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SRQ DAILY Feb 14, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"People in District 72 want leaders who listen and act boldly to better our community. I will be accessible, transparent and fully committed to this community that has provided me and my family so much."

- State Rep.-elect Margaret Good, D-Sarasota
 

[Politics]  Democrat Margaret Good Wins in District 72
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A Democrat has won the special election for state House in Florida District 72. Margaret Good won with 23,039 votes, while Republican James Buchanan took 19,782 and Libertarian Alison Foxall received 1,338, according to unofficial election results with all precincts reporting.

“The voters have spoken. People in District 72 want leaders who listen and act boldly to better our community,” Good says. “I will be accessible, transparent and fully committed to this community that has provided me and my family so much.”

Good, a Sarasota attorney, entered the race an underdog in a district that President Donald Trump won by 4.5 percent in November of 2016. But stellar fundraising performance and a national environment unfavorable to Republicans contributed to a decisive victory. Good raised $541,701. Buchanan, the son of Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, collected $475,099. Foxall did set a state record for Libertarian candidates by raising $30,847.

Democrats had also brought in big-name endorsements such as former Vice President Joe Biden, who recorded advertisements, and former presidential candidate Martin O’Malley, who canvassed for Good. Democratic gubernatorial candidates including Gwendolyn Graham and Christopher King also came to the area to knock on doors. And as the campaign gained traction, national Democrats made clear the contest was part of a national effort in 2018 to flip statehouse seats around the country. "If we can flip this seat, I really do believe no seat is safe," says Ryan Ray of the Florida Victory Fund, which hopes the Tuesday result portends Democratic success in November.

“This win shows us that Floridians are rejecting the same tired rhetoric we saw with Donald Trump’s campaign, which was the same rhetoric Buchanan used to try and win,” reads a statement from the Florida Democratic Party. “This is a referendum on Trump and the GOP.”

Republicans fought hard as Election Day neared, with more than 2,100 more registered Republicans going to polls Tuesday than Democrats. And state figures like U.S. Rep Matt Gaetz rolled into town in hopes of turning the tide. However, Democrats led by 3,367 based on absentee and early voting alone, and the GOP could not erase so large a lead.

“I rest comfortably knowing we left everything on the field,” Buchanan tells SRQ. “Everything I could possibly do as a candidate, I did.” He always knew, he says, that the dynamics of a special election made any outcome possible. Buchanan, who originally planned to run in District 71 this November before the special election opportunity arose, says he has not decided if he will run for office in the mid-terms later this year. “I wouldn’t rule it out,” he says. He congratulates Good, he says.

Republican Party of Sarasota chairman Joe Gruters on Tuesday night also congratulated Good and said Buchanan ran a “tough race.” A state representative himself, Gruters says he will work with Good on the region’s behalf in Tallahassee. “But let’s be clear,” Gruters says. “Democrats nationally have been whipped up in every special race since the historic election of Donald Trump in November 2016. But we’ve seen this even more as the Republican agenda in Washington has been increasingly successful with tax cuts, a roaring economy, excellent judge appointments and so on. This showed dramatically in this race where hundreds of thousands of dollars poured in for the Democrat from out of state and former Vice President Joe Biden made robocalls. None of that will be going on in November.”

Ultimately, the special election saw nearly 36.1 percent of voters turn out for the election. In comparison, the regularly scheduled Sarasota city election in March brought out just 19.2 percent of voters. In contrast, Sarasota County as a whole had a 58.9 percent turnout for the 2014 mid-terms.

The rare special election took place after state Rep. Alex Miller, R-Sarasota, resigned last year to spend more time on her business and with her family. Miller won the seat in November 2016 with 58 percent of the vote.

This area has been represented by a Republican since 2010, with Miller preceded by former state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota. Before that, and when the district was part of District 69, it was represented by former state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, from 2006 through his defeat in 2010. 

Precinct map of District 72, courtesy Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections.

[GoodBite]  Feel the Thunder
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Brick’s exclusive, specialty cocktails for Thunder By The Bay’s 20th Anniversary are sure to rev up your engine. One of Brick’s lead bartenders, Alex Barber created the names and recipes of the two featured libations pulling inspiration from the annual Sarasota biker festival. First up– Rollin’ Thunder, concocted with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from America’s oldest distilling sites. Fixings include peach schnapps, house-made Tiki sour mix and fresh muddled mint. The Easy Rider is made with Siesta Key Spiced Rum, a sweetened locally distilled rum shaken with Tiki sour mix, then topped off with dashes of Fee Brothers old-fashioned aromatic bitters and garnished by a Floridian Orange peel for extra zest. Don’t be last to the Block Party and grab one (or both!) of these palate pleasing cocktails, available for only a limited time from now until February 18th. Both are priced at $9.99 and three of those dollars go towards benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children. Cheers!

1528 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236 

Image provided by Brick's

Brick's Smoked Meats

[Closing]  Hand Picked SRQ Announces Closing Date, Pop-up Party

From Jesse White, owner and founder of Sarasota Architectural Salvage, and newly opened in the Burns Court District, Hand Picked SRQ offers vintage, recycled and hand-crafted furniture and accessories for the home. A pop-up marketplace, time is limited and the shop closes on March 31, 2018. In a quest to make the shopping experience unique and enjoyable, Hand Picked SRQ offers wine by the bottle every day, and wine tastings on Fridays from 4pm to 6pm hosted by Moto Vito owner Robert Shafer. The commodious space is divided to room displays, collections and thematic offerings. Artists, collectors, creators and designers present their offerings in a personalized way. From February 15 to March 17, Handpicked SRQ is open six days per week, Monday-Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and then 10am-4pm, 3/22-3/24 and 3/29-3/31. A PopUp Party will be held on Wednesday, February 21 from 4pm to 7pm. 

Hand Picked SRQ

[Government]  Manatee County Extends County Administrator Hunzeker's Contract

Manatee County Commissioners extended County Administrator Ed Hunzeker's contract until January 2020. Commissioners voiced unanimous support for Hunzeker and voted to approve a one-year extension to his current contract, which was to end Jan. 29, 2019.  Last year, Hunzeker's vision to redevelop and revitalize urban areas of the county took form, as the new Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department developed a strategic work plan for the Southwest District. Using funding collected in the new district, the County completed its first public-private redevelopment project at the Parkwood Professional Center on 26th Street West. Early in his tenure as Manatee County Administrator, Hunzeker won Commission approval for a new economic development incentive package for  businesses that promised to provide new performance-based jobs that paid above the county average. Commissioners have since approved nearly $11.5 million in economic development-related incentives to create or retain more nearly 5,200 local jobs here through 2021. The companies who have received local incentives have invested more than $648 million in capital improvements resulting in a more than $330 million in property tax revenues and $2 billion in local wages over the next decade. 

Manatee County

[Opening]  ComForCare Opens Sarasota Office

ComForCare, an in-home care provider, has opened a Sarasota office to meet the growing demand for in-home care as more people choose to live independently as they age. Led by local owner Kelly Brown, ComForCare of Sarasota provides non-medical home care to the area’s older residents and those who are disabled or recovering from injuries or surgery. Services include senior companionship, personal care, mobility assistance, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, family respite care and more, based on each individual’s needs. The ComForCare office is in Saba Plaza at 1055 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. 

ComForCare



[TODAY]  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.

[TODAY]  MUSIC: It's Been Reel , February 14 – February 17, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8pm

Movies and their musical scores go hand in hand. Gone with the Wind, The King and I, and Raiders of the Lost Ark all are as memorable for their music as their lasting lines and compelling stories. We won't need a movie screen in this orchestral concert.

Holley Hall, 709 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]  THEATER: Hunchback of Notre Dame , February 15 – March 4

From the Academy Award-winning team comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Thunder by the Bay , February 15 – February 18

The Annual Thunder By the Bay Motorcycle Festival continues to rev up a great time raising money for Suncoast Charities for Children. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s festival includes a Born To Be Wild Kickoff Party, Cruise for Cash Charity Motorcycle Ride, Bikes On Main Block Party, and a two day festival held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds with a special musical performance by Vegas McGraw. 

[SOON]  GALA: Van Wezel Foundation Gala , February 16, 5:00pm

Join the Van Wezel Foundation in celebrating their 30th Anniversary at their annual Gala. Enjoy an evening filled with cocktails by the Bay, dinner by Michael’s on East, premium performance seating and an exclusive after-party. Headlining this incredible evening will be pop music icon, Barry Manilow in his Sarasota debut. Proceeds help support the Van Wezel’s Schooltime Performance Program, community outreach and special needs of the Hall. 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota Chamber Annual Breakfast ft. Eric Spiegel , February 16, 7:30am

Former CEO of Siemens USA Eric Spiegel will be the keynote speaker at this 98th annual breakfast. Additionally, The Chamber will also briefly present its 2018 strategic goals for its membership.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jim Kweskin and Roy Book Binder , February 17, 8pm

Jim Kweskin is best known as a singer and bandleader. He also created one of the bedrock guitar styles of the folk revival, adapting the ragtime-blues fingerpicking of artists like Blind Boy Fuller to the more complex chords of pop and jazz. Musically, Roy Book Binder is difficult to categorize. His eclectic repertoire includes blues, country tunes, bluegrass, folk and popular songs that originated on Tin Pan Alley. This combination of musicians is sure to treat their audience to a musical experience that they do not get to hear everyday.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Carmen , February 17 – March 24

Ill-fated passion rules the tumultuous love of a gypsy and a corporal. Carmen is a musical experience that will take you on a journey through Seville, to the mountains with the smugglers, and finally to the bullring, where Carmen and Don José’s story comes to its tragic end.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: President's Day with Bill Schustik and James Hawkins , February 18, 7pm

For this show, Bill Schustik will open his troubadour's songbag to share stories and songs about our nation's former presidents. James Hawkins will share songs about Florida history and the Venice/Sarasota area. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Constellations , February 21 – March 16

Can one word alter the course of your life? A simple encounter between a man and a woman leads to a spellbinding journey across time and space. Science and romance collide in this unusual love story of infinite possibilities and the difference between choice and destiny.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Dreamgirls , February 20 – March 18

An opportunistic show business promoter sets the career of a female trio of black singers soaring as 1960s Motown music becomes popular with both white and black audiences. The group's success leads to the lead singer's demotion in favor of a more glamorous singer who had previously sung backup.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Midori Honors Bernstein , February 22 – February 25, 2:30pm and 8pm

Internationally acclaimed violin legend Midori makes her Sarasota Orchestra debut with this tribute concert to iconic American conductor Leonard Bernstein. Settling on the theme of love, Midori interprets Bernstein’s serenade for violin and orchestra, bringing the passion and virtuosity that audiences first saw when Midori took the New York Philharmonic stage at age 11.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Men, Whiskey, and Watches South County , February 22, 6:00PM

Men, Whiskey and Watches South County held at the Suncoast Air Center will feature a deluxe tasting from local restaurants, open bar and casino entertainment. Also enjoy whiskey tasting from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, premium cigars, and live and silent auction. Network with the area’s business community and help us raise awareness about child abuse in our beautiful community. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.

Suncoast Air Center, 400 Airport Ave. E Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  THEATER: Bullets Over Broadway , February 21 – March 11

Loaded with big laughs, colorful characters and the songs that made the ’20s roar, this show brings musical comedy back with a bang. Based on the screenplay of the acclaimed 1994 film by Woody Allen, this musical is a love letter to the Golden Age of Broadway. A straight-arrow playwright plans to stand firm against compromising his work but quickly abandons that stance when his producer finds a backer to mount his show on Broadway.

The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Heather Maloney , February 22, 7pm

Coming to Sarasota is Signature Sounds artist, Heather Maloney. Maloney has toured nationally as a headliner as well as in support of acts like Lake Street Dive, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Gary Clark Jr., Colin Hay and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In 2014 she collaborated with the rising Boston quartet Darlingside on the Woodstock EP, a tribute to the Joni Mitchell-written, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-covered 60’s anthem. The cover was featured on the New York Times and garnered attention from Graham Nash himself. Her sound is inspired by a mix of 60's and 70's rock and 90's radio hits from women like Fionna Apple and Mariah Carey. 

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ballet Hispánico , February 23 – February 25, 2pm and 7:30pm

Since its founding in 1970 by Venezuelan-American dancer and choreographer Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico has dedicated itself to the exploration and celebration of Latin dance of all kinds. Now under the direction of Eduardo Vilaro, the Manhattan-based company fuses classical, contemporary and Latin dance into one beautiful presentation.

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Flooding Adaptation in Costal Florida: A conversation outlining a platform for adapting to future climate disruptions , February 23, 6pm

Brooks and Scarpa principal, Jeffrey Huber will lead a panel discussion with professor of environmental studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, Tim Rumage and architect, professor at University of Kansas and recipient of the AIA Upjohn Research Initiative Grant, Keith Van de Riet entitled "Wicked Water". The discussion will emphasize the importance of understanding that the coastline is not static and of adaptation in urban planning to accomodate changes. 

Center for Architecture, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Renesito Avich and Friends CD Release Party , February 23, 8pm

The party will feature Mauricio Rodriguez on Bass, Gabriel Hernandez on Piano, Patriciochino Diaz on percussions and Adanyer Guzman Delfino on trumpet. Guest singer Miriamne Martinez Ramos. A native of Santiago, Cuba, Renesito's music fully exploits the possibilities and techniques of the tres guitar.  Through the veins of this young artist flow the melodic cadence coined by Miguel Matamoros. Hailing from Cuba, Gabriel Hernandez is an extraordinary pianist and composer who studied in the conservatory of Camagüey, and who has been performing in jazz festivals and clubs for the past 30 years with his own projects and with the Afro-Cuban All Stars and Cubanismo.

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