SRQ DAILY Nov 26, 2019
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"Everyone's got an agenda except for the community."
Residents of Sarasota and Manatee Counties still have until November 30th to contribute to the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Long Range Transportation Plan, a region-wide survey on the shape of our community’s transportation future. While state organizations like the Florida Department of Transportation only plan the construction of roads, bike lanes, highways, and public transportation in five year increments, the MPO is federally mandated to organize all local transportation initiatives produced by metropolitan areas with more than 50,000 residents into a cohesive 25 year vision for transit and urban design. They are required by law to update this plan every five years, to reflect the changing needs and attitudes of the community they serve.
Which is to say, the MPO is an organization that thinks about the future. In 25 years, the amount of available dry land in Florida will have already begun to change. Will future Floridians drive vehicles powered by internal combustion? When they go back and forth to work, will they use boats, bicycles, or some other combination of wheels, rotors, wings, and sails? Will this future focus more on highways that favor inter-regional commerce? Which neighborhoods will be kept quiet, sheltered from dangerous traffic flows? Will there be adequate public transit to serve laborers who don’t own their own vehicles? Will working class communities have sidewalks on roads that lead to their children’s schools? Will human beings even drive their own cars, in 25 years? No one can know for sure, but change itself is inevitable.
Corrine Tucker, Sarasota-Manatee MPO’s Public Involvement Coordinator, understands that roads are political. “You want to make sure that the conversation isn't one sided. Everyone's got an agenda except for the community—that's why these types of surveys are so important, especially on a longer scale,” she tells SRQ Daily.
Having driven the first round of the LRTP survey to a rousing success, and included more than 2000 residents in the study, Tucker is happy to report that there is less than a 5 percent difference in participation between all of the zip codes in the region. This next part of the LRTP is longer, and more detail-oriented, and yet almost 200 residents of Sarasota and Manatee have already participated. It’s more than the MPO expected, but Tucker still wants more participation from the public. “Transportation isn’t a problem . . . until it’s a problem,” she says wryly. But crisis thinking will only lead to short term solutions, and the LRTP survey represents a rare opportunity for the community to imagine the shape of our future cities, before they come to be. 
Consider yourself warmed—heating up the streets of downtown is Main Street’s newest restaurant, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana. Provisioning the toasty twosome of tequila and tacos, new owners—Jeff Good, Mitch Good and Matt Hess—take over the former residency of Two Senoritas just in time for season. With a funky, festive rebranding and total inscape makeover with the help of local restaurateur Mark Caragiulo and designer Kurt Lucas, the space revolutionized into the enlivened El Melvin. The revamp also saw an upscale craft cocktail menu come together by the bartending expertise of Cocktails By Spence Consulting, and includes a fleet of top-shelf tequilas including Hiatus, a pure agave azul tequila brand with a strong local presence and dangerously smooth motives. Firing up the fusion of authentic Mexican fare with a modern twist, is Executive Chef Jonatan Alberto. Hailing from the city of Puebla, Mexico, Chef has instilled his long-held family recipes—including his mother’s guacamole and father’s mole sauce—while capturing a newfangled take on dishes like Duck Enchiladas and the Fried Moctezuma.
And at El Mel’s Mercado, an open-window counter adorned with tropical flowers, shelves of Jarritos’ natural flavored sodas and housemade tortilla chips, you can opt to create your own guacamole. At each table, a pencil and checklist prompt you to mark off various fresh ingredients to toss in for the making of your ideal chip dip—including proteins like carnitas, chicken tinga and lobster; citrus fruits like pineapples and mangos; and a brigade of peppers like habaneros and jalapenos to uptick the spice level. Saunter in for live Latin music and late night dancing on the weekend, stop in for some steak tacos on your lunch break or just chill in the lounge of cushions with a Farmers Garden margarita—no matter the time or place, El Mel brings the fuego fiesta with flair and flavor.
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, 1355 Main Street Sarasota, 941-366-1618, @elmelvinsarasota.
Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
Bruce Rodgers, the executive director of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, recently announced that the organization has appointed Leslie Dignam Edwards as the new president of its board of trustees. It has also elected four board members to a three-year term: Ellen Berman, Robyn Citrin, Carole Crosby, and Peggy Hunt.
Edwards was born and raised in Englewood. She was appointed vice president of the Hermitage’s board of trustees and moved into the position of president upon the death of co-founder Syd Adler in 2004. Edwards is a real estate broker and president of Key Realty, Inc., a firm her grandfather started in 1952. She serves on the board of Kids Needs of Greater Englewood and is an honorary board member of the Suncoast Humane Society, where she has been a key player in implementing a $10 million capital campaign.
Residents are invited to learn about the next phase of Lift Station 87 construction at a community outreach meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, at Fire Station #2, 2070 Waldemere St., in Sarasota. Project team members will discuss preliminary construction plans for Phase 3, which includes installation of deep sewer mains on Osprey Avenue, Alta Vista Street, Pomelo Avenue, and Pomelo Place. The project team will also present maintenance of traffic plans for the temporary closure of Osprey Avenue, which is scheduled to begin in Summer 2020.
Phase 2, construction of Lift Station 87, is now evident above-ground. Crews had worked 50 feet underground for more than a year constructing the concrete wetwell at the Lift Station 87 site. In September, work began above ground and is expected to be completed in mid-2020.
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptrollerrecently converted its internal audit department to an Office of Inspector General.
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller will still serve the citizens of Manatee County by providing independent, objective and comprehensive audit assurance, consulting and investigative services. The office will also continue to conduct all of its audits in accordance with professional auditing standards with a 6-member team of highly qualified and experienced staff made up of certified public accountants, certified fraud examiners and a certified internal auditor.
This change will further enhance work credibility by incorporating additional professional investigative standards into policies and procedures to ensure best practices in performing investigations. It will provide an opportunity for the Clerk’s auditors to pursue additional professional certifications through the Association of Inspectors General.
More than 15,000 people attended Florida CraftArt’s 22nd Annual CraftArt Festival presented by the Red Apple Group, along with a myriad of sponsors.
"As a sixth generation St. Petersburg native, I couldn't be prouder of our statewide presence and success through Florida CraftArt Festival this weekend,” said Tyler Jones, Board President of Florida CraftArt. “From artist demonstrations to children's hands-on activities, our community has again shown the power of fine craft in bringing people together. It is this culture that defines St. Petersburg as THE arts destination in which to live and visit. Thanks to all our patrons for the continued support!"
PINC is People, Ideas, Nature, and Creativity. It's a one-day, conference-style experience delivered by a cascade of international speakers from every imaginable discipline, skill, and talent you can think of. Speakers range from Iditarod champions, the founder of Vertical Farming, a famous felt artist and a lawyer whose territory is outer space, all the way to Nobel Prize winners, perfume virtuosos, a Master Acoustician, and the doctor who performed the first-hand transplant. Whether a speaker or a guest, the PINC experience attracts creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, specialists, designers, artists, scientists, and anyone looking to stimulate their mind, heart, and soul. It's an opportunity to participate in an eclectic mix of the fundamental pieces that create the human experience. If you want to be inspired, you want to be at PINC.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition.
The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.
Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
The Hospital Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER/Trauma Services and Cardiac Services. This year, proceeds will support Cancer Services to help the SMH cancer care team deliver the best life-saving care for you, your loved ones and those in our community.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Home Alone. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.
Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.
As part of Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director’s passion to collaborate with local musicians, SCD will join forces with Reverend Barry & The Funk, an 8-pc funk band featuring a 3-pc horn section, and one of the fastest-rising “buzzworthy” acts in the state of Florida. Fueled by their recent #1 Global Position on ReverbNation’s Funk Charts after the release of their debut album “SxyGdLuv,” and the success of their recent breakout single “LoveShine,” the band is now headlining festivals and larger venues around the state. This is the first time that SCD will be partnering with a funk band, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they are already a Sarasota favorite. This production will feature original choreography by Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott in collaboration with the SCD dancers. This unique evening is sure to be unlike any other, and is not to be missed!
Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service.
The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
¡Vívelo! merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance, and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region, this production provides strong entry points for audiences of all ages seeking a highly energetic folkloric performance experience.
Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34243
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