« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Feb 25, 2019

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"Reduction and eventual elimination of the business rent tax continues to be a priority for the Manatee Chamber."

- Jacki Dezelski, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
 

[Politics]  Business Makes Needs Known in Tallahassee
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Florida business leaders in Tallahassee last week promoted an agenda including workforce education, lower business costs and proper infrastructure. Southwest Florida figures, both from the business and political world, promised to do all they could this legislative session to advance those priorities.

Jacki Dezelski, president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, says she visited with regional lawmakers in Tallahassee a week and a half ago. “We hit on transportation planning and investment with our delegation and in our meeting with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)," she says. "Reduction and eventual elimination of the business rent tax continues to be a priority for the Manatee Chamber.” She mentioned to many officials that Florida remains the only state to charge taxes on commercial leases, and she wants that challenge on the radar of lawmakers this year.

That ties into business priorities laid out by Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, at a press conference last week. He provided an agenda of lengthy items, but said he chiefly wants lawmakers focusing on improvements in four areas: lowering cost of living; lowering cost of local business; improving education and workforce development; and improving infrastructure to keep pace with growth. “If the Legislature pursues these four areas in earnest, we think we’re going to have positive job creation,” he said.

Dezelski says the region supports efforts to curb red tide as well, and she stresses the need to keep the Sadowski Trust Fund available for affordable housing needs, not raiding it for other budget concerns as lawmakers each year prove prone to do.

State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, had a speaking spot at the Chamber’s press conference. As chairman of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, he has a number of bills in the queue to promote Florida business. “I am so fortunate Senate President [Bill] Galvano gave me the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” he says.

In the role, he tells SRQ, he plans to tackle a number of specific areas aimed at leveling the playing field for local business. That includes an “e-fairness” bill aimed at making sure online retailers pay their share in taxes, just like Florida-based brick-and-mortar stores. He also wants to ensure a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday happens this year, something particularly important to major employers like PGT Industries.

The legislative session formally begins March 5. 

Photo courtesy Florida Chamber: Florida's Capitol.

[Education]  Manatee Students Win Formula 1 in Schools National Championships

PINNACLE, a team of Manatee County students, has been named champion at the Formula 1 in Schools USA National Championships, after three days of competition at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. The win qualifies the team for an invitation to the F1 in Schools World Finals later this year. Formula One in Schools (F1S) is the largest global STEM competition in the world. Students develop, test, manufacture and run CO2-powered, miniature Formula 1 cars, as well as construct pit displays, deliver presentations and produce both enterprise and engineering portfolios.

P1NNACLE is a Manatee County team with students from Palmetto High School, Southeast High School and the University of South Florida. Team members are Jaxson Bunes-Design Engineer, Arianna Longo – Resource Manager, Hunter Raley – Manufacturing Engineer, Jaye Kendzior – Team Manager, Abbygale Owen – Social Media Manager, and Eleanor Hopkins – Graphic Designer. Support Team members include Elizabeth Casadonte, Hayden Simon and Sammy Slovak. The team’s advisors are Brian Kendzior, Career and Technical Education teacher at Palmetto High School and Margi Nanney, Florine J Abel Elementary.

The team also won a host of contingency awards including Best Engineered Car, Best Verbal Presentation, Best Enterprise Award, Most Innovative Thinking and the Scrutineering Award.  

Formula 1 in Schools

[Education]  SMA Rifle Team Wins First Place at Army Service Championships

The Sarasota Military Academy Rifle Team competed in the Army Service Championships in Anniston, AL and received first place in the regional competition and the opportunity to compete at the National JROTC Championships in March 2019. This is the 9th consecutive year that SMA’s Rifle Team has received accolades and qualified to attend and compete at the national level. The SMA team this year consists of ten high school cadets; SMA senior Catherine Taylor, junior Dante Aletto, sophomores Carsyn Band, Sophia Olazabal, Guadalupe Perez, Isabella Ponce and freshmen Kendal Goebel, Xavier Olson, Phillip Pellegrino and Andersen Suter. 

Sarasota Military Academy

[Travel]  Allegiant Opens Service from SRQ to Asheville and Baltimore

Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) has begun new service to Sarasota/Bradenton from two cities: Asheville, NC, and Baltimore, MD. To celebrate, the company is offering fares on the new routes each way as low as $59. New year-round routes to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) include: Asheville via Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)—with fares as low as $59—and Baltimore via Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI)—with fares as low as $82.
These two routes kick off the launch of nine new routes to SRQ announced in November of 2018 and are expected to bring nearly 162,000 visitors to the Sarasota / Bradenton area annually. The additional seven routes will begin in early April and include: Cleveland; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Nashville, Tennessee; Richmond, Virginia; and Syracuse, New York. 

Allegiant Air



[TODAY]  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]  PERFORMANCE: Russian Folk Music and Dance , February 28

This interactive program of popular Russian and folk songs from the Barynya Russian Balalaika Duo incorporates colorful costumes and dance into a full experience. 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. Instrument highlights include the balalaika, garmoshka and contrabass.

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]  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]  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: 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]  GALLERY: Kathe Fraga: Solo Exhibition , March 8

Kathe Fraga narrative paintings are inspired by the romance of vintage Chinoiserie, layered with pattern, botanicals, color and hidden motifs. Worn surfaces and distressed textures combine to create a sense of something soft and lovely and familiar.  

530 Burns Gallery , 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota

[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

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