« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Feb 21, 2019

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"I have a son going into high school, and I have every intention of presiding over his high school graduation as superintendent."

- Dr. Todd Bowden, Sarasota Superintendent of Schools
 

[Education]  Bowden: Contract Needed Because of Board Politicization
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A long-term contract for Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools Todd Bowden ultimately only mustered a 3-2 vote from the School Board. But the schools chief says controversial elements of the deal were personally important to him for job security.

“I have no intention of leaving,” Bowden says. “I have a son going into high school, and I have every intention of presiding over his high school graduation as superintendent.”

Bowden was selected as superintendent in October 2016. But a politically divided board has given him mixed reviews. School Board members Jane Goodwin and Caroline Zucker gave him high marks in an evaluation past year, while Bridget Ziegler and Eric Robinson scored him low and Shirley Brown said he was just above average. The School Board on Tuesday approved a four-year contract through June of 2023, one that can’t be broken—even with cause—without a supermajority of the vote. Ziegler and Robinson voted against the contract.

Bowden and Robinson acknowledge a poor working relationship. Robinson says Bowden won’t take his calls, while Bowden says Robinson remains the only board member who won’t do one-on-one meetings every other week.

But the political division made it important, Bowden says, to put the supermajority vote requirement in the contract. “The contract was really a response to the overall politicization of the board, which is itself extremely unfortunate,” he says. 

He says the outrage over the contract followed a template seen before. First, members issue angry social media posts, then news stories come. Angry public discourse takes place at crowded meetings. Then the issue settles and everyday business continues. He hopes that happens now that the contract has been finalized.

“Most of the conversation centered around really the provisions on ‘how do we terminate him,’" Bowden says. “That’s why it was important—because of some of the political gamesmanship going on.”

Bowden says the four-year contract makes sense as School Board members also serve four-year terms; Ziegler incidentally rejects that because Bowden is not an elected superintendent and not subject to the same type of public scrutiny and accountability.

His base salary will begin at $197,000 with $5,000 increases each year. That eventually puts him at $222,000, still within the initial contract range the School Board advertised for the post, $185,000 to $225,000. In workshops, parties agreed to a provision that if school contracts require a salary reduction, Bowden’s pay will drop as well.

But what if School Board elections result in a political change in board make-up? Will Bowden stay on with a board where three school board members want him out? 

Bowden notes that once the four-year contract expires, the supermajority requirement goes with it. “At the end of it, a majority—a simple majority—can decide if they wish to move on to another superintendent,” he says. 

Pictured: Dr. Todd Bowden

[ShopTalk]  Shoveling Savings Instead of Snow
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Part of Southside Village’s charm remains the shops and galleries that line the Hillview-happy area—celebrating the local and handmade, alongside high-fashion lines and trends. Amongst these shopping destinations, you’ll find modern elegance remains a through-line in this part of town, and Blu Home certainly is no exception. The retail showroom remains a sought-after touchstone for elevated boutique shopping and living, offering an array of stylish and sophisticated furniture, lighting, rugs and home decor accessories. It is a happening haven for a diverse mix of collected pieces—refined, yet livable, and always specially-selected by the Blu Home design team. Meet the dream team at its newly-dropped Sidewalk Sale, kicking-off today and happening through Saturday, February 23. Spanning the South Osprey sidewalk out front its space, explore the many floor samples, art, lighting and more on sale (up to 60% off original price). Meanwhile, relish the enviable Florida winter weather that has many a northerner gritting their teeth at us for. Suffice to say, we’ll take a sidewalk sale over a sudden snowfall any day.   

Photo courtesy of Blu Home, 1830 South Osprey Ave., Suite 101, Sarasota, 34239, 941-364-2900, @bluhomesarasota.

Sidewalk Sale Hours

[American Dreams Restaurant Group]  Get Your Brunch on at Element

Attention brunch-lovers—Element is now open for Sunday brunch. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Element offers innovative, elevated modern Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Nils Tarantik has put his spin on weekend favorites and created a delicious brunch menu that is brand new to the restaurant as of February 2019. Kick off brunch at Element with a special craft cocktail accompanied by a selection of house-made breads, biscuits and Tuscan apple cake with lemon-rosemary gastrique and brandied cherries. Entrees include Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits along with Mediterranean inspired dishes, such as heirloom shakshuka and eggs benedict with prosciutto and roasted lemon hollandaise. Craving something savory and singular? Try house favorites Braised Duck Confit Hash or the Shaved Steak Sandwich, layered with poblano peppers, maui onion and manchego cheese. A part of the American Dreams Restaurant Group, Element is known for offering one-of-a-kind dinner experiences and a pre-theater prix fixe menu. Add brunch at Element to your calendar this weekend to enjoy a fabulous meal before a Sunday stroll on Main Street.

Element serves brunch on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. View Element’s Sunday Brunch menu at the link below.

American Dreams Restaurant Group is a member of Nosh, SRQ magazine's content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Image provided by American Dreams Restaurant Group.

Element, 1413 Main St., Sarasota, 941-724-8585.

[Gallery]  "Possible Side Effects" Opens Tonight at Ringling College

Opening tonight with a reception at 4:30pm in the Crossley Gallery, Possible Side Effects unites the work of Ringling College of Art + Design artists and Crossley Gallery directors Savannah Magnolia and Meagan Hindel, who present new paintings and sculptures as a part of their thesis bodies of work. Through extremely saturated, hard-edge paintings, Magnolia welcomes a conversation of broader taboo issues. By using large-scale non-traditional landscapes and cross-sections of human anatomy, she addresses such issues as pharmaceutical use, public surveillance and environmental degradation with a clinical yet amusing approach. Hindel addresses familial relationships and traumatic experiences by using animals in her sculptures, so that these resulting mental states may be relatable to all. In addition to sculptures, Hindel will also have a large immersive installation that focuses on the perception of color. Together they create an exhibition that is superficially delightful yet deeply unnerving.

Possible Side Effects opens tonight in the Crossley Gallery at Ringling College at 4:30pm, and will be on display until March 2. 

Possible Side Effects

[Government]  Public Invited to Observe Testing of County Voting Equipment

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner has invited the public to observe the logic and accuracy testing of the county’s voting and tabulating equipment that will be used in the March 12 elections, including the Town of Longboat Key general election and the Holiday Park Park & Recreation District election. The testing is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, beginning at 9am in the office of the Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County Terrace Building. Florida law requires the supervisor of elections to conduct a public test on a random sample of the county’s automatic tabulating equipment and reporting software to ensure that both are operating and recording accurately. The test will include equipment that will be fielded on election day and during early voting, and used to tabulate vote-by-mail ballots. 

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office

[Government]  Manatee County to Host Opportunity Zone Forum

Manatee County Redevelopment & Economic Opportunity Department's Economic Development Division will host a free Opportunity Zone Forum on Monday, Feb. 25, from 9am to 10:30am at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Qualified Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities in Manatee County by offering eligible new investments preferential tax treatment for capital gains taxes. Attend the information session to learn how the community can benefit from this new tax law, how to invest and where investments can be made. Get the facts about Qualified Opportunity Zones and Qualified Opportunity Funds and connect with other organizations and resources within Manatee County’s six Qualified Opportunity Zones. 

Manatee County Government

[Business]  Orioles Economic Impact in Sarasota Tops $360 Million Since 2015

The Orioles have generated more than $360 million in cumulative economic impact in Sarasota since 2015, the first year Sarasota County Government analyzed comprehensive data on the team’s impact. The county’s analysis measures the total tourism impact created by the Orioles, combined with the club’s business operations and spending in Sarasota County. At $92 million for the most recent reporting period, the Orioles’ annual impact is nearly three times the figure projected when the Orioles moved Major League spring training to Sarasota County in 2010.

Results have been bolstered by record attendance at spring training games, and the number of yearly first-quarter visitors from the Mid-Atlantic region has grown by more than 300 percent since 2009. In the first quarter of 2015, the Orioles were credited by Sarasota travel authorities for making history, when the club’s Sarasota 365 campaign catapulted the Orioles’ Mid-Atlantic region to becoming the number one source of Sarasota tourism. In 2017, the Baltimore-Washington market generated the second most out-of-state visitors to Sarasota County, surpassed by only the New York City market. 

Orioles in Sarasota

[Business]  GCCF Accepting Applications for 2019 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) is now accepting applications for the 2019 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. The deadline to apply is March 15 at 11:59pm. Gulf Coast Leadership Institute is a leadership-training initiative designed to identify, develop and connect aspiring and experienced leaders across the Gulf Coast region. GCCF will select up to 26 individuals to take part in the 2019 class, which consists of seven training sessions from late April through late June. The foundation provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to use their new skills for the long-term benefit of the community. Class members will be selected with the intent of creating a diverse group of individuals representing the region’s public, private and independent sectors. Applicants must be able to attend all scheduled training sessions to be considered. Community volunteers of all ages as well as professionals are encouraged to apply. To learn more and complete the online application, visit the website below. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

[Real Estate]  Zambuto Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group Venice Office

Realtor Lisa Marie Zambuto has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group as a sales associate in the Venice office. Formerly with Premier Plus Realty, she specializes in single-family luxury homes and condos. Zambuto has a bachelor's degree in business from Florida Memorial University (FMU) in Orlando, Florida. A Florida resident for 13 years, she has extensive knowledge of the local market, particularly golf and country club communities. As a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), she also brings strong negotiation skills. Her commitment to "going the last mile" for her clients has earned her a thriving referral and repeat customer business. Zambuto is also a member of the Professional Women's Network, Venice Moose Lodge and Realtor’s Advisory Council for the Venice Golf and Country Club. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



[TODAY]  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.

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Cycle 3: SVAS, Nugent & Arbaugh, ASALH and Work of He(art) , January 24 – March 1

In Gallery 1, Sarasota Visual Artists Studios will present an exciting exhibition featuring the work of Andrea Dasha Reich, Barbara Banks, Bill Buchman, Duncan Chamberlain, Grace Howl and Larry Forgard. A collaboration between Jen Nugent and Jack Arbough uses drawing, collage and video to address competing impulses to conserve and explore in Gallery 2. In Gallery 3, the Manasota branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History highlights African-American artists from Sarasota and Manatee counties. And Gallery 4 features an open, juried exhibition.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: The Business of Artificial Intelligence , February 21

Speakers, Dr. Ehsan Sheybani and Sarah Gentry will present a seminar that will introduce different topics in artificial intelligence, including components such as: Wireless mobile applications, A.I. in eco-arts education, pattern recognition or generation, visualization, image processing, video/image editing, audio visual media, data analytics and voice recognition.

USFSM - Selby Auditorium, 8350 North Tamiami Trl.,Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County , February 23

This annual festival celebrates its 18th annual Festival featuring local and regional artists. All media. Held at Bradenton Rivewalk in the pavilion area.

[SOON]  GALA: Starry Night Soiree , February 23, 6:00PM

Celebrate the wonder and magic of the cosmos, accompanied by a gourmet dinner, live auctions, dancing and more!

Funds raised at this special event help make a local impact and support essential American Cancer Society programs, services and extensive research for all cancers in all stages of life. The American Cancer Society’s Starry Night Soiree will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a pre-event reception which includes a silent auction followed by an elegant dinner, a live auction, and incredible entertainment. 

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Denim & Diamonds Shindig , February 25, Begins at 5:30pm

Break out your finest western garb, boots, bling, or favorite cocktail attire for an evening of sparkle and cheer. Florida Studio Theatre’s 2019 annual fundraiser will kick off with a cocktail reception featuring live music, dancers, performances by FST's resident improv troupe, raffles, and more. The celebration continues with live entertainment from FST beloved performers, the presentation of the Spelman Award, and a seated dinner catered by Michael's On East. Tickets are $250 per person. To RSVP, contact Development Associate Samus Haddad at 941.366.9017 ext. 316.

[SOON]  FILM: African Diaspora Film Festival – Tongues United by Marlon Riggs , February 26

Filmmaker Marlon Riggs, winner of the Los Angeles Film Critics Award, and Best Documentary prize at the Berlin Film Festival, is as relevant as ever. The film gives a voice to communities of gay black men, presenting their cultures and perspectives on the world as they confront racism, homophobia and marginalization.

Academic Center – ACE 115, 5800 Bay Shore Rd.,Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Sleeping Beauty , February 27

The Sleeping Beauty, a crowning jewel of Marius Petipa’s career, is often considered the finest achievement of the Classical ballet. It is a grandiose and refined blending of the traditional mime, expressive pas d’action and spectacular divertissements in a lavish theatrical setting and set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score. 

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota,

[SOON]  DANCE: Russian Folk Music and Dance , February 28

This music and dance event is an interactive program of popular Russian folk songs incorporating colorful costumes and dance. Highlights include "Tara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago, the Russian Gypsy dance "Two Guitars", the "Cossack Dance", "Moscow Nights", "Kalinka" a charming tongue twister medley and more. Following the concert lunch and dinner will be served.

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Black Literature Read-In , February 28

The read-in is an event where members of the NCF community read aloud inspirational texts written by Black authors. Wes Bellamy is the youngest person to ever be elected to the Charlottesville City Council and was involved with the initiative to move the Confederate statue.

Jane Bancroft Cook Library , 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SRQ Media's ProjecTHINK Conference , March 1 – March 2, March 1, 5:30-7pm — March 2, 8:30am-1pm

Join SRQ MEDIA for PROJECTHINK, a collaborative community initiative designed to explore the world of innovation and creativity in learning. PROJECTHINK is a two-day conference hosted at the Ringling College of Art and Design on March 1-2, 2019. The conference kicks off on Friday March 1 from 5:30-7pm with celebrated TEDx keynote speaker and global education innovator Ismet Mamnoon, followed by presentations from Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art and Design; Jennifer Vigne, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, and Chris Laney, CareerSource Suncoast. On Saturday March 2 from 8:30am to 1pm, PROJECTHINK opens the world of creativity through hands-on engagement through creativity workshops and immersive workshops that transform the creative process facilitated by Ringling College faculty. The conference concludes with Lunch on the Lawn from 1-2pm, featuring local food trucks. PROJECTHINK is produced by SRQ MEDIA in partnership with the Ringling College of Art + Design, the Education Foundation of Sarasota, and CareerSource Suncoast.

Ringling College of Art and Design Campus, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Goodwill Mardi Gras Gala , March 5, 6pm-10pm

Goodwill Manasota and Michael’s On East invite the public to the most anticipated event of the season: the Mardi Gras Gala. This event features authentic Cajun food, open bar, fabulous live auction items, New Orleans-style music, and dancing. The 2019 Mardi Gras Gala will take place on Tuesday, March 5, 6-10 p.m. at Michael’s On East (1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota). This is the fourteenth year of the event, which was conceived by Michael’s On East co-proprietor Philip Mancini. Guests dress in beads and masks and enjoy New Orleans style drinks and dinner offerings such as Crawfish Étouffée, crab cakes, Jambalaya, Oysters Bienville, and much more. Co-chairs are Tim Schalch and Megan Baers; major sponsors include CS&L CPAs, NDC Construction, and Seaside Bank. Tickets are $150 per person; visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721, ext. 251 for reservations or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Michael's on East, 1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles , March 5

In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. This performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing the Beatles” (Associated Press). Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and come celebrate the best of Abbey Road with Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: My Three Sons Vocal Quartet , March 7

The Ditchfield Family Singers are renowned from coast to coast for their close harmony and unique family blend, highlighted in their mastery of their a cappellarepertoire , which is a part of every show. Performing everything from Broadway to Barbershop, Standards to Doo-Wop, they present a truly unforgettable entertainment experience.

Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Music on May Lane , March 8, 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Here is the description we're using: You're invited! Join us on Friday, March 8th from 4-9 p.m. for Music on May Lane, our first neighborhood block party complete with food, drinks, and music, in the heart of the Rosemary District. Celebrate with us at The Bayside Club!

The Bayside Club, 800 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Kaleidoscope of Creativity , March 9, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Join the Booker High School Visual & Performing Arts department and fellow art lovers for an unforgettable evening featuring a mozaic of stellar performances, exquisite art, silent and live auctions and more. Sip signature cocktails and feast on culinary creations catered by Michael’s on East, as you mingle under the stars to bolster the stars of tomorrow. It will be an evening to remember and supporting a mission we should never forget—ensuring the enduring legacy of the arts in Sarasota and beyond.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Celebrating Bernstein's World , March 9 – March 10

The program includes selections from Bernstein's "Candide", and the "West Side Story Suite" plus music of Charles Ives and Gershwin including music from "Porgy & Bess". Renowned clarinetist, Richard Stoltzman is joined by his son Peter - also a well-established musician, composer and arranger.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mendelssohn’s Elijah , March 10 – March 11

Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament. Fire comes from the heavens, storms gather, and the people cry for vengeance. From the prophet’s curse of drought, to confronting an evil queen, to his ascent to heaven on a fiery chariot, Elijah is an extraordinary musical experience.

First United Methodist, 104 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Love Sung in the Key of Aretha , March 13 – April 28

Four women musically review their life experiences as told through the songs made famous by the late and legendary “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. Join to pay tribute to one of America’s most iconic voices in this joyful appreciation of Aretha’s music and its impact on our lives.

Westcoast Black Theatre Mainstage, 1646 10th Way., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cycle 4 , March 14 – April 19

Through a visceral mixing of oil and acrylic paint, Walter Matthews’ densely worked canvases create a reflection of the artist’s intensity and anxiety. Continuing the annual tradition, Spectrum IV embeds the independent work of three natural solo artists into an experimental installation that blurs the lines between collaboration and contamination. Split between a series of micro-exhibitions, New Realities features the perspectives and studio practices of junior level Fine Art students attending Ringling College of Art and Design.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SRQ MEDIA's SMARTgirl Mentorship Summit, Applications Open , March 15, 9:30am to 1:30pm

Applications are open for this year's SRQ Magazine SMARTgirl Mentorship and Leadership Luncheon taking place on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 9:30am-1:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The free program provides 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls attending school in Sarasota and Manatee counties with career pathway exploration, STEM coding workshops and a luncheon featuring speakers presenting on the topic of overcoming challenges, being a leader and achieving success. The sessions and workshops are led by some of the community’s top women leaders including the ambassadors of the Hear Me Roar Leadership Circle.

Free program, no cost to apply or attend. Submit your application online at SRQMAG.COM/SMARTGIRl by Thursday, January 31, 2019 to be considered. All materials for the conference will be provided, including lunch and snacks. Limited spots available, apply early.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Stan Kenton All Star Big Band , March 17

With a 17-piece orchestra, the program includes such well-loved favorites as “Here’s That Rainy Day,” ”September Song,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Minor Blues,” “Artistry in Rhythm” and many more from the American popular music and jazz artist.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024