« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Jan 7, 2020

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Please allow images to view this email properly

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"With the addition of these lights, Downtown could become a real tourist attraction."

- Sarasota Downtown Improvement District Operations Manager John Moran
 

[Government]  DID Restarts the Lights Downtown Program and Proposes Gateway Signage
John Witte, john.witte@srqme.com

The committee overseeing the allocation of funds for the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District (DID) is hoping to bring two major issues before the city commission. The DID was created November 2008, by City ordinance adopted by the Sarasota City Commission at the request of an ad hoc committee of downtown commercial property owners. The DID has a variety of goals, powers and authority granted in the ordinance to improve the Downtown Core of the City of Sarasota and is governed by a board of five members, who are non-residential property owners subject to ad valorem taxation within the District and are appointed by the city commission.

One of the earliest decisions the DID ever made was to build and maintain a series of tree lights on Palm Avenue, Lemon Avenue, State Street, Main Street and in Five Points park in early 2010. The program eventually lapsed, due to lack of funding for maintenance, but, as of this December, the DID has voted to restart the program. Lights have already been installed in Five Points park, with more forthcoming. After installation of the new lights and maintenance of the older ones, the cost is estimated to be roughly $250,000, according to the DID, who are still working to put the item on the City Commission agenda.

“With the addition of these lights, Downtown could become a real tourist attraction,” Operations Manager John Moran tells SRQ Daily.

The DID is also pushing to install a ‘Gateway Sign’ at the intersection of Main Street and North Tamiami Trail, as designed by local firm DSDG Architects for $150,000. The design, which was shared with SRQ Daily by the DID, is done in what John Moran referred to as the 'Sarasota style.’ “The purpose of the Downtown Improvement District, frankly, is to make property owners wealthy," says Moran.

The potential improvements to downtown’s profitability, safety and functionality are, of course, difficult to measure in terms of the return on investment but Moran feels that the commercial property owners that make up the DID (who are all stakeholders and owners of buildings downtown) have an intuitive sense of what will benefit the area, because of their personal investment in seeing it succeed. 

[Community]  "No Hate. No Fear." Solidarity Rally to be Held in Sarasota

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and AJC West Coast Florida invite the community to a “No Hate. No Fear” Solidarity Rally tomorrow, January 8, 2020 at 5 pm at the J.D. Hamel Park at Main St. and Gulfstream Ave.  This is the local version of New York’s “No Hate. No Fear” March on Sunday which brought out 25,000 participants. Presented in partnership with the Heller Community Relations Committee, local clergy from the Sarasota Manatee Rabbinic Association, Sarasota Ministerial Association, Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton and the Diocese of Venice will join us. This rally is supported by the local chapter of NAACP and UnidosNOW. 

Howard Tevlowitz, Federation’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “The event is an opportunity for the community to show its support amid a rise in violent anti-Semitism and hate crimes around the country and world. When anti-Semitism strikes our community, we stand up and stand together. We hope Jews and non-Jews will join us to show hate has no home here.” 

For more.

[Goodbite]  Sarasota's First Bartender Chili Cook-Off Competition to Get Heated
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The First Annual Sarasota Bartender Chili Cookoff and Cocktail Competition will heat up next Monday, January 13 at 12:00 pm, just in time for a lunch break of some Southern spicy stew tasting. Bar Director extroadinaire, Robert Boyland, is hosting the competition and shares there are already a dozen local contestants currently signed up, but is still accepting entries for the three stage event in categories for straight chili, chili and cocktail pairing, and lastly, "the death chili challenge." Boyland encourages competitors to "play it loose, get creative".

For the cocktail pairing component, bartenders are faced with the crafty task to incorporate either Nautical Gin, Smooth Ambler Contradiciton or Del Maguey Vida Mezcal in their cocktail creations. For the Dragon Spit Death Chili Challenge, participants will chow down and race to "the bottom of the bowl of pain." The Sarasota Bartender Chili Cookoff and Cocktail Competition will take place at MADE Restaurant, with an esteemed judging panel that includes Chef Mark Woodruff of MADE, Chef Steve Phelps of Indigenous and Chef Chris Covelli of Sage. Not a bad idea to come bearing an adult bib, have a water bottle on hand and mentally prepare for some messy fun. 

Entries and sponsors can email Boyland at robtboyland@gmail.com or text/call 561-427-4012.  

Tickets to the event here. Proceeds to benefit the Child Protection Center.

[Staff Announcement]  Asolo Rep Proudly Announces Benjamin Luczak as New Development Director

Asolo Rep proudly announces Benjamin Luczak as its new Development Director, officially joining the organization on January 15. Prior to relocating to Sarasota, he previously held leadership positions at Dallas Summer Musicals, Omaha Performing Arts, The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Shenandoah Conservatory Performances. His areas of passion include individual and major gift fundraising, legacy giving, audience development, donor relations, patron loyalty, musical theatre, the history of musical theatre, special events, project management and marketing for the arts and nonprofit board governance. 

Ben has served as an adjudicator for the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards, a Grant Maker for the Equality Fund of Omaha and a Board Member for Nebraska AIDS Project. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, and a Certificate of Fundraising Management from the University of Nebraska Omaha. 

“I am humbled to be joining Asolo Repertory Theatre at this important time in its history," said Benjamin Luczak. "With the adoption of a new strategic plan focusing on new frontiers, community impact and a strong foundation, Asolo Rep has positioned itself to receive increased national recognition. The continued emphasis of producing high-quality, meaningful theatre, that highlights the human condition, and the significant focus of expanding education and community engagement offerings to the community makes me excited to begin my tenure.”  

“Benjamin Luczak not only possesses an impressive background in arts management and fundraising, but he also has an infectious energy for theatre and community building,” said Asolo Rep Managing Director Linda DiGabriele. “He will be joining our senior team during a very exciting and pivotal chapter as we are in the midst of our Staging Our Future strategic plan and capital campaign, and I cannot wait for him to hit the ground running!” 

[Legal]  Williams Parker Publishes New Edition of 'Requisite'

Williams Parker—one of Florida’s largest trusts and estates firm, as well as accomplished real estate, business, tax, employment, litigation, healthcare, and intellectual property practices—recently published the eleventh edition in its Requisite series, which offers insight on legal and philanthropic topics. The latest edition, Generosity, focuses on the protection and benefits of patronage. This issue includes articles regarding joining a nonprofit board, gifting strategies, preserving individual assets, leaving a legacy, and tax benefits. We also touch on important intellectual property protection for nonprofit organizations. “We, as Sarasotans, are honored to assist in continuing to build our city’s lasting legacy,” said Ric Gregoria, president of Williams Parker. “We hope with this edition of Requisite, you find something not only to preserve and shape your powerful legacy, but to share insight we have accrued over nearly 100 years participating in and helping to craft artful giving.”

Requisite XI is available in digital format on the firm’s website at williamsparker.com/requisite. To request a hard copy of the publication, please email marketing@williamsparker.com or call 941-366-4800. 

[Commercial Real Estate]  Hembree & Associates Closes Morrill Street Apartments

Hembree & Associates is proud to announce the following closed transaction.  IVMAX Properties LLC has sold to Belvedere RE Investments LLC 1910-1912  Morrill Street apartments.  Ken Hoskinson and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree & Associates represented the buyer and Phil Ginexi of The Multi Family Firm represented the seller. 

[Rally]  "No Hate. No Fear." Solidarity Rally to be held in Sarasota

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and AJC West Coast Florida invite the community to a “No Hate. No Fear” Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the J.D. Hamel Park at Main St. and Gulfstream Ave.  This is the local version of New York’s “No Hate. No Fear” March on Sunday which brought out 25,000 participants. Presented in partnership with the Heller Community Relations Committee, local clergy from the Sarasota Manatee Rabbinic Association, Sarasota Ministerial Association, Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton and the Diocese of Venice will join us. This rally is supported by the local chapter of NAACP and UnidosNOW. Howard Tevlowitz, Federation’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “The event is an opportunity for the community to show its support amid a rise in violent anti-Semitism and hate crimes around the country and world. When anti-Semitism strikes our community, we stand up and stand together. We hope Jews and non-Jews will join us to show hate has no home here.” For more information, call 941-371-4546 or visit www.jfedsrq.org. 



[BrandStory]  Now Online: ASID FL West Coast Chapter January BrandStory

The January 2020 BrandStory featuring the Florida West Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers is now available to view and download online. 

The ASID BrandStory delves into the benefits of membership and engagement, as well as important legislative updates and exclusive SRQ coverage of the 2019 Weekender Conference and Design & Awards Dinner. Covering a bandwidth spanning from Tampa to Naples, Florida, learn what makes this passionate group of local creatives a powerhouse in the world of design.  

Click here to view the feature

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Lecture: Jamal Abdi , January 14, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “The Politics of Hate Have Driven the U.S. and Iran to the Brink,” featuring Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council. Mr. Abdi will describe the background and mission of the Iranian-American Council, as well as provide an update on the current Iranian-American relationship and international efforts to establish prospects for peace in the region. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALA: The Hospital Gala , January 11, 6pm-11pm

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Yin Mei - Peony Dreams: On The Other Side of Sleep , January 17 – January 18, 7:30pm

Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990’s, this new dance theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experience as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of letters she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[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]  MUSEUM: Manuel Álvarez 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]  MUSIC: Young Concert Artists International Star Xavier Foley and Kelly Lin , January 12, 3:00 pm

For the past several years, dazzling young bassist Xavier Foley has been thrilling audiences and critics alike with the stunning musical magic he makes with the essential but often overlooked double bass. Foley’s playing makes this largest and lowest member of the string family as important as any solo instrument. The Philadelphia Inquirer calls him a “spectacular player” and one who is “blissfully unaware that dazzling virtuosity is usually someone else’s job.” A native of Marietta, Georgia, Foley was also featured recently on PBS Thirteen’s NYC-ARTs and was named to New York WQXR’s "19 Artists to Watch” list for 2019. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist with the Atlanta Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra, amongst others. Joining Foley will be pianist Kelly Lin, a sought-after accompanist whose groundbreaking collaborations with Foley have dazzled audiences and been hailed by critics for their “agile interplay between piano and bass,” as well as their “radical, riveting reinventions of old classics.” The duo will be performing their critically acclaimed program that includes Foley’s reinvention of Mozart’s Violin Sonata in E Minor, that transposes the violin part to a range comparable to a cello’s; Schubert’s “Arpeggione” Sonata, D 821, which showcases Foley’s vast range, utilizing every bit of the bass’s vast sonic capability; their phantasmagorical take on Glière’s Intermezzo and Tarantella; and original compositions by Foley.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALLERY: Dabbert Gallery Presents "Local Color, Florida Style" , January 3 – January 31, 11am-5pm

Dabbert Gallery presents the exhibition "Local Color, Florida Style" to open at the First Firday Gallery Walk on Friday, January 3, 2020 and continues through January 31, 2020. Featuring six of the gallery's Florida artists including Arnold Desmarais, Martin Dunn, Bill Farnsworth, James Griffin, Joe Palmerio and Luke Steadman. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Dabbert Gallery, 46 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Mote Marine Laboratory's Lecture Series: The Wild Side of Manatee Research , January 13, 6:30 pm

Mote's Special Lecture Series features expert speakers highlighting fascinating ocean topics on Monday evenings. Doors open at 5:30 pm and lectures start at 6:30 pm in Mote Marine Laboratory's WAVE Center, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, 34236. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members (per ticket per lecture). Registration required for all. Jan. 13: Kerri Scolardi: The wild side of manatee research: How science and policy are saving a species.

WAVE Center at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024