« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Nov 16, 2017

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Please allow images to view this email properly

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"There was an urgency to the work we did. Without the urgency, people just take it for granted."

- Dr. Xernona Clayton, Civil Rights icon
 

[Inspire]  Clayton Reminds of Civil Rights Urgency
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Dr. Xernona Clayton had a front row seat for the Civil Rights movement serving as special assistant to Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King. But she worries that the rights fought for in the 1960s may be taken for granted today. A year after an election where African-American turnout in elections hit a 27-year low, she wishes more voters took seriously the responsibility to employ the civil rights earned by leaders in history. As someone who helped install the Voting Rights Act into law, that distresses the long-time activist.

“When people die to make your right a reality,” Clayton says, “the least you can do is exercise it.”

Clayton comes to Bradenton on hopes of connecting more people to the history and struggle of King and other leaders. She’s here for a Lifetime Achievement Celebration held tonight at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, which will include a screening of the documentary A Life To Remember, about Clayton’s own life climbing from young activist to broadcasting trailblazer. Well after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., Clayton remained a force in giving voice to minorities, becoming the first black host of a television show broadcast in the South. 

The Atlanta-based personality also worked with Ted Turner in the early days of cable broadcasting and would rise to the level of corporate vice president for urban affairs at Turner Broadcasting, a company where she would work for 31 years. During that time, she also launched the immensely successful Trumpet Awards, a televised event celebrating the achievements of African-Americans.

So Clayton knows firsthand the obstacles faced by black people in the Jim Crow era, but also that such injustice can be overcome. “I certainly don’t want to say I had it better than anyone else,” she says, “but there were a lot of black people who moved ahead in spite of the obstacles of racial discrimination and inequality. You just keep pushing.”

That may be the great difference in mindset, she says. While the struggle remained real in the streets, every win would be instantly cherished. Before the Voting Rights Act, black voters in the South had little incentive to vote because there were no polling places in reasonable locales, and when that changed people took advantage. “The pain and suffering of people in my generation created the opportunity to vote,” she says. “There was an urgency to the work we did. Without the urgency, people just take it for granted, which is very unfortunate.”

The event honoring Clayton opens to the public at 6pm. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 46: Lake Buccaneer
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 46 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.

By land or sea, Rankin’s going to get airborne, this time testing his skills behind the stick of another amphibious aircraft, the Lake Buccaneer. Flying out of Sebring, FL with flight instructor and former Air Force Huey Pilot Brant Howell, Rankin took the Buccaneer for a roughly 30-minute joyride, practicing both water and runway landings, before heading back to base.

Appearing very much like a boat, the wings on top give it away, says Rankin, “but it’s still an unusual design.” With the engine mounted on top in order to keep it out of the water, the propeller moves from the nose of the plane, to face the opposite direction from atop the fuselage. Called a “pusher” (as opposed to a “puller”), the propeller, fittingly enough, pushes the craft over the runway and through the air as opposed to dragging it along behind the prop. Rankin’s flown pushers before, and it’s no big deal. “It’s a little different when you add power,” he says, but that’s about it.

Not the first amphibious craft of the year, “I’m getting more comfortable,” says Rankin. Of course, on pavement or a runway, the Buccaneer acts like any other plane. It’s when it comes time to land on the water that things get tricky. “If you see videos of seaplane landings gone bad,” he says, “it gets violent pretty quick.”

But Rankin’s growing accustomed to what he should look for, checking wind conditions, chop on the water and hazards like fishermen or crab traps. The goal is to fly into the wind, with minimal wave activity and glide in without catching on anything. A poor angle or messy chop can cause the wing to dip into the water (this kills the plane) or the fuselage itself to catch in the waves. Most importantly, Rankin says, pilots have to be sure the traditional landing gear is stowed and up. Many triple-check.

A fun rid with a fun guy, Rankin’s only critique would be that the Buccaneer requires some heavy handling, meaning he’s having to throw the stick “all over the place” in order to execute the desired maneuvers. “I prefer something that has a bit more of a response,” he says. Still, a seaplane would be definitely be a dream, though possibly a Beaver (From the Cockpit Part 15) instead of a Buccaneer. “If I had a quiver of airplanes,” laughs Rankin, “an amphib would absolutely be one.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and Brant Howell fly the Lake Buccaneer. Photo by Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Community]  Supervisor of Elections Announces Early Voting Dates

Early voting for the December 5, 2017 House District 72 Special (Democratic) Primary will begin on Saturday, November 25 and continue through Saturday, December 2, according to Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner. Eligible voters may cast ballots during the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm daily at the any of the following three Sarasota locations: Supervisor of Elections Office at Sarasota County Terrace Bldg., 2001 Adams Lane; North Sarasota Library at 2801 Newtown Blvd.; and Westfield Sarasota Square Mall at 8201 South Tamiami Trl. Only voters who live within the boundaries of House District 72 and are registered as Democrats are eligible to cast ballots in the Democratic Primary. Florida Law requires voters to present photo and signature ID prior to voting. A voter who appears at a polling place without photo and signature ID will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. Voters who have questions may contact the supervisor of elections office at 861-8619 or visit the website below. 

Sarasota Votes

[Synergy]  Gatanis, ROBRADY Develop Drone for Firefighters

Rich Gatanis, a Southern Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter with nearly 15 years of experience and drone pilot, uses unmanned flight to give first responders an advantage. Now, in conjunction with ROBRADY design, Gatanis and Southern Manatee are helping take firefighting to a whole new level with the help of unmanned drones. Gatanis approached ROBRADY design to partner in the development of his concept. The current version has been 3D-printed, delivered and will undergo a new battery of tests to simulate the demanding conditions of real-world disasters. When fully realized, the bracket will be rugged enough to carry sensitive detection equipment into danger zones, but light enough to allow drones to operate properly, even when carrying the extra weight of a lighting rig for nighttime use. Since the data, whether from an overturned tanker truck or blazing wildfire, is gathered by unmanned drones, it keeps first responders out of harm’s way whenever possible. And, for those times when first responders must enter the belly of the beast, this unprecedented level of situational intel lets them know what they’re getting into before they get into it. The time saved by knowing exact crisis conditions and the equipment needed is invaluable for safely improving response times. This life-saving innovation, developed locally in Sarasota, has wide-ranging implications for emergency operations on a national, even global, stage. 

ROBRADY Design

[Recognition]  Manatee County Clerk Receives Perfect Score

The office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller recently received its Certificate of Superior Achievement and a perfect score from the U.S Department of State – Miami Passport Agency. Nearly 300 facilities are assessed and audited annually, and the Manatee County Clerk of Court is a part of a small group of Passport Application Acceptance Facilities throughout Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to receive a perfect score. Manatee County Clerk of Court also received this designation in 2015. During this process, an assessment visit is conducted, which includes one-on-one interviews with the supervisor of the division, an inspection of the space and security and real-time observations of the acceptance agents working with customers and executing the applications. The Certificate of Achievement recognizes those offices that have demonstrated exemplary service to the community and the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, through the conscientious execution of passport applications, excellence in customer service and commitment to measures that ensure the integrity of the U.S. passport. For the fiscal year 2016-17, the Manatee County Clerk of Court processed 6,252 passport applications, which was one of its largest years due to an influx of applications between January and June. During 2015-16, the office processed 5,447 applications. 

Manatee County Clerk's Office

[Exec Moves]  Pinto Joins RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Realtor Sabine Pinto has joined the Venice office of RE/MAX Platinum Realty. She specializes in luxury waterfront properties in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Originally from Moerlenbach, Germany, Pinto worked as an engineer for international companies and traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and North America. She speaks German and English fluently, and has additional language skills in both French and Spanish. She and her husband owned and operated the engineering company CSNgineering LLC, which relocated from Savannah, GA, to Sarasota in 2011. Due to her previous experience, Pinto excels in marketing strategies, negotiating deals and customer service. To complement her skills, she has teamed up with fellow Realtor Jessika Arman, who is a native Sarasotan. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty

[15 South Ristorante]  Homemade Heaven

After a fantastic and memorable Italian meal at 15 South Ristorante, cure your sweet tooth with one of their homemade dessert options. Constantly rotating different selections, a must-try is their tiramisu. Made in house, their chef uses an authentic recipe he learned from his families pastry shop in Italy. This decadent dessert has espresso-dipped lady fingers with delicate layers of eggs, sugar and Mascarpone cheese and a finishing flavor of Cocoa. Topped with a chocolate drizzle, the taste is light yet bold and is the perfect way to end your night. Pair this with one of their homemade limoncellos or their espresso martini for the perfect nightcap. 

Photo Credit: Wyatt Kostygan

15 South Ristorante is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

15 South Ristorante, 15 S Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, 941-388-1555.

15 South Ristorante



[TODAY]  BUSINESS: The Cheapskate's Handbook , November 16, 11am and 5:30pm

Local humorist Mifflin Lowe will be doing a chat and sign for his new book, The Cheapskate's Handbook. With over 200,000 copies sold, the book delves into the hilarities of life that often go unnoticed. Reservations are suggested for attendance the 11am session.

Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Echoes , November 17 – December 17

Tillie and Samira were born 175 years apart, but their parallel stories eerily mirror one another across generations. Tillie is a Victorian pioneer woman sent to Afghanistan to fulfill wifely duties for an officer of the British Raj, while Samira is a Muslim schoolgirl who runs away to Syria to become the jihadi bride of an ISIS fighter. Both are confronted with tragedy in war-torn lands as they face the oppressive realities of their male-dominated landscapes. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Motown Mania , November 17, 6pm

This gala combines cocktails and dinner with a can't miss show full of motown funk. This special performance is in honor of Audrey Coleman and Eva Slane of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Tickets are $200 and dress is cocktail attire.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Champions For Children , November 18, 6:00PM

Join the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County in honoring Drs Robert and Patricia Gussin at this year’s “Under the Tuscan Sun” Champions for Children event, with dinner, dancing, and entertainment all night long. Held at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club at 6pm, tickets are $350 per person and can be purchased online. All proceeds will go to support the local Boys and Girls Club. 

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jon Stickley Trio , November 18

The Jon Stickley Trio has been rising in popularity with the release of their independent and fan-funded 2nd album. The group combines Jon's rapid-fire guitar with the wild but refined melodies of Lyndsay Pruett on violin and the deep groove of Patrick Armitage on drums. Their music is a repertoire full of flavor. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

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

[SOON]  GALA: Miracles on 17th Street , November 19, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Miracles do happen but not without the commitment of a collaborative community and the support of people like you! Please join Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center in the celebration of the everyday miracles made possible by their campus partners, a collaborative of more than 18 nonprofit agencies providing over 80 programs to those most in need, and get a first look at future miracles to come.

Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, 1750 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34234 United States

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Solutionary Health Festival , November 25, 11:00AM

Come celebrate living healthfully at Oscar Scherer State Park for the Solutionary Health Festival, where nutritionists, dieticians, and health-oriented people from all over will come together! The day will feature live music, yoga, trivia, local vendors, youth activities, food, educational exhibits, and more.  

Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229

[SOON]  THEATER: A Motown Christmas , November 29 – December 23, 6pm

In celebration of the holiday season, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be putting on their signature musical performance. The event is marked by traditional Christmas carols paired with soulful sounds from Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Annie , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm

Rewatch the classic American musical where a little orphan girl takes the stage by storm. See the child heroine work her magic onstage and enjoy the performance live. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W., Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Flowers for Algernon , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

When a laboratory experiment successfully increases the intelligence of a mouse, Charlie Gordon, a spirited autistic man, volunteers as the first subject for human trials. The play grapples with society’s less-than-ideal treatment of mental illness, the ethics of human experimentation and the difficulty faced in accepting and loving ourselves.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda , November 30, 11:00am-1:00pm

Join SRQ Magazine for the launch of 2017-2018 SB2: Luncheon Symposium season on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 11:00am-1:00pm at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. The Philanthropic Agenda luncheon and panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What’s trending, who’s innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with presentation of the SRQ Gives Good Innovation in Philanthropy Award honoring community leaders in the nonprofit sector who are contributing to our region’s philanthropic strength with their forward-thinking initiatives and perspectives. Special guest panelists include: John Annis of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Carol Butera from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Mark Prichett of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Martha Wells of the Southwest Florida Planned Giving Council. Moderated by SRQ MEDIA Executive Publisher Wes Roberts. Tickets are $45/per person and includes a delicious lunch provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

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

[SOON]  DANCE: Voices of SCD , November 30 – December 3

Their annual spectacle is a hallmark of the company’s approach to dance: full of physicality, thought, and delight. Original and adventurous, the works presented are choreographed by company members and emerging choreographers from around the country.

Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Bradenton Bluesfest Weekend , December 1 – December 3

The Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend kicks off on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, with a free “Blues Appetizer” Concert, brought to you by Mojoe Productions, Inc. The Bradenton Blues Festival, presented by BMO Harris Bank, is on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, with an outstanding lineup of talented blues musicians on the big stage. In addition to amazing music, our award-winning annual festival features local craft beer, delicious specialty food vendors, and more. The festivities continue with blues after-parties all evening long. The weekend wraps up with a tasty and soulful Bradenton Blues Brunch prepared by award-winning Chef Paul Mattison on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Blues Brunch is presented by Urology Partners. Come and experience the blues in Bradenton!

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The ULTIMATE Tribute to the King, starring Dwight Icenhower , December 3 – December 4
The ULTIMATE Tribute to the King starrign Dwight Icenhower and the Blue Suede Review Band. Dwight Icenhower is considered to be one of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the country today. He has mastered the 50's, 60's, and 70's eras of Elvis' career and has won a myriad of national Elvis awards. Dwight Icenhower is recognized not only for his great personality on and off stage, but also for his amazing voice that has sometimes even been mistaken for Elvis Presley himself! He has performed with many of the original musicians who have worked with Elvis including: The Jordanaires, The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Gerchio, DJ Fontana and Duke Bardwell (just to name a few). He has taken home over 60 "First Place" awards in contests from all over the world; and in 2013, Dwight Icenhower became the only Elvis Tribute Artist in history to ever win three World Championship "First Place" titles consecutively during Elvis Week, in Memphis TN . This amazing journey has been a dream come true to Dwight, and he wishes to continue using his incredible talents to keep the memory of Elvis Presley alive for many more generations to come.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice

[SOON]  GALA: Designing Women Boutique 15th Annual Gala , December 3

December 3 when Designing Women's Boutique presents “Jazzy Night”, their 15th annual fundraising gala that will be held at Michael’s On the Bay in beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Each year the gala keeps receiving more notoriety largely due to the positive feedback, growing number of attendees and funds raised for grants. This highly anticipated event will include live jazz-inspired entertainment, an auction, and a photo booth, etc. The evening begins at 5:30pm with cocktails and hors d’oeurves overlooking the stunning Sarasota Bay, followed by dinner at Michael’s On the Bay. One of the most decorated parts of the evening will be the variety of live talent that will be performing which includes The West Coast Black Theatre Troop, Broadway and television actress Savannah Wise and John Rinell with a four to five piece accompaniment. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding Designing Women’s grant program that benefits local arts and human services organizations. Tickets are $250 and may be purchased online at www.DesigningWomenSRQ.org.

Michael’s On the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Women's Day , December 4, 11am

Meet two-time gold medalist Aly Raisman at this luncheon. This annual event provides women with the opportunity to come together around a theme with which they all relate. Kate Alexander of Florida Studio Theatre will moderate discussion with Raisman. Tickets are $80, plus a $100 gift to the Federation's development efforts. 

Michael's on East, 1212 South East Ave., 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