SRQ DAILY Dec 3, 2020
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"Good public servants really want to do what it takes to make Florida a better place."
Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, was sworn into a freshman Senate term just last month, and now prepares. for his first legislative session in two years. That comes after spending two years as a private citizen after completing a maximum eight consecutive years in the Florida House of Representatives.
As he returns to the Capitol, he said it’s not a remarkably different experience setting up shop in the Florida Senate. Certainly, he anticipates differences down the road as one of 40 Senators in Florida rather than one of 120 Representatives.
“But first and foremost, I’m here to serve the constituents of District 21,” he said. “I remember that every day when I go to work, and will continue that as a senator. I’m available for the needs of the community, and that’s a strong part of why I am excited about this new venture. Good public servants really want to do what it takes to make Florida a better place.”
Already, he’s been appointed as chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Senate President Wilton Simpson announced chairmanships on Wednesday, and tapped the longtime private insurance agent for a role overseeing regulations on the industry.
Boyd said he doesn’t bring an agenda out of the gate. He’s certainly interested in examining the condition of Citizens Property Insurance, the state-managed insurer of last resort in Florida. Boyd still recalls the problems around the agency in 2010 at the height of the Great Recession and the start of Boyd’s state House tenure. Then, the insurer had about 1.5 policies in the state, roughly three times the number that exists today.
But Citizens has gone from under 500,000 policies at the end of August to state estimates expecting more than 600,000 policies next year, as a pandemic-driven economic downturn once again pushes Floridians into economic hardship.
The concept of Citizens remains valuable, Boyd said, but the stat-run entity can’t become over-exposed lest taxpayers be left on the hook. It’s important the policies aren’t priced in a way that competes with private insurance, or that will disrupt the marketplace.
“More domestic companies have problems now, and should anyone fail, then oftentimes Citizens picks up the bulk of business, which adds to volume and exposure,” Boyd said. “My thought on that has always been and will presumably stay that it’s a market of last result, and not a market of choice.” 
Photo courtesy Florida House of Representatives
Locally owned juice company, CROP, relocates its original Gulf Gate location to the corner of Gateway Ave and Stickney Point Rd. CROP is known for their nutrient dense, cold pressed, raw, organic juice packaged in glass and organic, vegan, gluten free smoothies, açaí bowls, grab ‘n go meals, donuts and more. This free standing building at 2480 Stickney Point Rd provides more parking, a larger retail space, a super convenient drive thru and a covered outdoor patio area with seating. Owner Karen Odierna said, “This location allows more options to serve our guests and we are thrilled we could stay in the gulf gate area, right around the corner from our production facility. Since opening in 2013, we continue to operate with a high standard of infection control, looking out for the safety of our guests and employees.”
2480 Stickney Point Rd, 941-923-8640, Monday through Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.
In early 2021 the Gecko’s Hospitality Group founders will return with the opening of their contemporary venture, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits. Tripletail Seafood & Spirits menu will offer fresh, locally sourced fare from the seas, bays, ocean and shore, with patented Dry Dock favorites and Gulf of Mexico-centric catches. Tripletail’s spirits-forward cocktail lounge within the restaurant will serve the classics as well as entice the adventurous libations lover with craft and signature cocktails program.
For more information on Tripletail Seafood & Spirits or if you’d like to tour during our Open House in early 2021, please contact office@geckoshospitality.com.
Manatee Memorial Hospital was awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Certification by Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), the nation’s original independent, accreditation program. This certification confirms that the stroke specialty of Manatee Memorial Hospital is providing high quality care as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. “We are proud to achieve this prestigious certification,” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO. “Earning the HFAP certification is a significant achievement that recognizes our staff’s continued commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community.”
Sarasota Sports Medicine announced the addition of Telehealth Care Services. Clinic owner and spring training team chiropractor for the Baltimore Orioles, Dr. Ken Kaufman made the announcement following an exhaustive vetting process of several Telehealth platforms. “Providing virtual consultations, advice and programming is more vital now than ever before. Having additional tools to connect with our patients is vital for them to optimize their health especially during the pandemic we find ourselves in."
To learn more about Sarasota Sports Medicine's Telehealth Care Service, please contact Sarasota Sports Medicine at www.SarasotaSportsMed.com or call 941-927-0546.
East-Coast based design firm, Purple Fish Creative, has relocated their creative studio to Sarasota, Florida. The boutique agency offers website design and graphic design services of all types. The firm’s founder and Chief Creative Officer, Susan Colao said “We are truly excited about our relocation to Sarasota, which will enable us to continue to grow our business. This move represents our commitment to helping our clients foster business expansion through strong brand development and effective web and print strategies. We are excited to invest in and build a deeper relationship within the Sarasota business community."
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will be opening Camp Honi Hanta in Bradenton to host a fun, family-friendly photo scavenger hunt exclusively for non-members on Sunday, December 6. Girls in K-12 who are new to Girl Scouts and their families are invited to explore Camp Honi Hanta’s 123 acres through a photo scavenger hunt. Each girl who attends can make her own natural birdfeeder and take home a special s’more treat. The first 50 girls to register and attend will also receive a goodie bag. Admission is free. Masks and safe social distancing protocols will be required. Time slots begin at 1pm with small groups of 15 or less beginning every 15 minutes.Pre-registration for the event is required and may be completed at http://www.gsgcf.org/activities.
Camp Honi Hanta is located at 4825 51st St E in Bradenton. For more information about the event, please call 800-232-4475.
The Patterson Foundation has contributed a one-time $50,000 gift to Wreaths Across America at Sarasota National Cemetery. This gift will strengthen the nonprofit’s mission to provide ceremonial wreaths which will be placed at the headstones of the veterans laid to rest on the cemetery’s grounds. Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation said, "Wreaths Across America presents an appropriate way to extend that work in honor of our region’s former, current and future service members eligible for a dignified burial at Sarasota National Cemetery."
Turning Points announces its 25th Anniversary Campaign will kick off on Tuesday, December 1st to increase community awareness of the Turning Points’ programs and services preventing and reducing homelessness and supporting at-risk populations. Kathleen Cramer states, “As we look forward to the next phase of growth at Turning Points, we plan to sustain, evolve & expand. But we can’t do it alone. We need businesses, organizations and individuals to partner in this important work. I am proud of the work of the Turning Points staff and volunteers and look forward to the next 25 years of serving our community.”
With 2020 nearing a close, Urbanite Theatre is pleased to announce that they will return to production in January of 2021. While the model of live theater is still adapting to challenges, their commitment to daring new stories told by some of the most exciting writers in the industry hasn't changed. Stay tuned for an announcement next month regarding a season of thrilling, innovative programming.
Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet today announced changes to the remainder of The Sarasota Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Season, designed to allow audience members to experience this important anniversary digitally and in person. “We want everyone to be able to experience the artistry of The Sarasota Ballet this Season,” explained Webb. “We recognized that in order to reach towards that goal, we needed to adapt and re-think how the rest of this Season would look. In that vein, we hope that we’re providing all our audience members the opportunity to interact with the Company in the medium they want – whether that be through our main digital performance season, through our subscriber performances, or our outdoor shows.”
The importance of finding a retirement, or long term care center, that offers thoughtful, safe, and fulfilling care has never been more important.
Published in the December 2020 Magazine and now available to view online and download, Elite Retirement Living gives local retirement communities an opportunity to share what sets their teams and facilities apart from the rest.
Join us virtually on December 3, 2020 from 12pm to 1pm to learn more about what it means to be Black in Marine Sciences from our featured panelists. Educators and students can register for direct access to the panel. Contact MarSci-LACE Project Coordinator for details. The public can watch this event streamed live on YouTube: youtu.be/ALcJ04yHONQ. Featured panelists include Jasmin Graham, Shark Science, Amanda Hodo, Aquarium Science, and Alex Troutman, Wetland Ecology. Objectives include learning about several career options in marine science, engaging in discussions about the importance of diversity in marine science, and exploring the many paths to marine science.
Online, Online
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art invites the community to a very special holiday event on The Ringling campus. Join The Ringling in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. The social distancing/Covid safe event, held December 3 from 6pm to 8pm, is a new twist on the traditional Holiday Splendor toy drive. Christina Fraser, Director of Events at The Ringling said, "We love working with the Toys for Tots program and were committed to finding a way to participate this year, even with Covid precautions in place. We have created a unique and safe experience in which guests will drive through the beautiful Ringling grounds. This year instead of having live performances by local school groups, we will be showcasing giant Christmas cards that children have created for the event. We are grateful to live in such a generous community and hope that people will join us in making Christmas brighter for area children." Cars will drive through the Central Campus Gate and complete the loop around the Museum of Art and exit via the South Gate. In exchange for unwrapped new toys, guests driving through will receive a $5 off coupon for their next visit to the Museum. Metz Catering will serve free cocoa and cookies. All toys should be new and unwrapped.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular beachfront series continues with “Illuminating the Transcendent,” with composers Krists Auznieks and Robert Pound and poet Jason Schneiderman, Friday, December 4, 5 p.m. These outdoor, beachside events are at the Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Admission is free but registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Capacity will be limited to accommodate safe social distancing, so early reservations are recommended. Masks are strongly encouraged.
The Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood
Please join Michael Murphy Gallery, Tampa’s premier fine art gallery, for the opening reception of Rythmique: a solo exhibition of the works of world-renowned contemporary abstract artist Sara Conca. Sara's museum-provenanced work graces international & celebrity private art collections, luxurious European chateaus, & venerable municipal collections throughout the globe. Her natural mixed media paintings, flecked with gold and dynamically textured, invite the viewer into their colorful movements. Sara will be making a very special live appearance on December 5, 2020 & available for private appointments to discuss her work and private commissions on December 4, 2020. Gallery curators are onsite and private curatorial tours are available. All artwork will be on exhibition and available for acquisition beginning December 5, 2020 through January 5, 2021. An in-gallery reception is planned for Saturday, December 5 from 5pm- 9pm. This event is complimentary and open to the public with RSVPs recommended at 813-902-1414 or gallery@mmgart.com.
Michael Murphy Gallery, 2701 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa
In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio (Cyril Cusack) and Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father (Michael Hordern) will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio (Richard Burton) is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katherina. This program will take outside in the Benfer Courtyard on December 6, 2020 at 6:30pm. Tickets will be available starting 30 days prior to the screening date. Available seating will be marked to ensure social distancing. For your protection from COVID-19 cloth face coverings will be required to enter the theater. Be sure it covers your nose and mouth. Stay 6 feet away from people who are not in your household. Due to rising COVID cases and safety concerns this event is subject to cancellation. Ticket holders will be notified and refunded if the screening is canceled.
Historic Asolo Theater Benfer Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Exactly one year ago Mr. Skolnik addressed SWAC and warned of the potential for a global pandemic. And here we are in the third surge of COVID-19. He is returning to update us on the situation, discuss the key challenges in global health, and perhaps make some predictions on future global health concerns on Zoom from 6:30pm to 8pm on Monday, December 7, 2020.
Join Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center from 4pm to 7pm on December 5, 2020 at 2139 Main Street for a "touchless" drop-off event and winter wonderland experience to make the holiday season extra special for survivors and their children and raise funds to help SPARCC’s life-saving, free and confidential programs and services.
Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center, 2139 Main Street
Newtown Community presents 2020 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Park on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 6pm. Help give local children a special holiday with a toy drop off at 1782 Dr. MLK Jr. Way. Free event, masks are required.
Ever considered starting a business in Newtown? Come learn about grant funds available to help attract new businesses to North Sarasota from 1pm to 6pm via Zoom on December 8, 2020. Grant funds are also available to expand/improve existing businesses. Grant Summary: Provided by the Newtown CRA and City of Sarasota, up to $60,000 available, Newtown residents must provide a 20% match and non-Newtown residents must provide a 50% match, funds interior or exterior improvements to a building in the Newtown CRA area, can fund retrofits of food trucks or trailers.
Music Compound is officially launching a new program, The Academy, for grades 3-8, that offers core curriculum through Florida Virtual School and then afternoon electives in the arts. The registration deadline is July 31. Education Session (Education Coordinator position) is offered daily from 8:30am to Noon Monday through Thursday. Students have the option to attend two, three or four days a week. This portion is being offered with Florida Virtual School. Deadline to register is July 31st. Lunch and relaxation time offered daily from Noon to 1:00pm and available to FULL day students only. Students will have time to enjoy lunch and outdoor play. The last 20 minutes will be reserved for quiet time. Our team will offer yoga or meditation sessions. Students can opt to read a book, nap, or check out in another capacity. Enrichment Session is arts related. (Elective and credit based) and offered daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. The afternoon session will include a daily afternoon snack break for students. The afternoon sessions are based on interest. Afternoon classes sizes will range from 6-12 students per class. Classes that have more than 6 students will be hosted in our large 3,000 sq. ft. event venue. Electives are One hour and 20 minutes per session. Electives are offered quarterly, by semester, or yearly. Courses offered: Art, Dance, Drama, Music / Group Instruction / Music Theory / Music Appreciation, Musical theatre / Show Choir, Band program (Kidz Rock, Rising Stars, Youth Bands) and Career Exploration.
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