People & Business: Wednesday, January 30th

Wednesday, April 3rd
THE SARASOTA SCENE
People & Business
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Mote Secures Formal, Long-Term Plan for New Aquarium Land

 The Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved an agreement for Mote Marine Laboratory’s use of county-owned land in Nathan Benderson Park for the site of its planned new Science Education Aquarium during the county commission meeting today, Jan. 30. 
 
The “omnibus” agreement includes a two-year lease, during which Mote will pursue normal, due-diligence steps and seek zoning approval for ultimate sale of the land. If this does not happen within the short-term lease, the agreement calls for a long-term lease of 90 years.
 
Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) will be an iconic, educational and outreach hub that vastly improves access to marine science and technology for an estimated three million residents living within a 60-minute drive and visitors from around the world, representing a rebirth of the current Mote Aquarium. For maximum impact and accessibility, Mote leaders will establish Mote SEA on 12 acres in the Sarasota County-owned land within Nathan Benderson Park, within a rapidly growing nexus location for Sarasota and Manatee counties and the broader Southwest Florida region.
 
Mote leaders announced their vision for Mote SEA in February 2018, and since then, discussions with county staff and other community leaders have been productive and positive. On Oct. 9, 2018, the county commission adopted a resolution supporting a partnership with Mote related to Mote SEA and directed the county administrator to return with an initial term sheet for land use. That term sheet was approved unanimously by the county commission on Oct. 24, laying the groundwork for the lease and omnibus approved today. To inform the new omnibus and future actions, independent consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., recently completed a related analysis of needs for parking and driver access around the facility, an early step toward ensuring that Mote SEA visitors have a smooth experience entering and exiting the site.

“Today we’ve reached an exciting and important milestone for Mote, for this community, and for everyone in our region and state who has called for increased access to marine science and education, and greater understanding and appreciation of the oceans and coastlines that make our region an international destination,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “We are deeply grateful to Sarasota County, and to all others who continue to support this critical effort, for helping us achieve a win-win-win for our region’s environment, science education, economy and quality of life for residents and visitors.”
 
Mote SEA will be an iconic facility with 110,000 square feet containing more than 1 million gallons of exhibits featuring marine life and scientific displays from around the world, onsite diving programs, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) resource center for students, teachers and the general public, conference and special event space, educational galleries with interactive, advanced, digital and augmented reality technology to enhance learning, two STEM workforce training labs and three K-12 STEM teaching labs, which will offer no-cost opportunities for every school in the region. Outdoor nature trails with potential additional features such as science-education demonstrations of snook stock enhancement and wetlands restoration will enhance public use of the area.
 
After their unanimous approval on Jan. 30, the Sarasota County Commissioners expressed excitement about Mote SEA and its anticipated benefits.

Commissioner Christian Ziegler noted: “That property there is really the gateway to Sarasota County. That’s the first piece of property, if you’re coming south on I-75, that you see in our community. What better way to welcome them than with a project like this? To have Mote put their name on that and be involved with that and be located there, I think it’s really a testament to your organization and it really highlights our local community very well.

He continued: “I’ve heard from a lot of people, ‘What are we doing for families? What are we doing for family activity?’ I know you guys (at Mote) get a lot of attention for what I’ll call reactive response — red tide, who do we go to? Mote. How are you guys helping with red tide? That gets a lot of attention. But what doesn’t get a lot of attention is the proactive-ness your organization has, when clean water and water quality is the topic of the day. It starts when you are young. I have two girls, a five-year-old and a three-year-old. When you get them into an aquarium, a facility like this, they get hands on. That’s when you get the commitment to the environment; that’s when you get the commitment to clean water. It all starts young.”

The planned location in Nathan Benderson Park is visible to 45 million vehicles traveling on the nearby interstate each year, and the increasingly accessible Mote SEA is projected to serve approximately 700,000 visitors in its first year alone, double the attendance of the current Mote Aquarium. The facility will also provide sorely needed conference and major events spaces, and produce a nearly $28-million annual economic impact, beyond nearly $280 million of economic impact during the construction phase.
 
The effort to create Mote SEA is powered by the fundraising campaign Oceans for All: Improving Access to Marine Science and Technology, which focuses on private, public and corporate giving.
 
“Our Oceans for All campaign, and the important mission behind it, are significantly strengthened by Sarasota County’s approval of this lease and agreement to move forward with our long-term vision,” said Dr. Crosby. “Those visionary philanthropic leaders who embrace our Mote SEA vision of Ocean for All can do so with confidence that, with their support, this vision will become a reality and positively impact succeeding generations in our local communities, region and state for decades to come.”
 
Learn more at moteoceansforall.org or contact Mote Oceans for All Campaign Director Michael Moore (mmoore@mote.org).
 
With the nearly 40-year-old existing Mote Aquarium reborn as the Mote SEA at Nathan Benderson Park, Mote Marine Laboratory will also be poised to launch the distinct transformation of its City Island campus into an International Marine Science, Technology & Innovation Park that will ultimately catalyze the development of a “Silicon Valley” for marine science and technology in Southwest Florida that will fuel the growth of a diverse “blue economy.”
 
“This is definitely a memorable day for Sarasota County as far as I’m concerned,” said Vice Chair Michael A. Moran. “While the Aquarium has gained a lot of attention, I feel it’s important to remember this day is part of advancing a bigger vision for Mote. As Dr. Crosby has reminded us on numerous occasions, this facility allows for the expansion of Mote and their mission for science and research efforts on City Island, which ultimately is the backbone of Mote, is the science and research. Personally one of the most exciting variables is the workforce attraction of scientists and Ph.D.s, some would argue from all around the world, coming to Mote. We spend a lot of time on this dais talking about workforce attraction and workforce development and the economic drivers for this community, and there’s no question that Mote is that.”

Selby Gardens Announces Largest Gift in Selby Gardens’ History- $5 Million to Fund the Visionary SKY GARDEN

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Selby Gardens), the world’s only botanical garden dedicated to the study, display and conservation of epiphytic plants, announces that as of today $31.5 million in gifts, 74 percent of the funds needed to implement the $42.5 million dollar phase one of the master plan have been secured.

Since the launch of the campaign on October 10, 2018, several new leadership gifts totaling nearly $10 million, have been made to Innovating a Greener Future- Living Inspiration for a Living Museum: The Campaign for Selby Gardens (The Campaign).

The significant progress attained toward the Phase One goal has been made possible today by a 5-million dollar gift by visionary Sarasota donors Drs. Joel and Gail Morrison Morganroth.

The centerpiece of Phase One of the Gardens’ new Master Site Plan is the Sky Garden that will bear their name. The Sky Garden is a vertical garden and visitor services building that will incorporate cutting-edge sustainability innovations and serve as an international model for green technology. Further, the Sky Garden will house a substantial storm-water management system and generate significant energy to power Phase One of the master plan, making it the first Net Positive Energy botanical garden complex in the world.

“Innovation is the cornerstone to a sustainable and promising future,” says Dr. Joel Morganroth. “Selby Gardens understands the value of innovation as is evident in their transformational Master Plan. With a greener sustainable future in mind, they are taking bold steps to preserve their precious collections while blazing forward with designs that will allow for more green space, energy efficiencies and extensive educational outreach at their 15-acre botanical garden. I admire their forward-thinking entrepreneurial approach and look forward to being a part of this evolution.”

“We are incredibly honored to receive this generous gift from Joel and Gail,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, Selby Gardens President and CEO. “Their belief in our project and passion for the innovation of the Master Plan reaffirms our belief that this is a vital chance to transform and realize the full potential of our beloved gardens, while also preserving our important history for generations to come.”

“Generosity and commitment are a part of every great accomplishment and are crucial in bringing this important project to fruition,” says Cornelia Matson, Selby Gardens Trustee and co-chair.

The goal for funding the overall 10-year Master Plan is $92 million, with $72 million to be directed toward capital costs and the balance to be directed towards our endowment and operational needs.

The fundraising campaign for this undertaking is co-chaired by Selby Gardens’ trustees and leadership donors Jean Weidner Goldstein, Cornelia Matson and Pauline Wamsler.

“I’m excited by the tremendous support this plan has received in a few short months,” says Pauline Wamsler, Vice Chair of the Selby Gardens Board of Trustees and co-chair of the campaign. “It is a testament to the strength of the project and the benefit it will bring to our community.”

Co-chair Jean Weidner Goldstein goes on to further say, “the Sarasota community is blessed to have so many wonderful patrons who support world-class cultural and natural amenities such as the Gardens. On behalf of Selby Gardens co-chairs and Trustees, we look forward to bringing this plan to fruition for the world to enjoy.”

Upon completion of the Master Plan the Gardens will add fifty percent more green space, safeguard and showcase the world’s best scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads, accommodate our rapidly growing visitor base, and connect underserved families and children in the region to nature and Selby Gardens.

For more information on The Campaign, visit selby.org

Ringling College of Art Sweeps Animation Category Nominations for 39th College Television Awards by Television Academy Foundation.

The Television Academy Foundation announced nominees for the 39th College Television Awards which recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs.

The 25 nominees were selected from over 600 productions submitted by 174 colleges and universities nationwide. Designed to emulate the Emmys®, the student entries are judged online by active Television Academy members. Television stars will present top honors to students at the awards ceremony on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, California,where each winning project will receive a $3000 cash prize.

Three student-produced projects were nominated in each of eight categories: drama, comedy, animation, nonfiction, promotional, news, sports, and variety. One winner will be announced in each category. In addition, the College Television Awards announced the awardee for the Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship, which recognizes a student-produced project that best portrays disability topics and issues, or helps emerging artists with a disability gain recognition.

The nominees for the 39th College Television Awards, representing 17 colleges and universities, are listed below:

Animation Series: (Note: Ringling swept the category with 3 nominations)

In a Heartbeat (Ringling College of Art & Design)
Beth David, Producer

Esteban Bravo, Director, Writer

The Rose Garden (Ringling College of Art & Design)
Nina Gerstenhaber, Producer, Director, Writer

The Wishing Cranes (Ringling College of Art & Design)
Thomas Anderholm, Producer, Director, Writer

SAGE Opens January 29 in Downtown Sarasota

Sage, a new restaurant, bar and event space on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is set to open on January 29, 2019 in the three-story Historic Sarasota Times Building, 1216 First St., downtown Sarasota.

Led by owner Sharon Carole, general manager Cameron Hall, and executive chef Christopher Covelli, Sage features a multi-level dining room with a vintage copper-top cocktail bar, 3400 square-feet of event space and a rooftop lounge featuring 360° views of downtown Sarasota.

“The menu at Sage is both seasonal and internationally inspired, combining ingredients and cooking styles from around the world. Both vegan and gluten-free friendly, Sage has options for everyone,” says executive chef Christopher Covelli, who has earned five Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and served as guest chef for seven James Beard Foundation Dinners. “The dishes we create will evolve with the seasons. We’ll always be featuring something new with vibrant and compelling flavors.”

Sage will open with a menu comprising eight entrees from eight different countries, including a seafood-based Thai Bouillabaisse with red coconut curry, which is gluten-free and can easily be adapted to a vegetarian dish. Additionally, Sage’s cocktail bar offers a menu of 20 original handcrafted creations fashioned from natural and homemade ingredients. Among its martini selections, the First Street Fizz combines house-infused cucumber gin, lime juice, mint and fennel syrup with a splash of soda.

Built in 1926 to house a local newspaper, the Historic Sarasota Times Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Sage owner Sharon Carole was determined to maintain the building’s architectural integrity while overseeing a complete renovation that celebrates the structure’s Mediterranean Revival style and chic 1920s-era energy.

“So many people are in love with the building,” says Carole. “We didn’t want to lose any of its character, we wanted to enhance it.”  The customizable third-floor event space, which can accommodate traditional seating for 100 or reception-style events for 150, features white marble flooring and nine-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. The spacious rooftop bar and lounge offers 360-degree views of downtown Sarasota.

General manager Cameron Hall, a Sarasota native, sees the cuisine and the setting as a unique pairing with dynamic characteristics that play off each other. “Chef Christopher brings such authenticity to every dish, we knew we needed an equally distinct space that lives up to the quality and the character of the food,” he says. “Everything comes together here, making it a complete culinary experience.”

Now taking reservations at (941) 445-5660.

Visit Sarasota County Meetings and Group Sales Team Expands

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has promoted Ellen Thomas to senior meeting sales manager, and appointed Amanda Walker leisure group sales manager and Allison Jones group sales coordinator. The growth of VSC’s sales department will allow the tourism bureau to better identify, attract and entertain conferences, meetings and groups, resulting in extended stays, large bookings, and an upsurge in first-time visitors to the area.

“It was important for us to grow the sales team for Visit Sarasota County so that we are able to help keep our hotels full during the midweek period,” said Kelly Defebo, VSC’s director of sales. “The business traveler becomes intrigued with all we have to offer here, and often they end up returning so that they can enjoy our amenities with their spouse or families on vacation.”

With the promotion to Senior Meeting Sales Manager, Thomas will lead a team devoted to marketing the destination to meeting professionals and leisure group planners. This will allow VSC to enhance and expand its efforts to strategically target qualified contacts who bring meetings and groups to Sarasota County.

In the newly appointed position of Leisure Group Sales Manager, Walker will work to secure accommodations and community activities for the social, military, educational, religious and fraternal (SMERF) groups market as well as for weddings and travel agents. Previously with The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota sales department, Walker has extensive knowledge of the area, and is passionate about sharing it with these groups. 

As Group Sales Coordinator, Jones assists Thomas and Walker in acquiring leads and showcasing qualities that make Sarasota the best destination for group conferences, meetings and events. A native, alumna of Riverview High School and recent graduate from the University of Florida, Jones is excited to continue to build relationships within the community to enhance her role with VSC.  

Winter 2019 to Bring New Model to The Lake Club

Luxurious additions are coming to The Lake Club in February. A new enclave, Genoa, will perfectly complement the already existing Matera, Vineyard, and Lake View Estates enclaves, and several new models by Stock Signature Homes will have their debut also. Phase I of the exceptional homes, in styles like British West Indies, Mediterranean, and Florida Coastal, will start from the $600s and be offered on 65-foot and 84-foot homesites with breathtaking lake and preserve views.

One of the eight new models is the Madison, encompassing 2,947 square feet under air. The exquisite model will offer four bedrooms, four full and one-half bath, great room, dining, study and a three-car garage. A neutral palette of earthy beiges, soft ivory, and grey-blues are accented with pops of rich caramel and aqua in the interior design by Soco Interiors. The furniture throughout is comfortable and elegant with a mix of rustic woods, painted pieces, and mixed metals, and the artwork and accessories are bold and colorful, mixing sea-side photography with unique abstracts.

To learn more about Lake Club living, visit the Model Preview Center located at 8307 Lake Club Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, call (855) 201-8065 or preview models, floor plans and amenities at TheLakeClubLWR.com.

Art Battle Sarasota Champion Selected

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County hosted Art Battle at Selby Library on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Over 300 people gathered to watch 12 local artists complete paintings in only 20 minutes.

A raised stage was centered under spotlights in the Selby Library rotunda as artists Rick Knowlton, Raven Skye McDonough, Vicki Chelf, Karalee Hammes, Judy Robertson, Dave Blanch, Teresa K Stone, Shawn McLoughlin, Karen Chandler, Carol Buck, Judy Lyon, and Mara Torres competed in two preliminary rounds. 11 of the artists were preselected in early January, however, Mara Torres was randomly selected that evening as a wildcard participant.
 
As the artists painted, the attendees circled the rotunda and viewed the art from the second level of the library. Based on audience voting, Judy Robertson, Dave Blanch, Karen Chandler, and Mara Torres were selected to paint in the final round. After the final round, Judy Robertson was named Sarasota Art Battle Champion. Robertson will advance to compete in a south Florida Art Battle.
 
All of the completed works of art were immediately available for auction with a portion of the sale going to the artist. In addition, the four artists that were selected for the final round were each offered a one week artist residency at Art Ovation Hotel.

Special thank you to our food providers Tsunami Sushi, Mama G’s German Bakery, and Mattison’s. 

SCF History Professor Receives Academic Excellence Award

Philip Travis, a history professor at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), received a teaching and academic excellence award for his work in the classroom and beyond. Travis was recognized for work that includes his classroom contributions, podcasts on history and a new self-funded “Lectures in History” television program on Manatee Educational Television (METV). The United Faculty of Florida (UFF) presented Travis with a plaque and a $500 cash award.

Travis won the award for projects that he considers a labor of love. He said it was nice getting the cash, which nearly paid for filming his “Lectures in History” series. The program is part of the classroom syllabus and focuses on important moments in history, including the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World War, the 50th anniversary of the height of the Vietnam War and the upcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion during World War II.

“I thought it was a fun way to give students a neat classroom experience and connect the community to what we are doing,” Travis said. “It was nice to be recognized. We have a lot of great people at the college doing a lot of good things.”

Travis, who holds a doctorate in history from Washington State University specializing in U.S. international relations and world history, is the author of the 2017 book “Reagan’s War on Terrorism in Nicaragua: The Outlaw State.” He also is the author of several peer-reviewed articles with the “Oxford Encyclopedia of Latin American History” and the “Journal of Terrorism Research.” Last year he partnered with Ohio State University and National Public Radio on podcast series, “Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective.” Travis discussed how President Ronald Reagan’s administration was able to redefine insurgents and terrorist groups and how that affects U.S. foreign policy today.

“As an institution, we are proud of the caliber of the faculty, their expertise and the accolades they receive,” said Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, SCF’s president. “This award is another example of our faculty’s dedication to students and to the community.”

For more information, contact Travis at TravisP@SCF.edu or 941-752-5551

Peabody Winner Joy Thomas Moore Visits Suncoast for Book Circle Kickoff 

As an investment in our community and its families, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, with support from The Patterson Foundation, is bringing Peabody Award-winner and author Joy Thomas Moore to the region. Moore will participate in events to kick-off a series of Book Circles centered around her book, “The Power of Presence.” 
In “The Power of Presence,” Moore reflects on her journey as a single mom of three and explores the seven pillars of presence, which she says parents can use to positively influence their children even when they can’t be with them. 

Successful, engaged parents play a vital role in helping their children read on grade-level by the end of third grade, a key predictor of continued success in school and life. By opening these Book Circles to the community, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is working to strengthen the parents and caretakers who shape Suncoast families. 

WHO: Joy Thomas Moore and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading 

WHAT: Peabody Award-winner Joy Thomas Moore will visit the region to participate in guided discussions around her book, “The Power of Presence,” and engage with members of the community participating in Book Circles facilitated by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to explore the book’s insights for parents and families.

WHERE: 
Bookstore1Sarasota, 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 
Pine View School, 1 Python Path, Osprey, FL 34229

WHEN: 
Bookstore1Sarasota: Thursday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Media are invited to arrive at 10:30 a.m. The event will begin at 11 a.m. 
Pine View School: Thursday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. 

WHY: The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading recognizes the critical role parents play in early childhood development. As their child’s first teacher, parents set the stage for success in early learning. Being a widowed mother of three, Joy Thomas Moore knows firsthand how challenging parenting can be and has significant insight on how to manage the responsibilities. Moore details this and shares the stories and tips for parents in her book, “The Power of Presence.” 

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: 
Joy Thomas Moore, author of “The Power of Presence” 
Beth Duda, director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading for The Patterson Foundation

SunCoast Blood Bank Announces New Board Member and Officers

SunCoast Blood Bank announces the appointment of a new member of its Board of Trustees, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2019. Board members are elected for a period of three years and officers are appointed for two years.

Joining the board is Teresa “Tess” Koncick, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Aviance Capital Management, LLC.  She served in a similar capacity at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated Office of General Counsel, Defined Asset Funds.  Koncick received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration from Seton Hall University, a Master of Laws, Securities Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center and her Juris Doctor from Antioch School of Law.

The slate of officers and board members are:

Steve Branham, President, Chair                                          

Craig Tuley, Vice President                                                    

Ben Hatcher, Treasurer                                                         

Kathleen Hargreaves, Immediate Past President                  

Mary Ann Legler, President Emeritus                                    

Tess Koncick, Assistant Treasurer                                         

Juan Villaveces, Secretary

Jeff Reynolds

Kristine Russel

Ross Russo

Tickets now on sale for WBTT’s ‘70s Soul Party at Ed Smith Stadium

Popular arts organization to offer a ‘triple play’ of fun, funk and fireworks as part of the Orioles’ ‘Arts in the Ballpark’ series

 The hits will keep on coming as Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe partners with the Baltimore Orioles to present the ’70s Soul Party at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, May 18, 8-10 p.m. The event, which will feature WBTT’s “All-Star” artists performing the chart-topping soul hits of the 1970s, is part of the Orioles’ “Arts in the Ballpark” series. Tickets are now on sale.

 The ’70s Soul Party will feature WBTT’s Soul Crooners and sizzling band performing nearly two hours of music under the direction of WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. Dancing in your seats or on your feet will be highly encouraged, as the Crooners knock ’70s favorites out of the park, with selections including “Superstition,” “Let’s Get It On,” I Want You Back,” “Brick House,” “September” and many, many more. Ballpark fare will be available for purchase. The concert will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display.

This event is part of the Orioles’ “Arts in the Ballpark” program, which features family-friendly arts and entertainment events for the public at Ed Smith Stadium. With a variety of free or low-cost offerings featuring concerts and more, the events appeal to a wide range of tastes and interest

“The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is a much more intimate setting so this concert will be very special for our artists and supporters,” said WBTT executive director Julie Leach. “With our theater closing for renovations until our 20th season opens in the fall, this is the perfect opportunity for area families to enjoy an affordable, fun- and music-filled evening together!”

 “The Orioles are thrilled to welcome Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and its many fans for WBTT’s first performance at Ed Smith Stadium,” added David Rovine, vice president of Orioles-Sarasota. “This will be a terrific evening of entertainment in our unique ballpark setting. ‘Arts in the Ballpark’ is all about offering families a variety of arts and entertainment events, including many that showcase Sarasota area nonprofit organizations, such as WBTT.”

Tickets, which range from $15-$45, are now on sale through the Baltimore Orioles. Box office: 2700 12th St, Sarasota. Phone orders: (941) 893-6300. Online purchases at the Orioles website: www.Orioles.com/WBTT.

For more about WBTT, go to westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s 2019 “Global Issues” Series: February Lectures

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning continues its 48th season with its hard-hitting Global Issues series in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch. Internationally acclaimed experts explore the challenges and dilemmas we face at home and around the world in this engaging series of lectures and lively conversations.

 Internationally renowned experts discuss a vast range of domestic and global issues as part of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) 2019 “Global Issues” series. The new season, which runs January 8 to March 29, features 72 programs in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch. Speakers will explore dozens of topics, including the U.S. role in the world, changing patterns of violence against women and girls, America’s volatile politics, the future of democracy around the world, the aging brain, and topical issues in China, Korea, Russia and the Middle East. Programs run during the day in both Sarasota and Venice. An evening series, in Lakewood Ranch, is also available.