People & Business: Wednesday 3/27/19

Wednesday, April 3rd
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
To submit your news for consideration, please send press info to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com.

Children First and All Angels get Jazzed Up for Literacy

Children First was the recipient of support from All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church at their annual fundraiser, Jazzy Nights, on March 20th. Parishioners of the church have gathered over 200 books in both English and Spanish for our children and families as part of the Children First campaign for literacy.  

Anonymous donors have agreed to match all proceeds of the evening, dollar-for-dollar, to provide further support for positive early childhood education outcomes in our community.

As part of an on-going relationship with Children First, All Angels has pledged their support to our children and families with 3 grants totaling $12,300 throughout the past year, benefitting our Annual Support Fund, Holiday Program, and Scholarship Fund respectively. 

Children First is deeply grateful for the commitment of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church and its parishioners to bring positive change to the lives of children and families in our community.

Gayle Guynup elected to Board of Directors of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Inc.

Gayle Guynup has been elected to the Board of Directors of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Inc.   Former Editor of STYLE Magazine and Social Editor at Herald Tribune Media Group, Gayle recently established her new business, Content Connections, which offers corporate communications for both profit & nonprofit companies, web-based communications, traditional media and memoirs or biographies. 

“I am thrilled to join the JoshProvides Board. Having lived with epilepsy for more than 40 years, I am anxious to help spread the word that epilepsy does not define who we are, but rather is something we have and learn to live with,” noted Gayle.

“We are delighted to have Gayle join our Board.  As an advocate and ambassador for individuals with Epilepsy, Gayle will help us pull back the curtain on this disorder – providing community awareness & education.  One in 26 people will be impacted by Epilepsy and JoshProvides is here to offer help and hope to families,” stated Andria Bilan, CEO.

In 2018, JoshProvides assisted 59 families by offering seizure detection & alert devices, assistance with transportation or medical services, and securing seizure response dogs.  JoshProvides also offers a monthly Epilepsy Support Group to provide resources and socialization to families. 

Overall economic impact of 2018 Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival $10,500,000

Attendance for the 2018 Siesta Key Crystal Classic was up almost 10% from 2017 – 65,225 attendees in all areas of the festival despite the red tide challenges the area had experienced. Based on data research and surveys, the total economic impact of out-of-county visitors to the 2018 Siesta Key Crystal Classic was estimated at $10,500,000.

Other data received worth noting:

37% of attendees overnighted in hotels or condominiums generating over 19,000 room nights for the area
41% were Sarasota County residents, 17% were Florida residents outside of Sarasota County, 36% were from out of state, 6% were International residents
98% of attendees reported that the festival met or exceeded their expectations stating that this year’s event was most impressive

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is owned by Siesta Beach Festival, Inc., a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation. The event is produced by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism, local businesses, and both ephemeral and visual arts through a collaborative partnership with the community. 

Orioles Welcome 100,000 Fans for the  Ninth Time in 10 Seasons at Ed Smith Stadium 

 Orioles’ 10th Sarasota Spring Training Highlighted by the Celebration of the One Millionth Fan Milestone

With today’s crowd of 7,357 for this season’s Spring Training finale at Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles have drawn a total of 103,167 fans for 16 home games in Sarasota. It is the ninth time in 10 seasons that the Orioles have welcomed more than 100,000 fans at Ed Smith Stadium. Since moving Major League operations to Sarasota, 1,091,516 fans have enjoyed Orioles Spring Training baseball at Ed Smith Stadium.
 
The Orioles welcomed their One Millionth Fan into Ed Smith Stadium on February 26. DIANA LOVE of Sarasota was selected at random to represent the one million fans. In a special on-field presentation, Love received a $5,000 shopping experience at Diamond Vault in Sarasota, two Spring Training season tickets for five years, and more. The Orioles are the fastest franchise to reach one million fans in almost a century of Spring Training baseball in Sarasota.
 
“Celebrating our One Millionth Fan at Ed Smith Stadium this year was a thrill. We are tremendously grateful for the support of fans from Sarasota, the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond who have joined us for Orioles baseball in these first 10 seasons of Major League Spring Training in Sarasota County,” said GREG BADER, Orioles Vice President, Communications & Marketing. “Through our year-round operations in Sarasota, we remain steadfast in our commitments as an economic engine and a passionate supporter of charitable causes, the arts, and youth development – now and for many years to come.”
 
Additionally, the Orioles recorded five sellouts this spring, including drawing a crowd of 8,623 on Wednesday, March 20 against Boston, the fifth-highest single-game attendance total at Ed Smith Stadium. On average, the club welcomed 6,448 fans per game, once again finishing among the top teams in Grapefruit League attendance.
 
The Orioles’ year-round operation in Sarasota County generates approximately $92 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents, according to an analysis by Sarasota County Government. By marketing Sarasota to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region, operating a year-round athletic training facility, producing entertainment and sporting events, partnering with charitable causes, and hosting and often subsidizing youth sports tournaments and activities, the Orioles demonstrate an abiding commitment to their Florida home that goes far beyond baseball. For details, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.

Bay Park Conservancy Introduces Three Community Leaders to its Board of Directors

 The Bay Park Conservancy, the successor to the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization whose mission is to design, fund raise, construct and operate the bayfront Master Plan known as “The Bay,” has unanimously elected three new members to its Board of Directors.

Carlos de Quesada, Managing Member and Founder of Vera Cruz Advisory LLC, brings strength through his extensive experience, financial advising and strategic consulting services, particularly in public private partnerships.  De Quesada is also a certified BoardSource consultant in non-profit board governance through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Rod Hershberger, Co-founder and current Chairman of the board of Laurel-based PGT Innovations, the industry leader in the design and manufacture of impact doors and windows.  An avid athlete and outdoorsman, particularly in all water sports, Hershberger has a passion for anything having to do with recreation on the water, and protecting and enhancing our area’s bays, bayous and the Gulf of Mexico.

Emily Walsh, Publisher of the Observer Media Group’s four Sarasota-based newspapers, magazines and website, in addition to leading the company’s digital strategy and operations.  Walsh has extensive meaningful leadership experience in area non-profit boards, and exceptional skills in messaging, communications and public relations.

“The Bay Park Conservancy Board of Directors consists of known and proven leaders who have a true passion for the mission, and unique skill sets that enhance the culture of excellence we have established.  Carlos, Rod and Emily individually strengthen our team, and add depth by their unique experiences,” said Bay Park Conservancy Chair Cathy Layton.

The immediate focus of the Bay Park Conservancy is to fund, design, and implement Phase 1 of The Bay Park, approximately 9 acres of land south of the Van Wezel, which will include a revitalized coastal wetland and bayou, a living learning laboratory, and a signature sunset pier.  Environmental enhancements to the coastal wetland are fully funded and will proceed upon completion of the ongoing design and permitting process.

The other members of the Bay Park Conservancy Board of Directors are Cathy Layton, Robert Lane, Jennifer Compton, Steven Cover, Keith Dubose, Michael Klauber, Cynthia McCague, with A.G. Lafley as acting CEO.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, visit www.thebaysarasota.org. To find out how to get involved, visit the Blue Pagoda at 655 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236.

SCF Professor Reappointed to Prestigious Award Committee

 Joni Burnette Pirnot, professor of mathematics at State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), has been reappointed chair of the national committee that determines the recipient of the prestigious Etta Z. Falconer Lecture award.

The award honors women who have made distinguished contributions to the mathematical sciences or mathematics education. It is presented annually by The Association for Women in Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America. 

The selection committee consists of four members with staggered terms of three years who review candidates for the award. Pirnot previously served as chair and was reappointed for a second three-year term. 

Raymond James Welcomes $100 Million Veteran Advisor from Morgan Stanley in Sarasota, Florida

Raymond James welcomed experienced financial advisor Robert Mark Weiss, CFA®, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) – the firm’s independent broker/dealer – in Provenance Wealth Advisors’ Sarasota, Florida, office according to Todd Gartrell, Southeast regional director for RJFS.

“For some advisors, building an independent business is the best fit for them, their clients and their practice,” said Gartrell. “Rob is an exceptional financial advisor with more than three decades of financial services experience, and I’m pleased that he found the resources and support at Raymond James to be the most valuable as he grows his independent practice.”

Weiss joins Raymond James and Provenance Wealth Advisors (PWA), an independent practice aligned with the RJFS Independent Contractor Division and will be establishing PWA’s first office in Sarasota. He serves a variety of clients, including business owners, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families. Weiss previously managed more than $100 million in client assets while at his prior firm, Morgan Stanley.

Weiss added, “I was looking for more independence and control over the client experience. PWA and Raymond James offers comprehensive solutions that allow more independence and ownership of my practice. “I found the partnership with Provenance Wealth Advisors to be appealing because of the team’s holistic approach, its culture and its relationship with Raymond James. I’m excited to launch my independent practice and look forward to growing my business here.”

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), Weiss has been in the financial services industry for more than 35 years, with experience at multiple firms including T.D. Securities, Inc., A.G. Edwards and most recently Morgan Stanley. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto.

Managing Director of Provenance Wealth Advisors Eric Zeitlin added, “Rob is a terrific addition to our team.  His many years of experience will be valuable as we continue to expand in Florida with our new Sarasota office. His clients will have the opportunity to take advantage of our comprehensive planning services, which fit with his goals of serving them in a more holistic way.”

PWA provides comprehensive financial planning estate planning and insurance services to entrepreneurs, professionals and business owners. The firm has offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Cincinnati and New York City.

Mote Battles Unprecedented Threat to Florida’s Coral Reefs

Florida’s coral reefs are facing an unprecedented, deadly and rapidly spreading coral disease outbreak — putting them at risk of functional extinction — and Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are accelerating their innovative efforts to secure the reefs’ future.

As of March 2019, stony coral tissue loss disease is plaguing nearly half the coral species on the Florida Reef Tract, with mortality rates frequently exceeding 80 percent. The outbreak stretches from Martin County to Key West, with potentially similar disease signs being investigated at other Caribbean reefs. Susceptible corals include maze, brain, boulder and other species groups that form the essential foundations of the Florida Reef Tract, an economic engine worth $8.5 billion and supporting 70,400 jobs.

Recognizing these high stakes, scientists at Mote — an independent, nonprofit institution — are raising the bar on disease research and responsive reef restoration, as leaders within a state-federal-nongovernment Disease Advisory Committee of more than three dozen partners focused on the outbreak. As of March 2019, Mote is: undertaking the first year of its new Florida Keys Coral Disease Response & Restoration Initiative; taking care of rescued coral fragments from sites ahead of the disease front and initiating longer-term coral gene banking efforts; reporting its new research results on bacterial changes in the infected corals; and implementing and evaluating science-based coral restoration as a key recovery strategy, with Mote co-leading a multi-institution Restoration Trials Team.

On April 13, the public can meet Mote scientists on the front lines of the disease response effort during Mote’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration in Key West. Details: moteoceanfest.org
Below are updates from Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) from 2018 into early 2019. In each effort, Mote is coordinating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and others.

“There is no stopping this coral plague from running its course — it is highly unlikely that our devastated coral populations will be able to execute a natural recovery on their own,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “That means conservation strategies alone cannot solve this dilemma. Mote has proposed a bold science-based coral disease response and restoration initiative that is essential to actively assist the recovery of this ecosystem. The Florida Legislature is currently considering a $2 million request for launching our proposed collaborative initiative, and Senator Marco Rubio was instrumental in recently shepherding a Congressional $5 million addition to NOAA’s budget to help support our initiative to respond to this environmental disaster.”

“Mote is one of several dedicated organizations in Florida taking the lead in ensuring the Florida Reef Tract will be enjoyed by future generations,” said Senator Rubio. “Floridians are grateful for the expertise and passion Mote researchers bring to their work, and I know Mote will make a meaningful difference with the unprecedented federal resources for the restoration of our reefs that I secured as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. South Florida’s economy depends on it.”

“Our reefs are a vital resource for many of our Florida communities and we must take bold steps to respond to coral disease and protect this vital ecosystem,” said State Representative Holly Raschein, District 120. “Mote’s valuable work has never been more important in ensuring that we use sound science-based solutions to ensure that we can restore and protect our reefs, for our residents, tourists and future generations.”

Dr. Erinn Muller, IC2R3 Science Director and Manger of Mote’s Coral Health & Disease Research Program, is leading Mote’s pursuit of those science-based solutions.  “We are screening our native coral genotypes for resistance to stressors, and we have some genotypes highly resistant to stony coral tissue loss disease,” Muller said.  “Through restoration, we now have the power to incorporate that trait within our population, along with genetic diversity to ensure resistance to a variety of stressors. Now is a critical time. Either we’re going to lose our coral reefs in the next decade, or were going to make sure they survive and continue the functions that are so critical for our livelihoods and our wellbeing.”

Real Estate Investor Eric Baird Purchases Hotel Ranola in Downtown Sarasota

Local businessman and real estate investor Eric Baird has purchased Hotel Ranola, a boutique hotel in downtown Sarasota with 27 units.  Built in 1926, the hotel at 118 Indian Place initially catered to snowbirds seeking an escape from harsh Northern winters.

“Today, Hotel Ranola appeals to sophisticated leisure and business travelers seeking a uniquely Sarasota experience,” said Baird, president of Baird Ventures. “We plan to maintain Hotel Ranola’s traditional charm while enhancing the overall appeal of this centrally located property.”

Baird Ventures acquired the hotel in January for $2.9 million. Hotel Ranola is just steps from Sarasota attractions, including movie theaters, shops, performing arts, spas, nightlife, dozens of restaurants and the Sarasota bayfront.  It is four miles from Lido Key Beach and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 

The hotel, which has three employees, offers spacious rooms offer urban décor, full kitchens, and walk-in closets. Amenities include a rooftop sundeck.

Under Baird’s leadership, the Sarasota firm is focusing on under-utilized residential and commercial properties in Southwest Florida with potential to improve income streams and significantly appreciate in value.

Asolo Repertory Theatre and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training Announce 2019-20 Seasons

Asolo Repertory Theatre and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training proudly announced their 2019-20 seasons on March 25.

Asolo Rep’s season kicks off in November with a brilliantly re-imagined production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Tony Award®-winning masterpiece THE SOUND OF MUSIC (November 13 – December 28), directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes (Broadway: Bright Star, It Shoulda Been You, First Date, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella). Rhodes returns to Asolo Rep where he previously directed and choreographed the theatre’s record-breaking smash hit production of Evita in 2017 and Guys and Dolls in 2016. In this sweeping musical event, Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the Abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed Captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music.

The winter repertory season opens with AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (January 8 – March 8), directed by Peter Amster and newly adapted by two-time Tony Award-nominee and master of farce Ken Ludwig. Just after midnight, the exotic Orient Express is hurtling down the tracks – to a murder! With a locomotive full of suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery. Glamorous, romantic and hilarious, this new play will take audiences on a suspenseful, highly entertaining adventure.

The rep season continues with the critically acclaimed 2018 Broadway hit THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT (January 22 – March 19), directed by Asolo Rep Associate Artistic Director Celine Rosenthal. Demanding magazine editor-in-chief Emily Penrose hires a determined millennial fact-checker named Jim Fingal to work on a groundbreaking essay. Like magazines everywhere, this one is reeling from poor ad sales and shrinking circulation. But with this potentially sensational essay, salvation looms. When overly eager Jim takes his fact-checking too far, the ultimate showdown between “truth” and “accuracy” is about to begin – with delicious consequences.

The third and final of the winter repertory plays is Lucille Lortel Award-winner George Brant’s INTO THE BREECHES! (February 12 – March 21), directed by Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Laura Kepley. In the midst of World War II, the Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war and the future of the theatre is in jeopardy. But the show must go on and Maggie, the director’s wife, has a solution. She will take her husband’s place and enlist women to take on the roles in the first scheduled show of the season: an ambitious production of Shakespeare’s Henry V.

Asolo Rep will also present Laura Yee’s smart, feisty and funny THE GREAT LEAP (March 18 – April 11) in the Cook Theatre. San Francisco, spring 1989. Manford Lum is a sparky kid who plays street basketball in Chinatown – vertically challenged, but with undeniable ball skills. He talks his way onto a college team headed to Beijing for an exhibition game and finds himself in the middle of China’s post-Cultural Revolution. Smart, feisty and hilarious, THE GREAT LEAP is about family, history, and learning that every game is a second chance.

In April Asolo Rep proudly presents the world premiere of KNOXVILLE (April 3 – 25). This moving and innovative musical will feature lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty (songwriting team behind Anastasia, Once on this Island) and will be adapted and directed by Frank Galati, reuniting the dynamic Tony Award-winning creative team behind Ragtime, one of the most beloved musicals of all time. KNOXVILLE is based on James Agee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiographical novel A Death in the Family and based, in part, on the play All The Way Home by Tad Mosel. When an unexpected turn of events leaves Rufus’ family spinning, he and his mother, Mary, embark on a journey through the mysteries of life and death, faith and doubt, in order to come to terms with what they have lost and what they have found. An enduring illumination of the forces that shape us into who we are, KNOXVILLE is a quintessentially American coming-of-age story about family, faith and love, and the boy who will grow up to write it. The world premiere of KNOXVILLE is made possible by a generous grant from The Roy Cockrum Foundation. 

The season continues with HOOD: A Robin Hood Musical Adventure (May 6 – 31), featuring music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn (Lysistrata Jones), a book by five-time Tony-nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Lysistrata Jones, Sister Act, Xanadu) and helmed by Mark Brokaw (Heisenberg, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, After Miss Julie). The world’s sexiest thief takes to the stage again in this madcap new musical adventure of a legendary tale with a 21st century twist. Follow the exciting escapades of Robin Hood and his merry men as he fights to restore justice for the people of Sherwood, win the heart of the beautiful Maid Marian, who definitely does not need saving, and rid the land from the Sheriff of Nottingham once and for all. 

In June Asolo Rep continues its family programming initiative with a wildly innovative production of SNOW WHITE (June 11 – 28), presented by New International Encounter. Adapted from the classic Brothers Grimm story, this magical, modern fairy-tale experience is perfect for the young and young at heart. Actors play multiple roles and multiple instruments and spontaneity and thrills abound. Intimate, entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny, this new 21st-century SNOW WHITE is incredibly fresh and at the same time reassuringly familiar.

“The overarching theme for our 2019-20 season is that of humanity, adventure and joy,” said Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. “Our audiences will soar through the Austrian Alps with the von Trapps, race in the dark of night from Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express, and chase the truth alongside a precocious fact checker. They will share the stage with a steadfast group of women at a theatre during World War II, reach new heights with a passionate young basketball player and delve into their pasts in order to realize their futures with Rufus in 1915, Knoxville. From there they will venture into Sherwood Forest in a brand new, exhilarating way and then rediscover a dreamy fairy tale as if it were brand new. It is going to be a thrilling ride!”

Asolo Rep will also present its annual fall educational tour, an FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training production of William Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET (September – November, 2019), adapted and directed by Tyler Dobrowsky. The tour presents freshly re-imagined 45-minute adaptations of classic literature to schools and community venues throughout the state of Florida.   

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s Dog Days Theatre returns this summer for a third season, featuring smart, contemporary works just light enough for the dog days of summer. The Dog Days Theatre 2019 season begins with Matthew Burnett’s THEOPHILUS NORTH (July 9 – 28) from the novel by Thornton Wilder, directed by Laura Braza. The season will conclude with the outrageously funny and witty comedy, HARBOR (August 6 – 25), by Chad Beguelin, who penned the stage adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin, and directed by FSU/Asolo Conservatory Director, Greg Leaming. This smart and scrappy, outrageously funny comedy tests the constantly shifting nature of the meaning of marriage and family.

The Conservatory opens its season with Sophocles’ ANTIGONE (October 29 – November 17): a war among brothers leaves Antigone’s family torn but she breaks faith with everything she has known in order to defend her family’s honor.  In January, the Conservatory presents Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy, GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES (December 31 – January 19): a Pulitzer Prize finalist and an insightful and witty story about Doug and Kayleen, and how their friendship and love evolves over the course of 30 years. The season continues in late February with Sarah Ruhl’s DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE (February 18 – March 8). A woman impulsively decides to answer a ringing cell phone only to find that the owner of the phone is dead and involved in some mysterious business. 

The Conservatory will return to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in April for William Shakespeare’s classic love story ROMEO & JULIET(April 7 – 25). Sarasota’s premier outdoor destination will set the scene for this timeless tale filled with passion, laughter, tears, and arguably the most romantic poetry in all of literature. 

“The FSU/Asolo Conservatory is training the future of the American theatre, and we are thrilled to be able to present these young artists in plays that will showcase their skills, their passion and, most importantly, their incredible talent,” said Greg Leaming, Director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. “The 2019-20 season includes some of the greatest plays written for the stage as well as bright, new, highly original work from the 21st century, all starring the 12 brilliant young artists of our second-year class. It promises to be a season of great plays and great young actors ready to be discovered.”

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast presents A Conversation with Clyde Butcher

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will present a fascinating evening with  renowned fine art photographer, Clyde Butcher, who will share his experiences and photographs that shaped his journey to discovering the beauty of the Myakka.  A Conversation with Clyde Butcher will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 5:30 pm at the Sarasota Opera House located at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The lecture begins at 5:30 pm and is followed by a reception with the artist. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.conservationfoundation.com/Clyde or call 941-918-2100.  Also available for purchase is the recently released Myakka River: A Florida Treasure.  All proceeds benefit Conservation Foundation’s mission to save land forever.

Butcher is known worldwide for his extraordinary black and white images of natural lands especially across the United States. The scale and clarity of his images evoke emotion and passion for their beauty and fragility. Honored for his lifelong commitment as a conservationist, Butcher has raised national awareness of conservation issues through his fine art photography as well as several award-winning PBS documentaries.  Learn more at www.clydebutcher.com.