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SRQ DAILY Feb 15, 2018

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"Public funding should not be just for the 10 percent of kids in voucher schools. Funding for public education should be for the 90 percent of kids who attend our public schools."

- State House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, D-Tampa
 

[Politics]  Dems See Victory as Rebuke of Vouchers
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Now that a nationally watched election resulted in the flip of a seat from red to blue, will it mean anything in Tallahassee? Democrats in Tallahassee certainly hope so, and made clear Monday that the first casualty of the voter mandate in Sarasota should be a proposal to expand school vouchers.

At a press conference at the state capitol shortly before state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, was sworn into office, party leaders said Republicans should back away from a plan to direct more funding to private schools or risk the wrath of voters statewide in November. “When is enough enough in the attack on our public schools?” asked state Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park.

Good told SRQ that protecting public education would be her most immediate priority now that she’s won a seat in the Legislature. “I am going to work hard on this education policy, as I talked about throughout the campaign,” she says. “This systematic move to privatize the education system is wrong, and I’m not going to stand for it.”

The Republican-controlled state House has advanced a bill that would increase the $1 billion spent on private school vouchers each year. Most vouchers in Florida today go to disabled students or to certain low-income students. If the new bill becomes law, it would also open vouchers to students who report bullying, harassment or other violence while in public schools. 

State Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice, says he’d like to see the vouchers conversation become more bold, not for it to be stepped back. “It needs to expand way beyond bullying,” Gonzalez says. “The conversation always has to be what options are available to provide a quality education to the most number of kids.”

And Sarasota County School Board chair Bridget Ziegler says too many lawmakers see the value of school choice for the course to change. "Perhaps the referenced politicians should hold less press conferences and focus on speaking with the people they represent," she says. "I'm confident that they'd hear from many people who support school choice as a vehicle to bypass failing public schools that they are assigned to simply due to the ZIP code they reside in."

But Democratic leaders suggested Wednesday that Good’s election demonstrated that all voters—Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans—all shared a distaste for plans in the Legislature to direct more funding toward vouchers. Going into a Tuesday special election, public polls showed Good had gained an edge over Republican opponent James Buchanan, but many were stunned when she took 52.17 percent of the vote to Buchanan’s 44.8 percent; Libertarian Alison Foxall won 3 percent of the vote. The seven-point margin came in a district Donald Trump won by 4.5 percent in November 2016.

“Public funding should not be just for the 10 percent of kids in voucher schools,” said state House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz, D-Tampa. “Funding for public education should be for the 90 percent of kids who attend our public schools.”

State Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, says though that policy didn’t drive the election Tuesday. And he said the arrival of Good in Tallahassee will mean little in terms of policy. The vouchers bill already passed the House, he notes. “It’s hard to fault any parent whose child is bullied the opportunity to change schools,” Gruters says. And charter schools will continue to be an issue primarily dealt with by local school boards, not state lawmakers. 

Gruters, also the chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota, says he welcomed Good to the House and promised to work with her to the benefit of the district. But he notes that, coming into the session, she won’t have much time to influence policy before facing a tough re-election campaign in November. “And with a Democratic rep, it doesn’t matter if they represent Miami, Tallahassee or Sarasota, they will get very little done in terms of legislation because of the fact Republicans have a two-to-one majority up here,” Gruters says.

Good, though, says she will use her time to do as much as possible before session closes. “Just like in my campaign, in the legislature I am going to work everyday to do everything I can,” she says. “This district has been without representation since August. Now that’s going to change.”

SRQ Media will host a deep dive dialogue on this issue at "SB2 Rumble Parley: School Vouchers, Charter Schools and School Choice" on Feb. 20 from 5:45-7pm at the Powell Crosley Estate. Further details and tickets available at link below. 

Pictured: Good speaks to Tallahassee reporters, flanked by House Democratic leadership.

SB2 Rumble

[Nosh]  Tartare Kickin'
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The Spicy Tuna Tartare can be found at Bijou Cafe in The Gossip’s Lounge– Bar Bites, as well as their full dining menu. The dish is an enticing standout that pairs oh so nicely with one of Bijou’s crafted cocktails. Chef Ryan put his spin on the taste and presentation with an upgraded variation from a past tuna tartare dish, giving it that extra umph that has you coming back for more. The freshly scooped avocado is flavored with a lemon truffle, while sriracha aioli does it’s work to kick it up a few notches. The crispy wontons take place of your fork so you can shamelessly shovel the crunchy goodness in with tender cubes of finely diced raw tuna. The dish is mixed with bold seasonings and garnished with microgreens for a finishing touch. Sharing may not be an option for you once you get as taste, so we give you permission to act a little greedy and order this appetizing nosh item for your solo indulgence.

1287 1st Street. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-8111

Bijou Cafe is a member of Nosh, the SRQ Magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Photo Credit: Wyatt Kostygan

Bijou Cafe

[ShopTalk]  Reasons to Recycle
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

You know that comfy, old T-shirt full of nostalgia from your favorite band’s tour way back when? You may still even throw it on to knock around at home since it doesn’t seem befitting enough to adorn in public, right? Well, Philosophy & Vines has redefined what it means to repurpose sentimental threads so that you have an excuse to chariot it to brunch or out to the bar. All shirts are individually unearthed and hand-picked– some are old, some new, but always reinvented. Boutique owner, Betty Graulich explains, “We pick jackets and button-downs that have details, comfort and fabric quality, not driven by a certain brand.” From there, a hunt ensues for vintage tees from local consignment shops and thrift stores of albums/concert tours, quirky prints and cool logos/graphics. Betty goes on to describe, “Once the shirts and patches have been picked, we then start the process of dying, bleaching, staining and thorough washing. Lastly, the patches or details are cut out from the original shirt and sewed on to the shire.”

In order to bust out these specially unique shirts, Philosophy & Vines collaborates with two other designers– one locally and one in Chicago. They are beginning to work with other artists for additional input and talent as well. Having each piece chosen and touched by multiple artists with different backgrounds makes your reconstructed top truly one-of-a-kind. It’s impossible to replicate anything these designers have created, as no two shirts are alike, which means you can count on being the only one in your outfit at the next party. None of that ‘Who wore it better?’ nonsense. 

606 S Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, Florida

Philosophy & Vines

[Education]  Applications Open for Sarasota County School Choice Process

Parents and guardians residing anywhere in the state of Florida are now able to apply for their children to attend a public school outside their regular attendance zone through the Controlled Open Enrollment process, more commonly known as School Choice. Sarasota County Schools invites parents and guardians from any school district in the state of Florida whose child is not subject to a current expulsion or suspension to apply for a 2018-19 School Choice assignment to a public school identified as having available space capacity. Applications for School Choice will be accepted through Friday, March 16, 2018. For the first time, the district’s school choice process requires that an online application be completed. If assistance is needed to access and submit an online application, parents/guardians may contact the Office of School Choice. Parents will be notified of choice assignments in May. The complete list of schools open to School Choice is available at SarasotaCountySchools.net. COE assignments will be determined by a random lottery process, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. 

School Choice Application

[Community]  Gulfcoast South AHEC Offers Cultural Competence Workshop

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center is going to offer a cultural competence in health and human services workshop in Sarasota on Friday, March 16, 2018, 8:30am-12:30pm at GSAHEC Sarasota. Gulfcoast South AHEC’s Cultural Competence in Health & Human Services course is designed to help healthcare providers and human service organizations, and their teams, work effectively in a culturally diverse environment. The goal of the program is to reduce disparities by equipping attendees with the necessary tools to deliver sensitive, patient/client-centered care and lower liability risks while driving behavioral changes in their own organization’s culture. The course curriculum was created by Cross Cultural Communications, and is divided into two interactive modules, Language & Communication and Connecting Across Cultures, each with distinct learning objectives. GSAHEC’s Advanced Cultural Competence Education and Support Services (ACCESS) Program offers medical interpreting training, certification preparation, language mediator training, basic occupational Spanish for the health care, human services and safety settings, and more. Early bird registration is $60 by February 28 and standard registration runs through March 9. 

Gulf Coast Area Health Education Center

[Exec Moves]  Carter Promoted to Manager of Historical Resources

The office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller recently promoted Phaedra Carter to manager of historical resources. An employee of the Clerk’s Office since 2005, Carter previously served as the supervisor of the Manatee Village Historical Park. She will train with the department’s chief historian, Cathy Slusser, to prepare for Slusser’s retirement in February 2020. Carter will continue to manage the Manatee Village Historical Park and the Manatee County Historical Commission. In her new role, she will also spend the next two years learning about historic preservation and the other sites and organizations within the historical resources department. 

Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller



[TODAY]  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. 

[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

[TODAY]  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]  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: 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]  SEMINAR: POSTPONED-SB2 Rumble Parley- School Vouchers and School Choice , February 20, 5:30-7:00pm

Event Update: Panelists Bridget Ziegler and Scott Hopes Called to Tallahassee

In the aftermath of tragic recent events, we learned that regional representatives and SB2 Parley Panelists Sarasota County School Board Chairwoman Bridget Ziegler and Manatee County School Board School Board Member Scott Hopes are being called to Tallahassee this Tuesday, February 20 as part of a series of meetings with state and local policy leaders on school safety preparedness. The SB2 Parley on School Vouchers and School Choice originally scheduled for the afternoon of the same Tuesday, will be postponed to a date in the future. We will announce the new date this coming week.

===

Dialogue about the future of public education has brought the topic of school vouchers and school choice to the forefront. Should government at the state and/or federal level be allowing parents to utilize public funding to select a public or private school of their choice? What is the impact of school vouchers on the quality of public education? Likewise, how do school vouchers a ect the quality of education at a private institution? 

Join SRQ MEDIA for and evening of innovation and engaement at the SB2 Rumble Parley. These panel discussions cover specific highly-charged topics impacting our region. Notable experts from both Sarasota and Bradenton will engage in deep-dive dialogue and thoughtful perspective and analysis on potentially divisive regional issues. 

Powel Crosley Estate , 8374 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[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: 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: 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]  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.

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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