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SRQ DAILY Jun 19, 2018

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"It was always the intention for this to land on November, when the most people will be voting."

- Suzanne Atwell, Decide the Date
 

[Politics]  Decide The Date Could Extend Commission Terms
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

If Sarasota voters approve a shift in the election schedule within the city, sitting commissioners will have 18 months added onto their terms. Leaders on Monday night, whether they favored a switch to November elections or not, voted 3-2 that the best way forward meant adding more than a year to their own terms. “If approved by voters, you should just get on with it,” says City Attorney Robert Fournier. “This would eliminate any spring elections after the change was approved.”

A switch away from elections in spring of odd-numbered years to contests in fall of even-numbered years has long proved contentious in Sarasota, and city commissioners on multiple occasions in recent years declined the chance to put the measure up for vote. But this year, the Decide the Date political committee successfully gathered petitions from 4,732 city voters, 27 percent more than required to put a charter amendment on the ballot for vote. Commissioners have now scheduled a referendum to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Commissioners on Monday briefly considered scheduling a special election for the measure, but settled on a November vote, something the group behind the measure strongly preferred. “It was always the intention for this to land on November, when the most people will be voting,” says Suzanne Attwell, Decide The Date co-chair. The group also strongly favored extending the terms of sitting commissioners so that, in the event the referendum wins a majority, Sarasota will not need to schedule spring elections again.

By extending the terms of sitting officials, district commissioners will stay in office until November 2020, and at-large commissioners will stay until November 2022. Alternatively, commissioners could have left their own terms unaltered, then held spring elections so the next round of elected officials won shorter terms of office. But that would either have meant electing commissioners in 2019 to just an 18-month term or putting off the first November elections in the city until 2024. “Maybe my grandchildren would be able to enjoy that,” Larry Eger, Decide The Date co-chair, said sarcastically.

But the decision drew some criticism. Neighborhood leader Kate Lowman, who opposes the measure, says commissioners may pay a political price for extending their own time in office, fairly or not. “I don’t mean to suggest you would be acting out of self interest, but I do think you will find people reading it that way,” she said.

City commissioners have not yet approved final language to appear on the ballot. Jim Lampl, who said he worries city issues will get lost in the noise around November elections, says he hopes commissioners can make the issue of moving the elections more clear before ballots get printed. “It’s hard to imagine what the casual voter will think this intricate language means,” he said. In addition to moving the election, the referendum would also require runoffs in November even if a candidate gets a majority of votes in an August primary. And if only two candidates file for a seat, the election automatically moves to the November general election instead of a first election the same date as the state primary.

Supporters of the measure say it’s an important step in boosting voter involvement in the city, and predict it will raise turnout in city elections from 15 to 23 percent typically seen now into the 50 to 72 percent range typically seen in November general elections. 

[GoodBite]  A Chopstick Affair
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

O-fish-ally your new favorite restaurant in the Rosemary District, Spice Station’s debut has been a dream, with authentic Thai dishes and endless sushi morsels. Apart from its comprehensive and mouthwatering menu for lunch and dinner, Spice Station’s catering option is now available for all your large party occasions. From office luncheons, birthdays and special gatherings, attendees will be raving about your departure from predictable deli sandwiches and pizza pies. It’s catering services are tailored to fit all your party needs by providing the plateware, utensils (and chopsticks), napkins and accompanying condiments. Spice Station will even help you customize your order with a la carte catering choices and assisted menu planning always available.

Every roll is made fresh in kitchen by chefs with serious raw talent—tightly rolling only the highest quality ingredients with no preservatives or artificial coloring/flavoring, and a generous fish to rice ratio. Sashimi and Nigiri platters are available for the serious sushi connoisseurs, as well as a Oishi platter with two rolls each of the California, Mexican, Tuna and Spicy Yellowtail. Not to fret, a Veggie platter option exists as well, with two rolls each of the Asparagus, Oshinko, Avocado and Garden. For added snack bites, throw in some fried rice, red curry, pad thai, spring rolls, crab wontons, pot stickers and more. The carefully curated presentation is next-level and the service top-shelf, so when its your turn to be in charge of food at the next office party, raise the bar on your colleagues with a tray of Spice Station’s culinary masterpieces.

Catering available six days a week with a 24 hour notice. Delivery available for any catering service orders. 

Image provided by Spice Station

1438 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-343-2894.

[Arts and Culture]  Arts and Cultural Alliance to Accept Grant Applications

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County (Alliance) has announced the coming opening of the application process for the 2018-2019 John Ringling Tower Grants and Opportunity Grants. The John Ringling Towers (JRT) Grants are available to individual artists in the areas of visual, performing, and literary arts and for historic preservation in amounts up to $3,000. The JRT Fund was created to honor the spirit of the John Ringling Towers through art and history. Informational sessions for the JRT grants will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 9am at the Center for Arts and Humanity and on Wednesday, July 11 at 1pm at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Applications will open on July 12 and are due September 4, 2018. The State of the Arts Opportunity Grants are funded by the sale of Florida Arts License Plates in Sarasota County. These grants are available up to $5,000 for Sarasota County nonprofit arts and cultural organizations to support community based projects. Informational sessions for the Opportunity Grants will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 10:30am at the Center for Arts and Humanity and on Wednesday, July 11 at 2:30pm at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Applications will open on July 12 and are due September 4, 2018. 

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

[Healthcare]  Consumer Reports Lauds SMH Cardiac Surgery Program

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has been rated among the nation’s top-performing hospitals for cardiac surgery in the July issue of Consumer Reports. Only 18 of nearly 500 hospitals evaluated earned top scores from Consumer Reports in both valve replacement and bypass surgery, the two most common types of heart surgery. The national consumer guide used 2016-2017 data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) adult cardiac surgery database for analysis and benchmarking purposes. The rating reflects a hospital’s performance in key quality measures, including survival rates (percentage of patients who leave a hospital and survive at least 30 days after surgery) and complications (percentage of patients who avoid the most serious complications). In the latest STS release in January 2018, Sarasota Memorial was also one of just three hospitals to earn the professional organization’s highest 3-Star rating in all five measured adult cardiac surgery procedures: bypass surgery; aortic valve replacement; aortic valve replacement plus bypass surgery; mitral valve replacement/repair; and mitral valve replacement/repair plus bypass surgery. The 3-star ratings, which denote the highest category of quality, place SMH’s cardiac surgery team among the top performers of more than 1,000 cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiac surgery groups voluntarily submitting case records to the STS for quality analysis. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Tourism]  WalletHub Road Trip Report Ranks Florida Fifth

WalletHub has released a road trip report, finding that Florida ranks 5th nationally for summer driving. Highlights from the report include naming the state 3rd in number of attractions and lowest price of three-star hotel room, 7th in average gas prices, 13th in nightlife options per capita and 17th in access to scenic byways. 

WalletHub 2018 Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips



[Signed, Sealed and Delivered]  June went Donut-epic!

When you sign your advertising IO for SRQ Magazine now through July 4th, our team will deliver famous Five'0 Donuts direct to your office! 

Contact your Business Development Associate today or email GrowMyBusiness@srqme.com to get signed, sealed and delivered! 

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Southern Watercolor Society Curated Show , May 15 – June 22

Bringing its 41st Annual Juried Exhibition to Bradenton, the Southern Watercolor Society takes over all three of ArtCenter Manatee’s galleries with a collection juried by international award-winning master watercolorist John Salminen. In addition to the exhibit, each annual show brings with it a watercolor workshop for interested artists. Salminen will be teaching the workshop as well.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W., Bradenton

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Warhol: Flowers In the Factory , February 11 – June 30

This exhibition showcases the surprising and little examined, role of nature in Warhol’s art and life. The spectacular 15-acre tropical setting of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Sarasota Bay will provide a matchless context for examining Warhol’s fascination with the natural world in this focused, immersive exhibition. It is curated by Carol Ockman, Ph.D., curator-at-large of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Robert Sterling Clark Professor of Art History at Williams College

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[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]  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]  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]  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]  FILM: Films on the Fairway , June 30, 7pm

The Palms Golf Club and the Sarasota Film Festival are teaming up for Films on the Fairway. Throughout the summer, you will be able to enjoy a film, food and fun on the gorgeous greens of the Palms Golf Club. In their upcoming screening, the golf club will show Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the 1981 Steven Spielberg classic starring Harrison Ford. Tickets can be bought in advance or purchased at the door. Premium tickets are also available on a limited first come-first serve basis. For $27.50, enjoy dinner, a beverage of choice, a golf cart with preferred viewing, unlimited popcorn and waitress service! Reservations must be made and paid in prior to June 23rd, 2018.

The Palms Golf Club, 1990 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

[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

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , July 4, 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]  FESTIVAL: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 4:30pm-10:00pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three-hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack's, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Curry Creek to Nokomis , July 7, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy the great outdoors with a kayak paddle led by John Sarkozy, through Nokomis and the Curry Creek Preserve. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. Bring drinking water, suncreen and your sense of adventure. 

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  THEATER: What the Butler Saw , July 10 – July 29

Wild, risqué, and ferociously funny, Joe Orton’s classic farce takes aim at everything from sex to psychiatry. In an exclusive, private mental health clinic, Dr. Prentice is attempting to seduce his prospective secretary when his wife walks in, interrupting his sordid intentions and kicking off a maniacal tour de force involving a state inspector, bellboys, slamming doors, and, above all, Orton’s wicked wit and breakneck dialogue. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 10, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  MUSIC: Tops from Flops , July 11 – July 22

A musical review of America’s most treasured musical theater songs that came from some of Broadways biggest fiascos.  Enjoy an evening of great and enduring all-time hits from composers like:  George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and many more!  An exuberant tour through the last 75 years of Broadways musical giants all spawned from Broadways biggest flops.

Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., 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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