More than three months after the first known case of coronavirus in Florida was disclosed at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, the institution announced Wednesday it will resume inpatient visitations. The move marks the latest step in the region’s health care system returning to full service as a pandemic continues to challenge the community.

The Sarasota hospital will still have stricter rules than normal, according to Doctors Hospital of Sarasota communications director Monica Yadav. Adult visitors may see patients one at a time, and may only come between 8am and noon after passing a screening. Masks must be worn at all times. And nobody under the age of 18 can visit a patient unless it is their own parent. No in-person visits are allowed for patients recovering from COVID-19.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital also eased its visiting restrictions starting last Friday, according to Public Information Officer Kim Savage. But anyone over the age of 2 must wear a cloth or surgical mask, which can be provided by the hospital. Again, there will be a one-person limit in most circumstances, and visits will be limited to the hours of 1pm to 6pm.

The hospitals open their doors throughout the region. Manatee Memorial Hospital did the same on Tuesday. Marketing and Communications Director Betty Chambless said hours are limited from noon to 6pm at the Bradenton-based hospital. There, strict rules limit visiting individuals to the room of the patient they are visiting. Temperature checks and sanitation rules will be in place for visitors, and again only one person may visit at a time. And even as rules for visits loosen, hospital officials still say individuals should consider if in-person contact is vital.

“We encourage family/friends to continue to call, use FaceTime or Skype if they are unable to visit their loved one or friend,” Chambliss wrote in an email.

The other hospitals issued similar advice to patients. 

Shisheido Ever Bloom, Dolce & Gabbana Garden, Gucci Bloom, Coach Floral--these sought-after perfumes evoke the effervescent scents of a fresh spring bouquet. Floral fragrances are among the most popular group of perfume scents on the market--with notes of rose, jasmine, gardenia, cherry and orange blossoms proving especially captivating. These soft, romantic and feminine aromas are guaranteed to keep the spirit of spring alive all year round--especially if you have them blooming in your garden to enjoy every time you take a step outside. Kathy Crowley of Crowley Nursery and Gardens, located in Myakka City, gives us the lowdown on the best-scented flowers to blossom here.

SRQ: I was jogging around the neighborhood the other day and smelled the incredible scent of jasmine flowers. It inspired me to look into planting either a flowering vine or flowering hedge in the front yard that also smells great during the day. What scented flowers grow the best in Sarasota?

Kathy:  There are so many types of shrubs and vines that bloom here and are very scented. Some Jasmine vines grow so fast, you trim them back and wonder why it never blooms. At the Nursery, we like the Grand Duke of Tuscany (Arabian Jasmine) and Sambac Jasmine--both can be made into Jasmine tea by steeping the blooms in black tea.  Grand Duke can be a shrub or a small vine and blooms all summer long.  Aglaia odorata, a Chinese perfume plant, emits a scent that makes one wander around trying to find out where the scent comes from. We can also grow the Joy Perfume tree, known for its fragrant flowers, and what JOY perfume by Dior is made from, as well as the tropical Ylang Ylang plant, which Chanel No.5 perfume scent is made from. 

And if you are looking for something not easily found, it would be Frangipani Vine, an evergreen vine and vigorous climber in zones 10-12, and may reach up to 20'. Likes sun to part shade. A large-leafed coarse vine with large shiny leaves sporting showy prominent veins. During spring to summer, clusters of propellor-shaped, pure white flowers with yellow centers (much like plumeria) cover the rare vine, emitting a sweet fragrance. Very tropical looking and will bloom and scent all summer long till winter arrives. So we have many choices from vines to shrubs to trees for those loving floral fragrances.

If you have a particular gardening question you'd like answered and featured in a future column, email SRQDailyGardening@srqme.com 

Crowley Nursery, 16423 Jomar Road Sarasota, 941-322-0315.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) passenger traffic saw a fourfold increase from 9,742 passengers in April to 39,988 passengers in May. Compared to May of 2019, traffic at SRQ is down 75%. Year-to-date figures show that airport passenger traffic is down 21%.

Despite the ongoing effects of Covid-19, passenger traffic at SRQ has started to rebound. The airlines that serve the airport are beginning to add flights to their summer schedule as airports, airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implement strict cleaning and safety measures to protect passengers while traveling.

Carriers adding flights at SRQ include Delta Air Lines who will bring back a 3rd daily flight to Atlanta on June 11th and a 4th daily flight on July 2nd. American Airlines will add additional flights to Charlotte and bring back service in early July to Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington D.C., and New York LaGuardia. Frontier Airlines will add service to Cleveland and Philadelphia on June 6 and Cincinnati and Chicago on July 4. Allegiant is currently providing a minimum of 2 times weekly service to Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, Richmond, Asheville, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Harrisburg, and Columbus. Flights to Syracuse are scheduled to return on June 24.

“We are happy to see our flight schedule and passenger levels rebounding after a difficult March and April. The world has changed and so has our airport. Passengers using SRQ will now see numerous safety measures implemented throughout the facility.

Some of these measures include increased janitorial staff, plexiglass shields at all customer service counters, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing markers in queuing lines. You will also see employees, tenants, and passengers now wearing protective face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We feel the size and layout of our airport is to our advantage, allowing passengers to efficiently transition from the parking lot to the aircraft in a clean and safe environment. There is no need to take a shuttle, train, or walk long distances in a crowded environment. Our gate hold areas provide ample seating which allows people to easily social distance while waiting for their flight to board. We have worked hard to create a safe environment and we want our passengers to know that when they are ready, we are ready,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

JFCS of the Suncoast has hired Arthur Lerman as its interim CEO. He replaces Heidi Brown who resigned from her position after serving JFCS for the past three years. “Heidi has done a great job as our CEO,” said Dean Miller, chair of the JFCS board of directors. “We thank her for her contributions to the growth and development of JFCS and wish her the very best.”

“JFCS is excited to have Arthur serve as our interim CEO,” explains Miller. “With over twenty years of experience in non-profit management, Arthur will make significant contributions to our organization in the areas of organizational development and growth, strategic planning, financial management and community relations. While we will be conducting a national search for a permanent CEO, we will have the benefit of Arthur’s leadership for the next several months,” Miller added.

Lerman brings a wealth of experience in his role as interim CEO, including serving on the JFCS board of directors and chair of the board’s development committee. He has developed and managed assisted living facilities, nursing homes, a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility, and a home health agency. He has been the executive director of non-profit organizations providing transportation services to seniors, medical services to individuals without health insurance, and residential, day habilitation and supportive employment services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. In addition, Lerman has been a consultant to states in the areas of behavior health and long term care, including involvement in the redesign of the behavioral health systems for Oregon and West Virginia and integrating behavioral health services into San Francisco’s public health clinics.

Lerman moved to the Sarasota area in 2007. Since then, he has been the executive director of ITNSuncoast and We Care Manatee. He has also served on the Sarasota County Seniors Advisory Council, the Stakeholders in Aging Task Force, and the board of directors of the Southwest Florida Area Agency on Aging. He currently serves on the Transportation Disadvantaged Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and chairs Transition Venice.

“I am thrilled to join JFCS in this role and lead a talented, hardworking team that provides critical mental health and human services to positively impact those in need,” said Lerman. “I look forward to building on JFCS’ successes to ensure collaboration and excellence in all we do in service to our clients and community,” he added. 

Firmo Construction, local commercial construction management firm, has opened its doors to local talent for three new full-time positions. With an increase in regional projects as well as in the state’s panhandle, the company is ready to increase its construction management team to accommodate its expanding work. The growing team is seeking a construction Superintendent, Estimator, and Assistant Project Manager to support the development of their on-site team.

“Firmo is an active leader in the business community, with an open and collaborative company culture, and a team of diverse individuals who embody innovation and enthusiasm in their work,” said Stefan Baron, Director of Operations at Firmo Construction. “We’re looking for three individuals who will represent our mission and values in their roles and embark on an exciting new chapter with us.”

The future Superintendent will be charged with managing active job sites, overseeing trade partners, ensuring compliance with project plans, and keeping projects on time and budget. The construction Estimator will manage estimation and procurement duties that support Sales and Construction management team leaders. And the Assistant Project Manager will support the current Project Manager and construction management leaders.

“We’re excited and fortunate to experience this evolution and growth as we add new builds and projects to our pipeline,” said Eric Collin, President of Firmo Construction. “We’re looking for three passionate individuals, from entry-level to senior roles, that will be able to provide their expertise and support on our current and future construction sites. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our collaborative team and help us raise the bar for each build.”

The construction management firm is known for its innovative builds, sustainable mindset, and commercial projects, such as the ground-up build of Tru by Hilton in Sarasota County, the ground-up build of Hampton Inn and Suites by SRQ Airport, and the revitalized Homewood Suites by Hilton, which was recognized by Hilton and won the Hilton Conversion of the Year award. Firmo has also been recognized as the 35th fastest growing company in the Gulf Coast and continues to expand its expertise across the state.

Due to Covid-19, Firmo is taking extra precautions to keep its team and job-sites safe and healthy. Related company protocols are constantly evolving to meet safety needs so at this time, Firmo is conducting interviews for applicants remotely using Zoom. 

Potential applicants interested in any of the three full-time positions, with benefits and competitive salary pay, can apply now by visiting www.indeed.com or www.linkedin.com/company/firmo-construction/ to apply.

Deborah O’Mara of leading luxury brokerage firm Michael Saunders & Company recently earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar GUILD™ recognition for experience, knowledge, and expertise in residential properties $1 million and above. O’Mara is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS), an exclusive group of real estate professionals who have completed The Institute’s training and have a proven performance in the upper-tier market.

“Agents who have earned the CLHMS designation are performing at the highest level in their community,” said Diane Hartley, President of The Institute. “It takes a superior level of service to be successful and consistently close sales at or above one million dollars. We want to recognize this performance, and give these elite professionals the earned distinction that they are the agent of choice for affluent buyers and sellers.” The specialized training and ongoing membership with The Institute provide O’Mara with the knowledge and tools to better serve affluent clients. The GUILD recognition provides evidence of the successful commitment to service at the highest level.

O’Mara has consistently set the pace as a top producer for the past 10 years at the Michael Saunders & Company Lakewood Ranch office. She has amassed over $150 million in career sales volume and sold over 650 homes in Lakewood Ranch. She also holds a Certified Residential Specialist Designation, considered the “master's degree” of listing and selling real estate. 

Click for more info.

Music Compound has partnered with Gulf Coast Music Therapy to provide music therapy sessions for all ages. Kaylin Berner's philosophy on music education is in-line with Music Compound’s holistic approach and mission to turn musical dreams into reality. Kaylin will be leading a band for musicians with disabilities. Kaylin will also offer private one-on-one sessions on Thursday’s at Music Compound. Our team is excited to work alongside Kaylin, Virginia, GCMT owner, and their team, stated, Jenny Aldy Townsend, owner of Music Compound. Both companies, Music Compound and Gulf Coast Music Therapy are women owned businesses.

Kaylin Berner, MT-BC, NICU-MT, NMT, is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) committed to providing quality adapted guitar, piano, voice and ukulele lessons for students of all ages and abilities. Kaylin graduated from the Florida State University college of music with a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy, and with an additional certificate in music in special education. Kaylin enjoys writing and recording original music. She has released two EP’s on iTunes and Spotify titled Closure (2017) and From The Bottom Of My Heart (2019). She has played guitar for 12 years and enjoys sharing her love of music with others. Kaylin is committed to work with each student to adapt music lessons to fit their needs and goals. 

Click for more info.

Fishman & Associates recently worked with Willis Smith Construction in completing the food service area of the new skilled nursing facility at the Village on the Isle located on Venice Island. The accredited facility with 64 individual suites includes a main kitchen and four skilled nursing kitchens on the second and third floors featuring commercial induction cooking. Induction cooking uses electric currents to heat food faster and safer than thermal induction.  Village on the Isle is an Independent Living Retirement Community affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The campus sits on 16.5 acres. It features retirement homes for seniors, private assisted living apartments, memory care apartments, skilled nursing, rehabilitation. Village on the Isle opened in 1979. Fishman & Associates provides food service design support to diverse clients nationwide including assisted living and retirement centers, healthcare facilities, hotels, hospitals, schools, restaurants, country clubs, churches, clubhouses, resorts and more. The company has supported more than 350 senior living projects in 25 states. Its expertise includes kitchen design, bar and dining room layout, equipment specification, cost budgeting, refrigeration, and fabrication for new and remodeled food service facilities. 

Larry Brzostek of RE/MAX Alliance Group has been awarded the At Home with Diversity (AHWD) certification from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Brzostek joins 20,000 other real estate professionals in North America who have earned this certification after completing an immersive course on diversity, fair housing and business planning and development. The program is designed to meet the nation's fair housing commitment by educating and equipping NAR members with the tools they need to expand homeownership opportunities for the growing number of culturally diverse buyers and sellers regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, handicaps, familial status or national origin. Today, more than one third of Americans are minorities. By 2050, minorities will be the majority. Real estate professionals who adapt to increasing cultural diversity in the market and wisely plan to meet the needs of diverse clients gain a competitive edge and expand opportunities. The AHWD certification allows Realtors to not only apply the multi-faceted skills and tools they learned in the course to business practices, but conveys to clients they are dynamic real estate professionals with expertise that transcends cultural barriers. Brzostek is an agent in the Siesta Key office at 5221 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34242. 

To contact, 941-993-3125 or Larry@LBrzostek.com

https://www.alliancegroupfl.com/

The City of Sarasota was founded on a legacy of art and during times of uncertainty we continue to turn to the arts for comfort and hope. Recently, we experienced the power of art with the success of the Sarasota Heroes mural at 1717 Second Street and its statement of gratitude during the COVID-10 crisis.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is partnering with the City of Sarasota to create a project as part of the City’s Pandemic Recovery Plan. Together we will commission multiple murals throughout the city to convey the circumstances of our times and create positive and healing energy within the community.

If you own a building within the City of Sarasota and would like to be considered to have a mural painted on your building, contact Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, 941-966-6441 or director@sarasotaarts.org, before June 22, 2020. Owners of the selected buildings will have input on the artist they would like to design their mural, but the final decision will be made by the City.

If you are a local artist who would like the opportunity to paint a mural, please submit up to three relevant examples of your work by June 22, 2020 to this link: https://form.jotform.com/201414007162035

• Artists will be selected based on their portfolio and then matched with wall space within the City of Sarasota. In addition:
• Artists must be full-time residents of Sarasota County.
• Artists or artist groups may apply.
• All works must be new and entirely your own creation.
• Paint and lift equipment will be provided for the artist.
• Fair compensation will be provided to the artist. The amount will be determined based on the size of the mural.

Timeline
Finalist will be notified and meet with the committee to discuss during the week of June 29, 2020. Selected artists must submit mural design proposals by July 10, 2020. The mural design must be approved by the committee which is comprised of staff from the City of Sarasota, the Arts and Cultural Alliance, and the building owners. Painting can begin on July 20, 2020 and must be completed by September 4, 2020. 

812-631-2592 communications@sarasotaarts.org

Meet Allegiant Private Advisors in this Summer's SRQ BrandStory. Published in the May/June magazine and now available to view and download online, the BrandStory highlights how Allegiant can help clients throughout the stages of their financial life and why having an advisor that proactively communicates, educates and guides you is crucial.   

Click here to view the BrandStory

The 2020 Players New Play Festival has gone virtual. In order to stay safe and still have friends listen and experience the five finalists, you can now see these brand new, never-before-performed plays through Zoom June 29 through July 3, 2020. The five chosen plays are performed in readers-style theater by actors under the leadership of a local director with a talk-back following the show to give the playwright some constructive criticism led by Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. Tickets must be purchased by Noon the day of the show. If you want to take advantage of the group pricing, make sure you decide that when you first purchase, please. The day of the show you will receive a Zoom link to your email by 5pm that evening. Experience a different show each night! For $10 each, three shows for $24 or see all 5 for $35. “This year, our 15th year of The Players New Play Festival is evolving like never before. The play reading judges read plays via email and Sandra Musicante, my co-coordinator, handling all the business of reading and judging without anyone leaving the comfort of their homes,” says Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. “It’s quite exciting for The Players team to be able to still give area artists these opportunities and is proof that The Players is dedicated to keeping the arts alive in these challenging times." 

The Players Centre For Performing Arts 838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494

http://www.theplayers.org/

Asolo Rep announced today that they have postponed the June 11 performance of FOUNTAIN in solidarity with black communities across the nation. A part of the Theatre’s four-part new musical competition, GROUND FLOOR: MAKING MUSICALS, FOUNTAIN is now scheduled to be performed on Thursday, July 23 at 6pm. The four-part new musical competition consists of four new and original musicals that will be broadcast live on the theatre’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Each 30-minute session consists of a fifteen-minute preview performance of one new musical, followed by a fifteen-minute discussion with the playwright/composer and James Monaghan, Asolo Rep Dramaturg and Literary Manager, and Celine Rosenthal, Asolo Rep Associate Artistic Director, who serves as the Director of the Ground Floor Series and is also directing all four musicals. After the four musicals have aired, the audience will be asked to vote for their favorite and the winner will receive a full staged reading at Asolo Rep. 

Sage Restaurant, located in the historic 1926 Sarasota Times building on First Street, will reopen June 16 at 5 pm, offering ample dining space, thorough safety precautions, and an exciting new seasonal menu. Sage offers two indoor dining rooms, an outdoor patio, and its airy rooftop bar. The new menu combines old favorites with bold new flavors from South Africa, Italy, France and beyond. “Our dining room has always been spacious,” says executive chef Chris Covelli. “Now we’ve developed a safe, comfortable seating plan so that our diners can enjoy their experience with maximum peace of mind.” Sage was among the first restaurants to close in mid-March due to COVID-19; owner Sharon Carole has waited longer to reopen out of an abundance of caution. The restaurant has retained its entire staff. Covelli, famed for his ever-evolving approach to his vibrant cuisine, has used the time to create a new summer menu with bold, international flavors. Dishes include an African Jollof with sundried tomatoes and plantains topped with braised lamb; Piri-Piri chicken with Zulu Brussel sprouts; and Tordelli pasta filled with Wild Hare Bolognese—in addition to Covelli’s popular Thai Bouillabaisse. There are also new dessert options like an Austrian Sachertorte, as well as a bold new Curry Coconut-Milk Mai Tai on the cocktail menu. Built in 1926 to house a local newspaper, the historic Sarasota Times Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Sage opened in 2019, debuting a thoughtful renovation that maintains the building’s architectural integrity and celebrates the structure’s Mediterranean Revival style and chic 1920s-era energy. 

Now taking reservations at 941-445-5660.

Circo, A Taco & Bourbon Joint now offers a brunch menu. Circo, opened in December of 2019, at 1435 2nd Street in downtown Sarasota, joining a multitude of other locally owned businesses in the quickly expanding section, North of Main Street. The brunch menu features classics with a twist, with house made ingredients, and of course a Bloody Mary section. The regular menu with over ten specialty tacos is also available during brunch hours. Some of the brunch favorites are the Chilaquiles, a traditional fried tortilla dish with salsa, The Notorious Pig Burrito, a tortilla stuffed with thick bacon, scrambled eggs, and a queso topping and the Huevos Rancheros, served traditionally but with the promised Circo tastiness. All items are priced under $10, with the option to add on poached eggs, proteins and avocado. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm.Circo is owned and operated by Tableseide Restaurant Group. 

Circo is a Taco & Bourbon joint, located in downtown Sarasota, on 2nd Street.

Project Pride SRQ are taking Pride on the road: Main Street, to be exact. They've organized a Car Pride Parade happening this Saturday.  To watch, they recommend making a reservation at a downtown restaurant to enjoy the event from an outdoor table while maintaining social distance. You can also watch the procession on Facebook Live. 

To drive your decorated car in the parade, REGISTER HERE.

The ReStore has undergone health and safety precautions and is now open to the public with new store hours. Shop on Tuesday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Face masks are required and practice social distancing. The Sarasota ReStore is in need of gently used household items, furniture, appliances and building materials to fuel our mission. Please call our ReStore donations department to schedule your complimentary pick-up on large items at 941- 363-0777. New drop off hours. Donation drop off is available Tuesday - Saturday between 10:00am and 4:30pm at 2095 17th St, Sarasota FL 34234 (Corner of 17th Street/East Avenue) Donation drop off not available on Sunday and Monday. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, 941-363-0777, 2095 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234

Boca will host their Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tasting, Wednesday, June 17th for a decadent menu of artisan cheese and chocolate tastings, complete with carefully curated wine selections. This three-course tasting is priced at $25 a person and reservations can be made between 5pm - 10pm. View the full menu below and call 941-256- 3565 to make a reservation or book online. Make sure to mention 'Wine, Cheese & Chocolate' when booking your reservation. This event is 21+. Please note that reservations are strongly encouraged. Social distancing will be mandated in the restaurant and tables will be spaced at least 6 feet apart. 

Click to reserve a table.

Today, inpatient visitation will resume at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. One visitor, age 18 or older, may visit admitted patients on the inpatient floors between the hours of 8 a.m. and Noon. For the safety of our patients and staff, all visitors must successfully pass a screening prior to entering the hospital, wear a hospital provided mask, and practice social distancing while in the hospital. The relaxed visitation restrictions do not apply to patients who are COVID-19 positive or patients being tested for COVID-19. For these patients, we suggest interacting through phone calls, Skype, or FaceTime. Visitor Hours are 8:00 am to Noon, 7 days per week. 

DOH Sarasota is scheduled to host a by appointment COVID-19 drive-thru testing opportunity at the Englewood Sports Complex this Wednesday. This community based COVID-19 testing is for anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting.To date, DOH Sarasota has tested more than 1800 community members for COVID-19 during our community-based testing events. Callers will be screened using current CDC testing criteria. Appointments are limited however more testing opportunities may be scheduled in the future. Additionally, while these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walk-ups, and people on bicycles. Wednesday, June 17, 8 am to Noon - Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 South River Road, Englewood. 

To be evaluated and to make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm