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SRQ DAILY Jun 11, 2018

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"The advocacy of the privatization of public education has one purpose, and that's to damage public education."

- Nick Guy, Sarasota School Board candidate
 

[Politics]  Defending Education v. Expanding School Choice
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Whether allowing more private providers of education should be something encouraged by public school officials or a shift that school districts should defend against has become the crucial question at stake in one Sarasota School Board race. Incumbent School Board member Bridget Ziegler, a founding member of the Florida Coalition of School Board Members, faces Nick Guy, a former teacher now working in the IT field.

“I’ve always been clear about advocating for providing families and students with choices,” Ziegler says. When the Sarasota School Board in May rejected an application for Pinecrest Charter School to open in the county, Ziegler cast the only opposing vote, and she remains a staunch supporter of certain voucher programs as well, and says when students opt to leave public schools not meeting their needs, the state funding for the child’s education should follow them to a new school.

Guy, in contrast, sees various mandates from the state calling for more funding to get funneled into charter institutions as detrimental to public education. “The advocacy of the privatization of public education has one purpose, and that’s to damage public education,” says the challenger. As the Florida Legislature continues to issue edicts in that direction, he believes the local school board should work to “mitigate the damage to the district and the community you represent." He specifically called into question Ziegler’s judgment on the Pinecrest vote, and says he wants a representative fighting for the schools instead of for a contrary political agenda.

Ziegler, though, says she represents community stakeholders, not a political movement or a government’s internal interests. “I look at what’s in the best interest of the child and individual students, not the interest of the school system,” she says.

As school safety become a chief issue in every school board race, Sarasota’s actions in creating its own force of police to protect schools has become a key point in the contest as well. Both Ziegler and Guy have small children and say the security of schools is a personal high priority. And both say ideally the districts would be working with the Sheriff’s Office. “In a perfect world, the sheriff would be cooperating with the schools and the schools cooperating with law enforcement,” Guy says, but he understands why the district would go the direction it has. Ziegler has stressed significant concerns with launching their own police. “At this point, the goal is we do it correctly and have an idea what we are getting into,” she says. Ziegler says she’s also been pushing for hardening of schools and better entrance management since well before Parkland shooting in February.

Since being named School Board chair this year, Ziegler says some of her most important accomplishments were apolitical, like making sure consent agendas had more thorough backup material, and ensuring board workshops took place in chamber so they were videotaped.

Guy says he would importantly bring the perspective of a teacher, having been in the classroom two years before being drawn from the profession by better wages and benefits. As an IT professional with executive experience and a former teacher, he says he has a stronger resume to serve on the board.

All Sarasota County voters may vote in the Aug. 28 nonpartisan election for Sarasota School Board District 1.  

Pictured: Bridget Ziegler, Nick Guy

[Healthcare]  Manatee County EMT Named 2018 Florida EMT of the Year

Manatee County EMT Aaron White has been named 2018 Florida EMT of the Year. Also Manatee County's 2017 Employee of the Year, and a life-saving EMT working with the County since 2009, White now has statewide recognition. The Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Awards recently announced White as this year's winner. The EMT of the year goes to someone who "has demonstrated exceptional qualities in ... quality assurance/improvement, patient care, medical control, disaster preparedness, or public education and/or training." White responds to calls and cares for medical and trauma patients in northern areas of Manatee County. He provides basic life support and assists with advanced life support patients. Emergency Medical Services Chief Paul DiCicco said Aaron has an outstanding attitude and he provides much-needed levity in a stressful position. Co-workers and supervisors describe Aaron as a dedicated, hardworking, knowledgeable and skilled clinician. Each year, White organizes a Wii Bowling tournament at a senior independent living facility in his response district, and spends his own money to buy prizes, trophies and food for the residents who attend. White is also involved in the local Special Activities Bicycle Emergency Response (SABER) team, participating in the Desoto Heritage Parade, Bradenton Boat Regatta and numerous special events each year. 

Manatee County Emergency Medical Services

[Expansion]  Halfacre Breaks Ground for Cast-Crete Building

Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, has broken ground on the new 12,000-square-foot building for Cast-Crete USA, Inc., the largest manufacturer of precast lintels and sills in the nation. With other locations throughout Florida, the company will return to Sarasota with this new two-acre prime site. The pre-engineered metal building will contain 1,000 square feet of executive office space and an 11,000-square-foot construction products distribution facility with a warehouse and a large outdoor asphalt storage area. The facility will also feature state-of-the-art rebar fabrication lines. Located off Claxstrauss Drive in Sarasota east of Interstate 75 and Fruitville Road, the $1.2 million project is slated for completion in fall 2018. Formed in 1955, Cast-Crete USA pioneered the use of precast U-lintels. The company engineers products for the residential, commercial and institutional construction industries. Cast-Crete USA distributes its precast concrete products, rebar and other products used in concrete masonry construction through a statewide network of distribution facilities. 

Halfacre Construction Company

[Expansion]  GATES Completes O'Reilly Auto Parts Store

GATES Construction has completed a new O’Reilly Auto Parts Store, a national retailer, located off Sunrise Lakes Boulevard in Clermont. The 7,500 SF 1-story auto parts building provides automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories, serving both the professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers. Architectural design services were provided by Esterly, Schneider & Associates Inc. 

GATES Construction



[TODAY]  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]  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.

[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]  DANCE: Behind the Curtain with Kira Blazek Ziaii , June 15, 3pm

Come out and enjoy an open rehearsal with Choreographer Kira Blazek Ziaii and Sarasota Contemporary Dance dancers followed by a Q&A session.

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

[SOON]  DANCE: Physical Theater Workshop with Kwesi Johnson , June 18 – June 22, 9:30am-11:30am

Artistic Director of Kompany Malakhi in the United Kingdom, Kewsi Johnson will show dancers his passion for creating imaginative and inspiring narratives that often hold a message. He specializes in fusing dance styles such as UK Jazz dance, contemporary, Funk styles, and Breakin', with physical theatre and the unexpected to create a style that is incomparable. The workshop equips you with the skills to transform and reinterpret image, spoken and written language into 'physical theatre.'

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

[SOON]  SPORTS: Bradentucky Bombers Take On Gold Coast Derby Grrls , June 19, 5pm

The Bradentucky Bombers will compete during their first official season as an Apprenticeship League with the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), an international governing body for the sport of women's flat track roller derby. Their relocation to the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex gives them the opportunity to extend their promotional reach to their local tri-city community. Doors to the game will open at 4:30pm. Tickets are $10 presale, $12 at the door, $6 for kids 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Stay for a Meet & Greet with the Bombers, and an after party at Darwin Brewing Company and Taproom.

 

Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton.

[SOON]  THEATER: The Lion King Jr. , June 22 – June 23

The African savannah comes to life with Simba and Nala, Pumbaa and Timon, Mufasa and Scar, and more unforgettable characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age story. This vibrant tale has captivated worldwide audiences. With Sir Elton John's music, dazzling costumes and extraordinary talent, this is a show not to be missed.

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Friday Fest: Jah Movement , June 22, 5:00pm

Opening the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Friday Fest summertime concert series is reggae band Jah Movement. Fronted by hometown hero and vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman, Jah Movement plays top 40, Funk, Soul, R&B and Calypso Dance music. Winners of Creative Loafing’s 2016 ‘Best Local Reggae Band’ in the Tampa Bay Area and recent 2nd place winners of Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Best Local Entertainment for 2017, Jah Movement is made up of some of the best musicians in the South West Florida Region. Each of the four events will feature food trucks, beverage vendors and more – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a summer sunset over Sarasota Bay. Don’t miss out - “The Movement” is sure to get you dancing!

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

[SOON]  DANCE: Behind the Curtain with Kwesi Johnson , June 22, 3pm

Come out and enjoy an open rehearsal with choreographer Kwesi Johnson and Sarasota Contemporary Dance dancers, followed by a Q&A session.

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

[SOON]  SPORTS: HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix , June 23 – July 4

The 34th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, offers events for the entire family to enjoy.  Powerboat racing will take place off Lido Beach on July 1 broadcasted by CBS Sports, with boats racing at speeds over 100 MPH. Other Festival events include a Golf Classic, Car Show, Kickoff Party, Racer Autograph Signing, A Fan Festival, Downtown Block Party, Motorcycle Charity Ride and much more. The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is produced by, and benefits, Suncoast Charities for Children supporting local children and adults with special needs.

[SOON]  THEATER: Murder for Two , June 27 – July 29

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman who dreams of becoming a detective. When shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney, and Whitney ends up dead, Marcus sees an opportunity to prove his sleuthing skills. With only a short time to solve the case, he has to find out, “whodunit?” In a witty musical homage to classic murder mysteries, Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, and murder.

 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , June 30, 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]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 1, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

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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