SRQ DAILY Dec 5, 2022
Monday Business Edition
"As you know, we will probably be a stop-through for all the Republican presidential candidates."
After running the Republican Party of Sarasota County for four years in every practical sense, Jack Brill was elected chair of the county GOP. He won the election by a vote of 167 to 134 in the last Republican Executive Committee meeting over Conni Brunni.
“We won, and we are moving forward to 2024,” Brill said. “We are very diversified, the Republican Party of Sarasota County, and we have to represent all of the Republicans in Sarasota County.”
Brunni’s bid was charged by the support of Gen. Michael Flynn, a former national security advisor to former President Donald Trump who now lives in South Sarasota County. Flynn has become part of a political movement in the region that gathers regularly at The Hollow and has become increasingly involved in local politics.
But Brill said the party’s success in the area is built on a thorough operation top to bottom. He notes the local GOP won 28 out of 29 elections this year, losing only the Sarasota City Commission election where Democrats Jennifer Ahearn-Koch and Debbie Trice won seats over Republican Dan Lobeck in a heavily Democratic city. But the party this year won a School Board majority, with Bridget Ziegler re-elected and Tim Enos and Robyn Marinelli elected to open seats. And the party won a Sarasota County Commission election with Republican nominee Mark Smith in a Democrat-plurality seat.
Brill has worked as acting party chair the last four years. The title of county chair through that time officially was held by Joe Gruters, who served the past four years as Republican Party of Florida chair. One notable aspect of Gruters not seeking re-election to the county post is that he is not currently eligible to run again for state chair, all but confirming he will step aside from the statewide post.
Besides Brill, the county party elected Al Rothbauer as vice chair, Neil Rainford as secretary and Martha Maloney as treasurer. Newcomer Maloney was the one officer elected from the “Make America Great Again” wing of the local party.
Now Brill wants to focus on tasks at hand instead of his own election. “As you know, we will probably be a stop-through for all the Republican presidential candidates,” Brill said.
He also wants to build a bench in the local GOP to ensure long-term dominance in politics, and noted 10 or 11 elected officials in the county are under the age of 40. He also wants to continue efforts to register voters. And while GOP performance at the polls and in-person early voting is always strong, Brill said the party needs to get serious about vote-by-mail efforts this election cycle. 
In the December 2022 edition of SRQ Magazine, we interviewed Jeff Weatherhead, President & Chief Executive Officer, Plymouth Harbor as part of our In Conversation feature on aging gracefully. Below is an excerpt published in the magazine in which he shares his insights with SRQ readers.
What does it mean to you to age gracefully?
Aging gracefully is allowing people to age in the way that they want, first and foremost and that requires some planning and some thought but it also means that the environments around them and the people around them are supportive of helping that person in accomplishing what they want in this season of their lives.
DutchCrafters’ commitment to its sustainability core value continues with the installation of solar panels at its newest Amish furniture showroom and design center in Alpharetta, Ga. One of the organization’s core values is sustainability and stewardship of resources for earth, company, and health, based on the belief in healthy living, environmental stewardship, and financial well-being. Investing in solar panel installations in both the Sarasota, Fla. and Alpharetta, Ga. stores demonstrates an essential element to achieving that vital sustainability goal by becoming a net carbon neutral office. Investing in solar panels installation presented challenges, including upfront costs, supply chain issues, and some timeline and scheduling delays that had to be managed amidst all the moving parts during a busy season. Even so, the commitment to environmentally friendly practices remains steadfast.
Maggie Nasser has joined RE/MAX Platinum Realty as a Broker-Associate in the Lakewood Ranch, Florida, office. With 24 years of local real estate experience, Nasser brings extensive market knowledge and expertise, specializing in golf course communities, new construction and residential properties in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. She is a Florida notary and Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). Nasser joined RE/MAX Platinum Realty because of its broker support, corporate marketing resources, and the opportunity to take her business “to the next level of superior customer support and satisfaction.” Originally from Fall River, Massachusetts, Nasser received her associate’s degree from Bristol Community College in Fall River and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. While her commitment to real estate is a fulltime endeavor, she does find time to partake of the beautiful Florida weather and enjoys biking, beaching, reading and, of course, spending time with family. She is an active volunteer with Tidewell Hospice, and is always looking for opportunities to continue her real estate education to better serve her customers. The Lakewood Ranch office is located at 8215 Natures Way, #109, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202. Nasser can be reached at (941) 780-1006 or Magnasser59@gmail.com.
On a recent day in the cardiovascular hybrid suite at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, teams from the radiology and surgery departments worked in unison. They moved efficiently performing a trans carotid artery revascularization or TCAR procedure. Watching from the operating table was patient, Fred Haskell. “I watched it all on the big monitor. I was amazed, it was quite a team,” said Haskell as he recovered at home just a day later. Haskell previously had cancer and then a stroke in January. He says his carotid artery was also completely blocked on the right side. His vascular surgeon knew Haskell would be an ideal candidate for this procedure. “For patients that have had radiation previously, this is a much safer procedure. The technique has been around for several years and the results are good short term and long term,” said Steven Silverman, M.D. Surgeons at both HCA Florida Blake Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital are now performing the TCAR procedure. By expanding this treatment in Sarasota and Manatee counties more patients can benefit and reduce their risks of having a stroke. During this surgery, a small incision is made on the patient’s neck, just above the collarbone. In traditional open surgery, the incision is much larger. TCAR is also unique because it temporarily reverses the patient’s blood flow, so that any plaque that may break off during the procedure is diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke. A stent is then placed inside the carotid artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. The blood flow is then returned to normal and the system is removed. The entire process takes about an hour. Because the procedure is less invasive, there are fewer risks of complications, and patients can recover and go home faster. For the patient, Fred Haskell, it means being back home in his comfortable bed and looking forward to spending time at the beach again, “I am comfortable and very happy, and I can’t express how grateful I am,” said Haskell.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman promoted two sheriff’s office members to new positions at a ceremony held on Thursday, December 1.Allie Fugate and Julie Herd were promoted to Senior Assistant General Counsel and General Counsel, respectively. Both have served the sheriff’s office in previous positions. “We could not ask for more highly-skilled or hardworking individuals to fill these significant positions within our agency,” remarked Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “Our General Counsel’s Office is charged with navigating complex legal issues, reviewing contracts, policies, and procedures, and advising on state and federal law. Their work is challenging and important, and I am proud to have both on our team.”
Pictured: General Counsel Julie Herd, Senior Assistant General Counsel Allie Fugate, and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Sheriffs Office.
PGT Innovations(NYSE: PGTI), a leading manufacturer of premium windows, doors, and garage doors, recently donated over $9,000 across four breast cancer non-profits. Earlier this year, PGT Innovations designed its own company-branded breast cancer awareness t-shirts that were available for employees to purchase during the month of October to help raise awareness and money for the non-profits. PGT Innovations team members across the company’s multiple manufacturing plant and office locations purchased over 1,100 t-shirts, raising a total of $8,155.50, which was then donated between theBreast Cancer Research Foundation, theBreast Cancer Alliance, and theLarry Fitzgerald Foundation. PGT Innovations also donated $1,500 to theAmerican Cancer Societyin support of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk event held in Sarasota, FL in mid-October, and several PGTI team members showed their support by participating in the walk. PGT Innovations’ commitment to community involvement is a core part of the company’s culture, and philanthropic giving has been a practice for the organization since its inception in 1980.
Pictured: PGTI team members at the Venice location wearing the breast cancer awareness t-shirts.
This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce you to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling Arboretum has been accredited at Level II through ArbNet and there are over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical, and culturally significant trees. Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and take place entirely outdoors. It is 90 minutes in length and covers approximately 1 mile. We encourage visitors to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock, and hats. There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Please check it at the Visitors Pavilion prior to your tour. Tickets will be available 30 days prior to each tour.
Wellen Park is lighting up the holiday season in its own signature style with a Bright Bike parade, lessons in mixology, the spirit of giving, a visit from Santa, and so much more. Throughout December, Wellen Park is hosting family-friendly and age-restricted events at its Welcome Center, which are complemented by CoolToday Park’s annual Braves Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K. “The holidays really capture the essence of Wellen Park and its emphasis on joy, heartfelt connections and community,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing of Wellen Park. “We have planned many fun, meaningful experiences that are unique to Wellen Park for families to create memories they will cherish for years to come.” The upcoming events take place in the Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, overlooking Downtown Wellen, where the first phase of the region’s newest gathering hub is nearing completion. From the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, now through Dec. 4, to a fun-filled weekend of festivities, Dec. 16-17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays at Wellen Park.December’s fun-filled calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park and foreshadows a full winter season of activities and events beginning in mid-January 2023 with the opening of Downtown Wellen’s outdoor amenities. Most activities are free and open to the public, with advance registration required for some events. For more information or to register, visit wellenpark.com/events.
Michael Murphy Gallery, Tampa’s premier contemporary art space, presents, in a limited engagement presentation, Christmas with Kinkade. This is a new exhibition from Thomas Kinkade Studios featuring Disney, Marvel, DC and Star Wars characters. Works will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at the gallery from December 2 through December 11, 2022. Four not to be missed receptions with Zac Kinkade are planned for Friday, December 9 from 5-7pm, Saturday, December 10 from 12-2 pm and 4-7 pm as well as Sunday, December 11 from 12-3 pm. Bring the kids to a special fun-filled children’s event on Saturday, December 10 from 11am-noon. All events are complementary and open to the public. For additional information about this exhibition, contact 813-902-1414 or email gallery@mmgart.com.
The exhibition, Gods and Lovers: Paintings and Sculptures from India, offers a dazzling array of paintings that were produced in the leading centers of royal and princely art patronage, both Hindu and Muslim, from the 16th century to the early 19th century. Guest speaker Wes Ervin will lead you into a visual exploration of each painting.
The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The iconic three-day Festival, organized by and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, is scheduled for February 17-19 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Continuous live music will be featured throughout the weekend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of the stage. The Festival plans to feature over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, a motorcycle stereo sound off competition, motorcycle freestyle demonstrations, a tented full bar area with seating, a “little riders” kid zone, a food court, “Thunder Alley” inside Robarts Arena and so much more! For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete listing of all Festival events visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG | (941) 487-7904.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236
The hilarious new play CHICKEN & BISCUITS introduces us to the Jenkins family, as they gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and recently deceased father and grandfather, the Revered Bernard Jenkins. When an unexpected guest reveals a secret, they all discover that nothing brings a family together like a big side of drama. This side-splitting new Broadway comedy explores the tenderness of family, the joy of reconciliation, and the nourishing power of love. Written by Broadway newcomer Douglas Lyons and directed by the talented Bianca LaVerne Jones, who was associate director of the 2021 Broadway production, CHICKEN & BISCUITS proves that while family may drive us crazy, we’re lucky to have each other.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Madama Butterfly is an Opera in three acts. Music by Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. A young geisha known affectionately as Madama Butterfly is swept off her feet by an American Naval Officer. Left with a promise that he would return one day, Butterfly waits faithfully for three years, but is met with heartbreak in one of opera’s most enduring tragedies. Sung in Italian with Translations in English. February 18th-March 24 For tickets visit sarasotaopera.org or Ph. +1 941 328 1300
Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota Film Society is proud to present "Movies For Heroes", a year long Salute to our Military. Active, Non-Active, Retired Personnel & their family are welcomed to join us once a month at 11am at Burns Court & Lakewood Ranch Cinemas starting in January of 2022 for a year of free movie screenings. 10% of the concession sales from these screenings will go to Wounded Warrior Project. Space is limited, reserve your tickets today. Location Burns Court Cinemas 506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236.
506 Burns Court Sarasota, FL 34236
Amore Restaurant has decided to extend Savor Sarasota Menu through December 18th (not combined with any other offer and, not available on special occasions). Savor Sarasota is a 3 course menu dinner for $35.00 per person. The restaurant offers a Portuguese and an Italian menu. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 9PM. Fridays and Sundays 5 to 9:30pm. With indoor and outdoor seating available. Easy and free parking. Menu can be viewed here:https://www.amorelbk.com/savor-sarasota/
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is celebrating the holiday season with “A SPARCCling Holiday Luncheon,” its annual event designed to collect toys and gift cards for SPARCC’s smallest survivors. This year’s luncheon will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Get in the spirit of the season and help spread good cheer! Guests will enjoy a fun-filled day complete with a delicious lunch, entertainment by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and much, much more. Bring unwrapped toys, gifts and gift cards for kids, teens and moms; bid on goodies from Sarasota’s most notable bakers in a spirited live auction, participate in a silent auction of amazing gift baskets, and purchase outstanding one-of-a-kind holiday decorations while helping the survivors and children SPARCC serves. Event Co-Chairs are SPARCC Auxiliary Members, Andrea Andrus and Maggie Shaw. All proceeds from the event help to support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will present three concerts in December: Double Feature with violinists Blake Pouliot – performing the Southeastern premiere of Derrick Skye’s “god of the gaps” – and Simone Porter on December 6 at the Sarasota Opera House; The 442s, a genre-defying St. Louis-based acoustic quintet, on December 13 at the Historic Asolo Theater; and Vision Duo, featuring award-winning musicians Ariel Horowitz, violin, and Britton-René Collins, marimba, on December 15 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. For more information and tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202.
A Decade of Collecting brings together a survey of artworks acquired for the permanent collection over the past eleven years. As the State Art Museum of Florida and a division of Florida State University, The Ringling’s collections are constantly expanding to provide our state and local community with access to current contemporary works in all media and thoughtful additions to our historic collections. Though the core of the collection has always been the works acquired by John and Mable Ringling, the museum’s holdings have been expanding ever since the State of Florida took full possession of the bequest in 1946. In the early years, these additions were mainly in pre-1800 European art and circus-related material, but over the second half of the 20th century, directors and curators also began acquiring works by modern and contemporary artists. A Decade of Collecting presents a unique snapshot of how The Ringling’s collection continues to evolve, allowing us to tell new stories of the past, present, and future. Visit ringling.org to plan your visit.
Museum of Art Searing Galleries
Willkommen to Kander and Ebb’s iconic CABARET, which transports us to 1939 Berlin and the dynamic and pleasure-filled Kit Kat Klub. As a dark shadow falls over the city and the power of the Third Reich begins to mount, the Klub’s performers and patrons must decide if they’ll wake up to the evil on their doorsteps or continue to escape to the alluring fantasy world of the cabaret. Since its debut in 1967, this classic musical has won countless awards, including the Tony Awards® for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Revival of a Musical. Packed with vibrant and beloved songs like “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” “Money,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” and, of course, “Cabaret,” this timely masterwork will burst to life on stage under the direction of Broadway and Asolo Rep favorite Josh Rhodes.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
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