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SRQ DAILY Jul 17, 2023

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"Tourism is so much more than just restaurants and hotels."

- Erin Duggan, Visit Sarasota County
 

[Tourism]  Duggan Promises to Market Region to Target Audiences
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Erin Duggan grew up in Sarasota and has lived here most of her adult life. It’s about to be her job to convince the world the region is worth a visit.

Visit Sarasota County’s board of directors this month announced Duggan will serve as the organization’s new president and CEO, succeeding long-time leader Virginia Haley. That’s a promotion for Duggan, who for years served as the tourism bureau’s vice president.

A lifetime love of the region makes it easy enough for Duggan to list its virtues, but she notes the work of Visit Sarasota County is more than spotlighting community assets.

“It’s not just marketing a destination,” she said. “It’s about marketing the right aspects of the destination to the right people at the right time.”

The crowd flooding hotels in the summer represent a different kind of tourist, for example, than those coming to the area in February. It’s up to Visit Sarasota County to draw in business and recreation travelers during off seasons, and to draw in domestic and international travel who will support not just the hospitality industry but the entire economy.

Just as an example, she notes government conferences, where attendees come on the taxpayer dime, want to hold their events during points in the year when hotel rates are lowest. The tourism bureau often helps those public partners to find hotels with the right accommodations during times of year when the hotels offer rooms at the lowest cost, typically times when hoteliers hold the most anxiety about filling rooms at all.

Meanwhile, other business conferences often want help finding an appropriate amount of space for events at peak times when many hotels are largely booked. Visit Sarasota County wants to make sure hotels enjoy the greatest amount of profits when bringing those kinds of conventions to town.

And while a coastal community like Sarasota County needs to market its beaches, the indisputable leading draw for tourists, the bureau also markets the cultural and ecological assets that attract a special niche of traveler. Additionally, its those resources that help set Sarasota apart from other beachfront destinations. Duggan, for example, notes Visit Sarasota County holds the trademark to market the region as the “Cultural Coast.” But more important, it has the museums and galleries to back that up.

“We have been marketing as the ‘Cultural Coast’ for years, but we are really going to ramp that up,” Duggan said. “The same with outdoor and natural opportunities.” And in recent years, Sarasota has stepped up sports investments and wooed tournaments at all collegiate levels throughout the year.

One evolution Duggan wants to continue to usher is the inclusion of voices throughout the business community in how the destination will be marketed. That’s something Haley started and Duggan plans to continue.

“Virginia Haley is brilliant,” Duggan said. “She really does a great job listening to the community and listening to the equally brilliant board of director. We have a board that us very diverse. It used to be primarily tourism folks. Now it purposefully has health care leaders, small business owners, large business owners, people from banking and construction.

“Tourism is so much more than just restaurants and hotels.” 

Photo courtesy Visit Sarasota County: Erin Duggan

[Recognition]  Sarasota Attorney Michael Resnick Honored for 50 Years with The Florida Bar

Syprett Meshad president and founding partner Michael L. Resnick was recently recognized by The Florida Bar for 50 years of continuous membership during a special luncheon held Friday, June 23, in Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Resnick and other 50-year members from across the state of Florida gathered to celebrate being active members of The Florida Bar since 1973. Throughout the decades, Mr. Resnick has focused his practice on marital and family law. His cases involve marital dissolution and post-dissolution issues involving marital assets, complex property division issues, custody, alimony, child support, visitation, and modification of marital settlement agreements. Mr. Resnick holds an AV Preeminent® rating, the highest rating possible, from the peer review process facilitated by the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™. For over 15 years, he has been continuously selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list in the category of Family Law. Admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, the United States District Court Middle Court of Florida, and the United States Supreme Court, Mr. Resnick is also a former Vice Chairman of the Florida Bar Twelfth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. Mr. Resnick has been a guest lecturer for the Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education program, the State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program, and Hampton Seminars. The law firm of Syprett Meshad has been serving the greater Sarasota community for over 50 years. The Firm's attorneys provide legal representation in the practice areas of real estate transactions and litigation, personal injury, family law, commercial litigation, criminal defense, estate planning and probate administration and litigation. To learn more, visit smrl.com, or call 941.365.7171. 

Pictured: Syprett Meshad President, Attorney Michael L. Resnick.

[Recognition]  PGT Innovations Acknowledged with Workforce Development and Innovation Award

PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door industry, recently received the Workforce Development and Innovation Award for the second time from The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce during this year’s 33rd annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards. The manufacturing leader first received the accolade in 2020 during the 30th annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards. Held on June 23, the event honored 27 businesses across nine categories. As the award recipient for the Workforce Development and Innovation category, PGT Innovations was recognized for being an organization that is committed to creating world-class career opportunities right here in its corporate home region, with company leadership understanding the importance of upskilling workers, creating access points to career pathways, and recruiting through education and outreach. For years, the industry-leading manufacturer has been known for embodying a culture of care, part of which includes investing in team members in a way that encourages them to invest in themselves by offering training programs designed to inspire careers rather than jobs. In 2022, PGTI also launched Coopey World, an on-site training center to help new team members acclimate to manufacturing roles, improve retention rate, and create partnerships with local organizations. Externally, PGT Innovations has put a strong emphasis on building a skilled labor force for the future through various efforts. The manufacturing leader has worked with area high school students through its Pathway to PGTI program, which allows students to train alongside a PGT Innovations mentor during their school day and explore potential career paths in manufacturing. Last year, PGT Innovations was recognized by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce during the 32nd annual awards ceremony with the Large Business Award. 

[Recognition]  DutchCrafters Director of Stores and Fulfillment Kari-Jo Koshes Chosen for 2023 Furniture Today’s 40 Under 40 Award

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Director of Stores and Fulfillment Kari-Jo Koshes, DBA, was chosen for Furniture Today’s 2023 40 Under 40 award winners. The awards are given to 40 up-and-coming furniture industry leaders under the age of 40, recognizing them for their career achievements and industry involvement. When Koshes joined DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at dutchcrafters.com, she knew the company offered opportunities for her growth. From 2013 to today, she has grown significantly. In her current position she is responsible for leading innovations in shipping and product delivery, overseeing the warehouse and outlet store, and managing showroom experience and expansion. Making time for what’s important outside of work, Koshes created a nonprofit called Brand New Chapters. She collects and provides books for those who do not have access to reading. So far, she has collected 2,700 books. “Giving is one of our company’s core values,” she said, “and that nonprofit is my heart and soul.” Koshes also serves on the boards of the Junior League of Sarasota and Literacy Council of Sarasota. Recently she was invited to join the Sarasota County Human Services Advisory Council. Educational achievements include earning a bachelor’s degree in general business with a minor in international business from the University of Central Florida. She completed her MBA and DBA from Columbia Southern University. Koshes is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Sarasota County and a 2023 graduate of Leadership Florida. 

[Announcement]  Wellen Park Announces New 75,000-Square-Foot Medical Office Building

Wellen Park is bringing additional medical services and healthcare options to the region with The Medical Center at Wellen Park, a planned 75,000-square-foot medical office building just east of the River Road and U.S. 41 intersection. The new three-story facility, developed and managed by Sarasota-based CASTO Healthcare Real Estate, will provide multidisciplinary medical suites for physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals with custom-designed spaces for in-office procedures and outpatient services. Several healthcare providers have already inquired on leasing space and a few have already signed leases to The Medical Center at Wellen Park. Construction is expected to begin in late 2023. With a 12- to 18-month build time, the medical center is anticipated to open in early to mid-2025. A third-generation family-owned real estate and property management company founded in Columbus in 1926, CASTO has operated residential and commercial holdings in Florida since 1995, branching into the medical field five years ago as a partner with physicians, hospitals and healthcare systems. The Medical Center at Wellen Park will offer office spaces ranging from 1,500 to 25,000 square feet and 409 dedicated parking spaces. Leasing information is available by contacting Ruben at 941-232-2937. 

Pictured: The Medical Center at Wellen Park will provide multidisciplinary medical suites for physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals with custom-designed spaces for in-office procedures and outpatient services.

[Grand Opening]  Democratic Resource Center to Open in Newtown

The Sarasota County Democratic Party (SCDP) and the Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus are excited to announce the opening of the new Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus Resource Center. On July 15th from 10 AM-4 PM, the Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus will be hosting an office grand opening of the resource center located in the heart of historic Newtown at 1751 Dr. MLK Way, Unit A, Sarasota, FL. 34234. "The Black Caucus Resource Center will serve as a permanent Democratic presence in Newtown and help provide year-round voter support in the community," said SCDP Chair Daniel Kuether. "Newtown deserves to know the local Democratic Party supports them beyond each election season. The Black Caucus Resource Center will inform voters, connect residents to their local government, and serve as a meeting place in Newtown to address and hear the community's needs," added Kuether. “This effort is only possible through the strength of our Democratic Black Caucus and their President, Greg Marshall.” The Sarasota Democratic Party believes new voter engagement strategies will help reinforce Newtown residents' voices. Kuether noted, "We are very much invested in aiding this neighborhood by facilitating resources and increasing access to voters throughout the community. Sarasota has much to gain from a well-equipped Newtown and bolstering everyday citizens' right to vote." 

[Leadership]  Premier Sotheby's International Realty Strengthens Leadership in its Sarasota Region

Based on its continued growth and commitment to the region, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has named Terrence Cook as a new member of its leadership team who will oversee all Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch office locations alongside current managing broker Craig Cerreta. With an impressive background in real estate and extensive experience in the local market, Cook brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. An award-winning leader, he previously served as the regional vice president of Coldwell Banker in West Central Florida after a successful career spanning over 7 years as the managing broker of the Lakewood Ranch offices. Additionally, he spent 12 years in real estate sales and consulting in Sarasota. In addition to his business accolades, Terrence also served on the Florida Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors, the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee Board of Directors, MLS Committee, Grievance Committee, Professional Standards Committee and the Stellar MLS Policy and Procedures Committee.  Terrence joins Craig Cerreta, current managing broker of the Sarasota office locations, under a new leadership structure where both will jointly oversee all brokerage activities and advisors for the three offices. Since assuming the leadership role in 2017, Craig has grown his operations to be the highest performing among all Premier Sotheby’s International Realty offices in both Florida and North Carolina. Consistently recognized for his accomplishments across myriad categories, he is highly engaged in both real estate and community networks in Sarasota. Huskey referenced that veteran Linda Bradway will continue in her valued role as the leader of the company’s Venice-based operations where she’s been instrumental in the growth of the company in that and surrounding markets. 

To learn more, visit

[Architect Profile]  CREATING COASTAL CONTEMPORARY HOMES IN PARADISE

BIRD KEY ABODE

This house on Bird Key is a paradigm of the coastal contemporary work that MHK is well known for. The elegantly detailed home integrates elements of the Old Florida style–metal roofs with narrow and deep overhangs, simulated lap siding, board and batten siding, brackets and corbels. The mass of the house is broken down into perfectly proportioned volumes to create a more intimate human scale with nooks and unique moments. Natural materials such as wood and stone are incorporated as tasteful accents throughout the house. Lighting design and home automation are state-of-the-art and designed to be upgraded for years into the future. Like all MHK legacy homes, this house is designed for stability, security, precision, and beauty.

“Our work is inspired by Florida Cracker homes in the vernacular context, landscape, and climate. It’s about designing homes that provide shade and relief from the harsh sun and celebrating the outdoors while at the same time providing security during intense weather systems. “We design fairly large houses, but we break them up in a way that feels very human-scaled and comfortable. We combine the indoor areas, often about 6,500 SF, with the outdoor area—often about 2,000 SF in a way that feels casually open yet intimate at the same time.” 

Stephen Balut Studio Director, Sarasota, MHK Architecture, Office: 941-271-4408, Cell: 941-779-7832, sbalut@mhkarchitecture.com, mhkarchitecture.com.

Check out more on this feature!

[Expansion]  Senior Advocacy Group Expands Services to Venice and South Sarasota, Grows Team

Senior Advocacy Group, a public benefit corporation dedicated to advocating for older adults’ well-being, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new office in Venice. Located at 871 Venetia Bay Blvd., Suite 201, the new office enables Senior Advocacy Group to provide services for families throughout Southwest Florida, from Naples to Sarasota. The new office features inviting, comfortable meeting spaces for clients and their families, as well as to host educational events. The office will be open by appointment. In addition to its new location, Senior Advocacy Group has announced the appointment of Ashley DeVries as client care director and Emma Barnes as operations manager. With more than 15 years of social work experience, DeVries serves as a compassionate health care surrogate and agent under a durable power of attorney, providing an array of fiduciary and life care management services to support older adults at optimal levels of care. Prior to joining Senior Advocacy Group, DeVries served as a client care manager at McKenney Home Care. She previously served as the executive director at Seascape at Naples, formerly known as Keystone Naples. DeVries also previously held positions at Solaris Healthcare Imperial and St. Bernard’s Behavioral Health Hospital. Barnes oversees the expanding business operations of the firm. She most recently served as a consultant and care manager at The Senior’s Answer in Miami. Barnes also previously served as a service manager for Alsco Uniforms and brings a diverse background of experience to the Senior Advocacy Group team. Senior Advocacy Group was founded by partners Shelley Rhoads Perry, a seasoned trust and estates attorney with extensive fiduciary planning and administrative experience, and Linda Flores, a former banking executive with more than 25 years of experience in the financial sector. Flores is also a Florida-registered professional guardian. In addition to their work at Senior Advocacy Group, Perry and Flores provide educational outreach and volunteer their time to serve those in need through the Legal Aid Service of Collier County and Habitat for Humanity. Perry is on the Executive Board of the Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida. She has served on the boards of the Collier County Women’s Bar Association, the Leadership Coalition on Aging (now known as Age-Friendly Collier), and Greater Naples Leadership. She was an adjunct professor at the Ave Maria Law School and taught its estate planning clinic. Flores, who is Spanish bilingual, has held board and volunteer positions at the Neighborhood Health Clinic and The Shelter Guild for Abused Women and Children. Senior Advocacy Group is a public benefit corporation with offices in Naples and Venice advocating for older adults’ well-being by offering comprehensive fiduciary and life management services that integrate legal, financial, medical, emotional and social needs. As a professional fiduciary firm, their experienced, compassionate and dedicated team serves as their clients’ independent trustee, agent under a durable power of attorney, health care surrogate or personal representative, and coordinates the often-needed life care management services. Fiduciary Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Senior Advocacy Group, provides streamlined and cost-effective professional trust and estate administration services for charitable donors, surviving spouses and family beneficiaries. For more information, visit SeniorAGroup.com or call 239-206-1203. 

[Airport News]  SRQ Passenger Numbers for June 2023

Last month 309,127 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 288,058 passengers in June of 2022. This represents an increase of 7%. The 12-month activity through June 2023 totals 4,144,917 passengers, a 9% increase compared to 3,795,854 passengers for the 12 months through June 2022. The first half of calendar year 2023 has seen a 14% increase in passenger traffic over the same period in 2022. “The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport continues to trend in exponential growth. We are taking initiative to ensure our forward progress on the multitude of construction projects currently underway. As airlines publish holiday flight schedules we look forward to an increase in available service as compared to 2022,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

[Transportation]  Vessels Arrive for New Gulf Islands Water Ferry Service

The two 50-foot catamarans, as part of the highly anticipated Gulf Islands Ferry service, have splashed down in Cortez, Florida. The water ferry service is set to transport visitors and locals between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The service is anticipated to launch later this summer. The service, marketed by The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) and operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, is a tremendous first step in providing multi-modal transportation throughout the County. In addition to providing easy transport to the island, the service is an extended commitment in working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations. Powered by renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design elements, the vessels further support BACVB’s Love It Like a Local initiative and Leave No Trace commitment. A one-way ticket will cost $8 per person, providing an economical and easy way to hop between the mainland and island. Special pricing will be available for children and seniors. The two catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and the Downtown Duchess, hold 49 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port. Coast Guard trial will take place over the next four to six weeks, at which time final run times and ports will be determined. To learn more, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry or contact Leanne Keeling, Executive Assistant to Elliott Falcione, for the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (941) 729-9177 Ext. 3944 or Leanne.Keeling@BACVB.com. 

[Recognition]  Carey Beychok Makes America’s Best List

Carey Beychok of RE/MAX Alliance Group was recently recognized in the 2023 “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” rankings by RealTrends + Tom Ferry. That places her among the top 1.5% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States. Beychok generated more than $23 million in sales in 2022. To qualify for the “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” list, individual agents must have completed at least 50 transactions or closed $20 million in sales volume during the year. A lifelong resident of Southwest Florida, Beychok has extensive knowledge of the area and its history. Her entire career has been in the real estate industry, first as a new home sales representative for several of the area's largest builders, and now as a Broker-Associate with RE/MAX Alliance Group after running her own brokerage firm for many years. Her family has been building and developing real estate locally since 1946, which gives her deep understanding of both the new and resale markets. Beychok is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and has earned the Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS) and Residential Construction Certified (RCC) designations. She is based in the Sarasota office at 2000 Webber Street, and can be reached at (941) 315-4348 or via email at CareyBeychok@remax.net.

  



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: My Search for Warren Harding, A Reading and Conversation with Author Robert Plunket , July 17, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
The comic masterpiece My Search for Warren Harding, by Robert Plunket, is getting a second life with its recent reissue. When My Search for Warren Harding, Robert Plunket’s glittering story of literary sleuthing and deceit, first appeared in 1983, it garnered immediate and far-reaching acclaim. Come hear more from Plunket as he talks with us about the new edition of his novel. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $19 and include a copy of My Search for Warren Harding. More information and RSVP here: https://www.sarasotabooks.com/events . In the loft at Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Comedy Lottery at Florida Studio Theatre Improv , June 3 – July 29, 7:30pm
It is the lottery where everyone wins. Twelve lucky audience members determine the fate of our team by selecting the nightly lineup of games. Our cast of funny people are off to the races spinning scenes, sketches, and songs to win your laughter. Bownes Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Summer Circus Spectacular , June 9 – August 12, Various times

Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat this summer at reasonable prices while experiencing the best of the circus arts, thanks to the continued partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. The Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year, with exciting acts signed on for the one-hour, action-packed show. The 2023 Summer Circus Spectacular, which has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and groups alike, takes place from June 9 through August 12. Tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under, and tickets for the 7 p.m. opening night performance and celebration on Friday, June 9, which includes a gala reception with the artists, are $50. To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for an additional $5. Visit Ringling.org or call the Box Office at 941-360-7399 to purchase tickets and learn more. The Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  DANCE: Saltare Mortis In Studio Series at Sarasota Contemporary Dance , June 9 – July 17, 7pm
At the Saltare Mortis In-Studio Series, come take a glimpse into our lives as detectives as we attempt to solve a mystery in a town where crime is next to none. Though detectives in training, we have many tools up our sleeve to help us solve the mystery. But we could use your help. Put your detective skills to the test to help us unmask the criminal. You never know what surprises we will run into along the way. Shows will run in person on June 9 and 10 and July 14 with virtual options on June 19 and July 17. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sarasotacontemporarydance.org.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Surfer Boys at Florida Studio Theatre , June 13 – August 13, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its Summer Cabaret Series with The Surfer Boys,an energetic tribute to the music of The Beach Boys. Featuring such hits as California Girls, Good Vibrations, Barbara Ann, and Surfin USA, The Surfer Boys is filled with the honey-tinged harmonies and unforgettable melodies that defined 1960s California and pop music. The Surfer Boys begins playing June 13 in the FST Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  GALLERY: 55 Frida Project , June 18 – August 18, Various times

Maverick, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo painted 55 self-portraits in her short and tragic life. View the commemorative exhibit by artist Beck Lane of her work at UUCS Lexow Wing Gallery, her artwork merges extraordinary creative vision and innovative technique and has been collected and shown in pop-up galleries, solo shows, galleries, and private collections in Boston, California, New York City, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Miami, Brussels, Switzerland, South America, and Israel. On her YouTube Channel, Catalyst and Co., Beck records herself painting live, while offering encouragement to fellow artists, and sharing her experiences as an artist and her painting process and techniques. These mixed medium works pulsate with powerful, vibrant energy, fluid color and rare style. On Sunday, July 16, Lane will be painting live from 12-2 pm at the Lexow Gallery. UUCS Lexow Wing Gallery, 3975 Fruitville Rd., www.uucsarasota.com, www.becklaneartist.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: Black Pearl Sings , June 28 – August 6, Various times

In 1935 Depression-era Texas, two women from very different backgrounds discover the other holds the key to everything they have each been searching for. Susannah is an ambitious Library of Congress musicologist, determined to record undocumented slave songs. Pearl is an African American woman with a soulful voice, a steely spirit, and a sentence in a high-security female prison. Pearls memory is a treasure-trove of unrecorded slave era music, but can she hand over her ancestors’ songs without giving up something of herself? Black Pearl Sings tells the evocative story of an unlikely bond, preservation of musical heritage, and the human need for hope and healing. Florida Studio Theatre, Keating Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Creative Collaboration , July 1 – July 28, Various times

The newest artists at Art Uptown Gallery will be featured in the July exhibit, Creative Collaboration, showcasing their original paintings. Meet the artists, Donna Grossman, Christine Hales, Debbie Kadagian, Maureen Riesco and Kathryn Adele Schumacher at the First Friday public reception on July 7 from 6-9 p.m. All five award-winning artists are local, full-time residents of Sarasota. The exhibit opens on Saturday, July 1 and runs through Friday, July 28. Art Uptown Gallery welcomes patrons and friends at 1367 Main Street where the diverse work of regional award-winning artists is exhibited. Telephone 941-955-5409 or visit www.artuptown.com for hours and further information.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sculputure Anatomy Classes with Stephen Perkins , July 3 – July 17, 2 to 5 pm

Solid anatomy study should be the foundation for all figurative art. But have you ever studied anatomy from a round or 3-D perspective? This way of learning is a game-changer for bringing your understanding of anatomy back into your drawing and painting. Whether you choose to explore this class in charcoal or clay, you’ll benefit from Stephen’s in-depth guidance of the subtleties of the beautiful and suggestive gestures and anatomy of the hands and feet. Stephen Perkins is recommended by some of the top sculpture organizations in the world including the National Sculpture Society, The Posey Foundation, and the American Numismatic Society. To learn more and enroll, visit mianoacademy.org.

[SOON]  THEATER: Divas Three , July 11 – September 17, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre presents Divas Three, a dynamic music revue featuring four decades of hits by some of the most influential women of music. With songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Carole King, and more, this original revue pays tribute to the artists whose musical impact has earned them the coveted title of diva. Created by Nancy Allen Productions, Divas Three begins playing on July 11 in the FST Court Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000. Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Eco Engineers , April 12 – September 3, During museum hours

Eco Engineers are plants and animals that profoundly impact their ecosystem. Through their presence or behavior, eco engineers create microhabitats, or unique areas within an ecosystem. Other species have taken notice of these microhabitats and decided to move in! In this exhibition, explore nine of Florida’s eco engineers and discover why our landscape wouldn’t be the same without them. Eco Engineers is a bilingual (English and Spanish) special exhibition created by our own Museum curators. Included with museum admission. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: She Engineers at the Bishop , January 24 – July 30, During museum hours

SHE ENGINEERS is a bilingual (English and Spanish) poster exhibition highlighting eight women in various engineering fields. In their own words, the women share their passion and what inspired them to become engineers. If we support a woman in STEM, then she can change the world.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Reclaiming Home, Contemporary Seminole Art at Ringling Museum , March 29 – September 4, Museum hours

Reclaiming Home, Contemporary Seminole Art group exhibition will mark The Ringling’s first presentation of contemporary art by Native American artists with ancestral, historical, and present-day connections to Florida. An imperative step toward establishing a meaningful relationship with the Native American artistic community, Reclaiming Home will highlight the breadth and depth of the artwork by Seminole, Miccosukee, and mixed-heritage artists from Florida with the important work by internationally-recognized artists. The exhibition will expand the conceptual framework of Native American art made in Florida today and provide a fuller understanding of the complexities of issues within the art of the Seminole diaspora. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: SIN Nights at Geckos on Hillview , May 12 – August 31, 10 pm to midnight

Enjoy SIN Nights for Geckos Hospitality and Service Industry Colleagues. Join Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village and let us serve you late at night after your shift on Friday and Saturday nights. We will keep the light on late for you and offer Geckos food and drink specials just for you from 10-Midnight. Come in wearing your uniform or bring in your schedule and enjoy the camaraderie of friends at Geckos on Hillview. 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota, www.GeckosGrill.com.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Lorna Bieber, Natural World at The Ringling , May 20 – October 15, Museum hours

The Ringling presents a solo exhibition of works by Lorna Bieber in May that includes two new pieces making their debut in the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art. Her artwork first and foremost encourages us to indulge in the pleasures of looking and discovering anew the details of the visual world. Her artistic practice is grounded in appropriating, recycling, and manipulating imagery. The work reminds us of the image world that inundates our daily existence. Our experience of reality is mediated through a barrage of photographic digital images that supplants our connection to the natural world. Yet, Bieber is less interested in a critique of this condition than she is in offering her work as an antidote, a way to inspire viewers and reconnect with our shared sense of wonder. Included with museum admission. The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Creative Personal Development Workshops , July 3 – July 31, 7:30 to 8:30 am

Artist Laine Nixon is offering a new personal development workshops for the month of July for anyone looking to add a spark of creativity to their routines. The Creative Habits Lab is a daily, structured hour to build a consistent creative morning routine.  The lab meets every weekday morning during July. To learn more and register, visit lainenixon.com/workshops.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Conservation Foundation Trivia Nights , June 9 – August 11, 5 to 8 p.m.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce a monthly trivia series this summer at their Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey on June 9, July 14 and August 11. The free community events will take place from 5pm to 8pm with trivia beginning at 6pm. Each month a different food truck duo will be onsite offering a variety of tasty options the whole family can enjoy. The public is invited to come watch, play, or simply enjoy nature and food with family and friends. Each monthly event will have a different theme with a variety of questions covering categories ranging from movies and music to science and nature. Teams can have up to eight members and multi-generational teams are encouraged. The winning team for each individual monthly event will receive a prize package in recognition of their win. Points will also be accumulated across the series, with the overall winning team receiving their choice of a private, guided hike or kayak trip for up to ten people. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit upon for this outdoor, picnic-style gathering. In the event of rain, the trivia component will be moved to an area under cover. Learn more and RSVP at conservationfoundation.com/events. Conservation Foundation, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey.

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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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