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SRQ DAILY Jun 3, 2021

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"The funding is there and these are worthwhile projects so I expect them to get the funding that they require."

- Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota
 

[State]  DeSantis Funds Piney Point, Vetoes Other Local Projects
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Southwest Florida received good and bad news when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s budget into law and released a list of vetoed spending. The area will receive funding for major needs like $100 million to clean up Piney Point.

But DeSantis slashed $750,000 for a Venice water booster station, $500,000 for watershed restoration at Dona Bay and a number of other items the Florida Legislature had included in its budget.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said greeted the news with mixed feelings. He had supported the Piney Point expenditure, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan. But DeSantis vetoed $250,000 designated for State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota’s Nursing Center of Excellence. He had other wins and losses big and small.

“Sorry to see SCF nursing not make it, but we will make a case for next year,” Boyd said.  He noted the budget did fund Longboat Key Wastewater force main, “which was very much needed,” but DeSantis vetoes a sea level rise assessment on Longboat Key.  “I suppose other competing needs around the state took priority over the Sea Level request.”

Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, had pushed for Venice and Dona Bay funding, as well as for $286,676 for equipment at the emergency operations center in Venice. But he expressed some optimism some of the spending could still be restored through a newly-established environmental trust fund.

“This was somewhat expected,” Gruters said of the vetoes. “With the creation of the new Trust Fund, these projects will be able to apply immediately for a [Department of Environmental Protection] grant and I will work with them to help them through the process. The funding is there and these are worthwhile projects so I expect them to get the funding that they require.”

Rep. Will Robinson noted the area had plenty of projects survive, including for a STEM program at Palm View K-8 school. That’s on top of the water spending secured.

“These are important regional projects that will have a lasting impact for years to come,” Robinson said. “In this budget, two important local water quality enhancement projects are funded— to help close Piney Point and to replace the existing force main that serves Longboat Key.”

Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, felt positive about getting funding for a performing arts center and other projects.

"From water quality and environmentally conscious development to early childhood court and job training for people with disabilities, we have so many important local projects in Sarasota that I was excited to advocate for in the budget," she said. 

Image courtesy USF: Aerial view of Dona Bay.

[Scholarship]  Local Foundation Supports Scholarships for At-Risk Children

Children First is proud to announce a $20,000 grant from The Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation in support of the agency’s comprehensive services. This includes early childhood education, nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, and family strengthening services for Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children and families. 

Click here for more information.

[Veteran Services]  JFCS Stand Down Event

Annually, JFCS of the Suncoast partners with over 25 community organizations to provide direct services to more than 100 homeless veterans. These direct services include physical exams and haircuts and assistance with Amnesty Court, rapid re-housing and veterans benefit review. Advance registration for veterans is not required, however veterans can pre-registration for Amnesty Court using this link. Stand Down will take place on Saturday, June 26, 8am to 12pm at the Sarasota Fairgrounds and Robarts Arena. 

Click here for more information.

[Volunteer Opportunity ]  Tidewell Hospice Seeks Volunteers in Manatee County

Tidewell would love to have you be a part of their volunteer team. Whether it’s running errands, delivering meals or sitting vigil with a patient, volunteers are deeply involved in the team approach that is Tidewell’s community of caring. No task is too small or without impact. Volunteers receive an orientation to Tidewell during an extensive training course. Each circumstance is different, but Tidewell generally recommends that prospective volunteers wait approximately one year after the death of a loved one before volunteering to work with patients. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Tidewell volunteer, contact Susan Forbes at sforbes@tidewell.org or 941-441-2061. 

Click here for more information.

[Virtual Event ]  Teen Court Virtual Scholarship Event

Please join for the Teen Court Leaders of Change, Hope, Resilience and Justice virtual scholarship event on June 23rd at 6pm. This year virtual, eleven teens will share how Teen Court impacted their lives, helped them through a tough time, become a better public speaker, pursue a law degree or the BEST part : help their peers.  

Click here for more information.

[Donation]  Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District Donates to Manatee County 4-H

Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District donates to Manatee County 4-H. The Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District donated $1,000.00 to the Manatee County 4-H Foundation to support the Dr. Bob King Scholarship Fund. This donation honors Dr. King, who served as the first Manatee County 4-H Foundation President. The 4-H program serves over 7,000 Manatee County youth in the areas of science, leadership and citizenship, and healthy living. 

Click here for more information.

[New Show]  Choral Artists of Sarasota to Stage American Fanfare At the Sarasota Opera House

For the past 16 years, Choral Artists of Sarasota has honored Independence Day with a concert of rousing songs celebrating the United States. The choral group continues that tradition this July 4, 2:30 p.m., at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. According to Artistic Director Joseph Holt, this year’s concert will be especially moving. “It’s the first time in more than a year that we will be singing onstage as a full ensemble in a concert hall, and we can’t wait to greet the audience with pure enthusiasm and hope for the future. We’re thrilled and grateful to have this opportunity.”  

Click here for more information.

[New Show]  Art Center Sarasota New Exhibitions Through July 2

Art Center Sarasota’s 2021 exhibition season continues with four exhibits through July 2. “Visual Poems,” in Gallery One, features masterful paintings and graphite drawings of landscapes and creatures—real and imaginary—by Nancy Dillen. “Black, White, And Everything In Between,” in Gallery Two, features work in paint, ink, and pencil on found objects by Yamel Molerio. “Duality,” in Gallery Three, features large-scale steel, bronze, and copper sculpture by Dominice Gilbert. “Process,” in Gallery Four, is a member’s exhibition of works in all media juried by Elena De La Ville and Joseph Melançon. 

Click here for more information.

[New Show]  The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Van Wezel Foundation Present UNSCRIPTED and Community Edition

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Van Wezel Foundation present the fourth installment of “UNSCRIPTED+: Community Edition,” featuring Kennedy Center teaching artist, storyteller, and performer Reggie Harris, on Thursday, June 10, at 7pm ET, via Zoom. This intimate, "off-script" series takes audiences on an insider's journey of the artistic process, featuring award-winning writers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, educators, and other Hermitage Fellows from around the globe.  

[New Hire]  Williams Parker Thriving Real Estate Practice Continues To Expand

Williams Parker is pleased to announce that attorney Christa L. Folkers has re-joined the firm. Joining Ms. Folkers is attorney Amy L. Concilio who has practiced law for 12 years, primarily in residential foreclosure litigation. She will support the firm’s expanding residential and commercial real estate practice.  

Click here for more information.

[New Building]  Selby Gardens Affirms Sweet Sparkman As Local Architect for Phase I of Master Plan

Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, a multi-disciplinary architecture and planning firm headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, announced on Wednesday, the company has been named the local architect for Phase I of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus (Selby Gardens) Master Plan. "To be selected as the local architect for this initiative and to help champion Selby Gardens' vision for the future is an absolute honor," said Sweet Sparkman partner Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB. "We pride ourselves in supporting outside teams with our local knowledge to ensure long-term success.  

Click here for more information.

[New Hire]  Center For Sight Welcomes Logan Page, O.D. as New Optometric Physician

Center For Sight Welcomes Logan Page, O.D. as New Optometric Physician. 

Click here for more information.

[New Hire]  Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. Recruits Jimmy Lewis as Director of Transportation for Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.

Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiter, Rick Mohrman of Jimmy Lewis as Director of Transportation for Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. 

Click here for more information.

[Celebration ]  Ellenton Urgent Care to Celebrate the Grand Opening of its Second Clinic

Ellenton Urgent Care is opening a second facility to expand its services and provide high-quality medical care to the residents of East Bradenton. The grand opening and open house for the new clinic Bayshore Urgent Care Services (BUCS) will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021.from 6pm to 9pm. 

Click here for more information.

[New Hire]  Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's office welcomes Jennifer Linzy as its new Public Information Officer. In this role, Linzy will manage the Clerk's internal and external communications, website, and social media, in addition to growing and maintaining media relations and promoting positive public awareness. 

Click here for more information.



[SOON]  FOOD: Jazz Brunch with Hot Tonic , June 6, 10am-2pm

Join Hamlet’s Eatery for a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, June 6 from 10-2pm. Located in the outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Enjoy live jazz music with Hot Tonic.  Fronted by bassist/vocalist Victoria Woods and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh, Hot Tonic are a swinging acoustic band merging classic jazz with vintage Americana/roots music. Expect to hear Jazz standards, a Patsy Cline song, and some Postmodern Jukebox style interpretations, HOT TONIC is a truly unique experience not to be missed. Hot Tonic front-woman Victoria Woods is an American jazz bassist and vocalist. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, she is the daughter of Dr Jon Woods, the director of the Ohio State Marching Band for 28 years. Coming from this prestigious musical upbringing, Victoria has crafted her musical skill since the age of 8 and always brings her creative sparkle to the band stand. Her unique skills and high energy show make for a unique visual and musical experience. From swinging jazz to down home blues and all points in between, New Zealand born guitarist Josh Hindmarsh is a dynamic and original musical artist, and has been featured on many albums, and shared the stage with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz and blues giants in the industry including  Ronnie Cuber, Roy Hargrove, and Joey Defrancesco. Hamlet’s Eatery menu options will include both traditional and vegan dishes from build your own omelettes with fresh organic eggs to tofu scrambles. Plenty of room to social distance and seating under a covered patio. Rain or Shine.  For more information visit www.HamletsEatery.com or call 941-445-1938.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Virtual: Teen Court of Sarasota: Leaders of Change, Hope, Resilience & Justice Scholarship Event , June 23, 6pm

Come as you are. Please join us for the Teen Court Leaders of Change, Hope, ResilIence & Justice virtual scholarship event on June 23 at 6pm. This year virtual, eleven teens will share how Teen Court impacted their lives, helped them through a tough time, become a better public speaker, pursue a law degree or the BEST part: help their peers. Join us for an hour on your cell phone or computer. No camera required. Gather your friends and family to experience the evening. Please visit: https://givebutter.com/teencourtsarasota to get your free ticket, donate or become a sponsor today.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Van Wezel: UNSCRIPTED+ Community Edition , June 10, 7pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Van Wezel Foundation present the fourth installment of “UNSCRIPTED+: Community Edition,” featuring Kennedy Center teaching artist, storyteller, and performer Reggie Harris, on Thursday, June 10, at 7pm, via Zoom. This intimate, "off-script" series takes audiences on an insider's journey of the artistic process, featuring award-winning writers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, educators, and other Hermitage Fellows from around the globe. Previous UNSCRIPTED programs have featured Hermitage Fellows Claire Chase (flutist, MacArthur “Genius” recipient, Avery Fisher Prize winner); Ann Patterson (visual artist, sculptor, author); Melissa Studdard (poet); Christopher Theofanidis (composer); and Patrick Harlin (composer, visual media artist); and Hermitage curator Eric Booth (arts educator).

[SOON]  FILM: The Ringling: On Screen: Monsoon Wedding , July 1, 1pm

Cultures and families clash in Mira Nair’s exuberant Monsoon Wedding, a mix of comedy and chaotic melodrama concerning the preparations for the arranged marriage of a modern upper-middle-class Indian family’s only daughter, Aditi. Of course there are hitches—Aditi has been having an affair with a married TV host; she’s never met her husband to be, who lives in Houston; the wedding has worsened her father’s hidden financial troubles; even the wedding planner has become a nervous wreck—as well as buried family secrets. But Nair’s celebration is ultimately joyful and cathartic: a love song to her home city of Delhi and her own Punjabi family. 1hr 54min – Rated R. Join us at 1pm on July 1 at the Historic Asolo Theater for big-screen movie magic in the Historic Asolo Theater. July is dedicated to Asia in the Movies, an ongoing series of film screenings and conversations showcasing a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. The initiative celebrates established and emerging voices, contemporary films and classics, animated films, as well as documentaries. The series builds on The Ringling’s mission to represent and center diverse voices and celebrate various cultures, as well as to become a space for relevant conversations around current social and political topics. For her final project, Anna Green, the performance Intern from New College of Florida has thoughtfully selected films for a series that educates, provides opportunity for conversation, and fosters understanding. We recommit to our values of equity, to providing a space for representation, and to highlighting the diversity and beauty of the Asian Community through Ringling’s film programming. Asia in the Movies strives to deepen our understanding of Asian cultures and our community. View the Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjQjw-UyAX0. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13.50 for members, and $10.00 for students.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Virtual: Bookstore1Sarasota: Mad Travelers: A Tale of Wanderlust, Greed and the Quest to Reach the Ends of the Earth , June 3, 7pm

On Thursday, June 3 at 7pm Dave Seminara joins us to talk about his book Mad Travelers: A Tale of Wanderlust, Greed and the Quest to Reach the Ends of the Earth, the tale of the con artist William Baekeland who scammed many of the world's most traveled people as they sought to reach the planet's most remote and off-limits places. A Zoom Author Visit. A brilliant, young con artist offered to help the world’s most traveled people reach the planet’s last untouched frontiers; instead, they were taken for a wild ride that turned into a costly lesson on the perils of wanderlust. There is no charge for this event. There is an optional fee of $7.00 to help defray the cost to the bookstore. Reservations required for Zoom link. More event info at https://www.sarasotabooks.com/events or 941-365-7900.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota Chamber: YPG After Hours at Cask & Ale , June 3, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Join us on Thursday, June 3 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Cask & Ale for this month's YPG After Hours. Whether you're looking to make new friends, build your network, or learn more about what Sarasota has to offer, this is a great opportunity to connect with other young professionals in the region. Enjoy drink specials for the duration of the event. This event is free for YPG Members and $15 for future members at the door. Pre-registration is encouraged. Mark your calendars for the first Thursday of each month for the area's longest running networking event just for young professionals. For questions regarding this event, please contact Alyssa Barnsley.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: Florida Public Relations Association: Crisis Communication Coffee Hour , June 3, 8:30am-9:30am

Chapter members are invited to a special virtual coffee hour from 8:30am to 9:30am on Thursday, June 3, 2021 on Zoom. The Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA will be hosting a “Crisis Communication Coffee Hour” featuring Joe Curley, APR, CPRC. Over coffee, Joe will share some of his crisis communication stories and experiences throughout his career in public relations. Grab a coffee or other morning beverage of choice and join the conversation! To participate, click on the Zoom link at the time of the event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83475007517. For more information about this event, contact Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC, the chapter’s accreditation director, at accreditation@cwcfpra.com.

[SOON]  HEALTH: The Ringling: Moving Meditation Series , March 26 – June 25, 10am

Claudia Baeza is a Kripalu trained yoga instructor who has been sharing her love of yoga in Sarasota since 2016. Join her for Yoga + Meditation on the loggias of the Museum of Art Courtyard for a unique opportunity to gently move the body and calm the mind. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and a friend– and enjoy the serenity of the Museum of Art Courtyard with Claudia. ​Please note: Tickets must be purchased online, in advance of the event. Upcoming dates include Friday, March 26, Friday, April 23, Friday, May 28, and Friday, June 25 at 10am.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Newtown Farmer's Market: Mr. Stevey & Friends , March 27 – June 12, 12pm-3pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Education and Community Engagement department is teaming up with the Newtown Farmer’s Market to present Mr. Stevey & Friends: a free, family-friendly series introducing children, teens and parents to mindfulness using games, exercises and art activities. The first event will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 12pm to 3pm at the Newtown Farmer’s Market, located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. The three-hour mindfulness-themed events will feature live demonstrations, meditation tutorials, art activities, mindful games, raffle prizes and special guests through a collaboration between the Newtown Nation, the Newtown Farmer’s Market and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Artworks Anywhere program. Upcoming dates for the Mr. Stevey & Friends outdoor series featuring Van Wezel Teaching Artist Stevey Jones include April 24, May 29 and June 12. To learn more or pre-register, visit www.ArtworksAnywhere.org, though you may attend without registration. 

[SOON]  HEALTH: Virtual: Mote Marine: 35th Annual Run for the Turtles , April 12 – June 30

Run, walk or crawl to support our sea turtle conservation and research. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's 35th Annual Run for the Turtles is virtual, and open now through June 30. Each registration receives a special 35th Annual Run t-shirt, and goes to support Mote's sea turtle conservation efforts.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: The Bishop: Badlands to Bradenton: Lessons from the Field , January 28 – June 6, Museum hours.

Since 2011, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has partnered with the Toomey Foundation for the Natural Sciences to lead more than 50 Manatee County teachers on paleontology expeditions to the Nebraska Badlands, allowing them to gain hands-on experience they can bring back to their classrooms. Starting January 28, The Bishop will share these expeditions with guests through its newest special exhibition, Badlands to Bradenton: Lessons from the Field, which showcases some of the most fascinating fossil finds and tells the story of these summer paleontology digs and how they can support learning. Badlands to Bradenton: Lessons from the Field will be open through June 6 and visiting is included in the price of admission. Badlands to Bradenton also includes interactive features for smartphones and tablets, including 3D models of fossils and paleoart commissioned especially for the exhibition.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Florida CraftArt: Beautiful Bountiful Bowls Exhibition of Fine Craft , May 14 – June 26

Beautiful Bountiful Bowls is a juried exhibition of handmade bowls by outstanding contemporary fine craft artists. From around the state, 33 artists created 100 pieces in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood.  Community programming (virtual and in person) includes a singing bowl sound healing and demonstrations about creating bowls in clay and wood. Glass artist and gallery owner Duncan McClellan will present an in-depth look at glass blowing bowls. At the virtual opening and awards reception on Friday, May 14 at 6pm, people will have the opportunity to virtually meet the artists and the show’s judge Catherine Bergmann (curator of Dunedin Fine Art Center). The show runs through June 26 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook. The exhibition’s sponsor is Tyler Jones of Premier Sotheby’s International Real Estate, along with support from Perry and Lisa Everett,  the City of St. Petersburg, and Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs. Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm. and Sunday, noon to 5pm. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org. On Friday, May 14 at 6pm Virtual opening with artists and judge Catherine Bergmann, Curator of Dunedin Fine Art Center. On Tuesday, May 25 at 6pm “Throwing and Turning” Learn about throwing clay on the wheel with Tyler Jones and woodturning with Nick Reale at this virtual event. On Tuesday, June 8 at 6pm Singing Bowls sound healing with Master Gopali, virtual and in person (space is limited to 10, reservations are required.) On Saturday, June 12 from 5:30pm to 9pm Second Saturday ArtWalk - Visit ArtLofts on our second floor. On Tuesday, June 22 at 6pm Renowned glass artist and gallery owner Duncan McClellan talks virtually about creating bowls in glass.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Selby Gardens: Roy Lichtenstein: Monet's Garden Goes Pop , February 13 – June 27, 10am-5pm

This exhibition showcases the legendary Pop artist's screen prints based on Monet's world-famous paintings of waterlilies and haystacks from February 13 until June 27, 10am to 5pm. Lichtenstein's rarely seen Water Lilies and Haystacks provide an unexpected homage to a staple of the public imagination - Monet's paintings of his garden and home at Giverny that inspired them. The display of Lichtenstein's art in the midst of a horticultural evocation of Giverny creates a unique experience for more than 100,000 garden visitors. Selby Gardens, transformed into Monet's famed gardens at Giverny through the Pop Art lens of Roy Lichtenstein, includes iconic elements of Monet's garden such as the green Japanese bridge, trellises, and benches. This conjuring of Lichtenstein's world also serves as the dynamic backdrop to the lush plantings and mixed borders for which Monet's paintings were renowned. An avid gardener, Monet once said, "My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece." Marie Selby Botanical Gardens evokes this crowning achievement with a surprising Pop Art twist.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: 2021 Professional Summer Programs , May 22 – July 16

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is hosting 2021 Professional Summer Programs from May 22 to 28, June 19 to 25, and July 10 to 16. Get ready to move this summer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, unlike any other. You have three weeks to choose from - or do all three. Open to High School Students through to Professionals (minimum age 14). Participant Performance Friday and Virtual Broadcast Saturday alongside Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Daily classes include improvision, contemporary, liquid strength, afro-modern, jazz, and SCD repertory. Participant Rising Choreographer Progam (2 per program). Guest Faculty include Dazaun Soleyn, Jennifer Nugget, and Christal Brown. SCD Faculty include Melissa Rummel, Monessa Salley, and Xiao-xuan Dancigers. Housing available, each program capped at 20 students. Work-Study positions are also available.

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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