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SRQ DAILY Aug 19, 2021

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"If it floats, we are going after it."

- Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee
 

-Finding Homebase, as seen in SRQ's July/August 2021 edition. Click photo for the full article.
[Logistics]  Port Manatee Looks to Diversify Offerings
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A shipment of yachts from China floated into Port Manatee this month. It’s a rare occurrence involving pleasure boating in a largely industrial seaport, but one Port Executive Director Carlos Buqueras hopes to see more often.

“If it floats, we are going after it,” Buqueras said. “We can do it simply because we have land next to the water.”

On Aug. 7, the port received a shipment of 14 Aquila catamarans, measuring 54 feet each, that were bound for Clearwater-based MarineMax locations in Florida, Georgia, New York and the British Virgin Islands. The yachts originated in the Port of Changshu in China. Federal Marine Terminals offloaded the ships from a supercontainer once they arrived at the Palmetto Port.

“FMT is very pleased to have worked collaboratively with Port Manatee in the safe and successful discharge of this high-value cargo on board Fednav’s Federal Baltic,” said Matthew McPhail, vice president of sales and marketing at Federal Marine Terminals. “This successful operation of the Fednav Asia service to North America continues to reflect the seamless and fully integrated service Fednav Ltd. offers its customers.”

The event served of significance to the port in that it showed an ability to handle pleasure boating company needs just as the port aims to expand yacht repair and remodels at one of its berths. Buqueras envisions superyachts from the world’s billionaires making their way into Manatee waters for refurbishes and aesthetic upgrades, all work that’s typically done without dry-docking vessels. Such yachts often make annual sojourns to the Mediterranean for the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.

From a port perspective, this would create a chance to bring yacht work most often occurring on Florida’s east coast ports and make room near Tampa Bay. It’s one that could provide plenty of work for luxury purveyors in the Sarasota-Manatee region and get the community on the radar of the world’s leading industrialists.

“It’s another diversification, and they (yacht owners) hire a lot of skilled tradesmen and pay very well,” he said. “That’s another opportunity for companies outside our fence.”

Then there’s the ultimate transformation to a consumer travel port. Buqueras has experience from his days leading Port Everglades in attracting some cruising to a typically logistics-driven seaport and would like to do the same in Palmetto. If not for the COVID-19 pandemic’s outsized impact on the cruise industry, Buqueras said the port was on track to open a small cruise terminal in the last year. He’d  still like to do so.

Port Manatee likely wouldn’t start with one of the mega-cruise ships docking in the Port of Tampa, but he could see day cruises with party decks, pools and casinos leaving from Manatee County and into international waters. He’d also like to bring online some transportation-oriented ferries, no-frills ships that can move people across the water at up to 35 knots compared to a cruiseliner top speed of 16 knots. 

Photo courtesy Port Manatee: FMT unloads yachts shipped in from China and headed to MarineMax

[ShopTalk]  Third Saturday Limelight Festivities and Pet Adoptions

Limelight Market happens every 3rd Saturday with different guest vendors, animal rescues, live music, and food. And this Friday, August 21, is the time to catch the limelight at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime (821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota), from 10am - 3pm to support all things local. 

Dogs looking for their fur-ever home from Tender Heart Charities will be there and up for adoption, including local vendors such as Punaballoo, Myakka’s Gold Apairy, The Paper Pup, There Goes Lo, Spare Change Art, Siesta Key Sea Bee Dee, Express Cakes & More, Forest Fae Oddies, Dot Dot Smile, Uncle Phil’s Organic Popcorn and Florida Luxury Picnics, not to mention the 40+ vendors inside The Bazaar. Live music will be jiving throughout the day by Sabina & Zeena while Hamlet's Eatery food truck willhave their window open for snack refreshments. 

For more information visit BazaaronApricotandlime.com  

Pictured: Tender Heart Charities puppy for adoption.

[Philanthropy]  New College Foundation Raises $9.1 Million in Record-Setting Year for Philanthropy

The New College Foundation recently marked its most successful year of fundraising in the organization’s history. According to Executive Director MaryAnne Young, the Foundation raised $9.1 million in gifts and commitments for New College of Florida in the 2020-21 fiscal year. That record-breaking level of support reflects an ongoing trend of significant philanthropic contributions to New College over the past five years. Young adds that a major portion of these funds comes from individual donors and foundations in the Sarasota-Manatee community. 

“New College’s generous donors made this record-breaking year a reality—and we’re deeply grateful to all of them,” says Young. She adds, “Our ardent supporters in the local community really made a huge impact for our students. They recognize New College’s importance in this community and beyond. Their unstinting response makes it possible for us to grow, serve more students, and create productive and inspired environments for learning.”

According to Young, fundraising has become a critical financial component to institutions of higher education across the nation. “New College is no exception,” she says. “Raising funds for student scholarships and student success remains a top priority at the New College Foundation.”

Although New College is a public institution and receives generous funding from the state of Florida, private donor and foundation support make it possible to maintain its status as one of America’s leading public liberal arts colleges. “Our scholarship program closes the gap, and it makes our commitment to excellence possible,” Young says. “The gifts we receive today pave the way for our students’ future life and career success.”   

Photo courtesy of New College of Florida

[Funds]  All Faiths Food Bank receives match for Autumn Harvest

For low-income households as well as those who have suffered financially due to the pandemic, the high cost of fruits and vegetables can make healthy eating difficult. But thanks to All Faiths Food Bank’s commitment to providing the community with high-nutrition foods, plus a generous matching gift to encourage donations during the Food Bank’s Autumn Harvest campaign, thousands of children, families, seniors and veterans in Sarasota and DeSoto County will have access to fresh fruits and vegetable through the fall.

The Rakay Family Foundation has offered up to $100,000 in 1:1 matching funds, for gifts made through September 30, for the Autumn Harvest campaign. Not only will contributions be doubled through the match, but All Faiths will also continue to maximize resources through its “food rescue” operations, where unsold produce from local farmers and grocery stores is rescued, stored in the organization’s warehouse, and then distributed through partner agencies and programs including mobile pantries. “While having access to healthy, nutritious food is always important, this time of year is especially critical for children as they return to school. They need proper nutrition in order to be able to focus in class, stay healthy, and grow to their full potential,” said All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank. “Regardless of economic status, everyone deserves access to healthy foods. And healthy eating benefits the entire community, as our neighbors enjoy improved health outcomes.” 

[Health & Wellness]  JFCS of the Suncoast Offers Free Mental Health Counseling to Local Healthcare Staff

Beginning immediately, JFCS of the Suncoast (JFCS) will provide free mental health counseling to any staff of Sarasota County and Manatee County hospitals. The surge in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths has placed an enormous burden on hospital personnel. Counseling is available to the staff at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Venice Regional Bayfront Health, Englewood Community Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Blake Medical Center and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

Hospital staff seeking free mental health counseling support may contact the JFCS Intake Department directly at 941-366-2224, ext. 116, to schedule priority appointments with clinicians. JFCS clinicians are experienced in trauma-based counseling, including cognitive, behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to struggles with depression, anxiety, anger management, bereavement, post-traumatic stress order and stress reduction. Hospital staff may schedule confidential sessions that can be conducted in-person or via Telehealth.

“The emotional stress hospital staff is experiencing is palpable,” said Dr. Stacy Lang, JFCS’ Chief of Behavioral Health Services. “At JFCS we have an outstanding clinical staff with significant trauma-related experience who want to do all they can to address this dramatic need within our community. We know that hospitals are doing all they can to support their staff. We simply want to be an additional resource to help staff get through extremely difficult time.” 

[Family]  Local Children’s Authors to lead Family Day reading event on St. Armands Circle

 St. Armands Family Day is scheduled to return on August 29 from 11 am to 1 pm, with an all-new theme centered around the joys of reading and will include appearances from a shortlist of the area’s best and most notable children’s authors. The two-hour Family Day event will be organized as a reading scavenger hunt. Kids and parents will check-in and receive a map detailing the authors stationed around the Circle. Families can move from author to author, collect stickers, listen to short stories, participate in reading activities, and more. St. Armands Family Day is designed to create fun, family-friendly activities and entertainment with unique twists and themes. The event will begin in front of Foxy Lady and is free for the public.

“We are so excited to parents, children and authors come together on the Circle to explore the joys of reading. We hope this event serves as an inspiration for the little ones in our community,” said Geoffrey Michel, Chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID). “Seeing families out on the Circle has always made St. Armands feel full of life, and we certainly hope that families will join us for this special day of fun.”  

[Anniversary]  Crunch Fitness Announces 9th Anniversary of Sarasota Clubs

Crunch Fitness, a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment, will host a 9th anniversary celebration at the 3762 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota location. This event, scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 9:00am - 12pm, will kick off the celebration of the locations’ grand opening nine years ago! In honor of its anniversary, the club will offer Saturday morning band camp, peak performance ride, iron mat, chisel and Zumba group fitness classes for all members and their guests. A Crunch Brunch will also be available to show appreciation to all club members.  

[Home Sales]  Yarnall Commended by National Van Lines for Substantial Sales Increase

Due to the overwhelming increase in home sales nationwide, it’s no secret that movers around the country are having their best years ever, and Sarasota’s #1 Movers are no exception. Yarnall Moving and Storage Solutions was commended by National Van Lines for a 69% increase in sales from the previous period. This increase is monumental, as it reflects not only the success of Yarnall, but also Sarasota as a whole. People are transferring to the Gulf Coast city like never before. The area is growing at a rapid pace, and moving companies, such as Yarnall, are feeling the effects.

“At Yarnall, we are so proud to be a part of such a thriving community,” says Jay Vandroff, Yarnall President. “We love being out in the field every day, interacting with locals during their moving process, giving them the peace of mind that they need during the transition.” 



[In This Issue]  On Island Time

Hawaiian button-downs and tropical-print board shorts for the guys in no rush, with no worries. 

Click here to read the full article in SRQ's July/August 2021 edition.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Virtual: Children's Cancer Center: 9th Annual Chick-fil-A Fall Stampede , September 1 – September 30

This year marks the 9th annual Chick-fil-A Fall Stampede benefitting the Children’s Cancer Center. The event is held every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness month. We challenge you to virtually walk or run with your herd for the Children’s Cancer Center. Run/Walk: We challenge you to set a mileage goal to complete by the end of September. All participants will be entered in a chance drawing where 30 people will win FREE Chick-fil-A for a MONTH; 1 Mile, 5 Miles, 10 Miles, 25 Miles, 50 Miles, and 100 Miles. Raise: Create a fundraising page and raise funds throughout the challenge for the immediate needs of children battling pediatric cancer. The top 10 fundraisers will receive FREE Chick-fil-A for a MONTH. Packet Pickup: Drive by our COVID-19 compliant Packet Pick Up Party on Monday, August 31 from 8am to 10am or 6pm to 8pm where all participants will receive a t-shirt, swag bag and a Chick-fil-A sandwich. Tampa: Children’s Cancer Center (4901 W. Cypress St. Tampa) or Sarasota: Fruitville Chick-fil-A (5384 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota). Free Chick-fil-A for a Month consists of 30 promotional cards redeemable for a free Chick-fil-A entrée (Chick-fil-A Sandwich, Original or Spicy, Chick- fil-A Nuggets, Original or Grilled (8-count) or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich). Valid during lunch and dinner hours only.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: ALSO Youth: Manatee Pride , September 18, 12pm-5pm

We are pleased to announce that the 7th Annual Manatee Pride Festival will be held on September 18, 2021, at the beautiful downtown Bradenton Riverwalk from noon to 5pm. Manatee Pride is a fund raiser, and all proceeds benefit ALSO Youth Sarasota/Manatee a 501(c)(3) non-profit Florida corporation, providing Advocacy, Leadership, Support and outreach for LGBTQ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and dedicated to supporting, affirming, encouraging, enabling and empowering all LGBTQ youth. We would welcome your participation and support at our Festival on September 18, 2021. Our 7th annual Festival, Manatee Pride 2021 will again have live performers and renowned bands, great food, beer, refreshments (and other favorites), health checks and more. We expect our attendance to meet or exceed our previous attendance record. Mark your calendars & tell your friends. We look forward to seeing you in September for a safe & fun Manatee Pride. If you are looking for ways to get involved as a volunteer, participate as a performer, have a booth as a vendor or support our non-profit via a donation, please reach out to Craig@ALSOYOUTH.ORG.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Forty Carrots Free Community Speaker Event , September 22

This free virtual event will feature Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. who teaches the power of showing up in her book How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired. Become a community partner and SUPPORT free quality educational programming for those who care for kids in our community. The virtual speaker event will be held Wednesday, September 22 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota. 

Community Foundation of Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Manatee Pride Festival , September 18, 12-5pm

We are please to announce that the 7th Annual Manatee Pride Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021, once again at the beautiful downtown Bradenton Riverwalk, from noon to 5 pm. We credit our sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and patrons for making Manatee Pride the success it has become. We know and appreciate that you have supported Manatee Pride in the past, and we also know LGBTQ+ youth in Manatee County would not have a safe space in Manatee County without the corporate and community support we've received since 2010. We would welcome your continuing support at our 7th Annual Festival. In the past, all of the proceeds benefited Prism Youth Initiative Inc., a non-profit Florida corporation, however, in October of 2020, Prism Youth merged with Also Youth. Also Youth continues to provide even more services to the LGBTQ+ youth in Manatee County and all the proceeds will benefit the youth in Manatee County. Also Youth’s mission is Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth and their Allies, and Creating Inclusive Communities. Manatee Pride 2021 will again have live performers and renowned bands, great food at reasonable prices, beer, cider, health checks and more. We expect our attendance to meet or exceed our previous attendance record. Our all inclusive community is growing every day. 452 3rd Ave W., Bradenton

Manatee Pride

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Classic Albums LIVE , September 24, 8pm

Classic Albums LIVE returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, September 24 at 8 p.m. The group will bring Led Zeppelin II to life on stage – note for note, cut for cut. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 9 at 10 am. “One thing I know for sure is that Zep fans are unrelenting in their love for the band. Many people don’t realize that during the ‘70s – no other band or artist came close to selling as many albums as Led Zeppelin.” – Craig Martin, Founder of Classic Albums LIVE. Tickets are $32-$72 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To view a full listing of upcoming events, visit www.VanWezel.org.

The Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto: Leadership Breakfast , September 9, 7:30am

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto and Intertape Polymer Group present the 15th Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 3100 Fruitville Rd. honoring Archie Griffin, two-time Heisman Trophy Winner, and Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children Sarasota. Registration and breakfast service begins at 7:30am and the program begins at 8am. Tickets are $50 per person.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Randy Rainbow: The Pink Glasses Tour , August 26, 7:30pm

America’s favorite musical satirist, Randy Rainbow, is taking his act on the road! On The Pink Glasses Tour, the two-time Emmy-nominated singer, writer and comedian will take on the hottest topics and skewer politicos of the day as only he can, as he brings his most viral video song parodies to life onstage. Featuring live accompaniment by some of Broadway’s finest musicians, the show will also include personal stories, an audience Q&A and brand new original songs written by Rainbow with Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns) and Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast).

The Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: Verd La Traviata Opera Film , August 22, 1:30pm

Violetta, a famed Parisian courtesan, has lived a life of lavish parties with influential friends. She abandons it all to be with her beloved Alfredo, but when her past threatens his family’s honor, she must forsake her dream of love. Verdi’s awe-inspiring music combined with a heart-breaking libretto has made La traviata one of the repertoire cornerstones of opera companies around the world. From Teatro Real, Madrid; starring Ermonela Jaho, Marifé Nogales, Francesco Demuro, and Juan Jesús Rodríguez; conducted by Renato Palumbo and directed by David McVicar. Tickets: $20 ($18 for Sarasota Opera subscribers). Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes, sung in Italian with English subtitles.

The Sarasota Opera House , 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Florida Studio Theatre: Rounding Third , July 28 – August 29

Bringing FST’s 2021 Summer Mainstage Series to a close is Rounding Third by Richard Dresser, an Off-Broadway comedy exploring fatherhood, friendship, and what it means to truly win. Rounding Third follows Don and Michael, two Little League coaches who battle over everything from character-building to shoelaces to misfired pop-flies. Called “Stellar” and “Hilarious” by Variety, this heartwarming two-hander begins playing in FST’s Gompertz Theatre Wednesday, July 28 through August 29. Little League coaches Don and Michael couldn’t be more different—Don believes in winning at all costs, while Michael just wants the team to have fun. From their first tentative meeting until the championship game, these two coaches battle it out over everything from character-building to shoelaces to misfired pop-flies. This Off-Broadway comedy is a heartwarming story of runs and errors, exploring fatherhood, friendship, and what it means to truly win.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Mote Marine: Rise and Shine Morning Paddle: Kayaking with Mote , June 15 – August 24, 7:30am-9am

Start your morning with a guided kayak tour of Sarasota Bay Staring June 15 and until August 24 from 7:30am to 9am. Paddle across shallow seagrass beds and take in the wildlife that depends on this ecosystem. Soak up some early rays as we look for dolphins, manatees, birds and more. Ages: 12 and older ONLY (no minors under the age of 12 are permitted); any participant under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paying adult participant. Tickets are $36 for members and $40 for non-members. 

[SOON]  FILM: Virtual: This Light Of Mine: The Making of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe , December 17 – December 31

The dream of one man became a cultural tour de force for Sarasota’s performing arts community. In 1999, actor and playwright Nate Jacobs founded the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, establishing a unique dramatic company to present and explore the Black experience. After twenty years of challenges and hard-won triumphs, the troupe experienced one of its toughest years yet in 2020. The killing of George Floyd ignited a national reckoning on race, and the COVID-19 pandemic made theatres go dark. Drawing on the resilient spirit that carried the troupe across previous hardships, WBTT has reimagined ways to stage its performances and fulfill its mission to promote inclusion and diversity in the arts. As a new generation of artists comes onboard, the troupe also finds successful approaches to address racism and lift others up through opportunity, mentorship and outreach. Produced by WEDU PBS in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with generous funding from the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund. The film is available at https://www.wedu.org/shows/documentaries/this-light-of-mine/

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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