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SRQ DAILY Jul 31, 2020

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"For a lot of the artists, activism is a big part of their work and their lives, so it aligned perfectly with our theme this year of amplifying LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices."

- Shannon Fortner, Harvey Milk Festival Founder
 

-Photo from SRQ Magazine's New Summer 2020 Feature Pets We Love
[LGBT]  Harvey Milk Festival's Exhibition Unites Art with Activism
Andrew Fabian, andrew.fabian@srqme.com

Tomorrow marks the opening of Attention Please, the Harvey Milk Festival’s art exhibition hosted at Ligon Fine Art on Lemon Avenue. This year’s exhibition blends in-person and virtual showings to feature artists from a variety of disciplines, including poetry, painting, textile and performance. The identities of these artists are composed of complex intersections of gender, sexual orientation and race, and their work explores the way these demographics have endured, overcome and continue to fight against the biases and injustices of a society still working towards greater acceptance.

“First of all, I think we’re a little late in the process of advocating for the BIPOC community,” says Angela Ligon, owner and operator of Ligon Fine Art. As a socially progressive person, Ligon is humble enough to admit that the spirit of her progressive views has not always translated into action. But she has taken this particular moment in the nation’s history to walk the talk and become a more fervent ally. “I’ve become so much more aware of my privilege,” says Ligon, “I never had to wake up thinking about what I’m going to wear or how I’m going to carry myself the way that these artists do.” She says that level of self-reflection was inspired by the stories and art of the exhibition’s artists.

Ligon says it’s a pleasant and illuminating divergence in both aesthetics and messaging for her gallery. While all of the artists she represents create works capable of evoking emotional responses in the viewer, many do so in a more abstract way rather than with the explicit force of the Attention Please artists. “The work of these younger generations is more thought-provoking, culturally stimulating, more willing to question societal norms,” says Ligon, “it’s all very mission oriented.” From bold renderings of black and brown bodies on canvas to poetry that explores the unique challenges of growing up Black in a predominately white society, the art aims to inspire change on both the micro and macro level.

For the Festival’s founder Shannon Fortner, that’s exactly the point. “For a lot of the artists, activism is a big part of their work and their lives,” says Fortner, “so it aligned perfectly with our theme this year of amplifying LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices.” By providing a platform for visibility, Fortner hopes the beauty and energy of the work can make the region a safer space for the historically disenfranchised populations represented in the exhibition. “All of the artists are advocating for free expression,” says Ligon, “and it has been so enlightening for me; I hope visitors feel the same way.”

In-person viewing is free, but (free) tickets are needed to ensure social distancing can be maintained in the gallery. Some art will be shown at the gallery while other works will be available through the virtual gallery on the Harvey Milk Festival’s website. A live stream will begin tomorrow at 7 pm from the Festival’s Facebook page and website. 

Ligon Fine Art, 20 N Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 832-361-0308. Photo courtesy of Bianca Russell, one of the artists represented at the exhibition.

Click here for more information.

[Art Blog]  Keeping Outreach Within Reach of the Community

With a legacy that dates back to 1897 nationally and to 1957 locally, the National League of American Pen Women, Sarasota Branch has always honored its outreach mission to keep the arts alive by holding workshops and presentations for the public as well as providing high school seniors from Sarasota and Manatee Counties who are talented in visual arts, writing, and music with monetary awards. 

To make outreach within reach, they revamped their website. Weekly, an artist, writer, or music member provides a blog for the community with advice on overcoming page fright; or a lesson on how to get inside your artist head and start painting; or information on Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging; or an exercise to dispatch loneliness through writing.

They call the blog “Read It and Reap” in hopes that it will do exactly that in just a minute or two. Upcoming blogs will include audio and visual as well. 

Click here for more information.

[New Grant]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards Substantial Grant to Embracing Our Differences

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded Embracing Our Differences a $40,000 Arts Appreciation grant, which offers unrestricted funding to area arts organizations in support of their artistic missions. According to Sarah Wertheimer, Embracing Our Differences’ executive director, the grant will help fund the organization’s 2021 outdoor exhibition, which promotes awareness of diversity and proclaims the values of inclusion, kindness, and respect. The grant will also be used to fund EOD’s year-round outreach programs and initiatives.

“Embracing Our Differences is committed to an important mission—keeping the value of inclusion and diversity in the public eye,” says Wertheimer. “We accomplish this through the power of art and education. Millions of people around the world are rejecting hate and seeking common ground. For the past 17 years, tens of thousands of these people have shared this message of hope with us. Year after year, we’ve passed that message on to our local community. We’re deeply grateful that Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been with us every step of our journey.” 

[Grief Center]  Tidewell Virtual and Drive-Thru Events Connect Grieving Families

Tidewell Hospice has remained committed to serving families with quality care and continuing its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the halting of traditional in-person engagements, Tidewell was able to get creative in bringing its Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center services to its families. Children and caregivers from the program were invited to the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center in Sarasota County for a drive-thru ice cream party, giving them a chance to see their Blue Butterfly family after four months of being apart. As part of the event, families were able to register for a virtual grief painting session in which they learned how to paint the program’s symbolic blue butterfly. During the painting session, children were encouraged to share feelings about their grief and the meaning behind their work. These events help grieving children and families stay connected and reassure them that they’re not alone, especially right now. “Our nation, our community, has perhaps never seen such isolation in the midst of such great loss and challenges,” said Tidewell President and CEO Jonathan Fleece. “We want our Blue Butterfly families, and anyone in our community who needs support, to know that they’re not alone during this time of tremendous anxiety, sadness and grief.” 

Tidewell Community Hope Line, 855-930-HOPE, communityhope@tidewell.org.

Click here for more information.

[Partnership]  The CAC is helping the Patterson Foundation Present This Book Is Cool

As part of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, THIS BOOK IS COOL! is a web series designed to help foster a love of reading and love of learning for children from PreK through third grade. Each webisode features a carefully selected book, a special guest sharing their thoughts on what makes this book cool, recommended vocabulary words, and an activity that corresponds with the book. Qualified children signed up for THIS BOOK IS COOL! will receive up to 20 books, thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation. Karen Bell, CAC Outreach Education Manager is the special guest in a webisode for second graders discussing one of her favorite books, Mañana Iguana, written by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by Ethan Long. You can see this delightfully entertaining video here. The CAC is happy to work with and support the Patterson Foundation whenever and where ever we can. 

[Recognition]  Local Boys & Girls Club Member Selected as Virtual Host For Teens Across the Nation

With 4,300 affiliates to choose from, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) selected a local Club member and youth development professional from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County to host their first ever virtual National Keystone Conference on Friday, July 24, from the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club in Sarasota. Presented by Aaron's, Inc., the Keystone Conference is an annual event where nearly 1,500 teen leaders from around the United States come together to lift up their voices and advocate for change in their communities. The event is led by an exclusive group of outstanding teens and Club advisers from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country who were selected through a competitive application process. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County member Fatima D. and Teen Specialist Geoffry Gilot were appointed to serve on this National Keystone Conference Steering Committee last November and play a lead role in planning the 2020 event.

While the conference was scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., this month, the in-person event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than forgoing the event altogether, BGCA quickly transformed the multi-day conference into a virtual experience with the theme “We The Youth Declare We Will Be Heard, Seen and United.” BGCA selected Fatima and Geoffry to act as the event’s emcees. This dynamic duo led thousands of our nation’s future leaders through invaluable discussions to discover their passion, find their voice, create plans for success and take action to make lasting change in their communities. The event also included inspirational presentations from celebrity guest speakers including poet, performer and screenwriter Lemon Andersen, as well as, actor, model, dancer and entrepreneur Damaris Lewis.

“Hosting this national event, the first one of its kind, will be one of my most cherished memories when I look back on my Boys & Girls Clubs experience,” said Fatima, who has been a Club member since 2008 and recently graduated from The-Out-of-Door Academy. “I’m so grateful for my Clubs’ support, BGCA for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and most of all, my advisor Mr. Geoffry, for encouraging me every step of the way.” 

Click to see the 2020 National Keystone Conference.

[Internships]  Bank of America Connects Sarasota-Manatee-Area Youth to Workforce Success Through Paid Virtual Summer Leadership Experience

Bank of America announced that two junior and senior students from high schools in the Sarasota-Manatee area were selected as this year’s Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders). The six-week paid summer internship program will help strengthen the students’ leadership abilities, civic engagement, and workforce skills-building.  In light of the health concerns that remain in local communities, the program has been adapted to a virtual format, through which students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions that will expose them to the vital role that nonprofits play in advancing community health, the importance of public private partnerships to advance social change, and a focus on building financial acumen.  Anayeli Alvarado, Bradenton, Southeast High School: A 2020 graduate, attending SCF in the Summer and headed to USF St. Pete in the fall. Anayeli was a dedicated member of her school’s Student Government Association who also volunteered weekly as a tutor at Samoset Elementary School. Maya Dean-Elois, Bradenton, Braden River High School: Entering her senior year, is web editor-in-chief for her school’s newspaper, the Spyglass, and a frequent volunteer. Maya is committed to serving her peers and local community. 

[Grant]  First Tee Sarasota/Manatee receives gift from North Florida PGA/Southwest Chapter

First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (FTSM) -- an organization founded in 2000 with the primary goal of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf – announces $9,494 gift from North Florida PGA Members of the Southwest Chapter at their Chapter awards ceremony at Laurel Oak Country Club. Through the Southwest Chapter’s PGA Golf Day campaign, the charitable total was raised directly by the hands of PGA Professionals in the Sarasota/Manatee community. “PGA Professionals have a particular affinity for helping children,” states Lakewood Ranch Teaching Professional, Jeff Bourdrie, PGA. “All of us had mentors in our lives who not only taught us golf but also taught us valuable life lessons in how to be good human beings.”  FTSM Executive Director, Lexi McKenney said, “We are thrilled to have the support of PGA Members in the Southwest Chapter. This is a great golf community and PGA Members are the backbone. Their generous donation will further advance the First Tee and Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association mission here, especially during these unprecedented times dealing with COVID-19.” 

[Recognition]  Anna Maria Oyster Bar Receives the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Seal of Commitment

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the first 12 restaurants and hotels to achieve the FRLA Seal of Commitment on 07/24/2020, demonstrating their dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices. Anna Maria Oyster Bar was the first restaurant in the state of Florida to achieve the Seal of Commitment. This award is for demonstrating dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk but walk the walk in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” said John Horne, Owner and President, Anna Maria Oyster Bar. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to everyone’s healthy return to our – and all – restaurants in Florida.”

“FRLA is incredibly proud to designate these establishments with our Seal of Commitment for their dedication to sanitation excellence,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Through this achievement, they are prioritizing the safety and health of their employees and guests. We applaud them for their extraordinary efforts to go above and beyond to ensure cleanliness and safety while building consumer confidence. We encourage all of our wonderful hotels and restaurants to pursue the Seal of Commitment.” Awarded establishments have invested considerable resources to ensure the establishment, staff, and guests remain safe and healthy. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see an FRLA Seal of Commitment sticker on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests. 

[Opening]  Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

The Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the soft opening of the new 123-room concept that embodies Margaritaville’s laidback luxury with the convenience and comfort of a more intimate hotel setting.  Developed by Floridays Development Company and managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group, Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound is situated on a 220-acre private island community. Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound features water views from every room, Margaritaville bedding, oversized bathrooms with rainfall showers and smart TVs, complimentary daily breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting and fitness rooms, a Living Lounge where guests can peruse a selection of books, board games, cards, and other table games, a Welcome Cabana stocked with snacks throughout the day, and Margaritaville’s signature Provisions grab-and-go retail store. In addition, two restaurants will provide guests a taste of the island’s local cuisine. Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar features local seafood, salads, and steaks perfectly paired with signature cocktails and craft beer, and the Compass Bar and Chill offers a light menu and drinks and a daily cocktail hour near the outdoor pool area overlooking the marina. 

Pictured: Brad Schwaeble, chief operating officer, Margaritaville; James Brearley, developer Floridays Development; Mark Rogers, senior vice president, hospitality and international operations, Margaritaville; Susan Flynn, CEO, Gravitas LLC; Angus Rogers,

Click for more info.

[Counseling Services]  Florida Cancer Specialists to Offer Genetic Counseling and Precision Cancer Prevention Services

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) is seeking to reduce deaths and suffering from hereditary cancers with the launch of a cancer genetics program across its statewide practice. The use of a powerful and proven technology tool developed by Chicago-based software and data analytics company, CancerIQ, and the addition of a specially-trained genetic professional will help identify patients whose cancer is linked to genetics and those at increased likelihood of developing cancer. The partnership between FCS and CancerIQ is the first of its kind within community oncology and will roll out within the practices in phases, beginning in early August.

“Hereditary cancers are often aggressive and tend to affect younger people,” notes FCS President & Managing Physician Dr. Lucio Gordan. Women and men can inherit genetic mutations from their parents that put them at increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as melanoma, breast, colon and prostate cancer, among others. “This powerful new screening tool will enable us to compile a comprehensive health history for patients and understand what factors might play a role in developing other types of cancers.”

“Knowing risk factors for hereditary cancers early can be life-saving, allowing patients to take preventive measures that can preempt or prevent the disease,” said FCS Chief Operating Officer Todd Schonherz. “Supported by this technology, we are able to identify and refer eligible candidates for a high-risk consultation and ensure they get the timely preventive services they need to reduce their risk.”

Using an iPad or other handheld mobile device, patients answer simple multiple-choice questions. CancerIQ then analyzes family history and runs predictive risk models. Those flagged as high risk are referred for genetic counseling, testing, and personalized care management. The technology assists in the development of a comprehensive care plan based on national clinical guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 

Click here for more info.

[New Hire]  Blalock Walters Law Firm Hires Attorney Bonita Wang

The law firm of Blalock Walters, P.A. is pleased to welcome attorney Bonita Wang to the firm’s tax law, corporate and health care practice groups. Wang earned her LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida Levin College of Law. She graduated from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law, J.D., cum laude, where she was Sr. Managing Editor of Law Review. Wang is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Wang’s legal practice includes civil tax controversies with the Internal Revenue Service, including U.S. Tax Court litigation; handling audit and collection matters; representing corporations and individuals in both administrative and litigation matters in front of the Internal Revenue Service and representing taxpayers in streamlined filing compliance procedures, delinquent FBAR submission procedures, delinquent international information return submission procedures and handling IRS Voluntary Disclosure matters. Wang represents clients in all aspects of business and corporate transactions, including entity selection, formation, operating, partnership and shareholder agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and general corporate matters. 

[Animal Services]  Manatee County Animal Services Hosts Sixth Annual Pet Adoption Drive This August

Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) announced that it will join with News Channel 8 WFLA to host Clear the Shelters, the sixth annual nationwide pet adoption drive, from Saturday, August 1 - Monday, August 31. For the entire month, all adoption fees will be waived in lieu of a donation made to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS). FoMCAS is a nonprofit organization that works hand in hand with MCAS to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment. MCAS is participating in the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative that seeks to help families find and adopt homeless pets. Since 2015, Clear the Shelters has resulted in more than 410,000 pet adoptions nationwide. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped - a value over $300. Select long-term shelter pets who are adopted will go home with a complimentary gift bag of toys and supplies to celebrate their arrival to a new home. Gift bags are limited. The Palmetto Adoption Center and Shelter, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto, and Manatee County Cat Town, located at 216 6th Avenue East, Bradenton, are available to visit by appointment only. You can make your online appointment by going to mymanatee.org/pets and filling out an adopter profile and reserving your appointment date. 

Click for more info.

[Voting]  Early Voting Begins August 8th

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is reminding voters that early voting for the August 18, 2020 primary election will begin on Saturday, August 8 and continue through Sunday, August 16 from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily. Voters may vote at any one of the following locations throughout Sarasota County:

  • Supervisor of Elections office: Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota 34237
  • Supervisor of Elections office: R.L. Anderson Administration Building, 4000 Tamiami Trail S, Venice 34293
  • Supervisor of Elections office: Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port 34287
  • Sarasota Square Mall: 8201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238
  • North Sarasota Library: 2801 Newtown Boulevard, Sarasota 34234
 

Click here for more information.

[Fiscal Year]  City Commission Sets Preliminary Millage Rate

After extensive review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget, the City Commission unanimously set the preliminary operating millage rate at 3.2632 mills, the same millage rate as the current fiscal year. The proposed budget focuses on maintaining essential services while responding to and restoring the economic health of the Sarasota community. With decreased City revenues prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed balanced budget considers financial tightening measures including no new personnel and $1.1 million in savings citywide due to vacant positions not being funded for the entire year. The assessed value of property increased citywide by 4.67 percent this year, based on the July 1 estimate by the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. Values in the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area increased 7.89 percent with the taxable value at $187,184,296. The City’s debt service millage rate for the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters will go down by .0105 mills.  

Click here for more information.

[Funding]  Manatee County Residents May Apply for Another Round of CARES Act Funding

A second round of Manatee CARES Act funding assistance is being made available for individuals who have experienced financial losses as a result of the coronavirus and who need help paying overdue rent or mortgage.Local nonprofit agencies and community organizations that are providing assistance and services to the public during the pandemic may apply for CARES Act funding beginning August 3rd In an effort to allow even more local agencies to apply, Manatee County officials have updated eligibility requirements. County leaders will go over the new individual funding application requirements during a virtual meeting today at 9:00am. Dial 888-788-0099 and enter Webinar ID 854 1570 4181 to listen and participate. 

Manatee County Government, 941-748-4501

Click here to join the Zoom call.



[In This Issue]  Foragers Ahead
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Local farms and food vendors prove tenaciously nimble as farmers markets are forced to pull the plug. 

Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.

[Blood Drive]  Over 170 Lives Impacted by Suncoast Science Center Blood Drive

Three SunCoast Blood Center (SCBC) blood mobiles lined Beneva Road as the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab (SSC) hosted its first blood drive on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The two community organizations teamed up in an effort to fill critical blood and platelet shortages in the Suncoast area. As a not-for-profit community organization, SSC has been leveraging its unique facility, high-tech equipment and trained volunteers to support the community during COVID-19. After designing and fabricating over 4,000 face masks and shields for local healthcare workers, SSC reached out to SCBC to determine how its collaborative efforts could further assist citizens. Many SCBC blood drives have been canceled due to the pandemic, heightening blood scarcities at a time when demand is greater than ever. With its firm belief in the power of collaboration, SSC was poised to mobilize its supporters to drive donations.

The drive, which brought out 71 donors, produced a total of 59 units of blood. Each unit of blood can save the lives of up to three people. The units collected at the drive have the potential to impact over 170 people who are suffering life-threatening traumas, undergoing cancer treatment or major surgery and even those critically ill with the coronavirus. COVID-19 antibody testing was provided for each successful donation made at the drive. Donors who test positive for the antibodies will be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, a first line treatment for COVID-19 patients. Upon successful donation, donors were also provided a tour of the lab and the opportunity to engrave their name on a laser cut “lifesaver” keychain designed by SSC student volunteers.

“The donors who turned out to support their community during this difficult time should be very proud,” noted SSC Executive Director Ping Faulhaber. “We tripled our initial donor goal and look forward to growing this new partnership with SunCoast Blood Centers.” 

Pictured: SSC student volunteers Claire Wang, Lucas Rodgers and Bari Namgoong show off special bandages received after donating blood.

[Grant]  All Faiths Food Bank Receives $51,747 from Achieva Credit Union

All Faiths Food Bank recently received a $51,747 donation from the Achieva Credit Union in support of COVID-19 response efforts. To help support food banks in the communities it serves throughout west-central Florida during the pandemic, Achieva engaged its members and non-members and the Achieva Foundation in a 30-day donation drive. 

[COVID-19]  SMH Experts Offer Back to School Advice

As the new academic year approaches, parents, teachers and students have many questions and concerns about reopening Florida schools and college campuses during a pandemic. In the video/blog link below, Infectious Disease specialist Manuel Gordillo, MD, medical director of Sarasota Memorial Infection Prevention and Control, and SMH First Physicians Group pediatrician Deirdra Myers, MD, offer answers and advice to help families and educators navigate the uncertainties. 

Click here for the video.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Try Your Hand at Poetry With Well-Published Poets in Online Class , July 28 – August 18

A Zoom Workshop will be offered Tuesdays at 6:00 pm on July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18. Led by store owner, Georgia Court, this is a chance to give poetry writing a try. They will be using Ted Kooser’s The Poetry Home Repair Manual as a guide. As a bonus, two experienced and well-published poets, Phil Terman and Rick Hilles, will be making guest appearances. A fee of $30 is required for participation. This includes a copy of The Poetry Home Repair Manual and all four sessions.

Bookstore1

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: Sarasota Contemporary Dance Presents Claudia-Lynn Rightmire & Simon Thomas-Train , July 31, 9pm

Keeping in the spirit of creating opportunities for artists in various stages of their creative process, “Late Nights” is a 2-4 week residency, providing artists access to SCD studio home and its resources. At the end of the 2-4 week residency, there will be a live-streamed performance followed by Q&A with the SCD director and artists. Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: Art Center Sarasota Presents Salon d'Art Talk & Discussion , July 31, 4pm-5pm

Just a short reminder that the next Salon d'Art via Zoom is this Friday, July 31 from 4-5pm. Judy Just and I will be your hosts. We will be discussing the artist Frank Stella and Printmaking.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Virtual: The Players 5K , August 1 – August 31

Walk or run on your own or with a group of friends anytime between August 1 - August 31, 2020. Participants will receive an event t-shirt, lanyard and Players swag. Prizes and incentives are offered! Please list shirt size in order notes. Registration Deadline is July 15.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Drive-Thru Career Fair , August 1, 9am-12pm

PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window and door category, is partnering with Adecco Staffing to host a Drive-Thru Career Fair to interview potential candidates for temporary-to-hire opportunities at its North Venice-based headquarters. The company is searching for manufacturing technicians, material handling technicians and loading technicians for night and weekend shifts. These positions will build WinDoor luxury windows and doors and PGT Custom Window & Door products, the nation's No. 1 brand of impact-resistant windows and doors. During the Drive-Thru Career Fair, candidates will park in designated spaces located in the company’s main facility parking lot and complete the approximately one-hour process from their vehicle. An Adecco Staffing agent will first conduct a COVID-19 and pre-interview questionnaire, then evaluate the candidate’s application and facilitate the interview. If approved, the interviewee will receive an on-the-spot offer and will begin completing the onboarding process and paperwork using their smartphone. A tablet will be provided for those without a smartphone. While the candidate is completing the onboarding process, Adecco Staffing team members will circulate between the parked cars to answer any questions. PGT Innovations and Adecco Staffing will be taking precautions to protect staff and candidates from being exposed to COVID-19 during the process. Safety measures include temperature checks of all staff and attendees prior to entering the property, requiring masks to be worn by all parties throughout the process and practicing social distancing. Candidates with all types of work backgrounds and skill sets are encouraged to apply for the career opportunities available with the innovative team that manufactures impact-resistant window and door products.

PGT Innovations – Venice campus, 1070 Technology Drive North Venice, FL 34275

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: COVID Safety - Start With the Why , August 6, 9am-10am

Presenter Colin Cornhill has dealt with the subject of safety in various businesses over 4 decades and more recently has led increasingly challenging business transformations in response to changing conditions and requirements. In this webinar he will talk about: Our initial response to the new situation; How our responses can both help and harm our adaptation to the change; How some of our biases can get in the way of fully understanding and dealing with the new information coming at us quickly; How starting with the right question (WHY?) can often be the source of fresh thinking that will lead us out of deadlock and into a brighter future. A Zoom meeting code will be sent to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event. You do not need a Zoom account to register for this event.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Art Uptown Gallery Presents Summer Sojourn Artists' Showcase , August 4 – August 29, 11am-5pm

Art Uptown's regionally acclaimed artists offer passage to worlds unseen and under explored through the upcoming Summer Sojourn showcase on view from Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 29. The exhibit features a wide array of media: photography, jewelry, fabric, glass, ceramic, sculpture and painting. Hungering for a reminder of Provence? Take in Jill Krasner's Yellow Daffodils (top left) or Jana Millstone's Tulip Trip (lower left). Seeking a little Zen-like serenity? Pause at Joan Libby Hawk's ceramic vessel, Elegy (top right). Marlane Wurzbach's Egret's Buffet (lower right), Bill Swanson's Juvenile Angelfish and Maro Lorimer's Haze take you right to the water's edge of your choice. Elijah (below left) by Janet Mishner invites the viewer to a more spiritual place and Liz Cole's abstract Bring on the Sun (below right) pushes the darks to brights. More than twenty other accomplished artists' work fills the Summer Sojourn showcase with unexpected, art-inspired journeys. The gallery continues its commitment to visitor and staff safety by the use of masks, sanitizer, frequent cleaning and social distancing.

Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: Sarasota County Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan Update Public Workshop , August 4, 11am-12pm

Sarasota County is working towards completing the update to the County's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This public outreach event will discuss the efforts to-date on the Master Plan, including an evaluation of the County's existing pedestrian and bicycle network and the prioritization process for completing the pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the County. In addition to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update, this event will include an overview of the County's efforts to implement Complete Streets and the development of a Vision Zero initiative. Your participation and involvement in this event will help ensure that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update reflects the needs of the County's residents.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: State of the Community Series - Meet the Candidates District 3 , August 5, 8:30am-9:30am
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is excited to present our State of Community Series: Meet the Candidate Forum for the City of Sarasota City Commission District 2 Zoom event. This is an excellent opportunity for you to understand each of the candidate's platforms and how they would move our city forward if elected.
[SOON]  GALA: Virtual: The Players Centre Hosts That's Entertainment: A 90th Birthday Celebration , August 7, 6:30pm-9pm

Due to COVID-19, the original gala, That’s Entertainment, to be held April 18, 2020 at The Municipal Auditorium, was canceled to keep patrons and staff safe from the virus. As the summer ends, so does the organization’s celebration of 90 years in downtown Sarasota. The new virtual gala will be held through Zoom and will feature performances, a live auction, and a tribute to our honorees: Heritage Honoree: Eva T. Slane, Hometown Talent: Eve Caballero, Community Philanthropists: Angela & John Fain and Hearts of Gold: Barbara & Dick Johnson. Tickets are $19.29 in honor of The Players founding in 1929. If you’re feeling especially festive, VIP tickets are available by phone. VIPs receive swag bags and a (socially distant) private cocktail time with a singing bartender before the virtual gala.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Fox Yoga at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary , August 7, 8:45am-10am

Join Big Cat Habitat for our Fox Yoga fundraising event in collaboration with instructor Erika Cain. This is a unique interactive animal experience with gentle yoga weaved into the adventure. Erika will guide you through a yoga flow in our intimate encounter area, while Stormy and Miko, 2 silver foxes, freely play and connect with you. Allow yourself to be transformed by this exclusive experience as you become immersed in the outdoor environment and powerful energy of the foxes. This alignment-based class synchronizes breath with movement for you to deepen the mind-body connection and tune into your spirit animal. Practice is for most levels, giving you the opportunity to be gentle on your body. We will be practicing social distancing throughout the class and mats will be placed 6ft apart. Masks are required for this event. Big Cat Habitat hopes that this event will help guests connect with our majestic animals in a new way and support our mission to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for big cats and other exotic creatures in need. We take pride in educating our guests on the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations and to keep alive the human-animal connection in our world and in our community. $125 per person; includes interactive animal encounter, yoga flow and a single day pass to return to the habitat during normal business hours. Only 6 spaces available. Advanced reservations only. Bring yoga mat, towel and any props to assist your practice. Complimentary refreshments and light snacks available.
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34240

Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34240

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: IQuest: Ocean Motion: Mapping Aquatic Animals , August 8, 4pm-8pm

IQuest — our monthly program for smart, curious middle school students in grades 6 through 8 — is back and in-person at The Bishop. On August 8, kids can join us as we dive into an underwater world previously inaccessible to humans and look at how scientists discover and interpret the movement of ocean animals. Then, we'll try some creative solutions of our own. During IQuest, kids can expect challenging projects and games that inspire out-of-the-box solutions to real-world problems. Please note: Due to limitations on attendance and staffing, attendees must pre-register by 11am on Saturday, August 8. We will be adhering to social distancing measures during all activities and the class size will be limited to 10 children. Masks will be required for all staff and students, and all students will be temperature-screened upon arrival.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Art Lecture Series with Baila Miller: Frida Kahlo: Love & Surrealism , August 18, 1pm-2:30pm

Join Historic Spanish Point for incredible stories on the artists that shaped and influenced history around the world. We are proud to offer this art lecture series with Baila Miller as part of our monthly programming. Baila’s unique storytelling presentations will connect you to the art world in a whole new way. All presentations take place at Historic Spanish Point’s Visitor Center Classrooms. Tickets: $15 for Historic Spanish Point members and $20 for future members.

Historic Spanish Point's Visitor Center Classrooms, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Monthly: Beer Garden Bazaar Night Market , July 31 – December 25, 6pm-11pm

Join us in the Motorworks Beer Garden every last Friday for our monthly “Beer Garden Bazaar” Night Market featuring local makers showcasing their original arts, handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind goods, plus live music from 7-11pm, food trucks, delicious craft brews (of course) and extensive wine & cocktail offerings. Invite your friends, swing on by the Beer Garden and mingle with a drink in hand while perusing tons of awesome local wares. Eat, shop and drink the night away under the glow of the moon and beautifully lit old oak tree. Family & Pet Friendly Free Event.

Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street West Bradenton, Florida 34205

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Online: Florida Studio Theatre Presents Suffragist Saturdays: In Conversation with Jane Plitt , August 1, 4pm

FST invites you to join us for Suffragist Saturdays, a casual conversation series featuring leading women in our area. Come connect, learn, and celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote as well as the real people who made it all possible. Featured guest: Jane Plitt, first Executive Director for the National Organization for Women (NOW). Suffragist Saturdays are free to attend, though registration is required. Presented as part of FST’s Suffragist Project: Celebrating 100 Years of the Woman’s Right to Vote. Suffragist Saturday with Jane Plitt will be held exclusively online. After registering for this virtual event, you will receive an email the day before the event from Florida Studio Theatre containing information about joining the online Zoom event.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Lakewood Ranch Barre in The Park , August 2 – August 16, 9am-10am

Join us for free barre class in the beautiful setting of Bob Gardner Community Park just off of White Eagle Blvd. Please visit the ‘tickets‘ link to RSVP and complete the online waiver agreement before the event. barre3 will host Sunday morning classes at 9 am. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed at least 6-feet apart from others and we ask all participants to closely follow all social-distancing guidelines. Parking is extremely limited. If you live in close proximity to Bob Gardner Park, we encourage biking or walking to the event.

Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd Bradenton, Florida

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Art Lecture Series with Baila Miller: Abbie Aldridge Rockefeller and the Founding of MOMA , September 15, 1pm-2:30pm

Join Historic Spanish Point for incredible stories on the artists that shaped and influenced history around the world. We are proud to offer this art lecture series with Baila Miller as part of our monthly programming. Baila’s unique storytelling presentations will connect you to the art world in a whole new way. All presentations take place at Historic Spanish Point’s Visitor Center Classrooms. Tickets: $15 for Historic Spanish Point members and $20 for future members.

Historic Spanish Point’s Visitor Center Classrooms, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229

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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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