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1 Charles: The Street Entrepreneur Saratopia Releases Episode 4: Bitch BoutiqueA Look into a Walkable DowntownThe Three Kitcheneers + The Originals Welcome 4 New RestaurantsThe Vertebrae of FashionThe Art Whisperer Interviews The Artist Behind Big City Girls

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

ART

SALES

RICH SWIER JR.MEGAN GREENBERGLISSETTE CORTES

ASSUNTA SWIERMEGAN GREENBERGCHARLOTTE ABRAMSJOEY PANEKROBIN PUNSALANDAVID DALYBROC SMITHROBIN PUNSALANMEGAN GREENBERGMATTHEW HOLLER

LISSETTE CORTESMATTHEW HOLLERCHARLESNAOMI CHOKRSCOTT BRAUNVIRGINIA HUGHES

DAVID DALY

saratopia magazine

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THREE KITCHENEERS

ART WHISPERER

ADD’L CONTRIBUTION

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Published by The HuB1690 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FLinfo@saratopia.com

www.hubsarasota.comwww.saratopia.com

In its most simplest form, Saratopia is a brand spankin’ new medium focusing on Sarasota’s most charming idiosyncrasies in a way that is relatable to anyone anywhere.

Using IFC’s Portlandia as inspiration, HuB started Saratopia as a “not-too-serious” channel to air our grievances and delights about our own beautiful city while all working together toward progress. Creators, Lucas Collevechio and Rich Swier, aim to bring awareness to the quirks that make a city what it is and hopefully make a few people laugh in the process.

In the web series, one of Saratopia’s “real-life” characters, Joey, finds himself in a number of situations that highlight what is wrong, what is right and what is debatable in our fair city and beyond. Using humor, cynicism, wit and charm, Saratopia has its finger on the pulse of what has become a collective frustration about what is happening in cities across the nation. Some episodes are more Sarasota-centric, focusing on our recent parking meter debacle for instance, while others have a more universal theme such as restaurants constantly changing ownership or the abject horror that can be a boutique shopping experience.

Joey, a real-life trained actor, with the comedic timing of a Swiss watch, and his fellow cast of characters are constantly entangled in situations meant to elicit not only frustration about the matter in question, but just plain, good ol’ fashioned humor. From a clown-obsessed Mayor to our town’s favorite Drag Queen, Miss Beneva Fruitville, there is a surprise around every corner. But with topics meant to spark conversation, this new web series is sketch comedy with a purpose.

If you haven’t seen Saratopia yet, stop whatever you are doing, including reading this magazine, and log on to

www.Saratopia.com this very instant to see what the fuss is all about.

what is?saratopia

In the almost four years that I’ve lived in Sarasota, I have never officially met Charles. I’ve seen him sipping lattes outside of Pastry Art. I’ve passed him on Palm Avenue as he was leaving Ana Molinari, a salon that he’s frequented on a weekly basis, for the last several years, where he gets his long, luxurious hair professionally shampooed. On Saturday mornings, I’ve often admired his gold necklace gleaming against his perfectly tanned skin as he strums his guitar to Farmer’s Market passersby while one of the most beautiful dogs in all of creation sits patiently at his feet. Much like the city he lives in, Sarasota is also seen as a tanned, latte-loving, artist of sorts. Our polished pups and salon ready coifs mixing in perfectly with street fairs and picturesque backdrops. And much like Charles, Sarasota, or ‘paradise’ as it’s known to anybody who visits, is also... a bum. Bum may be a bit too delinquent a term, as he, and us for that matter, are certainly not vagrants. The only category Charles may fall under is more of a beach bum or, really, a ‘street entrepreneur,’ if you will. The first time I saw Charles, sitting cross-legged in the shade in the alcove that is now Eileen Fisher, guitar in lap, panting dog sitting languidly nearby, I wasn’t sure if he was homeless or had just returned from some extreme-backpacking-mountain-climbing-zen-Buddha-journey. He’s usually strumming his guitar, not necessarily playing, with the case lid open accepting whatever denominations come his way. He plays for tips, living off passersby, making ends meet, raking in more than average during tourist season. Many claim that he’s a very talented musician, but you may not recognize all of his tunes as he refuses to play what he considers to be commercial nonsense. Or so I’ve heard. Those close to him respect his refusal to embrace ‘the man’s’ way of living and applaud his ability to find respectful, if not odd, ways to make ends meet. Although, if I were a betting woman, I’d guess those funds don’t generally go toward what society deems

THE STREET ENTREPRENEUR

TEXT MEGAN GREENBERG PHOTO SCOTT BRAUN

“WHATEVER YOU ARE, BE A GOOD ONE.”

appropriate. He’s a lover of the arts often having passionate, sometimes hostile, conversations with strangers about his point of view. Most impressive is his pure contentedness to just stay what he is. And why shouldn’t he be content? Why change? He’s a downtown-loving musician and arts enthusiast with gourmet tastes and a great hairdo in one of the most gorgeous towns in America. Our town. Our town which could also be pinned down as a downtown-loving musician and arts enthusiast with gourmet tastes and a great hairdo. And the parallels don’t end there as we too rely on the visitors passing through our streets, soaking in our arts and sunshine, to leave a nice tip during tourist season in our anxiously waiting open tills. We’re a gorgeous town, almost ridiculously so, with arts and entertainment, delicious restaurants, educated communities and boutique shops lining our streets. Maybe because of that, Sarasota doesn’t feel rushed to change its ways. It doesn’t feel obligated to bend to the desire of its surrounding society. Take one moment to assess the level, or lack thereof, of industry that our town provides. Besides our heavy winter tourism, what does Sarasota really do to stand on her own two feet? And when the opportunity is presented to really foster a new idea and incubate it into a possible future, like say a walkable downtown or city park in the Rosemary District, we shun that idea in favor of sticking to what we already know. What we’ve already become. Sarasota is more than content to bask in the sunlight, indulging the art community, offering up its selection of hotels, restaurants and beaches – earning enough to live on but not really enough to start fresh with. As much as we may not readily admit it, we too are opening our ‘guitar case,’ partly dependant on the charity of others, partly capable of creating our own odd jobs to make ends meet. We are Charles. Finkle is Einhorn. Abraham Lincoln famously said, ‘Whatever you are, be a good one.’ Maybe we, and Charles, have found a way to be pretty good bums.

“WHATEVER YOU ARE, BE A GOOD ONE.”

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Episode 4: Bitch Boutique

TEXT MEGAN GREENBERG VIDEO STILLS HUB STUDIOS

Although this sounds like the perfect beginning of a raunchy bar joke, and if it’s not already it really should be, this perfect conglomeration of elements is actually the beginning of Saratopia’s Episode 4: Bitch Boutique.

We’ve all been there. Who among us hasn’t excitedly walked up to a storefront ready to rifle through the goods, try on a bauble or two, or cry in the dressing room mirror, only to find that the store isn’t open on Sunday mornings. Or during lunch hours. Or during bank holidays. Or when birds are chirping. Or from 11-5, when most of society is busy working at corporate jobs. Even many of the shops along our very own beloved Main Street have kept us waiting.

Once we make it inside, who’s to say that a stellar shopping experience is guaranteed? Sizing charts are about as reliable as Charlie Sheen’s sobriety, leaving many of us in a state of panic or confusion. ‘Wait, I thought I was a 4. This says I’m a 10. Is it even humanly possible to go up 6 sizes in a week? Sweet butter rum, somebody stab me in the throat, please.’ And with employees getting seemingly younger, either working their way through school or

So, a guy, a girl, and a drag queen are in a downtown boutique …

fresh out of it, and customers approaching middle age faster than a bullet train, the generational gaps can often pose a dilemma, not to mention a language barrier - as ‘text speak’ wasn’t around in 1980.

In Bitch Boutique, we once again find our protagonist, Joey, feeling as though he has entered ‘The Twilight Zone’ where even the most mundane of tasks seem to be happening in an alternate universe and he’s the only one not in on the joke. The Original Stitch Boutique was kind enough to play along as the setting for Bitch Boutique. The darling Virginia Hughes, known locally as our town’s sassy Burlesque babe, Miss Petite Coquette, stars as the less-than-helpful shop clerk who is all too ready use Joey as the source of her texting jokes. After a five minute shift, Virginia departs and Sarasota’s favorite Drag Queen, Beneva Fruitville, takes the helm. Confusion and double entendres ensue.

We sat down with actor, Joey Panek, and producer, Lucas Colavechio (whose Saratopia resume also includes videographer, director and editor) to discuss episode four and the relationship, or lack thereof, that can arise between the customer and the merchant while poking fun at sometimes absurd shopping hours, and spotlighting the ever growing generation gap that has become a standard in Sarasota.

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MAGAZINE: What was your overall vision for Saratopia? LUCAS: Saratopia is satire. It’s much like how I, and I believe many others, see the world. In the midst of all the seemingly normal routines that we go through, inevitably, there are moments of total ridiculousness, punctuated by colorful and interesting characters. For me, at least, this series is about shedding light on the absurdities of everyday life in Sarasota. We’re all guilty of taking ourselves too seriously… and there’s nothing wrong with that, but we have to laugh at ourselves, too. It’s healthy. I don’t like to do comparisons, but I think its necessary, in this case, so that people understand clearly what we do - Saratopia is like SNL or The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - everything these shows do is based entirely on the realities of life. All we’re doing is simply pointing a mirror at society (and Sarasota) under the guise of comedy. The other motivation behind Saratopia is to show the rest of the world this awesome little spot we all like to call home - it’s quite possibly one of the best places to live in the US. When I think of how I want to construct an episode of Saratopia, I want people to see what I see in Sarasota - we live in a fucking postcard - beauty is all around us and I want that to come across in each episode. MAGAZINE: What was the message behind the episode and why is one that needs to be shared?

LUCAS: The credit for the message behind “Bitch Boutique” goes to Rich Swier, Jr & Joey Panek who produced this script. I loved the concept from the start because it illustrates the wacky world of retail. Having spent many years folding and sizing my fair share of clothing, I totally get the message. One of the ongoing situations Saratopians complain about are the hours some merchants keep. Isn’t 9-5 when most people are actually working? During those hours it has never once occurred to me to stop working so that I could run out and buy a shirt or a pair of shoes. Another theme in this particular episode revolves around the character portrayed by Virginia Hughes (the first clerk) in “Bitch Boutique”. The character is, in itself a message about people becoming engrossed with digital communication and detaching from real human interaction. JOEY: It’s just a commentary that there are all of these hidden rules and policies when you’re a customer or consumer. “Oh, our hours are only from this to this. Oh, our sizing chart is different than anywhere else you’ve shopped.” It’s kind of showing that no shopping experience is universal anymore. Everything on Saratopia is done with love. If you’ve ever driven downtown and parked your car, only to get to the storefront and find out that (of course) the store isn’t open on Tuesdays, you know it can be frustrating. So if you can laugh at these little idiosyncrasies, it can keep you from going postal. And then after you laugh at it, you

can start to look at it as an issue that you either want changed or not. MAGAZINE: What special qualities were Virginia and Beneva able to bring to the set?

LUCAS: Virginia is hot and she perfectly captured the character of a young, bitchy, text-obsessed, sales clerk who could care less about making a sale. The camera loves her and I’ve been looking forward to an opportunity to work with her. We’ve all experienced the likes of the character she portrayed - if you haven’t, just head to your nearest mall. And what can I say about Beneva? This was my first time working with her. She killed it. She and Joey did a lot of improvisation when I filmed their scenes and they took the story to whole new level. Beneva has a huge following, locally and statewide, and has become a Sarasota legend of sorts. It made perfect sense to have her participate in an episode because she is one of the many awesome “real life” characters who add color to our community. Plus, who doesn’t love a good 6’ 4” drag queen? I also see it as an opportunity to introduce our audience to Virginia and Beneva, because both are rising local stars with big fan bases of their own. One of Saratopia’s missions is to feature local talent and support them. JOEY: They were both amazing. As we know, Virginia performs Burlesque so she can do big, broad movements. But offstage, she is very subtle. I think the camera loves her. Just the smallest smirk or raise of the eyebrow was picked up perfectly. And I was so impressed by her ability to ‘improv.’.And Beneva is a pro. I’ve know Berry Ayers (the gentleman behind the lady) for a long time and so I’ve always been familiar with what a great actor he is.

MAGAZINE: On a scale of 1-10, how much fun do you have working with this cast and why?

LUCAS: I can’t assign a number because it really wouldn’t do this justice. If I had to, it would be 10…

times infinity. I adore the cast and everyone who puts so much time and energy into this series. All of us play vital roles and none of us are getting paid to do this - the reward is working with an incredibly talented group of ‘creatives.’ JOEY: On a 1 to 10, it’s a 25. This was a blast because you had Vinnie, the owner, playing along. That says something right there - that he gets the joke and therefore isn’t afraid to participate. And Virginia and Beneva were awesome. We have to get them back.

MAGAZINE: What is your most favorite part of the whole process - filming, editing, socializing, etc. ?

LUCAS: I enjoy most of the process, but my favorite part is the end. When all is said and done and I’ve

TEXT MEGAN GREENBERG VIDEO STILLS HUB STUDIOS

tweaked every shot, line, nuance, graphic, and music to my ridiculous standards of perfection. The reward for me is watching others view a completed episode. I like to see and hear people’s reactions…which can be quite nerve-wracking. I put so much

energy and time into each that it becomes sort of an extension of me. I don’t think of myself as a naturally “funny” person - it’s not a talent I ever thought I had in me, so when people laugh at the jokes in Saratopia, or even better, they pick up the “inside” jokes and the overall message of the episode, it’s a validation for me. I’m as happy as a gay man on the set of True Blood. JOEY: I love the filming. I love when Rich reads you the whole episode and starts to act it out but then stops himself. And then once we get going. And my favorite part is when we’ve already shot the scripted lines and we keep rolling and just start ad-libbing. Every once in a while, someone will say something golden. Ok, it’s usually me.

MAGAZINE: What is your least favorite?

LUCAS: This might be a boring answer, but my least favorite part of working on Saratopia involves some of the technical details that arise in the process of editing an episode. Part of this is my fault - I have been and will likely always be a perfectionist when it comes to my work. So, at times, I can find myself stuck on a particular detail for hours, even something as minor as background continuity. No beating around the proverbial bush here, but we, as a team, are still finding our way with Saratopia - like with all good shows, it’s an evolutionary process - and in that process we make mistakes... And I’ll be honest, sometimes, it’s a fucking bitch to fix those mistakes, but I don’t rest until an episode meets my standards. I believe part of what makes Saratopia unique from other web-based episodic series, is that our team embraces and maintains high production values.

JOEY: I want a studio audience. I’m used to stage acting so when you say something funny, people laugh and then you know it was funny. But with this kind of acting, if people laugh then the shot is ruined and can only live in the outtakes. So sometimes you don’t know if you nailed it until they say “cut.” But... if it was really funny, and then the say Cut... there is sometimes an explosion of laughter and that is like crack.

MAGAZINE: What was the biggest challenge?

LUCAS: The biggest challenge in this episode was audio. We tried something new and it didn’t quite work out as planned. We had to spent a lot of time in post fixing the glitches. The other big challenge - the day of the shoot we had to re-work and scale back the intro scene with Joey and Vinnie outside Bitch Boutique. The wind was very strong - rattling signs - blowing stuff everywhere - we’d get 20

SEE US ONLINE WWW.SARATOPIA.COM

seconds of calm between 10 minute bursts of 40+mph winds. We shifted on the fly and made it work. JOEY: It was the windiest day I’ve ever experienced in Sarasota and the outdoor Stitch sign was going crazy in the wind. That, and every time we shot the scene where I opened the door, the wind would whip it open and leaves would fly in. Seriously. It was like a hunting lodge. And I forgot to bring a watch and I needed one for the scene. So Vinnie let me wear a really cool wooden one from the store. But my small (yet masculine) wrists couldn’t keep the watch up so you can see it slide down my forearm. In some shots, I’m gripping it with my hands.

MAGAZINE: How do you pick your music? LUCAS: I have a poster of Megan Greenberg on my office wall. You may recall her kick-ass portrayal of the “Mayor’s Receptionist” in the episode, “Meet the Mayor” and she captured dozens of hearts worldwide when she first screamed the words, “Slow down....” Anyways, back to my Megan poster. On it, I’ve designated various body parts to represent different music genres. For example, face = adult contemporary.... tattoo = punk... chest = rock n roll... etc... you get the drift. When I prepare to edit an episode, I first put on a blindfold and randomly throw darts at Megan. Each of the darts are color-coded to represent key moments in the episode. Once I take the blindfold off, I see what parts of Megan I pierced with the color-coded darts... That, kids, is how I assign music to match the key moments in episode... Pretty neat, huh? I’m also in the process of trying to build up a library of local bands and musicians - eventually I want the music in each episode to be all locally produced. The guys from Completely From Mountains did our

theme song and have contributed additional tracks to some of the episodes.

MAGAZINE: Just how big of a diva is Joey Panek? LUCAS: Joey probably wouldn’t ever describe himself as such, but I think he is a genius and an absolute pleasure to work with.

MAGAZINE: How big of a diva is Beneva Fruitville? JOEY: Beneva was out of control. She demanded her own dressing room AND craft services. And just between us, she reeked of booze. Seriously, she was a pro. Although I think we missed an opportunity. We should’ve incorporated one of her legendary jump splits into the script.

HEY BITCH!!MISSED IT?!? WATCH NOW!

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Today, Sarasota has an opportunity to build a world-class walkable downtown. With an investment of under $5 million dollars, the city has the opportunity to complete the master plan created in 1958. Included in the final stage of the master plan is $1.5 million investment into creating a walkable Main Street, and $3 million in creating a landmark walking bridge and viewing deck spanning U.S.41 from lower Main Street to the Marina Jack entrance.

With the modernization of Main Street and its unification with the Bayfront, a geographic synergy is achieved. Visitors are drawn to enhanced outdoor dining in a park-like setting, cocktails and latte café-style, and concerts and fiestas “on Main,” all just an easy stroll to the sunset viewing deck or across to Island Park and the marina.

That’s the full realization of the 53-year old plan now rolling to certainty with only three remaining elements of the visionary concept developed by the “Volunteer Architects Downtown Improvement Committee” in 1958. The original plan was presented to an enthusiastic crowd of business leaders, government officials and the media on January 13, 1959 and was embraced by an excited, energized Herald Tribune writer, who wrote that day in an editorial:

“The comprehensive plan... showed a great amount of foresight on the part of those who contributed many hours to develop the overall report….Changes proposed would benefit the entire city in the long-run.”

“All of these people deserve high praise for their efforts, and for their professional approach in offering a solution for the improvement of downtown Sarasota…. Those in attendance were unanimous in their praise of the plans,” the Tribune added.

Thereafter, starting in 1962, the entire city commission was replaced by a quintet of forward-looking, young entrepreneurs including David Cohen, builder Jack Betz, former-journalist Gil Waters, realtor Glenn Rose and banker Bill Overton. of the Herald Tribune and a citizens referendum-

TEXT GIL WATERS

BRIDGING THE DECADESwriting the story of downtown sarasota

Two years later in 1964, with the editorial support of the Herald Tribune and a citizens referendum-approved bond issue, the first six of 11 proposed projects became a reality: relocation of city hall to Second Street , Main Street-Marina Jack restaurant site, Island Park site, gas dock and marina site, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , and the expansion of Ringling Boulevard to four lanes.

Also completed during this time was the expansion of Fruitville Road with state and federal funds and building of the city-funded 750-space sheltered parking garage on Palm Avenue designed to receive Fruitville Road commuter traffic.

All have been built and paid for at a fraction of their present value.

Thus, all that remains of the original 1950s plan is the creation of a pedestrian friendly Main Street (designed for flexibility with the use of a state-of-the art bollard system) and safe “walkable” overpass creating connectivity from lower Main Street to Marina Jack and the Bayfront – promoting to fullest advantage of one of Sarasota’s greatest assets.

The prescient planners of 1959 deserve credit also for creating a system that efficiently directed traffic via a set of concentric travel loops to abundant downtown parking: commuters along the four-laned Fruitville Road – the “outer loop” to the north -- enter town via Cocoanut Avenue to the newly developed 750-space sheltered parking garage on Palm Avenue; traffic to the south travel along the “outer” Bayfront loop entering the town center via the four-laned Ringling Boulevard toward the soon-to-be-developed State Street garage.

The outer loops are effectively paired with strategically located parking garages, and the inner loops afford efficient travel in between and around the energized pedestrian Main Street business and shopping district. The combined 1500 new covered parking spaces (plus the centrally-located Whole Foods parking garage) abundantly replace the 175 diagonal parking spaces now crowding Main Street.

In summary, here is the status of 12 project areas of the 1950s plan:

1. Fruitville Road Expansion to Four-Lanes2. Move City Hall to current Second Street

location from Main Street and Bayfront3. Expansion of Ringling Boulevard to Four-Lanes4. Marina & Dredging and Gas Dock5. Restaurant Site Fill6. Dredge & Fill Island Park7. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 8. The Ringling Bridge 9. Palm Avenue Parking Garage10. State Street Parking Garage11. Main Street Walkability, with bollards to allow

conversion between pedestrians and cars12. Walkable Overpass to Main Street-Marina Jack

Sarasota today is considered the “arts and culture capital of Florida,” with thoughtful community development and alluring white-sand beaches. Eight of the original 12 project elements of the 1950s have been fully implemented and paid for to great advantage. At the 50th Anniversary of the original plan, a new group of visionaries has completed the design.

Working with a team of volunteers and one of the original planners Gil Waters, Architect Brent Parker created a design for the three remaining features, originally conceived to link the full project: the Main Street walking areas and “walkable” overpass to the BayFront and Marina Jack restaurant.

“It is fascinating that many of the elements we think of as Sarasota today were envisioned in 1959,” said Parker, president of Sarasota Vision, Inc. (SVI), the nonprofit group convened to assist completion of the downtown plan and future long-range civic improvement programs. “The missing element from that plan is the connectivity from downtown to the bayfront. I believe it’s imperative to get a grassroots team behind this to help us create the concept.”

“The fully-integrated concept will be a boon to local businesses and Sarasota commerce, and will stand alongside the great pedestrian and city centers of the world,” said Gil Waters, convener of SVI. “We are calling on the citizens of Sarasota to help us to complete the prescient 1959 architects’ plans. Sarasota and its residents deserve it and we believe that 60 years is just too long to wait.”

DO YOU SUPPORT A WALKABLE DOWNTOWN?

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There is a question on everyone’s mind when discussing the future of downtown Sarasota. The question put simply is “What is a walkable downtown?” For the layperson who doesn’t study the art of city planning (like myself), the idea of creating a walkable downtown may seem silly. Take it from me, I don’t own a car, and I walk everywhere downtown. So certainly, downtown is walkable. But clearly, I am missing something, because there are a lot of smart people working on a plan to make downtown a world-class walkable city.

So I did my homework. Went on Google (of course) and looked for other cities looking to invest in beautifying their downtown to not only attract more tourists, but as the single-most important investment in infrastructure to rebuild their local economy. I was

TEXT RICH SWIER JR

impressed on how much research has gone into the concept of simple ideas like making sidewalks wider, paving streets with brick, improving storefronts and even something as simple as signage can make a huge difference.

After I got all the information I needed from Google, I decided the best way to determine if this is a viable idea is to do some field research. I headed down Main Street with a keen eye on details that I never noticed before. I started noticing how some parts of downtown “felt comfortable and safe” and other parts just felt dirty. The best example I could find of a “walkable downtown” was Lemon Avenue between 1st and Main. The sidewalks are wide, street paved in brick and no curbs. Everything feels right about that corner of Main - live music, outside dining, and people. Yes, apparently “people” make a downtown more vibrant. I continue my field research and started

walking down Main toward the Five Points, and sure enough the sidewalks became thinner and unfriendly. I found myself focused more on avoiding walking into couples holding hands or walking dogs, and less on what stores or restaurants were on the block. I began to shift my focus on Five Points Park as some type of oasis away from this awkwardness I was feeling.

Once I got to the park, the sidewalks were wide again, open air, outside dining on the corner. I felt right again. I knew I have one more block in my journey toward the bayfront, but I dreaded finishing, because I knew I was committing to dodging a crowded sidewalk constantly turning my body to side-step or find myself walking at a snails pace behind a snow bird.

After braving the last leg of my journey, I finally made it to another safe place in front of Epicure. But this oasis was small. I decided to sit outside, drink a beer, and recharge for the journey ahead. I knew the final step in this field test could be the last step I take. Crossing US 41 across six lanes of traffic is #6 on the “Top Ten ways a Tourist Dies in Florida”. I chugged my beer, and b-lined to the corner of Main and 41. I could see the bayfront right in front of me. It was so close I could smell the salt water. But, alas... the rumbling engines of cars passing by me

WALKABLE DOWNTOWNTHE FIELD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

There are three big questions that need to be answered 1) How much is this going to cost 2) Who is going to pay for it and 3) How do we do maximize the investment and minimize the negative impact of construction. There have been a few plans considered, including the most developed plan presented by the DID.

Due to the limited availability of funds and certain sections of Main Street being more supportive of

A HYPOTHETICAL PHASED APPROACH

at 55mph continued to shake my confidence each second that passed. I hit the button on the pole (I am still not sure which one is for which stop light)...anxiously waiting for the walk sign to appear. A few minutes go by, and boom - white light of man walking. I take a deep breath, and walk as quickly as I can.... before my foot hits the pavement, the white light is gone... turns blood red... counting down 25....24.....23.... I panic. All I hear is engines revving. My life begins flashing in front of my eyes (actually it was just a few cars turning on US41)... and I leap to the curb just in time...3....2....1.

Laying on the cement, out of breath, I turn over staring at the sun... I promise myself that I will do anything and everything in my power to ensure Sarasota becomes a walkable downtown.

the improvements, the phased approach seems to be more logical. Phase 1 included lower main which is closest to the new parking garage on Palm Avenue. Since there is ample parking within 50 feet of this section, it makes sense to widen the sidewalks, remove some or all the parking and add bricks and other enhancements. This would create a more pedestrian friendly pathway from Five Points Park to Palm Avenue.

After Phase 1 is complete, then many of the questions and concerns of merchants on the remaining sections (2 & 3) can be answered. There can also be real data from Phase 1 that can show return on investment and justification for investing more money in downtown infrastructure. The final remaining piece is the walkable bridge that

would avoid major disturbances to local merchants.

The return on investment is still unknown, but the general expectation from the merchants is their business will improve due to the sidewalks expanding and allowing for more outside dining, and more importantly with the installation of ballasts will allow the streets to be easily closed for special events. The general consensus is that anything that brings more people downtown will help merchants increase sales, raise property values and attract more tourists.

connects Main Street with the bayfront. The current design proposed by architect Brent Parker is inspired by the Ringling Bridge and has a low grade allowing for walkers, runners and bikers to easily cross over US41.

The current estimate to complete Phase 1 ranges from 1 million to 2 million depending on the project scope and according to contractors

SEE US ONLINE WWW.SARASOTAVISION.COM

In a Walkable Downtown you need shoes made for walking. T. Georgiano’s has you covered, well, your feet, at least. These three styles are easy on the eyes, easier on the feet, and with two options under $70, they are easiest on the wallet.

The Comfi or Charm by Bernie Mev are super casual and sporty with a chic flare. These ultra lightweight shoes have elasticity, great walking support and a cushioned footbed.

Paul Mayer offers various quilted leather combinations, spectator designs, and printed exotic skins. Available in a ballerina, wedge, or a kitten heel. Check out the adjustable drawstring feature and durable non-slip rubber soles.

Oka b shoes that love you are so incredibly comfortable and popular that Oprah bought the company. Enough said.

THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING DOWNTOWN

With the tagline, “Eat Like A Local,” dining out in the greater Sarasota area has become synonymous with The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a group of over 50 local, independent restaurants that can boast more Florida Trend and Zagat top scores than any other location in the state. And now, with the addition of Salute!, Mi Pueblo, Blu Que Island Grill and Savory Street, the chances of eating at a Sarasota-Manatee Originals establishment are even greater. That, my friends, is what you call a win win.

In 2003, a group of passionate restaurateurs, many with deep local roots, banded together to form The Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO), a collective group known for embodying the culture and flavors of our beloved West Coast. These restaurants are already known for their unique culinary talents and creative menus, offering delicious dishes from fresh caught fish to just-picked veggies. Now, many of these restaurants are leading the locavore movements by offering ingredients from local and sustainable farms, wild-caught seafood, and many organic options. So, want to know a little bit about each of these gems before heading out to try all four next week? Alright, here we go!

Salute! is a beautiful, romantic downtown spot that has been charming its patrons for quite some time. This classic Italian restaurant would pass the highest of Italian standards. We aren’t talking lasagna and spaghetti, we’re talking homemade mozzarella, pastas and desserts. Even my favorite Italian and co-Kitcheneer, Assunta, would be impressed with how on-point this Italian eatery is.

Mi Pueblo is not your average burrito shop. This lively and atmospheric restaurant has been voted the Best Mexican restaurant and best Margarita in town. With three locations and an Organic, Vegan and Living Food menu at their University Park location, Mi Pueblo can cater to every taste bud.

At Blu Que Island Grill, there is a cool atmosphere, the scent of barbecue wafting down the Siesta Village streets, awesome cocktails and live music every single day, this Siesta Key hot spot is jammin’. You carnivores will be in hog heaven with their specialties cooked low and slow over hickory and apple wood. Or their Sunday pig roast - a whole pig on a spit on display outside.

The Savory Street Cafe is located in the heart of Citrus Square in Downtown Sarasota. Savory Street promises that it can take you around the world in a lot less than 80 days by offering baked treats and savory dishes from all over the globe. Why spend an exorbitant amount of money on a plane ticket when you can go to Europe via your mouth?

SALUTE!Appetizer: Caprese Salad. This traditional Italian salad hits the spot every time. Fresh mozzarella layered between ripe tomatoes and flavorful basil topped with a gorgeous drizzle of syrupy balsamic vinegar. Yum.

Entree: Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini. A wide homemade pasta with a Porcini mushroom sauce.

Dessert: Tiramisu. Another Italian classic. Ladyfingers with espresso, vanilla, Mascarpone cheese and coffee liquor.

TEXT MEGAN GREENBERG

THE Origina ls Welcome Four New Restaurants

THE Origina ls Welcome Four New Restaurantsmi PUeblo

Appetizer: Ceviche de la Tierra. A medley of mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno and seasonal produce in a zesty lime-tomato sauce. Served with traditional Mexican corn chips or cabbage leaves.

Entree: Burrito de Luz. Your choice of sprouted wheat tortilla or a collard leaf (gluten-free) filled with seasoned sunflower seed ‘beans,’ lettuce, sprouts, avocado, pico de gallo, sunflower seed sour cream. Oh, and get this, it’s served with a side of living rice. Yes please.

Dessert: Superfood chocolate bites made with brazil nuts, hemp seeds, agave, raw cacao, then dusted with mesquite.

blu que island grillAppetizer: Sweet Grass Salad. Raisins, mandarin oranges, blue cheese, sesame seeds, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, walnuts, Japanese noodles with an orange champagne vinaigrette. Might as well go for the Blue Cheese Chips while you’re at it, right? House fried potato chips bathed in a blue cheese sauce drizzled with a balsamic reduction ...get into my mouth.

Entree: Mahi Fish Tacos. Two tortillas filled with fresh mahi, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and avocado aioli.

Dessert: Bourbon Bread Pudding. Need I say more?

the savory streetBreakfast:Crepes. Two handmade crepes filled with honey cream cheese and fresh seasonal berries.

Lunch:Farm Fresh Vegetable Wrap. Assorted fresh vegetables and swiss cheese served with roasted red pepper coulis on a spinach wrap.

Dinner:Sea Scallops Pibil Style. Grilled pineapple salsa, jasmine rice and pickled onion achiote butter sauce.

Dessert: Because you always have to have dessert. Always. Have the Hazelnut Dacquoise. I don’t even know exactly what that is but I want it. I want it now.

SEE US ONLINE WWW.THREEKITCHENEERS.COM

THIS PAGE WASINTENTIONALLYLEFT HOMELESS

THIS PAGE WASINTENTIONALLYLEFT HOMELESS

As the scorching heat of summer approaches, refreshing beverages become a priority! The Moscow Mule fits that bill, provided you like ginger. It’s a common misconception that the martini popularized vodka in America. A martini was originally a gin drink. It was the combination of vodka, ginger beer & a copper mug that a Hollywood actor fell in love with at the Cock n’ Bull Tavern on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. An early product placement in 1950’s film helped popularize the cocktail and the Russian grain spirit, vodka.

We use Russian Standard vodka, from St. Petersburg, Russia. It’s produced according to Dimitry Mendeleev’s original recipe from 1894. Russian Standard is made from AAA grade Russian winter wheat, distilled 4 times and filtered 4 times thru charcoal. It is backed with water from Lake Ladoga, the world’s first protected water source, until it reaches the equilibrium point of 40% alcohol (80 proof).

shamrocksarasota.comfacebook.com/shamrockpub

TEXT BROC SMITH + DAVID DALY SEE US ONLINE WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MANVSBOOZE

The Sexiest Clothes Everlingerie Clubwear Costumes Birthday Adult Gifts

$10 off your Purchase of $50 - Buy 1 Get 1 1/2 Off Corsets

Bulgarian-born Geri X is a prolific singer songwriter that is hard to put a label on. With a cult following and critic acclaim from publications such as Rolling Stone and LA Times, Geri X delivers heartfelt and honest music soaked in whiskey and heartache. You can see it from the way she connects with her fans, crooning night after night behind her Babicz guitar.

The first single off of her new album “Work is the Wolf” is called “You can have me”, A driving honky-tonk blues number complete with gritty harmonica and moody slide guitar . Geri’s vocal effects leave her voice sounding even more weathered and experienced, like a sturdy old ship that has been through hell and back only to come out stronger as she belts the lyrics “You can have me anyway you want”. From beginning to end, a nicely calculated bass line and a kick drum carry the backbone of the song like a constant punch to the heart.

Geri X’s new record “Work is the Wolf” was independently released earlier this month without label backing. You can catch Geri X perform in Sarasota alongside Completely from Mountains and O’Captain at Growlers Pub. Pick up a copy of the new record at the show or online at www.GeriXmusic.com

TEXT DAVID DALY + JEN O’CONNOR

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TEXT MATTHEW HOLLER PHOTO MATTHEW HOLLER

“So…why fashion?” The question reaches my ear through a hum of lively chatter and the clinking of martini glasses. I am asked by a woman I’ve just met after I divulge my passion for fashion photography, as I often do after a few strong drinks to people I’ve only just met. It is my friend and makeup-artist Jenny Sheffield’s birthday dinner at a posh new downtown restaurant.

The team is gathered with Jenny’s friends and coworkers, and while the rest of the establishment roars about their day to day jobs, parking meters and politics, the middle of our table of ten is deeply self indulged in our next project- Gold, White and Blue. It seems simple, but it is this classic color combination that electrifies our new collaboration.

Three years ago I received a message on the once popular Model Mayhem (an industry based social marketing site similar to Myspace) from fashion designer Eliza Torres. Only a 2nd year student at Ringling College of Art and Design and barely certain of the future I wanted in photography, I accepted Eliza’s request to photograph her recent collection.

My first “real” fashion shoot, I asked my friend and hair stylist Cheyanne Clark to join, which she agreed to willingly. To my fortune, Cheyanne asked Jenny, a talented esthetician and makeup artist aboard the shoot as well. Our team had been established.

Our first shoot was in no way a success. The prospect of showing a seasoned fashion designer that I knew what I was doing as a photographer failed miserably when the rain dampened our location, the styling fell out and the models less than desirable attitude reared it’s fiery diva head. (Picture Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada). To my surprise, the designer agreed to work with this lovely team again and the results were phenomenal. It was this trust and appreciation that began our lengthy collaboration together.

“It’s about respect,” says Eliza, “We all listen to each other and understand each other.”

It’s true. In our team no one contributor is more important than another. We all understand our position in the collaboration, but we also respect that there are zero boundaries there. When a photographer’s ego shuts out the suggestions of a stylist they are ignoring a real-time critique that may bring the very best image possible.

Sarasota is a difficult place to work as a fashion photographer. Though there is a wealth of designers, artists and boutiques there never seems to be a budget for fine photography and often local publications refuse the idea of art that is edgy or rebellious in fear of losing their advertisers or readership. As a group of creatives, we thrive to make work that is current and intriguing. This has been a constant struggle for our team living in a place where Chicos is considered edgy fashion. As a photographer I am fortunate to have made bonds with people who share in my vision, and a platform to exhibit thse results.

The work we create each shoot is sort of a metaphor which streamlines our goals. That fashion is not one individual success, it takes the collaboration of a stylist, a fashion designer, a hair and a makeup artist and a crew of fine help. Like a great film, it is many components that make the final product one fantastic body of art.

Henry Ford once stated, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” So, to answer my new friends question- it is this collaboration that makes me adore fashion. We are never alone on our way up.

SEE US ONLINE WWW.MATTHEWHOLLERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM + WWW.EMARIENY.COM

Model: Annelise Adams for E Marie by Eliza Torres, Vertebrate Collection - Spring 2012.Hair: Cheyanne Clark + Joe Clark for Cutting Loose SalonMUA: Jenny Sheffield for Melody’s Skin and Body TherapyPhoto and Fashion Assist: Steve Cange

Sarasota’s Private Venture FundLaunching May 2012

888.ROBRADYwww.robradycapital.com

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of ROBRADY capital LLC and may not be relied upon in connection with the purchase or sale of any security.

TITLE: “The Musk Cat” (Oil Paint on Canvas) ARTIST: Evan Lovejoy WHERE: 529 Clothesline Gallery 529 S. Pineapple, Sarasota FL WHY I CHOSE IT: A beautiful juxtaposition between choice in color and subject /story. The rose pigment is pretty and grabbed my attention before I even stepped foot in the gallery. Alluring beauty lured me to examine it closer. A lot happening here. The story unfolds for me each time I view it. The gaping of the center of the animal, it’s core exposed and the departing of a life force from that center. There’s the usual twist in the overall body and carriage of the animal as well. I’m not one for skulls in artwork. This is different, it gently requests I consider it. I reconsidered my personal language of what I previously prescribed to a ‘skull’ in artistic subject matter. TEXT ROBIN PUNSALAN

THE LOCAL ARTIST

March 31st was the grand reopening of 529 Clothesline Gallery in Historic Burns Court District with their event,”WELCOME”. Eighteen artists displayed their work for this event and it was quite the festive evening. One piece of work I absolutely adored was Grace Elizabeth’s ‘Big City Girls’. There is such a playful and lively feel and energy in her work which mirrors the joy in her super engaging smile and spirit. She graciously agreed to be interviewed for this article.

ROBIN: I noticed you are from Seattle, WA. How did you end up here in Sarasota?

GRACE: Long story short: I was born in Chicago, raised in Seattle for 12 years while 5 of them were spent with my bags already packed for Florida. My parents were never ones for cold weather, so after five years of Ma and Pa ‘crying wolf’, we finally picked up and moved across the country.

ROBIN: At what age were you aware that art was essential for you, and you decided to embark on further study?

GRACE: I feel like I’ve always known that creativity was essential in whatever I did - without room to push the boundaries or build upon I would quickly get bored of projects and abandon them. Through out middle school and

high school I explored lots of different areas of ‘creativity’. Covering all the bases from acting, to muscianship/music theory, choir, creative writing/poetry, as well as visual arts. I didn’t really see ‘Art School’ as a feasible direction for me (even though my mom was an admissions councilor at a private art school for about 10 years) until my junior year of high school. At that point, I made my ‘ultimatum’ decision and focused all my creative energy on the visual arts.

THEWHISPERER

TEXT ROBIN PUNSALAN

BIG CITY GIRLS: AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST GRACE ELIZABETH

ROBIN: Besides illustration, painting, etc, are there other creative areas in your life you explore? Writing, music...?

GRACE: Thankfully, the Sarasota area plays host to a ton of awesome musicians and arts based events that keep me busy within the local community. ‘The Closet Presents...’ and Clothesline have played a huge part in

that from my perspective. While in school I do my best to support the local music scene and creatives, they inspire me greatly and I love seeing an event come together and all the parties involved satisfied. Hopefully after graduation (in 2013) I’ll be able to flesh out some of my less refined hobbies and skills I pretty much abandoned in high school.

ROBIN: Who or what inspires you, motivates you to create?

GRACE: I pull my inspiration from a multitude of different sources! I love patterns and textures, especially in vintage photos and advertisements. I also love the balanced simplicity of most natural forms - asymmetrical and geometric at the same time. Not to mention nature makes up some of the best color pallets to work from. My motivation, on the other hand, mostly stems from the productive peer pressure supplied at Ringling along with heavy doses of caffeine.

ROBIN: Pick two colors at this time that are your favorites to work in? (If that is possible!)

GRACE: Well the colors really depend on what the subject and audience for the piece. But the colors I most commonly default to are blue and orange. Working in some form of a complementary color pallet quickly creates the illusion of believable values and safe guards you from turning your piece into a bag a Skittles.

BIG CITY GIRLS: AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST GRACE ELIZABETH

SEE US ONLINE WWW.ARTWHISPERER.TV

MIND OF A MAD MANGRID DETERIORATION: Assuming Grid refers to the Electrical Grid. Grid Deterioration would be the reduction of quality of the Electric Grid

FULL SPECTRUM: Assuming Spectrum referring to the wireless spectrum used in communications.

TECHTRONICS: Pertaining to or characterized by cultural changes brought about by advances in technology, electronics, and communications.DEF

INIT

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HOW MUCH OF THE

FULL SPECTRUM

“GRID DETERIORATION

HAD BEEN RELIEVED, ADJUSTED, AND AUGMENTED BY

TECHTRONICS??ADVANCED SPACE

“

DIRECTORYFOODBangkok Restaurantwww.bangkoksarasota.com4791 Swift Rd.941.922.0703

Daquiri Deck Siesta Keywww.daiquiridecksiestakey.com5250 Ocean Blvd941.915.0302

Daquiri Deck St Armandswww.daiquirideckstarmands.com325 John Ringling Blvd941.915.0302

Drunken Poet Cafewww.drunkenpoetsarasota.com1572 Main Street941.955.8404

Evie’swww.eviesonline.com1989 Ringling Blvd.941.955.3843

Hyatt Regency Sarasotawww.hyattregencysarasota.com1000 Boulevard of the Arts941.953.1234

Jpan Sushiwww.jpanrestaurant.com3800 S Tamiami Trl # 3 941.954.5726

Longwood Pub & Grillewww.longwoodgrillandpub.com5802 Longwood Run Blvd941.388.7613

Marina Jacks Restaurantwww.marinajacks.com2 Marina Plaza 941.365.4232

Mattison’swww.mattisons.com7275 South Tamiami Trail941.330.0440

Maximowww.maximodowntown.com1296 1st St941.366.7744

Michael’s On Eastwww.bestfood.com1212 East Ave. S.941.366.0007

Mr. Beery’swww.mrbeeryssrq.com2645 Mall Drive917.566.8841

Pacific Rimwww.pacificrimsarasota.com1859 Hillview St.941.330.8071

Piatti Bistro & Barwww.piattisarasota.com6630 Gateway AveN/A

Sarasota Liquor Lockerwww.sarasotaliquorlocker.com5403 Fruitville road941.377.5477

Shamrock Pubwww.shamrocksarasota.com2257 Ringling Boulevard941.952.1730

Sharky’swww.sharkysseagrill.com2519 Gulf Drive North941.779.9151

Siesta Key Oyster Barwww.skob.com5238 Ocean Boulevard941.346.5443

The Broken Eggwww.thebrokenegg.com4031 Clark Road 941.961.0493

Village Cafewww.villagecafeonsiesta.com5133 Ocean Boulevard941.349.2822

Whiteberrywww.whiteberryusa.com1473 Main St941.366.5050

ARTSAsolo Repertory Theatrewww.asolorep.org5555 N. Tamiami Trail941-350-9010

Circus Sarasotawww.circussarasota.org8251 15th Street East, Suite B941-355-9335

Sailor Circuswww.sailorcircus.org2075 Bahia Vista St941-366-0156

SHOPPINGCruisin Coastlineswww.cruisincoastlines.com1654 Main Street 941.780.5786

INfluence Stylewww.influencestyle.com474 John Ringling Blvd941.343.2315

Mojito Boatswww.mojitoboats.com32 South Osprey Ave. Suite 102941.954.0355

Morton’s Marketwww.mortonsmarket.com1924 S. Osprey Ave 941.955.9856

Stitch Boutiquewww.ilovestitchboutique.com1464 Main St.941.321.5744

T.Georgiano’s Shoe Salonwww.tgeorgianos.com1409 B 1st St.941.870.3727

ENTERTAINMENTGold’s Gymwww.goldsgym.com3762 Bee Ridge Rd941.923.GOLD

Gulf Coast Community Foundationwww.gulfcoastcf.org601 Tamiami Trail South941.486.4600

Key Choralewww.keychorale.orgP.O. Box 20613941.921.4845

Sarasota Openwww.sarasotaopen.org1680 Fruitville Rd 2nd Floor941.809.8996

Skyway Limoswww.skywaylimos.com4715 Bee Ridge Rd941.951.1223

Take Stock in Childrenwww.takestocksarasota.orgP.O. Box 48186 941.358.4407

DIRECTORY

M ENTOHM

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