SRQ DAILY Apr 27, 2020
Monday Business Edition
"The state system has failed many Floridians in their time of need."
Unemployment in Florida has spiked at a higher rate than any other state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. As Florida’s beleaguered unemployment system buckles, elected officials show varying levels of optimism about whether problems will subside before the pandemic draws to a close.
The Department of Economic Opportunity reports that more than 505,000 Floridians submitted new claims for unemployment. Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday said more than 267,000 individuals have received payments since the crisis began in early March, but that leaves hundreds of thousands in waiting.
A total of 26.5 million have lost their jobs nationwide since the pandemic began impacting the U.S., according to a survey by WalletHub, and Florida has seen the worst spike in claims. Unemployment claims in Florida have increased 8,456% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, claims in April jumped 10,838% compared to January, and 3,951% since just last month.
State Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, this week also called out the fact that 38,000 small businesses in Florida applied for emergency bridge loans but only 1,000 got money through that program. “The ones who don’t are the mom-and-pops who have 10 employees,” she said.
Delays in state unemployment promoted Good this week to send a letter to the Department of Labor asking for the federal government to personally intervene and make sure $600 in weekly support approved with the CARES Act gets to Floridians.
DeSantis, meanwhile, has taken DEO Director Ken Lawson off the job of administering unemployment and put Management Services Secretary Jonathan Satter in charge if the process. He’s also directed 2,200 state workers from other departments to the DEO to help process claims.
State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, felt optimistic things will get better. With family directly impacted by the problems with the unemployment system, Gruters has highly criticized the shortcomings.
“The state system has failed many Floridians in their time of need,” he said. “I am glad that Gov. DeSantis is transforming the system and has made it so everyone will get their benefits retroactively to when they initially lost their job.” 
Debbie LaPinska, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, has been with PGT Innovations for 28 years and says her “years of service” is a testament to the company. “Because you don’t necessarily stay with a company that long,” she says. “There’s got to be something really special about it, that would keep you here. A lot of the things that we do as a company are done because of how much we care for the people who work for us and because of our belief that you take care of your team members. It started with Paul and Rod, and it has carried on with Jeff, to a whole new level. He believes that you are only as good as the people who work for you and with you every day.” In a “pun intended” statement, LaPinska urges outsiders to come “open our doors,” see what’s at the heart of the company, get to know the culture of care that exists not only between team members and the customers, but extends to the entire community as a whole. “I think people generally want to work for a company that has a passion to do the right things and is very caring and giving,” says LaPinska. “It’s not just about business and the numbers, right? Where Hurricane Charley hit Charlotte County, FL in 2004, that was where 60% to 70% of our team member population lived. We made sure they were taken care of, even when we could not talk to them on the telephone because obviously power lines were down.” She recounted that after the company hired an airplane to fly over the community with a banner that said, ‘If you are a PGT employee, call this number’, they set up a recovery station nearby where the employees could get tarps, generators, water, food, and supplies, wash their clothes, and even get money to help them get by. “We told them, ‘the most important thing is to take care of your families, take care of your homes. Your job will be here when you get back’,” says LaPinska.
Through several years of post-storm relief efforts since then and standing together through poignant hurricanes like Irma and Michael, PGT Innovations’ pillars of community and family have become stronger with every storm. “More so now,” says President and CEO Jeff Jackson, “than really ever.”
According to SCBS co-founder Ariel Serrano, “If you’ve been to our performances you know that our dancers are technically pre-professionals, but are indistinguishable from professionals in our community and beyond. We’re not the only ones who think so. Dancers who trained with us are now with major companies in the UK and the US. Dancers who move on to professional companies come back to visit, to perform, and to mentor those who follow them—and you, the audience, get to revel in their achievements. One of those dancers is Alexandra Burman, who now dances professionally with the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the UK. Please help us continue our precious work by donating generously on April 28-29. Donations between $25 and $100 will be matched dollar for dollar by The Patterson Foundation. Supporters have generously pledged $10,000 to match donations over $100. All donations are tax deductible.
As a member of the Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Family, you help us save animals like Sarah every day. You help the seniors, the broken ones, the 3 legged, and the perfectly adorable puppies and kittens. You share their stories, you cheer them on, and you donate for their care. This Tuesday, you can make a difference for animals like Sarah by donating during the 2020 Giving Challenge. Then, post a picture on social media with #givingchallenge2020. Don't forget to tag us so we can thank you.
We hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during this COVID-19 health crisis we are all experiencing together. We know it is a challenging time, and our team is right there with you as all of our families and friends navigate this unprecedented moment.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens announced last week that Historic Spanish Point will become a companion campus beginning May 1. Despite concerted efforts by Historic Spanish Point and due to resulting financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the merger of the two entities into one umbrella organization became vital to safeguarding Historic Spanish Point's future. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will now operate with two campuses -- both Downtown and Historic Spanish Point— and our combined organization has become even more critical for the long term sustainability of natural bayfront spaces in our community.
We are stronger as one—working together towards our joint mission to provide bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history. And we are stronger with you!
That is why we need you to be the one to support the expanded Selby Gardens—nearly 45 acres of bayfront nature and history at both the Downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses.
Starting at noon on April 28, visit www.givingpartnerchallenge.org to make a donation to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Each individual gift of $25-100 will be matched dollar for dollar by The Patterson Foundation!
This is YOUR chance to be a part of a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve two important environmental, historical, and archaeological sites for the public to enjoy forever. Your support now is even more vital, since both campuses have been temporarily closed for more than a month due to COVID-19 guidelines and are challenged with losses in earned revenue that would usually be garnered from daily admission, memberships, cafe sales, and gift shop purchases.
Join the Education Foundation Of Sarasota County in their virtual celebration to honor all of the 2019-2020 STRIVE Award recipients. Sixty-eight high school juniors and seniors deserve applause and recognition as 22nd annual STRIVE Awards recipients. The annual event celebrates juniors and seniors in the Sarasota County Schools (SCS) seven comprehensive high schools who have demonstrated resilience and grit to overcome extraordinary challenges in school and their personal lives to make significant improvements in their strive for success.
CHosen by teachers, counselors, and principles, the 35 seniors will receive $1,000 each to award their accomplishments. High school juniors will have the opportunity to join the Education Foundation of Sarasota COunty’s mentoring program. All STRIVE recipients will also receive a $125 gift card for his/her use in lieu of the canceled luncheon.
The STRIVE program was founded by H Jack Hunkele and is made possible through the generosity of The Hunkele Family Foundation, Inc., the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation and the Eluned and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation.
Sea turtle nesting season starts May 1, with Sarasota County beaches playing host to the largest population of nesting sea turtles on the Gulf Coast of Florida, averaging over 200 nests per mile. Unfortunately, only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Most die from predators, and both the exhaustion and starvation caused by disorientingly bright, artificial lights. To help those hatchling survive, residents are urged to keep light out of sight, and remove unused beach furniture and coastal structures, through the end of the nesting period Oct. 31.
According to Sarasota County Wildlife Specialist Jaclyn Irwin, here are some ways to help sea turtles beat the odds:
Each night, remove all furniture and recreational items from the beach and store them in an area landward of the beach and dunes.
Properly dispose of trash. Sea turtles ingest plastic bags and garbage attracts predators that eat turtle eggs.
While at the beach for essential activities avoid areas identified as nesting sites.
Reduce use of flashlights on the beach at night.
Recreate in locations away from marked nesting areas.
Property owners must either extinguish or shield lights visible from the beach, or replace white incandescent, fluorescent and high-intensity lighting with amber or red light-emitting diodes (LED) or low-pressure sodium vapor (LPS) fixtures.
"We are fortunate here in Sarasota County to play host to such an abundant nesting population," Irwin said, adding, "Let's all do our part to help them survive."
For questions or assistance with adjusting lighting, property owners can reach Sarasota County's Sea Turtle Protection Program by calling 941-861-5000 or visiting scgov.net and enter the keyword "wildlife." To report an injured or dead sea turtle, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The Florae Alliance for Arts Education recently recognized North Port High School as a Florida Arts Model School, with an additional Florida Arts Achieve School designation. North Port High School was one of only three schools in the state to receive this honor. The Florida Arts Model Schools (FAMS) program recognizes schools that offer exemplary programs in any of the four arts disciplines – Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual arts. Schools can apply for FAMS designation in one or more arts disciplines. In addition, the designation of Florida Arts Achieve School is given to secondary schools receiving a FAMS designation in all four arts areas, and elementary schools receiving a FAMS designation in at least three out of the four arts areas.
Pictured: L to R, Back Row: Julie King, Assistant Principal; Dr. Tiffany Jennings, Department Chair; Steve McKelvey, Theater; Dr. Owen Bradley, Band; David Sommer, Choir; Ryan Oliver, Theater; Marilyn Caruso, Visual Art; Phu Nguyen, Visual Art; Brandon Jo
With the region’s nonprofit community gearing up for the upcoming online philanthropic event, the 2020 Giving Challenge, one area musician is hoping that music will help encourage donors throughout the community to support Goodwill Manasota. Joe Bruno Jr. of The Bruno Connection is organizing a number of musical colleagues for the Livestream show, “Good Music for Goodwill,” on the first day of the Giving Challenge, Tuesday, April 28, from noon-6 p.m. Funds raised from the Giving Challenge will ensure the organization, which has experienced significant economic losses in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, is at the ready to assist community members as well as its own workforce in getting back on their feet.
Good Music for Goodwill will be live-streamed on Goodwill Manasota’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/user/flgoodwill (click on the “Good Music for Goodwill” thumbnail). Viewers will enjoy the following performers: The Bruno Connection Trio (jazz standards); Dana Lawrence & Thorson Moore of popular local group Kettle of Fish; Dovydas (Americana, blues and originals); Debbi & Lance Goldyn (jazz and pop); Steve Arvey (blues, Americana cigar box and originals); pianist and vocalist Robbie Rose (jazz standards); father and son duo Art and Aaron Siegel (jazz classics); and fiddler/vocalist Renee Riddle (country, bluegrass, Southern rock, Americana).
The Bruno Connection, which performs in Sarasota and communities throughout Florida, is made up of three generations of musicians: Joe Bruno Sr., trumpet; Joe Bruno Jr., bass; Christine Allen-Bruno, piano/keyboards; and Nick Bruno, an accomplished percussionist who also plays tuba, trombone, euphonium, trumpet and piano. One of The Bruno Connection’s associated performing groups, The Dixieland Hot Dogs, performed at Goodwill’s popular fundraising event, the Mardi Gras Gala, in 2019 and 2020.
To support Goodwill during the Giving Challenge, go to givingpartnerchallenge.org and search for “Goodwill Industries Manasota.”
Sarasota’s reputation for fine art far outpaces the size of its population, with galleries on practically every block that feature masters of every medium. Whether it’s landscapes, portraits, still lifes or abstract mind-benders, our Best Of winners are a cut above the rest when it comes to finding homes for the work of some of the region’s top talent. STATE OF THE ARTS takes home top honors with Platinum Best of SRQ Award, with DABBERT GALLERY hot on its heels with the Gold badge of honor. Meanwhile, 530 BURNS GALLERY hangs its paintings proud, earning the Silver award.
We are all facing challenges related to COVID-19. This pandemic impacts every aspect of our lives. Over the last week, the Brain Health Institute has received numerous communications demonstrating that we are all growing tired of our safer-at-home experience.
Are you concerned about your ability to rise up to the multiple challenges of COVID-19 that you may be experiencing and to persevere? If you are experiencing these thoughts and feelings, you are not alone. According to recent studies, a person's willingness to push through hard times and overcome obstacles, persistence, appears to come from a small network of neurons near the center of the brain, according to recent studies.
Puff, puff, chug, chug, went the Little Blue Engine.
"I think I can– I think I can– I think I can...." – W. Piper
Multiple studies demonstrate that approaching life challenges, like the famous little train engine from the classic children's book, the Little Engine That Could —"I think I can, I think I can! — is a brain healthy mindset. Alternatively, experiencing feelings of doubt about your own abilities to rise up and overcome the difficulties that life has thrown your way, is not a productive or brain healthy way of feeling and thinking. Self-efficacy, or your belief in your own abilities to deal with various situations, can play a role not only in how you feel about yourself, but whether or not you successfully achieve your goals in life.
According to well-known psychologist Albert Bandura, self-efficacy is a person’s belief in their ability to succeed in a particular situation. Bandura described these beliefs as determinants of how people feel, think, and behave. As Bandura and other researchers have demonstrated, self-efficacy can have an impact on everything from brain and physical health and overall well-being, to our daily performance in relationships, learning, work, and play.
I think I can, might just become a byline for our daily living. The strength of you as an individual, and collectively as a family and community, is paramount in helping us be both motivated and positive like the little engine that could… and did.
It would be wise for us all to become little blue engines, huffing and puffing our way to success through this time where we have limited control. Convincing ourselves to overcome self-doubt and use perseverance to master the challenges in front of us will enhance our brain health, the quality of our lives, and can transform our sense of self. We know that certain skills are needed to master difficult situations and the little blue engine epitomizes this process. It helps to silence self-doubt and to quiet that harsh judgmental voice inside.
What you can do today to protect your brain health.
Read the classic children's story, The Little Engine That Could. Look at the 1954 version of this classic as a parable to our current individual and global situation. It is a story that tells us of motivation in the face of hardship. All of us have our current challenges and strengths we can bring to the situation. Maximizing your strengths and working diligently to protect your and your family’s brain health and well-being during this time is essential.
Watch the movie Finding Nemo (2003), Finding Dory (2016) or Free Willy (1993)
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is committed to the health and safety of the community. During this time of uncertainty, they are experiencing an increased demand for resources to feed children, families, and seniors in need. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact them at 941-747-4655.
In the midst of these unprecedented circumstances, they are working tirelessly to fulfill rising needs while preventing the spread of COVID-19. And though they are taking critical steps to ensure our community has access to much needed food, the challenges remain strong.
Donors play a critical role in fulfilling their mission to alleviate hunger in Manatee County. Right now, they are prepared to meet the challenges head-on for the sake of the children, families, and seniors who are already facing a new reality—but they need you.
They ask that you please consider making a gift today to support our emergency relief related to COVID-19. It will take all of us working together to overcome this crisis and support our Manatee County community. Just $20 will provide enough food for a family of five for the weekend, and $50 will feed a senior for an entire week.
The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through May 1 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency order issued Friday by City Manager Tom Barwin, in consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch, also waives building permit fees for construction necessary to rehabilitate structures and make them compatible with social distancing practices. The change is intended to facilitate building modifications such as installing new air conditioning equipment with better filters, removing a wall or other changes meant to help prevent the spread or recurrence of coronavirus in the city.
Under the order, Lido Beach will remain closed while the City continues to monitor local COVID-19 testing results and the advice of public health officials. The closure of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has also been extended through least June 15, and all shows, performances, rentals and other events scheduled to occur during that time are canceled. For more information, visit vanwezel.org.
The public is very strongly urged to wear protective masks when leaving home to conduct essential activities, and to acquire protective masks if they have not already. Florida citizens are to remain in their homes except to conduct essential activities under Gov. Ron DeSantis’“Safer at Home” executive order. Social gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited on public and private property in the City of Sarasota.
Although City buildings are closed to the public, most City operations and services are still available. The public can conduct City business either online via www.SarasotaFL.gov or by phone at 941-263-6000.
Additional Resources
Information and resources for businesses and employees, including Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans and other assistance programs, can be found on the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s webpage at www.edcsarasotacounty.com/business-assistance/covid-19/
A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is now available through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County: 941-861-2883. Subject matter experts are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The most current, official information on COVID-19 in Florida can be found atwww.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19. A 24/7 hotline is also available: 1-866-779-6121.
As you know the club lost well over $100,000 since the cancellation of the festival and the remainder of the performance season. This loss is devastating enough, but it is compounded by the uncertainty we face in the months ahead. We will not resume performances until we can do so with confidence of everyone's safety. That standard can't be compromised, but not knowing when we can sponsor our next music events creates a whole new set of problems.
We still owe about 50% of the requested ticket refunds and we don't have the cash to meet those requests. Our cash reserves and membership dues will cover our basic overhead costs for maybe six months. That assumes we tighten our belt wherever possible. For example, we will not be publishing the spring edition of Sarasota Jazz Sounds magazine and we don't know when we will be able to publish it again.
The future of the Jazz Club for the coming year is uncertain. If we are not able to generate revenue from events like Jazz At Two, Monday Night Jazz Cabaret, etc., we may have to close the office and put everything on hold until the virus is defeated. We are exploring grant opportunities, but the funds are limited and the competition is fierce; and frankly, we are a very little fish in a big ocean of need.
I'm not suggesting that in the long run that the Jazz Club will fold. I know we won't let that happen, but there will likely be a lot more damage and pain over the next year. This is an honest appraisal of our current situation.
Thank goodness we have doubled our membership over the the last 18 months. And thank goodness for a dedicated Board, Music Committee, scores of volunteers and supporters. Collectively they represent the strength, hope and vitality of the club.
In response to the impact of the coronavirus on nonprofits serving people in Lakewood Ranch and east Manatee and Sarasota counties, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund will award funds totaling $150,000 supporting relief and recovery. The first round of grants includes more than $30,000 to provide assistance to health care professionals, low-income youth, cancer patients, essential workers in need of childcare, and homeless animals.
Tidewell Hospice and Manatee Family YMCA (Lakewood Ranch Branch) will each receive a $10,000 grant; Florida Cancer Specialists will receive a $5,000 grant; Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will receive a $3,600 grant; and Southeastern Guide Dogs and Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue will each receive a $1,000 grant. Charitable organizations eligible to request funds must be serving populations who live or work in Lakewood Ranch or east Manatee and Sarasota counties and be able to share the impact of the coronavirus on their clients or their operations.
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was established in 2000 as a component fund of the Manatee Community Foundation and accepts tax-deductible gifts year-round. To make a charitable gift to the fund, visit ManateeCF.org. To learn more about the Fund, visit www.LWRFund.org or call (941) 747-7765.
The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) recently launched “Storytime with CWC” on their Facebook page. Members of the organization are recorded reading children’s stories to provide entertainment for young children as they are home during the COVID-19 quarantine pandemic. “Our organization is filled with lovers of the written word,” said chapter President, Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC. “This is one way that our chapter can offer support to our community during this time with something we all love…reading!” A playlist titled “Storytime with CWC” can be found on the chapter’s Facebook page under videos. https://www.facebook.com/watch/CWCFPRA/864848070660299/ CWC-FPRA plans to continue to add stories now through the end of Summer.
Pictured: CWC-FPRA Members Elise Ramer, APR and Virginia Carnahan, APR, CPRC, Reading to Members Children on Facebook
Local arts, education and philanthropic organizations have come together to create the Suncoast Arts REACH Task Force, a team of leading arts education specialists, to curate and share arts-based remote learning content for students, parents, teachers and caregivers. With remote learning a necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal of the task force is to tap into each organization’s area of expertise, open opportunities for collaboration, and provide free online resources to the greater Suncoast community. Members of the Suncoast Arts REACH Task Force include the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Embracing our Differences, Manatee Arts Education Council, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling, the Van Wezel Foundation, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Venice Theater, the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, Manatee County School District and Sarasota County Schools.
The initiative is being supported by the Van Wezel Foundation, and the collective effort of the task force is making an immediate impact as trusted online content is curated and produced for local area school districts, art teachers and early learning centers while being accessible for families.
"We are overwhelmed with gratitude that the Arts & Cultural Community came together to provide such meaningful and engaging experiences for our families, now more than ever,” commented Dr. Laura Kingsley, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, Sarasota County Schools.
Together, the task force has launched an online resource calendar that includes daily arts-based activities across multiple art disciplines for learners of all ages.
“These arts integration experiences are a wonderful resource for preschool teachers to intentionally plan art activities with children whether in the classroom or online through ZOOM meetings,” said Janet Kahn, Executive Director, Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County. “The activities build a teacher’s toolbox for use now during these uncertain times and in the future and help facilitate positive connections with the families they serve.”
Every Friday on an ongoing basis, the Suncoast Arts REACH Task Force will have new, daily activities posted for families, teachers and caregivers to use at home or anywhere. Activities range from videos on how to make a costume to museum tours, storytime reading events and virtual art lessons, to name a few. In addition to the daily arts-based activities, members of the task force have additional resources available online and on social media to inspire learning and imagination. The community is invited to visit each arts organization to learn more.
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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
