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SRQ DAILY May 31, 2018

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"What's good for Sarasota is not always what's right for Manatee, and that may not be the best for Hardee County."

- Joe Gruters, state Rep, R-Sarasota
 

[Education]  Districts Navigate Guardian Funding for School Safety
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Funding for a guardian program authorized by Florida’s new school safety law remains among the most controversial aspects of the legislation, but districts around the state have chosen to implement measures in very different ways. Sarasota County will institute a new police force dedicated to schools. Manatee County will supplement sheriff’s deputies with private security officers. While the passed bill would allow districts to let existing personnel carry weapons and act as guardians in addition to their existing duties, neither school system in the Sarasota-Bradenton area has chosen to go that route at most schools. “We always try to give local governments as much control as possible,” says state Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. “What's good for Sarasota is not always what’s right for Manatee, and that may not be the best for Hardee County.”

In Manatee, officials appear poised to supplement their own hired security in addition to an existing force of student resource officers hired through the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. When the new school year begins, the district will keep 32 sworn officers employed at a cost of $2 million, then hire another 28 guardians for an additional $1.3 million. With the state kicking in $2.2 million, that leaves $1.2 million for the district to cover in other ways, says district spokesman Mike Barber. “It’s unfortunate we’ve been painted into this corner by an underfunded mandate of the legislature,” says Charlie Kennedy, Manatee County School Board member. “We don’t have the money for full-time licensed law enforcement, so we have to go this guardian route.” School Board Chairman Scott Hopes still would like to see funding provided to hire more sheriff’s deputies and police officers to provide the security. “I expect us to be improving the plan and job descriptions,” Hopes says, noting the district will ultimately have a dedicated staff person just overseeing security.

In Sarasota County, leaders have opted to establish their own police force. While the district now works with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and local police, that would change once a dedicated agency for school security launches. Disagreements between school administration and police leadership made headlines over recent months, but, ultimately, Sarasota County School Board Member Shirley Brown says the district needs control over those officers dedicated to protecting campuses. “If we are going to pay 100 percent of costs but have no input on who would be there and who they answer too, why not just hire them ourselves?” Brown says. That way the district will make decisions down to what equipment officers use on campus. But the option could prove costly, much more than the $2.4 million coming to Sarasota from the state. School Board member Eric Robinson worries about the cost and time to implement a force, and he’d rather extend work with existing police agencies. “We are really good at training educators,” Robinson says. “Historically we have gone to the Sheriff’s Office because they're really good at providing security.” Gruters likewise dubbed the school force a “Cadillac plan.”

Gruters notes districts like Hillsborough and Polk have done revenue-neutral plans that incorporate the guardian program to arm non-essential personnel already on campuses, but neither local district favors that. Barber says existing personnel already have full-time jobs that demand their focus. Kennedy, for his part, says he was relieved guardian funding would be available even without arming personnel.  

[PBnT]  One of Everything Please
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Downtown’s newest, fastest, casual restaurant serving America’s high demand favorites—pizza, burgers and tacos—recently remixed its menu’s take on the three staple dishes. Further creating a dining experience that satisfies everyone in a group—from families with hard-to-please kids to coworkers with different tastes to a hangry team of baseball players—the idea is to appeal to the masses. Nobody has really been able to come up with a restaurant that will please the whole group until now. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican or a hearty burger, PBnT prides itself on really fresh and really fast food, while not actually being Fast Food. The sole factor alone of never frozen ingredients, puts it on a level on its own. The pizza doughs are hand-stretched and homemade each morning, while the taco meats and beef patties are freshly sourced.

The new menu will have more options for the dietary-restricted or the health-conscious diners including added vegetarian and gluten-free items. They even stepped up their game from beer and wine by adding homemade alcoholic beverages like margaritas and sangria. There’s also a friendly kid’s menu for the little tykes now, as well as free delivery downtown, Uber-eats available and even catering. Whether people are looking for a quick, quality place to eat during their lunch break, a fun atmosphere for happy hour or a place to order takeout from home, PBnT wants to be your one-stop-shop for noms.

PBnT is a member of Nosh, SRQ magazine's content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Image provided by American Dreams Restaurant Group

Pizza Burgers N Tacos, 1409 Main St., Sarasota, 941-914-9955.

[ShopTalk]  Sweet Like Marmalade
Jordan Glover, jordang@srqme.com

Both a salon and a boutique, Marmalade features the best of both worlds, welcoming fashion and beauty gurus alike, providing hair, nail and makeup services and its very own collection of cutesy jewelry, clothing, home décor and other fun trinkets and gifts. The shop’s vibrantly colorful interior complementing its playful, beachy merchandise makes for an intriguing and inviting greeting upon visitors’ arrival–as does the weekly sale rack out front.

While Marmalade’s products price quite reasonably, bargain hunters can still look forward to striking gold with marvelous deals and steals. Sale items range from sweaters and cover-ups to sun dresses and handbags. The sales do change; items on the rack might cost $10 one week and then be marked 50% off the next­, and they are often snatched rather quickly–all the reason to stop in more frequently!

Whether you drop by for sun-kissed highlights and a manicure, or to simply explore the boutique’s trendy knick-knacks, a visit to Marmalade lives up to its namesake–sweet and satisfying­. 

Marmalade Salon & Boutique, 3617, 1927 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-362-0276

[Government]  Sarasota Declares State of Emergency for Lido Beach

A local State of Emergency was declared by the City of Sarasota for Lido Beach erosion Wednesday afternoon following an extensive walking inspection of the severely eroded beach by City Manager Tom Barwin and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection official. The City Manager is authorized to declare a State of Emergency with approval from one City Commissioner.  Mayor Liz Alpert, the District 2 City Commissioner, concurs and is in full support of the State of Emergency, calling it “necessary.” The State of Emergency applies to the most threatened portions of Lido Beach. On the southern half of Lido Beach, markers R-37 south to R-44.2 are included.  Along the northern portion of Lido Beach, markers R-31 to R-33 are part of the local State of Emergency. The City is pursuing two tracks to renourish Lido Beach:  short term and long term.  In the short term, the City has an approved permit and expects to replace sand lost during Hurricane Irma by this fall. In the long term, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection initially approved a permit for a 50-year program with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to renourish Lido Beach on a regular basis, perhaps every five years. Earlier this month, a state administrative law judge upheld the joint federal-local restoration project.  Barring further litigation by Siesta Key petitioners, that program could begin by the end of the year. 

Lido Beach State of Emergency Declaration

[Government]  Applications Open for Florida Master Gardener Training

Manatee County's Agriculture and Extension Service is currently taking applications for its Florida Master Gardener training class for new volunteers. The class begins August 8, 2018, meeting every Wednesday from 8:30am to 4:30pm for 14 weeks. Class sessions are held at the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Agriculture and Extension Service in Palmetto. The class fee of $200 includes all workbooks, textbooks, and field trips. Trainees pair with veteran Master Gardeners who serve as mentors in the program. Upon completion of the training and internship portion, participants are certified as Florida Master Gardeners by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Working with the Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, Master Gardeners provide volunteer service by disseminating horticultural information to the public in Manatee County. Manatee County is one of the three original counties in Florida to hold Master Gardener training; the program has been in place since 1979 and has provided training to hundreds of quality volunteers. This year's class topics include basic botany, entomology, vegetable gardening, wildlife, diagnosing plant problems, plant identification, citrus care, plant propagation, turf selection and care, and many other subjects. Prior gardening experience is not required. The deadline for applications is June 29, 2018 and class size is limited. 

Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service

[Business]  Ruberg Sworn in Before US Supreme Court

Jodi Ruberg, a civil litigation attorney with the law firm of Kirk-Pinkerton, P.A., took the oath of admission to the nation’s highest court on May 14 before U.S. Supreme Court’s Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, Associate Justice Stephen Breyer and Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch. Ruberg, a graduate of Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, joined Kirk-Pinkerton in August 2017. She serves corporations, nonprofits, governments and individuals with litigation ranging from commercial law, probate disputes and issues arising from the Florida Sunshine laws. She will also serve on the board of directors of the Sarasota County Bar Association for its Division of Young Lawyers for a one-year term beginning in August 2018. In addition to being a member of the Florida Bar and the U.S. Supreme Court, Ruberg is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. 

Kirk Pinkerton

[Real Estate]  Kesslak Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group

Joseph Kesslak has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group as a Realtor in the Siesta Key office. He specializes in residential and investment properties. An active real estate investor for 35 years, Kesslak has been involved in buying, remodeling and managing both residential and commercial real estate. His background in financial consulting helps guide buyers and sellers in making real estate decisions for personal or investment purposes. A chartered financial consultant and chartered life underwriter, he owns his own insurance consulting company, Kesslak Financial Group Inc., in Johnstown, PA. He also owns a local real estate company, Casey Key LLC. He brings exceptional negotiating skills and a strong customer focus. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty

[Synergy]  All Faiths Food Bank Receives $200,000 Gift

All Faiths Food Bank received a $200,000 gift from Gerri Aaron and Marvin Albert in support of All Faiths Food Bank’s new building expansion. The new Program Center has been named after them. The center will be the hub of hunger relief and outreach programs. 

All Faiths Food Bank



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads , June 9 – June 1

The Ringling is pleased to announce the presentation of the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s 12 monumental bronze sculptures, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. A sculptor, photographer, installation artist, architect and social activist, Ai is one of the most renowned artists working today. Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads was inspired by the fabled fountain-clock of the Yuanming Yuan, an 18th-century imperial retreat just outside Beijing. The 12 bronze Zodiac Heads stand on bronze columns. Each animal head measures approximately 4 feet high and 3 feet wide. The animal heads on their columns reach between 9.8 and 12 feet high, with each one weighing approximately 800 lbs. The sculptures will be on The Ringling’s grounds, which are free and open to the public. For more information please visit www.ringling.org

The Ringling, 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  FOOD: Reserve Spring and Summer Wine Tastings , May 31, 6pm

Come through the Reserve to help them fine tune their retail wine selection. Wines from a wide array of places such as France, Italy, Argentina and more are offered. Pair the wine with a savory meat and cheese platter and enjoy the low key evening. The event is reoccuring, so May 31 is not the last chance to take advantage of this wonderful deal.

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

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Twenty-Third Annual Loveland Show–Unplugged: The Best Day of Your Life! , May 31 – June 3

Venice Theatre and the Loveland Center have been partnering for 20 years to provide adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities the chance to grow and learn through theatre study. Loveland students, under the direction of professional staff and with help from community volunteers, rehearse all season to present this full-scale musical on MainStage.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave West, Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Free Performance by Reggie Harris and Sarah Gancher , June 1, 7:00pm

Join the Retreat in welcoming Kennedy Center Teaching Artist Reggie Harris and Playwright Sarah Gancher as they share their work and spread knowledge of American history through song; Harris will share and explain secret code songs used by runaway slaves and their allies during the time of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, and Gancher will share a scene or two from the play she is writing for the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: World Oceans Day , June 2, 10:00am-1:00pm

A worldwide ocean celebration is on the horizon. Join the fun during the World Oceans Day Family Festival on Saturday, June 2 at Mote Aquarium. Mote’s World Oceans Day event will spotlight the ocean's deep connection to the human spirit and the boundless inspirational power of our natural world's greatest resource. The family festival is free with regular paid admission to Mote Aquarium and is free for Mote Members.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: All About Women Expo , June 3, 12pm–5pm

Experience a day of pampering for women with four featured areas that host Beauty, Wellness, Fashion and Girls Wanting to Have Fun. Enjoy make-up and hair care techniques, massages, sample products, talk to doctors and health professionals, watch a fashion show and more, all for free. Register to have access to the VIP area with wine tastings, a painting class, photo booth, appetizers and everyone receives a glam bag full of swag.

Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, 8201 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Music Festival , June 4 – June 23

Classical musicians from around the world converge for three weeks of breathtaking concerts, featuring artists such as Vijay Venkatesh and Robert Sirota.

Sarasota Orchestra, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Jungle Book , June 6 – June 24

Join Mowgli, Baloo and friends when Asolo Rep presents the world premiere of Jungle Book from the creators of the hit show Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Using the same jaw-dropping multi-media theatrical approach, Jungle Book re-imagines Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories through modern eyes to transport audiences to the world’s jungles. Family Day is June 16; Family Package pricing starts at just $15 per ticket when one person in the party is 18 or younger.

Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  SPORTS: 2nd Annual Big Run 5K for Global Running Day , June 6, 6pm

Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota, the local retail leader in building and supporting the Sarasota running and physically active community, will join in Global Running Day as part of a nationwide 5K Big Run celebration. Designed to unify the efforts of running communities in different locations across the U.S. behind one event, the more than 70 participating Fleet Feet stores across the country collectively drew more than 12,000 participants in 2017.  The event is open to all ages and ability levels and the 3.1-mile-long course will take participants down to and around Sarasota’s Bayfront.

Fleet Feet Sarasota, 711 South Osprey, Sarasota.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , June 5, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

 

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  THEATER: Incognito , June 8 – July 8

In a cerebral journey through neuroscience, amnesia, and the theft of Albert Einstein’s brain, playwright Nick Payne investigates the nature of identity in a series of mysterious and touching interwoven tales.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Floridian Artists Exhibition , June 8 – June 30

As the warm summer heat sets in, 530 Burns Gallery is pleased to highlight artists who hail from Florida. Summertime and sunshine always bring inspiration, and each artist uses his or her diverse style to create innovative and original art works. Featured artists include Gary Borse, Linda Richichi, Katie Cassidy, Todd Andrew Babb, Randy Colbath and Bettina Sego.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Latin Jazz with the Viva Cal Sextet , June 9, 8pm

Come enjoy Latin Jazz with the Viva Cal Sextet, featuring an All Star cast of musicians including Jose Antonio Lao on Timbales, Michelle Salazar on Bass, Hector Mayoral on Vocals, Bongos, Bell and Chekere, Alexis Montalvo on Piano, Cole Hazlitt on Vibraphone, Frankie Pineiro on elongated bongos.  Band leader Frankie Pineiro has long been a fixture of the Tampa Bay Jazz community. 

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

[SOON]  DANCE: Countertechnique Workshop with Kira Blazek Ziaii , June 11 – June 13, 9:30am-11:30am

American performer, choreographer and educator Kira Blazek Ziaii will provide tools for the body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. Within a clear structure of exercises, the class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Ste. 300, Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Summer Circus Spectacular , June 12 – July 28

The 2018 Circus Spectacular will amaze and dazzle you. Join the performers for an hour of incredible family fun at affordable prices. Presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, this onstage exhibition of circus artistry provides delightful summer entertainment for “children of all ages.”

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Carole's Kings , June 12 – July 15

Be transported back in time with Carole's Kings, an all-male Carole King tribute that mixes fabulous music with clever writing by The Second City, the legendary home of sketch comedy and improv. With a cast fresh from Broadway, Carole’s Kings will have you singing and dancing along to “The Locomotion,” “You've Got a Friend,” and “I Feel the Earth Move.” Jam-packed with humor, this salute to Carole King will take you back to when she was the queen of the airwaves.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., 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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