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SRQ DAILY Mar 21, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"We want to bring as much business into the area as we can because we can build them buildings, but we want to bring businesses that truly diversify the economy."

- Mary Dougherty-Slapp, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
 

[Government]  Business, Political Leaders Track Incentives Debate
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Debate coursing through the halls of the state Capital has the attention of numerous business and political leaders along the Gulf Coast. With the future funding for Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida at stake, if not the very existence of the organizations, those with a stake in tourism and economic development within the region wait for the battle to play out in Tallahassee.

In the capital, Gov. Rick Scott has been trying to save funding for the agencies but House Speaker Richard Corcoran has led the charge for cutting funding, citing transparency issues with Visit Florida and problems with failed incentives efforts at Enterprise Florida. Scott has traveled the state rallying support for the agencies, which he calls necessary for job creation, while Corcoran has traveled making the case for fiscal prudence, including a recent visit to the Argus Foundation here.

But beyond the major players, local leaders also have trained focus on the debate. Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, watched with dismay when the Florida House held a floor vote in favor of stripping funding and putting heavy restrictions on Visit Florida. The restrictions, Haley says, would be so severe if they became law that her own local organization would not be able to work in conjunction with the state organization. She labeled the vote a “travesty,” the result of a speaker who demanded lock-step support from his caucus in a fight with the governor. 

But Steve Vernon, president of the Lakewood Ranch Republican Club and a board member for the Florida Citizens Alliance, says businesses and tourism shouldn’t need to be supported with taxpayer dollars. “We don’t need to spend a lot of money advertising sunshine,” he says. “It sells itself.” As for business incentives for startups and corporate relocations facilitated by Enterprise Florida, that simply violated principles of capitalism, Vernon says. “We shouldn’t believe in corporate welfare or picking one firm over another.”

Dan Lobeck, president of Control Growth Now, called incentives "corporate welfare" and says he sides with Corcoran on this debate. Enterprise Florida and other entities negotiating incentives too often end up offering deals to politically influential businesses that make hiring decisions on market conditions anyway. "It's a huge waste of taxpayer money," he says.

Interestingly, one state incentive offered to relocate North American Roofing’s corporate headquarters to Florida created a major political stir in Sarasota County last year; county commissioners ultimately voted against offering local incentives and the company located to Tampa instead. Mary Dougherty-Slapp, executive director of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, spoke fiercely against the incentive offer at the time because the region already serves as home to other corporate roofing companies. But she says her organization still supports Enterprise Florida as a whole. “As an organization we are supporting incentives,” she says. “We considered Mulligan (the roofing deal) an outlier.” The organization would like to see successful state efforts to attract new business to Florida, which in turn will keep commercial construction companies busy building new facilities. The state simply needs to be focused on attracting businesses that genuinely help diversify the economy. 

[Daily Shop]  Blooming Bulbs
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

You've no doubt been left dumbfounded at the Sarasota or Phillippi farmers markets at one point or another, looking in awe over the colorwheel of blooms popping from black buckets at Suncoast Florist's booth. Lipstick-pink (and Rainforest Alliance-certified) turmeric flowers poke out their spiny petals while tropical, sunrise-orange beehive ginger nodes sit beside grand clusters of hydrangeas, unopened peonies and vibrant hyacinths and ranunculi. From the most unusual floral varietals for your spring bouquet to the classic rose, Suncoast has you covered, and the team will give you tips and tricks to make your stems live a long, fragrant life.  

Photo Courtesy of Sarasota Farmers Market.

Suncoast Florist, 1227 Beneva Rd., Sarasota, 941-365-6407.

[Synergy]  Bladel Foundation Supports Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida announced it has received a $5,000 grant from the Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, Inc. The grant will support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls living in Sarasota County. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a nationally recognized, professionally developed program portfolio including books, awards, activities and resource materials geared toward the developmental and progressive needs of girls. Girls try new things and develop specific skills, from camping and first aid to financial literacy and STEM, while earning program awards and badges. The program inspires girls in grades K-12 to achieve personal and academic success now while preparing for the careers or life journeys they choose in the future. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida serves approximately 1,200 girls annually in Sarasota County with the support of more than 600 adult volunteers. 

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

[Exec Moves]  Cutting Loose Salon Promotes Four

Cutting Loose Salon has announced the promotions of four stylists at its University and Lakewood Ranch locations. The promotions were a result of the stylists’ growing skills, talent and a commitment to excellence. At the University location, Emily Parris was promoted to senior stylist, Mackenzie Foote was promoted to Stylist and Taliyah Woodruff was promoted to designer stylist. At the Lakewood Ranch location, Abby Dimmler was promoted to stylist. At Cutting Loose Salon, all stylists are encouraged to advance through education inside and outside the salon. Dedication to education and advancement is at the forefront of the salon’s philosophy. Hair designers attend education seminars each month so they are continuously immersed in the latest techniques and trends. At senior levels, they begin mentoring newer stylists through the salon’s protégé program. 

Cutting Loose Salon



[TODAY]  BUSINESS: Renaissance Luncheon-WRC , March 21, 11:30am-1:00pm

The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota is hosting their annual Renaissance Legacy Luncheon at Michael’s on East on March 21. Join them in honoring Betty Schoenbaum who has contributed to the Women’s Resource Center’s Legacy Scholarship for the past 30 years and celebrate the expansion of WRC resources and services through the 2017 merger between the Manatee County and Sarasota County centers. 

Michael’s on East , 1212 S East Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: SWAC Speaker Series , March 21, 6:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next installment of their 2016–2017 lecture series, featuring John Cassara, Federal Government Intelligence and Law Enforcement Officer who is considered an expert in anti-money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly in the Middle East. Cassara will describe how the money trail links terrorists in a documented web of complicity, giving authorities the information needed to neutralize terrorist networks. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a member's wine and cheese reception on Sarasota Bay where attendees speak face–to–face to those working directly in the field of international affairs. 

Sainer Auditorium, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243

[TODAY]  FOOD: Preview Dinner - Piece de Resistance , March 21, 6pm

Offering a sumptuous menu of European specialties sure to please the palate, the evening will also feature live entertainment and silent and live auctions. Tickets and info at www.sarasotagardenclub.org.

Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Footloose , March 22 – April 9

 The story involves an ordinary city teen transplanted into a conservative small town where dancing is forbidden and rock and roll is demonized. With original songs by Kenny Loggins,Tom Snow, Dean Pitchford, Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar and Jim Steinmen, this show is a multiple Tony Award winner. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/2016-2017-broadway-series/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Paris Flea Market , March 23 – March 26

Shop for jewelry, designer clothing, art, collectibles, furniture, housewares and more. Proceeds benefit the Sarasota Orchestra and its Youth Orchestra program. March 23, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., March 24 – 26, 10 :00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. More info at www.SOFriends.org/Paris.

Sarasota-Bradenton Commerce Center, 7246 E. 16th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  DANCE: Shadowland by Pilobolus , March 23, 8:00pm

Created by famed dance company Pilobolus, Shadowland By Pilobolus tells the story of a teenage girl, longing for independence, who sleeps, only to wake to something incredible lurking behind her bedroom wall – her shadow. Legendary modern dance is combined with high–energy, fast–paced multimedia, merging front-of-screen choreography with projected images to create a narrative with the fluid logic of a dream, powered by the grace of an acrobatic dance, which evinces surprise and joyous delight in a way that is uniquely Pilobolus. 

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Art in the Dark , March 24

Experience art in a whole new light at Art in the Dark on March 24 at Michael’s on East. Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and auctions presented by Lighthouse of Manasota. 

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  MUSIC: Strangeways , March 24, 8pm

Originally formed in 1994, The Strangeways deliver a groove-laden mix of ska, reggae, dancehall and rock steady the way it's meant to be served: with a full brass section, courtesy of trumpeter Will Haynes, trombonist Bruce Glasberg and saxophonist Patrick Lynch. Bassist and lead songwriter Jason Nwagbaraocha is also backed up by guitarist Tony Shepperd, drummer Dan “Duckie” Garrido and keyboardists Clyde “Supa C” Pinder, with nearly every member contributing to the vocal duties in some way. The Strangeways are always willing and able to get their hometown dance floors jump’n'. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Full Belly Stuffed Burgers will provide food. www.fogartyville.org

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz at Two - Marc Mannino & Friends , March 24, 2-4pm

Guitarist Marc Mannino Quintet with George Mancini, trombone, John Miller, bass, Bob Lunergan, drums and vocalist Shari Morningstar. For more information please visit www.jazzclubfsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Live Laugh Love , March 25, 10:00am-2:30pm

Laugh until your heart’s content at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast’s Loving Yourself Live Laugh Love Extravaganza on March 25 at the Ritz-Carlton. Guests will enjoy shopping, a delicious lunch and side-splitting comedy from the funny and motivational Linda Larsen. Bigs and Littles will also be modeling fashions provided by Shore and the Sarasota Cuban Ballet will take the stage for a graceful and elegant performance.

The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Frank and Vinny , March 25, 8pm

Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians. Vignola’s jaw- dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar.” A typical performance will take the audience on a tour of musical history. Bach, Mozart and Beethoven will be freely mixed with Ellington and Waller, blended with Gershwin and Carmichael, peppered with Bob Marley, Sting and Lennon/ McCartney, and spiced with Rodrigo and Lecuona. www.fogartyville.com

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

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Music Compound Talent Competition , March 25, 1pm

This live competition will be open to 15 individuals. All ages are welcome to attend. There is a $15 audition fee; electronic submissions are accepted in addition to in-person auditions. Please RSVP at www.MusicCompound.com The first place winner will receive a prize valued at $3,000 that includes a 3-month premium Music Compound membership, 3 hours of The recording time at Jump Dog Audio Productions, the opportunity to work with songwriter Alicia Major and headline at Music Compound

Music Compound Facility , 1751 Cattlemen Rd., 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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