« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Apr 27, 2017

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Please allow images to view this email properly

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"It is a moot point now since it has been revealed that they [STOP Coalition] are operating as a 501(c)4."

- Gabriel Hament, activist
 

[Politics]  STOP Pushes Back, Parties Engage in City
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The STOP Coalition on Wednesday formally demanded that a local Democratic activist retract accusations the group was improperly working to elect a one of the organization's steering committee members, Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, to the Sarasota City Commission. The same day, the Sarasota County Democratic Party seemingly rebuked the accusations as well, and voiced their own support for Ahearn-Koch and fellow Democrat Hagen Brody. The actions cap a busy political week where Republican leaders also released messaging attacking Ahearn-Koch and promoting Republican Martin Hyde.

Gabriel Hament says he no longer plans to file a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission alleging STOP violated the law with a mass email highlighting Ahearn-Koch as the only one of the three remaining Sarasota City Commission candidates to support a city-wide traffic study. “It is a moot point now since it has been revealed that they are operating as a 501(c)4,” Hament says. On Friday, Hament circulated a formal complaint against STOP, alleging the group should be registered instead under Florida law as an electioneering communications organization. Hament supports Brody in the commission race but is not working for any campaign.

Kate Lowman, a board member for STOP, labeled Hament’s accusations “libelous content” and said her group has operated as a nonprofit organization within the law. “There’s no actual case filed and a lot of what’s gone on has pretty much been a catfight in the press,” Lowman says. “We felt it was really important to say we don’t think it’s acceptable.”

Democrats announced yesterday that the party would actively help Ahearn-Koch’s and Brody’s campaigns. Party chair JoAnne DeVries says that includes assisting the campaigns separately with canvassing and by providing get-out-the-vote phone banking in the party’s office. “They have both proven themselves to be strong candidates with exceptional insight into the issues important to voters,” she says. She also issued a statement that the views of individual members should not be considered the position of the party. “Only SCDP officers and officially designated spokespersons are authorized to speak on behalf of our party and its leadership,” she says.

Hament maintains he supports only Brody because of Ahearn-Koch's views on issues like workforce housing and economic stimulation in north Sarasota remain insufficiently progressive. 

Earlier this week, Republican leaders also went social media this week with pro-Hyde and anti-Ahearn-Koch messaging surrounding the Democrat’s immigration views. 

The three candidates for Sarasota City Commission are seeking two seats on the board. The nonpartisan election will be held May 9.  

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 17: Aero L-39 Albatros
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 17 of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Feeding the need for speed, Rankin steps behind the stick of an Aero L-39 Albatros, taking off from Palm Beach with former Navy F-18 pilot Bill Mills. A jet-engine aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia, the L-39 remains the most produced high-performance military jet training aircraft around and one of the few accessible craft of its kind. Propeller-driven craft have dominated Rankin’s From The Cockpit flights thus far, and, though he flies aerobatic jets for the Navy nearly every day, this ubiquitous trainer held a spot on his most anticipated flights for the year.

It’s a much smoother flight, he says, without the vibrations and buzz of the propeller filling the cockpit and shaking the plane. And there’s no p-factor (rotational forces of the propeller on the body of the plane) to counteract, lessening the pilot workload. But it’s also much faster. “You have to be ahead of the aircraft,” says Rankin. “Everything just happens a little quicker.” This may not mean much when simply flying from Point A to Point B, but it requires extra focus with less time for adjustment when landing, looping or flying in formation.

Executing barrel rolls across the sky, a Nanchang CJ-6 pulls up alongside Rankin and Mills, piloted by Mills’ friend. Taking the stick, Mills flies in formation with the Nanchang. Rankin is no stranger to formation flying, but leaves this run to Mills. “Because they’re all different,” says Rankin. “Every time you fly a new airplane in formation, you have to learn how to fly that plane in formation.” Formation flying may look easy to the untrained eye—like staying in your lane on the freeway—but is actually quite complex, particularly when the planes involved have different capacities. Throw aerobatics in to the mix and an untrained pilot is a recipe for disaster.

There’s always an element of danger to flying and no defiance of gravity should be taken too lightly. Nerves are a part of every flight, Rankin admits, but so is overcoming that trepidation and taking to the skies. “You don’t think about the hazard,” he says. “Your brain is laser-focused on the task at hand and you’re just in that flow-state.” It’s the same concentration that allows him to land a jet on an aircraft carrier in a storm under a moonless night. “It’s addicting,” Rankin says. “The more you do it, the more you want to experience that and push those limits.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and Bill Mills fly the Aero L-39 Albatros. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[JPan Restaurant]  Fishy Donuts
Kendall Sompolski

Public service announcement: Sarasota’s no. 1 local sushi restaurant is now serving up donuts—of the sushi variety, of course. When you’ve had a sugar overdose on La Dona’s Billionaire Bacon donut (or the calories that come with it) head over to JPan and try a donut of a different (healthful) species. Get your social media platforms ready—sushi donuts are all the rage in foodie hubs such as New York City and Los Angeles. This Instagrammable dish is as cute as it is delicious: the sushi rice-filled donut gets topped with salmon, escolar, shrimp avocado, cucumber, premium seaweed wrap and white and black sesame seeds. Head to JPan today to try this trendy new dish and see for yourself if it lives up to the hype! 

Photo courtesy of JPan Restaurant

JPan Restaurant, 3 Paradise Plaza, Sarasota; 229 North Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, 941-954-5726.

[Daily Shop]  Fasten With Fashion
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Out on the town and you’ve got to keep it together—your cuffs that is. Everyone considers the tie, but real fashionistas take a moment to consider the cufflinks. Understated or bold, cufflinks provide that final accent to bring an outfit together and Cravats’ Custom Clothiers and Haberdashery has all the options. Intricate sterling silver octopus cufflinks from Baade II lend a whimsical edge, while the inset amethyst and green abalone assures a sense of sophistication. For a classy but casual night out, pair with a sport coat and a splash of color. If the night calls for tuxedos, the subtle boldness and minimalism of Legére’s classic onyx rimmed in gold announces your presence with confidence while eschewing the gaudy. 

Photo by Phil Lederer.

Cravats' Custom Clothier and Haberdashery, 1530 Dolphin St. #5, Sarasota, 941-366-7780.

[Recognition]  Battersby Named 2017 Variety Mentor of the Year

Ringling College of Art and Design is pleased to announce that Variety has named Ringling College Film Program Head Bradley Battersby as the 2017 Variety Mentor of the Year. In the article, available in the April 25 issue of Variety magazine and online, Battersby is quoted on his belief that, “In a film school environment, we get to experiment, we get to learn. I allow and encourage my students not to take the safe route.” Also cited as a factor in the Variety article is Ringling College’s Studio Lab Program, created by Ringling College and David Shapiro of Semkhor Productions, which has brought guest artists including Aubrey Plaza of Parks and Recreation and The Magnificent Seven director Antoine Fuqua to Ringling to work with students. In addition, students have earned professional credits in three in-house Studio Lab projects, including two web series created and directed by Justin Long and Dylan McDermott, and the Sundance independent feature Dark Night, directed by Tim Sutton. 

2017 Mentor of the Year

[Synergy]  School Board Approves SAF Plan for Rudolph Walkway

The School Board of Sarasota County has approved a plan to retain and restore a large section of the Paul Rudolph-designed concrete canopy walkway at Sarasota High School. The agreement between the School Board and the Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) was approved April 18. The Sarasota County School District held community engagement meetings in June 2012 to seek public input about changes to the campus of Sarasota High School. As a result, the School Board and district staff agreed to renovate Rudolph’s 1960 additions to the campus, designated as Buildings 4 and 5. In March 2015, the Sarasota Architectural Foundation reached an agreement with Ringling College of Art and Design to retain a section of the Rudolph canopy walkway originally scheduled for demolition as part of the repurposing of the historic SHS building on Tamiami Trail. The Collegiate Gothic building will house the Sarasota Museum of Art when it opens to the public. The new School Board-SAF agreement identifies the portion of the Rudolph canopy walkway that remains and specifies the conditions for its renovation. As part of the agreement about the canopy walkway, the Sarasota Architectural Foundation has agreed to fund the additional renovation costs, estimated to be $34,000. Renovations will take place as part of the final phase of the SHS campus renovations, scheduled to be completed in August 2017. The plan also calls for SAF to install a plaque on one of the canopy pillars, designating the architectural significance of the canopy walkway. 

Sarasota County Schools



[TODAY]  SEMINAR: 2017 Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon , April 27, 10:30am-1:30pm

SRQ | The Magazine will host the third annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees, our judges, keynote speaker, past Leadership Circle ambassadors and the "Hear Me Roar" Trailblazer Award recipient and announce the finalists and winners who will be inducted into this year's esteemed 2017 WIB Leadership Circle. 

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

[TODAY]  THEATER: Bo-Nita , March 31 – April 30, Wed-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm


You could say that life gets a little weird for precocious 13-year-old Bo-Nita when she winds up with a dead ex-stepfather on her bedroom floor. With humor, pathos and a dash of Midwestern magical realism, this wild one-woman, seven-character adventure follows a mother and daughter’s elaborate plan to try to hold their dysfunctional family together. Tickets range from $5-$28.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: The Little Foxes , April 7 – April 30

Lillian Hellman’s chronicle of the dark side of the American Dream, in the facially stratified South of 1900, Regina Giddens and her two brothers are nouveau-riche cotton growers who have a chance to become mega-riche by investing in a new mill. But the siblings still need $75,000 to seal the deal, which they attempt to swindle from Regina’s ailing husband. A skewering social critique of greed and corruption first produced in 1939, Hellman’s portrayal of class and power remains as potent and compelling as ever.

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

[TODAY]  THEATER: Rich Girl , April 5 – May 26

Held at the Gompertz Theatre, Rich Girl by Victoria Stewart is a clever and contemporary comedy about women and their relationship to men, mothers and money. This play asks to consider two of the most important goals in life: love and money. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Glass Onion Beatles band , April 28, 6-8pm

Benefitting Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. The Glass Onion is dedicated to faithfully reproducing the songs of the Beatles. They use many of the same instruments and amplifiers that the Beatles used to create that “classic sound,” including Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Epiphone guitars, a Hofner bass, and Vox amplifiers. The Glass Onions play all the Beatles most loved classics, as well as songs rarely performed by bands. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton

[SOON]  HEALTH: Yoga and Empowerment - A Fundraising Event for Girls Inc. , April 29, 1-3pm

Join Christie Rosen, local yoga instructor, wellness coach and author of the new book empowering the Sensitive Soul for a donation based gentle yoga class and book signing event. All donations will directly support Girls Inc. Sarasota. The yoga class will take place from 1-2pm and will be suitable for all levels. Afterward there will be a book signing, time to mingle and complimentary snacks and drinks. Join us in supporting the life-changing work of Girls Inc. while also experiencing the wonderful healing benefits of yoga and relaxation. For more information please visit www.pineappleyogastudio.net

Pineapple Yoga Studio , 517 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SARTQ Print Party , April 29, 11am-7pm

Bring t-shirts, shorts, skirts, baby clothes, dog shirts… anything that you can lay flat and will absorb ink! Choose from 20 different original screen-printing designs made by 10 unique artists, as well as a special Mandeville silkscreen just for the event! Bring the kids, and have creative fun with your choices! Blank t-shirts will be available for purchase. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/399314987091010/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1490206860082111

Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Pink Kitchen , April 29

Work with nationally-renowned experts in key health and lifestyle fields at the Circuelle Foundation’s Pink Kitchen at the USF Culinary Lab . Cook alongside CA Health and Longevity Institute's Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE and get educated on anti-cancer health tips and recipes. Learn about the health consequences of sleep, meditation and mindfulness from UCLA researcher Dr. Marc Milstein. Move with new exercises and information about a healthy lifestyle. Your participation benefits Circuelle Foundation’s educational programs, dedicated to educating, engaging and empowering young adults to become self-advocates for their breast health and awareness.

USF Culinary Lab, 8130 Lakewood Main St d104, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

[SOON]  THEATER: Louie Louie and La Dolce Vida Play Reading By Frank Higgins , April 30, 3pm

A stage reading of Louie, Louie, and La Dolce. The series will take place in the Bowne’s Lab. This is a free event but reservations are required New staged readings are by The Contemporary American Playwrights. For more information please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sharky's Ride the Beaches Celebrates 15 Years , April 30

Enjoy a day of motor biking through the Venice Island, The Venetian Waterway Trail, and Myakka. This year the ride will support three local charities: Team Tony, Friends of Legacy Trial, and Livestrong Foundation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at Sharky’s. This ride is suitable for most bikes. For more information please contact Emma Kate Silvestri at emmakate.silvestri@sharkysonthepier.com or visit the Sharky’s website at www.sharkysonthepier.com

Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 South Harbor Drive, Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: A Celebration of Puerto Rico Now and Then , April 30, 7:30pm

Ancho Brother will be putting on a performance with special guests from the Cukiara Bomba Dance and Drum Group to celebrate Puetro Rico and their culture. Food will be available from Chef Richard’s Kumquat Kitchen. Tickets are $12 at the door and $15 doors at the door. For more information please visit www.wslr.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 kumquat Court, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Walker Guest House Closing Day Party , April 30, 2-5pm

Join SAF at the Replica for the closing day party as SAF thanks all of the individuals, foundations and companies who have contributed to this very unique project, and FAS shows their sincere appreciation to the 60 volunteer docents who have led daily tours since opening day November 6, 2015. Refreshments will be served along with a cash bar. This is a free event and you can RSVP online at www.saf.wildapricot.org/events

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: SAF Film: Uncommon Sense: The Life and Architecture of Laurie Baker , May 3, 5:30-7:30pm

Join SAF for the Sarasota premier of "Uncommon Sense: The Life and Architecture of Laurie Baker", featured in ArchDaily’s "Architecture Documentaries To Watch In 2017". This documentary chronicles the largely unknown yet remarkable life of Laurie Baker, the man known as the Father of Indian Green Architecture, and the Gandhi of Architecture, and was written, produced and directed by Baker's grandson, Vineet Radhakrishnan. Tickets are $10 for SAF Members, $15 for the public, and free for College Students and Ringling College Staff. To purchase tickets and for more information please visit www.sarasotaarchitectualfoundation.org

Ringling College of Art and Design Academic Center, 2700 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Beatsville , May 5 – May 28

The Asolo Rep's Beatsville has its world premiere next spring, as one of the most highly anticipated new musicals of the season. It’s Greenwich Village, 1959 – the world of subterranean coffee shops, goateed artists, turtle-necked poets, and bongo-playing jazzbos. Tragically square busboy Walter Paisley wants nothing more than to be one of the beatniks, but he has no artistic talent whatsoever. When he accidentally kills a cat and hides it in a lump of clay, “Dead Cat” is declared a masterpiece, and Walter a genius.

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Tr. 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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024