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SRQ DAILY Apr 24, 2018

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"We have a lot of statewide elections decided by 100,000 votes or less, and that's when 990,000 Democrats haven't been targeted."

- Jordan Letschert, Florida Democratic Party
 

[Politics]  Democrats Make Rare SWFL Play
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Democrats feel optimistic about their chances in November, so much so they will direct resources and organize in Southwest Florida. But can it make a difference in areas where Republicans hold a numbers advantage? With the appointment of a Sarasota activist to the Florida Democratic Party’s board of trustees, party officials clearly aim to find out.

Jordan Letschert, now one of 20 people on party’s board, said this year marks a chance at “revolutionizing the Florida Democratic Party.” The appointment means he will end his bid for Sarasota County Commission, where he had been in a primary with Wesley Beggs in District 4, and he called for candidates to avoid primaries in the Sarasota area for the sake of unity.

Letschert said it’s a good time for Democrats to reorganize state priorities, not only because of the signs of a strong performance in the mid-terms but because the FDP has been in the process of cleaning house. As the party bolsters its get-out-the-vote efforts and debates its core mission statement, Letschert says the party will reach into parts of the state largely untouched in recent cycles. And while the FDP for years relied on a strategy of boosting turnout in stronghold areas like Miami, the party now will try to be competitive outside just major metropolitan areas. “There are Democrats in Sarasota,” Letschert says. “We have a lot of statewide elections decided by 100,000 votes or less, and that’s when 990,000 Democrats haven’t been targeted.”

JoAnne DeVries, chairman of the Sarasota Democratic Party, says officials will organize for candidates up and down the ballot. At the state level, Democrats this year devised a 67-county strategy plan and will participate in moderate races. “One of the things they have done is hire Community Engagment Directors in regions around the state,” DeVries says, “who will be working with area DEC's to assist in organizing/training.”

But will it translate into results? Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota, says it would take more than a single good election cycle to produce huge results in a county where Republicans still outnumber Democrats by about 38,000 voters. “Republicans may be facing somewhat of a headwind come November,” he says, “but in Sarasota County, the numbers are the numbers.” For emphasis, he turns to the frequently discussed “blue wave” coming in November. Sarasota County boasts a 100-foot Republican seawall, Gruters says, so a 60-foot wave that would flood out some areas won’t necessarily wash out here. That said, some regions with a tighter registration gap could see competitive contests, and the mix of candidates in any given race ultimately has an effect as well.

Christian Ziegler, Sarasota County’s Republican state committeeman, says a shift in priorities could only happen if Letschert and company dramatically change the Democratic party’s legislative agenda and stop focusing on identity politics. “I won’t hold my breath for that to happen,” Ziegler says, “which is why I predict that the current media storyline of the 'Blue Wave' will appear in headlines the morning after election day as the 'Blue Hype.'”

But Letschert says the stakes this November offer a lot of appeal to Democrats, who want to hold a U.S. Senate seat, take the governor’s mansion and pick up legislative seats, including one in Sarasota. “The new philosophy will be to reach into county and municipal races like we haven’t seen before,” he says. 

[GoodBite]  Caveman Cooking
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Ever wonder what it was like to forage and dine as a caveman? Here's the lowdown on the growing popularity of the "Caveman Diet". In its most basic breakdown, this dietary lifestyle is based on whether foods are ‘in’ or ‘out’. ‘In’ are Paleolithic Era foods that we ate prior to agriculture and animal farming (grass-fed meats, fish, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, regional fruits and veggies, leafy greens, roots, and healthy oils such as olive, avocado and coconut). ‘Out’ are Neolithic Era foods that have resulted from agriculture or animal husbandry (grains, dairy, beans/legumes, potatoes, seed oils, trans fats, artificial foods and sweeteners). The Paleo concept is to solely consume foods that are ‘in’—gaining nutritional requirements that have not been processed or manipulated by man. If this sounds of interest to you, but don’t know how to adapt/begin—great news!

Southern Steer Butcher is hosting weekly Paleo Food Prep Classes—featuring a new Paleo Diet Menu each month. They do all the hard work, you just assemble the meals at Southern Steer and bring them home to cook, and most are already crock pot ready! They’ve even teamed up with a nutritionist to make these meals substantial and delicious. April’s menu consists of—Carne y Vino, Cowboy Angus Burgers, Paleo Italian Beef, Barbacoa Beef, Shredded Pork, Italian Pork Chops, Green Chili Pork, Pork Carnitas, Hawaiian Chicken, and Spinach Bacon Turkey Burgers.

The all-inclusive workshop, 10 menu items that feed 4-5 people each, plus two “take and bake” sides will run you $169. Classes are from 7:30pm—9:00pm and space is limited to 10 people per class. If you like the menu, but can’t attend a class, Southern Steer can assemble everything for you for $25 in a take home reusable freezer bag. You’ll soon be well on your way to a nourishing feast fit for a caveman, sans all the primal work of hunting and gathering 

Southern Steer Butcher, 4084 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 34233, 941-706-2625.

[Community]  First 1,000 Days Sarasota County Launches

First 1,000 Days Sarasota County is a collaborative initiative of 32 partners strategically led by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and facilitated by Bill Little, the former director of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, The initiative has pledged to raise $1 million for a three-year pilot program to connect families in need to a system of care. The initiative will also proactively reach out to families with messages on the importance of prenatal care, early childhood development and the many resources available. In Sarasota County, 52% of babies are born into families living in poverty. These families often lack stable housing, food, healthcare, and other resources key to babies’ foundational physical, emotional and intellectual development. The initiative launches April 25 with an announcement at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Participating partners include All Faiths Food Bank, Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center and more. 

First 1,000 Days Sarasota

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Appoints Cassidy

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has appointed Terry Cassidy, LICSW, to lead the health system’s Bayside Center for Behavioral Health and its regional safety net of addiction and mental health services. Cassidy assumed the position of Bayside’s executive director yesterday, succeeding Ken Alexander, who retired after 25 years with Sarasota Memorial. Cassidy is a licensed independent clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work from Boston University. During a career that spans nearly 25 years, Cassidy has helped a number of organizations spearhead programs and secure grant funds to address specific needs in the communities she served. Some of those initiatives and programs included launching a new Partial Hospital Program and Intensive Outpatient facility serving 50 patients a day in central Massachusetts; facilitating a 48-member Community Coalition directed toward prevention and early intervention of substance abuse/misuse in Massachusetts; leading a taskforce of more than 50 legislators, government and school officials, social service providers and community leaders to address the needs of homeless families in central Massachusetts; and developing a day treatment program for Latino men and women recovering from addiction in Boston. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

[Opening]  Sabal Palm Plaza Announces Grand Opening

Sabal Palm Plaza, the newest Downtown Sarasota development from Red Property Management, located at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard, Links Avenue and Osprey Avenue, has announced its grand opening for this Thursday, April 26. Inside the construction from the architects of Apex-Studio Suarez, Diane Lawson, CCIM and SVN are partnering with Sabal Palm Bank for a new Downtown Sarasota headquarters. At the opening, guests will tour the fourth floor and view the final available space. 

Sabal Palm Plaza



[TODAY]  MUSIC: A Chorus Line , April 24 – April 25, 8pm

A Chorus Line is musical theatre in its purest form. Its celebration and true-to-life depiction of performers and their struggle to achieve greatness on the Broadway stage has earned the show unanimous praise as one of the true masterpieces of live theater.  The iconographic stories, simultaneously touching, funny and inspiring, will haunt you long after you leave the theater. 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Collaboration Celebration , April 24, 11:30am-1:00pm

Collaboration is our common thread. Our community creates the ties that bind. On April 24th The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center celebrates the many nonprofits who have found valuable collaborations on its Campus of Caring. You are invited to the Collaboration Celebration Luncheon at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens to join in honoring three agencies nominated by GSHSC’s campus community for their collaboration, growth and engagement: Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, More Too Life and Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness.

Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 United States

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Environmental Summit in Sarasota , April 25 – April 27

Don’t miss this community-wide environmental event that happens only once every five years. Expert panel discussions, viewpoints from local thought leaders, and provocative lightning talks will weave connections between our environmental heritage and a resilient future for healthy natural habitats.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Nice Work If You Can Get It , April 26 – May 13, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

A play written in the spirit of Gatsby, Nice Work tells the riveting story of a wealthy bachelor in search of meaning. Jimmy Winter is marrying just to appease his mother and retain his inheritance, but when he drunkenly stumbles into a team of bootleggers, his life unwittingly takes a turn for the new. 

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SRQ Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon , April 26, 10:30am-1pm

SRQ | The Magazine hosts the fourth annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees and winners who are inducted into the esteemed 2018 WIB Leadership Circle during the awards ceremony. Keynote Speaker Cricket Burns of CricketsCrush.com is known for her renowed personal style and for having her finger on the pulse of collective fashion trends. She became an esteemed fashion editor and stylist in New York City where for three decadres, she held masthead positions at numerous publications including posts as fashion editor at Harper's Buzaar and Seventeen magazines. Now she focuses her laser-chic styling on the world of home decor. This year's Trailblazer Awards honoree Patti Cazzato was appointed CEO of Timbuk2 in 2014 to helm the company in its 25th anniversary year. She spent nearly three decades in global retail expansion, creative merchandising, product innovation and sustainable manufacturing with high-profile, multi-billion dollar global brands. Pop Up Boutiques and Registration: 10:30am, now expanded to Louies Modern. Luncheon program: 11:30am to 1pm. And, new this year, a post-event Roar Social takes place at Louies Modern from 1-3pm. Tickets: $75/person and $850/table. Click here for tickets.

The Francis, Downtown Sarasota, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mummenschanz You & Me , April 26, 8pm

This Swiss-based theater troupe has been dazzling worldwide audiences for more than 45 years with inventive uses of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects. “you & me” focuses on the love and mutual joy the audiences and performers experience in Mummenschanz’s one of a kind theatrical performances, hence the title “you & me”. As musicians of silence, their soundtrack is the awe, joy, and laughter expressed by audiences in response to their pioneered form of visual theater.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Great Masters of Dance , April 27 – April 28, 2pm and 7:30pm

Closing the season with two company premieres and one of the sexiest shows in ballet, the night begins with Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading. A company premiere, this epic romance celebrates pure dance with unfettered passion. Following Leaves, the company premiere of George Balanchine’s Bugaku illustrates the choreographer’s genius, and concludes with another production of company favorite Sir Frederic Ashton.

Sarasota Opera House, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Blossoms and Brunch , April 28, 10:30am

Share the legacy of Mable’s beloved rose garden while you enjoy a beautiful brunch surrounded by blooming roses. Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a mimosa reception complete with entertainment and silent auction. A seated brunch will begin at 11:30am. Following brunch, return to the rose garden to discover a variety of sweets at our dessert buffet. $120.

Bayfront Gardens Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: James Bond in Cello Case , April 28 – April 29, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3pm

Putting the debonaire and danger back into the cello, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet thrills and entertains with nontraditional programming and performance leading back to a single source—MI6 superspy James Bond. The quartet brings iconic Bond songs to new life, ranging from the days of Sean Connery and From Russia with Love to Daniel Craig’s modern incarnation.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Yanni 25 Live At The Acropolis Anniversary Concert Tour , April 29, 7pm

Live at the Acropolis was released in 1994 and is the first ever live album and concert video from the maestro. Recorded at the Herodes Atticus Theatre in Athens with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra from London, the concert took a year and a half to complete. Live at the Acropolis became an incredible success and is the second best selling music video of all time.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SRQ Vets: Vietnam Remembrance Day , April 29, 3:30pm

Join SRQ Vets in honoring all who served during the Vietnam Conflict at JDub's Brewing Company. Family activities such as a bounce house and games will be available, as well as adult activities such as drinking, dancing and an auction. Time was served and now is the time to honor service.

JDub's Brewing Company, 1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: SRQ Magazine Salsa de Mayo Festival , May 5, 10:30am-1pm

Join us for SRQ Magazine's SALSA DE MAYO FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10:30-1pm outside at Morton’s Market in Southside Village, Sarasota. Local chefs are invitied to create an interpretive gourmet salsa to compete for the title of Best Handcrafted Salsa. Attended by food enthusiasts, families and neighbors, Salsa de Mayo showcases innovative creations from fire-roasted poblano salsas to shrimp salsa ceviches! Join us to celebrate the magazine's 20th Anniversary as we turn up the heat!

Morton's Gourmet Market, Outside, 1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: 88th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament , May 9 – June 17

A party at White Buffalo Saloon will kick off this year's 5 week Tarpon Tournament. This tournament is historic and has taken place in Sarasota anually since 1930. If you’re looking to make new friends, have some fun and test your angling skills, come fish with us and yours could be the next name on that trophy. Tarpon are world-class game fish and are easy to access directly off Sarasota’s beautiful beaches. Described as one of the most exciting fish to catch, tarpon are known for spectacular leaps and determined fights. For more information, click the following website: http://www.sarasotatarpontournament.net/.

White Buffalo Saloon, 5377 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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