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SRQ DAILY Aug 21, 2018

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"It's further proof we've got the support of the community."

- Dennis Murphy, Gulfside Bank
 

[Politics]  Red Tide, Road Projects Inform District 74 Race
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

James Buchanan has experience running for state House, but his run in District 74 certainly feels more subdued than his last campaign. Linda Yates, meanwhile, has run successfully multiple times in North Port but now wants to expand her constituency with a bid for the legislature. The two Republicans this week can be spotted regularly outside early voting greeting voters, hoping to come out of the process as the party nominee running for an open House seat.

For Buchanan, the race offers a chance at redemption. He ran earlier this year originally as a favorite in the special election in District 72, then lost as the race turned into a referendum on President Trump. Now he’s in a much more Republican district, focusing on decidedly local issues like securing funding more quickly for River Road and removing regulatory hurdles for a new hospital to open in North Port.

“We’ve run a very clean and issues-based campaign and that’s something I’m very proud of,” says Buchanan. 

Yates, vice mayor of North Port, hopes eight years of municipal service impresses voters, and more importantly will inform her service in Tallahassee defending home rule for cities and counties. Her time at City Hall span eras of recession and prosperity, and it’s also given her experience hearing from all sides of contentious issues and weighing the arguments carefully before reaching a decision beneficial to the community.

“It’s about trying to find a way to address things and find a commonality unifying us all together,” Yates says.

Both agree a top priority for the region must be aiding constituents hurt by red tide. Buchanan notes Sharky’s on the Pier, run by family friends including high school classmates, has been temporarily shut down by algal blooms, and he says the state should help businesses thrive. Yates’ focus has been on setting up a new reservoir near Lake Okeechobee to prevent discharges that pollute the Gulf of Mexico waters and feed bloomd.

Yates has raised a little more than $11,000 in her campaign, compared to almost $64,000 raised by Buchanan. But she says her closeness to the community matters more. She notes Buchanan has moved around Southwest Florida as he pursued different House seats. “I live in this community and I am passionate about it,” she says. “I believe in grassroots efforts.”

Buchanan, though, notes his family history in the region and that he did grow up in the area. He says the more important difference in terms of governance is that he promises to practice restraint with budgeting. Government spending at North Port City Hall went up 37 percent during Yates eight years in office, he notes. “I’m a true fiscal conservative,” he says. “If you look at her record you can’t say that.”

Yates for her part says the cost of government projects has increased as the economy improved.

Buchanan and Yates face each other in the Aug. 28 Republican primary in District 74. The winner will face Democrat Tony Mowry and independent Robert Samuel Kaplan in the Nov. 6 general election. 

Pictured: James Buchanan, Linda Yates.

[Finance]  Gulfside Bank Raises $20M in Capital
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The individuals planning to open Gulfside Bank in Sarasota have raised more than $20 million for the new financial institution. The funding came together in a period of eight weeks, says CEO Dennis Murphy, and was done without the aid of brokers or investment bankers.

“Raising the necessary capital is one of the major hurdles of what we’ve got to do,” says Murphy. "We did it in two months and that’s very encouraging. It’s further proof we’ve got the support of the community.”

Should Gulfside Bank open on schedule in mid-October, it will be the first state chartered bank to form in Florida in 10 years, and would be one of just two community banks headquartered in Sarasota County, along with Sabal Palm Bank.

The funding for the bank came from roughly 225 area investors, Murphy says. The organizers of the bank include prominent business leaders in the region including Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick attorney Jennifer Compton, Cramer Automotive president Compton Cramer, Tervis president Rogan Donelly, Banancik Foundation CEO Teri Hansen, Willis A. Smith Construction principal John LaCivita, Kennedy White Orthopedics physician Charles Rush, Michael Saunders & Company president Drayton Saunders and Insignia Bank founding directors Sam Norton, Mike Pender and Tim Clarke; Clarke is the proposed chairman.

“We’re strong believers as a group that community banks do a good job of supporting small and mid-sized businesses in local economies,” Murphy says. 

[GoodBite]  Home Is Where the Kimchi Is
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The family owned and operated blue BulGoGi food truck can be found around town at local watering holes such as Brew Life, Calusa, Gator Club and JDubs, as well as random hot spots throughout Downtown. Charlie Chi and his close-knit family have been deemed so successful with the authentic homemade Korean BBQ recipes at Bulgogi Sarasota, the demand for more has been made evidently clear. The people have spoken, and Charlie’s BulGoGi is here to satisfy the hungry masses who crave kimchi salads, sesame chicken wings and spring rolls with that special sauce, on the reg. Having taken over the space once La Dona Donut’s stomping grounds, Charlie moves in to create an additional home for the BulGoGi household name. Charlie’s BulGoGi is the family’s first of many-to-come brick and mortar establishments for a homey, sit-down meal with family—bonding over tasty bowls of spicy pork and sweet potato noodles. The restaurant celebrated its soft opening last Tuesday, with stellar reviews to brag about already.

You’ll still find all your street food favorites you’d order from the traveling food truck, like Kim Mari (deep fried seaweed rolls), Seafood Jeon (Korean pizza), Gal-B (short rib) and Kimbap (similar to sushi). And stay tuned for a special dessert incorporating fresh fruits, vanilla ice cream and marinated black beans called Bing Su—coming soon, to further sweeten the deal. Go show the Chis some love—on and off the road now, as they continue to serve up some of the best Korean BBQ in these here parts.

Lunch, 11-2pm. Dinner, 5-9pm 

Charlie's BulGoGi, 4567 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota Springs.

[Government]  Sarasota County Announces Polling Location Updates

Voters residing in Precinct 435 in the city of Venice will be voting at a new polling location for the August 28 primary election, Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner has announced. The new location, which is temporary for the August 28 primary election only, is the Venetian Golf and River Club Welcome Center at 102 Pesaro Drive, North Venice, FL 34275. Turner also announced a name change for the polling place in Precinct 529, effective with the August 28 primary election, as follows: The Center of Hope Neighborhood Church, 2395 Shamrock Dr., Venice, FL 34293 The Precinct 529 polling place was previously named Venice Bible Church. The address is unchanged. Turner said all registered voters living within the Precinct 435 boundaries will receive from the elections office a post card notice via mail, containing the temporary polling place information. Registered voters in Precinct 529 will receive a new Voter Information Card informing them of the name change. Voters may also call the elections office at 941-861-8619 for more information. 

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office

[Business]  ArtisTree Promotes Walters to VP of Operations Position

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design has announced the promotion of Bill Walters to vice president of operations over its Maintenance Division. Walters joined ArtisTree in 2014 as Tree Manager before being promoted to Assistant Operations Manager and later Operations Manager overseeing multiple departments. In his new role, he will focus on productivity and customer relations while integrating departmental efforts in service delivery, communications, vendor negotiations and equipment procurement. Walters, a veteran law enforcement officer, previously served as operations manager for a local aluminum and residential construction firm. Founded in 1990, ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design specializes in planned community/commercial maintenance and landscape design/installation. 

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design

[Business]  JMX Brands Named to Inc. 5000 List

Sarasota-based internet retailer JMX Brands has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for the fifth year in a row, and sixth time since first making the list in 2012. The parent company of the largest online retailer of Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com and new eco-friendly furnishing, décor, and accessories site at www.ecofriendlydigs.com placed 4,106 this year. The Inc. 5000 ranks companies based on three-year percentage revenue growth. Companies that make the list must also be U.S.-based, privately held and have achieved revenues of at least $2 million in the most recent year. 

JMX Brands

[Real Estate]  Birkey Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group Sarasota Office

Realtor Tim Birkey has joined the Sarasota office of RE/MAX Alliance Group as a member of the Brett Keyser Team. With an attentive, friendly manner, Birkey brings years of white-glove customer service experience, strong communications skills, an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. His expertise in homes and sales comes from working in customer service, sales and management for a large building materials store. Birkey holds a degree in Business Management from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. With a solid knowledge of the Sarasota County and Manatee County areas, he provides professional real estate services in Bradenton, Sarasota, Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, Venice, North Port and Myakka. He is committed to helping buyers find just the right home and helping sellers go from listing to closing as quickly as possible. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group

[Business]  Brooke Chase Places Ballard with ECMD

Sarasota-based executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates has announced the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiter, Richard Mohrman, of Robert Ballard as vice president of marketing with ECMD, a privately held multi-division manufacturer and distributor of millwork and lumber products with state-of-the-art technology and strong double-digit growth. Ballard will be responsible for the successful creation of the company’s marketing organization, structure and strategy, driving market presence with a Business to Business channel marketing focus for distribution and increased consumer awareness focus for the retail channel with Lowe’s. With an extensive background in General Management, Sales and Marketing with Hearth & Home Technologies, Helen of Troy and Whirlpool Corporation, Ballard was tasked with developing channel specific marketing programs and growing the Business to Business sales. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in Marketing. 

Brooke Chase Associates



[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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]  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]  FESTIVAL: The German American Social Club of Sarasota presents Sommerfest , August 25, 6pm-10pm

Join the German American Social Club of Sarasota for the first annual Sommerfest, hosted at Music Compound and benefiting students studying German both here and abroad. The money raised at this event will be distributed among German students applying for a scholarship to further their German studies. The cost of entry includes music (German and American), dancing, an authentic German meal and two drink tickets for soda, water and beer.

Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.

[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.

[SOON]  FOOD: Dining for a Difference , September 20, 5pm-10pm

Join the Designing Daughters for Dining for a Difference, a community wide, dine out event featuring 20+ local Sarasota and Manatee County Restaurants who will donate a portion of all sales made on September 20 back to the Designing Daughters Grants Program for local Children and Family charities. Simply grab your friends, colleagues and neighbors, pick a participating restaurant and enjoy a meal. No ticket, no fancy clothes, just a night out with your favorite people.This simple act will make a huge impact for local families in need.

Multiple locations, Multiple locations

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Real Men Wear Pink Reveal Party , September 29, 5pm-7pm

Join the American Cancer Society as they reveal the 2018 Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota–Manatee. The candidates will participate in a fashion show, hosted by the tenants of the Mall at University Town Center. Come out and see which men in our community are dedicated to raising funds and awareness to help fight breast cancer. Light refreshments will be served.

The Grand Court at The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALA: 2nd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner , September 22, 6pm-9pm

Truly Valued presents its 2nd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner, at Michaels on the Bay at Selby Gardens with speaker Captain Todd Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and a night of entertainment with NuJazz. All proceeds support Truly Valued's mission of building self-esteem, confidence and character to promote a positive self- image, positively impact educational and career aspirations and improve academic achievement in adolescent girls. Dinner is complimentary and an opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended during the event.

Michaels on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens', 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: iconcept jr: The Future of Fashion , September 23, 12pm

25 designers ages 8–16 are encouraged to use repurposed/recyled materials in their creations. Most of them will also wear their outfits in the runway show, adding self-confidence and stage presence as skills gained. The participants are treated to a professional fashion photoshoot for the program guide, as well as professional hair and makeup stylists backstage to complete their look. Proceeds from the event benefit the expansion of the Art Center's youth art education programs and help students who are in need of financial assistance receive scholarships.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 16th Annual Forty Carrots Free Community Speaker Event , September 25, 9am-12pm; 7pm-8:30pm

Forty Carrots Family Center's Annual Free Community Speaker Event presented in partnership with Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns for a 16th year featuring best-selling author and parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba. She will be discussing “How to Cultivate Mentally-Healthy, Resilient, Empathetic Children (Despite a Trophy-Giving, Anxiety-Driven, Helicoptered and Bubble-Wrapped Culture)” and “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.” In these free presentations, parents and educators will learn how to shift children's focus from I, me, and mine, to us, we and ours. With examples from years of research, Dr. Michele Borba will offer a framework that yields successful, happy kids who grow up to be kind, moral, courageous and resilient adults.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota; 1 Ram Way, 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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