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SRQ DAILY Oct 7, 2021

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"Tallahassee is not deciding the future of Siesta Key. It's the residents."

- Harry Anand. Save Siesta Key
 

-Check out our latest video where we sit down with Chef Ken Lumpkin at Kojo Restaurant!
[Government]  Siesta Residents Confident in 2022 Incorporation Vote
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

It’s not every year a new city forms in Florida, but leaders of Save Siesta Key feel confident a vote will be held next year on incorporating the island as a town. “We are quite optimistic” said Harry Anand, a spokesman for the civic group.

Save Siesta Key presented their case the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, which would still need to meet again to advance a local bill. At the meeting, lawmakers voiced some skepticism. Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, said her office is still working with the community, but wants to make sure residents have exhausted all options regarding governance before moving a bill.

“What I am trying to understand as a representative of Siesta Key is, at a fundamental level, what you broken and how incorporating as a city might fix that,” she said.

Anand conceded the community of Siesta Key has no problems with government services like law enforcement or utilities, and has spoken with appropriate government agencies about contracting with them for equal service at no added charge. A feasibility study on incorporation submitted to the state suggests a modest government operation and a low millage rate to have a commission-manager government. The result, Anand said, would be a city hall that controlled planning and zoning, letting the less than 7,000 residents of Siesta Key chart the communities future.

The move comes as four proposed hotel developments on the island make their way through the county planning process.

McFarland asked if the community has explored another option such as incorporating into the neighboring city of Sarasota, which already includes a northern portion of the island within its city limits. Mayor Hagen Brody, who attended the delegation meeting last week on the part of the city, approached Save Siesta Key members and said city leaders would have be happy to engage in any appropriate conversation about annexation.

But Anand said making Siesta Key a part of the city would double taxes. The city’s zoning codes have been crafted around urban planning, which Anand said is incompatible with what Siesta Key residents want.

Anand said he’s already communication with staff for the Florida House about the specific demands to move the incorporation process forward. But he also stressed that ultimately, lawmakers in Tallahassee will only vote on allowing a referendum for voters who would be a part of the new city.

“Tallahassee is not deciding the future of Siesta Key. It’s the residents,” he said. 

[Philanthropy]  Lions, Tigers, and Yoga - Oh My!
Chloe Cuyler, chloe@srqme.com

What happens when you combine big, exotic cats with the zen of yoga and the comfort of athleisure? The answer—a one-of-a-kind experience and meaningful brand collaboration. Beginning this month and continuing throughout the last quarter of 2021, Sarasota-based, active lifestyle brand, Yummy & Trendy, will be teaming with the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. With every purchase of Luxe Leopard Leggings or the Fearless Tiger Crop Top from Yummy & Trendy, the company will donate 15% of the proceeds to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary to support its mission of homing exotic animals in need and educating the public about the conservation and care of them.

Founded and operated by Veronica Rosas, Yummy & Trendy strives to design and craft premium-quality athleisure clothing that can not only be worn in the gym, but in daily life (because, let’s face it—we all love wearing leggings to the grocery store!). Combining both fashion and fitness, all of Yummy & Trendy’s products are produced from high-performance, USA-made fabrics. And the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Yummy & Trendy is acting as a sponsor for Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary’s upcoming Yoga with Tigers event. The class is being held on Saturday, October 23, and will allow participants to deepen not only their mind-body connections but also their connections to nature and wildlife as they practice around several big cats—all of which will remain safely in their respective habitats. 

“We are excited to partner with and support a cause that aligns with our brand,” says Rosas. “Our passion is not only about making the best athleisure here in America, but giving back to a nonprofit we are passionate about and support!”

Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, 941-371-6377, bigcathabitat.org, @bigcathabitat 

Photo courtesy of yummyandtrendy.com, @yummyandtrendy

[TerraNova Equestrian Center]  The Event at TerraNova Partners with Local Charities for a Next-Level Philanthropic Event

The Events at TerraNova team is excited to announce a charity-equestrian competition during their inaugural event. The Event at TerraNova will showcase three-day eventing at its new state-of-the-art facility Oct. 22-24, 2021. An integral part of TerraNova Equestrian Center's core values is to positively impact the local community. They developed the #WeCareAtTerraNova initiative to feature charity-rider competition. 

"We wanted to do something to make a difference," said Hannah Herrig Ketelboeter, one of the founders of TerraNova Equestrian Center and a leader of the Events at TerraNova. "It adds meaning to have our competitors ride for a cause and it takes the event to another level."

The scoring of the charity-rider competition will be calculated through all riders' combined scores and will determine the grant received by each nonprofit. First place will receive a guaranteed $10,000, second place $7,500 and third place takes $5,000. 

The Events at TerraNova are proud to partner with these three organizations.

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee delivers over 500 meals daily to homebound individuals, serves approximately 90 food banks and runs several additional programs.

SMART empowers and improves lives through the healing power of horses with therapeutic horse-related programs and activities. 

Southeastern Guide Dogs creates extraordinary partnerships between guide dogs and the people who need them.

Join us Oct. 22-24 for a day in the country with exciting equestrian competition, fun for the whole family, food, shopping, kids' zone and more! $10 per car. For more about The Event at TerraNova, click here. Click here to join us as a donor/sponsor. 

[Anniversary]  A Look into Visit Sarasota County’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Visit Sarasota County celebrated their 40th year as a destination market organization at the illustrious Art Ovation Hotel yesterday, which saw more than 130 people in attendance. Along with provided refreshments and mingling amongst various colleagues, VSC showed a historical video at the celebration highlighting the past 40 years in the county and how the organization has made its mark throughout the years. In what started as The Greater Sarasota Tourism Association, VSC has evolved over the decades, leading to a successful tourism bureau through 40 years of fun and engagement, with many years of success still to come. 2021 has been a year of milestones for Sarasota, as VSC shares their 40th Anniversary in the same year Sarasota County celebrates its 100th anniversary since its creation in 1921. 

[Recognition]  Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Named as 2021 One Tampa Bay Honoree

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) is extremely proud to have been named a 2021 Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Honoree, formally known as the Non-Profit of the Year Award in Education in the Metropolitan 8 County Area. ELC will receive the award at a presentation in Tampa on Thursday, November 18th. "Having been recognized as the Non-Profit of The Year in Education in 2015 and having been a finalist in 2016 and 2017, we are extremely proud to once again been chosen as the winner of this award as we were in 2018 and 2019," said Paul Sharff, ELC chief executive officer. "I would like to thank our highly dedicated ELC staff and our Board of Directors for their tireless efforts and commitment to the children and families we serve in Manatee County.”

To learn more about Coalition's services, go to elc-manatee.org or call 941-757-2900, extension 2100 

[Board]  Realize Bradenton Welcomes Marisa Powers to its Board of Directors

Realize Bradenton welcomes Marisa Powers of Blalock Walters to its Board of Directors. Marisa Powers is currently an associate at Blalock Walters practicing in the areas of local government, litigation and land use. Marisa has been involved with many local organizations including, Turning Points, PACE Center for Girls, and Manatee Young Professionals. She currently serves as the President of the Manatee Inn of Court which is dedicated to promoting the highest levels of professionalism in the practice of law. Carrie Price, Realize Bradenton's Board Chair, states, "In addition to her legal experience and professional affiliations, Marisa is dedicated to the future of Bradenton and volunteers much of her time and talent to our community. We are excited to bring her enthusiasm to the Realize Bradenton Board of Directors."

Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that promotes redevelopment and economic growth in Downtown Bradenton by transforming places, engaging people, and realizing possibilities.  

[Food Bank]  Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee Announces 'Stuff the Bus' Event to Benefit Food Bank of Manatee

A joint community effort is underway with United Way Suncoast, Publix, iHeart Media, the Herald Tribune, The School District of Manatee County and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee to ‘Stuff the Bus’, an event to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee. The 'Stuff the Bus' event is presented by Mosaic and will be held at all Manatee County Publix store locations on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Customers will have the opportunity to make non-perishable food donations to help "stuff the Manatee County School bus" parked at each of the 18 Manatee County Publix store locations. All donations collected benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, the largest hunger-relief organization and only food bank based in Manatee County.   

"With the increase in food-insecurity due to the global pandemic, and as an independent food bank, we need the community to fill the shelves at The Food Bank of Manatee by donating non-perishable food items. Every donation given at this community-wide event stays right here in Manatee County to help local residents. Help us reach our goal of collecting 150,000 pounds of food on Sunday, October 17." said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.   

If you are interested in lending a hand during this event, register to volunteer online at volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus. 

Photo courtesy of the organization

[Recycling]  SouthTech Returns to Sarasota for Fall Recycling Event

SouthTech, a provider of managed technology solutions serving businesses in Southwest Florida, will be hosting their next electronics recycling event in cooperation with the Sarasota Chamber. The two will be partnering together on Friday, October 29 to collect and recycle unwanted electronics as a free service to the local community. Quicksilver Recycling Services will be joining them to process the electronics once again. All are welcome to drop off their old and unwanted devices. “We are excited to partner with the Sarasota Chamber again,” said Henry Decoo, the Business Development & Marketing Manager of SouthTech. The “Data Dumps,” as these events are called, are hosted twice a year in different locations around Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. Every pound of electronics recycled is a pound that does not end up in a landfill, potentially leaking dangerous chemicals into the earth.   

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will be offering the use of their parking lot for the event. The Data Dump will take place from 9:00am- 1pm on Friday, October 29 at 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 34236. For a list of devices Quicksilver Recycling accepts, go to qsrecycling.com/services 

[Water Quality]  Register Now for Sarasota County's Water Quality Virtual Update

Registration is now open for Sarasota County's Water Quality Virtual Update on Monday, October 18. The virtual update will highlight the county's ongoing commitment to water quality education, outreach initiatives and improvement projects. Sarasota County staff, along with Commissioner Christian Ziegler, will deliver updates and comments. County departments taking part in the update include Public Utilities, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Planning and Development Services and UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. 

In addition, representatives from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation will share the latest quality science and the Community Playbook for Healthy Waterways. An interactive session will also address actions that individuals and neighborhoods can do to support water quality. "Water quality is a priority issue both locally and across the state," said Lee-Hayes Byron, director of Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. "We look forward to this opportunity to update residents and businesses who care deeply about our local waters." 

The update will be held 11 am - 12:30 pm, Monday, Oct. 18. To register for the event visit the following link. 



[SOON]  FILM: The Ringling: On Screen: Journey To Italy , October 7, 1pm

Among the most influential films of the postwar era, Roberto Rossellini’s Journey to Italy (Viaggio in Italia) charts the declining marriage of a couple from England (Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders) on a trip in the countryside near Naples. More than just the anatomy of a relationship, Rossellini’s masterpiece is a heartrending work of emotion and spirituality. Considered a predecessor to the existentialist works of Michelangelo Antonioni and hailed as a groundbreaking modernist work by the legendary film journal Cahiers du cinemá, Journey to Italy is a breathtaking cinematic benchmark. This On Screen will show on October 7 at 1pm at Historic Asolo Theater.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre & Humor Institute: Bob Zany , October 7 – October 9, 7pm, 6:30pm, and 8:50pm

Bob Zany will perform on Thursday, October 7 at 7pm, Friday, October 8 at 6:30pm, Friday, October 8 at 8:50pm, Saturday, October 9 at 6:30pm, and Saturday, October 9 at 8:50pm. Rated AS. Tickets are $25. Bob has appeared on over a thousand national T.V. shows, from The Tonight Show to a seventeen-year stint appearing on and co-hosting The Jerry Lewis Telethon. He appeared on Showtime in Billy Gardell’s Road Dogs+ film credits include Joe Dirt with David Spade+ The Informant playing Matt Damon’s attorney.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Selby Gardens: New Award-Winning Play Make Thee An Ark Premiere , October 8 – October 17, 6:30pm and 1pm

Raychel Ceciro brings the World Premiere of the 2019 Kilroys List Featured Play Make Thee an Ark to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus through a John Ringling Towers Grant for the Performing Arts October 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17. Taking place in Mary’s Chapel, Make Thee an Ark is a new site-specific play set 300 years in the future in a New Ark floating above an undersea Florida. Moored to an old oil rig, the New Ark harbors what may be the last vestiges of humanity after global warming has wreaked havoc on the planet. Two sisters tell stories of a Florida long forgotten while elsewhere on the ship, the Pastor, the leader of the New Ark, prepares his people for an oncoming storm. Combining storytelling with immersive performance, projection, and puppetry, Make Thee an Ark interprets the archived histories of Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus from the perspective of a generation living in the flooded future. Following the final performance of Make Thee an Ark*, a site-specific performance at Selby Garden's Historic Spanish Point on Sunday, October 17th, is Ark Dialogues, a public panel and discussion focused on the play’s use of Sarasota history, and how it combines lived Sarasota experiences with a fictional narrative about Florida’s possible futures.

[SOON]  FILM: 6th Annual Single-Take Film Challenge , October 8 – October 10

1917. Rope. Birdman. Victoria. Russian Ark. Lost in London. All these films tell their complete stories in one continuous, uninterrupted take. Or at least they give that illusion. The Sarasota-based Single-Take Challenge, however, is only for filmmakers attempting the "real thing". 2021 marks the 6th anniversary of the Challenge, to be held both online and live at a theater in Sarasota. The Challenge prides itself on finding professional filmmakers to act as judges. This year for example, Larry McConkey is on the panel. McConkey is best known for shooting the infamous "Copa scene" long take in the movie "Goodfellas." Filmmakers interested in creating and submitting their one-shot masterpieces have until August 15. The awards and screening ceremony will take place the weekend of October 8-10. For more information contact SingleTakeChallenge@gmail.com

[SOON]  FILM: The Ringling: On Screen: Immortal Beloved , October 8, 6:30pm

This biography chronicles the life of infamous classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven (Gary Oldman) and his painful struggle with hearing loss. Following Beethoven's death in 1827, his assistant, Schindler (Jeroen Krabbé), searches for an elusive woman referred to in the composer's love letters as "immortal beloved." As Schindler solves the mystery, a series of flashbacks reveals Beethoven's transformation from passionate young man to troubled musical genius. Gary Oldman stars in this tale of a man of genius, a woman of passion and the mystery of a lifetime. The untold story of Ludwig van Beethoven. This On Screen will show on October 8 at 6:30pm at Historic Asolo Theater.

[SOON]  THEATER: Florida Studio Theatre: Cinderella , October 9 – October 30, Varies.

Have a ball with FST’s all-new adaptation of Cinderella! This magical production brings the classic fairy tale to life with a contemporary twist. Enjoy the story you love with even more added fun, including a soundtrack of contemporary pop hits, audience interaction, slapstick humor, and more. Will Cinderella be able to escape her cruel stepmother and stepsisters and finally get her happily ever after with Prince Charming? Find out in this music-filled re-imagining of the timeless tale. Cinderella by Sarah Durham will play Saturdays and select Sundays from October 9, 2021 - October 30, 2021 in FST's Keating Theatre. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale and can be purchased by clicking the buttons above or by calling the FST Box Office at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  GALA: Annual Fundraiser at Waterworks Sarasota , October 9

Save the date for Sarasota Contemporary Dance's 16th Main Stage Season "GRIT" is a testament to the company's passion, purpose, and perseverance. After surviving and celebrating its landmark 15th season through a global pandemic, SCD is returning to the stage with greater conviction than ever before in its responsibility to progress contemporary dance in Sarasota. Tickets and subscriptions will become available soon. The fundraiser will be held to kick off the season at Waterworks Sarasota.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance , 1005 N Orange Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: The Ringling: On Screen: Invisible History: Middle Florida's Hidden Roots , October 9, 6:30pm

A documentary film by Valerie Scoon, Professor and Filmmaker in Residence, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts. The film sheds light on the invisible history of plantations and the enslaved in North Florida through a visually compelling story that explores the history of a people who contributed so much to what the region is today. Valerie Scoon will provide a talk back directly following the film. Valerie Scoon literally came to Tallahassee from Hollywood. She has been with the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts since 2003 and is central to the film school’s longstanding success. Ms. Scoon teaches screenwriting, producing and documentaries. Her work has resulted in many of our Student Emmys, Oscar nominations and entry into innumerable film festivals. Most recently, Ms. Scoon has exhibited her own documentary filmmaking skills by practicing what she teaches. Her documentary “Daring Women Doctors: Physicians in the 19th Century” recounts the history of America’s first female physicians and was aired nationwide on PBS in 2020. More recently her timely documentary “Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots” is also being aired nationwide on public television in 2021. This On Screen will show on October 9 at 6:30pm at Historic Asolo Theater.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Selby Gardens: The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top , October 9 – November 28, 10am-5pm

Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, from October 9 to November 28, brings together two of Sarasota, Florida’s most renowned legacies —orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!, is presented by Better-Gro®, celebrates the breathtaking beauty of orchids in tree-top canopies high above the forest floor with the artistry and spectacle of the circus, particularly the aerialists who perform extraordinary feats of human ability high above captivated crowds. Pairing astonishing air plants with amazing aerial acts enables a fascinating exploration of the intersection of nature and entertainment. The show is deeply rooted in Selby Gardens’ status as possessing the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids. As always, the Orchid Show highlights the diversity and richness of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants on earth. The synergy with Sarasota’s extensive circus history fortifies the theme of this year’s show. Once the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the city remains the home of many circus performers and their families. In addition to The Ringling, housing the finest circus collections in existence, Sarasota is home to the Circus Arts Conservatory and associated Sailor Circus Academy, the oldest youth circus in America.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Beach Bazaar: Beauty & Wellness Pop-Up Market , October 9 – October 10, 9:30am-2pm

Beauty & Wellness Pop-Up Market in Siesta Key Village is back. Our first market of the season right in the middle of the lovely Siesta Key Village. Come and meet your favorite local vendors on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 from 9:30am to 2pm in front of the Beach Bazaar. The market will feature Handmade jewelry, fashion, skin care, nails' products, clothing, accessories and more.

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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