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SRQ DAILY Dec 19, 2019

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"This political vendetta is an abuse of the impeachment process and would subvert the votes of 63 million Americans."

- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota
 

[Politics]  GOP Congressmen Oppose Impeachment, Dem Challengers Support It
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Both of Sarasota-Manatee’s representatives in Congress voted on Wednesday against articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. And both of their Democratic opponents next year say they would have voted differently.

U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, and Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, each declined to support a Democratic-led impeachment process.

“I will vote today against both articles of impeachment because they are without merit and set a dangerous precedent for our country,” Buchanan said. “This political vendetta is an abuse of the impeachment process and would subvert the votes of 63 million Americans. Just because the President’s opponents are afraid he will win reelection is no excuse for weaponizing impeachment.  No president in history has ever been impeached 10 months before an election. Elections are the heart of our democracy. Our founding fathers devised a simple way to remove a president that you disagree with — it’s called an election — and we have one coming up in less than a year. Let the people decide."

Steube served on the judiciary committee that approved the articles of impeachment and voted against them there as well.

“Let me be clear: impeachment is nothing more than a political vendetta,” Steube said in a statement. “We could have spent the last several months working to fix problems facing everyday Americans, but instead, we wasted time on this charade. Every day, constituents ask me when we are going to get a particular bill passed, and far too often I have to tell them that I simply don’t know because we have wasted so much time on an unnecessary impeachment process.”

But the Democrats challenging both representatives disagreed.

Margaret Good, who is challenging Buchanan next year, said she fully supported both articles of impeachment against Trump.

“After carefully considering the evidence, it is clear the President violated his oath of office and undermined our national security when he put his interests above our country’s by attempting to bribe a foreign power to investigate a political rival,” Good said in a statement. “I support the articles of impeachment because this is an abuse of power, and now more than ever we must protect our Constitution and put country over politics.”

Ellison, who is running against Steube in a deep red district, criticized leaders as being careless in the impeachment process.

“This is what happens when Congressional members make the mistake of attempting to represent the President of the United States instead honoring their oath of office and representing the people,” he said. "I, like many citizens, find it alarming that members of Congress will go against their Oaths of Office to uphold the President’s actions by totally dismissing the enormous amount of testimonies pointing to wrong doing, the President’s own words and the irrefutable evidence that rise to High Crimes and Misdemeanors."

 

  

[GoodBite]  French Fusion Southside
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

With the recent opening of Blasé Bistro & Martini Bar—a secondary destination of Siesta Key’s Blasé Café—Southside diners are arriving hopeful and departing impressed. The global fusion of French-Mediterranean and Moroccan flavor profiles make up the new bistro-style menu. French home-style cooking and slow-cooked foods make appearances in craftful and thoughtful dishes.

Roasted Beets comes plated with spicy orange, radish, fennel, pistachio dukkah (Egyptian spice mix) and honey vinaigrette while the Red Curry Mussels arrives in a bowl of ginger, chili, cilantro, lime gremolata and housemade laffa (taboon) bread. The Day Boat Scallops is a perfectly-executed highlight with prosciutto and a lightly-seasoned citrus pesto, while the Spiced Lamb Hummus tapas with hazelnuts, Medjool dates and housemade garlic laffa opens up a whole new world for hummus lovers—used to the common versions of store bought variations. Last, and certainly not least, one particular standout makes its way onto the ‘Plats du Jour’ specials, which will now be featured on Thursdays. The Duck Confit quite literally falls off the bone into its accompaniments of butternut squash and roasted brussel sprouts, marinated in a house honey mustard. 

“As in the Euro-style, dishes may vary slightly everyday based on what is fresh and available,” says Holly Johnson of Blasé Bistro, which seems to be a testament to the creativity and ingenuity coming out of the kitchen of this new global hotspot. 

Special prix fixe menus are planned for Christmas Eve with a Feast of the Seven Fishes, and a Masquerade Ball on New Year’s Eve featuring Alie Kats band, party favors, masks and champagne toast. More information on both events found in link below.  

Photo of the Duck Confit dish, courtesy of Holly Johnson.

Blasé Bistro & Martini Bar, 1920 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-941-312-6850.

[Government]  Sarasota County Opened Its Cold Shelters on Wednesday

Sarasota County Emergency Management officials coordinated with the county's municipalities, the Salvation Army and faith-based partners to provide cold weather sheltering for those in need due to the predicted drop in temperatures yesterday, December 18. Locations included Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1400 10th St., Sarasota, and New Hope Community Church, 5600 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port. 

[Philanthropy]  Community Foundation of Sarasota County Launches Upgraded Platform for The Giving Partner

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has launched an upgraded platform for The Giving Partner, an online resource and database connecting the community with more than 800 local nonprofit organizations, to better share trendlines from the nonprofit sector to strengthen our community. The launch lays the groundwork for improved efficiency and capabilities ahead of the 2020 Giving Challenge, a 24 hour giving event that has since 2012 collectively raised more than $40 million to benefit local nonprofits, inspiring deeper connectivity between donors and the causes they care about. Through the improved platform, nonprofit organizations with current profiles will be able to more effectively share their impact through an expanded, in-depth program section that shares an organization’s impact more clearly, in addition to a clean design with streamlined navigation. Moreover, a key aspect of the new platform’s functionality is its seamless connectivity with the 2020 Giving Challenge, set for April 28 through the 29th, allowing nonprofits to manage their own personal dashboard during the event and all-year long. 

[Facility Opening]  Stantec-designed South Florida Proton Therapy Institute begins treating patients

The South Florida Proton Therapy Institute, a Proton International facility in Delray Beach, Florida, is complete and has begun treating cancer patients in the region. Stantec, a leading global design firm recognized for its Particle Therapy Center of Excellence, led the architectural and interior design of the state-of-the-art, 40,000 square-foot facility that features the first Varian compact single room system in operation worldwide. The facility also includes two linear accelerator treatment rooms and associated clinical and administrative space. This marks the fourth Stantec-designed proton center completed in the last year.

Located on the Delray Medical Center campus, the South Florida Proton Therapy Institute, a Proton International facility, is designed to provide cutting-edge radiation therapy using the latest proton and photon technologies. The two-story building is organized in zones for technical support, treatment, pre-treatment, clinic, and office space in a streamlined layout meant to facilitate interaction between staff and patients. The institute is part of Proton International’s network of proton therapy centers, which operates six facilities worldwide. Stantec designed the project in partnership with BR+A Engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer, and Goldstein-Milano, structural engineer. 

About Stantec

[Staff Change]  Premier Sotheby's International Realty Hires New Associates to Sarasota Area Office Locations

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that the following associates have affiliated with the company’s Sarasota area office locations: Brian Chapman, Lakewood Ranch; Paul Hendricks, St. Armand’s, Sarasota; Liz Newgard, The Plaza, Sarasota; Alexis Reback, St. Armand’s, Sarasota

“We are very happy to welcome these new associates to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Judy Green, chief executive officer. “Their real estate industry experience, deep knowledge of the Sarasota region and commitment to excellent customer service lead to making clients for life. We are so pleased to work with these talented associates.” 

[Philanthropy]  Charles, Margery Barancik Dead After Longboat Key Crash
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Sarasota philanthropist Charles Barancik, co-founder of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, died in car crash on Longboat Key Wednesday evening. He was 91. 

The Foundation Thursday night confirmed wife Margery Barancik, 83, died from injuries in the same collission.

Police say around 6 pm, a Longboat Key Police patrol vehicle traveling south on Gulf of Mexico Drive collided with a Tesla driven by Barancik as it was pulling onto the road from a private residence. Barancik was pronounced dead at the scene.

Margery Barancik was also in the vehicle and transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, and died the following evening. The police officer involved in the crash was also taken to the hospital and has not been identified.

The Baranciks were and continue to be an enormous force in philanthropy within the Sarasota-Bradenton region. The couple founded their namesake foundation in 2014 and have played an active role in decisions for the organization.

During an interview with SRQ Media Group this year, Chuck Barancik explained he originally planned to set up an endowment with a more common structure, with money going to a foundation after his and his wife’s death, but he became convinced speaking with local philanthropic leaders it would be better to form the foundation now and see the work in their lifetimes. That ultimately allowed more than five years of active engagement with the star staff recruited there.

The Baranciks remained regular participant in board meetings addressing the work and mission of the foundation. Chuck Barancik told SRQ he would apply the lessons from his time in the business world to philanthropy. “Do they really fit what we’re trying to do? What's their risk-reward ratio? Would we see an immediate return on investment?” he would ask.

He was especially proud of success with a Reading Recovery program in local schools funded largely with Barancik money. “It’s been told to us, our board, that if a child leaves third grade not able to read at a third-grade level, you’ve lost them. They’ll never catch up,” he said. “Is this 100 percent true? Probably not, but I bet it’s 80 or 90 percent true.”

While Ohio State research see a 75-percent success rate for reading recovery programs using similar prescribed methods, Sarasota schools boasted an 86-percent rate.

The foundation also made investments in health care programs, early education and technology investment in schools.

Chuck Barancik also said he’s made it clear with his children that he won’t be handing down an enormous inheritance. He instead intended his assets to be donated to the foundation following his and Margery’s deaths. 

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan



[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lights In Bloom , December 14 – January 4, 6pm-9pm

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

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Manuel Ãlvarez Bravo: Specters and Parables , December 8 – March 1

Born and raised in Mexico City, where he spent most of his career, Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902-2002) was one of the most important figures in 20th century Latin American photography. Although he took art classes at the Academy of San Carlos, his photography was mostly self-taught, but he was savvy to the emerging international artistic avant-garde. Considered to be one of the founders of modern photography, his work extends from the late 1920s to the 1900s. He was a key figure from the period following the Mexican Revolution—often called the Mexican Renaissance—in which arts and literature flourished. This “Renaissance” owed to the happy—though not always tranquil—marriage between a desire for modernization and the search for an authentic national identity with Mexican roots, in which archaeology, history and ethnology played an important role. Support for this exhibition has been provided, in part, by the Ringling Endowment at the Florida State University Foundation. Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. 

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed , December 15 – April 26

Concealed and Revealed offers a unique selection of paintings by the artist, along with numerous objects from the Solomon Archive on view for the first time. Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) described himself as an “Abstract Impressionist” alluding to the fact that his work infused impressionism into the processes, scale and concepts of Abstract Expressionism. Solomon moved to Sarasota in 1946 with his wife Annie. His was the first work of contemporary art to be collected by The Ringling in 1962. His paintings were greatly influenced by climatic factors and reveal a fascination and concern for Florida’s aquatic environment. Solomon incorporated his experience as a camouflage designer during World War II into his painting. It is not well-known that he was also an accomplished graphic artist, who in his early years designed commercial signage for prominent hotels and businesses in Sarasota. Like his work in camouflage, Solomon’s calligraphic skill was essential to the development of his later gestural abstraction.

Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed is presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon and is accompanied by a 96-page publication with essays by former curator at The Ringling Michael Auping, George S. Bolge, Dr. Gail Levin, and Mike Solomon. The exhibition will include artworks from private collections and The Ringling’s permanent collection.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: The Peter Max Retrospective: Celebrating the Pop Art Movement, Music and Artistic Vision , December 16 – December 26

A Retrospective collection, with a significant nod to music, the arts and the legacy of the Pop Art genre from the studio of artist legend, Peter Max, will be on exhibition and available for acquisition in a limited engagement presentation at Chasen Galleries, Sarasota’s premier pop art gallery. The exhibition opens with an evening preview event on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 5-8 pm. The Exhibition extends through Sunday, January 26. Two limited engagement, not-to-be-missed Gallery receptions for the public will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 6 to 8 pm and Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 3 pm. All receptions complimentary and open to the public with RSVPs suggested; 866-900-6699.

Chasen Galleries, 1830 S Osprey Ave suite 102, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency and Celebration Concert , December 21 – January 4, 5pm

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings , December 28, 7pm

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  THEATER: FSU/Asolo Conservatory and the Hermitage to Host Mime Workshop with Bill Bowers , December 21, 11am-12pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory are teaming up to present an open class with renowned mime artist Bill Bowers. The class will take place Saturday, December 21, from 11 AM – 12 PM, in the Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for Performing Arts. The workshop is free to attend but reservations must be made through the Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office. Bill Bowers will spend a week working closely with FSU/Asolo Conservatory students, who will assist him in this hour-long workshop in the Cook Theatre. Bowers will demonstrate basic pantomime technique and perform selections from his solo plays. The students, who have been studying with Bowers, will share work from their week-long residency with him.

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 9th Annual New Year's Eve Bayfront Fireworks , December 31 – January 1, 12am

Ring in the New Year at the Sarasota Bayfront Midnight Fireworks Spectacular! See one of the best fireworks displays Southwest Florida has to offer. Make your reservations now by calling Marina Jack at (941) 365-4232. Proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.

Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALA: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens New Year's Eve Gala , December 31 – January 1, 8pm-1am

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay.  Celebrate the New Year in style.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) , January 7 – March 26, 10:30 am

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is preparing for its 49th year of extremely popular global issues lectures and musical conversations. In 2020, these programs will begin in January and continue through the end of March. Speakers of global issues lectures are well-known, highly experienced experts, and guests on musical conversations are internationally renowned musicians, singers, and performers. SILL is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. In its 49th season, its programs will include 96 lectures and musical conversations presented in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. SILL audiences mostly consist of highly educated and intellectually curious seniors living on the Suncoast year-round or during winter months. SILL also simulcasts some of its lectures to selected senior communities. Last year, attendance at SILL events exceeded 40,000. Single tickets to SILL events are only $10 at the door when available, and a season ticket for 12 same-day lectures cost just $85, which represents substantial savings. For program schedules, venues, speaker bios, and ordering season tickets visit sillsarasota.org

First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Starlight & Fire New Year's Eve , December 31, 7-10pm

Holidays at The Point brings fresh new life to our past events, Holly Days and Mangrove Lights. Each day/night will bring you and your family new memories, experiences, and a wonderful new holiday tradition. Ring in the new year at Historic Spanish Point. Fun for the whole family – enjoy lawn games, hula hoop and dance competitions for the kids, s’ mores roasting, holiday treats, cash bar and music. Tickets for each event are $15 for adults, $7 for kids (aged 12 and younger). Tickets for Historic Spanish Point Members are $12 for adults, $5 for kids (aged 12 and younger).

Historic Spanish Point, White Cottage Lawn, 337 N. Tamiami Tr., Osprey, FL 34229

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: A Classic Crosley Christmas , December 18 – December 22, 2:00pm and 7:30pm

The magic of the season brings kindness and light to Bradenton. For one enchanting evening, three generations of believers find their way to the Crosley Mansion. Join Gwendolyn and Powel Crosley for a riotous retelling of the Charles Dicken’s Classic, A Christmas Carol, take a trip down memory lane for Music Most Merry with the Mistletones as they weave together traditions from around the world and Classic Christmas songs from the 1950s, and hop aboard the Polar Express as Christopher and Agnes share this heartfelt story for the young and the young at heart. Do you still believe? Join us this season for A Classic Crosley Christmas: A Timeless Holiday.

Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota FL 34243, 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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