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SRQ DAILY May 9, 2017

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"We want the community and our employees to know we take ethics and conflict of interest very seriously."

- John Lege, City of Sarasota
 

[Government]  Art Scandal Inspires Demotions at City Hall
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Sarasota Parking Manager Mark Lyons will keep his job but take a 10-percent pay cut and a demotion after officials determined he improperly swayed an advisory board to choose his son-in-law for a $100,000 public art contract at State Street Parking Garage. The decision on who installs permanent art at the new parking structure and what it will look like now falls to the Sarasota City Commission, where two new members must address the scandal shortly after taking office. 

An official investigation by the city determined Lyons improperly interfered with a Public Art Committee selection of artist proposals for decorating the new garage. The committee met April 12 and recommended Mark Krucke, Lyons’ son-in-law, be hired to create murals and installations. But board members were unaware of the relationship between the parking manager and the artist, one of five finalists considered for the contract. Committee members during the meeting asked Lyons to discuss maintenance issues related to the art installation after narrowing choices down to Krucke and a bid from Michael Parker and Richie Brasil. At that point, Lyons criticized the Parker-Brasil proposal to employ spray paint as “a terrible idea,” and also raised problems with the effectiveness of wayfinding in that plan. His comments apparently swayed the board, which had been locked in a 2-2 vote but then backed Krucke 3-1. Committee member Benjamin Grijalva, a Students Taking Active Roles participant, credited Lyons’ points as what changed his vote. 

Two other staff members working with the committee, Planning Manager David Smith and Planner Clifford Smith, also got demoted as a result of the impending investigation. The two told investigators they knew Lyons’ son-in-law submitted work but didn’t alert the board, and did not see a conflict until after Lyons spoke at the meeting, which both described as “a disaster.” Clifford Smith accused Lyons of “crucifying Michael Parker’s artwork” and said he immediately went to David Smith, his supervisor, after the meeting to report the comments as “a serious problem.” David Smith said he “never thought he (Lyons) would critique Parker.” 

Two other employees became aware of Lyons’ and Krucke’s relationship only at an artist luncheon held shortly before the committee meeting. One noted Lyons had spoken with the committee about the project “at least three times” before April 12, and the other immediately reported Lyons after she felt the comments “threw the other artist under the bus.”

For Lyons part, he said he made clear as early as November 2015 that his son-in-law would be submitting a proposal in the design competition for the garage but was told explicitly that would not be a problem since he had no say in choosing the winning artwork. Lyons had been involved in crafting the original call to artists. The Public Art Committee previously winnowed 25 submissions down to five finalists, and when asked, Lyons said the Parker-Brasil proposal was “inappropriate,” and that even if the committee chose that art, he would also tell the city commission the work did not meet specifications. “I don’t want the PAC to go to the City Commission with a project that’s not viable,” he told investigators.

Both David Smith and Clifford Smith returned to work Monday, and Lyons returns today. The employees may appeal their disciplinary action to the city manager within 10 days. Before the pay cuts, Lyons made $90,820 annually, David Smith made $104,107 and Clifford Smith $76,248. All employees must also undergo ethics retraining, and Lyons is barred from participating in any city procurement processes for at least six months. City spokeswoman Jan Thornburg says city officials will now develop a conflict-of-interest provision within the city code of ethics that addresses conflicts relating to public art contracts, a void in regulations before now. All city employees will also now have to go through regular ethics training.

City officials stressed the matter was taken very seriously by administration as soon as a relationship between Lyons and the artist became known. "It was poor communications and judgment that resulted in violations of City policies and the public trust,” says Assistant City Manager John Lege, Lyons supervisor. “We want the community and our employees to know we take ethics and conflict of interest very seriously.”

City leaders have yet to make a decision on how to proceed with the State Street contract, and commissioners are slated to consider options on June 5, less than a month after two new commissioners are sworn in; an election will be held today to determine who will take office. 

Rendering from Mark Krucke proposal for State Street Parking Garage.

[Politics]  Interest Heightened in City Races
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Turnout leading in to city elections for Sarasota and North Port today indicate greater interest in the contests than existed in March, when prior elections decided what candidates would continue into runoffs. At the close of early voting on Saturday, 13 percent of Sarasota voters had cast votes early or by mail, and 7.8 percent of voters in North Port had done the same. By comparison, turnout at the same point before the March 15 elections was 9.4 percent in Sarasota and 6.6 percent in North Port.

In Sarasota, three candidates—Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, Hagen Brody and Martin Hyde—vie for two seats on the Sarasota City Commission. In North Port, Pete Emrich and Jill Luke are running for Seat 4 on the North Port City Commission. Polls in both jurisdictions will be open today from 7am to 7pm.

Roughly 1,000 voters in each municipality have voted in the runoffs who did not vote in March, according to Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner. While the races are both nonpartisan, political parties in the county have become more engaged as the field of candidates winnowed, with differing levels of success. As of Monday afternoon, Sarasota had seen 2,487 Democrats, 1,780 Republicans and 673 independent or third party voters cast ballots by mail or at early voting. In North Port, the breakdown was 1,648 Republicans, 1,155 Democrats and 747 other voters. 

[Daily Shop]  Wonders of the World
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Opening yesterday in the Rosemary District, Ethnic Origin Company brings the world to Sarasota for those home decorators, collectors and curators looking for the global touch for their local digs. Founded by Petra Gurin, the brick-and-mortar embraces the same philosophy as her digital store, bringing authentic and handcrafted items from indigenous artisans around the world and sharing their stories as well as their craft. From the Indonesian island of Java, great teak roots repurposed as standing vessels lend a stately but grounded air, while gleaming ostrich eggs from South Africa add a weightless counterpoint. Draped behind, a handmade hundira, or wedding blanket, from Morocco showcases the merging aesthetics of African and Arabic traditions, while the mortars-turned-stools from the Lozi people of Zambia emphasize the real connection between life and craft. Featuring items from at least 29 countries, a percentage of the proceeds go to Survival International, an organization championing the rights of indigenous peoples. 

Photo by Phil Lederer.

Ethnic Origin Company, 1560 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-202-4031.

[State of Talent ]  Top Workforce Professionals Come Together for State of Talent Conference

As today’s workforce continues to change rapidly, Sarasota and Manatee employers must learn to proactively shift strategies in order to hire and retain high-performing employees. The inaugural CareerSource Suncoast State of Talent Conference at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on Friday, May 19 brings together area experts in recruitment, training and retention to better prepare companies and provide them with the necessary tools for success in the workplace. 

"This conference is so important to me because it brings together influencers who can seriously impact our local businesses with regards to recruitment, development and overall culture, said Steve Shenbaum, Founder and President of Game On Nation. “The message I want to reinforce is, although technology is obviously an incredible resource, we must share techniques to improve eye contact, authentic conversation and basic human interaction in the workplace. If we don't value these basic needs, my concern is they'll become a lost art."

State of Talent tackles topics from mentoring interns and new hires, inspiring transformational leadership, age-friendly workplaces, creating high-performance work cultures, professional development best practices in human resources through workshops, speaker presentations and networking with other area professionals.

Kristi Hoskinson, Human Resources Department Manager at FCCI Insurance Group and State of Talent speaker is eager to share how investing in your employees not only creates a positive work environment but helps retain a high performing workforce. “It’s exciting to work for an organization that is forward-thinking. FCCI is innovative; we are constantly challenging ourselves as it relates to our commitment in teammate investment. I look forward to sharing FCCI’s approach to learning and development, especially as it relates to one’s overall wellbeing and how that impacts the organization and the community.”

As our community continues to grow, events like State of Talent become increasingly crucial tools for building local economic strength. Providing the resources to effectively hire, train and retain the best talent our region has to offer not only increases individual productivity but improves Suncoast workforce performance as a whole. 

“This type of event is so important to the community and the professionals who work here.  Laws are constantly changing and as an HR professional, it’s critical to keep up on what’s new.  It’s also a great venue at which we can all make new connections and learn from not only the speakers, but from our peers who may have had similar experiences and can share what they know, said Human Resources Manager of Design Concepts/Marine Concept Holly Schearer, "

For more on the State of Talent conference, contact Chris Laney at claney@careersourcesc.com or visit their website online at StateofTalent.org

State of Talent

[Opening]  Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick Launches Shumaker Advisors

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, a full-service business law firm with offices in Tampa and Sarasota, Ohio and North Carolina, is launching Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC, a public affairs group that will provide advocacy, issue management and business-to-government and business-to-business services. Headed up by Shumaker partner and business lawyer Ronald Christaldi, president and CEO of Shumaker Advisors in Florida, the public affairs practice will provide public and private sector clients with services at the federal, state and local levels. Christaldi, whose practice areas include business law and commercial litigation, is a past chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and recently traveled to Panama, Chile, Toronto and Cuba with other civic leaders to strengthen ties to the Tampa Bay area. Shumaker Advisors Florida has also added public affairs specialists Patrick Baskette, Ed Miyagishima and Carlye Morgan to its newly created team. 

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick

[Exec Moves]  Rustin Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group

Catherine Ann Rustin has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group in the Sarasota office. She was formerly with Keller Williams on the Water, where she won the Rookie of the Year award, as well as the Gold Circle award for achieving more than $5 million in annual sales volume. Specializing in Sarasota waterfront homes, Rustin is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar Guild. Rustin has an entrepreneurial background, serving as a commercial printing broker in Atlanta, Georgia, for 35 years, while also maintaining a real estate agent and associate broker's license. She has a bachelor's in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Georgia. She serves on the Board of the Florida Winefest, the Administrative Board of the Pines of Sarasota and the Board of Advisors of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  THEATER: Boeing Boeing , April 26 – May 14

It’s the 1960s and our swingin’ Bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier as he juggles 3 gorgeous stewardesses in his gorgeous Paris flat. His perfect world and careful planning comes to an end when his friend Robert appears and the Boeing Corporation creates a new and speedier jet. In true classic farce style, all 3 stewardesses come into town simultaneously and Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy in this door-slamming and groovy play based on the 1965 American film starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis. 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]  DANCE: Evolving/Revolving , May 11 – May 14, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm

A mixture of re-staged favorites by Alyson Dolan, this concert is being held to remember dancers and choreographers who have graced their stage as well as ones that are nationally celebrated. Includes new works by Sarasota's local hip-hop sensation Kris Tetris Powell and former Sarasota ballet stalward Sayward Grindley.

Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, 34243

[SOON]  DANCE: Evolving/Revolving , May 11 – May 14

Join Sarasota Contemporary Dance for the 11th annual Evolving/Revolving Showcase highlighting past young choreographers as well as students that have been nationally recognized for their works in dance. This year’s event will focus on past favorite routines by Artistic Directors Leymis Bolanos and Liz Bergmann, followed by new performances from Alyson Dolan, Kris ‘Tetris’ Powell; a Sarasota local hip-hop success, all choreographed by Erin Fletcher. The show promises to be emotional, physical and highly entertaining.

Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALA: 27th Year Collaboration Celebration , May 11

Come celebrate with The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center as they honor their Tenant Partner Agencies who have been with them from the beginning during the 27th Year Collaboration Celebration at the Selby Gardens Great Room by the Bay. Being home to over 18 non-profits the mission of the center has always been to provide assistance to low income and at risk families with hopes of maintaining contributive and productive members in the community.

Selby Gardens Great Room by the Bay, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: 20th Century Modernism Modern Show , May 12 – May 13

The Center for Architecture Sarasota welcomes back the Modern Show this year with a special focus on Art and Architecture. Enjoy an exclusive art show and sale, tours, mini lectures, VIP parties and much more during this exciting and inspirational two-day event. All proceeds benefit the Center for Architecture Sarasota’s mission to teach, encourage and protect good design.

The Center for Architecture Sarasota, 265 S Orange Avenue, Sarasota FL

[SOON]  MUSIC: Outdoor Pops: Hits and Home Runs , May 12 – May 13, 8pm

Join the Sarasota Orchestra for a fan-friendly Outdoor Pops concert at the Baltimore Orioles' Ed Smith Stadium featuring American Idol season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham. Get yourself a hot dog, some popcorn, and sit back to enjoy the Orchestra in the outfield. Winning Pops selections, vocals by fan favorites and a spectacular fireworks display all contribute to an evening of hits and home runs. Friday May 12th 8pm and Saturday May 13th 8pm. For more information and Tickets please visit www.Sarasotaorchestra.com

 

Ed Smith Stadium , 2700 12th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Art of the Sketch: Sketching Class , May 12 – May 13, 1-3pm

“This sketching class intends to explore a variety of formats to develop skill in free hand drawing. The goal will e to achieve a comfort level in picking up a pen to draw while traveling, relaxing or, as many of us may need while pressed to come up with a concept for a project at hand.” Ron Haase All skill levels are welcome. The class is $50.00 for members and $75.00 for nonmembers. For more information and to register for the class please visit www.cfas.org All Sales Final

Center for Architecture , 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Golden Hearts , May 13, 6:30 pm

Join the Sarasota YMCA at Michael’s on East for an evening of philanthropic celebration as they honor the 2017 Golden Heart recipients who have affected more than half a million lives, Sandy and Representative Vern Buchanan, Betsy Kane-Hartnett, Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy, Louis Robinson and Dick Vitale. This whimsical interactive evening will feature heart glass blowing, caricature artists, a live band and three amazing live auction items.

Michael's on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Tech Savvy Workshop for Girls , May 13, 8:30-2:30

Girls in grades 5-9 from Sarasota and Manatee counties and their parents are invited to participate in a STEM workshop. The students’ day will focus on classes and presentations on robotics, coding, rockets, crime scene investigation, marine biology, and other technology related subjects. Please register at www.tinyurl.com/mn8shm7 or email Martha.Flynn@SarasotaCountySchools.net The deadline for registration is Wednesday, 10th

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: 1st Annual Blue Jean Ball , May 13, 6:30 pm-10:00 pm

The 1st Annual Blue Jean Ball invites you to kick up your boots and get ready for a night to remember at the 1st annual Blue Jean Ball. This festive event will feature live entertainment by Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band, dancing, dinner, open bar, silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $75 per person so act fast as seating is limited!

Farm Bureau Pavilion, 7289 Palmer Blvd Sarasota, FL, 34240

[SOON]  THEATER: Reading of Sofonisba By Callie Kimball , May 14, 3pm

A stage reading of Sofonisba. 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: Unclear Fear + Hate Through Art at the Heritage House , May 16, 7pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat invites the public for a very special community program. Interventionist artists Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova will talk about their artwork Unclear Fear + Hate.  The session will result in active participation by all who attend.  Afterwards the group will move to the beach and create their own interpretation of the theme. Those who come should bring beach chairs and refreshments to enjoy the sunset. To register please email reservations@HermitageArtistRetreat.org

The Palm Houe, 6630 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood

[SOON]  GALA: Men Whiskey and Watches South County , May 18, 6:00 pm

Men,Whiskey and Watches - South County at the Suncoast Air Center, is raising awareness about child abuse in our community. Enjoy libations from local restaurants, whiskey tastings from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, premium cigars and live and silent auctions. A ladies sky lounge from Sun Bug will be featured at the event for all of the women in the room. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.

Suncoast Air Center, 400 Airport Ave. E Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom , May 18, 11am

Orphaned during her passage from Ireland, young, white Lavinia arrives on the steps of the plantation kitchen house and is placed, as an indentured servant, under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate slave daughter. Lavinia learns to cook, clean, and serve food, while guided by the quiet strength and love of her new family. She attempts to straddle the worlds of the kitchen and the big house, but her skin color will forever set her apart from Belle and the other slaves. Meet the author at this reading. Reservations for this event are suggested. 

Bookstore1, 12 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Amazing Acts of the Greatest Show on Earth , May 19 – September 11

Explore the history of the Greatest Show On Earth, from the days of P.T. Barnum to the later partnership with the Ringling brothers, up to the contemporary shows from Feld Entertainment. The exhibition features original posters spanning the history of this singular brand, giving visitors the opportunity to marvel at a few of the amazing talents that have performed for the Greatest Show on Earth. Free with admission. For more information visit www.ringling.org.

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore 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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