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SRQ DAILY Oct 15, 2018

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"He tapped into a market so sorely lacking in the area."

- Travis Vengroff, One Stop Housing
 

[Housing]  Will Vengroff's Workforce Efforts Continue?
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Sarasota affordable housing developer Harvey Vengroff died last week, but his efforts to continue constructing workforce housing will continue in the region, according to his family.

“We see a healthy future in Florida,” says Vengroff’s son Travis, who along with brother Mark will continue running One Stop Housing.

That doesn’t mean there’s not still some lingering tension between the company and the city of Sarasota over a 200-unit project aimed at providing housing affordable for professionals near Downtown Sarasota. For the moment, the company plans to move ahead with the first phase of that project. “We're in a good place with Sarasota but that changes on a daily basis,” Travis says.

City Manager Tom Barwin, though, has optimism everything will continue on smoothly. He had a lunch just a few weeks ago with Vengroff, not long before his death, and says there seemed to be an understanding, and that the first phase of the project could move forward even as the developer sought ways to ease county-level impact fees.

Barwin says it was especially important to Vengroff to continue the project as no potential buyer for the land had plans to keep certain community assets like Bob’s Train open. Barwin’s final lunch with Vengroff happened at that restaurant. “We talked for probably 90 minutes over coffee," Barwin says, "and I thought we came to an understanding how this project was going to proceed.”

Travis Vengroff notes that in the time it’s taken to get the Sarasota project up and running, the company got tapped to help draft new ordinances on affordable, single-room occupancy housing in Pasco, Washington. Travis now lives in Washington, where he oversees new projects in the Pacific Northwest, while brother Mark remains in Florida overseeing the company’s efforts here.

One Stop Housing also runs the 240 new units at Robin’s Apartments in Manatee County. The company also has plans for projects in Pinellas County, and maybe in Winter Park.

Travis says that during his father’s life, the businessman saw a need for affordable workforce housing. Vengroff, before getting into construction, ran a collection agency, and originally got into building housing so his own employees need not commute from North Port for a Sarasota job. “He tapped into a market so sorely lacking in the area,” Travis says.

 

The younger Vengroff did not sound optimistic about how much more work One Stop Housing might do in Sarasota as opposed to other communities. But Barwin says he had learned plenty about developing workforce housing from Vengroff and hopes the developer would say the same about his dialogue with the city.

It's something community leaders celebrated even at the times Vengroff fought about the best path forward. Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation senior vice president for community investment, called Vengroff a friend and said he helped provide for striggling households. "You don’t have to like Harvey, but you have to respect his passion for very low-income affordable housing," Thaxton said. "He was in the housing business for the people, not the money. I will miss him."

Vengroff’s ashes will soon be scattered at sea, per his wishes, according to his family. 

[Education]  Kreiling Named Principal of King Middle School

Superintendent Cynthia Saunders has announced that Kristin Kreiling will be the new principal at King Middle School beginning in early November pending final approval by the School Board. Kreiling, currently an assistant principal at Braden River Middle School, will replace Michele Romeo as the principal at King. Romeo is retiring from the school district.  

King Middle School

[Government]  Conservation Foundation Custodian of Endangered Panther Habitat

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has announced its expansion of protected habitat for the endangered Florida panther with the recent agreement for a 1,500-acre conservation easement on Pepper Ranch Preserve in northern Collier County. The conserved land is owned by Collier County government, which has contracted its permanent protection to the Conservation Foundation. The property, half grazing land and half wetlands and forests, is located within the Florida panther Primary Habitat zone established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This legal agreement with Collier County, USFWS and Conservation Foundation, fulfills Collier County’s obligation to place a conservation easement on portions of the County’s preserve. Pepper Ranch Preserve is rich with abundant wildlife including a variety of wading birds, alligators and frequent Florida black bear sightings as well as Florida panther. The preserve is located on Lake Trafford and open Friday through Sunday between November and June for public use, which includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and wildlife viewing. 

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

[Government]  Sarasota Schools, Community Foundation, Florida Center Team Up

Sarasota County Schools, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Florida Center for Early Childhood are working together to offer early childhood mental health services in local elementary schools. Over the course of the year, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has committed $150,000 from the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund and $50,000 from the Tom and Carol Williams Fund. The funds ensure that children at Alta Vista, Emma E. Booker, Tuttle and Gocio elementary schools have access to on-site mental health services. An additional $17,000 in grant funding will be provided to evaluate and report on the impact of the program. With a contribution of $25,000 to The Florida Center, the Willa and Robert Bernhard Fund at The Community Foundation is also helping to provide critical services to children from birth through age eight. 

The Florida Center for Early Childhood

[Museum]  South Florida Museum Welcomes Graber as Director of Communications

The South Florida Museum has announced that Elisa Graber has joined as the new director of communications. In this role, Graber will oversee public relations and marketing for all aspects of the Museum's exhibitions, events, educational programs, membership and fundraising activities and will help the Museum launch a new brand as part of a major expansion that includes the North Education Center and Mosaic Backyard Universe. Graber joins the Museum most recently from RE/MAX Integrity in Eugene, OR, where she oversaw a marketing department serving 300 real estate brokers as marketing director. In Sarasota, she previously held the roles of community reinvestment act liaison and marketing vice president at IberiaBank. 

South Florida Museum

[Business]  Mullen Joins Sarasota Opera as Communications Coordinator

Sarasota Opera has announced the appointment of Lana Mullen as communications coordinator, combining her many years of experience in the communication arts and nonprofit worlds with the art form she loves. The former art director of Metropolitan Life Insurance in New York left the corporate world in 2007 to serve in various functions of Disaster Relief for the American Red Cross, deploying to national disasters in addition to supporting the 24/7 disaster relief operations in Greater New York. In 2010, she undertook an eight-year assignment managing people-to-people educational and humanitarian programs for Road Scholar in Cuba, where she acquired extensive knowledge about everyday life, the economy, agriculture, arts, education and healthcare. Lana moved to Sarasota in 2017, and for the past year has volunteered in numerous areas of Sarasota Opera, including marketing and development. 

Sarasota Opera

[Business]  Florida Center for Early Childhood Announces Board

The Florida Center for Early Childhood has announced its 2018-19 board of directors. Jeffrey Woodin, senior vice president of Commercial Banking with Fidelity Bank, has been named chairman of the board of directors for The Florida Center for Early Childhood, southwest Florida’s leading provider of therapeutic services and healthy development for young children. Emmalee Legler, director of marketing and Operations at Jon F. Swift Construction, has been newly appointed to the board, serving a three-year term. Returning members in new roles include Melissa Dunlap as vice chair, Dr. JoAnn Spiegel as secretary and Steve Devitt of Centennial Bank as treasurer. Additionally, William Ames of iHeart Media, Anne Bouhebent of The Early Learning Coalition, former State Representative Doug Holder, Larry Lawman of Lawman Benefits Consulting, Scott Pinkerton of Pinkerton, Harkins & Mehserle Private Wealth, City Attorney of North Port Amber Slayton, Carole Storch and Olga Strelkov of Northwestern Mutual will continue to serve as board members.  

The Florida Center for Early Childhood

[Business]  Crystal Clean Green Cleaning Completes Second Food Collection

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning (CCGC), a Sarasota-based housecleaning company devoted to green practices, completed its second food collection initiative this week. With mutual effort by the company and its clients, CCGC collected 209 pounds of food, which has been donated to the All Faiths Food Bank. The food collected will benefit nearly 250 families. All Faiths Food Bank’s 13-plus school and community programs reach those in need through food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, youth organizations, senior centers, and emergency shelters. 1 in 4 children will go to bed hungry tonight while more than 60,000 people in the community struggle with hunger every day. CCGC has a desire to positively impact the community while growing a successful cleaning business. Its previous food drive raised 176 pounds of non-perishable items as they set a goal of 200 pounds for this year. CCGC is a Sarasota County Green Business Partner, International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Green Business Certified, a Manatee Chamber of Commerce member, one of 18 Healthy Sarasota County Worksites and a member of the Better Business Council. 

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning



[TODAY]  BUSINESS: SWAC Lecture , October 15, 6:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the first program in its 2018-19 lecture seriesFrom PIGS to Hot Spot:  How Portugal Is Engineering the Great Comeback Story of Post-Crisis Europe, featuring Dr. Michael Baum,Director of the Study in Portugal Network and an Executive Board member of the Luso-American Development Foundation. A dual-national of Portugal and the United States, Prof. Baum describes how Portugal has defied critics who insisted on austerity as the only way out of Europe’s debt crisis.  Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay.  The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested 

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Coco Fusco: Twilight , October 14 – February 17

A solo exhibition presenting recent video projects by internationally acclaimed writer and interdisciplinary artist Coco Fusco. Works explore the current political and social climate in Cuba as the Revolution enters its twilight years. Fusco will be premiering her lasted video project currently in production. This newest project, made possible by her 2016 Greenfield commission at the Hermitage Artist Retreat, is a short video-essay on contemporary Cuba that reflects on the anxieties emerging as the country faces an uncertain future. Fusco will also be unveiling a new sculpture on The Ringling’s grounds.

The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cycle One: Lerner, Jounquil, Onghena , October 11 – November 16

The first exhibition of Brooklyn-based artist Natalie Lerner, daughter of Leslie Lerner, features a series of intimately scaled etchings and graphite on paper drawings. Miami-based installation artist Brookhart Jounquil brings his mesmerizing and illusory glass- and light-based sculpture. An Onghena, brings her diaristic take on traditional and contemporary printmaking to create a series of daily prints.

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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Robert McKee: STORY , October 19 – October 21

The story-crafting maven who has taught Hollywood notables such as Peter Jackson, Geoffrey Rush and Kirk Douglas brings his famous seminar to Sarasota. An opportunity for not only professional writers, aspiring writers, producers, directors, and numerous creative individuals in many genres, but also for educational institutions, their faculty and staff, and students of all ages, in many creative disciplines. Interested parties can call the Sarasota County film commission for registration and details: (941) 309-1200 extension 104.

Ringling College Academic Center Auditorium, 2700 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: An Evening in India , October 19

The world needs saving, and Poonam Maini believes the world can do it together. Join Poonam Maini and the Share Care Global team for this second annual fundraising gala. This year’s program of focus is a girl’s home designed to help spark a change in the lives of 10 troubled youth. Participation will allow Share Care Global to encourage women and children to live their most authentic lives.

Michael's On East, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer , October 20, 7am

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks raise awareness and funds to help save lives from Breast Cancer. The event at Nathan Benderson Park, will raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and help people reduce their risk and find it early when it is easier to treat. From the opening ceremony to the post walk entertainment, the Making Strides event is a celebration of survivors and an opportunity to honor loved ones lost. It’s a day that won’t be forgotten and should not be missed.

Nathan Benderson Park , 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: LASTRADA | SRQ 20TH ANNIVERSARY STREET FESTIVAL , October 20, 6pm - Midnight

Join SRQ MEDIA as we celebrate 20 years of superlative 
coverage, community engagement and living hyper-local at 
LaStrada | SRQ’s 20th Anniversary Street Festival!

Dolphin Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Singing Harp , October 21 – October 22

Program includes Giuseppina Ciarla’s original Butterfly Invasion, Claude Debussy’s Claire de Lune, Livingstone/Evans’ Que Sera Sera and even popular hits like Sting’s Roxanne and Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. Tickets are $48 and include food and drink.

Fischer/Weisenborne Residence

[SOON]  MUSIC: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike , October 25 – November 11

This Tony Award-winning comedy from Christopher Durang follows three siblings as they live, love and argue in their family’s home—that just happens to be located in a cherry orchard. (Yes, there are some great Chekhov moments.) Fun, smart and the Drama Desk Award winner for outstanding new play.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Wine & Stein , October 25, 6-9:30pm

Don't miss the 3rd Anual Wine & Stein Fundraiser, A Taste of Hearing. Celebrate with Hear Care Connection Sarasota and raise money to give the gift of hearing. Enjoy, Live and silent auction, live entertainment, wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres. 

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota, FL. 34240

[SOON]  GALA: Share the Light Luncheon , October 25, 11am

Join Second Chance Last Opportunity for the 23rd Annual Share the Light Luncheon on October 25 at Michael’s on East. The event will honor Hillary Dumbroski of Iberia Bank, Sarah Kupiec of Nathan Benderson Park and Circuit Court Judge Rochelle Curley. Standard tickets are $65/person or $520 for a table of eight.

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  GALA: Out of the Blue , October 25, 6pm-8:30pm

Join us for Out of the Blue, Sarasota's largest fundraiser for mental health at Sarasota Architectural Company on October 25. Enjoy fabulous food provided by premier caterer Simply Gourmet, beer donated by Gulf Coast Eagle Distributors, wine and great musical entertainment. You don't want to miss this event benefitting NAMI Sarasota County. Dress is casual or just come from work as you are and relax to the great tunes of Rallo Pucci.

Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: The Barber of Seville , October 26 – November 11

Our favorite barber is back. Doctor Bartolo plans to marry his ward Rosina, but she has other plans for her future. Figaro, the barber, comes to the rescue and assists Rosina in sneaking, scheming, and plotting so she can marry her beloved Lindoro, who unbeknownst to her is the Count Almaviva. With a comic plot and Rossini's most recognizable melodies, The Barber of Seville is one of the most performed operas in the world.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: National Sumi-E Society , October 30 – November 30

Celebrating the Japanese art of ink wash painting, also called Sumi-e, this exhibition brings art from around the country to Bradenton for a show dedicated to the delicacy, beauty and history of the medium. Spanning across all three galleries, this is another flagship exhibition for one of Bradenton’s leading art centers.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Armistice: The Journey Home , November 3 – November 4

Inspired by the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, this performance explores timeless themes of longing, loss, love, and the search for peace in the wake of catastrophe. Musical selections range from Schubert’s Der Wanderer, to Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel, to Ives’ They Are There.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Little Sweep , November 3 – November 4

Sarasota Youth Opera will present a revival of our acclaimed production of Britten’s charming opera. A group of children, with the help of a kind nursery maid, work to free a young chimney sweep apprentice from his cruel master. Last seen in 2013, this enchanting work, which was written to introduce young people to opera, will be sure to delight children and adults alike. The Opera itself will be preceded by a prologue created especially for Sarasota Youth Opera by Youth Opera Music Director Jesse Martins and stage director, Martha Collins

Sarasota Opera House, 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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