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SRQ DAILY Mar 4, 2019

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"I'm sorry, but this is the lifeblood of our business."

- John Lilly, New College of Florida
 

[Education]  New College Short of Student Targets
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

New College of Florida for years has boasted a reputation as a small, liberal arts college and a prestigious Ivy League-like part of the State University System. But as the school looks to grow its student body—and with it revenues from tuition and housing fees—the school has fallen short of planned targets.

A five-year plan to grow enrollment counted on New College welcoming 830 students last fall, but the school had just 809 undergraduates. Over winter break, the number contracted more with many students not returning. As of a Board of Trustees meeting last week, the school counted 756 contracts.

“There’s a large assumption we always will lose some in the summer as well,” O’Shea told trustees. Not to mention the school expects 180 to 190 students to graduate this spring.

State officials would like the college to have 860 students come the Fall term. But that means the college needs roughly 300 new students to enroll. It expects about 250.

Ana Comer-Woods, New College marketing and communications director, said the school wants to ramp up its recruiting efforts in coming years, and is targeting 10th graders so they will think of New College for college visits next year and applications the following year.

“Our admissions team will work very aggressively to reach students in those younger grades," she said.

Meanwhile, the start has provided funding for a five-year growth plan with the expectation New College will start the Fall term in 2023 with 1,200 students enrolled.

Some trustees expressed alarm at missing early targets. “I’m sorry, but this is the lifeblood of our business,” said Trustee John Lilly. He expressed concern New College officials won’t have any good answers when lawmakers in the Legislative Session, which begins Tuesday, ask for a report on enrollment numbers.

O’Shea said the school faces certain challenges in that five state universities in Florida now have larger Honors programs than New College, and they all have more financial aid available. But New College maintains its reputation as the honors campus.

But O’Shea and Comer-Woods both expressed confidence the five-year target can still be attained. At the same time, the school doesn’t want to lower admissions standards and bring in students who won’t succeed under New College’s rigorous and largely independently driven curriculum.

For the moment, local lawmakers say New College just needs more time.

“They understand they have to move up,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. “They will make it. But you can’t sacrifice the quality of students and everything else they are doing just for sake of growing.” 

[Community]  ProjecTHINK 2019: "Being and Doing Creative"
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

“Creativity is a full-body experience,” said entrepreneur and creativity expert Ismet Mamnoon, addressing the crowd at the second annual ProjecTHINK conference from SRQ Media Group, held this past Friday and Saturday at the Ringling College of Art and Design. The founder of Beyonder and a former TEDx speaker, Mamnoon kicked off a weekend of educational and inspiring creativity-focused workshops with a keynote address entitled “Being and Doing Creative.”

Joining a slate of speakers including Ringling College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Peter McCallister, State of Jobs Conference Founder Chris Laney and Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne, Mamnoon took the stage in the Ringling College Academic Center to unveil her latest theory of creativity—a factor-based model that emphasizes both the theoretical and actual aspects. While everyone thinks themselves familiar with creativity in the sense of “engaging curiosity” or “generating options” or “making connections,” she said, most forget the all-important steps required to actualization. “There’s no shortage of good ideas,” she said, but there is a lack of emphasis on what she dubbed “emotional resiliency”—the courage and discipline to take an idea to fruition and meet its potential. Only by focusing on both sides of this creative equation, Mamnoon said, would one make the history books.

The conference rejoined the following morning in the Alfred R. Goldstein Library, where conference attendees met for a morning mission statement from Mamnoon—as well as coffee and cookies and donuts—before dividing into groups and spreading across campus for workshops led by Ringling College instructors. Often hands-on, participants chose between options such as printmaking, hot glass, virtual reality, zine-making and motion design, as well as more theoretical pursuits like storymining and creative leadership. Mamnoon also led one on creative “parentology.”

The afternoon ended with a mini food truck rally featuring Local Ice, South Philly Cheesesteaks and Croz’s Surf Shack, while guests ate and swapped stories in front of the Academic Center.

Plans are already underway for ProjecTHINK 2020. 

Pictured: Ismet Mamnoon delivers the keynote address at ProjecTHINK 2019. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Government]  Sarasota Introduces Single-Stream Recycling this Week

The City of Sarasota will begin rolling out new recycling carts for residents next week, as it officially launches its “single-stream” collection service. The 65-gallon carts will replace the smaller bins currently used for residential recycling. The new carts come with wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and prevent them from becoming litter. All recyclable materials can be placed together in the new carts. To reduce costs, the City applied for and received a grant of more than $100,000 from The Recycling Partnership to help pay for the new carts. Sarasota was one of only six cities nationwide selected to receive the nonprofit’s Coastal and Waterway Community Recycling Grant.

Approximately 15,000 carts will be delivered to residential customers throughout March. Residents can start using those new carts on their regular collection days beginning April 1. Old recycling bins can then be placed curbside for pickup during the month of April so that the City can re-purpose or recycle them. The City’s contract with current provider Waste Pro expires March 31, and the Solid Waste division of the Public Works Department will take over recycling and bulk waste item collection in April.

City officials ask that residents continue to do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts. Some items that can’t be recycled: plastic bags, pizza boxes, clothing, linens, anything containing food or liquid and any wires, hoses or chains that could tangle recycling equipment. For more information and instructions on what can and can’t be recycled, plus other Frequently Asked Questions, visit the website below. 

City of Sarasota Solid Waste Division

[Government]  S&P Affirms Sarasota County Bonds, Announces General Credit Rating

S&P Global Ratings has affirmed one series of Sarasota County's bonds, along with the county's general credit rating of "AAA," the New York City-based firm announced. S&P also announced it had affirmed the "AA+" ratings for the county's capital improvement revenue bonds, "AA" ratings for the county's infrastructure sales surtax revenue bonds and "AA-" ratings for the county's communication services tax revenue bonds. The agency also raised its rating to "AAA" from "AA+" on Sarasota County's limited ad-valorem tax bond, and affirmed the county's "AAA" general obligation rating.

Ratings of the capital improvement, infrastructure and communication services bonds reflected "the strengths exhibited by Sarasota County's growing, broad and diverse economy," the agency announce, going on to say that Sarasota County "is also robust in its capital planning as it maintains a rolling five-year capital improvement plan with identified funding sources and a multiyear budget forecast. It also maintains several policies in the areas of debt and investment management and a fund balance reserve policy that sustains a budget stabilization reserve of 30 to 60 days of general fund expenditures and a contingency reserve at 75 days of expenditures." 

Sarasota County Government

[Education]  Manatee County Announces Four New Elementary School Principals

The School District of Manatee County has announced newly named principals for four Manatee District Elementary Schools. All four are veteran elementary principals in the Manatee District.

Joshua Bennett has been named the new principal at Braden River Elementary, after serving as principal at Bashaw Elementary for the last nine years. He has been with the Manatee District 19 years.Mario Mendoza has been named the new principal at Bashaw Elementary, after having served as the principal at Wakeland Elementary for the last seven years. He has been with the Manatee District for eight years. Kathy Price has been named the new principal at Willis Elementary, after having served as the principal at Myakka City Elementary for the last five years. She has been with the Manatee District for 13 years. Hayley Rio has been named the new principal at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School, which will open its doors for the first time in August. Rio has served as the principal at Braden River Elementary for the last nine years. She has been with the Manatee District for 14 years.

The following principal openings remain to be filled for the 2019-2020 school year: Bayshore Elementary, Daughtrey Elementary, Myakka City Elementary and Braden River Middle. 

School District of Manatee County

[Government]  Manatee County Kicks Off Sunshine Week with Workshop Series

In recognition of Sunshine Week, a nationwide initiative being celebrated March 10–16, the office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is launching a series of workshops to discuss the public records resources available and Manatee County citizens’ access to them. The first program will be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 12 at the McClure Center of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in Lakewood Ranch. Speakers from different departments of the Manatee County Clerk of the Court will discuss topics such as Board of County Commission meeting minutes, court records, land use records, historical records and the public’s right to view them.

Sunshine Week aims to promote a healthy dialogue regarding the importance of open government and freedom of information while also seeking to enlighten citizens on what the government does and why. Florida's Sunshine Laws are among the strongest in the country, giving everyone access to important public information. These laws protect a citizen's right to remain informed and engaged, making data such as financial reports, Board of County Commission meeting minutes and court records available to all. 

Manatee County Clerk of the Court

[Business]  US Chamber of Commerce Selects CareerEdge and Partners for JDX Pilot Program

The US Chamber of Commerce has chosen CareerEdge Funders Collaborative under the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, along with their partners, to pioneer an innovative workforce solution that uses technology to develop open source job descriptions, which will improve employers’ ability to source talent. As part of the US Chamber Foundation’s yearlong Job Data Exchange (JDX) pilot project, CareerEdge will work with PGT Innovations and Four Winds Network Services to begin utilizing open data tools and resources to make manufacturing job information cleaner and more accessible. Translating job data to open data will create a universal language for employer signaling. With improved job descriptions, educators can tailor curriculum, job candidates can more effectively prepare and employers’ needs can be better met, lending to the overall success of the region. CareerEdge and its partners constitute one of seven Pilot Partner Teams across the country, and will focus on the manufacturing industry. 

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative

[Real Estate]  David Weekley Homes Receives Four Parade of Homes Awards

David Weekley Homes has announced that it received four awards at the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry’s Parade of Homes Awards. These bring the company’s total to more than 780 awards for product design and 1,256 overall. The Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association’s Parade of Homes Awards recognize design and building excellence, and are part of the annual Parade of Homes, an open house which offers the public access to view more than 250 homes in communities throughout the area. Weekley Homes was honored for the model homes in the Bradenton community of Moss Creek, receiving distinctions for Best Architectural Detail, Best Kitchen and Best Master Suite for The Hacienda and Best Floor Plan for The Gemstone.
David Weekley Homes is currently building in communities across the Sarasota area, including Central Living, Enclave at Laurel Park, Payne Park Village and Reserve at Honore. 

David Weekley Homes

[Real Estate]  J.E. Charlotte Construction Begins Tencon Beach Renovations

J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp., a Venice-based commercial construction company, recently began the exterior renovation project with all new site amenities for Tencon Beach, luxury waterfront condominiums on Longboat Key built in 1978. Now underway, the centerpiece for the more than $1.1 million project includes a resort-style 950-square-foot pool with two swimming lanes and spa. The space will also be outfitted with dining and social areas, two fire pits and an outdoor kitchen. As part of the refresh, a brand-new tennis court and shade structure will be added for residents, as well as a pavilion, pergola and a new entry into the Tencon Beach complex. Landscaping, irrigation, lighting and a four-foot precast fence will also be added to the condo community. DWY Landscape Architects was selected to update the grounds. 

J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.



[TODAY]  MUSEUM: Knights , February 3 – April 21

Drawn from the superb collections of the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy, this extraordinary exhibition reveals the figure of the knight in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through over 80 exquisite objects, including full suits of armor, helmets, corselets, swords and other weaponry. The exhibition explores the function and craftsmanship of these exquisite objects as well as their historical context, focusing on themes of love and war, jousts and tournaments, and the 19th-century revival of interest in medieval knighthood.

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

[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Gauguin's Voyage to Paradise , February 10 – June 30

Just as Paul Gauguin left an indelible mark on the post-Impressionist art world, the deep impact of botanical imagery on his work cannot be denied. This exhibition will highlight the essential role of botanicals in achieving the artist’s vision of the savage, primitive and exotic. Together with lush displays of tropical plants in the conservatory and gardens, the show will feature dramatic woodcuts and rarely seen works in other mediums by the artist.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., 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]  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: 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]  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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mallets and Forethought , March 21

A percussionist of great versatility and virtuosity, George Nickson brings the marimba to the fore in this concert that includes selections from Debussy’s “Children’s Corner Suite” and “Over The Rainbow” by Harlan/Oetemo. Principal percussionist for the Sarasota Orchestra and founding member of ensemblenewSRQ, Nickson has been hailed across the country, including as “a performer handling his role with ease and flair” by The New York Times.

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

[SOON]  GALA: Ain't Misbehaving , March 21 – April 7

A musical tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance and the new “swing” beat, experience the jazz scene—uptown, downtown, raffish and startling beautiful atmosphere. Come, swing and jive to such songs as “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “I’m Going To Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “The Joint is Jumpin’” and, of course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

Stone Hall: Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Cirque Des Voix , March 22 – March 24

A Key Chorale special event, Cirque des Voix is a performance unlike any other. See world-class circus artists combine with the 100+ voices of the Key Chorale and the musical mastery of the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra to produce one of the most unforgettable productions you’ll ever experience.

The Mall University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota,

[SOON]  GALA: HospitaBull , March 26

Enjoy a night of exquisite dining while supporting USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Hospitality Management program. This dining experience is organized, prepared and served by USFSM students and faculty. Students in the restaurant management, event management and food prep courses organize, plan and execute each aspect of the event from start to finish.

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Piano Pizzazz Meets Fiddle Finesse , March 26

Good food and great music is always a perfect pairing. In this performance, enjoy a "West Side Story Medley", "Sweet Georgia Brown", "And I Love Her", "Fiddler on the Toof Medley" and a nod to the classics with "Beethoven With a Twist!"

Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., 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

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