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SRQ DAILY Jun 28, 2018

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"In 28 years as a teacher and later a principal and administrator, every single decision I made was about the children."

- Karen Rose, Sarasota School Board candidate
 

[Politics]  Brown, Rose Offer Different Experience to Schools
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor's Note: Part 1 of 2

Shirley Brown, a veteran lawmaker-turned-school board member, faces a challenge from Karen Rose, a long time administrator within the Sarasota County Schools in an election this year that pits knowledge of the political arena against that gleaned on area campuses. At a time of contention between school administration and other regional agencies, the two candidates will spend coming months making the case their approach will be most valuable in keeping Sarasota’s public education system the envy of the state.

Rose, who recently retired as executive director of middle schools for the district, runs with the backing of the teacher’s union and local Republican Party, forces not often in agreement. She credits years of relationships on campuses through the region along with a focus on students. Rose also has worked for years with philanthropic leaders on programs like TechActive classrooms, which held its pilot effort at Sarasota Middle School while she served as principal there. “In 28 years as a teacher and later a principal and administrator, every single decision I made was about the children,” Rose says. Recent news that all middle schools in the district earned a state assessment greater than a B, and especially word of major increases in algebra scores in the district, show her leadership made a different for students, she says. And she feels strongly that's thanks to classroom improvements, not the recent hire of more assistant principals district-wide.

Of course, Brown makes her own case, having served on the Sarasota School Board since 2006 as the district dominated the state in performance on a variety of measures. She says while the district saw a “revolving door of superintendents” before her election, she helped provide greater continuity in leadership while the district continued to try new things. She says her strong but calm voice on school issues should remain on the board, especially at a time when controversial political matters threaten to take public schools off course. “Not that I don’t get heated sometimes, but I work to keep the focus on the district and the kids,” she says. “Sometimes I provide that voice of reason or help to provide a solution that works.” She says the recent decision by the teacher's union has more to do with recent salary negotiations than anything, but believes a contract that rewards the district's 1,646 teachers rated as "highly effective" with a higher raise was the best move for area schools.

The election for School Board District 4 is scheduled for Aug. 28. 

Pictured: Shirley Brown, Karen Rose

[ShopTalk]  Spruce Up Your Aesthetic
Jordan Glover, jordang@srqme.com

The local pinnacle of trendy boho goods and clothing, among the influential crossroads of Anthropologie, ModCloth and Free People, prevails Mercantile Home & Apparel. The contemporarily earthy boutique, nuzzled at the center of Main Street, paints a woodland wonderland from its walls lined with timber bookshelves, decorative canvases and branch jewelry holders, to its succulent tea lights and plant terrariums suspended from the ceiling. Both modish and endearingly quirky merchandise alike coruscate from nearly every square inch of the store, providing customers with an ampleness to peruse and pull interior design inspiration.

Mercantile’s storefront introduces you with home decor, jewelry, gifts and curio, such as coffee table books, embroidered pillows, Turkish towels, rustic kitchen utensils, marble plates, gift kits and more—the inventory appears infinite. A collection of dish towels lines several shelves of the stores, all individually stitched with cutesy and witting sayings that will add a touch of spunk, whimsy and jocosity to the kitchen. As you proceed to the back, you’ll encounter Mercantile’s line of predominantly linen apparel. The 100% linen dresses, tops, ponchos, pants and skirts equip patrons with the lightest and most breathable of fabrics for the profound summertime heat. Perhaps one of Mercantile’s most distinctive items is the wooden puzzle serving board. Contrived from solid acacia wood and split into six puzzle pieces, the board provides guests at your next dinner party with the most interactively hip serving and sharing apparatus.


 

Mercantile Home & Apparel, 1463 Main St., Sarasota, 941-366-2457.

[Marina Jack]  How Patriots Party
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Missed it last year? Don’t make a habit of it—join Marina Jack for its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular this Independence Day. All areas will be open for lunch as early as 11am, and the fireworks celebration in the evening peaks at sundown until 10pm. Indulge in a specially prepared four course menu from the Dining Room, which will start at 4:30pm. At Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill, a live music band will be featured on the patio from 6pm-on. And at Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar, all areas including the deck will feature a four course dinner menu as Rock Lee performs on the piano, starting at 6pm as well. Lastly, the Marina Jack II will return to its dock for premier viewing of the light show over reflective waters. All seating is family style as the three hour cruise embarks with live music performances and a buffet menu featuring Beef Tenderloin, Potato Crusted Grouper, Mixed Greens Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes, Seasoned Vegetables, Key Lime Pie, Caramel Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse Cake. Take in the magnificent display of lights in the night sky at Sarasota Bayfront’s nautical hot spot—it’s the only way to party like a true patriot.

Don’t forget to make your reservations for the spectacular day of waterfront dining and the region’s largest fireworks show—Wednesday, July 4th. Marina Jack is a member of Nosh, SRQ Magazine's content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Image provided by Marina Jack

Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 941-365-4232.

[Education]  Manatee School Board Names Saunders Superintendent

The School Board of Manatee County has voted to approve Cynthia Saunders as the next Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County. Saunders will serve as superintendent following Dr. Diana Greene, who was named superintendent in Duval County. Saunders has more than 28 years of professional experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, as well as an Executive Director of Secondary Schools. Prior to becoming Superintendent,. Saunders served as Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services in Manatee County from July 2015 to June 2018. During her tenure as Deputy Superintendent, the School District of Manatee County made significant gains academically. The Florida Department of Education gave the district a grade of “B” two of the last three years (2015, 2017) after receiving a grade of “C” the previous three years, and, in 2017, for the first time since 2009, not a single Manatee District school received an “F” grade. In addition, the Manatee District’s graduation rate rose from 77.9 percent in 2014-2015 to 83.5 percent for the 2016-2017 school year. 

School District of Manatee County

[Education]  Sarasota County Schools Earn 'A' Grade

The Sarasota County School District has earned an A grade by the state of Florida for the 15th consecutive year since grading began in 2004. Sarasota was one of 20 school districts in Florida to earn an A grade for the 2017-18 school year. The school district saw improvements in eight of 11 categories and maintained scores in the other three. There were no declines. Sarasota County Schools’ overall scores improved by four percentage points compared to last year and the school district is ranked #3 in the state behind St. John and Lafayette who are both tied for #1. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Philanthropy]  GCCF Awards $5.8+ Million in Grants and Scholarships

Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s board of directors approved more than $5.8 million in grants and scholarships last week. The funding, which was approved at the final board meeting of the foundation’s 2018 fiscal year, included over $3.8 million in grants from donor advised funds, as well as $508,000 in scholarship awards. Among grants approved by the Gulf Coast Board in June were five Leveraged Grants totaling $289,500. Gulf Coast’s Leveraged Grants fund collaborative work that will address specific regional priorities identified by the foundation through periodic community assessments. These grants included: $100,000 to support Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s First 1,000 Days Sarasota County initiative; $27,500 to the Gulf Coast Partnership, to implement a system into housing and services for female veterans and chronically homeless women and their children; $40,000 to United Way of Charlotte County to support the new position of collective impact manager; $97,000 to Ringling College of Art and Design and Sarasota County Schools to support the design and testing of innovative classrooms in Sarasota County high schools; and $25,000 to Van Wezel Foundation. Gulf Coast also awarded more than $139,000 in Community and Sponsorship Grants, including a $20,000 grant to The SKY Family YMCA in Venice. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

[Real Estate]  Halfacre Welcomes Gruber and Harsham

Halfacre Construction Company recently welcomed Chelsea Gruber and Priscilla Harsham to its Lakewood Ranch-based office. Gruber joins Halfacre Construction as its marketing and business development manager. In her new role, she will explore Lakewood Ranch opportunities and manage the proposal and presentation materials and development. Most recently, Gruber worked within the marketing departments for two area architectural firms. She is currently attending the University of South Florida to obtain her Master of Business Administration. Harsham comes to Halfacre Construction as a project engineer. She has strong knowledge of civil engineering principles and concepts and will apply those skills to several of Halfacre Construction’s current projects, including security updates to Sarasota County Schools. 

Halfacre Construction Company



[Coming September 2018]  Celebrate with Tribute to Business

We're giving local businesses the chance to celebrate and recognize their team for their amazing work through Tribute to Business!  

Click for more information

[TODAY]  FILM: SAF Film: "Modern Ruin: A World's Fair Pavilion" with Matthew Silva , June 28, 5:30pm-7pm

"Modern Ruin: World's Fair Pavilion" (2015) tells the story of Philip Johnson's New York State Pavilion during the glory days of the fair, and chronicles its demise over the past 50 years. The film details its post-fair use as a 60s concert venue and 70s roller rink, including the years of neglect and recent growing advocacy efforts. Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for SAF members, and students with IDs as well as Ringling College staff get free admission. 

Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd., 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]  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]  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]  THEATER: FST Improv Presents: FST Freestyle Saturdays , April 14 – June 30, 7:30pm

FST Improv was started in 2001 by Rebecca Hopkins and has been entertaining audiences on the Suncoast of Florida ever since. The first few years of performances were in the Goldstein Cabaret before finding a permanent home in the Bowne’s Lab in 2013. In 2014, former ImprovBoston Artistic Director Will Luera was hired as the Director of Improvisation and a variety of new shows have been added including long-form favorites When X Meets Y, We're Doomed, and The More You Know.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[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.

[SOON]  THEATER: Tenth Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival , July 12 – July 14

Troupes are coming from all over the country, from as far away as France and Spain, all ready to bring their best spontaneous hilarity to the Gulf Coast. Featuring an unprecedented THREE headliners - Baby Wants Candy (Chicago), Impro Madrid (Spain) and Impro Theatre (LA) - one for each day of the Festival. Plus, several returning favorites including North Coast (NYC), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin, TX), ImprovBoston (Boston, MA), STACKED (Chicago, IL) and Available Cupholders (Austin, TX). 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 15

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 Through The Waterways of Nokomis , July 17, 8:30am-11:30am

John Sarkozy will lead a kayak expedition through the bays and canals around Nokomis, exploring the small islands, the birds and the marine life of the area. 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. A short training class will be offered before the launch, for those interested. 

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  THEATER: The Music of the Night , July 17 – August 19

The Swingaroos return to the cabaret with an all-new show—Music of the Night. Offering their swingin'est versions of songs embraced by the worlds of theatre and jazz, this hit show overflows with hits by the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kander & Ebb and many more. With a touch of 30s and 40s flair and bold arrangements, The Swingaroos lend a spirited voice to the most-cherished American songs and personalities of the past century. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Little Mermaid , July 20 – July 21

Disney's The Little Mermaid is a stage musical based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. Come see the theater bring classic underwater tale alive.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 Luncheon: Transformation in Philanthropy , July 26, 11:00am-1:00pm

The SRQ Transformative Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion will explore the organizations and individuals who are changing the face of the nonprofit world through innovative approaches, strategic alliances and groundbreaking initiatives that foster and employ engagement to make a difference. The luncheon will culminate with presentation of the SRQ Local Philanthropy Hero Award honoring area trailblazers whose passion and drive are benefitting nonprofit organizations along the Gulfcoast.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

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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