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SRQ DAILY Dec 1, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"In 2010, the estate tax was repealed, which at the time caused a 39-percent reduction. Then in 2011, it was reintroduced, and that was a 93-percent increase in the estate tax. In broad strokes, that can have a major impact."

- Carol Butera, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
 

[Politics]  Jouniari, Good Reach Out to Democrats
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor's Note: This is the second in a two-part story.

A special election for a Sarasota area House seat had Democrats salivating at the chance to swing a moderate district, but first, they must settle on a nominee. Democrats Margaret Good and Ruta Jouniari will spend the coming days reaching out directly to voters in their own party leading into a Tuesday primary that will determine whose name appears on a February ballot. That means convinces the most die-hard members of their own party to endorse their progressive credentials before taking the platform in front of a wider range of voters through District 72.

On wages, Jouniari says the state needs to adopt a $15 minimum wage. “How can we justify people living in poverty as a minimum wage?,” she says,” especially if you live in Sarasota where as a single person rent is going to be $1,200 or $1,500 a month.” Good agrees the state cannot continue with a minimum wage of just $8.10 but wouldn’t endorse a particular dollar amount that should be adopted instead, and rather demands that the state study and determine a living wage that would still allow small businesses to continue operating.

And Good also wants to see greater investment in public education. She’s been upset at the increasing demands by the Legislature for districts to fund charter schools. “Florida should not be funding for-profit charter schools,” she says, and favors a ban on that practice while still allowing nonprofit charter schools to operate. She also criticized growing voucher programs in Florida, that by 2020 could be directing $1 billion toward private schools she says lack any state oversight.

While Jouniari has made an appeal to the progressive wing of the party, she voted for Hillary Clinton in last year’s primary, citing her own feminism and ties to the same college community as the ultimate Democratic nominee. Good declined to say who she supported in the primary last year.

Both candidates say they can support the use of business incentives in the state. Good said they must come with substantial requirements. “It’s important we bring great businesses to Florida and do more to help small businesses already in Florida,” she says, “but when a business receives incentives, we have to hold them accountable to create jobs, enhance jobs and do more for our workers.” Jouniari says the state should use incentives to bring desired industries to Florida. “If we bring in solar companies, alternative energies, recycling companies—something that will better the planet, the economy and society—than I’m all for putting forth business incentings and bringing those industries into Sarasota,” she says.

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.  

[Politics]  Nonprofits Watch Tax Reform Shifts
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Leaders in the nonprofit sector usually prefer to sit political discussions out, but at the most recent installment of SRQ’s SB2 symposium series, Philanthropic Agenda, leaders from the area foundations said they have been closely watching recent debates in Washington on tax reform, concerned about how any change in tax structure could impact deductions and incentives for giving.

“If you watch some TV channels, this is going to be so good, and we’re going to have so much money, and we’re all going to be so happy and we’ll all be rich and have more to give. If you watch other stations, this is the worst thing that ever happened and we’re all going to be broke and we’re all going to be homeless,” said John Annis, senior vice president of Community Investment for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “I think it’s probably going to be somewhere between those things, and we’re all going to have to see what happens.”

Mark Pritchett, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, said his main concern right now was the increase in standard deductions, which could lead to more people choosing that route instead of opting to file for individual deductions. “The fear is if we minimize that people won’t give individually to charities.”

Monica Van Buskirk, president and CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation, says shifts that discourage such deductions could impact long-term giving. While initial gifts may come from a place of pure generosity, letters send out by charities to donors to help them claim deductions help develop loyalty among those sending checks. “It makes them come back,” she says.

Carol Butera, executive director of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, said that the changes remind her of the sharp shifts in estate tax rates earlier this decade. “In 2010, the estate tax was repealed, which at the time caused a 39 percent reduction in the amount,” she said. “Then in 2011, it was reintroduced, and that was a 93 percent increase in the estate tax. In broad strokes, that can have a major impact.”

Martha Wells, representing the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, noted other changes could affect the very mission of nonprofits, particular a change that could allow charities to engage in more overtly political activity. “Broadening that mission would make it more challenging to have confidence and make sure it (donations) gets used the way a donor intended,” she said. 

[Oh My Gauze]  Dare to dazzle

Sarasota designer Olivvi adds whimsical elements to everyday wear with this opaque duster jacket. This one-of-a-kind jacket will inspire your wardrobe and surely become a staple in your closet this season. Oh My Gauze is the only store that carries this local designer, making this piece truly exclusive to the area. Made with crinkled silk organza, this duster adds texture and depth to a simple ensemble. Wear this statement piece with leggings or a slip dress for a chic East Coast look, $249. 

Oh My Gauze, 374 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, 941-388-1964.

Oh My Gauze

[Travel]  SRQ Airport Hosts Press Conference on Elite Airways

In response to recent discussion about an agreement with Elite Airways to provide additional commercial jet service in and out of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, airport officials will be on hand for a press conference to announce details about a new forthcoming route and to conduct an open Q&A with community leaders and members of the media. Press conference and Q&A starting at 11:30am at the Elite Airways ticketing counter on the ground level at SRQ Airport. 

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

[Recognition]  New Mote Facility Receives LEED Gold Certification

Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral reef research facility in the Florida Keys has become the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Commercial certified building in Monroe County, honoring its eco-friendly design and construction. Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3), which opened in May 2017, is advancing Mote’s critical mission: marine research supporting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Dovetailing with that mission, LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — is the world’s most widespread rating system for green buildings, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With Mote’s specifications in mind, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., built IC2R3 to include 30.1 kilowatt solar panels, a rainwater capture system, significant proportions of recycled and local building materials, and other eco-friendly features. The facility offers scientists and students eight residential suites, five offices, two wet labs and one prep lab on the second floor, three dry labs, one prep lab and one ocean acidification lab on the third floor, two electric car charging stations, two indoor classrooms and one outdoor classroom. 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

[Recognition]  SCF Designated Healthy Sarasota County Worksite

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has been designated a Healthy Sarasota County Worksite. SCF joins fourteen worksites in Sarasota County which have been awarded this designation after a comprehensive review of their programs and environmental supports to improve employee health and well-being. The Healthy Sarasota County Worksite program, which is administered through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota), designates employers who are carrying out health promotion actions endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proven to improve the health and well-being of their employees. Eligibility for the designation includes completing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Worksite Health ScoreCard. Best practices in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, weight management, tobacco control, stress management, diabetes, vaccine preventable disease prevention, breastfeeding support and others are included in the ScoreCard. Health officials say worksite wellness is an important aspect of promoting a safe, healthy community. People spend more time at work than anywhere else and decisions and habits reinforced in a healthy worksite can transcend into other aspects of life. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[WEEKEND]  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

[WEEKEND]  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]  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: 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]  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: 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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: PINC Speaker Series , December 7

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The 1940's Radio Hour , December 7 – December 23

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SRQ Media's 14th Annual Home of the Year Competition , December 8

Calling all builders, architects, designers and landscape companies —the 14th Annual SRQ Home of the Year Competition is officially open! From serene water features to breathtaking bay views and green buildings, SRQ MEDIA is thrilled to produce this prestigious annual architecture and home design program, recognizing truly stunning spaces from Venice all the way to Anna Maria Island. Our panel of qualified judges hail from regions outside the geographic area of the HOTY competition and represent excellence in the areas of architecture and interior design. They will review entries based on innovation, functionality and overall design aesthetic to bestow SRQ’s Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards. Local professionals are invited to submit their best work in home design by the Call for Entries deadline of Friday, December 8, 2017. Winners in each category will be featured in the coveted SRQ Home of the Year awards supplement in the March 2018 issue of SRQ Magazine.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Symphonic Carnival , December 8 – December 10, 8pm Friday and Saturday; 2:30 Sunday

Along the exciting journey, audiences will visit American icon Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from his popular musical West Side Story, before being set ablaze by the powerful pyrotechnics of Barber’s Violin Concerto. Finally, listeners will be subdued by the emotional intensity of Stravinsky’s Firebird, the perfect close to an electrifying evening spearheaded by guest conductor Larry Rachleff and violin soloist Benjamin Beilman.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., 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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