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SRQ DAILY Feb 8, 2018

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Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"There is a lot of attention on this House district race, locally and it appears nationally."

- Ron Turner, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections
 

[Politics]  District 72 Race Inspiring Record Turnout
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A special election to fill a vacant state House seat in the Sarasota area has already turned out a higher percentage of voters than any Florida special election since 2014. And early voting isn’t done yet.

According to Ron Turner, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections, nearly 24,000 people had already participated in the Feb. 13 election as of 2:30pm on Wednesday. Some 3,964 voters as of that point had participated in early voting at one of three locations manned by elections officials, and that’s on top of 19,968 mail-in ballots already returned by post. Early voting runs until 4:30pm on Saturday, and mail-in ballots must be received by 7pm Tuesday in order to be counted. “There is a lot of attention on this House district race, locally and it appears nationally,” Turner says. “And as a special election, it’s not competing with anything else right now.”

The election came about after the unexpected resignation of state Rep. Alex Miller, R-Sarasota, who said the job was taking away from her business and family responsibilities. But the race won broad attention for being in a somewhat swingy district when Democrats nationally want to demonstrate their mettle in advance of mid-term elections in November.

Republican James Buchanan, son of area U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, came in to the race with solid fundraising from a planned run in a neighboring district, and through Jan. 4 raised a total of $282,630. Democrat Margaret Good, by comparison, has raised $227,314. Libertarian Alison Foxall raised $14,577, more than any Libertarian state House candidate in Florida history. And none of this counts the hundreds of thousands spent through political committees on the election. Buchanan has touted an endorsement by Gov. Rick Scott, while Good last weekend announced the support of former Vice President Joe Biden, a demonstration of the seriousness with which party leaders at the state and national level take this race.

Turner’s office reports that more Republicans than Democrats have voted at this point, but Democrats have a slight edge in early voting. As of Wednesday afternoon, Republicans held about a 338-vote edge in terms of voters who have cast ballots.

Turner says the election turnout in Sarasota at this point dwarfs turnout in other special elections held in the state of Florida recently. A state House special election in Hillsborough-based District 58 saw a 15.2 percent turnout in December, with the Republican easily winning. Another Tampa area seat, in state House District 44, saw a turnout of 13.1 percent in October, and also saw the Republican win. But a Miami-Dade special election in September saw a Democrat pick up a state Senate seat, and even with the potential to flip the seat, that election drew out just 14.7 percent of voters.

The last special election to have a higher turnout than District 72 already boasts was a 2014 race to fill a Congressional seat, District 19 in the Fort Myers area, where 22.2 percent of voters came out. A Republican won that seat. 

[Philanthropy]  It's Never Too Early
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Studies have shown that the earlier students are introduced to the concept of going to college, the more likely they are to actually do so. Principal Steve Royce has been trailblazing academic programming at Gocio Elementary to ensure that students are aware of post-secondary opportunities. A strategic partnership with the newly-formed Two Steps Further Private Foundation, Inc. enhances that work. The foundation was created by the Studdiford kids, three local siblings, ages 12, 14 and 16 who came up with the idea together, determined to find a way to help other kids receive higher education. The first school to implement this program is Gocio, where it has already received high praise from the parents and the school community.

From 2nd-5th grade, students who complete their work on a computer based program called i-Ready, which predicts performance on state assessments, will be able to put money toward a college fund. The work that the student completes each month gets converted into a dollar amount that is then contributed to their own 529 College Savings Plan. Gocio also catalyzed a program with the Ringling College of Art & Design where all of their 3rd grade students are invited to visit the campus, giving them the first-hand opportunity to see a local private arts college. In 4th grade, they visit the State College of Florida to experience a technical community college. Last week, the 5th grade students got to travel to University of South Florida-Tampa to participate in its Engineering Day, when students majoring in engineering present the projects they’ve been working on all semester. The Gocio students were able to interact with the college students to learn about the design behind their engineering projects.

“A lot of times when we talk to our students, we tell them they should go to college," says Principal Royce. "But for them to actually get to walk on college grounds and be able to see what it would look like really makes it real. It goes from this mythical thing to something that they're able to understand and say ‘Wow this is what it would be like.’ We're giving them the chance to not only experience what it looks like at three different types of colleges, but also with our partnership with Two Steps Further, through their generosity, provide funding in order to make college a reality. We’re really creating dreams for these children.” The program just launched last week and he’s already heard one student saying, “I want to go to college now!” Millenials watch out, Generation Z kids appear ambitious enough to become the brightest demographic cohort to society.


About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $333 million in more than 1,400 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $33 million dollars this past year in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. Since our founding, more than $217 million has been invested back into the community through grants and scholarships.



 

Community Foundation of Sarasota

[ShopTalk]  TREAT Yo'SELF
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

If you’re wondering where that cute, little boutique in the Historic Burns district had gone, then we’re happy to be the one to tell you friends; TREAT has not disappeared. It just stepped up it’s digs to a new location! Owner and all around spitfire, Nicole, really was a treat to ‘ShopTalk’ with. She and her husband put blood, sweat and tears into getting the new space up and running completely on their own. They DYI constructed the flooring, painting, ceiling lighting, dressing rooms and shelving units all after normal work hours. The feat was well worth it. The shop breathes perfection. There’s a genuine homeyness about it, like it was built with love and resolution.

It doesn’t hurt that the components inside are to die for. Apologize to your bank account before you walk in the door, because it takes immense self-control to not place everything in there onto the checkout counter. We especially loved these SRQ vintage style ball caps by Aviate! With Valentines Day around the corner, if you're already dreading the thought of rummaging through your closet for a special outfit, not to worry; TREAT is ready to welcome you with flirty, fun clothing and accessories showcased in their new window display! Stick your hand in the proverbial cookie jar for a real treat and stop by Hillview Street. Don’t miss their grand opening party Friday, February 23rd from 5-8pm! See you there, fashion pioneers.

1849 A Hillview St. in Sarasota’s Southside Village. 

TREAT Boutique

[Expansion]  Autumn of Sarasota Rebrands as Aravilla

Autumn of Sarasota, a memory care community located on Proctor Road in Sarasota, has unveiled a new name, website and brand: Aravilla. Jim Soper, CEO of the management company Autumn Senior Living, said the change was made to better express the nature of the community as it grows. Aravilla will also include an assisted living community on the same property. It is currently under construction and scheduled to open in fall of 2018.  Aravilla Assisted Living will offer 120 new, fully licensed assisted living residences as well as amenities including restaurants, a piano bar, and a lagoon-style aqua therapy pool. A concierge approach to care will allow residents to select the levels and types of assistance they need, and onsite nursing care will be available around the clock. The name Aravilla is inspired by Ara, a constellation of southern stars first described by the ancient Greeks, and villa, which symbolizes luxurious living. It was developed with the help of Knight Marketing. The agency also developed a brand including a new logo inspired by swans that live on the Aravilla property and the new website. Autumn Senior Living also also has two other senior living communities in the planning stages: one in Osprey, FL and one in Clearwater. 

Aravilla

[Exec Moves]  Orioles Name Grondahl as Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships

The Baltimore Orioles have named Jennifer Grondahl as the club’s director of corporate and community partnerships for Florida Operations. Grondahl will be responsible for corporate sponsorship and community partnership integration for the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla. She will report to David Rovine, vice president of Orioles-Sarasota. Most recently, Grondahl served as the president of the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota from 2013-16, where she oversaw the executive administration, budget management and fundraising strategy and implementation. Prior to joining the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota Inc., Grondahl spent eight years as the president of Maestro Marketing, providing public relations and strategic communication services for a number of corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Grondahl was also named to the “40 Under 40” list by Gulf Coast Business Review in 2014. 

Baltimore Orioles

[Exec Moves]  Brooke Chase Places Gohil with Raypak

Sarasota-based executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates has announced the successful recruitment of Augusta Gohil as senior marketing manager with Raypak, the world’s leading manufacturer of copper finned boilers and heaters. Gohil will be tasked with developing BtoB strategies and executing all electronic marketing including web site and interactive eMarketing programs which will result in sales increases.  Gohil will also be responsible for managing all aspects of merchandising including brochures, spec sheets, catalogues, videos and all printed and on-line materials. With an extensive background in sales and marketing with Closets by Design, 3 Day Blinds and Smith & Noble, Gohil most recently held the position of marketing manager with Home Franchise Concepts. 

Brooke Chase Associates



[TODAY]  GALLERY: OPENING RECEPTION Heather Hutchison: Forever Changes , February 8, 5:30pm

This exhibition highlights Hutchison's trademark style, "more akin to the simplified beauty of James Turrell than the stark face of minimalism." (NY Arts Magazine) The comparison is important for anyone who has only experienced Hutchison’s art in reproductions. Viewers will see thin sheets of Plexiglas mounted on frames of birch plywood, their surfaces masked in duck tape or coated in beeswax. Moving closer-viewers are entranced by the rows of saturated color, glowing, inviting them to look, not at the artwork, but through it.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Shirley Valentine , February 8 – February 18, 8pm

Shirley Valentine is a one-character play by Willy Russell. Taking the form of a monologue by a middle-aged, working-class Liverpool housewife, it focuses on her life before and after a transforming holiday abroad. 

The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Trout , February 8 – February 11

There are few chamber pieces as famous as Schubert's brilliant Trout Quintet. This infectious piece gushes with bubbly optimism and uncomplicated joy. The viola finally gets to shine in Bowen's Fantasia. The work ranges from the instrument's dark chocolatey tones to its expressive high notes. An energetic work, Penn's Capriccio for Tuba and Marimba perfectly pairs agile and percussive strokes on the marimba with the lyrical tones of the Tuba. 

Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Seth Glier , February 9, 8pm

Despite his relatively young age, Seth Glier is a seasoned troubadour. A singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist who averages over 250 live performances annually, Seth has gone from opening act to headlining his own shows and playing major festivals. He has shared the stage with artists James Taylor, Ani DiFranco, Edwin McCain, Emmylou Harris and Ryan Adams and has quickly become known for his passionate live sets and powerful command of both piano and guitar. 

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Shivoo Havana Fashion Show , February 9, 11am-2:30pm

Get your SHIVOO on and come enjoy a boisterous celebration at the Shivoo Havana Fashion Show hosted by the Sarasota Garden Club at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. This energetic occasion features a raffle silent auction, live Cuban music and a photo flower wall. The raffle prize includes a gardening tour for two in sunny Cuba.

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Expanse: Linda Richichi , February 9 – February 20

Expanse is an in-depth look into the newest oil paintings of Richichi's. The exhibition will feature her plein air paintings of Sarasota's most awe inspiring spaces. Richichi's works draw from the energy, color and spirit of the landscape. While remaining representative, these works are abstracted and the focuses shifts to her brilliant eye for color, playful brushstrokes and texture from the palette knife.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Manon Lescaut , February 10 – March 23, 7pm

Love at first sight strikes the Cavalier Des Grieux and the enchanting Manon Lescaut. They flee to Paris, but when Des Grieux’s money runs out, Manon leaves him for a wealthy man. Yet despite the jewels and parties, Manon’s love for Des Grieux is inextinguishable and will burn them in ways they do not foresee.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Thrill of a Lifetime , February 10

Share in this “Thrill of a Lifetime” for the members of the Youth Philharmonic as they perform side-by-side with the professional musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra. The first half showcases the student winners of the Edward and Ida Wilkof Young Artists Concerto Competition, performing their winning pieces with the Sarasota Orchestra. The second half of the concert features the professionals and students together.

Neel PAC, 5840 26th St. West., Bradenton.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Grrl Rawk Concert , February 10

The Reseve's second "Grrl Rawk" festival is guaranteed to be an incredible musical experience, brought to you by all female musicians. Artists in the line-up include Divine AF, Spindle Kin, Verve and Lady Katt. Proceeds will benefit Selah Freedom, an organization that works to prevent human trafficking. Come out and enjoy great music for a good cause. 

The Reserve SRQ, 1322 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SRQ ProjecTHINK Conference , February 10, 8:45am-12:00pm

PROJECTHINK is the ultimate exploration into the world of innovation and creativity in learning. Designed for educators, professionals and anyone interested in thinking outside of the box, PROJECTHINK will challenge perceptions and jumpstart creative sparks, from early education to lifetime learning. How is learning adaptive? What are the new perspectives on engaging minds creatively at every age? How can organizations cultivate innovation and creativity to solve challenges? These questions and more will be explored along with cutting edge concepts and research at this year's PROJECTHINK Conference.  

Ringling College's Alfred R. Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: SRQ KidsFest , February 10, 12:00pm- 4:00pm

Launched as the brainchild of SRQ MEDIA President and CEO Lisl Liang as an experiential mosh-up of learning pathways, SRQ KidsFest deconstructs the whole mind ecosystem of creativity by curating an afternoon where curiosity, open-ended play, arts and design reign supreme. SRQ KidsFest is an experience designed to connect parents and kids with hands-on learning experiences, local engagement resources and opportunities in our region with a day teeming with exploration designed to deliver fun “a-ha” moments for the whole family.

In one afternoon program, SRQKidsFest will capture the power of imagination with interactive experiences with workshop such as letterpress, musical instruments, glass blowing, storytelling, architecture, arts and crafts and a variety of magical experiences designed to stir creativity.

Parents will be able to peruse booths showcasing the thoughtful programming, education and  family services available in our area from educational organizations to parenting resources, camps to sports and creative theatre to engineering.

Alfred R. Goldstein Library at Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  MUSIC: From Dallas with Love , February 11, 3pm

Audrey Lander’s accolades are numerous enough to fill an anthology, with prominent roles in “Dallas,” “Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Dukes of Hazard,” “MacGyver,” “Hollywood Squares,” “$100,000 Pyramid” and “Password.” Lander will be joining The Pops Orchestra to perform her favorite songs from the Great American Songbook. Witness a bonafide star and Lifetime Achievement Award winner in her element.

Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Eight Over Eighty , February 11, 10:30 AM

Eight Over 80 brings another highly anticipated and sold-out audience to Michael’s On East. Guests will enjoy a delightful brunch (not to mention mimosas), while hearing inspiring stories from this year’s eight worthy nominees. Join the Jewish Housing Council Foundation for a positive and emotionally charged event to begin the New Year with a fresh perspective. 

The Westin Sarasota, 1175 N Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Hip Hop Feminism and Local Open Mic , February 12

Join Ansley Jones as she shares her journey through the world of hip hop in words and dance. Jones is a multidisciplinary artist, dance scholar, official U.S. Cultural Ambassador, hip hop feminist, and women’s rights activist.  Following Jones' presentation, the floor will be opened for local performers.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: 2018 Best of SRQ Local Competition , February 12

The 10th annual “Best of SRQ Local” Readers’ Competition is officially open! It is time to sound the alarm, rally the troops, take to social media and VOTE for your favorite Sarasota establishments and causes to be recognized in one of our most popular editions of the year.

Readers can vote on local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and hotspots culminating in the compendium published in the April 2018 edition of SRQ Magazine. We hope you’ll share your favorite local experiences—from stellar sushi, most memorable on-stage productions to best happy hour.

SRQ Magazine

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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