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SRQ DAILY Sep 10, 2019

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"Take a good look at if you want your aunts and uncles running your houses or if you want to run your own house.""

- Vanessa Carusone, Manasota League of Cities
 

[Politics]  Preemption, Water Regs Among Hot Topics For Sarasota Delegation
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

As city leaders spoke to the Sarasota Legislative Delegation, a theme clearly emerged. The message? Let local government do its job. 

“Not all cities are the same,” said Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert.

“We truly need to have home rule,” said North Port Mayor Mayor Chris Hanks.

“Take a good look at if you want your aunts and uncles running your houses or if you want to run your own house,” said Vanessa Carusone for the Manasota League of Cities.

Pushback against preemption laws this year became a consistent request from local elected officials to those running state government.

Of course, the push comes as lawmakers consider ways to bring further accountability to local officials. State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, plans again to file a bill putting major fines on cities that let wastewater system failures pollute waterways.

“I would list local governments as one of the worst polluters when you look at the sheer volume of human waste that gets dumped into our waterways,” he said.

Not all local lawmakers feel restrictions on municipalities will deliver the best approach. “We need to be more thoughtful,” said state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota. “We should be working with our local governments to find ways to solve issues, not looking for new ways to punish them.”

The annual Sarasota County Legislative Delegation meeting on Monday provided a place to air grievances and to submit dollar requests. Organizations pushed for local spending, with Gruters reminding that while hundreds of requests will come into the delegation, likely just a few will make it to the state budget. College leaders, school districts and countless nonprofits came to make the case nonetheless.

State Rep. James Buchanan, R-Venice, took on a local bill to offer enforcement powers to regulations in the Holiday Park district, and state Rep. Newt Newtown, D-St. Petersburg, agreed through a staff member to do the same with a similar local bill at Tri-Park Estates.

State Rep Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, said he will take on fresh transportation projects this year, and heads to the next Legislative Session especially focused on improving the area’s bridges.  

Photo by Jacob Ogles: State Rep. Margaret Good and state Sen. Joe Gruters speak to press after the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation meeting.

[GoodBite]  Charmed By The Parm
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

It seems veganites are perpetually limited in dining options and menu options when it comes to finding a quick bite to eat. And despite popular belief that those who choose a more restricted diet snack on “rabbit food” all day—the reality is that they too want to be sumptuously full after a meal. New Yorkers Dwight Spence and Tzirel Bleier get it. And they’re pretty punny about it. Fork My Life opened this past June to fill the vegan-friendly void in Sarasota, and does it with some self-deprecating flair. Founded on the belief that everyone should have easy access to fresh, healthy, plant-based, affordable foods, the boutique vegan cafe/bakery makes everything in-house, while its market side offers vegan meats and cheeses curated from artisanal cheesemongers and butchers.

While this may look like your typical chicken parm sandwich, it’s actually a vegan’s lunchbreak godsend. The breaded seitan “chicken,” is a popular vegan substitute made from wheat gluten and water, and has the same taste and texture of meat—making it an ideal source of protein and minerals like selenium and iron. The seitan comes lightly fried and smothered in a garlic basil tomato sauce, then covered in FML melted vegan parmesan and bubbling vegan mozzarella. The only element not deceivingly in disguise is the artisan hoagie roll. 

Vegan Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, $9, Fork My Life, 6538 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 941-923-3511, @forkmylifellc 

Photo provided by Fork My Life.

[Government]  Local Business Asks Legislators for Joint Committee Addressing Benefit Cliffs

At yesterday’s Sarasota County Legislative Delegation meeting at the Sarasota County Commission, Women’s Resource Center CEO Ashley Brown asked state legislators to support the creation of a bipartisan joint committee to address “benefit cliffs” in order to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency, reduce workforce disruptions and to decrease state social benefits costs. Social program benefit cliffs occur when a marginal increase in income results in a loss of public benefits.

Brown explained to the legislators that, each month, more than 250 women seek counseling and training from the Women’s Resource Center. She gave examples of women who work hard to receive a college degree or training credential only to realize they can’t afford to receive a pay increase because it results in a loss of benefits with a wage that is not livable. Brown further explained that the current Florida benefit system does not provide for a “glide path” off funded programs as workers earn more money. This causes many people to be economically worse off once they complete a credential and/or enter higher paying jobs.  It also causes high turnover and work disruption for employers as individuals quit or reduce their hours so as not to reach the “cliff.” 

Brown asked the legislators to create the joint committee by bringing together key stakeholders, including state university system personnel, to assess the impact of the current public benefit system and to identify policies which will allow for a gradual path out of poverty.  

Women's Resource Center

[Healthcare]  Free Bradenton Clinic Needs Dental, Optical Volunteers

The fifth annual Remote Area Medical Free Clinic will take place at Manatee Technical College in Bradenton on October 12 and 13, but organizers say they need dental and eye care professionals to help. “Over the four years that our RAM Clinic has been held in Bradenton, we’ve delivered over 6,755 free dental, optical and medical procedures to 3,894 patients – and the only question we have ever asked is, ‘Where does it hurt?’” said Dr. Richard Conard, M.D., who has been the principal organizer of the event. “This year, we desperately need help. We have too few dental and optical professional volunteers to serve all the patients we know will be here.”

Volunteer dentists, oral surgeons, opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists are encouraged to contact Lori Dengler at lorijd4@gmail.com. Volunteer professional providers are offered free meals during the event. Lodging is also provided for medical professionals coming from a distance exceeding 100 miles. Because Florida’s Legislature does not permit out-of-state medical professionals to provide free medical care to Florida residents, only Florida-licensed professionals may volunteer. 

Remote Area Medical Free Clinic - Bradenton

[Construction]  Perrone Construction Hires Mazur as VP of Business Development

Perrone Construction has announced the addition of Jacqueline Mazur as VP of business development and Kelly Milligan as office manager. Mazur joins the luxury homebuilder as the company reaches its 40th year in business and sets its sights on strategic growth. Prior to joining Perrone Construction, she was the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Berlin Patten Ebling, a prominent Florida real estate law firm. Originally from New York, Milligan has worked as an accountant and office manager for more than 20 years assisting executives in both the for-profit and nonprofit corporate environment with financial statement, budget and forecasting preparation. 

Perrone Construction



[RocketKids]  JOIN US: RocketKids Modern Education Symposium | October 23, 2019

Join SRQ MEDIA on October 23, 2019 from 5:30-7pm to explore the options at local private and charter schools in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Hear from representatives from: The Out-Of-Door Academy, NewGate School, St. Martha Catholic School, Sarasota Christian School and the Island Village Montessori School.

Free admission. Light bites and refreshments. RSVP online at SRQMAG.COM/MOED

RSVP Here

[TODAY]  THEATER: Who Love You, Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and Beyond , September 3 – October 13

Experience the signature songs and dance moves of one of the most successful acts in music history: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. A musical tribute to the group that has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, Who Loves You will have you clapping and singing along to hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” and many more you know and love.

Florida Studio Threatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: CFAS: Halflants + Pichette , September 12 – October 10

Center for Architecture Sarasota opens its fifth season at the McCulloch Pavilion with its new Solo Architecture Series. The first exhibit of the series features the Sarasota firm of Halflants + Pichette. The opening reception is September 12 from 5:30pm until 7:30pm. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Information and registration is available at the CFAS website.

McCulloch Pavilion, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: 14th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast , September 13, 730am

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County will honor Jaime DiDomenico, Cool Today/Plumbing Today/Energy Today President, and Dr. Rachel Shelley, Booker High School Principal, at the 14th Annual Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.  Individual tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at bgcsarasota.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Tanya Orr, Community Engagement Manager, for more information by calling (941) 366-3911 or emailing torr@bgcsarasota.com.

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Oktoberfest , September 13, 5–8pm

Put on your best German lederhosen and get ready to sample beers and shop during Oktoberfest. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy a fall-themed beer tasting at each of the participating locations in Downtown Venice as live, traditional German music fills the air. Attendees will receive a small sampling stein on a lanyard and get to sample a variety of brews in 3-ounce tastings as they follow a map of beer-tasting locations.

Downtown Venice

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota Wellness Expo , September 15

This expo provides an opportunity for locals to meet with local businesses that promote healthy living, and learn how to better their health and mind. This event caters to all ages and attendance is free. Guests can enjoy free fitness demos, health checks, a teddy bear clinic for kids, healthy food demonstrations, interactive activities and more.

Westfield Sarasota Square , 8201 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , September 16

On every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , September 16, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver, and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center , 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Voice + Visibility Women's Summit Lift Off Luncheon , September 17, 11am

Don’t miss the Voice + Visibility Women’s Summit hosted by Shannon Rohrer-Phillips, LLC at 11am on September 17 at Michael’s on East. The Voice + Visibility Network of SW Florida convenes diverse female leaders in Business, Philanthropy, The Arts and Community Advancement for maximum impact. At the event, SRP, LLC will highlight local leaders and announce the Inaugural Program for February 4th, 2020. VVWS will feature nationally recognized visionaries who will share their stories of leadership, innovation, wealth creation, and community investing in women and girls.

Michael's on East, 1212 South East Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Grey Matters A Symposium on Alzheimer's Research , September 27, 11am

Join us at the Grey Matters luncheon symposium at 11am on September 27th at The Ritz-Carlton. The luncheon will be hosted by The Roskamp Institute, and will involve presentations and interactive Q&As from their leadership team in addition to featuring New York Times bestselling author Kimberley Williams-Paisley as the Keynote Speaker. Attendees will hear updates on various areas of brain health, potential treatments and information for caregivers, preventative measures, early symptom warnings and clinical research updates regarding the potential for new treatment. Proceeds raised go towards research and development at The Roskamp Institute. 

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  FOOD: 3rd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner , October 5, 7pm

Truly Valued presents its 3rd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner with speaker Edward James III. Enjoy an evening of elegant dining and live entertainment by the Soul Sensations. Proceeds support Truly Valued programs and services for youth designed to provide knowledge, skills and inspiration that will help them grow to lead happy and successful lives as adults. If you are unable to attend the event, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution. Tickets are $50. Visit www.trulyvalued.org to purchase tickets. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available.

Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

[SOON]  FOOD: Caregivers Comfort Socializing Lunch , October 7, 1215pm

Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat super delicious food with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15pm-1:45pm. For lunch details, contact Julie at caregivercomfort@aol.com.

The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 24th Annual "Share The Light" Luncheon , October 17, 1130am-130pm

Join Second Chance Last Opportunity, the crisis intervention and life-skills training organization, as they honor Arlene Sweeting, the co-founder of WSLR 96.5 Community Radio and the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, and Duhane Lindo, a reporter for the WWSB ABC7 News Team in Sarasota. The 24th Annual “Share The Light” Luncheon event will recognize the many contributions of these individuals. “We want all our clients to cultivate and reach their full potential,” says CEO and founder of Second Chance, April Glasco. “Sweeting and Lindo are outstanding examples of commitment and achievement.” Tickets for the luncheon are $65 and can be purchased online or by calling 941-360-8660. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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

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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