SRQ DAILY Mar 7, 2022
Monday Business Edition
"People are going to be pretty happy."
As the Florida Legislature winds down the regular Legislative Session, lawmakers push hard for local spending to make it into the final budget. There’s been significant success so far, including spending for Fruitville Road improvements, regionally important water projects and grants for a number of cultural institutions.
“There’s a lot of money in the state of Florida right now, and a lot of projects are being funded,” said Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. “People are going to be pretty happy.”
As of Sunday, the Florida House and Senate had agreed on a number of local expenditures including $4 million for a road capacity improvement project with Fruitville. The major transportation budget priority was sponsored by Gruters and Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota. Gruters worked with Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, and secured $500,000 for a Legacy Trail extension and $400,000 for streetscape improvements in Downtown Sarasota.
“We’ve got a lock on several road projects in the city,” McFarland said.
There’s still negotiation points that need to be settled. McFarland lists intake access center services at First Step of Florida as a major priority. Right now, the House is budgeting money but the Senate hasn’t signed off on spending.
Both chambers have included $990,000 for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center to replace the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. That project will be central in the redevelopment of The Bay as a cultural venue.
Gruters and Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, secured $400,000 for St. Armands Circle improvements.
Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, meanwhile looks like he will be successful in bringing in funding for the Venice Water Treatment Plant. Both chambers of the Legislature have put aside at least $425,000 for that project, which Buchanan is co-sponsoring with Gruters.
The House and Senate need to finish negotiations by Tuesday at midnight in order for Session to close on time on Friday. 
On April 9th, jazz music legends Dick Hyman and David Amram will perform at the Sarasota Opera House to benefit the Ear Research Foundation. True to Founder, Dr. Herbert Silverstein’s passion for hearing health and jazz music, the two have been combined to celebrate, build awareness, and fundraise towards the mission of Research, Education, and Community Care, since 1979. These distinguished musicians will play together for the first time - in their long and illustrious careers. Both are famous for their talented, creative genius, contribution to jazz, film scores, and personal musical stylings. The event, Hear & Now…And All That Jazz, will be an evening of cocktails, mingling, dinner, a spectacular performance, and an exclusive after-party. The performance will be live streamed so virtual audiences will be able to watch this amazing, anticipated performance anywhere.
In response to changing Covid-19 conditions, some #SafeArtsSarasota organizations will be modifying their audience protocols as of Monday, March 7, 2022. Circus Arts Conservatory, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will no longer require proof of a recent test or vaccination to enter their venues. Face masks covering the nose and mouth will still be required inside the venues. However, ticketholders are encouraged to check each organization’s website, as these policies will be evaluated on a regular basis as conditions evolve.
The following organizations will not be changing their protocols at this time:
Asolo Repertory Theatre: Asolo Rep remains committed to operate by the same set of protocols as New York’s Broadway theatres. Therefore, they will continue with the current protocols and re-evaluate alongside Broadway on or before April 30, 2022. The Hermitage Artist Retreat: While the majority of Hermitage events will continue to be presented outdoors, any indoor Hermitage events will continue with the current documentation protocols until further notice. Sarasota Ballet: The Sarasota Ballet will continue the current protocols and re-evaluate by the end of March 2022. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: The Van Wezel as of this date will only screen for negative tests or voluntary vaccine cards for a few shows as demanded by artist contracts. Van Wezel audiences should always consult its website safety page for Covid-19 protocols prior to attending any program.
In a joint statement, arts leaders said: “The arts and cultural organizations of Sarasota County are profoundly grateful to our audiences, patrons, artists, crews, and staff for their patience and generous support as we have navigated through the difficult waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been, to say the least, a difficult time for all. Throughout this journey, we have strived to be responsible citizens by putting health and safety first. This will always be our priority. We believe these modifications can be implemented, while preserving our commitment to the health and welfare of all involved in making and enjoying Sarasota’s many robust artistic experiences.”
Protocols will continue to be revisited and may be revised based on CDC guidance and the evolving circumstances of the pandemic. Screening protocols may be added or removed. Ticketholders are encouraged to check individual organizational websites for details of protocols and policies for any given organization or event.
In a joint statement, arts leaders concluded: “If we have learned anything over the past 2 years, it’s that Covid-19 is a formidable foe. It’s a moving target, continually mutating and spiking, and threatening the efficacy of our vaccine shields. We are committed to pursuing policies offering the safest environment to all involved with the least inconvenience. We thank you again for your patience, and we hope to see you in our venues soon.”
The Bobby Jones Golf Club hosted an official groundbreaking this past Friday to renovate this historic City of Sarasota municipal golf course. City Commissioners, residents adjacent to the course, avid golfers, and the professionals who shepherded the process to this point were all on hand for the big event. In addition to reducing the total number of holes to play, the renovation will place an emphasis on water quality and drainage improvements that will lay the foundation for a nature park in the future in partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. The construction schedule for the restored 18-hole Donald Ross course has an anticipated finish date and opening to the public for play this November to December 2022. The 9-hole executive course is expected to open a couple of months later. In the meantime, a proposed design for the clubhouse and restaurant is underway, and staff are negotiating a term sheet with Indigo Golf Partners to manage the golf course operations, as directed by the City Commission.
Manatee Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast in support of their Next Gen Conservation Program. The grant was made possible through the Bishop-Parker Foundations Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation and will further Conservation Foundation’s commitment to youth education through discovery, nature-based activities, citizen-science, and memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
“Research indicates time spent in nature is important for children's cognitive, emotional, social, and educational development,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “Our Next Gen programming gets kids outside year-round, immersing them in nature and providing a host of benefits for their overall well-being. We are incredibly grateful to Manatee Community Foundation for their investment in our work and the youth we serve.”
Next Gen Conservation is Conservation Foundation’s umbrella program comprised of Youth in Nature and Nature Explorers. Youth in Nature focuses on underserved middle and high school youth from Manatee, DeSoto, and Sarasota counties. In partnership with other youth-serving organizations, Youth in Nature is able to facilitate hundreds of WOW! moments in nature each year, creating life-long memories, building self-esteem, and instilling a love for the natural world.
Nature Explorers is Conservation Foundation’s free and open to the public youth education program for children grades K-5. This program uses ‘citizen science’ techniques to show kids how they can make a difference in others’ lives as well as help the earth. Next Gen programs are central to Conservation Foundation’s commitment to environmental youth education and community engagement.
ITZHAK PERLMAN returns to Sarasota in recital with pianist Rohan De Silva on Tuesday, March 8 at 8pm. Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded to a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity, as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond to his remarkable artistry and irrepressible joy for making music.
Impact100 SRQ invites you to attend our 4th annual Big Reveal on March 8 from 5pm to 8pm. Meet us again under the Finishing Tower at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, when we will reveal the total number of members and the total amount of dollars that will go toward grant funding for the 2022 Giving Year. Hear from our President, meet our 2021 grant recipients, connect with Impact100 SRQ members and guests, enjoy light bites and drinks, listen to good music, watch a beautiful sunset, and learn how many grants we will fund in 2022.
Honoring the significant contributions of African Americans over the years on the “Great White Way” is “Broadway in Black.” Broadway musicals have charmed the world for decades; WBTT salutes that genre with an original revue by Nate Jacobs – who will direct – that was first presented in the summer of 2017. Sing along with your favorite songs from award-winning shows and breakthrough roles that helped launch the careers of such African-American artists as Melba Moore in “Purlie,” Ben Vereen in “Pippin,” Jennifer Holliday in “Dreamgirls,” and Nell Carter in “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” It’s Broadway, WBTT style! Jacobs will direct; resident choreographer Donald Frison will take the production to the next level with thrilling new choreography. Show runs from March 9 to April 24, 2022. Ticket sales are scheduled to begin in the late summer. Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Back by popular demand, NEIL BERG brings his company of extraordinary Broadway stars to Sarasota with an all new show to light up the night on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30pm. It's an evening of "Broadway Heaven" not to be missed, featuring songs from your favorite stage productions.
Maestro Thomas Wilkins conducts a captivating program of music born in and inspired by America on Thursday, March 10 at 8pm at the Neel Performing Arts Center, Friday, March 11 at 8pm, Saturday, March 12 at 8pm, and Sunday, March 13 at 2:30pm at the Van Wezel. The concert opens with James Beckel's symphonic showpiece Toccata for Orchestra. American violinist Simone Porter returns to Sarasota for her solo debut with Barber's passionate Concerto for Violin. The Concerto combines lyricism with virtuosic technical demands. The program concludes with Dvořák's love letter to America, his "New World" Symphony.
Yissy Garcia–a composer and drummer- is one of the most powerful artists of this new generation of Cuban musicians. Born into a musical family headed by renowned Cuban percussionist Bernardo Garcia, Yissy has ushered in a new era of "high-speed Cuban jazz," which fuses street conga and rumba, plenty of drums, bass and funk -- all rhythms the artist says are "carried in our blood." Considered one of Cuba’s most dynamic and innovative musicians who defies genre and tradition with every funky groove, she demonstrates the art of combining traps and percussion, drawing from the wealth of Cuban folkloric and popular styles alongside serious jazz and funk. Yissy has quickly become an iconic figure of female percussion in Cuba and beyond, having performed with the likes of Dave Matthews, Esperanza Spalding, Omara Portuondo and Bobby Carcasses, and has been likened to “the Cuban version of Terri Lyne Carrington” by Tom Tom Magazine. Since 2012, she leads Bandancha, an off-the-charts quintet that follows the routes of Latin jazz, funk, and afro Cuban music. Its first record, Última Noticia (2015), joined the island´s musical scene as a paradigm of the most contemporary sound. She is part of the line up of Maqueque, together with the Canadian sax player Jane Bunnett, whose first record, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, won the Juno Award to the best Jazz Album and the second record, Oddara, was recently nominated for the Best Latin Jazz Grammy award. This performance will show on March 10 at 11am and March 11 at 7:30pm.
The SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion will explore how nonprofits ride the wave of change, particularly after a year of extreme change. We speak to the Change Agent Award Honorees to find out how they embraced and catalyzed change to transform their organizations — from mission, programming and community partners to communications, positioning and donor development. SRQ MEDIA recognizes nonprofits who have the ability to lean into change in the face of either challenge or opportunity. The Change Agents in Philanthropy Awards focus on the capacity of the independent sector to be innovative in the face of change in fundraising, donor cultivation and development, mission, programming, branding and visibility and operations. We invite the community to nominate local nonprofits, local nonprofit programs and individuals who have embraced change and leveraged innovative thinking, strategies and practices in engaging their organization to more powerfully realize its mission. This is a “by invitation only” competition where we invite only nonprofits to submit an application. There are no nominations. The Luncheon will take place on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota with an 11am registration and 11:30am to 1pm program.
Open your hearts to THE TEN TENORS, because love is in the air on Thursday, March 10 at 8pm. The TEN Tenors will be singing some of the most popular feel-good love songs and wedding first dance songs of all time. They’ll cover many of your favorite romantic tunes, from pop songs with a twist to classic love songs, and even a few of the most famous and touching love arias in existence. For anyone with a soft spot for a tender tune, this is an experience not to be missed.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) presents “Celebrating Florida’s Wild Wonders,” a one-day event inspired by the book, The Wilder Heart of Florida, and featuring eight celebrated writers, poets, educators, environmentalists, architects, and artists. The event is Friday, March 11, 2022, 9am to 5pm at the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1000 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. General admission is $125; registration opens on December 7. The registration fee includes lunch and a complimentary reception.
Directed by Heidi Brewer in collaboration with performers Tammy Carrasco and Kirsten Standridge, and dramaturg Ajani Brannum. Inspired by concentricity, fashion shows, scrimmages, spectacles, cyclical infinity, endurance, continuity, pattern recognition and what happens whether it is witnessed or not. This performance will take place on Friday March 11th and Saturday March 12th 2022 at 7pm and its Virtual Stream will take place on Saturday, March 12th at 7pm.
Guests at the Babcock Ranch Art Show on March 11 to 13 can enjoy fresh air, fun and food while helping raise funds for a good cause. In addition to admiring the work of more than 40 artists, Babcock Ranch’s annual art show will offer an exclusive VIP Club experience with complimentary food and beverages, live entertainment and an opening-night reception. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales, priced from $75 to $150, benefit the Babcock Ranch Foundation, which supports programs and initiatives that enhance, enrich and positively impact the lives of at-risk children in Southwest Florida. The fourth annual Babcock Ranch Art Show will take place in Founder’s Square, the town’s downtown. The VIP Club is open during art show hours: Friday 5 to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Guests can purchase tickets in advance for opening night-only ($75), Friday night and Saturday ($110), Friday night and Sunday ($110) or all three dates ($150). The VIP Club will be located under the Founder’s Square bandshell and in an adjoining tent with a lounge area overlooking Lake Babcock. Friday’s kick-off celebration features a reception with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. On Saturday, guests will enjoy morning mimosas, coffee and treats during breakfast, grilled chicken topped with bruschetta for lunch catered by Slater’s, and soft drinks, beer and wine. Sunday’s VIP experience includes breakfast, Slater’s chicken marsala with garlic herbed rice for lunch and complimentary refreshments. VIP guests will also have exclusive access to Babcock Ranch’s seven preferred homebuilders.
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