LOWENSTEIN, ALTER ADDED TO FORUM TRUTH LINE-UP
Forum Truth has announced that it has added two well-known figures to its 2010 Speaker Series.
Financial journalist Roger Lowenstein will be appearing on Tuesday, April 27, and political commentator Jonathan Alter has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 25. Both events will be at 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall in Sarasota.
The appearances will coincide with new books being published by each journalist in the weeks preceding their appearances.
"What a year it has been," remarked Forum Truth Chair Irene Bandy-Hedden. "Our line-up of speakers is hitting the mark on our most pressing issues: terrorism and the Middle East, the American way of life, the Supreme Court, the economy and politics. Adding such recognized experts as Roger Lowenstein and Jonathan Alter is very exciting for our organization. We are eager to hear what they’ve got to say."
Lowenstein is one of America’s most prominent financial journalists. Beginning in 1979 and continuing into the 1990s, Lowenstein wrote two popular columns for the Wall Street Journal, "Heard on the Street" and "Intrinsic Value." After leaving the Journal, he focused on book and magazine writing. He is a columnist for Bloomberg, The New York Times Magazine and other publications. His next book, "The End of Wall Street," is scheduled to be published on April 6 and is already being called a revelatory work that offers a blow-by-blow account of America’s biggest financial collapse since the Great Depression.
Alter is a senior editor at Newsweek, where since 1991 he has written an acclaimed column on politics, history, media, and society at large. He is also an analyst and contributing correspondent for NBC News.
Before going to Newsweek, Alter was editor of The Washington Monthly and author of the New York Times best-seller, "The Defining Moment." He has traveled the world and covered seven presidential campaigns for Newsweek. His new book, "The Promise: President Obama, Year One," will offer the first up-close look at the Obama presidency. A native of Chicago who has known Obama and his circle for nearly a decade, Alter will provide an inside account of the breakneck speed with which President-elect Obama, and then President Obama, began making critical decisions and assuming the burdens of office.
Reservations are being accepted via www.forumtruth.org or by phoning 349-8350. For each of these two events, the ticket price will include the author’s book: member/book, $25; couple/book, $40; non-member/book, $30; and non-member couple/book, $45
Forum Truth is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization that provides public forums on important issues without the influence of special interest groups. To become a member or for more information on Forum Truth, visit the website, www.forumtruth.org, or call 349-8350. You may also become a fan on Facebook or follow Forum Truth on Twitter.
TEDB CHANGES OPERATING RULES
After facing both internal and external criticism about its role and function, the Sarasota County Tourism and Economic Development Board (TEDB) decided on March 11 to operate under different rules.
During a meeting that day, a five-member subcommittee, which had looked at the requirements placed on the board by the county ordinance creating it, reported its findings. The board is composed of two county commissioners, one representative from each of the four cities in the county, the Tourist Development Council and at-large members.
The board was established to coordinate economic development strategies and advise the county commission. After evaluating the ordinance, the subcommittee recommended – and the full board agreed – to overhaul the agenda. The board’s new focus will reflect the "purpose and duties" specified in the ordinance.
In addition to usual board business (minutes, public meetings), the agenda will revolve around four specifics:
• Opportunities for economic development, tourism and the arts.
• Joint efforts in economic development, tourism and the arts.
• Tourist development strategic plan monitoring.
• Economic development strategic plan monitoring.
The new agenda will govern the next TEDB meeting, set for May 5.
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VIDEO WARNS ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
The video begins with a job candidate explaining her multi-tasking skills on the basis of all the things she can do while driving, including eating, attending to children in the back seat and talking on the phone. The woman leaves the interview and immediately sends a text message to a friend complaining she wasn’t hired. As she steps into the street, the scene ends with the sound of screeching brakes.
"Multi-tasking is essential for most of us to maintain our fast-paced lives," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "We hope this PSA reminds people that there is a time and place for everything, but when you’re behind the wheel, safe driving has to be the focus."
To view the PSA visit www.SarasotaSheriff.org.
TWENTY-FIRST EARTH DAY AT OSCAR SCHERER
On Earth Day, April 18, 10 a.m to 5 p.m., activities related to the environment for all ages will be offered at Oscar Scherer State Park, with free entry.
Tram rides will be offered for $5 and Oscar’s Grill will be open all day. Among the other activities will be environmental booths, live music, food vendors, storytelling, plant sales and the annual juried photography exhibit with a nature theme; photos must be submitted 10 days prior.
Visit the website – friendsofoscarscherer.com – for more information and for photo exhibit guidelines and entry forms.
Oscar Scherer State Park is on U.S. 41 north of the #200 exit ramp off I-75 or U.S. 41 south of Super Wal-mart.
EVENING OF EXCELLENCE SETS NEW AUCTION RECORD
His voice was fading, but it came back strong when auctioneer Jimmy Dean announced the winning bid for "Regress into a Dream," an acrylic painting by Sarasota High School junior Sarah Nowicki.
Final bid for the piece was $25,000, setting an all-time record for a single work of student art at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s 15th annual Evening of Excellence benefit on Feb. 26.
The winning bid was made by philanthropist Allan H. Weis, the event’s honorary chairman. Weis announced plans to donate the piece back to
Sarah’s school to be displayed in her honor.
The event grossed more than $250,000 in cash and in-kind support, including a live auction total of $51,400. Education Foundation Executive Director Cindy Kaiser and board chairman David Sessions thanked 405 guests for attending and recognized this year’s award-winning high school artists, their parents and their art teachers.
Meg Mahoney chaired the 2010 event committee of 28 volunteers. The event’s theme, "Imagine," was inspired by one of last year’s student paintings – "Figment," by Booker High School’s Tatum Leitch. The evening also featured entertainment by the Riverview High School Center Stage Choir, under the direction of David Verdoni.
Evening of Excellence is both an innovative art program and an established Sarasota social event that raises significant funds each year, benefitting 41,500 students in the public schools through the work of the Education Foundation. The event combines an elegant dinner with a spirited auction that puts the 25 Best of the Best student art works on the auction block. The program has raised more than $1.75 million for Sarasota County’s public schools over the past 15 years, while raising awareness about the vital role the arts play in learning.
Student art awards of $500 to $2,000 were presented to each of the 22 winning students, three of whom landed two pieces in the top 25. Combining the generosity of art award sponsors with proceeds from the event, more than $40,000 in monetary and in-kind donations were awarded to support student artists, the art teachers and high school art departments.
CITY, COUNTY AVERT POTENTIAL PARKS MESS
The Sarasota city and county commissioners this week amended their interlocal agreement on parks to allow for more time to renegotiate the terms.
The 20-year-old agreement provides for county maintenance of some city parks, but in January the county commission voted to exit the deal to reconsider its terms. The issue is money.
As city and county budgets tighten, the county is looking for savings.
In a discussion on March 15, the city commission was told by Public Works Director Bill Hallisey, "It’s likely going to be a division of services – who does what best? It’s still under review."
City Commissioner Fredd Atkins, who is leading the discussions along with county Commissioner Nora Patterson, said, "This is a temporary solution. There will be a major discussion soon."
The county commission on March 16 passed the amendment without discussion as part of its consent agenda.
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SARASOTA SCULLERS' NOVICES AND FRESHMEN ACHIEVE SUCCESS
The Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Novice and Freshmen teams competed Feb. 13 in Orlando‘s Novice Regatta, winning medals in all nine races they entered: five golds, two silvers and two bronzes.
The 1,500-meter event on Turkey Lake included races just for first-time high school rowers with the "novice" designation and for freshmen rowers (ninth grade and below).
Gold medal winners follow:
• Men’s Freshmen 4+: Julien Blythe, Chandler Norder, Sean Mihm, Sam Bretz, Connor Grooms (coxswain); Women’s Freshmen 8+: Shawna Sims, Payton Harris, Dale Main, Alexa Smith, Devin Norder, Chloe Swatek, Mia Harding, Cassidy Marryott, Emily Deming (coxswain); Men’s 2X: Eric Nye, Jacob Black; Men’s Novice 8+: Sean Mihm, Sam Bretz, Dan Stegenga, Tommy Scarpinato, Calvin Bilder, Nick Hudson, Eric Nye, Jacob Black, Connor Grooms (coxswain); Women’s Freshmen 4+: Shawna Sims, Dale Main, Payton Harris, Alexa Smith, Connor Grooms (coxswain).
Silver medal winners were Women’s Novice 4+: Mia Harding, Julianna Burns, Chloe Swatek, Cassidy Marryott, Emily Deming (coxswain); and Women’s 4X: Chloe Swatek, Emily Deming, Cassidy Marryott, Mia Harding.
Bronze medal winners were the Men’s 4X: Eric Nye, Dan Stegenga, Jacob Black, Sean Mihm; and Men’s Novice 4+: Tommy Scarpinato, Calvin Bilder, Nick Hudson, Sawyer Monach, Connor Grooms (coxswain).
MUSIC TO PLAY ON AFTER 10 P.M. AT HOOSIER BAR
Osprey’s oldest continuously run private business was spared the cone of silence Tuesday.
The Sarasota County commissioners approved a special exception to allow live music beyond 10 p.m. at the iconic Hoosier Bar.
Located on south U.S. 41, the bar has been open for patronage since 1960. In 2004, it was rebuilt one-half mile south of its old location to make way for the Osprey Wal-Mart. The new building was designed and built to contain noise.
During a neighborhood workshop in October, the applicant’s agent said he turned up the volume to maximum and then walked outside. Fifty feet from the property, he said the music was barely audible.
The commissioners imposed two stipulations to the special exception: No music outside, either live or through speakers will be allowed, and the front door must remain closed – except for patrons entering or leaving – after 10 p.m.
The exception allows music until 2 a.m. Commissioner Jon Thaxton, an admitted patron, said if the commission could not approve this for a building built to meet county noise regulations, then nobody could qualify for those standards.
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KENSINGTON PARK TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL CLEANUP MARCH 20
It’s time to empty the closets and garage, clean off the lanai and gather up the stray brush that hasn’t made it down to the curb for pickup.
Sarasota County will hold its annual community cleanup from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, for the Kensington Park community. Dumpsters will be provided by Waste Management and be available at three locations to receive materials from residents: .
• Prudence Drive and Melgert Lane.
• Randa Boulevard and 24th Parkway.
• Calvary Chapel and 27th Parkway
Residents can dispose of most appliances, household items, scrap materials, unbundled yard waste and other materials during this free event. Paint, pesticides, auto parts, televisions, computers and other hazardous materials will be accepted only at the following locations:
• Tires and appliances will be accepted at the Prudence Drive and Melgert Lane location.
• Hazardous materials, electronics, televisions and computers will be accepted at the Calvary Chapel and 27th Parkway site.
County employees will be available at each site to offer assistance.
For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 and ask about the Kensington Park community cleanup.
PIERIAN SPRING ACADEMY SEEING RECORD ENROLLMENT
With the recent start of its 2010 spring term, Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) has broken all previous records in its 10th year of providing Sarasota area seniors with opportunities to exercise their minds.
Approximately 650 students have generated more than 1,000 enrollments, up 75 percent from the 2008-09 academic year, a PSA news release notes. The students will have participated in a total of 80 different courses in the fall, winter and spring terms PSA conducts at Argosy University, the Senior Friendship Center, and Plymouth Harbor – the most ever offered.
Sixty-one individuals are presenting the courses, representing the largest faculty PSA has ever assembled.
PSA’s courses are designed to help seniors remain intellectually active. They cover a wide range of topics, including art, architecture, earth science, history, human mind/body, ideas, literature, music, people, theater and film and creative writing. The academy’s faculty comprises retired academicians and other knowledgeable professionals. Their small classes offer many opportunities for student discussion.
Tuition charges are modest and scholarship aid is available where appropriate, the release says. Under the leadership of executive director Robert V. Carlson, the organization is planning for even greater success for the upcoming 2010-11 academic year that begins in October.
Pierian Spring Academy is a not-for-profit institution whose operating expenses are covered by tuition fees, supplemented by donations by students, faculty and friends of the organization. Visit www.pierianspringacademy.org.
COUNTY NEWS PROGRAM LAUNCHED
"Sarasota County Weekly," a Sarasota County news program, debuted at 7:30 p.m. on March 5, on Comcast 19 and Verizon 32, with new segments running at the same time each week.
The program also will be streamed on the Sarasota County website, www.scgov.net, and it will be re-broadcast weekend mornings at 7 a.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 10 p.m. and Wednesdays at 8:20 a.m.
"Sarasota County Weekly" expands the county’s TV programming by offering more community news and information, according to a county press release. Sarasota County also has begun airing "Sarasota Business Today," which focuses on local businesses and their successes. "Sarasota County Weekly" will complement the business show by highlighting stories about positive events and news throughout the county, the release says.
Segments will focus on education, the environment and different aspects of arts, culture and recreational activities. Features will include health tips, information on neighborhoods and community events and legislative updates.
SEAGRASS AWARENESS FOCUS IN MARCH
In recognition of the importance of seagrass habitats to Florida’s environment and economy, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has proclaimed March Florida Seagrass Awareness Month.
This is the ninth year of the statewide initiative, which Crist has called essential to preserving the state’s marine environment, economy and quality of life.
The initiative also showcases Sarasota County’s five-year-old volunteer program to survey seagrass in every bay in the area to better understand local seagrass habitats.
According to Amanda Dominguez of Sarasota County’s Water Resources Department, nearly all of the commercially and recreationally important estuarine and marine animals depend on seagrass beds as refuge or habitat for some part of their lives, making the beds directly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars annually from out-of-state and resident recreational and commercial fishermen.
"The information that has been generated from the county’s survey has culminated in a baseline map of seagrass that will allow the county to identify areas of change and refine restoration efforts," said Dominguez in a press release. "The information gathered through this program allows us to identify seagrass trends and manage these systems appropriately."
She added, "Seagrass also helps maintain water quality by filtering and anchoring sediments." Without it, most of the regions they inhabit would be a seascape of unstable shifting sand and mud."
Dominguez notes that seagrass is often a victim of its own success, drawing boaters into richly populated underwater beds. "Many boat operators do not realize that when a propeller cuts across a seagrass meadow, it not only destroys the blades, it often tears up the rhizome system -- the network of runners that anchors seagrass to the bottom and transports nutrients the plant needs," said Dominguez. "Repeated injuries can interfere with the ecological functions normally carried out by seagrass."
Extensive scarring breaks the intact grass bed into smaller, disconnected "islands" of barren sandy patches that are unsuitable for many seagrass inhabitants. "Each new scar or similar injury makes the entire grass bed more susceptible to further erosion from natural forces such as storms, tides, and currents. If enough damage occurs to a single meadow, this valuable resource may be slowly eroded and along with it the important ecological functions it serves. The damage can take years to heal."
Dominguez says protecting this valuable resource is as simple as becoming a seagrass survey volunteer and taking steps to prevent prop dredge scars when boating.
YACHT CLUB TO HOST SEA SAFETY SEMINAR
A day-long seminar on safe seamanship will be held at the Sarasota Yacht Club on Saturday, March 27.
The Safety at Sea event is a US Sailing-certified seminar and an opportunity for both cruising and racing sailors to learn more about boat handling in offshore waters, boat crews and preparation, using heavy weather tactics, communications and first aid. It will include demonstrations of safety equipment, distress signals and helicopter search-and-rescue and "abandon ship" scenarios.
Ronald C. Trossbach will be among the featured presenters. Trossbach spent 30 years in the Navy and is one of five approved moderators for US Sailing-sanctioned Safety at Sea seminars.
"This is a must-attend for boaters who have plans to venture offshore," said Don Payzant, an event organizer. "The moderators for the day are expert blue water sailors who have dealt with crisis at sea and similar experiences."
The seminar is sponsored by West Marine and Landfall Navigation. Tickets are required to attend. Lunch is included.
Ticket proceeds will benefit the Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit organization intended to promote the growth, health and wellness and active lifestyle of the yachting community.
Tickets for the Safety at Sea Seminar are priced as follow:
• General public – $150.
• Sarasota Yacht Club members – $125.
• US Sailing members receive an additional $5 discount.
For more information on the Safety at Sea Seminar, visit www.sarasotayachtclub.org/Sarasota-Havana-Regatta/Safety-at-Sea-Seminar-1902.html or call the club at 365-4191.
KEEP SARASOTA COUNTY BEAUTIFUL AWARDS GRANTS
Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB) awarded three local elementary schools a total of $5,000 in education grants during the Sarasota County School Board meeting on March 2.
The funding, part of the $50,000 education grant commitment from Waste Management of Southwest Florida, will support programs that focus on anti-littering, sustainability and taking pride in the community. The grant proposals were judged by four representatives of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and four representatives of the school district, with awards going to the following schools:
• First place: Bay Haven Elementary School – $2,500.
• Second place: Phillippi Shores Elementary School – $1,500.
• Third place: Atwater Elementary School in North Port – $1,000.
Points were awarded for proposals that promote the KSCB mission; involve students, parents and teachers; list activities that are feasible and likely to succeed; will work as a pilot program for other schools; and generate positive publicity.
In addition to the grant awards, KSCB announced that Atwater Elementary, Bay Haven Elementary, Cranberry Elementary, Fruitville Elementary and Phillippi Shores Elementary schools are the winners of its Talking Trash Dude art contest.
Nearly 100 students from schools throughout Sarasota County submitted drawings of the Trash Dude talking waste container and a sentence about why they thought their school would make a great home for the Trash Dude.
"It is exciting to see how involved students are about promoting a cleaner environment, especially at the elementary school grade level," said Sandra Washington, manager of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful.
Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and Sarasota County Schools partnered in these two projects to help heighten awareness about litter disposal and to create ways of implementing projects at individual schools.
For more information, contact county at 861-5000.
SIESTA BEACH CONCESSION EXTENDED
Without debate, the Sarasota County commissioners on March 15 gave six more months to the current Siesta Beach concessionaire to resolve a bid challenge. The original concession contract expired on May 31, 2009. Now the expiration date has been pushed back to Sept. 30. The county twice has issued a request for proposals. The first was withdrawn; the second received 10 responses. A procurement review committee awarded the new contract to the existing concessionaire, Sunrise Sunset Concessions of Siesta Key. However, the award was challenged, so county staff suggested the six-month extension to resolve the dispute. The county commissioners approved the extension without discussion as part of their March 15 consent agenda. Sunrise Sunset pays $17,541.67 per month, plus 25 percent of gross wine and beer sales. (Photo by Norman Schimmel)
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COUNTY JAIL VIDEO VISIT PLAN TO COST $840,000
The Sarasota County Commission on Tuesday approved nearly $840,000 to install a new "jail video visitation system."
The contract was awarded to SimplexGrinnell of Boca Raton. The company is the largest fire protection firm in the world.
The system replaces one that is 10 years old.
"The original system cannot be repaired due to outdated hardware and software," a staff memo says. "The existing system does not integrate with the current … database and cannot keep up with the public’s demand for visitation scheduling."
The new gear will allow people to schedule video visitation on the Internet or at a kiosk in the lobby of the jail. Use will require visitors to be present physically at the jail.
Subsequent to the installation, the system will require annual maintenance through a separate contract, estimated to cost $100,000 per year. The annual upkeep would become part of the sheriff’s budget.
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SARASOTA CREW WINS 30 MEDALS IN MIAMI REGATTA
Sarasota Crew rowers traveled to Miami on March 7 to compete in the Miami International Regatta, bringing home 12 Gold and Gold/Plate medals, seven Silver medals and 11 Bronze – for a total of 30 medals over the weekend-long event.
Led by Sarasota Crew Head Coach Casey Galvanek, 130 young rowers competed in more than 30 categories at the Miami Marine Stadium.
"The Miami International is the start of our championship season," Galvanek said, "and we have some incredibly strong results to build on. Not only did Sarasota Crew lead the pack in many of the primary events, we were in the mix in all of them."
The following are the results:
Women’s 4X: Mari Beiling, McKayla Taaffe, Christina Niffenegger and Westanna Carleton.
Women’s Freshmen 1X: Bronze – Emily Goff.
Men’s V4+: Gold/Plate – Cox: Courtney Berger, Matt Sobotka, Hunter Leeming, Josh Schmidt and Marcel Dupuis.
Women’s V8+: Bronze – Cox: Lauren Terris, Christina Niffenegger, McKayla Taaffe, Westanna Carleton, Gabby Halula, Sierra Luther, Taylor Johnson, Carolina Elizalde and Mari Beiling.
Men’s JV4+: Silver – Cox: Courtney Berger, Chase Rowe, Ryan Anderson, Ed Palermo and Oliver Jennings.
Men’s 2X: Silver – Matt Sobotka and Josh Schmidt.
Men’s LTWT 4+: A Boat, Gold/Plate – Cox: Lauren Terris, Nick Duncan, Hunter Leeming, Danny Corin and Marcel Dupuis; B Boat, Cox: Sarah Benderson, Jason Rosales, Daven Natarajan, Drake Stevens and Joe McClanahan.
Women’s Freshmen 8+: Cox: Caroline Deaterly, Brooke Bamford, Jordan Bornstein, Kate Flanders, Allie DeUnger, Carolina Villalona, Rachel Chapman, Rachel Taspek and Emily Goff.
Men’s Freshmen 4+: A Boat, Gold/Plate – Cox: Josh Simon, Travis Taaffe, Jose Colon, Ryan Day and Andre Dupuis; B Boat, Bronze – Cox: Grant Golub, Tanner Pletzke, Ian Hull, Jake Amontree and Oliver Jennings.
Men’s Novice 4+: A Boat, Gold/Plate – Cox: Sarah Benderson, Maddux Castle, Stafford Shaddy, Andrew Konecny and Ryan Day; B Boat, Bronze – Cox: Anthony Senseman, Jan Stary, David Broussard, Chad Rowe and Nick Edwards.
Women’s Novice 8+: Silver – Cox: Caroline Deaterly, Christina Niffenegger, Rachel Chapman, Jordan Bornstein, Emily Goff, Rachel Taspek, Mary Rose York and Lilia Vargas-Costello.
Men’s Varsity 8+: Bronze – Cox: Courtney Berger, Matt Sobotka, Hunter Leeming, Josh Schmidt, Marcel Dupuis, Nick Duncan, Ryan Anderson, Daven Natarajan, Danny Corin.
Men’s Novice 4X: A boat, Silver – Ryan Day, Jose Colon, Andre Dupuis and Travis Taaffe.
Women’s Varsity 2X: A boat, Sierra Luther and Kim Milam; B boat, Christina Niffenegger and McKayla Taaffe.
Men’s JV 8+: Bronze – Cox: Sarah Benderson, Chase Rowe, Joseph McClanahan, Morgen Coe, Ed Palermo, Oliver Jennings, Drake Stevens, Tony Rzepka and Jason Rosales.
Women’s Novice 4+: Silver – Cox: Rachel Taspek, Laura Headlee, Allie DeUnger, Taylor Hancher and Kate Flanders.
Men’s Freshmen 8+: Gold – Cox: Josh Simon, Travis Taaffe, Jose Colon, Ryan Hails, Stafford Shaddy, Maddux Castle, Andre Dupuis and Andrew Konecny.
Women’s Freshmen 4+: Bronze – Cox Rachel Taspek, Brooke Bamford, Carolina Villalona, Allie DeUnger and Kate Flanders.
Men’s Novice 8+: A boat, Gold/Plate – Cox: Josh Simon, Travis Taaffe, Jose Colon, Ryan Hails, Stafford Shaddy, Maddux Castle, Andre Dupuis, Andrew Konecny and Ryan Day; Silver – Tanner Pletzke, Mateo Vasquez, Ariel Mandelblum, Nick Edwards, Jake Amontree, David Broussard, Chad Rowe, Thomas Pring, C Boat, Cox: Grant Golub, Connor Borden, Zevin Condiotte, Chetan Patel, Alex Dluzneski, Sebastian Spivey, Jacob Knego, Ian Jones and Alex Mochrie.
Men’s V1X: A boat: Bronze – Matt Sobotka; B boat: Hunter Leeming; C boat: Josh Schmidt; D boat: Marcel Dupuis; E boat: Josh Simon; F boat: Joseph McClanahan; G boat: Daven Natarajan; and H boat: Danny Corin.
Women’s JV 4+: Bronze – Cox: Meghan Dooley, Lily Wan, Gabby Halula, Taylor Johnson and Carolina Elizalde.
Men’s V4X: A boat, Gold/Plate – Matt Sobotka, Marcel Dupuis, Josh Schmidt, Hunter Leeming; B boat, Gold in heat – Nick Duncan, Ryan Anderson, Danny Corin and Daven Natarajan.
Men’s Novice 1X: Silver – Ed Palermo; Bronze: Joseph McClanahan.
Men’s Freshmen 1X: A boat, Gold in heat and overall: Travis Taaffe; B Boat, Gold in heat: Oliver Jennings; and C boat, Ian Hull.
Women’s V 4+: Gold – Cox: Lauren Terris, Mari Beiling, Christina Niffenegger, Westanna Carleton and McKayla Taaffe.
Mixed 2X: Bronze – Josh Schmidt and Christina Niffenegger.
Mixed 4X: Gold – Matt Sobotka, Hunter Leeming, McKayla Taaffe and Westanna Carleton.
Sarasota Crew is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 by a group of parents and coaches with the mission of developing student athletes into self-respecting, quick-thinking, responsible and rational young adults by promoting positive growth within the most challenging events. For more information, visit www.sarasotacrew.com or call Liza Dickson at 966-9791.

April 5th 2010 - 5:10PM