SRQ DAILY Aug 5, 2024
Monday Business Edition
"The biggest thing for me is leaving a legacy."
The Sarasota County Commission next year will have one woman. Republican voters in District 1 will decide on Aug. 20 if that’s Teresa Mast or Alexandra Coe. That’s when a GOP Primary will effectively determine who succeeds term-limited Commissioner Mike Moran on the board.
For Mast, the coming election marks a culmination of more than a year and a half of campaigning for the opening on the board. She’s lived in the community since she was a teenager, and wants to play a role in ensuring its economic vitality, she said.
“The biggest thing for me is leaving a legacy,” she said. “The community I live in and call home, where I live and work and play, I want it to continue to be a conservative county that cares for the health, wealth and safety of its citizens.”
Coe, a member of the County Charter Review Board, has been active for years in historic preservation and founded the more libertarian-leaning Republican Liberty Caucus of Sarasota. She has focused on conservation during her campaign and expressed frustration at years of development influence on county government. She ran for commission previously in 2018 and sees little change.
“The overall tone of the County Commission is pretty much same, very developer-centric,” she said. “It has always been a part of it. But we cannot continue to elect people from the development sector to office and think that we won’t get overdevelopment. Just like if you elect lawyers you get more laws, when you elect developers you get more development.”
That’s an unmistakable jab at Mast, president of the Davin Group, a remodeling and renovation firm. Mast is also married to Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association. This draws constant criticisms the candidate will value the needs of development firms ahead of other residents.
But Mast said her own background doesn’t suggest she will only vote in favor of developers. She chaired Sarasota County’s Planning Commission, and supported conservation of agricultural areas in rural east Sarasota County. She also stressed her own contracting work, leading a business for years with female-majority ownership, supports businesses in rural and metropolitan areas.
“Whether it’s a dairy farmer or someone who is selling hand-made jewelry, or its doctors, lawyers and teachers, all have an impact on the quality of life in Sarasota County,” she said.
Both candidates expressed infrastructure concerns. Coe noted flooding concerns in the district and county, much of that tied to development.
“If we end up with Lakewood Ranch-style development all over east County,” she said, “that water has to go somewhere and gets pushed into the urban core.”
Mast noted other weather concerns, notably the need for better transportation routes during evacuations. She said the community needs to improve east-west corridors like Bee Ridge and Fruitville roads, and to have better north-south paths like Lorraine Road.
Both candidates made unsuccessful runs for county office before. Coe lost a District 2 race (before redistricting) six years ago to Christian Ziegler. Mast, meanwhile, ran unsuccessfully for Sarasota County School Board in 2016 and lost to Carolina Zucker. In both cases, the candidates’ last major run was county-wide, but they now seek votes only in their district.
Mast doesn’t care for the change to single-member voting. She believes all voters should weigh in on every commission race.
“I’ve worked for years at polling locations and every single election since this change was made, I’ve heard people say, ‘Why isn’t everyone on the ballot? I didn’t understand this would happen,’” she said.
Coe, though, feels happier campaigning in one-fifth of the county.
“It’s much nicer because I can really focus on the community,” she said. “With a district-specific race, you are really able to connect with neighborhoods, and that was the whole reason for single-member districts, so people could actually have a relationship with their county commissioner.”
Lili Kinsman, owner of Butter Curated Thrift, has a story about resilience, creativity, and passion. Butter was born out of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic after Lili lost her business as a professional chef—a career she had pursued for 37 years. With a love for organization, design, and staging, Lili transitioned her skills to the thrift store industry. Her journey is filled with unique experiences, from helping snowbirds prepare their vacation rentals to using her extensive inventory to create a vibrant and curated thrift store. Join us as Lili shares her insights and advice on navigating the world of thrift stores, the importance of community, and the creative process behind Butter Curated Thrift.
SRQ: What was the inspiration behind Butter Curated Thrift?
Kinsman: Butter was born out of the pandemic because I had another business I had been doing for about six years. My mom was a contractor so I knew how to do wallpaper, painting and decorating because staging is my real love–something I became passionate about as a professional chef. With my culinary background, I had gotten good at organizing and decorating so with the big influx of snowbirds that come to Florida every year, I would help them prepare and open their homes up as vacation rentals when they would go back north. When the owners would come they'd have their things. Then, if they had renters during the offseason, I would oversee the process of putting the vacation renter stuff in the houses. A lot of my clients began selling their homes leaving me with an excess of inventory. I had a whole bunch of inventory in storage and I didn’t know what to do with all this stuff. I thought I could either Facebook or Marketplace myself to death or start my own business selling the extra inventory. It took a while because, during the peak of COVID-19, I couldn't get an inspection on the rental space I had found in Gulfgate. While no one was coming, I was busy painting and decorating the space. The name “Butter” came from my time as a young chef in culinary school. I was one out of two women in a class of 122. My mentor, Julia Child, was one of the only female celebrity chefs during that time and that's where the name came from. It is an homage to butter.
SRQ: What book are you reading now that expands on your business acumen?
Kinsman: I keep up with fashion magazines to be up-to-date with all the latest trends. I found a church sale not too long ago that had a stack of 150 fashion magazines. Some of them were Vogue and some of them were older from the eighties and nineties.
SRQ: What podcast are you listening to that is inspiring you in your business life?
Kinsman: My business is so fluid that it would be hard to find any podcast that directly correlates but lately, I have been actively listening to podcasts about climate change and sustainability. I listen to Heather Cox Richardson who addresses climate change quite often from a very practical standpoint. That helps me with my business practices as I try to make it as sustainable as possible. While I am not in a position where I can change the building and make it smarter, I can change my own practices on how I shop and how to not consume so much stuff.
SRQ: Share one of your business bucket list items.
Kinsman: I guess my business bucket list item is to become less dependent on things like air conditioning and find ways where I can use less manufactured energy and more sustainable energy.
SRQ: What strategies or best practices have you found most effective in sourcing quality items for your thrift store, and how do you maintain a diverse and appealing inventory for your customers?
Kinsman: Unlike a consignment shop, we do not accept donations. It’s almost disingenuous to say we’re a thrift store because it’s more like a boutique and we do have some new things in there. The only time that stuff comes in is when we sell artwork, especially female artists because we like to support them. Everything else is collected from state sales, church sales, or even yard sales. When we find items we want to sell, our process begins by taking these items to our storage unit on Stickney Point Road. It stays there for a bit and then goes through a thorough cleaning process. During this cleaning process, every button, zipper and stitch gets inspected. If it is not good, it gets donated to one of the women’s shelters here. We prefer to donate it to local people who can use it instead of re-donating it to Goodwill. Lastly, it goes to the store where it gets priced. Our inventory includes items for all kinds of weather so if you come in June or July, we’ve got a lot of Grandpa sweaters, vests or cool leather jackets that you wouldn’t see in normal stores. Half of our demographic is made up of younger people like Gen Z or Millennials because they know this thrifting game inside and out and understand it is better for the planet.
For more information, you can visit Butter Curated Thrift SRQ on their Facebook here! https://www.facebook.com/butterlivingsrq/
SteeleHarbour Capital Partners (“SteeleHarbour”) is pleased to announce that John Lapins has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director to lead all development and construction activity. Mr. Lapins brings more than 30 years of design and development experience as an architect and developer. Prior to joining SteeleHarbour, Mr. Lapins led private hospitality development teams at Rockbridge Capital, Auro Hotels and Geolo Capital. Prior to that he spent 10 years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts where he ultimately led their North American Divisional Architecture & Construction team on over 300 new build, conversion and renovation projects annually. Mr. Lapins began his development career at the New York City office of Hines working on large scale commercial developments for almost 10 years after pursuing an MBA from the Columbia Business School. Mr. Lapins is a registered architect and spent 5 years practicing Architecture after earning B.S. and M. Arch degrees from the University of Michigan. “I am excited to join Chris McGrew and a very talented SteeleHarbour team as we look to expand the platform”, said Mr. Lapins. “My professional relationship with Chris dates back 25 years when we worked together at Hines in New York City. Chris and I grew up in the business together and have maintained a close relationship as our respective careers have evolved. SteeleHarbour is capitalizing on many opportunities and I am eager to join such an experienced and innovative team.” “We are pleased to add John to our senior team at this stage of SteeleHarbour’s expansion,” commented Christopher McGrew, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of SteeleHarbour. “John brings an impressive development and construction track record to SteeleHarbour, and a deep network within the real estate investment community. John and I have established a high degree of mutual trust through our longstanding relationship, and his strong alignment with the firm’s values makes him an excellent cultural fit and a trusted leader of our growing development and construction activities.”
Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team based in Sarasota, recently announced that the family who owns Nicholas & Associates has purchased an interest in the team. Nicholas & Associates was a jersey sponsor for the 2024 season. With the purchased interest in the team, the Papanicholas family will provide extensive knowledge and resources to design and develop short-term and long-term facility strategies and capital improvements that will benefit the team and community. “We love sports and have executed dozens of large-scale athletics projects, so this was a natural fit for us,” said Nick Papanicholas, Jr., president of Nicholas & Associates and managing member of the new entity the family created to join the Sarasota Paradise ownership. “Marcus has done a great job and has the vision and skills to bring something very special to the greater Sarasota area. We’re excited to be part of what he’s already accomplished and what’s to come.” Launched in 2023, Sarasota Paradise is a men’s pre-professional soccer team that aims to bring high-level soccer to Sarasota and the surrounding community, with a commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for aspiring players. Owned and operated by Audigr Group Inc., a global sports and entertainment enterprise founded by Marcus Walfridson, Sarasota Paradise came to fruition when Walfridson, a devoted soccer entrepreneur from Sweden, fell in love with Sarasota and recognized the need for a local soccer team. Since then, the team has seen much success, including being named New Organization of the Year by the USL in 2023 and having its first player in the team's history be drafted into the MLS. “We are extremely grateful for this partnership with the Papanicholas family as it will help the team continue building a foundation as we develop our team for 2025,” said Walfridson. “We started at the pre-professional level so that we could educate the community about the game, as well as bring unity, and we’re excited to see how Sarasota Paradise will transform over the next few years.” This season, for the first time in the team’s history, Sarasota Paradise was named division champions and attended playoffs in Asheville, North Carolina, a remarkable achievement for the team, organization and the City of Sarasota. To learn more, visit SarasotaParadise.us.
Pictured: Sarasota Paradise during the 2024 season with Nicholas and Associates as a jersey sponsor.
S-OneHoldings Corporation, a global company headquartered in Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, is honored to announce Its recognition as one of Florida's Best Companies to Work For. The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list ranks 100 companies in small, medium, and large employer categories. S-One ranked third as Best Midsized Companies. To participate, companies or government entities were required to have at least 15 workers in Florida and to be in operation at least one year. Companies that chose to participate underwent an evaluation of their workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. The Best Companies To Work For In Florida program is managed by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and is endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. Workforce Research Group managed the registration, survey, and analysis and determined the final rankings. For a list of the 100 Best Companies To Work For In Florida, go to FloridaTrend.com/BestCompanies.
This week, OneBlood, an Orlando-based blood center, experienced a cyberattack that has brought some of their systems offline. During this time, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota (DOH-Sarasota) encourages Floridians to consider donating blood to alternative blood centers to help boost Florida’s blood supply. Donating blood saves lives! Florida is partnering with LifeSouth, SunCoast, and other local blood centers to receive blood donations and help distribute them appropriately across the state. Locations for these community-based blood centers can be found at FloridaDonates.com.DOH-Sarasota encourages residents and visitors to make an appointment with alternative providers to support the blood supply for Florida’s hospitals and fellow Floridians.
Trinity Custom Homes is proud to announce its outstanding performance at the 2024 SEBC Aurora Awards. The prestigious awards, recognizing excellence in the home building and design industries within the Southeastern United States, celebrated the remarkable achievements of professionals in various categories of residential and commercial construction. Trinity Custom Homes' Achievements: Golden Aurora Winner – Best In Show Overall, Half Light House; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best Custom Home Under 5,000 sq. ft., The Origami House, Sarasota, FL; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best Custom Home 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft., The Half Light House, Sarasota, FL; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best On-the-Boards Custom Home, Casa Encanto, Sarasota, FL; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best Interior Detailing for a Home priced Over $1,000,000, Coastal Classic Retreat Wine/Billiards Room, Longboat Key, FL; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best Innovative Use of Technology, Trinity Custom Homes; Grand Aurora Award Winner - Best Video, Trinity Custom Homes by Trinity Custom Homes; Silver Award Winner - Best Renovated or Restored Single House, Transitional Luxury, Osprey, FL; Silver Aurora Winner - Best Renovated or Restored Residential Project, The One, Sarasota, FL; Coastal Classic Retreat, Longboat Key, FL; Silver Aurora Award Winner - Best Kitchen Design for a Custom/Spec/One of a Kind Home, Half Light House Kitchen, Sarasota, FL; Silver Aurora Award Winner - Best Website, Trinity Custom Homes by Trinity Custom Homes. These nominations and awards underscore Trinity Custom Homes' commitment to excellence in custom home building, renovation, interior design, and the innovative use of technology. The SEBC Aurora Awards Gala, where these honors were celebrated, took place on July 26, 2024, in Orlando, FL.
Catching up with Dr. Melissa Chiu, the director of the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C, July/August 2024.
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This lavish tribute to circus life, features three intertwining plotlines concerning romance and rivalry beneath the big top. Action sequences include a show-stopping train wreck. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Story. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton, Dorothy Lamour, Cornel Wilde, and Gloria Grahame. Running time: 2 hours, 32 minutes.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are going on sale for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage." The season features four mainstage productions - "Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition," "Fences," "Five Guys Named Moe," and WBTT's first-ever tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue"; holiday show is "A Motown Christmas." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel and the United States. They have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Their program of French music includes sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saens.
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This Marx Brothers classic is a satire about the nature of war, politics, and affairs of the state. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, and Margaret Dumont. Running time: 1 hour, 8 minutes
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
As a founding member of the Dover String Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt was awarded first prize in multiple international chamber music competitions and received two Grammy nominations. Sarasota Orchestra principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra earned a Grammy nomination for his recording with the Lincoln Trio, and Natalie Nedvetsky is a laureate of several international piano competitions who boasts over 250,000 followers on social media. Their program includes trios by Mozart, Bruch, and Robert Schumann and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano. For more information, visit Artistseriesconcerts.org.
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! A wandering gunfighter enters the Mexican village of San Miguel and plays two rival families against each other in a town torn apart by greed, pride, and revenge. This film helped define a new era for the Western and usher in its most iconic star. Directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Wolfgang Lukschy, Marianne Koch and Gian Maria Volonté. Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
We are proud to present our second annual art showcase, Expressions Exhibition, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Sarasota Opera House. The Expressions Exhibition will include a silent auction of local artists’ works, live music, free lite bites, and a cash bar. Artwork in various mediums submitted by youth from Sarasota and Manatee County will also be showcased in celebration of their creative expressions.
Also Youth, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This American rock and roll musical film is about two competing race car drivers who also compete for the same girl. This film is regarded by Elvis fans and film critics as one of Presley’s best films. Directed by George Sidney and starring Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Cesare Danova, and William Demarest. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The A Taste of Art event takes place at Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice. The partnership pairs fine cuisine with fine art and demonstrations every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, 5-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a meal and interact with artists.
Creative Liberties, 549 US 41 Bypass N, Venice
Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular monthly authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free series celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, “Joyful Journeys” features a different author who will share their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. These monthly events are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. “Joyful Journeys” is free, but registration is required.
Senior Friendship Centers, Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our culinary offerings at Jack Dusty, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s signature restaurant. Starting this Thursday, May 30, join us for Sushi Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dive into an exquisite selection of sushi and specialty rolls, crafted with the freshest ingredients and inspired by the rich maritime traditions of Sarasota. This weekly event promises a delectable experience while supplies last, so be sure to arrive early and indulge in these flavorful creations. We look forward to welcoming our guests and local residents to Sushi Thursdays at Jack Dusty for an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (941) 309-2266.
Jack Dusty, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Ringling, in collaboration with The Circus Art Conservatory of Sarasota, presents a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the most thrilling circus artists from around the world in performances that will entertain and delight audiences of all ages.
The Ringling , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Project Phoenix and Resale will help clients who are starting over due to losing a home through a fire or other life changing events. Residents Sarasota and Charlotte County who have experience said events get household, personal, and or food items at no cost. Must first call for an appointment and be reffered by a local nonprofit.
Project Phoenix and Resale, 36 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223
All current jobs through the Department of Transportation for road/construction are listed on a map of Florida. Clients of the Women's Resource Center will first apply online and then begin the job search. Local agent for Manatee and Sarasota counties will work directly with client helping with job search and building a resume. Currently, they are working to promote womrn in this field.
The Womens Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
Awaken Outreach in North Port/Venice has a drive through food pantry every Friday from 9:00am-12:00opm. Food is supplied by All Faiths Food Bank. Food pantry for walk in clients is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm and Wednesday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. The first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am- 1:00pm clients may get a hot meal, haircut, and shower, clothing and household items.
Awaken Outreach , 4940 Pan American Blvd. in North Port
The Salvation Army of Sarasota has a new Food Pantry that is now open Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00om to 2:00pm at 1701 South Tuttle Avenue. Food is being supplies by All Faiths Food Bank.
Salvation Army of Sarasota , 1701 South Tuttle Avenue
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
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