SRQ DAILY Feb 3, 2025
Monday Business Edition

"I know we have to get the state in a really strong posture to be able to maximize the potential here."


Every state lawmaker representing Sarasota and Manatee counties supported an immigration bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis is threatening to veto it and fund Primary challenges to legislators supporting the bill.
The Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy Act, or TRUMP Act, passed in the Senate on a 21-16 vote on Tuesday, before passing in the House on an 82-30 vote. No Democrats voted in favor of the bill, but one Republican House member and six Republican Senators cast votes against it.
Gruters called the legislation “the strongest immigration bill in the country.” The legislation would increase penalties and levels for any crimes committed by undocumented individuals in the U.S. illegally, including requiring the death penalty for capital crimes like murder and rape. It would also require Florida law enforcement agencies to develop partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, something Gruters said will aid with President Donald Trump’s promise to conduct mass deportations of those wrongly in the U.S.
DeSantis, though, called for different legislation the Legislature declined to hear. The Legislature gaveled out of a Special Session the Governor called and instead opened a new one to hear Gruters’ bill. The strongest objection by DeSantis is to a provision of the TRUMP Act making Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner the chief immigration officer instead of the Governor. DeSantis said he will veto the bill once he gets it and demand lawmakers pass a new one.
“I've been very supportive of what the administration is doing,” DeSantis said. “I know we have to get the state in a really strong posture to be able to maximize the potential here.”
But Gruters, who spoke to Trump about the bill before it passed, said his bill does everything the White House needs to implement its agenda.
“It’s fixing E-Verify getting $25 million to law enforcement to help with efforts,” Gruters said. “It’s a disservice that one side is being intellectually dishonest with the voters on what this bill does.”
Image courtesy Florida Senate: Joe Gruters on the Senate floor.


James Zorbas, South West Florida Region Plumbing Manager at B&I Contractors, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Cocomazzi to the position of Plumbing Senior Superintendent for the South West Florida Region. This strategic move will provide enhanced leadership as the company continues to take on large and more complex projects, ensuring continued excellence and client satisfaction in the region. This promotion reflects B&I’s ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative, results-driven work environment and supporting the growth and success of both the company and its employee-owners.

Christopher Alan Homes has promoted John Meeks to purchasing manager. In this role, Meeks oversees the procurement of materials for Christopher Alan Homes’ new construction homes, ensuring the quality and value the company is known for as Florida’s hometown builder. Meeks first joined the company as a purchasing agent in 2024. He has extensive management and production homebuilding experience. Headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, Christopher Alan Homes is a builder-owned company that builds on individual homesites in Charlotte, Sarasota and Lee counties in Southwest Florida and Palm Bay on Florida’s East Coast. Home Builder Executive ranks the company 59th in the top 100 private homebuilders by closings nationally and 84th in the top 100 public and private homebuilders by closings nationally. Zonda ranks the company 91st in its annual Builder 100 list. For more information about Christopher Alan Homes, visit christopheralanhomes.com or call 855-44-MYCAH (69224).

The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board approved a $450 million plan today to build North Port’s first hospital on North Sumter Boulevard in North Port. The 6-story, 100-bed hospital will be built on an undeveloped 32-acre parcel Sarasota Memorial Health Care System owns in the 4900 block of North Sumter Boulevard near I-75. Sarasota Memorial Hospital-North Port will be the health system’s third acute-care hospital and fulfills a longstanding request from the City of North Port for a hospital of its own. With more than 95,000 residents, North Port is the largest city in Sarasota County, both in land mass and population, and one of the fastest growing in the nation.

Coldwell Banker Realty is proud to announce Roger Pettingell and his team, Pettingell Professionals, achieved more than $221 million in closed sales volume in 2024. This earned the team the No. 1 Duo by sales volume for all of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Pettingell Professionals is comprised of Founder Roger Pettingell, Director of Sales Thomas Arbuckle, Director of Marketing Saleemah Stanley, Director of Operations Lola Diaz and Project Manager Scott Shields. Additionally, Pettingell Professionals was No. 1 in Sarasota County for the 15th year (per the REALTOR® ASSOCIATION of Sarasota & Manatee multiple listing service). Across his accomplished 40+ year career, Pettingell has amassed nearly $3 billion in sales. For more information contact the area’s top luxury real estate team, Pettingell Professionals, at 941-387-1840 or visit pettingell.com.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce that current Manager, Alex Calendo, was admitted as a Shareholder, effective January 2025. Alex joined Kerkering Barberio as an Audit Manager in 2022. Alex received his Bachelor's degree in accounting from Northern IL University and is a licensed CPA. Prior to joining KB, Alex spent 7 years with a National Top Ten CPA Firm and served clients within various industries across the Midwestern United States.
Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Collier County, RE/MAX Alliance Group Announces its Merger with RE/MAX Anchor and RE/MAX Affinity Plus. Welcoming 120 new staff and agents representing over 1,000 transactions and almost $650 million in sales from offices in Englewood, North Port, Punta Gorda, Marco Island, and Naples. The combined operations elevate the powerhouse standing of REMAX Alliance Group, ranking as #1 in Florida for Sales Transactions & Sales Dollar Volume, #8 in the United States for Sales Transactions, and #43 in the RealTrends Top 500 Brokerages in the United States by Transactions Per Agent, and #137 by Total Transactions. As part of the partnership, RE/MAX Alliance Group’s affiliates will access an exceptional team of brokers who are a part of a global network of over 140,000 agents across 9,000 offices worldwide.
Herrera Psychology is excited to announce their new office in South Sarasota at 8830 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 100 – the occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Venice and Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information about Herrera Psychology or to schedule an appointment or evaluation please visit our website – Herrerapsychology.com, call (813) 395-9049, or email us at info@herrerapsychology.com.


Visit TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City to enjoy a thrilling $65,000 FEI CSI2* Grand Prix featuring Olympic-level riders and horses from around the world. Your VIP brunch experience (10:30am-3:00 pm) will include preferred-parking, ringside seating, and panoramic competition views of the competition arenas. Your table in the beautiful VIP Pavilion at TerraNova includes access to non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine, and a delicious catered brunch from our executive chef, Christopher Capstick (served 11am-3pm). General admission is free! Bring the kids to play in Tiny Town. A short drive from Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.

Sarasota County invites community members to participate in the newly launched Resilient SRQ unmet needs survey to provide feedback for the county’s recovery action plan. The survey results will help guide the use of funds for recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton and Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. To learn more or be notified about program updates, events and information, visit ResilientSRQ.net, call 941-861-5309 or email ResilientSRQ@scgov.net. More information on future participation will be released as additional opportunities are finalized.
Join us for drinks, conversation, and the chance to meet like-minded neighbors! Thursday, February 20, 5–6:30pm, Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Viento Bar, Second Floor. This is a free event with a cash bar. Complimentary valet parking.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is proud to announce the promotion of five sheriff’s office members in a ceremony held on January 30, 2025. “We’re proud to celebrate these accomplishments,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “The hard work and perseverance of these members is a testament to the values of our agency. We wish them luck in their new positions as they continue to work to make Sarasota County a safe and inviting community.”


This past Tuesday, January 28th, SRQ Magazine hosted the annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. Local nonprofits, foundations, corporate donors, individuals and civic leaders came together to celebrate the community's spirit of giving and recognize leaders in philanthropy. Attendees were invited to share their “giving wishes” on behalf of area nonprofits by writing their wishes on gift tags and hanging them for display on the SRQ Giving Wish Tree.
Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and Desoto Counties wishes to “complete our new club in North Port.” To fulfill this wish, reach out to Sarah Howe (showe@bgcsdc.org).
Inclusion Revolution wishes to “find secure jobs for five people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” To help Inclusion Revolution attain their wish reach out to Beaver Shriver (beaver.shriver@theinclusionrevolution.org).
The Sarasota Players wishes to “have the community attend and support their productions this season.” To purchase tickets to their upcoming shows visit their website.
The Child Protection Center wishes to “have the opportunity to have their clients have access to additional kinds of therapy and expression (i.e. musical therapy, dance therapy or yoga).” To help them achieve their wish contact Sheila Miller (SheilaM@CPCSarasota.org).
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee wishes to “have a bus for campers.” To help them meet their goal connect with Ellen Biddle (ebiddle@jfedsrq.org).
As these organizations call onto the community to fulfill their wishes, click on each organization to learn more and find ways to give back. The spirit of giving is for all who want to give back to our local community!



Build capacity - that term is often used when referring to the process of developing, improving and strengthening the abilities, skills, knowledge, resources and infrastructure to effectively achieve goals, solve problems and sustain performance over time. It can happen at many different levels whether individual, organizational or at the community level. Whether capacity building is a choice, or an expectation depends on the context, but it often blends both personal initiative and institutional demands.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosts a Teacher Ambassador Program to empower teachers to take charge of their professional growth by providing accessible, supportive and meaningful opportunities to build their capacity. Through collaboration, practical tools and a shared commitment to excellence, we help educators unlock their full potential to create lasting change in their classrooms, schools and our community.
What makes this special is that we work alongside teachers who are voluntarily choosing to build their “educator muscle” by putting them as the driver of their growth while offering support and collaboration. These dedicated educators meet monthly to share updates, address challenges and design solutions to overcome hurdles. For example, one teacher shared AI resources for teachers, where to find them and how to use them, while another shared her leadership capabilities and engagement in the community outside of teaching, where she serves on several boards.
Schools and districts often require teachers to engage in capacity-building activities like mandatory professional development, curriculum changes, or adopting new standards which are necessary, for sure, but can sometimes feel obligatory and burdensome. When given autonomy, resources and encouragement, it is our intention that they feel empowered to learn and grow through each other, with the resulting outcomes showing up in enhanced professional development, collaboration and mentorship, self-reflection and adaptation, leadership growth and stronger relationships with other like-minded teachers who also care about their effectiveness as a teacher.
It's a growing community of teacher ambassadors, and last week’s Teacher Showcase, was an inspirational evening watching teachers share openly and graciously while building social connections, learning new practices and growing as leaders. The environment was welcoming, safe and supportive thanks to our Director of Educator Programs Nicole Light. Her years of teaching experience has lent her the understanding, compassion and commitment needed to create safe places of learning and growing, and I’m excited to see even more teachers become involved in this meaningful work.
For us, building capacity is a choice and an expectation since everything we do ties back to student success, and it’s incredibly validating when we see the growth of amazing teachers reach even new heights. When teachers have the tools they need, students succeed, communities flourish and futures are brighter. Spread the word about the importance of teacher capacity and help us amplify their voices.
Jennifer Vigne is President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
Photo courtesy Education Foundation: Education Foundation Teacher Ambassadors met on Jan. 23 at the Suncoast Technical College campus.
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning presents former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson in “What's Next for American Democracy.” Jeh Johnson was the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security fromDecember 23, 2013, to January 20, 2017. He led the third largest department of the U.S. government. Johnson will present his insights on the future of American Democracy and other critical issues.
Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Circus Sarasota is back with an ALL NEW show in 2025 featuring awe-inspiring artistry from around the world. Your hometown circus returns under our NEW BIG TOP at Nathen Benderson Park this winter. Limited tickets are available for this annual tradition – book today!
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Magazine1 is celebrating the release of its second and third issues with a reading from several of its contributors! Magazine1 is a literary magazine based out of Bookstore1 in Sarasota, Florida. Our magazine is an online publication and features works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, visual art, and hybrid work that may not fit evenly into any other genres as they are traditionally understood. We will be featuring readers from our most recent two issues, come celebrate them with us!
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Tenor Hak Soo Kim is renowned for his performances at Sarasota Opera and other stages. In addition, he is certified sommelier and has worked at some of New York City's finest restaurants includin the last three years as head sommelier at James Beard Award winner Thomas Keller's restaurants Per Se. This extraordinary wine dinner feature wines selected by Mr. Kim paired with a sumptuous four-course dinner prepared by Michael's on East under the direction of Exective Chef Jamil Pineda.
Michael's Wine Cellar, 1283 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34239
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is pleased to announce its annual Spirit of Manatee Awards Celebration, set for Wednesday, March 13, 2025, at the new Palmetto Marriot Resort, presented by The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley. This year’s special event will honor the generosity and resilience that define Manatee County. Departing from the traditional awards format, it will celebrate the unsung heroes who stepped up to meet the challenges of the past year.
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 US Highway 41, Palmetto, FL 34221
The 27th annual Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) is recognized as a world-class cultural event featuring thought-provoking films from some of the best-known and emerging independent voices. Held in Sarasota, FL, SFF emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events with filmmakers and celebrity guests. It screens over 200 films each year, including features, documentaries, shorts, and a robust educational program.
Various Locations, Various Location
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to host a run across the iconic Ringling Bridge! There are several options for runners and families—5K, 10K, and a family fun run. The run supports student and teacher programming, helping students to get ready and go further.
The Bay: Civic Green Lawn, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes, specials and FUN!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, Multiple Locations
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Ron and Joy are stunned when their well-meaning but clueless friend, Gary, lands a book deal for his self-help guide. As they try to talk him out of quitting his job to become a life coach, their efforts unravel hidden secrets, throwing their own relationship into chaotic—and comedic—turmoil. Advice explores ambition, friendship, and the chaos that comes with taking your own advice.
Bowne's Lab, 1265 1st Street Sarasota, Fl 34236
Be the first to experience our elevated new menu offerings in our stunning, one-of-a-kind restaurant. The festivities will also include cocktails and live entertainment for an unforgettable evening in celebration of our new Sarasota UTC location. RSVP by Friday, January 20th.
Fleming's Sarasota UTC, 8306 Tourist Center Dr. Bradenton FL 34201
Join us on Main Street for the Best Seat outside of New Orleans at Pie On Main. We'll have food & bar specials, specialty shots & our hand-tossed Pie's, Calzones, Sub's and Salads. Every quarter we'll have some SUPER GIVEAWAYS! Reserve your seat today with any of our friendly tap masters or servers and bring your Big Game party here! We'll help you celebrate the last game of the season at your favorite game-watching spot on Main Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
Longtime friends Chef Charles Amherst of Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and Barbara Gerdeman, co-founder of Creative Liberties Artist Studios in Sarasota, have joined forces to create a series of interactive “live art dinner showcases.” Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5-8:30 pm.
Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The American Watercolor Society began as a group of eleven painters who gathered in New York City in 1866 and began to hold exhibitions of their work. Their annual exhibitions have continued from that day. The annual juried exhibition of the AWS is open to all artists worldwide. The traveling exhibition features 40 paintings from the original 160+ exhibitors each year and travels to three to six locations each year.
ArtCenter Manatee, https://artcentermanatee.org/2023-2024-exhibit-season/
An extraordinary musical celebration of a decade of Beatles Music. From “She Loves You” to “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Tax Man” to “Let It Be” these phenomenal artists are able to recreate the music, high energy, and excitement of the Fab 4 in this modern Rock ‘n’ Roll experience.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue Venice, FL 34285
Key Chorale Chamber Singers and Church of the Redeemer present a 2-day festival celebrating music of the Baroque – and Beer! Three amazing concerts featuring a star-studded cast of performers, chamber orchestra, and an opening night Biergarten Experience with German food, beers from Calusa Brewing, and dancing to Bill Milner’s Oompah Band.
Gillespie Hall at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Denise Cormier Mahoney is a mid-career painter and printmaker whose illustrative and surfaced designed compositions are infused with memories and stories told from the point of view of a child free to explore.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Architecture Sarasota announces its 2025 program: “Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders.” Building on the momentum of last year’s discussions, which played a pivotal role in the City of Sarasota’s decision to move forward with a new downtown master plan, this year’s series will continue to explore fresh perspectives on Sarasota’s future. The lineup includes Gil Penalosa (February 11), Brent Toderain (February 25), and Paul Kalbfleish (March 11). Each speaker, celebrated for their expertise and engaging style, will share insights tailored to Sarasota, informed by their time spent in the city before their presentations.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Lily Evans uses photography to evoke deeper conversations about historical events, current issues, and race. The exhibit is part of “Beyond Regional Boundaries,” an initiative created to amplify the voices of Black artists across the Sarasota- Manatee region.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.
Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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