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SRQ DAILY Dec 26, 2017

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"We want a good turnout so people have their voices heard."

- Ron Turner, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections
 

[Politics]  Officials Begin Mailing Special Elections Ballots
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The fact a special election cycle in the area spans several holidays doesn’t mean Gulf Coast elections officials can ignore certain deadlines. This morning, 695 mail-in ballots will be shipped by the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections workers to unformed service members and civilian voters residing overseas eligible to vote in the Feb. 13 election for a state House representative in District 72. 

The first batch of domestic ballots will be mailed on Jan. 9, according to Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner, and the office already has received 21,000 requests for ballots.”The turnout might be pretty good for a special election,” Turner says. 

Based on turnout in a Democratic primary earlier this month, the ballots coming in by mail will likely make up the majority of votes cast. In the Dec. 5 contest, 60.51 percent of all votes cast came by mail, with another 10.56 percent cast in early voting. Just 28.93 percent of voters who participated in the primary waited until Election day. Turner says more voters enjoy the convenience of voting from their homes, and the political parties also see mail-in ballots as a vote they can pursue early in a cycle.

Requests for absentee ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office no later than Jan. 7 at 5pm. The ballots must be received returned to the elections office by the time polls close at 7pm on Feb. 13.

About 21.2 percent of eligible voters turned out fro the Democratic primary. For an unexpected special election with only one race on the ballot, that’s healthy turnout, Turner says, and he anticipates similar turnout in the Feb. 13 deciding election. “It will not be what a normal general election would be,” he says, “but hopefully there’s some enthusiastic voters out there. And we want a good turnout so people have their voices heard.”

It’s been an unusual election for the Sarasota office. The race was called by Gov. Rick Scott after the surprise resignation of state Rep. Alex Miller for personal reasons in August. The time of the primary and general election has meant working through a period dotted with government holidays. The overseas ballots are being sent out the day after Christmas, when the office has been closed since Friday in observance of the holiday. Turner also notes that for the primary, election workers took a holiday on Thanksgiving and the following day, but on Saturday were back to work manning early voting stations. “We do what we have to do to serve the voters,” Turner says.

Candidates for the District 72 special election include Republican James Buchanan, Democrat Margaret Good and Libertarian Alison Foxall. 

Photo courtesy Supervisor of Election: A voter signs a mail-in ballot.

[Recognition]  Embracing Our Differences Recognized by Division of Cultural Affairs

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs has honored Embracing Our Differences with a Diversity and Inclusion Award for the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The award, which will be presented at a special awards ceremony on January 24 in Tallahassee, recognizes innovative and exceptional efforts that promote diversity in arts and cultural programming. Shirley Brown, a Sarasota County School Board member, nominated Embracing Our Differences for the award. Other organizations that received the award this year include the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Henry B. Plant Museum and Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida. The Division of Cultural Affairs of the Florida Department of State has long recognized diversity as one of the key attributes to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape. Its Diversity & Inclusion Awards program was created to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations working to make arts and cultural programming in Florida as diverse and inclusive as possible. Since 2004, EOD’s outdoor art exhibit, celebrating the theme of "enriching lives through diversity and inclusion,” showcases the art and words of thousands of artists and writers from around the world, including hundreds of area-based students and educators. Crucial to the organization’s mission are its award-winning education initiatives. Presented in partnership with the regional school districts and nationally recognized educators, these programs positively impact the lives of thousands of area teachers and students every year. These include annual workshops and retreats providing diversity curricula for area educators, free bus transportation for students and teachers to visit area cultural venues, and student docent programs in high schools. With more than 42,000 students participating in these programs in 2017, Embracing Our Differences continues to lead as one of the largest education programs in southwest Florida. Embracing Our Differences' annual juried international art exhibit returns to Sarasota's Island Park, April 4-June 1, 2018. A call for art and quote submissions is ongoing now through January 9. 

Embracing Our Differences

[Education]  Lifelong Learning Academy Unveils Winter Semester

Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy has announced its Winter Semester, including classes such as “Supreme Court: 2017 Cases,” “Symphonic Life,” “iPad for Beginners,” “Aromatherapy,” “20th Century Elections,” and “Quantum Mechanics.” And this is only a sampling of the more than 100 in-depth courses offered. Classes, lectures, Academy Talks, Einstein’s Circle series and special events are held at the Academy’s interim headquarters at Temple Beth Sholom. Classes are also offered at State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Westminster Towers and Shores in Bradenton, and, new this semester, a lecture series at the Paradise Center on Longboat Key. Weekly classes run two to eight weeks. No refunds on lectures, workshops, or special events; registration is transferrable. The winter semester includes a special series: “Futurist in Residence Workshop Series: 21st Century Thought and Trends with David Houle.” Houle is the “Futurist in Residence” and guest lecturer at Ringling College of Art and Design and known as “the CEO’s Futurist.” The series is designed for people active in business who are interested in trends, roadmaps, and envisioning what future belief systems will be. The winter semester also features the Boomer Conference 2018: Creating Your Next Chapter with Joy and Purpose, focusing on the social and psychological aspects of retirement and features speakers, roundtables, networking sessions and more. A Lunch and Lecture series will also bring special guests throughout the semester, and a documentary series will explore many prominent issues of the day. To register for any and all opportunities, visit the website below. 

Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy



[TODAY]  THEATER: Home for the Holidays , December 26, 8pm

The five young comedians of local group Millenial Fresh are sure to make audiences laugh in this holiday inspired sketch comedy show. Taking place at Westcoast Black Theatre, this event will be a great way to bust your gut for the holidays.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: New Years Eve Fireworks , December 31, 7:00PM

The 7th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and menu options onshore at Marina Jack along with a sparkling midnight fireworks show. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II for a four–hour celebration dinner cruise, complete with party favors, live music and fireworks on Sarasota Bay. Either way, you are sure to have a sparkling New Year! 

Marina Jack , 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: An Evening in Mayberry , January 5

The Dillards are a a musical group with a history dating back to The Andy Griffith Show over 50 years ago. Join them for an evening in Mayberry, and have the opportunity to relive musical memories and meet some of the Mayberry friendly faces. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Musical Landscapes , January 6, 7:30pm

See the world from your seat with an evening of musical panoramas. Whitacre's luminous reimagining of the River Cam, which flowed past his window at Cambridge University, features Sarasota Orchestra's own principal cellist Natalie Helm. Hailed for his "energy and enthusiasm," guest conductor Stefan Sanders dynamically guides guests on this matchless musical tour. 

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cast, Cut and Cold - Glass , January 8 – March 24

Technically amazing and visually stunning examples of creations by more than two dozen masters of glass art including Peter Bremers, Vadlec Ciglar and Irene Frolic astound in this exhibition. Numerous examples, styles and methods of glass casting and etching are represented in this one-of-a-kind gallery.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare in Love , January 10 – March 28

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, Shakespeare in Love will offer an entrancing theater production that follows the story of Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright tormented by writer’s block. To his rescue comes the vivacious Viola, Will’s greatest admirer. But Viola has a secret and Will finds himself star cross’d.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Mountaintop , January 10 – February 18

This performance depicts a fictionalized portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his last night of his life. With a theatrical imagination, the play gives viewers a window into what went on in the legendary man's life, and what his hopes, vulnerabilities and fears were.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit Call for Applications , January 10

SRQ MEDIA is calling for 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls to find your inner “roar” at the 2018 SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit and Luncheon on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 10:30am-1:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Explore the possibilities and celebrate every girl’s potential at SMARTgirl. Participants will engage in an innovative program designed to educate middle school girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grades on career imaginings and the tools they need to succeed through mentorship, soft skills training and hands-on workshops with some of the community’s top women leaders.

 

Hyatt Regency Sarasota , 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Nine , January 11 – January 28, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

Guido Contini is a wreck and dreading his 40th birthday, a dread that stifles the easy flow of his creative juices. He runs off to Venice in search of inspiration. In a swirl of present issues, revisiting traumatic memories and grasping at women likes straws, Contini finds himself on the verge of total annihilation.

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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: An Evening With Audrey , January 11, 5:30-8:00pm

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) was one of the greatest fashion icons and screen legends in history whose innate style and kindness captivated the world. Pamela Fiori, former editor in chief of Town & Country and Travel & Leisure magazines and six-time published author, presents a portrait of a much beloved woman, award-winnng actress, devoted mother, humanist, passionate gardener and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Join SRQ MEDIA and WIB Trailblazer Honoree Pamela Fiori for an enchanting evening of sparkling cocktails, conversation and exploration into Hepburn’s luminosity through images, film and stories.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College , 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Emily Larned , January 12 – March 17

This exhibition celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA), a social engaged art project founded in 2008 to investigate labor, time, and what we value. A selection from the first ten years of the project will be featured, and ILSSA co-founder Emily Larned will be in-residence in the gallery for the first two weeks of the show.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: The Hospital Gala , January 13, 6:00PM

Join us for the 2018 Hospital Gala at the Rtiz Carlton to raise funds for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Emergency Services team. All proceeds work to ensure that our families and communities receive the best care and that the accidents or traumas people suffer from can have their urgent medical needs be addressed.

The Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive Sarasota, Florida 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Fred Johnson Jazz Quartet , January 13, 8pm

Fred Johnson is an accomplished musician who has toured with the likes Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea and Miles Davis. A jazz, world music singer, and percussionist, Fred has been collaborating with Tampa Bay musicians for a series of performances with the theme of unity. Don't miss the evening of inspirational poetry, music, and art.

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: We Love Israel Shuk & Fair , January 14, 12pm

This event celebrates Israel's 70th anniversary of statehood. Attendees will be able to enjoy entertainment, food trucks and have the chance to purchase Israel-made products. Additionally, activities for children and educational opportunities are available. Admission is free and open to the public.

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh 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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