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THE OF THE
VOICE
DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS
A Publication of the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association
Volume 3 • Issue 6
Ron Soto, Publisher Candace T. Botha, Associate Publisher Christine Baer, Editorial/Creative Director Betty Berg, Photographer/Editorial Assistant The SDMA works to enhance downtown Sarasota as a premier retail destination with a vibrant merchant community. Volunteers work together to create a rewarding shopping, dining and entertainment experience in Sarasota, Florida. SDMA board meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. All SDMA members are always welcome to attend the monthly meeting. The location and time of the meeting will be sent in a monthly e-mail to all members.
Read THE VOICE online at www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com;
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T
A Message from the Chairman
he facts are undeniable—the landscape of downtown Sarasota is evolving as new condominiums and hotels, as well as offi ce and mixed-use projects, are currently in development or nearing completion. According to the City of Sarasota’s Offi ce of Downtown Economic Development, construction projects valued at close to $700 million are now in the works. And evidence is all around us—just look at the skyline as you drive toward the city, across Ron Soto, the John Ringling Causeway. SDMA’s Chairman While downtown’s revitalization is destined to have a tremendous impact on our economy by attracting new residents, visitors and businesses to the city, there is one characteristic that must remain unchanged in order to preserve Sarasota’s uniqueness that has always been—and continues to be—what I believe is the city’s biggest draw. That characteristic is the sense of community established by the mom and pop businesses that line downtown’s streets and avenues. Growing up in Sarasota, I always have believed that the foundation of downtown Sarasota’s charm has been the small, family-owned businesses that you can visit year after year and be greeted by the same owners who know their customers by name. Ron Campion, owner of Kennedy Studios at 1472 Main Street, for example, has been greeting customers for the past 28 years. Master jeweler Karl Shrode, Jr., and his daughter, Susan ShrodeBerry, a gemologist, continue their family’s 80-year tradition of selling exquisite jewelry that was started in 1936 by Karl’s parents, Ethyl and Karl Shrode, when Shrode Jewelers opened at 1433 Main Street. And, of course, I personally have been greeting customers at Soto’s Opticians on Main Street for the past 41 years. It is the owners of downtown’s mom & pop businesses that will bend over backwards to make sure you are satisfi ed with your purchases…they will open earlier or stay later if you cannot stop by during normal business hours…they offer pickup and delivery services to their loyal patrons…they take a genuine interest in your life, sitting beside you, offering a shoulder to cry on if you have lost a loved one or celebrating the birth of a new baby in your family. You often don’t fi nd this level of service in corporate America, simply because everything points to the bottom line, and this kind of personalized attention simply is not profi table for big businesses. But here in downtown Sarasota, these fi ne folks that willingly offer this attentive service day in and day out are the heart and soul of our merchant community. And many of the patrons who visit these businesses are not just “customers”; instead, they are people with whom local business owners share lasting relationships and, more often than not, enduring friendships. With an infl ux of bigger money chains within the city perimeters, along with the development of mega malls just a few short miles away, it is up to us, as downtown residents and business owners, to uphold the spirit of community that has made downtown Sarasota an internationally respected shopping destination on the Suncoast. I encourage each and every one of you to shop locally and support our local mom and pop businesses that have been the backbone of our city since its earliest days...and that The VOICE will be spotlighting in future issues. In the light of the city’s projected growth and development, I certainly don’t want to lose the charm and uniqueness of downtown Sarasota…do you? 3
restaurant
Seasonal American Cuisine Created with a Mission to Source & Satisfy
On
a Tuesday evening in mid-May, when most local restaurants are lamenting an after-season slump in business, Indigenous welcomed 100 patrons to the South Links Avenue bungalow that has been home to Chef Steve Phelps’s seasonal American cuisine since 2011. Nestled in the historic Towles Court district in downtown Sarasota is one of the city’s most exemplary culinary adventures that, in fi ve short years, has captured both regional and national attention for its innovative fare that originates exclusively from locally sourced or wildly caught ingredients. The accolades and awards have been plentiful and well deserved, beginning within 12 short months of the restaurant’s opening. In 2012, Indigenous received the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award for “Best New Restaurant,” and the Sarasota Herald Tribune listed Chef Phelps among its “Top 10 Local Food Heroes.” The following year, Indigenous was listed in the 2013 Zagat Guide as one of America’s Top Restaurants, and Edible Sarasota named Chef Phelps one of its own local heroes. The year 2014 did not disappoint, with two additional awards of unparalleled prestige. Indigenous was the Niman Ranch scholarship award winner, as well as a semi-fi nalist in the South for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef nomination, an award of excellence that was echoed in 2015. Equally impressive is the fact that Chef Phelps has been chosen by his peers to be spotlighted in Best Chefs America, a “compendium of the top culinary talent in the country” and an honor that is shared by only 1 percent of the chefs in the United States. So, just what is all the buzz about? It is the creative genius of the chef—who, incidentally, has had no formal culinary training—and his masterfully inspired menu that have become the consummate hallmarks of the Indigenous experience. First and foremost, it is the “complex, fl avorful dishes from Photo, Top Center: A bungalow on South Links Avenue was restored to reflect Chef Phelps’s vision of offering patrons a comfortable, yet sophisticated and welcoming dining experience. Photo by Kim Longstreet Photos Below, from left to right: Surrounded by lush greenery, the brickpaved outdoor patio with cooling ceiling fans is one of the restaurant’s most popular dining spots; Chef Phelps oversees every dish as it is prepared; A private room that seats six is ideal for business meetings or family gatherings.
sustainable, local ingredients” that has earned Indigenous a coveted place on Forbes Travel Guide’s list as one of the best places to eat in Sarasota. Each selection on the menu is, as its creator says, “as healthy as it gets,” based on a lifelong personal and professional commitment to sustainable farming and fi shing that sources all- natural and organic ingredients as often as possible, while always focusing on fresh, fl avorful and nutritious foods prepared without preservatives. This is Chef Phelps’s passion and family legacy. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Chef Phelps credits his culinary training and success in the kitchen to his uncle, who fi rst was a military chef, before receiving classical training in the culinary arts in Germany and France. “When I was a young boy, I spent a lot of time with my uncle at his restaurant,” Steve remembers. “He would pay me $5.00 to peel potatoes.” During his teen years and while attending college, Chef Phelps’s skill in the kitchen continued to develop as he worked side by side with his uncle. “Basically, I received a free education and classical training from a family member who had been classically trained in Europe,” he says. “It doesn’t get any better than that.” While in his early twenties, Chef Phelps left the
family business to work at Hyde Park Restaurant in Cleveland, climbing the ranks from line cook to executive chef at the nationwide restaurant’s fl agship location. After seven years, he grew tired of the demands of the corporate culinary world and took a chef’s position with Fat Cats in Tremont, a neighborhood in Cleveland that is well known for its fi ne dining establishments. The year 2001 brought new opportunities when Chef Phelps moved to Florida with Kim Longstreet, a professional, location-based photographer with whom he had shared his life for nine years. “Kim wanted to fi nish her photography studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, so we decided to relocate to Sarasota,” Chef Phelps says. “I thought we would be in Florida for about a year, but 15 years later, we have made our home here. Kim has a fl ourishing business, specializing in commercial and pet photography, and I now own a restaurant.” It would be 10 years until Chef Phelps opened Indigenous, but he quickly became immersed in the local restaurant scene, which proved to be an eye-opening experience. “I was blown away that few of the restaurants in our area were using fresh, local fi sh,” he says. “I certainly wasn’t going to cook salmon that was
transported from 1,000 miles away. So, sourcing fresh, local fi sh from the waters along Florida’s Suncoast instantly became my mission.” Chef Phelps’s fi rst job in Sarasota was as the new chef at Hillview Grill. “Offered the chance to change the menu, I began to get local farms involved,” he says. “Farm-to-table cooking is what I grew up with back in Cleveland; it was the natural way, so I brought those skills with me to Sarasota.” While working at the eatery in Southside Village, Chef Phelps had the good fortune to get to know one of the cooks, who has since become one of his best friends. Now the owner of his own charter business, Captain Danny Stasny of Southernaire Fishing Charters in Anna Maria guided Chef Phelps in becoming an expert in the local fi sh market, teaching him how to fi sh in Florida, what varieties of fi sh can be eaten and what species should be on his menu. As the years passed, Chef Phelps became an area expert in aquaculture and fi sh farming, recognizing the fragility of earth’s seas and oceans and their inhabitants. His commitment to sustainable fi shing has led to his appointment as a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Ambassador in the California public aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program. “The research that I do involves paying close attention to what will, one day, be depleted if sustainable fi shing is not practiced on a global scale,” Chef Phelps says. “Every day as a chef, it is so intriguing to have something worthwhile to link your restaurant to, and we want Indigenous to be that place in Sarasota.” When it became evident that Sarasota was to become more than just a one- or two-year stay, the young couple from Cleveland—who married in 2003 and are now celebrating 24 years together—decided to plant roots. “We decided if we were going to stay in Sarasota, we would work toward establishing a local fi sh scene,” Chef Phelps says. Finding a location that complemented the chef’s vision for his new eatery was the fi rst order of business. The small, yet comfortable bungalow with a charming, wrap-around porch and outdoor patios that once housed the Canvas Café at 239 South Links Avenue in the artsy and eclectic Towles Court district proved to be ideal, both for its intimacy and its close proximity to downtown. With a name already chosen (When you dine at Indigenous, be sure to ask the chef to tell you the colorful story about the buddy and the boating trip that inspired his choice), developing a logo was next Continued On Page 6
Photos Below: While the menu changes with the seasons, Indigenous offers three or four specials each day. At left: Smoked Fish Custard, served with Semolina Garlic Toast, Lightly Pickled Clams, Shaved Fennel and Shrimp tossed with Arugula and Basil Vinaigrette with a drizzle of Chili Oil and homemade Saltine Crackers. At center: Wild Mushroom Bisque with Truffled Rye Croutons. At right: Parmesan Beignets, flavored with Honey, Pears and Thyme. Photo by Kim Longstreet
Continued From Page 5
up. The decision was made to turn its creation into a community-wide project. “We hosted a logo party at Shamrock Pub, and publicized the event through social media, inviting local artists and business people to attend,” Chef Phelps says. “Tables were set up with paper and palettes, along with everything from markers to lipstick. About 150 people came and sketched out designs for the logo; I was amazed that we already had created that kind of following. “We took the work from five people and did some ‘computer engineering’ to create our logo,” Chef Phelps adds. “I still have all of the drawings we used in a frame at home. “Once the logo was completed, we cracked open a bottle of champagne,” he says. “Now that’s how you develop a community business.” From its opening on September 7, 2011, to this day, Indigenous makes guests instantly feel at home with its warm, welcoming ambiance. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating year round, the carefully restored bungalow features native furnishings throughout and is decorated in soft, inviting colors. In every nook and cranny, there are tables to accommodate intimate parties of two or more and private areas for larger gatherings. Just next door—and accessible through the kitchen—is “the cottage,” a separate dining area that also houses Indigenous’ bar and extensive wine selections. Believing that being a chef is both “an art and a craft” and drawing exclusively from local resources, Chef Phelps orchestrates a symphony of flavors to create dishes that please the eye and delight the palate. The menu at Indigenous changes with each season, although the spring selections are only available for a limited time, because summer often arrives so quickly. Certain selections, such as the Wild Mushroom Bisque and the Parmesan Top Photo: The cottage, adjacent to Indigenous’ main dining area, features a wine bar with stools, as well as intimate tables for dining. Center Photo: In the eatery’s main dining areas, Florida Cypress tables, wicker furnishings and wood wall hangings bring native elements indoors. Bottom Photo: One of Indigenous’ cozy outdoor eating areas that can be enjoyed year round.
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The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
Beignets, are perennial favorites, while other menu items, such as the “Hook to Fork” and “Plentiful & Abundant” depend on market availability. Vegetarians can savor “Something From the Gardens,” a vegetable and/or grain dish “gathered from local sources,” while meat eaters might enjoy “My Uncles Burger,” “Pork Belly” or “Beef Short Ribs,” depending on the season. The dessert menu is equally creative, tempting the taste buds with unusual fl avor combinations, like those found in “Cookies & Milk,” a coconut milk ice cream with fi sh sauce caramel and a curry shortbread cookie. Equally important in the preparation of fresh, wholesome foods from sustainable sources—and an integral part of Indigenous’ mission—is education, not only with the staff and guests at Indigenous, but within the community. “Our kitchen staff and servers push me every day to share information about the origins of the foods we serve; it is very humbling,” the chef says. “They share this knowledge with our guests, who have developed what I like to call ‘chef trust’; our clientele understands that they are served food not found at other restaurants, and they want to be educated.” In the community, Chef Phelps has spearheaded an annual event to introduce community residents to unusual fi sh species that are both plentiful and fl avorful, but frequently discarded by commercial fi sherman. The event, called TrashFish Dinner, will be held this year on Sunday, August 7, at Louies Modern. Seven or eight area chefs, including Chef Phelps, will be participating, preparing creative dishes using these lesser known fi sh. “There are so many species of fi sh that people don’t know about that are absolutely delicious,” Chef Phelps says. Proceeds from the event benefi t Chefs Collaborative, a national network of chefs that supports sustainable cuisine. It is his work in the kitchen, however, where he is very much hands on, that Chef Phelps fi nds most rewarding. “You have to be a part of the nucleus to know what is going on in your business,” he says. With a staff of 14 and a total of four people—two hot and two cold—in the kitchen each night, the chef has specifi c criteria in mind when hiring. “To work at Indigenous, you have to love food, music and people; music is the heartbeat of my restaurant,” he says. “The energy and that soul it communicates comes from my Cleveland roots. “Cleveland has a soul unlike any other city,” he continues. ”You just cannot fi nd it here, so I have to actually be that soul and share it through my food. We defi nitely have an energy that cannot be found anywhere else in Sarasota.” Fortunately, fi nding the right team hasn’t been an ongoing issue. “Pretty much all of our staff has been with us since the opening,” Chef Phelps says. “They are good people and an important part of our really cool family. “Adam, our fl oor manager, who not only educates, but also has put together an amazing wine and beer program, and Chelsea, my Chef de Cuisine, are the other reasons why this machine is so fi ne tuned,” he adds. When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Chef Phelps says, “We all just love what we do; not many people in the restaurant business can say that. We create dishes we love in order to satisfy our guests’ interest in innovative cuisine and give them a great dining experience, because we want to have a great experience, too.” One of Chef Phelps’s most gratifying moments was learning that people who work at or manage other area restaurants are dining at Indigenous. “One of our recent guests is the concierge at a prestigious hotel here in Sarasota,” he says. “It makes us incredibly proud that other people in the area’s restaurant and hospitality industry want to eat here.” To this day, Chef Phelps credits his uncle for the innovative culinary skills he has mastered. “My uncle is still very much with me,” he says. “I know that each time I am at work in the kitchen, I am channeling him through my soul.” Located at 239 South Links Avenue in Sarasota, Indigenous is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To make reservations, call 941706-4740. For more information, please visit www.indigenoussarasota.com. SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com
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7
County Commissioner Charles D. Hines, Esq.,
On
Wednesday, April 6, the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association (SDMA) held a special meeting of its members, welcoming Sarasota County Commissioner Charles D. Hines, Esq., to take the fl oor to discuss the homeless and vagrancy issues in downtown Sarasota. The commissioner spoke candidly about the County Commission’s willingness to work side by side with Sarasota’s city commissioners to fi nd a viable solution to homelessness, panhandling and other vagrancy issues in downtown Sarasota, and his presentation proved to be an eyeopening experience for all in attendance. Commissioner Hines has deep roots—and a vested interest in—the county in which he has lived all of his life. Born and raised in Venice, Commissioner Hines now resides in Nokomis with his wife of 26 years, Susan, who is Vice President/Trust Offi cer with Caldwell Trust Company. The couple has three children—a 13-year-old-son, a 17-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son. A graduate of Venice High School, Commissioner Hines earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Florida, where he also completed his law degree. Practicing law in Sarasota County for 26 years, Commissioner Hines was elected to serve as the District 5 County Commissioner in 2012. The Sarasota County Commission is comprised of fi ve commissioners who are elected county wide to serve fouryear terms. The county is divided into fi ve districts; commissioners are designated by the district in which they live. It was in 2012 that term limits fi rst went into effect at the county government level. County commissioners now can only serve two, four-year terms; Commissioner Hines will be up for re-election for his second term in November 2016. In addition to his work as an attorney and his role in county government, Commissioner Hines has been actively involved in several business ventures— including co-ownership of a regional medical supply company—as well as both community and civic organizations. Commissioner Hines currently is the chairman of the Tourist Development Council, and he serves on the West Coast Inland Navigation District, the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors, the Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Policy Committees, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. Out of the offi ce, Commissioner Hines has volunteered his time to coach football, baseball and soccer teams for local youths, and he also has been actively involved with the Venice Little League, Sertoma Club of Venice, the Ringling Museum of Art, United Way of South Sarasota and Big Brothers Big Sisters. As a follow-up to his presentation at the April 2016 SDMA meeting, The VOICE met with the commissioner in a oneon-one interview to fi nd out more about what steps need to be taken to keep the homeless and vagrants off of our city’s streets. Here’s what Commissioner Hines had to say: 8
The VOICE: At the meeting on Wednesday, April 6, you told the SDMA members in attendance that you believe a homeless shelter must be established in—or in close proximity to— downtown Sarasota. Why does the shelter have to be located here, instead of in another city in the county? COMMISSIONER HINES: In recent years, extensive studies have been completed to evaluate the extent of the homeless issue in Sarasota County. These studies have revealed that there are signifi cantly more homeless people (80 to 85 percent) living in the city of Sarasota than any other area in the county, including Venice and North Port. Part of being the biggest city in the county is the tendency to get more of both “the good” and “the bad” than other cities, and that’s what has happened here in Sarasota. The County Commission has done its homework by consulting numerous homeless experts, who have testifi ed before the commission, stating that the most successful shelters are located in close proximity to the providers of needed services, including the health department, government services and employment opportunities, among others. The VOICE: How will a shelter benefi t downtown Sarasota? COMMISSIONER HINES: Once a shelter is in place in Sarasota, the homeless and vagrants can be redirected from the city’s sidewalks by local law enforcement offi cials and taken to the shelter, and ordinances to handle the homeless and vagrancy in the city can be enforced. It is against the law to jail or criminalize people on the streets for life-sustaining behaviors, including sleeping, eating or relieving themselves if there is no shelter. This is the premise of Pottinger’s Law, which was fi rst established in the City of Miami in 1988 to protect the rights of the homeless. However, if the city and county commissioners can agree on a location for a shelter, the homeless and vagrants can be moved off the streets and brought to the shelter. The VOICE: What ordinances can be enforced once the city of Sarasota has a shelter? COMMISSIONER HINES: There are already ordinances in place that outlaw panhandling on the streets, camping or overnight sleeping in the city’s parks, urinating in public places and public drunkenness, among others. However, some of these ordinances cannot be enforced if the city does not have a shelter to provide food, shelter and other services for the offenders or, if they can be, we are arresting people for minor infractions and not getting them any help toward self suffi ciency. The VOICE: What has been done about fi nding a suitable location for a shelter? COMMISSIONER HINES: Eighty potential properties initially were identifi ed and then narrowed down to 30. The top 10 locations were then selected once certain criteria—including location and price—were taken into consideration. The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
Addresses Ending Vagrancy in Downtown However, the city commissioners have taken the position that they will not rezone any property to accommodate a shelter in the city, so, right now, we are at a standstill. We need to keep looking at other locations—perhaps near the airport or on the other side of U.S. Route 301. The county commissioners would like the city commissioners to re-engage and say, “Here are some other alternatives,” but, to date, new locations that fit the criteria have not yet been recommended. Complicating the issue is finding a parcel of property that will accommodate the number of beds needed to house the city’s homeless. Studies have indicated that there are as many 300 to 600 homeless people in the city of Sarasota. To be effective, a shelter should have enough beds for all. In turn, that raises a critical question—How will this facility be funded? The VOICE: Do you agree that giving money to people living on the streets is counterproductive? COMMISSIONER HINES: Giving food or money to the homeless and vagrants does nothing except enable the recipients to perpetuate their lifestyle on the streets. In fact, Robert G. Marbut, Ph.D., who studied the homeless and vagrant populations in Sarasota County three years ago, has said that Sarasota is the most enabling of all of the cities he ever has visited. Residents, visitors, merchants and restaurant owners who give money or food to people on the streets have good hearts, but they are helping in the wrong way. When a restaurant has food left over at the end of the day, it should be donated to The Salvation Army, not to the homeless people that gather behind the restaurant. Direct cash donations should be given to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, two local organizations that leverage additional donations to provide funding to services that offer a holistic approach to improving people’s lives. The VOICE: Commissioner Hines, you have stated that you do not support the “Housing First” program as proposed in Sarasota County. Can you explain why? COMMISSIONER HINES: I do not like a strict application of the nomenclature of a “Housing First” model, which is an approach that focuses on ending homelessness by first providing housing for people who are living on the streets, followed by supportive services. Instead, I support a “Housing, When Appropriate” initiative. I do not believe that the government owes able-minded and able-bodied people houses; only the mentally and/or physically disabled should receive longterm government assistance with housing. The VOICE: Recently, a new program has been proposed in Sarasota by Circuit Court Judge Erika Quartermaine. Called the “Comprehensive Treatment Court” (CTC), the proposed program is designed to help mentally ill individuals on our city’s streets get the assistance they need. Can you SDMA • www.sarasotadowntownmerchants.com
explain what this program is and how it is a positive step in resolving vagrancy issues in downtown Sarasota? COMMISSIONER HINES: At this point in time, the City Commission, the County Commission and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) are behind Judge Quartermaine’s new mental-health diversion court that is intended to Sarasota County Commissioner help habitual offendCharles D. Hines, Esq. ers who have been arrested multiple times and placed in jail. With the program in place, these offenders can be sentenced to a threemonth, mental-health evaluation or, if they refuse, they can be given less leniency in court and longer jail terms. While I do like and support Judge Quartermaine’s program, it does incur expenses that could be avoided if we had a shelter in our community. Under the proposed program, a repeat offender first would be arrested and then evaluated by a doctor. The state attorney and a public defender would both open files, followed by a hearing before a judge. All of these steps—and expenses—could be avoided with a shelter in place. However, until that happens, Judge Quartermaine’s proposed program will help people on our streets and in our jail who are suffering from mental health issues get the help that they need. The VOICE: Is it true that other cities and counties in Florida have successful shelters in place? COMMISSIONER HINES: The Sarasota County Commission has sent its staff throughout the state and across the country to see how other cities are handling their homeless/vagrancy issues, and they have brought back very valuable information. Yes, more than 80 percent of the counties in Florida with populations larger than 200,000 people have homeless shelters, which allow for several prototypes to be considered in Sarasota County. In Pinellas County, for example, there is a shelter that is clean, quiet, organized and functioning well. Managed by the Sheriff’s Office, the shelter has a group sleeping area, as well as semi-private areas with walls and storage, where couples can stay. In addition, food, transportation, employment assistance and social services are provided. In the city of Tallahassee, a private citizen provided the
Continued On Page 10
9
Continued From Page 9
initial funding for a similar shelter that is being run by a nonprofi t organization that now receives some support from the government. The shelter is located in the core of the city, just a couple of miles from the capital. I hope to have the folks that are running the shelter in Tallahassee come down to Sarasota to talk to the county commissioners, so we can hold a public meeting to share their information. The VOICE: What can Sarasota’s downtown merchants do to encourage our city commissioners to build a shelter? COMMISSIONER HINES: Through organizations like the SDMA
The VOICE: Why are you seeking re-election as county commissioner in November 2016? COMMISSIONER HINES: My work as county commissioner is far from fi nished. In my opinion, the homeless and vagrancy problem in downtown Sarasota and county wide is one of the largest issues facing Sarasota County and, quite honestly, I am disappointed it has not yet been addressed more effectively. The reality is this: We have a problem in our community that must be resolved. I personally don’t want a homeless shelter, but this the one piece of the puzzle that we currently are lacking if we want to move forward and keep
“ This is not a city problem, nor is it a county problem. “
Instead, it is a community issue.
and the Downtown Improvement District, educating the merchants and the general public about what is needed to resolve the homeless/vagrancy issues is imperative, and the new “Your Kindness Can Kill” campaign certainly is a step in the right direction. All of the voluntary programs will fail to address those unwilling to engage in services, often creating issues facing downtown businesses. The only tool we can create to address this population is a Pottinger-compliant CAYA (Come As You Are) shelter. As business owners who are affected by this population, your voice would be powerful to advocate for this solution with the City Commission. As merchants, this is your community; it is the business sector that drives the city. Become educated about the facts, and then initiate dialogues with your city and county commissioners to fi nd a solution that not only helps people living on the streets, but also our downtown businesses.
P ixie
Dust
downtown Sarasota free from panhandlers and other vagrants. This is not a city problem, nor is it a county problem. Instead, it a community issue, and while the city commissioners and county commissioners may have their differences, we have to work together for the good of our community. Consequently, one of the main reasons I am running for re-election is that this is a problem that is only going to get worse if it is not addressed; we have to fi x it, and I am wholeheartedly committed to fi nding a sustainable solution. The Sarasota County Commission meets on the first and third Wednesday every month in Sarasota, as well as once a month in Venice. To contact Commissioner Hines, call 941-861-5344 or send an e-mail to chines@scgov.net.
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The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
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Let the Races Begin!
sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
It’s
off the to the races—the boat races, that is—when the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival brings an array of events and entertainment, fi reworks and family fun to downtown Sarasota, Lido Beach and beyond. Now in its 32nd year, the festival will be held from Saturday, June 25, through Monday, July 4. Produced by Suncoast Charities for Children, the festival has evolved from an annual picnic for special needs children that fi rst was organized 31 years ago to a 10-day festival offering more than 10 exciting events throughout the community. All proceeds from the festival also benefi t Suncoast Charities for Children, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in Sarasota that not only supports specialneeds clients and their families, but also provides funding to Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, Inc., a local nonprofi t organization that has constructed facilities in Sarasota, Venice and North Port that house fi ve area organizations—Children First, Sarasota County Special Olympics, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities and Loveland Center.
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The 32nd Annual Sarasota
These facilities serve nearly 8,000 special needs children, teens and adults and their families in Sarasota County. In 2015, more than 115,000 people attended the powerboat festival’s events, generating a total economic impact of $32 million for the Sarasota County area, according to statistics generated by Visit Sarasota. For a complete report, visit sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org/ schedule/economic-impact/. “Each year, our goal is to make the festival even more spectator friendly than before, and this year promises to be absolutely awesome,” says Lucy Nicandri, executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children and the organizer of the event. “The public will have a better opportunity to meet the race teams this year during the Downtown Block Party, and spectators will have an awesome view of the racing action all weekend just offshore at Lido Beach. “The entire festival is a win-win for Suncoast Charities for Children, local businesses and the local economy,” Lucy adds. The powerboat festival kicks off on Saturday, June 25, with a Golf Classic held at Laurel Oak Country Club. On Sunday, June 26, there will be three events—a Car Show on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, a boat/personal watercraft “Fun Run” at Marina Jack and the Finz Finds “A Ride in the Park” Motorcycle Charity Ride that begins at Sarasota Ford. On Tuesday, June 28, the “Grand Prix by the Sea” Kickoff Party will be held at Sarasota Yacht Club, followed by “The Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament, a private event for special needs clients, and a “Fan Fest” at Flemings Steakhouse. Both of these events are scheduled to be held on Wednesday, June 29. Festival activities move to downtown Sarasota with a
downtown wag’ s 1st cover photo contest! PICTURE THIS— Your Dog’s Photo on the Cover of The VOICE!
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Contest Open to Companion Dogs of: • • • •
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The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
Powerboat Grand Prix Festival Ignites Excitement June 25 - July 4 fl urry of activity and fun for the entire family on Friday, July 1. From Noon to 2:00 p.m., adults and children will have a chance to “rub elbows” with the boat race teams at the “Meet & Greet—Who’s in the Driver’s Seat” reception to be held in the ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Then, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., downtown comes to life when the “Boats on Main” Downtown Block Party brings the excitement of the boat races to lower Main Street—around Five Points Park and on Main Street, from Orange Avenue to Palm Avenue—where the powerboats
races! There will be two full days of AquaX and powerboat racing off Lido Beach on Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3. More than 80 AquaX racers and 30 powerboat race teams from around the globe are expected to participate. “Our media coverage this year has signifi cantly increased,” Lucy says. “Live radio coverage of the races can be heard throughout the weekend on Z105 (105.9 FM and 105.1 FM). A one-hour televised special also will air on Fox Sports and select Comcast Regional Sports Networks several times through markets around the world. MAVTV also will air post-race coverage.”
and the personal watercraft of the AquaX race teams will be on display. As the premier event of this year’s festival, the block party also includes live music and food on Lemon Avenue, interactive exhibits, booths selling offi cial Grand Prix merchandise and so much more. Block party attendees will have an opportunity to meet many of the race team pilots, who will be available for photos, while signing autographs and hosting a variety of fun giveaways. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the block party this year. Of course, one of the highlights of the festival is the boat
The 10-day festival literally ends with a spectacle of color and lights on Monday, July 4, with the annual Bayfront Fireworks in Island Park at 9:00 p.m. “The festival is an opportunity for community residents of all ages to really enjoy themselves,” Lucy says. “And with the boat races and fi reworks display, it promises to be a great family weekend.” For more information about the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival and a complete listing of all events, visit sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org. To learn more about Suncoast Charities for Children, visit www.suncoastcharities for children.org. All photos by Tim Britt
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Hurricane Season is Here! Are You & Your Pets Prepared?
J
une 1st marks the start of hurricane season, and, as pet owners, preparedness is key to keeping our four-legged friends free from harm. One of the most important things you can do is to assemble emergency kits for your pets. Here’s what you need to include: • Food and water for at least seven days for each pet. Keep an extra gallon of water on hand, along with towels, to use if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or fl ood waters and needs a quick rinse. • Food and water bowls for each pet • A manual can opener for canned pet food • A two-week supply of medications and photocopies of all medical records (including up-to-date vaccination records), stored in a waterproof container • A fi rst-aid kit & a pet fi rst-aid book • A cat litter box, litter, a litter scoop and poop bags to collect your pets’ waste • Secure leashes and collars/harnesses for each pet • Identifi cation tags that securely attach to your pets’ collars and are visible at all times. Be sure to include your
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cell phone number and any special medical needs your pets have on their tags. • Sturdy carriers to transport pets’ safely and to ensure they will not escape. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down, in case he or she has to remain crated for hours. • Secure cages for smaller pets are essential, with blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Be sure there are no loose objects inside the cage that can cause injuries. • Chew toys for dogs; toys for cats • Current photos of you with your pets. Include descriptions of each pet to help others identify them in case you become separated, and to prove that they are yours once you’re reunited. If you must evacuate, NEVER leave your pets behind; if it is unsafe for you to stay at home, it is unsafe for your pets. For county-by-county information about pet-friendly shelters in the state of Florida, visit www.fl oridapetfriendly. com/pet-friendly-hurricane-shelters.htm.
The VOICE of the Downtown Merchants
Photo by Polo Rios Photography
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Summertime in the City...
Live. Work. Shop. Play... ...Make Downtown Your #1 Destination! Our Passion for Downtown Continues All Summer Long! • Snowbirds have gone home • Our community becomes more diverse with visits by many tourists from Europe and Asia • Restaurant reservations are not needed • Special programs are offered at downtown theaters and other cultural venues • Our beaches and parks are waiting to be discovered • We believe there is unparalleled beauty... ...even in the heat! “Season” is over, and some exciting bargains for buyers are waiting to be discovered. We would be pleased to show the properties that are available and provide links to home inspectors, attorneys, title companies and mortgage providers (if necessary). We are full service Realtors.
Call the Experts in Downtown Real Estate! Nancy Lindeman
Robert Lindeman
941-400-2656
941-504-2123
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robert@lindeman.com
Michael Saunders & Company