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SRQ DAILY Nov 13, 2023

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"These commonsense proposals will help ensure the survival of the iconic Florida manatee and combat red tide, which for too long has wreaked havoc on marine life, our waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida's tourism-based economy"

- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key.
 

[Government]  Buchanan Advances Red Tide, Manatee Rehab Funding
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A budget approved by the U.S. House of Representatives could bring more funding to combat red tide on the Gulf Coast.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, this week announced he had successfully secured $2.5 million for the National Water Quality Program that will be earmarked for research into harmful algal blooms. That comes after a number of significant red tide blooms that impacted the region over the past five years. 

In the 2022-’23 fiscal year alone, Manatee County cleared nearly 5 tons of dead fish and debris from area beaches attributed to red tide outbreaks.

The funding was one of two major ecological proposals Buchanan secured in the House budget. He also championed $1.15 million dedicated for the rescue and rehabilitation on manatees.

“These commonsense proposals will help ensure the survival of the iconic Florida manatee and combat red tide, which for too long has wreaked havoc on marine life, our waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida’s tourism-based economy,” said Buchanan. “I am very pleased to see these measures pass with broad bipartisan support and look forward to working to see them enacted into law.”

The money for both projects, per the House budget, would be directed through an Interior and Environmental funding bill.

Buchanan has also pushed for the past two years to put manatees back on the endangered species list, Sea cows were redesignated as merely threatened as of 2016. 

He also is continuing to work to treat red tide blooms impacting communities as federal disasters, similar to hurricanes. 

Photo courtesy Rep. Buchanan's Facebook.

[Recognition]  SMH Continues Straight A Safety Streak

Sarasota Memorial Hospital received top marks in the fall 2023 Hospital Safety Report Cards released today by the Leapfrog Group. Leapfrog assigned letter grades to nearly 3,000 general hospitals on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections. The latest grades show hospitals reducing health care-acquired infections (HAIs) post-pandemic after significant increases in infection rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. SMH-Sarasota continued a straight “A” streak it has held since 2016 and has been among a select group of hospitals that maintained its strong safety record during the pandemic years and its challenging aftermath. The new grades are the first to reflect hospital performance post-pandemic. This cycle, nearly 30% of hospitals earned an "A," 24% earned a "B," 39% earned a "C," 7% earned a "D" and less than 1% earned an "F." Sarasota Memorial’s ranking comes on top of a growing list of national accolades, including multiple “Best Hospital” rankings and ratings for 2023-2024 from U.S. News & World Report, Magnet designation for 20 consecutive years, and repeated recognition on Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Hospitals.” SMH-Sarasota also is the only hospital in Florida to consistently earn the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ highest 5-star quality award since the federal government launched the rating system in 2016. SMH-Venice has not been open long enough to be graded in this cycle of report cards. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The Leapfrog grading system is fully transparent, free to the public and updated biannually to help patients choose the safest hospitals for their care. To view the Fall 2023 result, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

  

[Recognition]  HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital Earns an A Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital earned an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog group that assigns letter grades to hospitals across the country. This is the 18th “A” grade the hospital has earned. The grades are based on more than 30 national performance measures including errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and what hospitals have in place to prevent harm. Grades are updated twice a year in the fall and spring. 

[Leadership]  PGT Innovations Appoints Craig Henderson as Chief Financial Officer

PGT Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: PGTI), a national brand and innovation leader in the fenestration and garage door industries, announced today the appointment of Craig Henderson as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 31, 2023. As Chief Financial Officer, Henderson will lead the company’s finance strategy, budgeting and planning, accounting, financial reporting, and investor relations functions. Henderson joined PGT Innovations in 2021 as Vice President of Finance, with responsibilities for leading the company's budgeting and planning and investor relations functions, and has been serving as interim Chief Financial Officer since February 2023. Henderson holds over 20 years of experience in finance leadership in both manufacturing and tech companies. Prior to joining PGT Innovations, he served in multiple financial leadership positions with Trex Company, Inc., including Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Business Development, and Treasurer. Henderson received his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Stetson University.  

[Recognition]  SMH-Venice Earns Age-Friendly Recognition

Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Venice Campus has joined the ranks of “Age-Friendly" health systems. The Venice hospital received the national recognition this month, joining approximately 1,900 hospitals, medical practices, clinics, and nursing homes committing significant training and resources to enhance care for older adults. The SMH-Sarasota Campus achieved this designation in 2019, and its Rehabilitation Pavilion has also been recognized as an age-friendly site. With the only two hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facility on the Suncoast designated as “Age-Friendly,” SMH continues to set the benchmark for care for older adults. Among other initiatives, SMH is implementing evidence-based interventions known as the “4Ms,” which have proven essential in providing better care to older patients: What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility. “Age-Friendly Health Systems” is an initiative of the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Hospitals and health systems achieving the designation follow rigorous standards and evidence-based interventions specifically designed to deliver safe, reliable, high-quality care based on what matters most to older adults as individuals. 

[New Homes]  DiVosta's New Resort Community TerraWalk is the Talk of Babcock Ranch

Excitement is in the air as home sales begin in TerraWalk, DiVosta’s first neighborhood in Babcock Ranch, and an official grand opening is planned for Nov. 11. Featuring DiVosta’s signature resort-inspired lifestyle with exclusive lakefront amenities, TerraWalk offers 1,000 luxury single-family homes and garden villas nestled along lakes, preserves and cul-de-sac streets. The grand opening event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also marks the completion of TerraWalk’s four professionally decorated model homes and includes food trucks and limited-time savings on new homes. TerraWalk’s extensive network of hiking and biking paths connect to Babcock Ranch’s growing trail and park system and lead to the neighborhood’s private eight-acre amenity center. Surrounded by water views, the resort campus offers expansive indoor and outdoor destinations for active and leisurely pastimes. As the community’s social and activity hub, the luxuriously appointed 12,000-square-foot clubhouse features a state-of-the-art fitness center, spin room, dedicated movement studio and locker rooms, activity and game rooms, golf simulator, an indoor-outdoor lounge, and a catering kitchen. Alfresco amenities include a resort pool, heated spa, The Porch Bar and Grille , fire pit lounge area, an events lawn, dog park and tennis, pickleball and bocce courts. Situated within 416 acres, TerraWalk’s location in southwestern Babcock Ranch in Lee County offers immediate access to State Road 31 and shorter travel times to I-75. The neighborhood is also close to stores and restaurants at the Publix-anchored Crescent B Commons and Founder’s Square, the town’s lakefront downtown of healthcare, professional offices, remote work sites, restaurants and the center of communitywide celebrations, entertainment and events. Future commercial development is planned just to the northeast of TerraWalk. TerraWalk’s model homes illustrate the gated neighborhood’s 11 floor plans and DiVosta’s consumer-driven designs emphasizing flexibility, outdoor living and sought-after open concepts blending spacious gathering rooms, kitchens and café dining areas. Homes feature kitchens with islands, inviting owner’s suites and flexible spaces for additional bedrooms, dens and retreats. The models also represent TerraWalk’s three home collections – the Vista, Distinctive and Echelon series – and highlight luxury finish selections and options for homebuyers to personalize their homes. TerraWalk offers convenient access to the Southwest Florida International Airport, the Punta Gorda Airport and major shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in Fort Myers and Punta Gorda. Families with school-age children have a choice of educational options, including the renowned onsite Babcock Schools providing K-12 project-based learning. Students are also eligible for the School District of Lee County’s school choice program, which includes International Baccalaureate and advanced academic programs for middle and high schoolers. For more information about TerraWalk in Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town, visit the new sales center at 12532 Quartz Drive, join the VIP Interest List at www.DiVosta.com/TerraWalk or call 941-344-2971. 

Pictured: Envisioned as the social center for TerraWalk, the future neighborhood clubhouse will be designed with spaces for residents to gather, dine and workout along with a resort pool featuring dedicated lap lanes and a spa.

[Recognition]    Three Teachers Learn They Are Finalists for District Teacher of the Year  

On Friday morning, November 10, the teacher tribute bus tour left from the Sarasota County Schools district office at the Landings. On the bus were school administrators, former Teacher of the Year Award recipients, Education Foundation of Sarasota County team members, and local reporters. They visited three schools to share with three teachers some exciting news: they had been named finalists for the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Award.  This year’s finalists are: Elementary school: Ronnique Major, Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Middle school: Haley Brown, Pine View School, High school: Dennis Pinna, North Port High School.  In coordination with school-based staff, a surprise event was held for each teacher to recognize their accomplishment as a Teacher of the Year finalist. Dennis Pinna, who thought he was attending professional development with his social studies colleagues, was surprised in the North Port High School gym, where the advanced orchestra class performed, and students and cheerleaders cheered. Haley Brown thought she was attending a school assembly when she was surprised by the tribute bus entourage coming out from behind the curtains to celebrate her. Ronnique Major was surprised to step out of her classroom door to find the other fifth-grade classes, her family, and the tribute tour group clapping and cheering loudly to congratulate her. The event and announcement of the finalists is part of the annual Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration, which the Education Foundation sponsors in partnership with Sarasota County Schools. This year’s Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at the Venice Community Center. Forty-six school-based Teacher of the Year finalists will be honored, and one of the three finalists will be named the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. One teacher will also be recognized as the Innovation Teacher of the Year. Throughout 2024, the district Teacher of the Year will represent Sarasota County Schools at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program and will serve as a spokesperson for and representative of the teaching profession. This celebration is made possible because of generous sponsors. The Education Foundation is grateful for presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group as well as Publix Super Markets Charities and Suncoast Credit Union.For more information about the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, including ticket availability, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/ignite.

 



[SRQIST]  Failure Is Not An Option
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION | Role of the curator, November 2023. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: 2023 ECOSummit , December 5 – December 6

Get inspired by two days of Big Ideas and Solutions at the ECOSummit as experts share insights and innovations for recharging our environment and reducing our impacts-crucial to sustaining our coastal community’s quality of life. Community storytellers will explore our environmental heritage as a touchstone for a resilient future. It’s a lively and entertaining two-day solutions-oriented experience with lectures, panel discussions, storytelling, and music. Award-winning Americana songwriter Karen Jonas and her band will weave dazzling threads of their dreamy Alt-Country music through the tapestry of stories over two days. Networking coffee breaks, lunches, lunchtime wellness and guided walks, and professional continuing education credits all included. The summit will take place from December 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information, visit scienceandenvironment.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: A Brave New Wonderland , November 18 – December 31, Various times

Hometown hero and international superstar Nik Wallenda is collaborating with the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) to bring an extraordinary holiday spectacle, A Brave New Wonderland, to the CAC’s Holiday-Themed Big Top in the East District at UTC. The show, with 45 performances through December 31, promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling, curated and produced under the creative eye of the King of the High Wire, Wallenda himself, along with his world record-holding wife, Erendira Wallenda. Through breathtaking performances by artists from diverse backgrounds, captivating narratives, and the shared spirit of Wallenda’s personal tagline, Never Give Up! Brave New Wonderland seeks to plant a seed of unity in the hearts of its audience. It's a show where the magic of the season is not just about traditions and celebrations but also about embracing our differences and finding strength in diversity. For more information, visit circusarts.org.

[SOON]  SPORTS: All-American Women's Baseball Classic Tournament , November 17 – November 19

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day baseball extravaganza as the second annual All-American Women's Baseball Classic tournament descends upon Ed Smith Stadium, spring training home of the 2023 AL East Champion Baltimore Orioles. Hosted by American Girls Baseball, an affiliate organization of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, and Visit Sarasota County, this event promises to deliver non-stop action, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments on the diamond. From November 17th to 19th, witness the nation's top women's baseball players as they showcase their skills, athleticism, and determination in a series of thrilling games. The All-American Womens Baseball Classic is the epitome of sheer joy and excitement that only women's baseball can provide. To purchase tickets, visit mlb.com/orioles/spring-training/all-american-womens-baseball-classic.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Free Dentistry Day at Creekwood Dental , November 17, 7am-12pm

Residents in the Bradenton community and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to receive free dental services at Creekwood Dental on Friday, November 17. Drs. Jennifer Pfeiffer, Brian Harrington and team at Creekwood Dental will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance. During Free Dentistry Day, cleanings, fillings and extractions will be provided to patients on Friday, November 17, between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. at 5210 Creekwood Boulevard in Bradenton. Patients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 941-755-1488 or visit www.FreeDentistryDay.org.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Cynthia Sayer Glenridge Performing Arts Center , November 15, 7:30pm

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center’s 2023-2024 season opens with multi-award winning banjoist and vocalist Cynthia Sayer with her all-star Joyride Band performing a mix of jazz, American Songbook standards, and more, Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m., at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. Tickets are $30. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 941-552-5325 or visit GpacTix.com.

[SOON]  FOOD: School of Hospitality and Tourism Management All-Inclusive Dining Event , October 17 – November 14, 6-8pm

The public is invited to enjoy an elegant night out at the Powel Crosley Estate, where Sarasota-Manatee students will deliver an unforgettable hospitality experience from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. The event promises to delight guests with a gourmet spread, including risotto, salmon, steak, dessert and an opportunity to customize their own “potato martini” with sautéed Spanish onions, roasted garlic confit, apple smoked bacon and other savory toppings. A second dinner will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the same location. The semi-annual dinner series is an opportunity for students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to gain hands-on experience in designing, preparing and executing an all-inclusive dining event. “This will be a dynamic learning experience for all of them,” said Joe Askren, a professor of instruction in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who, along with his colleague Angad Dang, will assist the students throughout the night. “We look forward to showcasing our students’ skills at these events.” Visit usf.to/taste to purchase tickets.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota Hooters Jeep Nights , September 16 – December 21, 6pm

Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota Cars and Coffee at University Town Center , March 11 – December 9, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tours , September 2 – September 30, Various times

Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.

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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