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SRQ DAILY Jul 30, 2018

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"There's only 10 of us in the House that actually employ people and sign paychecks."

- Melissa Howard, District 73 candidate
 

[Politics]  Lawyers, Guns, Money Dominate District 73 Primary
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

With a candidate endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce up against one backed by the National Rifle Association, the Republican primary for state House in District 73 has candidates arguing subtle but significances differences in a stiff competition.

Melissa Howard, a chapter chair for the Florida Federation of Republican Women, has touted the support of the business community. Pushing for tort reform and business diversification, she promises to be a business voice. “There’s not enough small business owners running,” she says. “There’s only 10 of us in the House that actually employ people and sign paychecks.” The Chamber-backed candidate says her message of better technical school options and attracting high-pay manufacturing jobs will keep Florida on the right track.

But Tommy Gregory, senior counsel at Williams Parker and himself a small business owner, says voters want a representative protecting their rights. “I’m not sure it’s good thing in a society when we are worried about illegal immigration and the Republican Party is so proudly supporting [President] Trump for her to be shouting off the rooftops she’s supported by the biggest pro-amnesty entities in the state,” he says.

Gregory instead notes his NRA support. A former JAG attorney, he says his history defending individual rights matters in Tallahassee. “I’ve sworn the oath to protect and defend six times in my life,” he says.

Howard, a lifetime member of the NRA, dismissed the gun group’s endorsement of her opponent. “It’s because I also support that deranged lunatics should not be able to purchase guns—like the three mass shooters in the last two years,” she says. “I support the NRA. I support the Second Amendment 100 percent, but I also care about the safety of our children.” Howard missed the endorsement because she supports a school safety bill passed after a shooting in Parkland that included $400 million in funding for campus security and mental health.

Gregory says his history as a corporate attorney lends him all the needed understanding of the need for less taxes and regulation burdens on business. And he wants to help raise wages. “There’s more work to be done; 15 percent of the population still lives in poverty in Florida,” he says. He also holds law enforcement issues as a priority. “Voters want to return to a society that enforces our laws, starting with illegal immigration and continuing on to the full spectrum of law enforcement,” he says, noting support from sheriffs in Manatee and Sarasota and from 20 law enforcement organizations.

But Howard says his support from trial lawyers should also give pause. She says a lack of tort reform costs the state $1.5 billion each year, about $3,400 per household. That mostly comes from workman’s comp costs. “The trial lawyers are coming to get me,” she says. “I say come on. They threw the first punch but I will punch back.”

The Republican primary in District 73, which includes parts of east Manatee and Sarasota, is scheduled for Aug. 28. The winner will face Democrat Liv Coleman on Nov. 6. 

Pictured: Melissa Howard, Tommy Gregory

[Public Art]  Blanco Sculpture Installed at Orange/Ringling Roundabout

The roundabout at Orange Avenue and Ringling Boulevard in Downtown Sarasota received a makeover during the course of the weekend, coming out the other side with a freshly installed piece of public art, BRAVO!. Created by Sarasota artist Jorge Blanco, the public art piece consists of three separate sculptures each standing 18 feet tall. A cr­ane was used to hoist the pieces into the center of the roundabout and join them together to become a sculpture. Lighting for the sculpture will be installed in the near future. In anticipation of the Orange Avenue/Ringling Boulevard roundabout being constructed, the City Commission approved the fabrication of BRAVO! in December 2016 following the recommendation of the Public Art Committee. $150,000 in public art funds was allocated to the project. To enhance aesthetics and a sense of place, public art is installed within the center of new roundabouts located in the city limits.  The next installation will be at the Palm Avenue/Cocoanut Avenue roundabout within the next few months. 

Sarasota County Government

[Healthcare]  Doctors Hospital Hosts Blood Drive Honoring Reed-Pearson

Robin Reed-Pearson was planning her wedding. She was a little tired but thought it was just the normal strain of work and life. Routine blood work brought the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. It also moved up her wedding date and a change of venue for the big event. Knowing she had a long journey ahead, Reed-Pearson and her fiancée decided to marry in a hospital courtyard right before she started treatment. After months of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant, Reed-Pearson is now looking forward to celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary and being back at work as the Director of Medical Staff Services at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota.

According to Be The Match, a bone marrow transplant organization, 70 percent of patients do not have a match in their family; they rely on bone marrow donors. Up to 35% of the blood products collected by SunCoast Blood Bank are used to treat cancer patients, while lifesaving chemotherapy destroys red blood cells and platelets, often making a transfusion necessary. According to LifeLink, more than 5,800 Floridians are waiting for organ transplants.

In honor of Reed-Pearson, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is hosting a registration drive for bone marrow and organ donation and a donation drive for platelets and blood. The hospital is collaborating with the Suncoast Blood Bank, Be The Match and LifeLink. The Give Life Drive will be Friday, August 10, from 7:30am until 3pm in the education classroom near the front lobby of the hospital. 

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

[Government]  Manatee County Historic Courthouse Announces Closures

Manatee County Government and the Clerk of the Court's Office has announced that the Historic Courthouse will be closed to the public for crews to fumigate for termites on two half days next month. The Courthouse will close to the public at noon on Friday, August 3, and reopen at noon on Monday, August 6. The Clerk's Office and the County will host a press conference at the outdoor gazebo on the Courthouse's south lawn on Friday, Aug. 3 at 3pm to answer questions about the need for fumigation and to talk about the preparations being made. During the closure, the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office will offer limited services on the second floor Clerk's Annex of the Manatee County Judicial Center next door, including: Child Support Customer Service case managers will be available for walk-in interviews; court-related services to include marriage licenses and passport application processing; and recording. 

Manatee County Clerk of the Court's Office



[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip On Shakett Creek and Dona Bay , July 31, 8:30am-11:30am

Have a relaxing time paddling through Shakett Creek and Dona Bay, led by John Sarkozy. All kayak equipment will be provided and will be included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.  

American Littoral Society

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Possibilities , July 19 – August 17

This members only, juried exhibition opens July 19th with an opening reception from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Approximately 250, two- and three-dimensional works in a wide variety of media will be on display throughout all four galleries. Juror Vicki Chelf is a fine art graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design and also studied classical drawing at the Southern Atelier in Manatee County. Chelf derives much of her inspiration from spontaneous thoughts and unplanned drawings, as well as current events. 

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  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: Other People's Money , August 1 – August 19

Fast-talking Wall Street shark Lawrence Garfinkle has his sights set on taking over the undervalued stock of New England Wire and Cable. It is up to Kate Sullivan, a determined big-city lawyer, to stop Larry from gutting the company. Loaded with conflict, comedy, and a touch of romance, Other People’s Money delves into the seedy and deceptive world of business.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Teen Court of Sarasota’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner , August 1, 5:30pm-8:30pm

Join Teen Court of Sarasota in celebrating their adult volunteers and community leaders with an award presentation hosted by Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center.Teen Court of Sarasota has awarded more than $188,000 in scholarships to dedicated volunteers since 1996. These scholarships assist recipients as they head off to college, the armed services and other endeavors. Scholarships further the mission and memories of distinguished Teen Court friends and volunteers, including Jack Byers, Dennis Wood, Katie Self and Jenna Hellman.

Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling 2nd Floor Court Room 2A

[SOON]  THEATER: Wakey, Wakey , August 3 – September 2

How do we confront the uncomfortable inevitability of death? Obie-award-winning playwright Will Eno chooses to celebrate life’s lingering gifts with an uplifting mix of gratitude, absurdity and humor in a profound rumination on life and humanity.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Brothers in Song , August 3, 7:15pm

“Brothers in Song” features longtime collaborators/composers Ralph Farris (strings, voice, percussion) and Robert Mirabal (Native American flutes, voice, percussion) performing music from various indigenous traditions and works in progress. The evening will begin with a collaboration with fellow Hermitage artist, poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and will close with a sunset meditation. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs, snacks, and refreshments. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 

The Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL.

[SOON]  THEATER: The Turn of the Screw , August 7 – August 26

1840: an era charmed by superstition, madness, and the writings of Sigmund Freud led Henry James to write one of the most chilling ghost stories of all time. A young governess arrives at a seemingly idyllic country house to look after two orphaned children. But shortly after her arrival, she realizes they are not alone. She risks everything to keep the children safe, until she begins to question her sanity, and the children’s innocence.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: On Golden Pond , August 8 – August 19

This 1979 play by Ernest Thompson focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. The play explores the often turbulent relationship between a daughter and her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage. It is the winner of numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: YP Summit: "Thrive" , August 10, 8am-12pm

The third annual Young Professionals summit is a half day conference geared toward helping local young professionals develop personally and professionally as leaders in the community. The summit will feature keynote speaker Trey Lauderdale, founder and CEO of Voalte, speaking on the work/life balance. In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will select breakout sessions from two tracks: personal development and professional development. 

The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: VOLUMES , August 12 – October 9

This summer light and sound come into play with a special installation by the artist Ezra Masch. VOLUMES harnesses the speed of light to reveal the volume of sound and space. This immersive audio and visual installation will feature a 3-d grid of LED lights that will fill the interior of the Ringling’s Monda Gallery.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Ricky Nelson Remembered , August 18

Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Ricky Nelson emerged from “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” to establish himself as one of the most important rock artists and influential musicians of the last 50 years, selling over 140 million recordings. The Nelson Family Legacy continues as Ricky’s twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson present an interactive, multi-media rock & roll concert experience, taking the audience on a musical journey down memory lane. 

Sarasota Opera, 61 North Pineapple 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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