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SRQ DAILY Apr 8, 2019

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"This whole discussion is about how the press frames this debate."

- State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota
 

[Taxation]  Gruters Pushes For E-Fairness
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, still lists an “e-fairness” bill as one of his top priorities this year, but acknowledges the tax reform package may not advance in 2019. Still, he says Florida continues to leave $400 million to $600 million uncollected that could go into state coffers.

“The hardest pitch is, this isn’t a tax increase,” Gruters says. “This is just a way to make it convenient to consumers to collect these taxes.”

When consumers buy from Florida retailers over sites like Amazon, they don't get charged a sales tax. But Gruters says that, technically, the buyers owe that tax. Many other states do charge a tax, even if consumers don’t notice that line show up on their bill.

Gruters filed legislation this year that would both set up collections for the sales tax and slash Florida’s business rent tax. The latter tax, charged by Florida alone, has long frustrated economic development officials who say the charge hinders recruitment efforts.

At a town hall held by Gruters Saturday, retailers in the audience thanked Gruters for filing the bill. Many brick-and-mortar companies say online sales have dramatically hurt their revenues, in part because consumers want to purchase goods tax-free.

"Brick and mortar stores are getting crushed," Gruters says. "You see malls going down. It's tough to compete."

But in the conservative state House, there has been little hunger for anything that may feel to consumers like a new tax.

Gruters also serves as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, and he hopes that position allows him to give cover to other Republicans.

“This whole discussion is about how the press frames this debate,” he says. “If they call it a tax increase, we lose. But this is a tax you owe and you are responsible for. This makes a convenience for consumers.” 

Photo by Jacob Ogles

[Community]  SRQ Celebrates 2019 Best of SRQ Local at Aloft Hotel

The SRQ community came out in force this past Friday for some sold-out fun and food at the Aloft Hotel—where SRQ celebrated the 2019 Best of SRQ Local Awards. With a courtyard packed to the corners with revelers and partygoers, folks enjoyed not only some of the finest weather this side of the sunset, but select offerings from several of the competition’s winners, such as Duval’s and Element. Beginning with sliders from Patrick’s, tacos from El Toro Bravo and sushi from Jpan, guests washed it down with brews from Calusa, vodka from State Street Eating House and a special single-barrel bourbon courtesy of Mattison’s. Desserts flew fast and thick, including donuts from Five-O Donuts, meringue and donuts from OfKors Bakery, baklava from Zildjian Catering and brownies from The Overton, which also served up cold brew to boost flagging spirits at the end of a long Friday. And for those looking for a healthful pick-me-up between the bar and the dance floor, CROP juice brought more than enough all-natural, cold-pressed goodness for the kind of nightcap that starts the next party off right.

Thanks to all of our voters and sponsors for another successful competition—and a special thanks to all the local vendors and businesses that give SRQ something to party about each year. 

Pictured: The Overton preps caffeinated pick-me-ups and chocolate goodies for the 2019 Best of SRQ Local celebration. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Horizon Mortgage]  A Family Dynasty

Horizon Mortgage Corporation has led the way in commercial mortgage banking on the West Coast of Florida since 1979. With a milestone of 40 years to celebrate, the Sarasota-based enterprise’s SRQ BrandStory looks back on Horizon Mortgage's humble beginning and its upwinding success as a father-daughter powerhouse—grown to be one of the most trusted and sought-after mortgage lenders in the region. With four decades of building contacts, market insight, operative leverage and customer relations in the financial marketplace, Horizon Mortgage Corporation remains a force as a full-service real estate advisory group at its core. Having developed the ability to secure loans not typical of what most banks offer, which are inclusive of land loans, mezzanine or second mortgage financing, portfolio loans, equity raises, construction financing and more, it continuously pioneers what it means to be a mortgage broker in such a fluctuating and variable market. Horizon’s invaluable capability to close any type of commercial transaction can be ascribed to the unique background and story of President/Founder N.J. Olivieri and daughter Kelly Gilliland, Executive Vice President. Together, they’ve created a collaborative balance in business, using both their strengths to excel as a household name in the industry. From genuine customer service and taking the time to understand every client’s personal and financial situations as well as their goals, to their tireless focus on eliminating risk, and providing intuitive expertise in underwriting both the asset in question, as well as the credibility of the borrower and the marketplace, customers find themselves in caring and capable hands at Horizon Mortgage. 

Read Horizon Mortgage's BrandStory Here

[Healthcare]  SMH Named to Newsweek's List of World's Best Hospitals

Sarasota Memorial Hospital was named one of the world’s best hospitals this week in a global ranking of hospitals compiled for the first time by Newsweek magazine. SMH was one of six Florida hospitals to make the inaugural list, which spotlights 1,000 hospitals across 11 countries. Newsweek compiled the list in collaboration with global market research and consumer data company Statista Inc. Hospitals were selected based on medical performance indicators that included low mortality, complication and readmission rates, as well as recommendations from medical professionals and patient survey results.

The list includes such renowned academic medical centers as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic in the United States, Singapore General Hospital and Charité, one of the largest research-based university hospitals in Europe. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Real Estate]  RE/MAX Platinum Realty Ranks in Top Six Percent of RE/MAX Worldwide

RE/MAX Platinum Realty ranked 442 out of 8,229 RE/MAX offices worldwide, according to data from the REAL Trends 500 survey of 2018 production. That places the franchise in the top 5.37% of RE/MAX offices worldwide. With five locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, RE/MAX Platinum Realty was part of the most productive brand in the survey. For the 9th consecutive year, the RE/MAX network had more brokerages qualify for the REAL Trends 500 than any other brand. In addition to the REAL Trends survey, the RE/MAX network was named in the Top 10 of Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Top Global Franchises Rankings. At No. 7 in the global rankings, RE/MAX rises four spots from No. 11 in 2017 to join McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, Dairy Queen, Dunkin’ Donuts and other household names. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty

[Real Estate]  Neal Communities Reports Robust 2019 First Quarter

Neal Communities, one of southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilders, reported a robust rebound in homes sales during the first quarter of 2019 with 279 sales in January through March and a record-breaking month with 124 new home company-wide sales in March. With 31 communities spanning from Apollo Beach to Naples, the builder’s three fastest-selling communities in its north division during the first quarter of 2019 included Grand Palm and Milano in Venice and two Parrish communities of Silverleaf and Canoe Creek.

According to the REALTORAssociation of Sarasota and Manatee, the median sales price of single-family homes in the local market is up 5.3 percent, and the number of homes sold is up 4.2 percent. The amount of available inventory in the market is up 13.6 percent from last year with 5.4-month supply of available inventory in the Sarasota County market. Other factors that were likely contributors to March’s record-breaking sales numbers include favorable market conditions, such as positive consumer confidence, low unemployment rates and the lowest mortgage rates in more than a year. 

Neal Communities

[Real Estate]  Brittany Perrone Named Nautilus Homes Office and Marketing Manager

Ryan Perrone, the owner/founder of Nautilus Homes, has recently named Brittany Perrone as the firm’s office and marketing manager. Perrone will serve as the initial point of contact for clients, subcontractors and visitors. She will also oversee and implement Nautilus Homes’ marketing initiatives and strategies. In addition, she will design, implement and lead the firm’s marketing strategies. Digital expertise is also part of Perrone’s track record. In her spare time, she owns and operates a socially responsible online boutique that benefits global aid projects worldwide. She is also a student and teacher of yoga and Pilates around Sarasota. 

Nautilus Homes

[Business]  Williams Parker Hosts Fiduciary Seminar, Hires Lynch

The law firm of Williams Parker recently hosted an educational seminar for clients and the community regarding the roles, responsibilities and risks of serving as a fiduciary and evaluating the selection of a fiduciary for an estate plan. The event took place at Michael’s on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota with over 70 people in attendance. Topics included the role and selection of a fiduciary for an estate plan; essential duties and responsibilities of a fiduciary, including necessary tasks when administering an estate or trust and deciding how to best invest assets of the estate or trust; tax and accounting matters such as tax obligations and reporting, federal and state tax compliance, and fiduciary accounting and reporting to beneficiaries; as well as issues and challenges that can arise in the context of appointing or serving as a fiduciary.

The firm also recently added Aubrey J. Lynch, a CPA and formerly a principal with CS&L CPAs, as director of fiduciary tax matters. Lynch oversees tax and accounting matters as they relate to the firm’s fiduciary services, facilitating fulfillment of trustee’s duties and responsibilities in coordination with legal counsel. 

Williams Parker



[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Truthful & Timeless , April 8 – April 17

La Musica stages four concerts for a springtime festival celebrating musical virtuosity and the grandeur of the concert stage. With single tickets at $45 and bundled packages for the entire festival run, rehearsal passages are also typically made available as well, for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how professional musicians prepare for their next performance.

Sarasota Opera House , 61 N Pineapple Ave Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALA: Public Art Dedication: Jumping Fish , April 8, 5:30pm

Join representatives from the city and the local arts community to celebrate the newest addition to Sarasota's Public Art collection, Jumping Fish, by artist Jeffrey Laramore, which captures the wonderful, vast and varied sea life that Sarasota Bay offers. One of the most vibrant public arts programs in the United States, the Sarasota compendium now consists of 84 artworks. Dedication begins at 5:30pm, at the roundabout at Palm Avenue & Coconut Avenue. Reception to immediately follow at Florida Studio Theatre.

[TODAY]  FILM: "Swing Time in Limousin" Screening , April 8

This is a story through the eyes of Jean Marie-Masse of how friendship and music transcend boundaries. A French drummer, Jean-Marie Mass helped unconditionally promote black American music during a time when segregation and racism were terribly active.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: 21st Annual Sarasota Film Festival , April 5 – April 14

Held annually in Sarasota, FL, The Sarasota Film Festival emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events, with more than 200 films screened each year including features, documentaries, shorts, and kid-friendly picks. Entering our 21st year, we’re proud to bring the best new and established independent filmmakers to our Festival with local and kid-friendly programs that showcase our idyllic Gulf Coast community. The festival is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization and also offers a year-round educational program, which reaches thousands of local students through classic film showcases, film contests, summer camps and instructional workshops. This year the festival will take place April 5th – 14th, 2019.

[SOON]  THEATER: Faces of Change , April 9

Asolo Rep’s seventh annual community-based documentary theater project, is created from the real-life experiences of local residents and community members and is inspired by this season’s production of Bekah Brunstetter’s The Cake. Through the collection of stories (by way of story circles and interviews), Asolo Rep aims to provide an opportunity for local community-building: this process allows for an ongoing discussion and collaboration, and uses theater to create connections and to explore connections that already exist. Faces of Change is part of Asolo Rep’s IllumiNation Series

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Musical Chefs Interactive Dinner , April 10

Musical Chefs Interactive Dinner is a lively, interactive dinner event featuring La Musica artists joining Philip Mancini and Michael’s On East’s Executive Chef Jamil Pineda to lead guests in cooking demonstrations to create the evening's meal.

Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1283 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  GALA: Blue Ties & Butterflies , April 10

Join The Child Protection Center for its 7th annual Blue Ties & Butterflies event on April 10Th at Michael’s On East from 6-9pm.  This signature event is beautifully designed to build awareness about CPC’s mission in the prevention, intervention & treatment of child abuse.  The evening will include cocktails, dinner, & live auction, which includes a Darkness into Light – Original Painting , Dinner in the Sky, Kentucky Derby Experience trip & Masters Golf Tournament Experience.  Purchase tickets at https://cpcsarasota.org/events/blue-ties-and-butterflies or call 941-365-1277 Ext. 120                 

Michael's On East

[SOON]  GALA: 2019 Artist Series Concerts FRIENDS Gala , April 11

Open Bar Cocktails and Hors d’ Oeuvres. Dinner, Entertainment, Live & Silent Auctions, Raffle, Wall of Wine. Gala Entertainment provided by Katherine Herbert and Luca Stine, both past award winners of the Suncoast Music Competition. And the Bill Buchman Trio playing throughout the evening.

Michaels on East, 1212 East Ave S., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Financial Markets and the Economy , April 11

Cumberland Advisors, USF Sarasota-Manatee and Global Interdependence Center host their third annual Financial Literacy Day with keynote speaker, Gretchen Morgenson, a senior special writer in the investigations unit at The Wall Street Journal. The panel discussion includes topics ranging from the US Stock Market & Global, Geopolitics, health, hunger and philanthropy.

Selby Auditorium, 8350 North Tamiami Trail., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SkillSHARE: Mentoring at the Speed of Life, June 13 , June 13, 5-7:30pm

Join us for an evening of deep-dive peer mentorship at the spring SkillSHARE: Mentorship at the Speed of Life on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the SRQ Studios at 331 South Pineapple Avenue in Downtown Sarasota from 5-7:30pm. Register online by submitting questions from the areas in which you'd like to be paired with a peer mentor for the evening at SRQMAG.COM/SKILLSHARE. Light bites and wine. Registration closes on Friday, May 17, 2019; the registration fee is $25 per person. Limited to 16 mentees. For more information, contact SRQ MEDIA at 941-365-7702 x204.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Spring Sensations Fashion Show , April 12, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

We’ve got a PASSION for FASHION!

Enjoy champagne, seated luncheon, cash bar, runway show featuring WORTH New York and Debbie Dannheisser THREADS collections, as well as jewelry & eyewear trends. 
Bid on fabulous Silent Auction baskets and enjoy the company of your friends.  Tickets available online.

Go Forth and Be FABULOUS!

Sisterhood for Good is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) women-only organization dedicated to helping enrich our community through our annual grant program. Registration #: CH 57279

GROVE Ballroom , 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Spotlight Florida: Moving Ethos girlwoman , April 12 – April 13

Moving Ethos Dance Company presents the world premiere of girlwoman, an intimate portrayal of the glamorous and messy nature of being a woman. Follow three women as they navigate the demands of the world with an imperfect grace that is relatable and refreshing. Their strength is met with fragility as they transparently share their stories. In her characteristically bold voice, Artistic Director, Leah Verier-Dunn, leads the audience through a web of imagery that pulls at heart strings one moment and evokes laughter the next. girlwoman is a telling tale that challenges us all to consider the complexities of the female experience.

Historic Asolo Theater

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Bikinis, Bulldogs & Bloody Marys , April 13

Fashion show featuring swimwear collection from JP Holahan Swimwear, accessories by if by Roxanne and an amazing Bloody Mary Bar sponsored by Mermaid Vodka and Cocktails by Spencer.


Bulldogs will be on site looking for homes from Florida English Bulldog Rescue.


Timeline: Bloody Mary bar opens at 11am, noon fashion show, stay after for fun shopping!

 

Hosted in the courtyard at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota.

 

ADVANCE TICKETS: $35 VIP tickets include reserved seating for fashion show, Bloody Marys, and amazing SWAG bag or $20 General admisison includes fashion show and Bloody Marys. ($10 more at the door).

 

Benefits Every Child, Inc. 100% of money raised for Every Child goes back into the community to help children. 

[SOON]  GALA: Art In The Dark , April 13

Lighthouse of Manasota will present its annual fundraising gala, Art in the Dark on Saturday, April 13th at Michael's on East. Supporters will enjoy an evening of French-inspired gourmet dining, dancing, and silent and live auctions of fabulous items. 

 

With the guidance of The Ringling's Education Department, guests will experience art as those with vision loss do: by using their other senses. The event’s signature piece of artwork is Louise Élisabeth, Madame la Princesse de Conti, as Venus, Noël Nicolas Coypel, 1731, oil on canvas. Guests will decide what type of music best fits the painting; they will also close their eyes and feel tactile objects related to the painting. The Asolo Rep’s head costume designer is recreating the dress from the painting – an actor will walk around during cocktail hour and provide a photo opportunity for guests to enjoy. Additionally, Lighthouse of Manasota clients and instructors will be in attendance to showcase how vision rehabilitation helps those affected by vision loss to lead healthy, happy and independent lives.

 

Event chairs are Dr. Jody and Angela Abrams, $200 ticket

 

Michael's On East Ballroom, 1212 S. East Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Blossoms Garden Party , April 13

Join us for this floral affair celebrating the legacy of Mable's beloved rose garden. Surrounded by blooming roses, you will enjoy musical entertainment, mimosas and a variety of foods as you stroll the gardens.

As an enthusiastic gardener, Mable would be pleased to know that the grounds and gardens of the Ringling estate have grown into a park where visitors can spend the day smelling the roses and relaxing under the banyans. In recognition of Mable's legacy the net proceeds from this event will support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Bayfront Gardens.

[SOON]  SPORTS: The Parkinson's Expo , April 13

Boxing, Cycling, facillitated movement and yoga will be featured activity at the 2019 Parkinson's Expo. Leading the array of strategies for living well with Parkinson’s are the national Parkinson’s specialists who will be speaking to the latest medical findings and projections on the disease. New this year, physicians and allied healthcare professionals can earn continuing education credits at no charge.

Bradenton Area Convention Center , 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto

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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