are Tiffany items, sterling silver, old costume jewelry, Hummel and, Royal Doulton figurines. Admission and Parking is free. February 23rd-25th 9:30am-5:00pm and February 26th 9:30-4:00pm. For more information about the show, please call Bruce or Laura 941-302-0572 or email oldtoys1960@aol.com

Holiday Inn, 5464 Lena Rd., Bradenton

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Velvet Caravan , February 24, 8pm

Velvet Caravan is an unorthodox, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, stand-up bass, percussion and keyboards (including accordion) that weaves together Latin and gypsy music into acoustic swing jazz. This envelope-pushing group is just as successful at dazzling jaded cocktail drinkers as they are at commanding the rapt attention of serious music aficionados in whisper-quiet recital environments. Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, Southern-Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, or simply “European Redneck Music with a Classical Influence,” as the band declares, you’re bound to enjoy the show! Tickets start at $27.50 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 34238

[SOON]  GALA: createSRQ Gala, An Evening of Excellence Evolved , February 24

The culmination of the high school arts competition and show, the createSRQ Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The recent evolution includes a traveling art show and mobile auction of student artworks. Overlooking Sarasota Bay, the evening consists of dinner, dancing and a short live auction that pairs the student artwork with experiences such as tickets to the Broadway Show Hamilton and a trip to Napa Valley. The attire is cocktail and, due to the mobile bidding, smart phones are an encouraged accessory. Tickets can be purchased online at $250 per person.

Michael's On the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Beth McKee and her Funky Time Band , February 24, 8pm

A Mississippi native, Beth McKee offers fiery-sweet songs of tenacity and purpose, sung to a deep southern groove. The resulting sound is a composite of the places she’s called home; Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The Funky Time band consists of Beth McKee (vocals, piano & accordion), Juan Perez (drummer/percussionist), Gerry Wilhelm (bass), and Grant Peyton (guitar). Tickets: $12 in advance $15 door. Food provided by Carr’s Corner Café. www.fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

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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