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SRQ DAILY Nov 30, 2017

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"It's like seeing this one face every day, but not talking to that person."

- Ryan Rankin, pilot
 

[Politics]  Good, Jouniari Tout Progressive Credentials in District 72
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor's Note: This is the first in a two-part story. The second installment will appear in tomorrow's edition of SRQ Daily.

If a Democrat ultimately wins a election to represent District 72 in the Florida House, they will head to Tallahassee as part of a minority caucus; Republicans currently hold 76 of 120 seats. But both Democrats running, Ruta Jouniari and Margaret Good, each remain confident they can find allies across the aisle to support progressive parts of their agenda. Democrats in the district vote Tuesday on who will be the nominee.

As Good stresses her environmental credentials and support for better funding to public schools, Jouniari pushes an economic message about wages and access to health care.

Good supports a ban on fracking in Florida, and notes two bills enacting such a restriction have been filed by Republican House members. “Let’s form a coalition around those issues that we can agree on,” she says. In this case, she believes lawmakers from both parties would support a push for more renewable resources in the state, and wants to explore ways to boost solar power and other non-traditional but clean ways to generate energy. “We need to do whatever we can to move in that direction,” she says.

Jouniari believes she can convince members on health care reform. She runs a free clinic in Sarasota, where she sees a wide range of people who cannot afford insurance, something she credits to the federal Affordable Care Act “collapsing.” She notes that, for most Floridians, the only insurance available in the federal marketplace is Florida Blue, which can pull out at any time. “Then it’s going to go into crisis mode,” Jouniari says. She favors a move to single-payer health care, and feels state governments will need to lead the way on that.

Good, though, says the ACA will not fail, and says Republicans in Washington—who ran on repeal-and-replace and have failed to move that way even with a GOP-controlled Congress and White House—realize that. She wants the Legislature to instead pursue a Medicaid expansion. Jouniari would support such an expansion, but says Florida needs a true safety net for citizens beyond that.

Campaign reports through Oct. 19 show Jouniari raised $7,479 in monetary contributions, compared to Good’s $87,870. The winner of the primary on Tuesday will face Republican James Buchanan and Libertarian Alison Foxall in a Feb. 13 general election. The seat was vacated by state Rep. Alex Miller, who resigned earlier this year citing family and business obligations.  

Photos: Margaret Good, Ruta Jouniari

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 48: Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 48 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.

This week Rankin steps into the cockpit of one of the most ubiquitous aircraft around—the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. An iconic training craft and all-around workhorse, the Skyhawk pops up on nearly every airfield and in nearly every training regimen, but somehow Rankin has avoided it thus far.

To be fair, it almost became an active avoidance, one of those little flukes of happenstance that somehow become defining, like never seeing Star Wars. Similarly, Rankin has never eaten Taco Bell, not due to a deliberate boycott, but because that’s just how things shake out sometimes. “So at this point, I’m just not going to go,” he says. “Might as well not ever.” He will, however, fly a Cessna.

“It was always a plane I had in my back pocket,” Rankin says. “There are hundreds everywhere you go.” So in the case of illness or a canceled flight, wrangling up a ride in a Skyhawk was a good backup to have. But that’s how Rankin saw it—as a backup. For a guy with a penchant for the weirder or more exotic planes, the commonplace can lose some of its magic. But taking off with Nate Barber, an instructor with SkyWarrior Flight Training out of Pensacola, FL, Rankin discovered for himself what made the Skyhawk so popular in the first place.

At first, it was weird. He’d seen the Skyhawk so much, Rankin felt like he’d flown it before. “It’s like seeing this one face every day, but not talking to that person,” he says. But after a quick introduction (no instruction necessary, just pointing out where the windshield wipers are) and a little airtime, Rankin was sold. Like the Honda Civic of the sky, the Skyhawk isn’t flashy or excessive in any way, but it gets the job done reliably, safely and affordably. And there’s a reason he sees at least two or three at every airfield. Everyone needs to train at some point, Rankin says, “and the Cessna is the best in that category.”

And though the flight shattered his preconceived notions surrounding the Skyhawk, Rankin feels comfortable letting his preconceptions stand when it comes to Taco Bell. “I don’t think so,” he says, when asked about making his first trip for a fast food fiesta. “I love Mexican food and value it too much to lower my standards.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin flies the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Ophelia's On The Bay]  Holiday on the Bay

What better way to celebrate the Holiday season than with a handcrafted cocktail, fresh, fantastic food and an incredible view of Sarasota Bay? Ophelia’s On The Bay is the perfect location for your corporate or personal Holiday party this season. Their packages fit any size group to ensure everyone gets a chance to celebrate on the Bay. Not sure where to have Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner? Ophelia’s has you covered! Executive Chef Daniel Olson and team will be rolling out some some must-try meals; hosting a Christmas Eve dinner 4PM-9PM and a Christmas Day dinner from 2PM-9PM. They also will be hosting a New Years Eve dinner from 4PM-12AM. The options at Ophelia’s this Holiday season are endless and it is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends.

Photo Credit: Wyatt Kostygan

Ophelia's On The Bay is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Ophelia's On The Bay, 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, 941-349-2212.

Ophelia's On The Bay

[Synergy]  Friendship Centers Receives Grant from Wilson-Wood

Friendship Centers, a nonprofit organization serving older adults in Southwest Florida, has received a $15,000 grant from the Wilson-Wood Foundation. The funds will be used toward the development and expansion of the Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) on the Road program, which was begun in 2011. Caregivers and families in the Newtown community will now continue to receive hands-on information and support services in their own backyard. One goal of the program is to help seniors find the information they need about caregiving and learn new ways to cope with the stresses and challenges of being a caregiver. Through this grant and other generous donors to this program, these needed services will continue and expand into South Sarasota County, and are free to anyone who needs them. The Caregiving Place also offers respite for caregivers through its Adult Day Service in Sarasota and Venice, Monday through Friday. Loved ones with cognitive and/or physical challenges receive compassionate, yet professional loving care at our licensed centers and their caregivers receive respite from caregiving duties knowing their care partners are having fun and enjoying socialization with others. 

Friendship Centers

[Synergy]  SBPO Reaches Fundraising Goal for Sarasota Bayfront

Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization has reached its $2.1 million fundraising goal to ensure the delivery of a professionally prepared master plan for the sustainable development of the 42-acre Sarasota Bayfront. The announcement was made after a year-long volunteer fundraising effort led by Drayton Saunders, Veronica Brady and Shaun Merriman. Nearly 60 donors have invested in the planning initiative to reimagine Sarasota’s Bayfront. Many foundations also provided financial support including The Patterson Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. The funds will be used to hire the leadership team along with planning and design firm, Sasaki, to create a financially feasible, operationally viable and environmentally sustainable master plan for the City Commission to review in the Fall of 2018. The community is encouraged to meet this leadership planning team next week during a series of events to kick off the beginning phases of the master plan creation, beginning with a meeting at City Hall with the City Commission at 6pm and continuing through the week. 

Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization

[Community]  Manatee County Public Library Board Accepting Applications

Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on the Manatee County Public Library Board of Trustees. The Library Board is responsible for creating and recommending policy for the operation of the Library System to Manatee County Commissioners. The openings are for a representative of Manatee County at-large and a representative of unincorporated Manatee County. The two seats are for four-year terms. Applications are due Dec. 18 and can be found online at the website below. 

Manatee County Advisory Boards



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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]  PERFORMANCE: Metropolitan , December 1 – December 2, 2pm and 7:30pm

This three-part production includes a performance of company favorite Sir Frederick Ashton’s enigmatic ballet Illuminations—one of only two ballets Ashton choreographed for the New York City Ballet—as well as the world premiere of new choreography from American Ballet Theatre’s Marcelo Gomes, in his first collaboration with Sarasota Ballet. 

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North 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]  HEALTH: Jingle & Jog 5k , December 2, 7am

The Jingle & Jog 5k, a Sarasota classic, returns for its 20th anniversary. From humble beginnings in 1997 with a little over 200 runners, the Jingle & Jog 5k has welcomed over 6,500 finishers over the past two decades. Support raised by the event benefits the mission of The Haven, an established non-profit with a 60-year legacy of providing programs and services for children and adults with disabilities in Sarasota-Manatee.

The Haven, 4405 Desoto Rd., Sarasota

[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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: SWAC Speaker Series , December 5, 6:30PM

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

[SOON]  FOOD: 2nd Annual Come Ride With Us! Luncheon , December 5, 11:30AM

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sonata a Due , December 5, 6pm

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

[SOON]  FOOD: iTN SunCoast Luncheon , December 5, 11:30am

Attend the 2nd annual luncheon this winter, featuring several notable guests. Learn how to mitigate social isolition among seniors with the help of social psychologist and author Dr. Richard Luker, and see Heidi Godman, the host of "Health Check with Heidi Godman." Tickets are $75 and available for sale online.

The Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, 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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