SRQ DAILY Nov 21, 2017
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"Even though we throw as many trucks as possible at this, it's still a process to get every individual pile."
The City of Sarasota announced a significant post-storm update last week: collection of all debris accumulated after Hurricane Irma has concluded. But while the city grinds down the wood and other refuse collected over two months, both Manatee and Sarasota continue collection. And with the end of Hurricane Season still a week and a half away, the question remains why the garbage remained in so many places around the Gulf Coast for so long.
Officials note that the wide reach of Irma generated debris over a massive area of Florida. Sarasota Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat says the 60,000 cubic yards of storm debris gathered within the city limits alone represents what Public Works crews in Sarasota typically collect over two years when gathering yard waste. “We're pleased with the overall result, removing such a large volume of storm debris from the curbsides, as scheduled based on the contractor's initial projection,” he says. “To do two years' worth of work in two months is a significant undertaking. The City of Sarasota had a strong emergency contract in place prior to the hurricane making landfall. Contractors didn't leave the City and additional subcontractors were added to ensure the debris was picked up in a timely fashion.”
Sarasota County officials say a first sweep of their jurisdiction will be completed by the end of this week, and a second sweep will be done after Thanksgiving. “It’s just a long process,” says Brian User, Sarasota County solid waste collections manager. The county so far has collected 250,000 cubic yards of debris so far. “Even though we throw as many trucks as possible at this, it’s still a process to get every individual pile,” Usher says.
Manatee County officials through a statement online announced 80 percent of Irma-relate storm debris had been picked up as of Nov. 10, and all debris would be picked up within coming weeks. Both Sarasota and Manatee county governments have online debris collection maps where citizens can see when they are scheduled to have debris collected.
Usher reminds that Irma hit a significant portion of the state of Florida, making it difficult for out-of-state support to come in after the storm. Exacerbating the problem, Hurricane Harvey had struck Texas before Irma hit Florida, so many of those external resources had been dispatched to another part of the country when the need in the Sunshine State arose. That delayed major efforts in addressing clean-up, but once trucks were available, Sarasota County was dispatching as many as 70 trucks at once around the county collecting debris.
Fortunately, Florida didn’t see another hurricane hit the state in the meantime. If it had, some of the debris collected at roads might have been disrupted again. To some degree, Usher says, there’s simply some problems that can’t be mitigated entirely. “It is a risk. There’s complications with every storm that comes through,” he says. 
Photo courtesy City of Sarasota: Crews grind down debris gathered after Hurricane Irma.
The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, which governs Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, has elected its new officers for 2017-2018. Made up of nine citizens elected by Sarasota County voters to four-year terms, the hospital board oversees the hospital’s finances and quality improvement efforts and meets regularly to set the strategic direction for the system. Each November, the board appoints a new slate of officers from its members. The new chairman of the board is Joseph J. DeVirgilio, Jr., who has represented Seat 2 in the Central District since 2013. DeVirgilio is president of Suncoast Management Consultants and a senior consultant with River Consulting Group. The other new Sarasota County Public Hospital Board officers are First Vice Chairman William Noonan, Second Vice Chairman James Meister, Treasurer Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Secretary Tramm Hudson, Assistant Secretary Susan Tucker and Assistant Treasurer Darryl Henry.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc., (SMHF) has announced its board of trustees for 2017-2018. Robert G. Bartner returns to the board after a one-year hiatus in which he served on several committees. He and his wife, Beverly, were named SMHF Doctors of Philanthropy in 2011. John H. DeJongh has been active on the Healthcare Foundation’s Development & Marketing Committee since 2016. In 2013, he and his wife, Alida, were honored as Doctors of Philanthropy. Mary Evelyn Guyton joins the Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees after having served on the board of trustees for Historic Spanish Point for seven years. Robert P. Martin comes to the Healthcare Foundation as the fifth-generation owner of the Boar’s Head Brand and current chief operating officer (COO). Former Sarasota County Public Hospital Board member Alexandra (Alex) Miller joins, and has served as the CEO of Mercedes Medical, a national laboratory products distribution company in north Sarasota Countysince 2003. Jonathan E. Mitchell was founder and president of an NYSE-listed real estate company and prior to that, president of a subsidiary of an AMEX-listed financial services enterprise and board member of the parent company. Pharmaceutical executive, Michael J. Valentino and his wife Karen have been donors since 2012 and were honored in 2013 as Doctors of Philanthropy. Robert Lee Wood has been a lead director for Praxair, Inc. since 2013 and an independent director for Univar, Inc. 2016.
The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board selected Flad Architects and Gilbane Building Company to design and construct its new $225 million 65-acre hospital campus in Venice. The Wisconsin-based architecture and Rhode Island-based general contracting firms were ranked #1 after a series of public selection meetings this month. The Hospital Board’s unanimous vote clears the way for SMH staff to begin working with the firms on pre-construction and design plans for the new hospital campus while the health system awaits the state’s final order on its Certificate-of-Need application. SMH’s Laurel Road campus includes a 315,000-square foot, 90-bed acute care hospital with a 20-bed observation unit and 25-room Emergency Care Center. In addition to medical, surgical, intensive care and obstetrical units, the new hospital will include interventional/ surgical suites; a dedicated operating room for emergency or medically necessary C-sections; cardiac catheterization lab; endoscopy suite; respiratory services; infusion/chemotherapy services; rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech/language therapy; radiology/imaging services; a laboratory and pharmacy, among other clinical services. The campus also will include outpatient services and a medical office building. Flad and Gilbane will work with SMH and the Hammes Company, a capital program management firm, to begin master planning the site, as well as preliminary design and pre-construction planning to develop the Laurel Road campus.
On December 1, 2017 call center operations for 2-1-1 Suncoast will be provided through Heart of Florida United Way 2-1-1 (HFUW 2-1-1). The transition will ensure community members in need continue to receive the highest quality access to assistance. HFUW 2-1-1 will offer information and referral services 24/7/365 with the added ability to connect with the community through real time chat, text and email, in addition to 2-1-1 phone services. The decision to transition to HFUW 2-1-1 was made by members of the 2-1-1 funders collaborative. The transition follows the national trend to centralize 2-1-1 centers to larger facilities to create economies of scale to decrease expenses, while increasing capacity and responsiveness for residents. The funders collaborative includes the: Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Manatee County Government, Sarasota County Government, United Way South Sarasota and United Way Suncoast. Maintaining a local presence is important and there will be a local community liaison to help assure that services meet community needs. Residents will not experience any disruption in service during the transition.
Share your company's story with our influential readers—from historic milestones to celebrating new market growth, team achievements, corporate anniversaries and awards recognition. A great way to announce your new business! SRQ Magazine's Content Marketing Division positions your company powerfully in print and strategically online. Contact your account executive or Associate Publisher Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211. Space closes next Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
This year's Orchid Show will showcase spectacular flowers from across the world. The event will combine a display of plants in the Tropical Conservatory and additional treasures from search collections in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Each part of the show will also include the science behind orchids and their relationship to earth, air, fire, and water.
Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota
Violetta, a famed Parisian courtesan, has lived a life of lavish parties with influential friends. She abandons it all to be with her beloved Alfredo, but when her past threatens his family’s honor, she must forsake her dream of love.
Verdi’s awe-inspiring music combined with a heart-breaking libretto has made La traviata one of the repertoire cornerstones of opera companies around the world.
Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota
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
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
In the 1950s, Rock 'N' Roll took America by storm. With roots in rhythm and blues, country western, swing and do-wop, this new sound would forever change the world of music. From the father of Rock 'N' Roll, Chuck Berry, to The King himself, Elvis Presley, this revue celebrates the birth of rock and roll.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
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
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
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
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
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
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
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice
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
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, Dr. Peter Bartu, member of the UN’s stand-by mediation team and foreign policy advisor will discuss the Gulf States—particularly Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and Qatar and their roles in the ongoing struggle for the heart and soul of this region. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.
Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Join iTN SunCoast for the2nd Annual Come Ride With Us! Community Awareness Luncheon on December 5 at The Meadows Country Club. This year’s theme is Ending Social Isolation & Loneliness Among Seniors. Guest speaker, Dr. Richard Luker, social psychologist and author of Simple Community, will examine the role of community in connecting people of all ages. Tickets are $75.
The Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow Sarasota, FL 34235
La Musica opens its season with an intimate recital performance. Enjoy cocktails and a fine dinner with fellow chamber music enthusiasts while violist David Avshalomov and pianist Derek Han perform a recital.
The Field Club, 1400 Field Rd., Sarasota
Just in time for the holiday season, comes this marvelously theatrical show! This lively and big band sounding musical delivers a delicious slice of ‘a live radio broadcast from NYC’ in December of 1942. Enjoy the spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
People, Ideas Nature Creativity (PINC), presented by Ringling College of Art + Design is a one–day conference which follows the same format as its Dutch counterpart. PINC Sarasota 2017 showcases exceptional international speakers, astounding artistic intermezzos and culinary delights at the Sarasota Opera House. The conference showcases accomplished international speakers in their widely varied fields who share a common passion for what they do and absolute faith in the power of innovation, inspiration and creativity. Whether on stage or in the seats, this conference aims to bring together leaders, innovators creative thinkers entrepreneurs specialists designers artists scientists and people looking to stimulate their mind, heart and brain. Conference begins at 8am.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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