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SRQ DAILY Jan 3, 2019

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"The tobacco industry is not near as powerful as it used to be, so there's likely a good chance Sen. Gruters' bill will pass this year."

- Michael Barfield, ACLU of Florida
 

[Government]  Smoking Ban Could Return to Beaches
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A judge in 2017 declared a Sarasota ban on smoking on the beach to be unconstitutional. Now a Sarasota state senator wants to keep cigarette butts out of the sand statewide.

State Sen. Joe Gruters filed legislation that could put in place a fine of $25 and up to 10 hours of community service for those who smoke on public beaches anywhere in Florida. If that passes through the Florida Legislature and becomes state law, it would eliminate the legal problem that undid Sarasota County and city ordinances. A judge declared local jurisdictions could not pre-empt state law, thereby tossing out a ban on smoking in public parks.

Gruters says the beaches present too much value to the economy. Plus, it’s dirty and gross. “There’s nothing more disgusting than going to the beach and finding a cigarette butt in the sand,” he says.

More importantly as far as the economy goes, smoking impacts publicity for beaches. Siesta Key has twice topped Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches list, in 2011 and again in 2017. Researcher Stephen Leatherman, who compiled data on beaches for the list, gives bonus points for beaches with “No Smoking” policies.

But Florida beaches haven’t been able to get those points thanks to a Sarasota lawsuit. Michael Barfield, board chairman for the ACLU of Florida, worked as a paralegal on that case, and said local police had been targeting homeless caught smoking in public parks.

He’s talked with Gruters about the new bill. “The tobacco industry is not near as powerful as it used to be, so there’s likely a good chance Sen. Gruters’ bill will pass this year,” Barfield says.

But while Barfield says there’s no civil liberty or constitutional right at stake as far as smoking bans, he predicted the ACLU will challenge any law being used to systematically target the homeless.

Gruters doesn’t want that to happen either, he says, and his law allows for designated smoking areas—in pavilions and areas off of the beach itself. “To me, it’s worth pushing for,” Gruters says, “for the enjoyment of everybody attending the beach that won’t have to sit beside someone who is smoking.” 

[ShopTalk]  Vibing out in Violet
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Known for its soothing floral fragrance and its visually calming color, the pursuit and utility of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a holistic role in the mummification process. But on San Juan Island, there’s a much different herbal practice happening. Pelindaba Lavender is a premier grower of lavender plants, distiller of lavender essential oils and handcrafter of over 200 different wellness and decor products, cultivated from its beautiful farm in Washington. From their own organically-certified fields of flowers and essential oils extracted from them, each step of the process is done on the farm and sustainably handcrafted.

Owner and founder Stephen Robins applies his South African roots with the Zulu word “Pelindaba”, which translates as “place of great gatherings.” And by gathering great elements, such as nourishing crops and discerning people, Pelindaba reaps what it sews. Recently nestled into its new Palm Ave. storefront, formerly Art of Ireland, the pleasantly aromatic and monochromatic retail shop brings a wide range of elegantly designed and effective products to Downtown Sarasota.

If you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep or to ease your pesky arthritis pains, without resorting to packaged medication aids, Pelindaba organizes its wide variety of natural products in terms of what you need lavender’s magical welfare for. From botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household and pet care, find daily uses for lavender for inside and outside your home. Enjoy essential oil candles/potpourri, liquid castile soap, lavender linen water for laundry and work in the garden with lavender insect repellent, fire ant treatment, organic hydrosol and algae inhibitor. For cosmetic and personal care, feel yourself at ease in a silky lavender milk bath and with a skincare arsenal of lavender from toner/cleaners, after shave gels, hair serums, therapeutic massage oils, body lotions/butters and antibacterial powders. Find the gourmet plant even in the kitchen, now appearing more regularly on menus, contributing to a gastronomic revival harvesting sweet and savory foods and beverages, such as salt/pepper seasoning, honey/chutneys, vinegars, ice cream, chocolates, chamomile teas/lemonade, cookies and even dog biscuits. Also for your furry pet pals, source antiseptic and disinfectant soft shampoo, and a calming pillow filled with a blend of lavender buds and rice grains to pacify your pup from New Year’s fireworks. 

Photo courtesy of Pelindaba Lavender.

45 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-554-8785.

[Fins at Sharky's]  Fulfill Your Tastebuds' Resolution
Cori Spruiell

With the revelry of the holiday season coming to a close, it could be easy to find yourself in a post-celebration slump. Brighten up the January doldrums by treating yourself to dinner with a view—a dinner that doesn’t even force you to break your resolutions so early on. The stunning grilled watermelon and Macadamia-crusted gouda dish from Fins at Sharky’s is the ideal small plate for putting a dash of excitement into the everyday. Resting on a bed of fresh arugula and thinly sliced beet straw, grilled watermelon filets are layered with Macadamia-crusted gouda; a combination that combines crisp and creamy, sweet and rich. Finished with a drizzle of raspberry balsamic, this dish promises to begin your year on the right note. 

1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice

[Philanthropy]  Barancik Foundation Names Fieber to Board of Directors

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has announced the election of Hosana Fieber, chief financial officer at Tervis Tumbler, to serve a three-year term on its Board of Directors. Fieber leads the company’s sustainability mission and has been involved with Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity and Girl Scouts. The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation was established in 2014 as a private, family foundation, and today creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment and medical research. 

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

[Philanthropy]  The Exchange Accepting Applications for 2019-20 Grants

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) has announced that it is now accepting applications for its 2019–20 grants and scholarship program. Organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. The Exchange’s board bases its granting decisions on the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the public and the educational impact these programs will have on area students. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements and letters of recommendation. Last year, the organization awarded $250,000 to 19 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 22 students. To be considered, all applications must be received by no later than 4pm on January 31, 2019. For guidelines and application information, visit The Exchange’s website below. 

The Exchange



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Cycle 2: Art Center Instructors, McMennamy and Gatzambide , November 29 – January 4

Art Center Instructors exhibition will feature the talented local and visiting Art Center Sarasota instructors. A second gallery will offer Stephen McMennamy, an Atlanta-based artist, his first solo exhibition featuring his time-based video collages. Artist Peter Gatzambide will exhibit a recent series of assemblage paintings and works on paper in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota.

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

[TODAY]  THEATER: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder , November 7 – January 13

Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. Along the way, Monty has to juggle his mistress, his fiancée and the constant threat of landing behind bars. It will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

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

[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Lights in Bloom , December 20 – January 6

For the 15th year, and with an expanded 15-night schedule, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will light up the holiday season with Lights in Bloom!  More than one million lights will illuminate the Gardens and walkways. The tropical holiday paradise will also include nightly live entertainment, games, crafts, and grilled foods from Michael’s on East. Celebrate the holiday season at Lights in Bloom! Event dates are December 20–23, 26–30, and January 1–6.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Open House at Alfstad& Editions , January 4, 5–8pm

Come visit the new space and celebrate the opening of Alfstad& Editions, a collaborative fine art printmaking studio in the Rosemary District. Dedicated to the professional print process, Alfstad& Editions creates limited edition and original works of art, and offers private printmaking instruction, customized workshops and individual classes. Snacks, drinks, art and a live silkscreen demonstration included.

Alfstad& Editions, 1421 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Cirque Ma’Ceo , January 4 – February 3

The Magic of Ma’Ceo... described by the ocala star banner as an- “Equine Cirque du Soleil”! This theatrical European style, equestrian themed, cirque show tells a beautiful seamless story with a contemporary blend of Acrobatics, Aerial, Dance, and Equestrian Arts woven to the acoustic beats of rich Spanish guitar. This renowned show has toured the nation this past decade, recently performing in Honolulu, Hawaii, Alaska, and Las Vegas. For the first time ever, Cirque Ma’Ceo will be performing in front of their hometown crowd,Sarasota Florida! To make this occasion even more special, we will be offering a VIP ticket to purchase a Benefit Dinner with the rare opportunity to eat, drink, and personally get to know the cast of Cirque Ma’Ceo right under the Big Top! A large portion of the ticket proceeds will be directly donated to Big Cat Habitat and the animals who have filled our lives with joy.

Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: 15th Anniversary Celebration Concert , January 5, 5:00PM

The culmination and highlight of the 17-day Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency, the 15th Annual Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera House features the most gifted, young musical talents of our time. The PMP Chorus is led by Patrick Romano, Chorus Master and the PMP String Orchestra performs under the baton of Itzhak Perlman.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Pirates of Penzance , January 10 – January 27

This rollicking, music-filled farce, which premiered in 1879, includes home-town references to our own Pittsburg Pirates. At eight years of age, Frederic was apprenticed to a group of fun-loving, soft-hearted pirates. Now 21, he decides to leave the pirates to lead “a blameless life.” He makes it his goal to eradicate these pirates. Fun and mayhem follow.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: The Crucible , January 11 – March 10

In the black of night, a Salem village reverend discovers a group of teenage girls dancing devilishly around a fire in the woods. When his daughter exhibits strange catatonic symptoms the following morning, the townsfolk are frenzied with rumors of witchcraft. Deep-seated jealousy, deadly accusations, and seething resentments pit neighbor against neighbor as a deeply religious community is thrown into turmoil, in this Arthur Miller classic.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Images- Who Stole the Mona Lisa , January 12 – January 13

“Who Stole the Mona Lisa?” is a whimsical and imaginative animated film that offers a delightful, multimedia, classical music performance presented in synchrony with a live performance of Igor Stravinsky’s Suite from “The Firebird.” Live and visual pairings of “Babar the Elephant” and “Pictures at an Exhibition” complete the program. Alexandre Moutouzkine mans the piano while Edward Alley narrates.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: American Watercolor Society , January 15 – February 22

Artists are local, national and international, and Art Center Manatee is one of only five venues in the country to host the exhibit. Admission is $5. In a neighboring gallery, and on display for the same period of time, the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society will also be showing work from its member-artists.

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Hairspray , January 17 – February 3

“Welcome to the 60s” where Tracey Turnblad, a pleasantly plump teenager dreams of fame and fights to racially integrate the Corny Collins Show. This winner of eight Tony Awards (including “Best Musical”) is based on the John Waters film and proves that “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”

The Players Theatre, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Bill Bowers: All Over The Map , January 18 – January 19

Through movement, mime, and comedy, a veteran solo artist recalls and recreates the indelible memories from thirty years of touring twenty-five nations.

Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: A Doll's House, Part 2 , January 18 – March 31

In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 masterwork, Nora Helmer slammed the door on her marriage and family life, leaving her family. This sequel imagines her 15 years later as a successful writer and independent women, but she must return home to the one man who can help her. Universally acclaimed during its recent Broadway run, this new comedy raises questions about marriage and the roles of women have—and have not—changed.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time , January 23 – March 17

Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name , Christopher is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an ear-shattering discovery.

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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