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SRQ DAILY Aug 13, 2018

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"We choose to focus on what we can control, and that's on our research and development."

- Todd Beckwith, Altmed
 

[Health]  Altmed Opens Cannabis Sales in Hometown Dispensary
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

It’s been four years since Sarasota company AltMed got into the business of selling cannabis, even though for years the company could not do so in its home state. So it was an exciting moment on Friday when the company opened a new dispensary on Fruitville Road.

“Being about to open our first location in Sarasota, albeit the second one in Florida, is especially important to us,” says Todd Beckwith, Altmed marketing director.

The new business feels as much like an Apple Store as a pharmacy, and certainly doesn’t look much like the seedy strip mall dispensaries in California that made communities around the nation wince at proposals for legal medical cannabis. In the sleek trappings of a retail store, employees educate consumers about the legitimate ailments treatable by marijuana. Vaporizer technology sits on display while consultants meet with patients in private rooms. Per Florida law, nobody can buy the pharmaceutical product here without a prescription from a medical doctor, and every employee must pass a Level 2 background check by the FBI.

It’s been a road to get here, Beckwith says. The company first formed in 2014, anticipating Florida voters to pass a constitutional amendment legalizing medical cannabis then, but when the measure failed, the business ended up launching its first line of products in Arizona instead. At least by the time voters here successfully amended the state constitution, the company had worked out finer points of its business model and developed the award-winning MÜV line of products.

Florida law says companies selling medical cannabis can only sell what they grow, so, along the way, Altmed has partnered with Plants of Ruskin in Apollo Beach, with the Sarasota business people specializing in moving product and the farm dedicated to producing supply. The first Altmed dispensary in Florida actually opened in Apollo Beach, near the indoor cultivation center where all Altmed product originates.

There have been more hoops than expected, but Beckwith says Altmed has rolled with the challenges. “We choose to focus on what we can control, and that’s on our research and development,” he says.

The company does prepare for easing of regulations in the future. A pending court case could soon allow for smokable marijuana, not just extracts, to be sold, and Altmed promises to bring high-quality product already market-tested out of state. 

Of course, the company will never use the term marijuana, and Beckwith only ever calls it cannabis. “Marijuana is a slang term created to put a negative concept during to Reefer Madness days to make it sound foreign,” he says.

The company ultimately plans to open a total of 25 dispensaries in Florida, the maximum allowed for a licensee. The company just got licensed to do business in Colorado and has its eye on 12 other states and five other countries allowing medical cannabis to be sold. 

[Politics]  University Casts Doubt on Howard's Academic Credentials
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

It proved to be a bruising weekend for Republican Melissa Howard, a candidate for state representative in House District 73. On Friday, she flew to Ohio to get evidence she graduated from Miami University and shared a picture of herself on campus and posing at her mother’s home with an apparent degree from the school. But then Miami University General Counsel Robin Parker called that degree into question.

“The picture of the diploma that was posted on the HowardforHouse73 Facebook page does not appear to be an accurate Miami University diploma,” Parker wrote.

Tommy Gregory, Howard’s Republican opponent, had called Howard’s credentials into question earlier in the week, based on an article by FlaNewsOnline.com alleging Howard did not graduate from the school, as she said in her official candidate biography. “While Ms. Howard may have some explaining to do, we will leave that to her, the media and the voters of District 73,” he said. “In the meantime, we will continue to knock on doors and take our conservative message to the voters of our community. “

But Howard consultant Anthony Pedicini dismissed the entire story as “fake news.” Meanwhile, Howard’s husband Ian on Friday suffered a cardiac event and had to make a trip to the hospital. Howard took down her Twitter and Facebook, but her campaign site remains up. Former Manatee County Commissioner Jonathan Bruce called on Howard to drop out of the race.

Republican officials say they are giving Howard space to deal with family health issues right now. The Republican Party of Sarasota issues a statement simply saying: "We look forward to supporting our nominee after the primary is over."

Howard and Gregory are running in the Aug. 28 Republican primary. The winner will advance and face Democrat Liv Coleman in the Nov. 6 general election. 

[Education]  Sarasota County Schools, GCCF Introduce Civility Squad

Just in time for back-to-school, Sarasota County Schools has partnered with Gulf Coast Community Foundation to introduce The Civility Squad, a cast of characters that emphasize ten principles of civility, throughout the school community this year. This initiative supports the belief that all students should be able to come to safe, positive and civil schools every day. The effort is a revitalization of the foundation’s Because It Matters civility campaign and uses character traits such as staying positive, saying thank you and listening among others to improve behavioral outcomes for students and the community. Each month, a new trait will be introduced and integrated into schools, buses, cafeterias and district offices. The school district’s focus is to develop skills, values, and motivation to effect positive change. The campaign will kick off on the first day of school, August 13. In addition to classroom materials, the school district will employ messaging throughout its schools, on buses, on social and digital media and in the community to reinforce positive behaviors aligned with the program. Everyone throughout Sarasota County is encouraged to learn more and participate in this year-long campaign. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Government]  Manatee County Accepting Planning Commission Applications

Manatee County is accepting applications for two seats on the seat on the Planning Commission, a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land use items. The vacancies are for terms that end in October. One Planning Commissioner member is seeking reappointment and the other seat will be vacant at expiration. Applicants must be registered voters in Manatee County. No specific expertise is required, but applicants with experience or training in planning, engineering, environmental science and the development industry may be given additional consideration for an appointment. Planning Commission members cannot be employed by the County or serve as a member of another land development-related advisory board serving unincorporated Manatee County. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 7, and may be found online. 

Manatee County Planning Commission Applications

[Business]  Five-O Donut Co Announces Second Location

Five-O Donut Co has been cranking out thousands of handcut donuts since mid May 2017 when they opened their first location off Ringling Boulevard in Downtown Sarasota. Last fall, Five-O also began selling at four local farmers markets, including the Downtown Sarasota Farmers market, to meet demand. Now, owner Christine Nordstrom has decided to begin her brick and mortar expansion by responding to local requests, and Five-O will open a second Sarasota location just south of Stickney Point Road at 7119 South Tamiami Trail in the Buccaneer Plaza in September. The new location will be open seven days a week and will carry the same expansive line up of donuts as the Ringling location. Nordstrom expects to have several locations open within the next three years, expanding north into the St. Pete, Tampa and Brandon markets and south into the Charlotte, Ft. Myers and Naples area then east into Orlando. 

Five-O Donut Co.

[Law]  Turner Appointed to Florida Bar Journal, Editorial Board

Loftus Law has announced that Lindsay Turner has been appointed by the president of the Florida Bar to serve on the Florida Bar Journal and Florida Bar News Editorial Board. Turner has been appointed to serve a three-year term as a member of the Editorial Board. The Florida Bar Journal is a monthly-published periodical, while the Florida Bar News is currently published twice monthly. Both publications are circulated to all members of the Florida Bar. The Sarasota family law firm of Loftus Law represents clients in all types of divorce and family law matters, including obtaining mediated or cooperative/collaborative settlements, handling child custody and time-sharing issues, modifying child support or alimony, asserting fathers’ rights and establishing paternity, drafting and reviewing pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and prosecuting and defending claims of domestic violence or other abuse. 

Loftus Law



[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]  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: 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]  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]  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

[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]  GALLERY: "40 by 8" , June 25 – August 31

True to its name, the summer exhibit, curated by Mark Ormond, features 40 works by eight artists, including Luisa Basnuevo, Jean Blackburn, Luis Delgado, Daphne Gamble, Leslie Lerner, Melissa Meyer, Helen Shulman and Joyce Ely Walker. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.


Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, 1288 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236.

[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

[SOON]  THEATER: Gilbert & Sullivan Unplugged , August 21 – September 23

Pour the pirate sherry, braid the raven hair, polish up the handle of the big brass door, and celebrate Gilbert & Sullivan’s most beloved songs. Gilbert & Sullivan Unplugged has delighted audiences across the US with lovingly loopy renditions and joyfully irreverent excerpts from HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzance. Last seen at New York’s 54 Below, this isn’t your grandmother’s Gilbert & Sullivan!

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Making Strides Kick Off Celebration , August 23, 5:30pm-7pm

Don’t miss the 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick off Celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Celebrate survivors, hear from Team Leaders and learn more about the mission of the American Cancer Society. If you have been thinking about starting a team, becoming a sponsor or you just wish to know more about the programs and services the American Cancer Society provides in our community, the Kick Off celebration is the place to start. Light refreshments will be served and complimentary valet parking is available.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: German American Social Club Sommerfest, August 25 , August 25, 6:00 PM

This is one party you won’t want to miss! Come down and celebrate everything you love about summer at this shindig hosted by the German American Social Club of Sarasota. Enjoy friendly conversation with other Sarasota locas. Kick your feet up and relax with an ice-cold beer. Enjoy lively dancing and music provided by DJ Bustin Justin. You’re guaranteed to have a good time at this casual summer bash! Authentic, delicious German food will be provided by the Schnitzel Trailer, and proceeds will go toward benefiting students studying German both here and abroad. You can purchase tickets in advance on their website.

Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232

[SOON]  GALLERY: Elsewhere , August 30 – October 5

This juried exhibition opens with a reception on August 30th.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Friday Fest: Dr. Dave Band , September 14, 5pm-9pm

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is wrapping up their Friday Fest summertime concert series this September with the Dr. Dave Band. A Bradenton favorite performing for more than a decade as a top-choice house band, this group knows how to wow a crowd with high-energy Southern Rock blended with bluegrass banjo and fiddle. During the show, don’t forget to indulge in the refreshments provided by Van Wezel, including local food trucks and popular beverage vendors. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and settle in for a good time.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., 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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