SRQ DAILY Nov 23, 2020
Monday Business Edition
"You have been in office for 50 freaking hours."
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge last week asked for officials to explore the rights of Manatee County government’s legal rights in the event of a federal shutdown. But he ended up at the same meeting calling for the firing of the county administrator.
The action, days after Van Ostenbridge and Commissioners George Kruse and James Satcher were sworn in for their first terms on the board, capped a period of controversial activity for the board. Ultimately, the threee new commissioners joined with reelected Commissioner Vanessa Baugh in setting a Jan. 6 hearing to discuss County Administrator Cheri Coryea’s termination. That accounts for a contractually required 15-day notice to Coryea before she could be fires without cause, and it puts any personnel changes off until after the holidays.
The move upset officials who long worked with Coryea. The administrator succeeded Ed Hunzeker as administrator, and Hunzeker lost a primary for county commissioner to Kruse earlier this year.
County Commission chair Carol Whitmore has been supportibve of Coryea and expressed anger at raising the subject of letting the administrator go. “You have been in office for 50 freaking hours,” Whitmore told Van Ostenbridge. She voted against the action and said she was greatly disappointed in her new colleague.
As for Van Ostenbridge, he pointed to another controversial decision by the board before his arrival. "I was voted in as a candidate for change and we have all seen how the decorum of these meetings can deteriorate,” he said. “Look at the Lena Roads deal. We are wasting millions there."
Commissioners in October voted 5-2 to spend $32.5 million on 161 acres near the Lena Road landfill to build a Central County Complex. All three new commissioners before they were officially elected on Nov. 3 spoke out against the deal. Satcher wrote in a Facebook post at the time: “32 million of your dollars for vacant land next to the landfill to build a government palace in the middle of economic uncertainty is BAD for Manatee County.”
Notably, by that time, the winners of the November elections were almost a foregone conclusion after the August primaries. Kruse faced a write-in candidate, as did Baugh. Van Ostenbridge faced an independent and Satcher a Democrat in two heavily Republican districts.
Satcher in the Republican primary had defeated Commissioner Priscilla Trice before she voted in favor of the land deal. He argues before voting in favor with scheduling Coryea’s termination that it should be no surprise a maj0ority of incoming commissioners opposed the deal.
But County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy suggested he considered the deal may be an “excuse.” “It’s clear you are going at the county administrator because of what board had done prior to the swearing in,” he said. Bellamy, the only Democrat on the commission, said it would send the wrong message to fire Coryea immediately before the holidays, and as punishment for policy direction set by elected officials and executed by the administrator. He pushed successfully for the matter to be delayed until January.
Kruse, for his part, said he would not have supported firing Coryea immediately. “I don’t do anything rashly or lightly,” he said. He said in the weeks before the January meeting he plans to speak in detail with Coryea and with other managers within the county. “I will make myself available at any time, and I will make a rational and educated decision.”
SunCoast Blood Centers is proud to announce a new partnership with the U.S. military. Beginning this week, the organization will supply blood products, including red cells and plasma, to a U.S. military hospital in Iraq. “It’s an honor to support our troops that so ably serve us overseas,” said SunCoast Blood Centers CEO Scott Bush. “The partnership allows us to provide a lifeline for the brave men and women who keep us safe. We invite donors throughout our community to participate in this special collaboration.”
Stratum Health System, the parent company of Tidewell Hospice, is pleased to announce the addition of Cecille Riggs, PT, as Vice President for Home Health. “Stratum Health System’s home-based care companies are well positioned for continued growth and success with Cecille leading this important division,” Stratum Health System President and CEO Jonathan Fleece said. “Her home health background, experience, skills and commitment to Stratum’s core values are a perfect fit. She will help us continue to change health care for the better, one patient and one family at a time.”
As seasonal visitors continue to arrive, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary now is open five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. This allows the number of admissions to increase while maintaining appropriate social distancing. Hours are 12pm until 4pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. All admissions to Big Cat Habitat support its mission to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for exotic and domestic animals in need. Big Cat Habitat also aims to educate guests about the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations and to keep alive the human-animal connection.
Sarasota County has acquired three properties for environmental protection along the Myakka River and in the Old Miakka community through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Acquisitions include, 20 acres along the Myakka River and two properties in the Old Miakka community east of Fruitville Road and north of Myakka River State Park. Nicole Rissler, director of Sarasota County's Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department said, "Since its inception, this program has protected over 35,000 acres of land, which are vital for Sarasota County's current and future generations. We appreciate the community's continued support of these efforts."
Meals On Wheels of Sarasota is participating in the 2020 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America, one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the promotion. Through January 4, 2021, Subaru will donate $250 to a host of charities, including Meals on Wheels, for every new Subaru purchased or leased, per customer selection. "Each year we at Sunset Subaru enjoy, and look forward to our collaboration with Meals On Wheels of Sarasota,” said Tim Reeher, General Sales Manager of Sunset Subaru. “It's a bright spot, and even more so this year with everything that is going on."
During its virtually reimagined Champions for Children celebration on Saturday, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County announced a change to its name to better reflect its impact on the communities the nonprofit serves. With the addition of its sixth Club location in Arcadia, the organization formally changed its name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “This announcement means so much more to our organization than just a name change,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “This evolution of our brand is a testament to five decades of impact on thousands of local youth and families across our region. Now, more than ever, we are committed to the success of our future leaders in both Sarasota County and DeSoto County.”
Sarasota Contemporary Dance has decided to shut down the remainder of our In-Person shows for SCD + Piazzolla at the Historic Asolo Theater. Unfortunately, a crew member tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. They found this procedure to shutdown necessary to keep their dancers, administrative team, and audiences safe. The best way to support them at this moment would be to reserve tickets for their Digital Theater for the remainder of the performances.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) has been exploring new and innovative ways to move forward with an exciting season – bringing the joy of live performance to patrons of all ages and maintaining its mission of community outreach – with safety as its top priority. Youth programs, such as the renowned Sailor Circus and the beginner-level, six-week Jr. Sailor Circus are running, with rigorous health and safety protocols in place. Silks classes are being offered. And now, community members and circus fans from around the world will be able to enjoy the season’s circus shows with an affordable video streaming option.
Featuring original paintings and drawings by renowned illustrator and long-time Ringling College Faculty member, Regan Dunnick (Class of 1976). The Patricia Thompson Gallery features rotating exhibitions by Ringling College Alumni from all majors on the first floor of the historic Keating Center. BIO: Regan Dunnick is an internationally known illustrator. He has won numerous awards and his works are in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. He has been selected to such major exhibitions as the United Nations Environmental Show, The New Pop Show which toured Europe and chronicled innovators, American Illustration, and The Hiroshima Memorial Design Show (Hiroshima, Japan). This exhibition is open by appointment only. Please email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. The exhibit began at the Keating Center on October 19, 2020 and will end on February 12, 2021, during museum hours.
Keating Center, 2621 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL
The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular beachfront series continues with “Illuminating the Transcendent,” with composers Krists Auznieks and Robert Pound and poet Jason Schneiderman, Friday, December 4, 5 p.m. These outdoor, beachside events are at the Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Admission is free but registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Capacity will be limited to accommodate safe social distancing, so early reservations are recommended. Masks are strongly encouraged.
The Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood
The holidays may look a little different this year, but it is more important than ever to support our local businesses. On November 28, celebrate Small Business Saturday, and kick off the holiday season. Even though the traditional Siesta Key Holiday Parade is canceled, they are still lighting up the Key with festive décor, a store-front and window decorating contest, and the tree lighting at the gazebo in Siesta Key Village. Local businesses are encouraged to create their own holiday specials and activities, which will be promoted by the Siesta Key Chamber.
Nothing says the holiday season like big appetites, big meals, and big fun. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by learning about the ocean's biggest eaters, what they're feasting on this season, and how our diets aren't as different as you may think. Join Mote Marine Laboratory biologists, a human health coach, and a nutrition-focused chef for a holiday-themed happy hour webinar from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on November 23, 2020. Sip with seahorses, munch with manatees, learn radical recipes, and get ready to be "Stuffed on Science." Ages 21 and up. This is a webinar-style, entertaining and interactive virtual program. You will receive the Zoom link 2 days prior to the program. Please check your spam/junk folder if you have purchased tickets and have not received your reminder email with Zoom link 2 days before. Email educate@mote.org with any questions. There are no discounts for this program. $7 for all.
The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland, but when a coven of witches prophesy that he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts. Murder makes Macbeth king, and intrigue and butchery are the hallmarks of his brief, doomed reign. The witches make another prediction, which also comes true: Macbeth and his lady lose their lives, and justice is restored. From Royal Opera House, starring Anna Netrebko, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Yusif Eyvazov, Francesca Chiejina, Konu Kim, Simon Shibambu, Jonathan Fisher; conducted by Antonio Pappano. Macbeth will play at 1:30pm on December 6, 2020 and will run for 3hr and 20m, including one intermission, sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue
The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the official opening of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus. To celebrate, the Orchid Show will honor founder, Marie Selby, and highlight the accomplishments of the many notable women who have built on her legacy and helped to make Selby Gardens home to the best scientifically-documented collection of orchids in the world. The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, 34236
"Personal Geography represents the connection I feel for my hometown of What Cheer, Iowa. This small town with its boarded-up buildings and a melancholy that permeates the streets holds so many memories of my early life. Although I lived there for only five years, it has a hold on me that’s difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s my inherent need to belong somewhere, perhaps it’s the memories of my family who are no longer alive, or maybe it’s the place itself with its rolling hills, verdant cornfields and own distinct quality of light. More likely it’s my memory of a place where both my father and I were born, where my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents lived nearby. The map of my life extends quite far, I lived in four different states by the time I was 16. But it’s this tiny forgotten town that has a hold on me both temporal and spiritual that I don’t fully understand. Combining family snapshots with photographs I have taken in What Cheer since the 1970’s Personal Geography explores the impermanence of history and memory and the permanence of place." This exhibition is open by appointment only. Please email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began at the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center on October 19, 2020 and will end on December 11, 2020, during museum hours.
Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast is celebrating their 2020-2021 Season with virtual programming - featuring the gifted talents of The Perlman Music Program (PMP) alumni, for you and your family to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. PMP alumni are professional musicians, many of whom hold leadership positions among renowned orchestras and faculties. Please be sure to check back often as they will be adding more content throughout the Season. They will also add a few surprises along the way. Cellist Sterling Elliott will play virtually on December 10, 2020.
Online, Online
In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio (Cyril Cusack) and Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father (Michael Hordern) will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio (Richard Burton) is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katherina. This program will take outside in the Benfer Courtyard on December 6, 2020 at 6:30pm. Tickets will be available starting 30 days prior to the screening date. Available seating will be marked to ensure social distancing. For your protection from COVID-19 cloth face coverings will be required to enter the theater. Be sure it covers your nose and mouth. Stay 6 feet away from people who are not in your household. Due to rising COVID cases and safety concerns this event is subject to cancellation. Ticket holders will be notified and refunded if the screening is canceled.
Historic Asolo Theater Benfer Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road
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