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SRQ DAILY Feb 2, 2019

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[City]  Broken Promises
Tom Barwin, Thomas.Barwin@sarasotagov.com

I began my public service career as a police officer in the late 1970s. Back then, when we were called to respond to someone behaving in a delusional or psychotic manner, the individual would be transported to a regional state psychiatric hospital for diagnosis.

Under the supervision of a judge and doctor, if an individual was found to be a danger to themselves or others they would be admitted to the psychiatric hospital. Working with a case worker and a legal guardian, admitted patients were treated until stabilized before returning home. This approach was both compassionate and effective.

Flash forward. Over the past four decades, over 400,000 mental health beds have been eliminated in our country, including the 1,000 beds closed in nearby Arcadia, when the G. Pierce Woods hospital was closed in 2002. As these 400,000 mental health beds in our country were closed, the country has grown by over 100 million people. The promises made to replace old state psychiatric hospitals with robust community mental health programs have not been kept.

Public health is a basic legal responsibility of state government delivered through its counties. Florida is 49th in the entire country in terms of funding mental health programs. Florida’s main investment in mental health hospitals are at four “forensic facilities” (1,400 total beds) mostly reserved for those who have committed very serious felonies, as the state attempts to stabilize afflicted individuals to prepare them for their criminal trials. Seriously.

In Sarasota County, our police officers, EMS first responders, judges and even families have few stabilizing options for those facing a difficult mental health crisis that has not yet resulted in a serious felony.

Unfortunately, our jails and streets have become our de facto mental health and substance addiction wards, and a major reason chronic homelessness rose dramatically on the Gulf Coast since the G. Pierce Woods facility closed in 2002.

Recreating big state mental health hospitals is not the answer, but properly sized, properly staffed mental health facilities in therapeutic settings are essential to public safety and a civilized society.

That is why Sarasota is asking our county, regional and state leaders to come together to plan and fund adequate mental health facilities to properly respond to people in crisis. It is both the compassionate and financially responsible thing to do.

Tom Barwin is Sarasota City Manager. He welcomes comments sent to Thomas.barwin@sarasotafl.gov. 

[County Government]  Making the Rosemary a Pedestrian Paradise
Paul Caragiulo

This month is a significant one for our family. It marks the thirtieth anniversary of Caragiulos. Thirty years in this community at the same location. This prompted me to ask myself what has changed in the downtown community. Has it been for the better? I meet fewer people who can recall what downtown Sarasota was like in the ‘80s simply because they weren't here yet. My family first arrived in town in 1987 and my dear father was often the recipient of perplexed responses when he announced to others he leased a space on Palm Avenue to open a restaurant.

The old Mira Mar hotel had been demolished a few years prior and Palm Avenue was mostly vacant and inactive, unless you count late night prostitution and drug activity. When the restaurant opened, no one complained about parking because there were few cars downtown. This was in the year 1989 BWF (Before Whole Foods). That's the project that set our urban core in motion and paved the way for most of the development we see today. As someone who was there then and is here now, there is no question our downtown core has become a wonderful place. It's thriving. This is amazing considering in the mid-‘80s, the same area met the statutorily designated definition of “blighted.” The remedy was the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area. After 30 years and over $80 million of public investment, the result speaks for itself. The downtown core is thriving. The increased pedestrian traffic alone should be enough to prove the point.

Subsequently and appropriately, policy makers set their gaze on other areas of downtown in need of attention and the focus moved north, to the Rosemary District. This area, which extends from Fruitville Road north to Tenth Street and from Central Avenue west to Orange Avenue, is in the midst of an acute revitalization due largely to a significant increase of available dwelling units (density) within the district. This was approved with broad community support by the City Commission in 2013.

Last month urban planner, author and walk-ability guru Jeff Speck returned to Sarasota after six years. The time frame is interesting when you consider six years ago was just prior to the return to the community of Florida's state bird, the construction crane. After a walking tour, he held a well-attended public forum largely focused on transportation in the urban environment (the event can be seen here). Jeff has a highly sophisticated understanding of Downtown Sarasota since he was part of Andreas Duany's team, which created the Downtown Master Plan in the early 2000s. What's more, he was specifically tasked with the plan for the Rosemary District. The area, when viewed as a clean canvas, is an urban planner's dream because of its textbook street grid system, a necessary component for establishing connectivity. In short, Jeff likes much of what has transpired here. One thing was made clear; there is still work to do on the pedestrian environment. This includes bridging the gap that exists in our current regulations for primary and secondary streets.

Pedestrian connectivity is especially important between adjoining districts and this is where the principal challenge presents itself. That challenge is Fruitville Road, formally and quite logically known as Third Street. It should be noted this road section is completely within the jurisdiction of the city—not state or county authorities—and remains by far the biggest impediment to connectivity.

The city has a plan to narrow Fruitville, which Mr. Speck completely supports. That will enhance the pedestrian environment and connect these two downtown neighborhoods together. It can and will take the downtown experience to the next level. True, there are some naysayers (I know, what a surprise) whose concerns are principally vehicle capacity issues, basically the ability to get through downtown neighborhoods. Okay, they should watch the Speck video. He does a great job explaining capacity. Let's just say there are some myths. 

Let's recognize the city is now a bona fide urban area barely in its adolescent stage and our transportation policy should reflect that. Urban transportation policy should be preferential to those traveling to it or within it, rather than through it.

Paul Caragiulo is a former Sarasota County Commissioner and Sarasota City Commissioner. 

[Community]  Transformative Devotion
Roxie Jerde, roxie@cfsarasota.org

Words like inspiration, dedication, generosity and commitment are ones that typically come to mind when we think of the many people who give of themselves and their resources to help strengthen and transform our community. One word that sometimes gets overlooked when we speak about philanthropy, though, is devotion.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County this past week hosted its annual Legacy Society luncheon to honor those who have left portions of their estates to support the community long after their time with us. I was touched to share a story of devotion about two sisters from Chicago, Dr. Gertrude Hight and Muriel O’Neil, who moved to this area 20 years ago and immediately fell in love with our amazing community.  

Throughout separate but successful careers in the publishing industry, leading busy lives, Gertrude going to medical school in her 50s, and attending to all the various twists and turns that life throws our way, Gertrude and Muriel always managed to stay close with one another. So when Muriel passed away a few years ago, it was no surprise Gertrude was by her side.

The story could have ended there, and it would have been beautiful. But instead there is so much more to tell.

Following Muriel’s death, Gertrude inherited her sister’s estate. She could have done anything with that gift, but what she chose to do was to invest in our community in a way that will transform arts and education throughout the area for many years to come for the five organizations she was passionate about supporting.  By creating the Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts, Gertrude found a way to honor her sister’s love for the arts and also express her passion for making a difference in the lives of others. It was an act of devotion that moves my heart.

Thanks to the generosity of these two sisters, Florida Studio Theatre expanded its business and educational offices. The Players Centre for the Performing Arts successfully launched its capital campaign for a state-of-the-art theatre and performing arts center in Lakewood Ranch. WEDU was able to continue its award-winning arts and educational programming, and Sarasota Ballet received the funding it needed to grant more scholarships to talented young performers, like the young dancers participating in the ballet’s Dance - The Next Generation program.  The Asolo Repertory Theatre was able to install a state-of-the-art sound system for the Mertz Theater, expand space at the Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center, plus expand funding for Student Fellowships for the Asolo/FSU Conservatory for Actor Training. 

This is a gift that will impact people for many generations to come. (You can see a video about these women at our Facebook page.)

Gertrude and Muriel’s story is emblematic of similar transformative opportunities being created every day by giving people across our community. Whether it’s an interest in the arts and culture, education, the environment or any other passion a donor may have, legacy giving provides a vehicle that allows benefactors and their families to provide a lasting tribute to their philanthropy while making an enormous impact.

Everyone in the community can be part of our foundation’s mission to be the one to make a difference. It is through the inspiration, dedication, commitment and, yes, devotion of our donors that we are able to transform lives and create a positive, lasting impact on our community.

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

[Education]  Preparing Students to be Ready for Life
Jennifer Vigne, jvigne@edfoundationsrq.org

In educators’ parlance, preparing high school students to be “college and career ready” is generally well understood from the academic perspective.

“Life readiness” is a relatively new component to the mission of preparing students to succeed in postsecondary endeavors. It is a component the Education Foundation of Sarasota County embraces and incorporates into our focal College, Career and Life Readiness Initiative.

We believe life readiness is the essential support that will enable students to achieve optimal college and career success.

The importance of life readiness has been reinforced as our organization serves as the backbone organization for the Local College Access Network work and conducts numerous workshops for students. The organization recently hosted a hugely successful College Admissions Planning Seminar with over 20 public and private liberal arts colleges participating.

Life readiness involves attributes such as leadership and responsibility; flexibility and adaptability; initiative and self-direction; productivity and accountability; and social, emotional and cross-cultural learning.

Redefining Ready!, a research-based guide, describes life-ready students as having the grit and perseverance to tackle and achieve their goals and possess the growth mindset that empowers them to approach their future with confidence, to dream big and achieve big.

The Education Foundation’s initial focus, in integrating the College, Career and Life Readiness Initiative, is on three life readiness areas: (1) social-emotional learning; (2) financial literacy; and (3) leadership.

Social-emotional learning emphasizes five competencies: self-awareness; self-management; social awareness; relationship skills; and responsible decision-making. Included is proactive anxiety alleviation, which is an increasingly valued skill in a time of heightened tensions and pressures for school-aged children.

To facilitate social-emotional learning and respond to guidance counselors’ and teachers’ requests, the Education Foundation provides lessons from School Connect, a program that boosts students’ social, emotional and academic skills by fostering academic engagement, enhancing social and emotional competencies, reducing risk factors and facilitating supportive relationships within the high school community.

School Connect’s mission is to prepare adolescents for adulthood, both personally and professionally. Lessons include preparing for college, employment and independent living.

Dr. Suzanne Burke, director of our College, Career and Life Readiness Initiative, recommended the program. She focused on social-emotional learning and 21st century skills in her nearly 30 years’ experience in education that included serving as associate superintendent for academics in Austin, Texas.

Using the curriculum, we provided a “coping with stress” lesson for high school students, taught by the lead guidance counselor who asked for help in light of students’ increased anxiety levels. In addition to positive feedback from students, the assistant principal later reported observing a formerly tense student sitting quietly and practicing calming techniques taught in the lesson.

The financial literacy component empowers students to effectively manage their finances, make sound decisions, and become stewards of their financial future through interactive exercises and simulated real-life scenarios. Modules for high school students include budgeting and making a spreadsheet; credit and debt, including: accessing financial aid, scholarships and student loads; savings and investing; and connecting financial literacy to college, career and life goals.

The first financial literacy workshop uses original curriculum developed by Dr. Burke and two Sarasota-based volunteers, a financial adviser and a college professor. The first offering of this six-module course is open to students in grades 9-12 at Riverview High School.

The student leadership component references unique challenges faced by students in this time of rapid change when numerous studies link social competency to the likelihood of success. The first leadership “camps”—our beta version workshops—will be taught at Riverview and North Port high schools this spring.

Timeless skills, such as those taught in student leadership workshops and other programs described here, lay the groundwork for students to learn resilience, productivity and achievement.

That’s a good start for life readiness.

Jennifer Vigne is president of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 



[SCOOP]  Mote Resident Manatees Hugh and Buffet Make Super Bowl LIII Predictions

Mote Aquarium resident manatees Hugh and Buffett made their annual Super Bowl prediction, and it’s a house divided! Buffett selected the New England Patriots while Hugh went for the Los Angeles Rams. Hugh and Buffett have been predicting the Super Bowl for the past 11 years, and with a record of 9-2, Buffett seems to be a little more clairvoyant than Hugh and his 6-5 record. The manatees made their predictions by picking between two targets that were placed in the water, and each target had one of the team logos on it. Be sure to check out the manatee exhibit on your next visit to Mote Aquarium. Photo by Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory 

Mote Marine Laboratory

[SCOOP]  Happy Super Bowl Weekend

Kathy Collums, SVP, Sarasota City Exec, at Sabal Palm Bank wishes everyone a Happy Super Bowl Weekend! 

[SOON]  Wall Of Bravery

1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  You can honor someone that is currently fighting cancer or someone who has lost their battle with this horrible disease.  For a donation of $100, you can feature a photo of the person you would like to honor on the Wall of Bravery which will be displayed at the  at the upcoming Starry Night Soiree to benefit the American Cancer Society on February 23.  Spaces are limited.    Contact Bethany Lynch now at bethanyk.lynch@cancer.org to ensure your loved one is recognized at the upcoming Starry Night Soiree. 

Starry Night Soiree

[SOON]  After Hours at The Bazaar

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is an 'Indie' indoor market filled with something for everyone. From art, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, one-of-a-kind items, gifts, and food. Head over to The Bazaar, located at 821 Apricot Avenue in Sarasota, on Wednesday, February 6th from 5-7pm for complimentary cocktails, live music, demos, and amazing shopping.

 

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

[SOON]  Seal to Perform at Van Wezel Foundation Gala

On February 16th, legendary singer-songwriter Seal will perform at the Van Wezel Foundation Gala.  Do not miss this very special evening featuring  the Grammy-Award winning artist whose remarkable career that spans more than two decades. The London-born multi-platinum singer-songwriter  has been focused on a single creative pursuit: expressing the full experience of love through song. Known for his one-of-a-kind soaring, husky baritone voice and classic songwriting, Seal has seen success across numerous genres of music and selling more than 30 million albums worldwide. Proceeds will support the Van Wezel’s Arts Education Programs, Hall Beautification, and Community Outreach which includes special ticketing for veterans, seniors, and families with low incomes. 

Van Wezel Foundation Gala 2019

[TODO]  Ringling Museum Stroller Tours

Join a Ringling Museum educator for a one-hour tour designed for parents or caregivers visiting the museum with an infant. This tour allows for adult discussion within a group that does not mind if a chatty or crying baby joins the conversation.  Strollers or front baby carriers only, please. Participants should meet at 10 AM in the Museum of Art Lobby. This program is free, however a ticket is required. It includes two adults (also free) per child and museum admission for the rest of the day. 

Ringling Museum Stroller Tours

[SCOOP]  Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) New Promotional Video

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has released a new promotional video featuring a “Day in the Life of SRQ”, highlighting the airport, our air carriers and amenities.   The video can be seen on SRQ’s YouTube page at the link below. 

Day in the Life of SRQ Video

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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