SRQ DAILY Feb 20, 2018
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"This is going to be a real time of soul-searching for a lot of us."
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 today 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 tonight, will be postponed to a date in the future. We will announce a new event date shortly. 
The surprise retirement of a U.S. Congressman on Monday sent political powerhouses aflutter on Monday while setting the stage for one of the most disruptive election cycles in local memory.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Okeechobee, announced that he would not seek re-election after serving for a decade in Washington, D.C. “After what will be 10 years in the United States Congress representing the good people of Florida’s Heartland, it’s time to ‘hang ‘em up’ as my old football coach used to say,” Rooney said in a statement. “I will not be running for re-election to Congress in 2018.”
Rooney’s large and mostly inland district includes much of south Sarasota County, including Venice, North Port and Englewood, but it also stretches out east to Okeechobee, where Rooney lives, south to Fort Myers and north to Lake Wales. The Congressman made headlines in 2016 when he rescinded his endorsement of Donald Trump following the release of a lewd Access Hollywood tape. Rooney is a member of the high-profile House Intelligence committee, and his votes there have led to some contentious town halls since Trump’s election. But he’s also been broadly popular in the area, winning praise from a number of Republican leaders in Sarasota County.
And leaders were almost universally surprised by the Monday announcement, which left many prominent officials pondering whether to run for Rooney’s seat. The district stretches over nine counties, but 28.95 percent of registered voters live in Sarasota County, followed by 27.52 percent in Charlotte.
“The plurality of the population resides in the Southwest Florida region,” says state Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice. “Someone who is well situated here and who makes a good impression when they go outside of this area definitely has a fighting chance.” Gonzalez says he will evaluate very quickly whether to seek the seat himself. “How can you not consider it? It’s an important job that puts you in the role of having a direct influence on the future direction of the country.”
Also considering a run? State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, and Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight. "I am pleased and humbles by the phone calls I have recieved encouraging me to run for Congress," Steube says. "I wil be talking to my wife about this possibility and making a decision shortly."
Officials like Sarasota County Commissioner Al Maio say they plan to stay put in their current seats, but state Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, says he’s evaluating his options. “It’s my backyard, so I'm considering it,” Gruters says of a Congressional run. “But depending on what Greg Steube does, I may shift into that [state Senate].” The option shows the domino effect Rooney could have on the Gulf Coast’s political landscape. If state senators like Steube and Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, run for Congress, that means state House members may seek a promotion to Senate instead of running a federal race. And then pols at the county and city level may explore state House runs. And all of this ignores the entry of a major self-funded candidate.
The qualifying deadline to run for Congress in 2018 is May 4, and the state Division of Elections will accept qualifying papers as soon as April 16. The qualifying deadline for state and county offices is June 22.
Rooney won District 17 in 2016 with 61.8 percent of the vote over Democrat April Freeman. President Donald Trump won the district with 62.2 percent of the vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton’s 35 percent. The seat appears to be comfortably Republican, much more so than a state House district Democrats flipped in Sarasota this month. But Democrats will explore opportunities that open up as a result of the open seat. “My initial reaction is that an inevitable game of musical chairs is about to ensue,” says Keith Fitzgerald, Sarasota County Democratic state committeeman.
On that Christian Ziegler, Sarasota County Republican state committeeman agrees, suggesting people like County Commissioner Nancy Detert, a former south Sarasota state senator, may explore a bid as well. “No matter who or how many people run, it’s going to make the 2018 election even more fun,” she says.
Right now, Freeman and Democrat William Cyrus Pollard have already filed for 2018, as has Republican William Akins. Akins, a Port Charlotte Army veteran, intended to primary Rooney but suspected the congressman might not seek re-election when he waited so long after Jan. 1 to file. “There’s always the possibility somebody could jump up and primary us,” he says, but leaving a Republican meeting in Okeechobee, he says he’s got his eye on November. Freemad has raised $2,637, Pollard $2,831, and Akins $4,002.
La Mexicana by Bill Esparza, one of SRQ Magazine’s February 2018 Featured Cookbooks: Considering Esparza is one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican cuisine, this cookbook showcases LA’s famously rich and complex Mexican-food culture. Richly photographed and authentically local, it’s no wonder La Mexicana has become a definitive resource for home cooks and taco enthusiasts. Part cookbook and part food journalism, it’s filled with mouth watering recipes, neighborhood guides, profiles of chefs, restaurateurs and vendors.
Beef Fajitas By Chef Josef Centeno from Bäco Mercat & Bar Amá: This dish goes back to Josef’s childhood, reflecting the multicultural flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Fajitas, a beloved big Texan meal, re-cultured to star fine cuts of steak with sautéed vegetables, grilled cabbage wedges and warmed flour tortillas. Usually served on sizzling hot skillets, this is Josef’s L.A. version of the dish, served on a regular plate—no pyrotechnics here. Accompany with a bowl of Mexican rice and beans, and you’ve got yourself a caliente dinner for two!
Fajita Recipe: Serves 2 to 3
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon chile powder
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1 tablespoon coffee grounds (preferably fresh)
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 pound skirt steak, trimmed
¼ cabbage (wedge)
Vegetable oil for cooking
½ white onion, julienned
2 poblano chiles, stemmed, membranes removed, seeded (seeds reserved), and julienned
6 flour tortillas
Recipe published with permission. Photo courtesy of La Mexicana.
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) received a $6,325 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida "Support Autism Programs" specialty license plates. The grant will support Therapeutic Carriage Driving scholarships for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $79,725 in grants to 14 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. During the summer, Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and nearly 60 nonprofits from across the state applied for funding. Priority was given to creative and innovative approaches to serving individuals with autism and their families. Due to the success of last year’s grants and increased revenue provided by the sale of the "Support Autism Programs" specialty license plate, the Autism Services Grants Council can provide twice the amount of funding to awardees this year. Last year was the first year grants were administered. In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.
Comcast has announced it is introducing a new internet service in Sarasota that will deliver speeds up to 1 Gigabit-per-second to residential and business customers. These speeds will be among the fastest and most widely available in the area. The new speed is available across Comcast’s service area in Sarasota and neighboring communities, including Englewood, Longboat Key, Manatee County, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Venice. Comcast’s new 1 Gigabit Internet service will use DOCSIS 3.1 technology that makes it possible for Xfinity and Comcast Business internet customers to receive gigabit speeds over the communications lines that most customers already have in their homes and offices. The everyday price for residential 1 Gigabit service is $139.95 a month without a term contract. Bundled product pricing is also available. Customers interested in this new service will need a DOCSIS 3.1-capable modem, such as the company’s newest xFi Advanced Gateway, to achieve the faster speeds. Comcast first introduced its 1 Gigabit Internet service using DOCSIS 3.1 technology in the Jacksonville and Miami areas in 2017.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
The story of Aztec Two-Step is intertwined with the history of folk/rock music in America. Originating from a chance meeting at an “open mic night” in a Boston folk club in 1971, Rex & Neal’s first four albums on Elektra & RCA Records helped usher the music of the 60’s into the 1970’s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the musical genre. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim. In 1986, their album “Living in America” was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll. It also received the New York Music Award for the Best Folk Album.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Regarded as the world's greatest living violinist, Itzhak Perlman is no stranger to audiences in Sarasota and Manatee counties. In Itzhak, we learn about Perlman's struggles with polio as a young child, tales of growing up as the child of Polish survivors - where his mastery of the instrument takes him from his small neighborhood in Tel Aviv to the world's most prominent stages.
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, The Beatrice Friedman Theater, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota.
With influences across the globe, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica references everything from Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich to George Gershwin, for a jazzy sound all its own, sprinkled with world music traditions from Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans and Latin America. Performing as a quintet, selections range from Gershwin’s Preludes to the original “Would You Like Bongos with that Fugue?”
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
Two-time Chopped winner Israeli chef Einat Admony will be hosting a dinner featuring a variety of the best Israeli cuisine. Admony additionally is owner of several establishments in New York City, including Balaboosta, Bar Bolonat, and the Taim restaurants.There will be two seatings so as many as possible will be able to attend this event; tickets are $150 per person.
Louie’s Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Alone in a room for the first time in years, a couple is brought back together again after a harrowing breakup. As the play progresses, old wounds re-open, new truths surface, and the real reason behind their separation is learned. Delicate yet hard-hitting, Poison holds up a hopeful mirror to humanity where love and humour can still be found in the midst of so much pain.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.
Golfing with heart takes on a new meaning at The Concession Golf Club as two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin partners with The Concession Charities for the 8th Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic. More than 20 professional athletes are expected to attend, including current and former NFL players Eddie George, Joey Galloway, Leroy Hoard, Isaac Curtis, Will Allen, Michael Merriweather, Robert Smith, Louis Breeden and Keith Byars. Proceeds from the celebrity tournament will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, empowering more than 7,000 youth to reach their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Full event details are available online including an up-to-date list of attending celebrities and sponsorship opportunities
The Concession Golf Club , 7700 Lindrick Ln, Bradenton, FL 34202
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