BAC News-Jan 2019

Jan 2019

ByTheHotspotorlando

From My Desk Nothing lasts forever, good or bad, old or new. One thing for sure digital Media came to stay. Seven years ago, when we started the Hotspotorlando, we saw a market that was still young and new.

Many of the old printed media, still insists in the old format, but social networking has much to say about what is decided these days.

In Brazil, President Bolsonaro was elected with the help of millions, through #twitter, #instagram and #facebook.

Despite the net appetite, for the left government who openly supported the leftist candidates, the people made sure, this time, their fate would be decided by he people.

In America, President Trump, communicates with the country through #twitter, every day, and works well, since the media is today the number one enemy. #fake-news is a fact and it is up to the independent media to make sure, things are done right.

Partnerships To Last a Lifetime Phone #(407) 505-0519

For now, the BAC reserves this spot to communicate with their followers and members. We are happy to be here, and please enjoy. Any questions or suggestions, please, write to info@brazilusa.org

We hope you Enjoy!

Laiz Rodrigues Eecutive Director BAC

5668 International Drive, Orlando-Fl 32819

Who We Are

We are an entity created to build the bridge between cultural and business aspects of doing business in the United States of America and Brazil.

We are located in Central Florida, famous tourist region where Disney parks and so much more is located.

Our primary objective as a Council, is to provide our community information, direction and introduce solutions that would assist with their needs be it in business or personal development.

We are our members.

Brazil America Council is a voice in the community, a gathering place of ideas and culture which enhances the principle that together we are stronger. With offices in the Central Florida and in Sao Paulo – Brazil, we want to make sure the synergy between the Americas is experienced by our members at our events, bringing our community closer together.

Our Brazil America Council aims to showcase our local artists to introduce their work and other aspects of their national culture throughout the many regions not only of Brazil but of the Americas.

Brazil America Council envision also to be forum of ideas, to discuss and promote growth and to be a voice in the community. We promote network events with our sister chambers located in Central Florida, business seminars and business luncheons.

Visit Our Site: http://brazilusa.org Visit Our News Blog: www.brazilamericacouncil.com

PORT CANAVERAL

FOREIGN TRADE ZONE #136 Making International Commerce Flow Smoothly, At Lower Cost Port Canaveral’s Foreign Trade Zone #136 provides distinct advantages for businesses either currently engaged in international trade, or considering the possibilities. We can help you take advantage of the benefits to enhance your competitive edge in the international import/export arena. Multimodal transportation options, receiving and warehousing facilities, and affordable services are available to help you extend your market reach and improve your bottom line. Current operators such as American Cruise Aid and SeaPort Canaveral are utilizing FTZ #136 to strengthen their international competiveness.

• • • • • • • • •

Cuts the cost of free trade Duty-free storage No duty on domestic content or value added No duty on re-exports and sales to U.S. Military or NASA Relief from inverted tariffs No duty on rejected or defective parts No duty on waste and scrap Reduced processing time and fees Reduced transit time

Consider the benefits of using Foreign Trade Zone #136 if you, Port Canaveral

• • • • • •

Import materials and export finished products...

Finished goods carry a lower tariff rate than their imported parts...

Imported raw materials as waste or scrap...

Sell goods with imported components to the U.S. military or NASA...

Receive multiple import shipments in a week, or...

Reject or return defective imported items, a foreign trade zone can lessen the hassles and save you money.

Contact our Business Development representatives to learn more at: cpa.ftz136@portcanaveral.com or visit our website: www.portcanaveral.com

President Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer, currently serving as the 38th President of Brazil since January 1, 2019.

He served in the country's Chamber of Deputies, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro, between 1991 and 2018. Since 2018, he is a member of the conservative Social Liberal Party.

Meet Brazil New Executive Officers & Cabinet Cabinet of Brazil President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro

Vice President of Brazil Hamilton Mourão Chief of Staff Onyx Lorenzoni

Vice President Antônio Hamilton Martins Mourão is a Brazilian politician who is the 25th and current Vice President of Brazil, since January 1, 2019.

Mourão is a retired Brazilian Army General, the highest rank a Brazilian soldier can reach during peace time.

He is a member of the Brazilian Labour Renewal Party.

Secretary of Government Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz Secretary-General of the Presidency Gustavo Bebianno Attorney General André Luiz de Almeida Mendonça Institutional Security Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira President of the Central Bank Ilan Goldfajn Agriculture, Livestock and Supply-Tereza Cristina Corrêa da Costa Citizenship Osmar Terra Controlling-General of the Union-Wagner Rosário Defense Fernando Azevedo e Silva Economy Paulo Roberto Nunes Guedes Education Ricardo Vélez Rodríguez Environment Ricardo de Aquino Salles Foreign Affairs Ernesto Araújo Health Luiz Henrique Mandetta Infrastructure Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas Justice and Public Security Sérgio Moro Mines and Energy Bento Costa Lima Leite Regional Development Gustavo Henrique Canuto Science, Tech Innovation and Communication-Marcos Pontes Tourism Marcelo Álvaro Antônio Women, Family and Human Rights Damares Alves

Investing in Brazil Business Consulting Legal Support

International Business, Consulting and More Phone # (407) 815-5566/(407)432-2853

5472 International Dr. Orlando-FL 32819 Call (407) 447-8946

Museum Afro Brazil Museu Afro Brasil is a public institution, held by São Paulo State Secretariat for Culture and managed by Associação Museu Afro Brasil - Organização Social de Cultura - Museu Afro-Brasil Association - Social Organization for Culture It aims to be a contemporary museum where the black people can be recognized.

Over than 6,000 works highlight the importance of African people in the formation of Brazilian culture, heritage and identity as known nowadays. Also, it offers a celebration of the art and accomplishments of the Africans and Afro-Brazilians.

The Collection is considered the largest Afro - American in American with more than 6,000 masterpieces, sculptures, documents, engravings, ceramics, paintings, contemporary arts, jewelry, objects, reliefs, photographs and textiles.

Over than 70% of the collection is in the long term exhibition, portraying mainly Brazil, some countries from the African Continent, Cuba, Haiti and the United States.

The museum's collection is divided into several sections with different areas: Africa, labor, slavery, sacred and profane, Afro-Brazilian religions, history and memory, and the arts.

In the 20th century art section, there are important works made by Afro-Brazilian artists such as Benedito José Tobias, Rubem Valentim, Heitor dos Prazeres, Ronaldo Rego, Octavio Araujo, Manuel Messiah, Caetano Dias, José Hyginus, Tiberius, Jorge Luis dos Anjos as well works by Master Didi.

Other parts of the collection include works by Madalena Schwartz, Sergio Valle Duarte, Alfred Weidinger, Joseph Pace, André Vilaron, Eustaquio Neves, and Walter Firmo.

It is located in the Pavilion Padre Manuel da Nóbrega, It is a 11.000 m2 building designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. It is inside the most im- Museu Afro Brasil has the portant urban park in São Paulo, largest Afro-descendant art Ibirapuera Park. collection in the Americas, with more than 5,000 objects, including paintings, sculpture, With a collection of more than lithography, photographs, six thousand works and a library documents, and ethnological of about 12,000 titles, Afro Brasil objects.

Museum presents the contributions of African descendants to the The museum offers many difformation of national identity. ferent aspects of Afro-BrazilThe museum is opened from ian culture such as religion, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to work, art, African diaspora 5 pm extending until 6pm. On the and slavery in Brazil. The mulast Tuesday of each month, the seum also exhibits the African museum is opened until 9pm. influences on Brazilian society

Rollins College Home Away From Home ,

By Laiz Rodrigues/The Hotspotorlando

Rollins College is a private, liberal arts college, founded in 1885, the first recognized college in Florida. and located in Winter Park, Florida . It is a member of the SACS, NASM, ACS, FDE, AAM, AACSB International, Council for Accreditation of Counseling, and Related Educational Programs.

plishment, cultural enrichment, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. We value excellence in teaching and rigorous, transformative education in a healthy, responsive, and inclusive environment. just last year Rollins was considered #2 among regional Universities in the United States, South by US News & World Report.

MISSION Rollins College educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers. We are committed to the liberal arts ethos and guided by its values and ideals. Our guiding principles are excellence, innovation, and community.

Being one of the Most Beautiful US College Campuses, Rollins College has a reputation of excellence and proven History. Considering all these factors, students all over the world dream with the opportunity to study at Rollins,

Rollins Offers four divisions of Studies • College of Arts & Sciences • College of Professional Studies Rollins provide opportunities to explore diverse intellec- • Crummer Graduate School of Business tual, spiritual, and aesthetic traditions. They are dedicated • Hamilton Holt School to scholarship, academic achievement, creative accom-

Rollins College A Brazilian Student Making History ,

Every year, as many Brazilians Visit Central Florida for vacation, many will also come here to study.

Rollins recruiters travel to Brazil at least twice a year, the number of Brazilian students in campus is larger than India and China combined, Sixty countries from around the world come to study at Rollins College is a time of greater learning, a path to adulthood and many discoveries. Where you study will shape the future for many years to come.

Studying at Rollins is an opportunity you can’t miss.

We had the opportunity to speak with Matias Meirelles Van Vliet who studies at Rollins. He told us about starting college in Brazil for Engineering, and it didn’t take long for him to realize he wasn’t happy.

He was able to get a scholarship from Rollins, which helped with his studies. Once a student, he also co-founded BatterEASE, a social Enterprise that provides portable up-cycled batteries that harnesses renewable energy, for those in need of energy.

You can find more about it here ht t p s : / / 3 6 0 . ro l l i n s . e d u / c o l lege-news/power-play It is an amazing honor, to see a student from Brazil to take this opportunity and make the best of it. And when you think the story ends here, surprise!

The Rollins team, BatterEASE, is one of only 50 selected to compete in an accelerator program in London next August. (photo left) Out of those, six will be picked to pitch to the U.N. and then only one will get the $1 million in seed funding.

This year’s Hult competition is based around building a “sustainable social enterprise that can harness the power of energy to transform the lives of 10 million people by 2025.”

Matias and his family shortly moved to the USA, once he arrived he was anxious to start his academic life , but he had to wait for six months, time it took to complete all his paperwork and exams such as SAT and Toffle.

BatterEASE’s product is a battery that is Effective, Accessible, Sustainable, and Environmentally friendly.

The team consists of Kinsley Gerks ‘20, Nikki Hall-Elser ‘18, Dayra Diaz-Marquez ‘18, and Matias Meirelles Van Vliet ‘19.

Meirelles van Vliet said, “BatterEASE is a portable, customizable, upcycled battery that effectively harnesses renewable energy while mitigating e-waste.

This accessible and environmentally friendly power alternative allows citizens from all regions to stay connected to families, access important information, and light their nights creating a sustainable future for an afforable cost.”

Matias says once he gathers all the knowledge he needs he will go baack to Brazil, but maybe the world will need him somewhere else, the talent and the hard work he has invested aws paramount to his progress, and the support Rollins has given is a great part of his success.

As e did many others can come and follow the great example, We asked, what would be his suggestion to others who wuld like to come and study and he said, don’t give up, fight, embrace the opportunity, enjoy every moment. Fight for what you deserve.

We are thankful for the opportunity to show, how amazing this story is, and glad we met Matias.

If you would like to know more about enrolling or opportunities at Rollins visit the site https://www.rollins.edu

Speaking With Mr. Ed Bustos Director of International Admissions at Rollins Speaking to Ed Bustos, Director of International Admissions at Rollins College, I asked the secret to host such a high number Of Brazilian Students at campus. Mr. Bustos a graduate of Rollins College, Crummer Graduate School of Business, with courses in Latin America and Caribbean Affairs himself, remembers that 20 years ago, Brazilian tourists used to arrive in buses to shop in Winter Park.

you can hear them saying oi! Tudo bem? In Portuguese, and it is a good sign, because leaving your home town is scary, there is always the question, will I be accepted?

Will they understand me? And for that reason the new students are introduced to the older students, so they can interact and make a connection. When they graduate, they will say farewells to the ones who stay.

Brazilians learned to appreciate not only the stores and restaurants in Winter Park, but also the beauty they found in the City. Added to this, Rollins College is another main reference, that for sure is a decisive point. If you consider, safety, beautiful surroundings, Real Estate value and quality of life in general, there is no doubt that Winter Park is a great choice.

For Mr. Bustos is important to make sure the students are adapted, and since he is from Colombian Heritage, he will hire his mom to cook dinner for Brazilian students since our culinary is so similar.

Rollins College started recruiting students from Brazil in 2009, sending recruiters to schools and Universities to several regions of Brazil, where the level of schools and students is higher.

Rollins is a Private School, and even having a higher cost, international students have scholarship opportunities, or financial assistance. Among the students admitted in 2018, about 80% were eligible to these programs. There are also athletic scholarships.

Right now, one of the Brazilian students admitted from Rio de Janeiro, is a swimmer, and has even broken records at the college and National level. There is a lot of help available, opportunities and Rollins will for sure be a great choice.

We asked how was his experience in Brazil, since he has himself, visited Brazil several times as a recruiter. He said his visits were different in several occasions, either by himself or in group, he observed that the experience dif- We were happy to speak with the Rollins Director of Infered, depending on the region. The recruits come main- ternational Admission. His areas of recruiting are, Latin ly from SĂŁo Paulo, Brasilia, and FlorianĂłpolis.

America, Europe,Egypt, Morocco India and Middle East.

If Brazil is having a rough time economically, that situation will affect the number of students that will apply for the Rollins Undergraduate program. Right now 18 students are participating in the undergraduate program at Rollins.

We asked Mr Bustos if the students stayed after graduating,but he explained that, since they are in the USA with a Student Visa, once their course ends, they need to return, but they can get into a Masters program and return for another year.

Mr. Bustos emphasized that the adaptation is paramount for the student, as a recruiter he will visit American Schools, and schools with a strong English program.

The main concern is the student proficiency in English, since that will determine his success in the program.

Organizations like ColĂŠgio Etapa, and Education USA, or equivalent in the different states. We also spoke about the program Science Without Frontier, created by the Brazilian Government in the past, that also helped to recruit students but today is no longer available.

The student population at Rollins, for undergraduate students, coming straight from High school, is only 1900 in its total. In total, all students combined is 3200. It is like a small town, where everybody knows each other,

Are Out-of-State Bank Accounts Out of Reach for Florida Judgment Creditors?

By: Eric Werrenrath, Esq. A creditor has several tools to pursue collection from a judgment debtor. One of the most commonly used tools is garnishment of a judgment debtor’s bank account because it can be done relatively quickly and cheaply. In fact, most courts will routinely grant a motion to issue a writ of garnishment on an ex-parte basis, meaning without notice to the judgment debtor.

What options does a judgment creditor have if it finds itself before a court that disfavors writs of garnishments against out-of-state bank accounts?

See Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp. for GulfSouth Private Bank v. Amos, 3:12CV548/MCR/ EMT, 2017 WL 9439161, at *7 (N.D. Fla. Jan. 10, 2017), report and recommendation adopted in part sub nom. Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Amos, 3:12CV548/MCR/EMT, 2017 WL 772340 (N.D. Fla. Feb. 28, 2017) (rejecting creditor’s argument that modern bank accounts are not actually located in any state and can be accessed in Florida or anywhere in the world).

Eric F. Werrenrath practices in the areas of creditors’ rights, commercial real estate lending and commercial bankruptcy and commercial litigation. Eric is a member of The Florida Bar and earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, and his B.A. from Wake Forest University.

One option might be to prove that the judgment debtor accesses and maintains the account at a branch located in Florida; however, at this time, there does not appear to be any clear precedent to indicate how a court would However, a trend is developing in federal courts in Flori- rule on this strategy. Further, obtaining such proof could da disfavoring writs of garnishments against out-of-state be difficult, if not impossible, as the banking industry bank accounts. Specifically, some courts are refusing to shifts away from in-person banking. grant writs of garnishment, and have even dissolved existing writs of garnishment, against out-of-state bank ac- Alternatively, a judgment creditor could obtain the neccounts. essary jurisdiction over an out- of-state garnishee bank by domesticating its judgment in a court located in the A minority of federal courts in Florida have determined state where the garnishee bank is incorporated and that a judgment creditor cannot garnish an account at then requesting that the new court enter a writ of gara national bank incorporated outside of Florida even if nishment against the garnishee bank. Clearly, that is a that bank has branch locations in Florida, because the time-consuming endeavor that would be cost prohibinational bank is outside of the Florida court’s jurisdic- tive in most circumstances. tion.

Although only a handful of federal courts in Florida have The implications of these minority decisions are sig- adopted this reasoning disfavoring writs of garnishment, nificant in light of the prevalence of mobile and online other courts in Florida could follow suit. Any judgment banking. Under that reasoning, a bank account at a na- creditor or litigant seeking a judgment should be aware tional bank that is accessed and maintained online could of this issue and the potential pitfalls in obtaining a writ essentially be protected from garnishment because no of garnishment against an out-of-state bank account.

Florida court could obtain jurisdiction over such account.

Visit www.whww.com

NFL’s Green Initiative Revitalizes Ivey Lane Park in Orange County The National Football League (NFL) Pro Bowl returns to Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. This is the third year that the stadium has hosted the battle on the gridiron between the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference in a matchup of skills from the best all-star players in the league.

To kick off Pro Bowl Week, the NFL hosted their Community Legacy Event at Ivey Lane Park in Orange County. Volunteers from nearby schools along with NFL Legend Captains Emmitt Smith, DeMarcus Ware and Brian Urlacher planted park-friendly landscaping, built a neighborhood vegetable garden and revitalized an interactive play area at the park.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, alongside other elected officials and business leaders, visited Ivey Lane Park to help kick off Pro Bowl Week and greet volunteers.

“The NFL has two objectives for Green Initiative projects. The first is to reduce the environmental impact created when we bring events, activities and guests into a community,” Director of the NFL’s Green Initiative Jack Groh said. “Second and most important, we want to create a green legacy that the NFL can leave behind for the community as a memory of our time there.”

Leading up to game day, Pro Bowl Week celebrates the host community. The NFL has planned additional events around the region intended to create a positive impact in areas including community service, youth football, youth health and wellness, military families and sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, Pro Bowl Week engages fans through all levels of football, from youth to high school, giving them the opportunity to watch their favorite players during Pro Bowl practices and skill drills, as well as participate in exclusive clinics and family-friendly fan “I’m a product of this community. This neighborhood zones. is home to me and I look forward to seeing the direct impact created by these hard-working volunteers,” Photo Caption: Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Mayor Demings said. “I also look forward to the won- alongside local elected officials and business leaders, derful partnership with the City of Orlando to provide gathered at Ivey Lane Park in Orange County to kick funding for events, like the NFL Pro Bowl, to continue off Pro Bowl Week and greet volunteers during an NFL investing in this community.” community revitalization project.

The park revitalization project is part of the NFL’s Green Initiative, a focus on environmental efforts and responsible stewardship to the communities that they visit.

STRATEGIC LOCATION 4 Minutes from Disney World With 70 millions of tourist per year de visitantes Number one Family destination of USA Increasing trend of real estate appreciation Continue investments in infrastructure of streets, roads and public transport.

Annual tourist financial 2.2 billion dollars îƒ˝ https://sycamoreorlando.com

DEVELOPMENT H A Complete Resort With High Standard Exclusive Amenities Practical Business In modern atmosphere Quality services for

HIGHLIGHTS

d Quality and Accommodation s nfrastructure . e and Pleasant .

Guests and Investors

HIGH

INVESTMENT RETURN Efficient Property Management Low maintenance costs High demand of Short Term Rental High occupation rates all year long Income generation by Commercial activities of Sycamore Club The owner will not worry to find a guest or manage the property.

Speak with Silvana Camner/ Ph # (321) 228-2925 silvana@legacyplusrealty.com

Our Jingle Mingle The year of 2018, was very important to us.

As we grow more experience, more aspects of our structure, appear to show the best way to attend our members.

The Event was at Boi Brazil Steakhouse, our Trustee, we had Live Music and we had the honor to recognize a few important dedicated people who work to promote Brazilian Art & Culture and dedication to For any Non Profit, the most important our Orlando community, through their aspect is the power to multiply ways to lead services. ts members to success.

The recipients were: This year as a result of our efforts we joined forces with Luis M Martinez Multicultural Director City of Orlando #CaribbeanProfessionalsAlliance #Jewishchamber Daisy Morales #AmericanMuslimChamber Orange County Water Supervisor -Depart#FloridaSummerHomesRealty mt Chair #JamaicanAmericanAssociation #NAACPOrangeCounty Terry Olson #PSFreights Director Orange County Arts & Cultural #VolusiaCountyChamber Affairs #WomenofKulture #Jupiter Properties Jay Brothers #WHWW Brazilian Regional Music Group #IChunes Magazine and guests, as we celebrated the end of a Capoeira Pelourinho-Mestre Lazaro fantastic year.

For his constant dedication, teaching the Art of Capoeira

Congratulations Mayor Demings

After 173-years, Orange County voters changed History. Our priority is to make Orange County the best commuJerry Demings became Orange County's first African nity for our residents, businesses and guests.”

American Mayor With record-breaking attendance, the ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center was attended by more Mayor Demings, was born in Orlando, made history as than 1,400 residents and watched by many more online. the first African American Police Chief, then the first Orange County also welcomed District 2 Commissioner African American elected as Orange County Sheriff. He Christine Moore, District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe served for three terms; Mayor Demings now replaces for- and District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, mer O. C. Mayor Teresa Jacobs. who were all sworn in for their first terms on Tuesday morning. Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin will serve DisWe congratulate Mayor Demmings, and wish him success trict 6 for another term. in his new job.

Commissioner Moore, who was sworn in by Senior PasHundreds of Central Floridians attended the historic tor Paula White of New Destiny Christian Center, will Oath of Office ceremony for Orange County Mayor Jerry serve District 2, the northwest part of the County which L. Demings, who was sworn in by Chief Judge Frederick includes Apopka, Ocoee, Pine Hills, Orlando, Zellwood J. Lauten of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court on Dec. 4, and Lockhart.

2018.

“This is the beginning of a new journey of servant lead“I am elated for the opportunity to continue my pub- ership for me. We must address the issues which constitlic service as Orange County Mayor after serving as the uents expressed to me the most – traffic, an inadequate elected Sheriff for a decade. The future holds great op- transportation network, pedestrian safety, protecting a portunities for us to build on Orange County’s thriving strong economy, and ensuring high paying jobs as the and robust economy,” Mayor Demings said. “My primary foundation of a healthy community,” Commissioner focus will be on smart growth, sustaining livable neigh- Moore said. “Finally, my folks are extremely concerned borhoods, public safety, business development, education about the septic regulations, in conjunction with, protectand forming partnerships with a regional emphasis. ing our lakes, springs and water.”

The Future Of Arts & Culture In Florida:

Despite the positive economic and social impact of arts and culture in our communities, Florida ranks 48/50 on arts and culture funding.

That’s not good enough, and it’s why Representative Anna V. Eskamani alongside Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith co-hosted a legislative town hall alongside local arts leaders and fellow state lawmakers to discuss the impact of the arts, and prioritize a plan of action for Florida’s 2019 legislative session.

Hundreds of community members attended this town hall, and our team is ready to continue advocating #FundFloridaArts!

A Legislative Town Hall

Arts advocates set their sights high at a town-hall forum Tuesday, calling on the Florida Legislature to fully fund more than “You ready to fight for arts and culture?” asked State Rep. Ana Eskamani of the roughly 300 people who filled Orlando Repertory Theatre’s largest hall. “This is the first step in a long fight.”

Talking about employment gets lawmakers’ attention, said Geraldine Thompson, a former state senator who currently represents southwest Orange County in the House. The Republican-dominated Legislature has spent “eight years focused on jobs,” said Thompson, a Democrat, though she cautioned: “It has been a very narEskamani organized the event with row perspective on how you create State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a jobs.” fellow Democrat whose east Orange County district abuts Eskamani’s, a Chris Barton, executive director of stretch of land from the Beachline the Orlando Philharmonic Orchesthrough downtown Orlando into tra, pointed out that “arts jobs” also Winter Park. $61 million in grants include people working in human recommended by the state’s Division resources, customer service, buildof Cultural Affairs. ing operations, accounting and other lines of nonartistic work.

At times, the call for funding was a battle cry. Securing funds for Flori- Florida’s legislative session begins in da’s cultural organizations could very March, when budget deliberations well require a battle: Last year, Florida will decide whether the $61 million funded only 5 percent of grants rec- in recommended grants are approved. ommended by its own department of On March 13, arts advocates plan to state. In terms of per-capita govern- rally at the state capitol in an effort to ment funding, Florida plunged to No. convince lawmakers to support the 48 out of the 50 states, a far cry from funding. the 2014-15 fiscal year, when Florida ranked 10th in the nation.

“Where there’s a political will and a people’s will, there will be a way to “We know that is unacceptable,” make things happen,” said Flora MaGuillermo Smith said of the reduced ria Garcia, president of United Arts of funding. “The Legislature needs to do Central Florida. better.”

Cutting arts funding not only hamEmphasizing the cultural sector’s con- pers economic growth, said Elizabeth tributions to Florida’s economy could Thompson, it comes with a cultural sway wary legislators, local arts lead- cost as well. The executive director of ers and elected officials said as part of Orlando’s Wells’Built Museum of Afa panel discussion. rican-American History and Culture said this year’s lack of funding drasti“This is not the arts and cultural com- cally curtailed her organization’s promunity asking for a handout,” said gramming in honor of Martin Luther JoAnn Newman, president of Orlan- King Jr. do Science Center. “There is a dollarand-cents return.”

“That’s a shame,” Thompson said. “If we aren’t able to do it, then who will?”

“The Legislature needs to do better.”

— State Rep. Carlos Guilermo Smith Source: The Orlando Sentinal Arts leaders cited a study by the nonprofit Americans for the Arts that

Arts & Culture

By Matthew J. Palm Contact Reporter Orlando Sentinel Arts Writer

showed a $9 economic boost for every $1 granted by the state of Florida.

Dun & Bradstreet, which tracks business data, reported in 2017 that 4,284 arts-related businesses based in Orange County alone employed 31,507 people.

Lay of the Land: The Art of Florida's Cattle Culture Presented in collaboration with the Florida Cattlemen's Association, Lay of the Land explores Florida's unique 500-year cattle industry through art and objects on loan from members of Cowboy Artist's Association of Florida, Cowboy "craftsmen" from around the state, private collections, and the Seminole tribe.

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Musical Line-up Announced For Indie-Folkfest Presented By PLR Florida at the Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum of American Art hosts the fifth annual Indie-Folkfest presented by PLR Florida. This annual FREE, all ages, event for people and their pets takes place February 16, 2019, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Mennello Museum Sculpture Garden, which is located adjacent to the museum at 900 East Princeton Street and features some of Central Florida’s best art, food and music.

This year’s live musical line-up includes: Jordan Foley & The Wheelhouse, Lauren Carder Fox, Beemo, The 502s, Eugene Snowden and Beth McKee and the Swamp Sistas.

Throughout the afternoon event goers will have the opportunity to hear featured musicians live on stage, participate in raffles, purchase food, beverage and cocktail offerings from local restaurants and food trucks as well as purchase one of a kind art and items made locally by some of the area’s best artists and artisans.

Emceeing the event this year will be three notable locals; Brendan O' Connor from the Bungalower, Jenny DeWitt from Townie Tourist and Jon Busdeker author of “100 Things To Do In Orlando Before You Die.” In addition to the art and music there will be a kids art project station and a communal fence painting zone.

Last year’s event welcomed over 5,000 people and

their pets. This is a rain or shine event with no reserved seating. In fact, there is no seating. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to stay and enjoy the day.

Offsite parking will be available at Urology Center, Magruder Eye Clinic, McCree Construction and Florida Hospital Alden Garage. Biking and ridesharing is encouraged.

This year’s featured artwork for the event was created by local artist Peterson Guerrier. His work will be featured on limited-edition merchandise for sale the day of the event.

This years’ Indie-Folkfest 2019 Sponsors include: PLR Florida, Lauglin-Beers Foundation, City of Orlando, Orlando Weekly, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine.

2019 vendors are: The Courtesy Bar, Maxines on Shine, Olde Hearth Bread Company, The Thirsty Topher, Simply Foods By Courtney, Sugarbuzz Dezert Company, Hanson’s Shoe Repair, Tapa Toro, La Femme du Fromage, Dawg Swim & Woof! Orlando 2019 ARTISTS & ARTISANS: Lure Paper Goods, Just Okay Things & Leviathan Artworks, Lady Lion Creations, Kathy Ivers, Gypset, Chelsea Smith, Life’s Palatte, Flynn Dobbs Curated Booth feat. Peterson J Guerrier, PJ Svejda, Annette King, Dawn Schreiner, John Baker, Jon Napoles, Anayansi Artworks, Bet’s Bars, Carla Poma Jewelry, Gidget Mobile Boutique, Kicking Cones, Sonas, Tony Garan, Uncharted Designs.