REAL Magazine Featuring Artist Jack Dowd by REAL Magazine

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Fresh, New and Different This issue we depart from the living and treat you to Jack Dowd’s 27, a portrait. Unless you know him, there is very little chance this series of artistic expressions passed before your eyes. Sitting down with Jack, the REAL team gained an understanding of the thought and detail that went into creating the

collection and some interesting insights. Did you notice the halo on the cover? Try and find the halo in each musician’s portrait! At this time REAL Magazine is your only chance to see the artwork unless you want to venture to a gallery up north. Music is a critical component of the exhibit, and 27 has a performance night where a moving 90 minute concert session lends depth to the exhibition. If there is a gallery owner interested in hosting this unique experience later in the year please get in touch with Jack. Keeping with our departure this month, Elisabeth Kellam Kerr, a soon to be third year Ringling College of Art + Design student, majoring in Graphic and Interactive Communications and minoring in Business of Art and Design, designed the cover and cover story layout. A renowned artist and cover feature story; what an addition this issue makes to her already impressive portfolio! The cover feature was sealed when I saw Elisabeth’s catch phrase “Designing with Words” while reviewing her portfolio. Designing with words is a

key component of assembling an attractive publication and Elisabeth does it well. Look for continuing contributions from this very talented individual. Dr. Larry Thompson, thank you for continuing to foster a creative environment second to none at the college. Last, coming out from under a nondisclosure agreement we interview Clay Curtis, President of Sarasota’s just launched ClearJet. A well thought out business model, ClearJet is set to revolutionize the way private jet travel is transacted. Taking three years to design and implement the technology foundation, web-based ClearJet takes the middleman out of procuring private jet services, saving the traveler money while providing travel options not readily available via the existing broker-based business model. My money is on a big IPO, or a significant acquisition by someone well versed in the aviation industry. It’s REAL and the sky is the limit at ClearJet. Enjoy!

Ed Bertha

Ed Bertha | May 2012

Waterfront Specialists www.PerroneConstruction.com 941.924.6900 7045 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota Celebrating 32 Years of Building Sarasotas Finest Waterfront Residences

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Christopher roy:

redefining AmeriCAnA With a signature furniture line composed of artfully-designed limited edition pieces, Christopher Roy thoughtfully explores the boundaries of form and function. A native of England now based in Sarasota, Christopher graduated from the nationally-recognized Ringling College of Art + Design and has utilized his talents across a spectrum of mediums and canvases.

world craftsmanship. Smooth, clean lines are enhanced by the collection’s sensual temperament. Textiles course through each pad in a range of fabrics including tweeds, silks and quilted felts; individual pads are interchangeable throughout the collection, allowing for an ongoing exploration of design schema. Leather and metal fittings contribute to the unique character of each piece.

Why Not Bespoke is the forum for Christopher’s penchant for creative utility. His work, inspired by furniture that is simple and solid, has earned international attention for its artistry and style. Traditional forms prevalent in Amish workmanship are elevated, reimagined into a cadre of stunning pieces that subtly reveal their complexities.

Christopher Roy imparts his own history into this collection by naming each piece with English expressions or cockney rhyming slang that relates to its individual design or function. Here and There, for example, means “chair”, but also hearkens to the duality of the furnishing which may be utilized as a bench or a Windsor chair.

Time-honored craft techniques are showcased in the collection, which highlights the process and ability of old-

Bees and Honey integrates warm woods with the calculated coolness of marble. A natural finished white oak table with

matte black edge banding is complemented by a sleek black end leaf and legs. Visual interest is achieved not only through the unique angular structure of the tables six legs, but by the impressive venatino marble honeycomb shelving unit that artfully finishes the piece. Bobs Your Uncle is a natural finished white oak bench that features matte black edge banding and a lone square black leg. The piece challenges with a progressively ornate design; it demands attention and commands appreciation. Complementing Bobs your uncle are two spindle boxes with powder coated inserts and four interchangeable upholstered pads fastened decisively with sturdy leather straps. Flowers and Frolics is an elegant conception: the natural finished white oak bench with matte black edge banding, edge detail and single square leg is complemented by four sophisticated interchangeable upholstered pads. Robust leather straps add texture and interest to the piece.

Here and There straddles the line between whimsy and tradition. The combination Windsor chair and bench is crafted in natural finished white oak and features matte black edge banding, edge and spindle details, and one square leg. Four interchangeable upholstered pads are fastened with grommets and a quilted chair cushion and back pillow add an exciting splash of color. Christopher Roy for Why Not Bespoke will be featured at the 24th annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. The ICFF attracts over 25,000 attendees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tradespeople and the general public- and will host exhibitors from 30 countries in 10 categories. The annual event is the largest contemporary furniture fair in the state of New York, and has become a notable hotspot for manufacturers and publishing specialists in search of new trends and products as well as up-and-coming designers.

A Bespoke Design Studio www.christopher-roy.com Interior Design | Furniture Design | Product Design | Luxury Lifestyle

t a b lt aeb l o ff ccoo e o n tn e ntt se n t s On the Cover 26

Jack Dowd: 27

REAL Cares 12

"REAL, Heels and Wheels" Benefiting Habitat for Humanity, Sarasota

"Ringling on the Water" Benefiting Ringling College of Art + Design

"Giving Hunger the Blues" Benefiting All Faiths Food Bank

The Academy For Leadership And Social Development: Fostering an Innovative Path to Success

by Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

RSVP Required 14

Datum Corporation: Technology Leadership. Global Reach.

by Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

REAL Beauty 36

Wedding Celebration Hairstyles

by Sheila Venancia

In the News 22

Giving Hunger the Blues, Cat Depot, Datum Corporation

Salt & Light Productions, Center For Sight, Candice McElyea

Perspectives 18

Interview: Taking Off With ClearJet's Clay Curtis

by Ed Bertha

Property Rentals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Long And The Short of It

by Patricia Tan

A New Baseball Stadium for the Rays?

by William Henry, PhD

Kerried Away: Kitchens

by Kerrie Lehnert

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www.the-real-magazine.com Executive Publisher Ed Bertha (941) 921.2117 edbertha@ the-real-magazine.com

Cover & Masthead Photography Giovanni Lunardi Photography Giovanni Lunardi Chad Spencer Executive Producer Video ViaVio; Leslie Brown Creative Director Christian Lunardi

Cover & Cover Feature Story Design Elisabeth Kellam Kerr Design & Layout Karen Krier Contributing Writers Tracy Eisnaugle Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa Kacey C. Krznaric Subscriptions & Circulation Innovative Agent Services Printing Manatee Printers, Inc. Production Enterprise Connections

REAL Magazine is produced monthly by Enterprise Connections, Inc. Principal office: 6743 Ashley Court, Sarasota, FL 34241. COPYRIGHT ÂŠ 2011 REAL MAGAZINE. All content copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, REAL Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. All listing information published in REAL Magazine is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Contact agent directly to verify listing information which is subject to change. WEBSITE: www.the-real-magazine.com offers RSS feeds, current and past issues, links to sponsors, an event calendar, unique editorial, a blog and additional information on the community at large. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please call 941.921.5027, write 2945 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 or visit www.thereal-magazine.com, $24.95/year. ADVERTISING: Please call 941.921.2117, write 6743 Ashley Court, Sarasota, FL 34241 or visit www.thereal-magazine.com. POSTMASTER: Please send notices on Form 3579 to 2945 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239. Standard mail paid in Sarasota, Florida.

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Interview:

Taking Off With ClearJet’s Clay Curtis By Ed Bertha

With a quiet intensity Clay Curtis types on his computer, emailing one of the safety rated private jet operators in the ClearJet.net network from across the country. Over the last three years he has researched, tested and built a new online flight booking tool for the private aviation industry from the ground up. As the son of NFL Pro Bowler, “Mad Dog” Mike Curtis, he explains his drive for success and ability to capitalize on great opportunities was heavily influenced by his father’s performance on the football field where he often pushed

18 REAL Magazine

his body to its physical limits. “I bring the same passion I learned from my father to work with me every day,” says Clay. “After being introduced to the private aviation industry, I immediately saw an opportunity to connect the passenger with the operator and decided to push forward at full speed.” With his innovative concept and personal drive, Clay Curtis is positioned to lead the private aviation industry through its next stage of evolution. Why did you get into the private aviation industry? I was introduced to the industry years ago through various clients and friends, and was immediately struck by how difficult and time consuming it was for an individual to book a safe private aircraft charter on their own. The current business models like fractional sales and jet cards require large financial commitments upfront – locking you into a particular program. If you used a broker, you were subject to their individual network and their pricing structure. And trying to call individual jet operators is difficult and time consuming. All of these inefficiencies were in the back of my mind, and three years ago I finally said, "There has to be a better way," and that was the birth of ClearJet.net. So, I got into the industry to move it forward to streamline the process of finding and booking private jet travel in a cost effective way, not only for

| www.the-real-magazine.com

the customers, but for the aircraft operators as well. What is ClearJet.net? At its core ClearJet.net is an online marketplace that allows you to anonymously submit your flight itinerary directly to ClearJet.net's vast network of top safety rated jet operators across the country. The aircraft operators then send back their individual quotes for you to easily review and compare. Each jet quote shows you pricing, photos, descriptions, a list of amenities and estimated travel times. It’s that simple. So, if you want to book a private jet from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Teterboro, NJ (TEB), you would register for free at ClearJet. net, then submit your itinerary, which is sent to our vast network of operators, and then you review and compare the quotes as they come in. Once you find the option that best fits your needs, you accept the quote and you and the operator are instantly connected to work out the final details of the flight — from final payment and catering to ground transportation. Not only are we looking to simplify how a client finds and books their private jet charter needs, we are also making it more cost effective to do so. Clients not only need a more efficient booking platform, they deserve direct access to those who are providing the charter service. How do you see the industry evolving? Similar to nearly every other industry that has been forced to adjust their business model as a result of the ever increasing advances in technology, I believe the private jet charter industry

Embraer Legacy 650 photo courtesy of Embraer

is on the edge of its very own technological revolution. Charter customers see how efficient the commercial travel industry has become and they’re wondering why the same hasn’t taken place to accommodate their needs in the private aviation world. This is where we have stepped in. When you own a share of a jet, you become a fractional owner and are responsible for that jet. In contrast a jet card is a pre-payment of time (flying hours) to a particular company. Both usually have additional fees, from gas to landing fees, which are on top of your fractional or hourly rate. Booking through a broker means you book each flight individually, but you utilize a third party who can potentially mark the flight up as high as they wish before you see the price. Brokers take your request and call their network of operators to secure a quoted price, then they mark up the quoted price before it gets to you for review. Our direct access network is innovative because it streamlines the process allowing for direct communication between you and the jet operator. This is the future of the private aviation industry, providing the information and power directly to the decision maker is what customers want and expect. Does ClearJet.net make a percentage per flight? We don’t make a percentage, that is the way the industry used to work with high markups. After members review and select the best option from all the quotes they received, ClearJet.net collects a flat $499 transactional fee. So, as a member there are no membership fees, you only pay after you see your charter options and book a great flight. Our flat fee is also very innovative, as you know exactly who is getting what, which is dramatically less than a percentage mark up. Plus you see several different jet options for review at one time. It gives you options, information and control of the process.

What is an empty leg and do you show members the operators’ empty legs? An empty leg or "reposition" is when a jet operator has booked someone to fly from one location to the next, but they do not have a passenger for the flight back. This is called an “empty leg,” and we actually allow members to tell us if they want to receive notices when there is an empty leg flight leaving a specific location—allowing them to possibly grab a great deal on a private jet. You could say you want to receive an email when an operator posts an empty leg leaving Sarasota. Who owns the jet I currently fly on? It depends on how you booked your jet. If you are using a broker, you may be flying on a jet managed by a different company and you don’t even know who they are or if they are safety rated. With ClearJet.net you know exactly who is operating your jet because after accepting their quote you were able to speak to them directly. What is next for ClearJet.net? We have an extensive network of the top safety rated operators across the United States, and we are in the marketplace connecting with individuals and companies who are currently flying privately. Signing up our operators went so well, we are eight months ahead of schedule and are immediately moving forward with our consumer-based marketing to introduce this revolutionary new concept to the jet charter community.

Clay Curtis President | ClearJet clayc@clearjet.net | www.ClearJet.net 1-877-9-CLEARJET

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i n it neeww nh t hee n s s Giving Hunger The Blues Raises $95,000!

INTEGRITY

The 17th Annual Giving Hunger The Blues block party was a considerable accomplishment in the fight against hunger in Sarasota County. $95,000 was raised benefiting All Faiths Food Bank, the most effective anti-hunger organization in Sarasota. Giving Hunger The Blues has become the Food Bank’s largest one day fundraiser, raising over $1,000,000 to date. Over the last decade and a half the event has progressively grown in attendance and developed an increased awareness of the needs in our community. With 7,000+ guests attending this year’s block party they enjoyed the sunshine, music, food, entertainment, games, rides and a host of other activities. Everyone from Giving Hunger The Blues and All Faiths Food Bank would like to express their gratitude to the many restaurants, and volunteers without whom this event would not be possible. Giving Hunger The Blues and All Faiths Food Bank also immensely appreciate the generosity of all of this year’s sponsors. Giving Hunger The Blues would not be possible without them. Cat Depot Launches Revamped Web Site

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ACTION

Cat Depot announced the launch of a newly designed web site at www.catdepot.org. The web site has a new look with features such as a virtual tour, resource library, ecard send (to someone you love) and more. The website is easy to navigate, promotes homeless cats, and will save Cat Depot money, which is all great news for the cats. Cat Depot, a rescue, adoption, education and resource center, is dedicated to helping abandoned, homeless and injured cats and kittens with medical care, food and love. Pease visit www.catdepot.org or call (941) 366.2404. Cat Depot is located at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota FL, 34234 and is open 7 days a week, M-F, 11am to 7pm, S-S, 11am to 5pm. Lakewood Ranch’s Datum Expands Pacific Presence Datum Corporation announced the acquisition of Honolulu-based Developmental Focus. Development Focus has a fifteen year history of providing consulting services on business process, technology and outsourcing. Developmental Focus’s client list includes medium sized airlines, large development companies, automobile dealerships and multi unit medical practices.

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Tom Frost, Datum’s Chief Executive stated, “The opportunity to acquire a company with such great talent and prestigious clients is very rare. We have made some large investments in the Hawaii market throughout 2011 and this combined with the recent acquisition should allow us continue to improve our already great client services throughout the world.” Datum plans to open a new Honolulu facility in May 2012 to accommodate current Datum employees and those from Developmental Focus. Datum Corporation is a global business process consulting, technology and outsourcing company. Datum supports clients in all 50 states and 7 countries from their headquarters in Sarasota, Florida and offices in Los Angeles, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. For more information visit www.datumcorporation.com or call (888) 302.5010. 22

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i n it neeww nh t hee n s s Salt & Light Productions Wins Eight Telly Awards Salt & Light Productions was the recipient of eight 2012 Telly Awards for four documentaries it created. A documentary short created for ShelterBox USA highlights how the organization changes the lives of families left homeless following natural disasters. This video won two Telly Awards. The remaining six Telly Awards were presented for a collection of three pieces created for the Florida Highway Patrol to assist the agency with recruiting and public awareness. “Our organization is blessed to be recognized for our commitment to excellence,” noted Founder and President Stuart J. Roth. “We are dedicated to helping those less fortunate and sometimes overlooked members of society by sharing their stories and testimonies with communities throughout the nation. Our goal is to help inspire and encourage charities and governmental agencies by equipping them with the necessary multi-media tools to communicate their message and vision to donors, program recipients and community leaders.”

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Salt & Light Productions is a project of the Center for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit organization serving communities across the nation since 1989 with its multi-media and production capabilities. For more information visit www.faithandfreedom.org. 76 People Have Vision Charitably Restored By Center For Sight Center For Sight performed 76 free cataract surgeries for individuals with no insurance or no means to pay at its state-of-the-art surgical center in Sarasota. The free surgeries were part of Mission Cataract USA, a nationwide project involving eye surgeons throughout the United States. Most patients were from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, with a few traveling from as far away as Georgia and Alabama. Dr. David Shoemaker, Dr. William Lahners, Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. William Soscia, performed the surgeries and were supported by a team of Center For Sight nurse anesthetists, medical technicians, nurses and administrative staff, all of whom donated their services for the day. For more information, visit www. CenterForSight.net.

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Candice McElyea Announces New Public Relations Firm Candice McElyea, former director of marketing and public relations for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR), has launched her own public relations firm, 360 Degrees PR & Marketing. The firm specializes in public relations strategy and media planning, video production, press release writing, complete social media management, image consulting, and many other marketing services. McElyea, a former television journalist and real estate professional, has lived in the Sarasota/Manatee region since 1984. She first joined SMR in 2009 as the promotions and public relations manager and was soon promoted to the director of marketing and public relations position. She led the initiative to make Lakewood Ranch the first community “tagged” by Microsoft and was responsible for overseeing public relations and marketing strategy for several different SMR subsidiaries. For more information contact McElyea at (941) 232.9046 or visit www.360pr-marketing.com.

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Artwork photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Robert Johnson Robert Johnson, an American blues singer was a ruthless, rootless, sly, street smart, womanizing, whiskey drinking hobo with a guitar and gifted ability to pick up and synthesize music he heard in juke joints, on records or radio. His music influenced later generations of musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Roy Rogers, B.B. King, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones and more.

Brian Jones Brian Jones was the founding member of the “Rolling Stones” in the early 60’s…he was a talented multi instrumentalist…his innovative use of traditional folk instruments, such as sitar, marimba and harmonica was integral to the changing sound of the band. He was, soon after, overshadowed by Jagger and Richards, diminishing his once prominent role in the band, resulting in his overindulgence in alcohol and other drugs which, in turn, alienated him further from the group.

Alan Wilson Alan (Blind Owl) Wilson was lead singer, guitar and harmonica for the band “Canned Heat.” The group started out in the delta blues tradition but got caught up in the psychedelic 60’s and added a more contemporary spin to their boogie. They headlined both the Monterey pop and Woodstock festivals and their song “Going up the country” was the unofficial theme of the Woodstock phenomenon, and was used as the background song in the movie “Woodstock.”

Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix is considered the greatest guitarist in musical history. After initial success in Europe he achieved fame in the USA following his 1967 performance at the Monterey pop festival. He later headlined the 1969 Woodstock festival where his psychedelic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner would become part of the 60’s zeitgeist.

Jim Morrison “I see myself as a huge fiery comet: a shooting star… everyone stops, points up and gasps “Oh look at that! …then whoosh, and I’m gone…and they won’t see anything like it ever again…and they wont be able to forget me, ever.” -Jim Lizard King Morrison

Janis Joplin Janis (Pearl) Joplin, at the height of her career was known as the queen of rock n’ roll. She was the most staggering leading woman in rock. “She slinks like tar, scowls like war, clutching the knees of a final stanza, begging it not to leave.” -Vogue magazine

Jean Michel Basquiat Jean Michel Basquiat was a graffiti artist and neo-impressionist painter in the late 1970’s. About the same time he formed the noise band called “Gray” and performed at many NYC night clubs. “He loathed the idea that visual art was appreciated only by an elite group…He was jealous of me because music is more accessible and it reached more people.” -Madonna

Ron Mckernan Ron (Pig Pen) Mckernan was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. He grew up with many African American friends and felt strongly connected to black music and culture. During his music career in the 60’s and 70’s, while his friends were experimenting with LSD and other psychedelic’s, Mckernan stuck to thunderbird wine and southern comfort.

Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain’s band “Nirvana” entered into the mainstream of alternative rock and was considered the flagship band of Generation X. He was a singer, songwriter, and lead guitar but immersed himself in visual art projects as much as he did his music. He was married to Courtney Love of the band “Hole.” Courtney not only lost Kurt to an alleged suicide, but a few months later lost the bass player, drowned in a bath tub, in an apparent drug overdose. Many conspiracy theories still exist today.

Amy Winehouse Amy (Jade) Winehouse…”What she is, is mouthy, funny, sultry, and quite possibly crazy and it’s impossible not to be seduced by her originality.” -Time Magazine. Amy’s beehive hairdo and Cleopatra makeup was inspired by The Ronettes…”Amy Winehouse is a perfect storm of sex kitten, raw talent, and poor impulse control.” -Newsweek Magazine

years is not a long life, hardly enough time to leave a mark that will not wash away faster than it was created. Time, as absolute as it seems, can still be as vague as any myth, omen, philosophy, religious doctrine, or history that has come within it. There seems a strange paradox that lives arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long enough to understand them and we ask are we writing these stories or are they writing us? The end of their stories have only led to new questions. Was the common age of 27 coincidence or were they all just part of a rare breed that took just over a quarter of a century to fly too close to the sun? Their iconography will forever be romantically shrouded in the morbid secrecy of quiet lips. They died creating music, art, and something so full of life and energy it would last years, decades, maybe even centuries. Their memory could go on forever. But we know nothing lasts forever and old age, comfort, and happiness was a lifetime apart from their desperate flicker of creativity.

Jack Dowd | (941) 350.5921 | jackdowd@aol.com | www.jackdowd.com

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REAL REAL b b eea a u tu y ty Weddin g C elebration Hairst yl es

By Sheila Venancia | Model: Jillian Mae Vida Nova, Hair: Sheila Venancia, Photography: Stephanie Green Photography

et inspiration for your wedding hairstyle! Whether you're looking for a romantic updo or want to replicate a red carpet or runway look, on your wedding day all eyes and cameras will be on you. You’ll want to look your absolute best, but finding the perfect wedding hairstyles can be extremely timeconsuming and frustrating if you don’t know where to start. You can find all your favorite bridal hairstyles from updos and curly styles to hair accessories that will glam up your wedding day look. You can also find the best wedding hair styles to match your tiara or veil. How? Print out wedding hairstyle photos and bring them to your stylist, so you can get the exact wedding hairstyle you want on your big day. Once you have an idea of what you want done with your hair take a few things into consideration before you get your heart completely set on it. First off, take a look at what you have to work with. You need to make sure the hairstyle you choose matches your facial shape and structure, and that your hair texture will allow for the style you want. With weddings, there are trends that come in go. This includes everything, even the way brides wear their hair. That is a major component of your wedding day look, it completes your look and ties everything together. New hairstyle trends emerge each season and are constantly incorporated into wedding look. Hair Accessories – A big trend is hair accessories. You see more girls wearing headbands, floral pieces

36 REAL Magazine

or even feathers in their hair for an added fashion statement. So, why not include this in your wedding day look? If you're going for a gorgeous Grecian inspired look, try adding a crystal embellished single headband to complete the look. However, if you are going to a floral, boho-chic look, you may want to include a beautiful flower in your hair. Also, if you're going for the dramatics, think about a big statement veil. There are a variety of hair accessories that you can use in your hair to complete your wedding day look. Retro – Going retro with your hairstyle is a huge trend that is emerging. Beautiful pin curls, waves or beehive inspired hair trends are the rage. Some people wear these styles as part of their everyday look as well. So, take it up a notch and find inspiration within these hairstyles and include them on your wedding day. Ponytails – You may think of ponytails as everyday wear, however, ponytails can be quite sleek and elegant. They make great wedding hair statements when paired with the right wedding dress. You can do a low pony or even a high ponytail depending on your

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style of dress. Make the ponytail sleek and straight or have a few curls or waves in it. Just make it fit your wedding day look. Bobby Pins – Skip the bobby pins and go for a beautiful hairstyle that is down. You can opt to go for a simple, sleek and straight look or gorgeous waves that can be accented with a hair accessory. Instead of all those bobby pins and a heavily styled up-do, consider going for a natural, beautiful hairstyle that's down and you. The key is to make the hairstyle complete your wedding day look. You want your wedding dress, as well as your hairstyle, to tell your story. IF YOU CAN’T SAY “I LOVE MY HAIR”… YOU NEED A NEW HAIR STYLIST Until next month,

Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist and Image Consultant (941) 822.2152

r er a e al l c ca rae sr e s

“Ringling on the Water” Benefiting the Ringling College of Art + Design

Guest Appearance: Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art + Design Allyn Gallup, Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery Host: Kelly Gettel, Kelly Gettel & Co. Catering: Michael’s on East

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Participating Artists: Alyssia Lazin Christopher Roy John Chamberlain, the late Giovanni Lunardi Leslie Lerner, the late Pavel Kapec Vince Fraser Empire Gallery; Works by: Alexander Gore, Dali, Isaac Maimon, Jon Miro, Peter Maxx

Signature Sponsors: Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on East Suncoast Porsche Sponsosrs: Band Weintraub CMS Photography Empire Gallery Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Nutter Custom Construction

Patterson Appraisal Group Snaps by Caroline Szambelan Vodka Tile Market TRVST Security Special Thanks: Detective Scott Graber, Sarasota County Police Department

per p esr p s pee c c tt i viev s es Property Rentals – The Long And The Short Of It By Patricia Tan

Lower property prices in Florida and a healthy demand for rental properties has led to an increase in demand from overseas investors. One of the questions I hear a lot when I am traveling is “Should I buy a property for short or long term rental?” Florida is an international vacation destination, and a house that can be rented weekly or monthly to visiting tourists may seem a compelling proposition, especially in the Orlando or coastal areas, where demand for such property can be high. Here are some of the things buyers should consider before deciding upon the kind of rental that will work for them. • Initial cost and capital outlay. A property that is rented for vacations must be fully furnished to a high standard, and this can add a substantial amount to the cost of the property itself. • Ongoing costs. The costs associated with running a short term rental can be considerable. The landlord is responsible for all utility bills, whereas the tenant in a long term rental would normally be responsible for these.

secure vacation rentals, these costs are ongoing and can be significant. In my own experience, a long term rental will usually be more profitable than a short term rental, primarily due to lower running costs and vacancy rates. This is illustrated in the table below.

Short Term Long Term Rental Income* Potential Annual Income

$31,100

$21,600

Less Vacancy Allowance %

38.5

$19,126

$20,520

Property Tax

$2,500

Insurance

$1,400

Effective Gross Income Expenses

Electricity

$1,930

$–

• Property management. Successful management of a vacation rental property requires a lot of time and effort, and this is reflected in higher management fees.

Water/Sewer

$924

$–

• Personal use of the home. If you intend to use the property yourself for part of the year, then you must buy a property suited to short term rentals.

Lawn and Landscape

$960

Pool Maintenance

$900

$–

• Property zoning and community rules. While most local authorities and home owners associations allow long term leases, many of them do not allow short term rentals

HOA Fees

$400

Management Fee %

17.5

Management Fees

$6,694

$3,591

$15,743

$8,868

$3,383

$11,651

• Vacancy rate. This indicates how much of the time your house is unoccupied. For a long term rental, this will normally be the time between annual leases, and in our current market conditions you can expect this to be about 30 days. For short term rentals, the vacancy rate will depend upon a number of factors such as supply and demand, and economic conditions that impact tourist traffic. • Cost of advertising and finding tenants. For a long term rental, these costs are limited to the time between leases only. To

Total Expenses Net Operating Income

*This table illustrates the differences in running costs and potential income between short and long term rentals. The short term figures used are based on actual costs for a house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a pool. The long term rental figures are projections for the same home rented, unfurnished, on an annual lease, where the tenant is responsible for pool maintenance, but the landlord maintains the lawn and landscape.

Patricia Tan was born in England, and her career in international sales and marketing led her to live and work in many countries around the world before moving to Sarasota in 1997. Patricia is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and Transnational Referral Certified (TRC). She is involved in global activities of the Sarasota, Florida and National Association of Realtors, and currently serves as NAR President’s Liaison to U.K. Her real estate business operates from Coldwell Banker on St Armands Key, where her focus is to bring international buyers to the local market. She regularly makes marketing trips to Canada, Asia and Europe, to promote Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Sarasota area in particular.

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per p esr p s pee c c tt i viev s es A New Baseball Stadium For The Rays?

The Team and Bay Area Communities Could Be In Lockstep Once Again By William Henry PhD

Although it seems like a long time ago, some may remember that the Rays Baseball ownership group and the City of St. Petersburg seemed to be in lock step to demolish the existing Tropicana Field Dome Stadium and build a state of the art waterfront stadium in downtown St. Petersburg site several years ago. What Happened? In 2008 the Rays Baseball Organization and a group of erstwhile government officials began planning a waterfront stadium near the current Al Lopez Field. At the same time, the City of St. Petersburg, under former Mayor Rick Baker, contemplated what the Tropicana Field site could become if the stadium were razed. To help the process along, an RFP was issued by the City to developers to solicit ideas as to what the 100 acre site could support in the way of an urban mixed use re-development plan.

coffers. They wished to recapture retail tax revenues being siphoned from Pinellas County when residents traveled across the Bay to shop at International Plaza and the Westshore Mall in Tampa. Unfortunately the City has seen its Bay Walk project fall into distress. Interested parties may question the wisdom of proposing so much retail space without substantive quantifiable demand. In the meantime, an organization known as CONA, comprised of many downtown condo owners, opposed the planned Rays state of the art waterfront stadium. Although the Mayor seemed to support the new stadium, the support didn’t overcome opposition. What’s Next? During the hiatus, there are several assumptions that can be made, and speculation can revolve around the following assumptions; Assumptions 1. If the Rays current ownership purchased the team for approximately $100 million;

While the Rays planned their new state of the art stadium with the world renowned architectural firm HOK, three development 2. If the cost to buy out the remaining term of the lease is consortiums came forward with varying schemes to redevelop approximately $100 million; the Tropicana Field site; Archstone/Madison Marquette, The Hines Group, and DeBartolo Development/NRP Group/RGA 3. If there is a penalty clause for early termination that, let’s say, Group. The Archstone and Hines organizations proposed a large approximates $100 million; amount of retail space along with a mix of multi-family housing. 4. If all the assumptions above are correct (I will let the The DeBartolo team proposed mostly rental apartments and newspaper research departments confirm this), the team’s very little retail. cost basis to leave for greener pastures may approximate $300 Since I was the lead partner of the DeBartolo team, I will state million. The greener pastures may include the robust economic that the reason for proposing rental apartments was, and still regions of Charlotte NC, San Antonio, TX, Las Vegas, NV, etc. is, a pent up demand for over 5,000 new rental apartments. 5. If the value of a World Series caliber baseball team According to TRIAD research, the generators are the nearby approximates $700 million, then the enhanced value to the hospitals, government offices and downtown workers all Rays ownership for relocation of the team to a state of the art clamoring for convenient workforce housing. facility in one of these cities may equate to the following: The City officials did not agree and selected the Archstone $700,000,000 (value of Rays in state of the art stadium) Group even though the DeBartolo bid was monetarily higher. -$300,000,000 (cost basis if team left) One reason may have been that the City had its eye on the = $400,000,000 (enhanced ownership equity= value) potential retail tax revenue that could find its way into City Reliable Group, LLC Architects AA# 0003523 is a well-known architectural and construction management firm based in Tampa, Florida. RGA is headed by Dr. William Henry, both an architect and certified expert witness who issues opinions and testimony concerning design and construction related matters. Having designed over 250 landmark buildings in the state of Florida, he has represented and testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving code violations such as associated with design and construction defects as well as American Disabilities Act – A‘ DA’ violations. William Henry, PhD (Bill) may be reached at (813) 226.2220 or bhenry@rga-design.com.

42 REAL Magazine

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And it may be close to half a billion dollars. If you owned the Rays and can add and subtract, what would you do? Is there a location in the Tampa Bay Area that can compete with these new charming suitors? The only one that can and should be considered is downtown Tampa. The reasons are the following: 1. Enhanced Access--Urban planning 101 states that intense land uses that are supported by large urban metropolitan areas should be located on infrastructures of roads, highways, bridges and transit lines that serve those large geographic areas. By this reasoning, the nexus of I-275 and I-4 is the only infrastructure amalgamation that qualifies. Why? Because one can get to the nexus from points North, South, East and West – to as far north as Gainesville, as far south as Sarasota, as far east as Orlando, as far west as – yes – St. Petersburg in about two hours.

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2. Enhanced Financing opportunities: The stadium will best be located in a Community Redevelopment District (CRA). CRA’s have built in financing mechanisms known as Tax Increment Financing ‘TIF’ vehicles. This allows the CRA to freeze property values at the pre-development lower level and capture most, if not all, the enhanced tax revenue for investment in the new stadium building project. Redevelopment of the stadium will likely spur nearby economic development in the CRA. A likely impact is the surrounding property values will surge. The nearby Ybor entertainment district’s retail sales will likely surge as well. Therefore, the City can contribute this stream of tax revenues to the re-development of the stadium site and perhaps site acquisition. Without a CRA then this avenue is not available, I am unaware of an available CRA tax district in the Pinellas Gateway or Carillon area. There is no CRA next to the Raymond James football stadium nor near the Tampa Fairgrounds. Also, in all those competing areas, the land acquisition price may be cost prohibitive. 3. Enhanced Ticket Sales and Corporate Sponsorship. With a retractable dome stadium near downtown the view of the Tampa skyline with the waterfront beyond, is unimpeded. Even the so called Pinellas corporate giants such as Raymond James, Tech Data and others could join Hillsborough giants such as Sikes and the banking conglomerates in corporate sponsorship. Adding these factors up, the recent initiatives by Commissioner Hagan, member of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, begin to make common sense. Recommendation Major League baseball can step forth and end this hiatus. While politicians walk on eggshells, fearing legal reprisals, Major League Baseball could GUARANTEE the Rays buyout of the lease and payment of any penalty clauses. The team and bay area communities could then once again be in lockstep and begin a long, careful planning exercise to ensure the team’s future in the area as well as the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site.

Tracy Eisnaugle Realtor Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate St. Armand’s 423 St. Armand’s Circle Sarasota, Fl. 34236 direct 941.232.3358 fax 941.388.3231 www.FloridaMoves.com/ Tracy.Eisnaugle tracy.eisnaugle@floridamoves.com

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"Giving Hunger The Blues" Benefiting All Faiths Food Bank

Presenting Sponsors: Gettel Nissan/Hundai Sarasota Guitar Company Co-Sponsors: Budweiser Macrae Family Foundation Nick Miller and The Gathering

Sponsored in part by: ABC 7, Achieva Credit Union, American Accounting, Art & Frame of Sarasota, Boar’s Head, Borden Dairy Co., Bright House Networks, Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo, Clear Channel 107.9WSRZ, Comcast, The Drum Studio, Florida Virtual School, Fogt’s Music, James Griffith Salon, Kelly Gettel & Co., Herald Tribune Media Group, Lee’s Tae Kwon Do,

Morton’s Gourmet Market, Natural Awakenings, Odato Marketing, Pepsi, Premier Beverages, REAL Magazine, Republic National, Sarasota Memorial Health Care Systems, Siesta Key Rum, Southern Cross, Southside Village Association, Spotlight Graphics, Taste Dining Guide, The Parrot, Top 10 Sarasota, Waste Pro, Wherewillwegotonight.com, Whole Foods Market, 4sarasota.com

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Mirta Matheu Klauber REALTORÂŽ, GRI

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r er a e al l c ca rae sr e s The Academy for Leadership and Social Development: Fostering an Innovative Path to Success By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

have lost their prominence in the lives of many adults and children. But thanks

to the creation of a thriving community tapestry.

Founded in 2010, the Academy was inspired by Stephanie’s family to the efforts of founder and her own personal journey. “My Stephanie Hefner, these grandparents and my mother were invaluable resources are focused on accomplishing their making a resurgence. At The goals, even in adverse conditions,” Academy for Leadership and she explains. “They have shown me that having a vision and a sense Social Development, local of purpose is a great motivator for youth and their families success.” Indeed, moved by their are developing critical skills resolute efforts, Stephanie became the first in her family to graduate designed to improve their college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree long-term outlooks. in Management before launching or today’s youth, the “My goal is to make a positive her career in the non-profit sector. pathway to success impact on the lives of our students,” “I’ve always known that this was my is often paved with offers Stephanie. “To provide them calling,” Stephanie reveals. “I thrive with new tools for their toolboxes. in the opportunity to assist others opportunities in education Life can be unpredictable, and in improving their lives.” and a sense of future social and communication skills potential. But at the heart can enable individuals to approach The Academy for Leadership and Social Development encourages of personal achievements challenging situations with participants and their families positivity, to identify successful are fundamentals in to facilitate their own success solutions to the issues they social development and through interactive seminars and may face.” communication, elements workshops that focus on active It’s a unique endeavor, though and fun learning opportunities. that empower individuals one with the potential to make The Academy collaborates with and provide them with a tremendous impact on the local schools and agencies to tailor a core understanding of communities involved. Through programs based on individual group empathy, individuals gain a sense their roles within their needs, offering single 1- to 2-hour of accountability and social workshops or comprehensive communities and society as responsibility; by understanding courses that run for several a whole. Basic etiquette skills, how their threads are woven into weeks. “What’s important is that once standard curriculum in the fabric of society, students and we are providing usable skills and public and private schools, families can successfully contribute information with a complete sense

48 REAL Magazine

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of respect and appreciation for what participants and their families are bringing to the table,” notes Stephanie. “These aren’t lectures telling people how to behave; they’re opportunities to increase awareness and expand upon skills that will last a lifetime.” In order to alleviate the costs associated with these workshops, Stephanie actively pursues grant monies and donations from individual or corporate entities. The investment, she says, is one that can yield significant results. “We have the opportunity to help break cycles of poverty, crime, and lack of educational or career aspirations, to provide young people from all walks of life with a new array of prospects,” Stephanie states. “The Academy is a forum for youth and their families to find their voices, to chart new paths to success.” She continues to lead by example. Stephanie is on course to earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and looks forward to exploring deeper levels of change. “Once I launched the Academy, I realized that character education is only one element of personal success,” she explains. “I’m interested in working on family dynamics, assisting individuals who require more than social and communication skills.” Eventually, she says, she intends to pursue a Doctorate degree in Education. Working with upwards of 100 students each year, Stephanie is sowing seeds that, she believes, have every opportunity to blossom. She reflects, “My mission is to nurture that potential, to serve as an example and a resource for children, teens and their families. I want to see them thrive.” Academy for Leadership and Social Development, Inc. 7357 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 487.4076 info@academyforleadership.net www.academyforleadership.net

per p esr p s pee c c tt i viev s es Kerried Away; Kitchens By Kerrie Lehnert

elcome to Kerried Away, a design focused

section of REAL Magazine

where we will explore Gulf Coast homes, construction, real estate, and all things which for many of us, carried us away from our origins and made us decide to call this place home. Whether you are indigenous to the Gulf Coast, one of the multitudes who relocated here or are a seasonal resident, my goal is to provide information, stories and photos of homes and design elements that have created or continue to create a specific vernacular style and trend on the Gulf Coast.

One of the most common real estate questions, and concerns, is how does the kitchen impact the sale of a home?

and customize an unfinished unit exactly to their liking. They could pick the master bath of one, combine it with the kitchen of another and on and on. What actually happened? Steve Kepler of Engel & Volkers was an Steve Kepler explains, “People are obvious REALTOR to pose the question blown away by the kitchens. The units to as he has multiple luxury listings, sold immediately because people fell including numerous in the twelve unit in love with the kitchens. They didn’t Redington Grand in North Redington Beach. Six of the gulf front condos are need to customize anything, they completed and the others are designer wanted the models.” ready shells waiting to be built out and So where does that leave Vesta Equity? finished. As a kitchen designer what I Vesta Equity’s Ernie Pliscott shares, find most interesting is the units are “We’re ecstatic and are preparing to selling finished, one by one, in the build out another three units and order of the most dynamic kitchen. remodel one of the three done by the original builder.” This was not the initial plan when investment group Vesta Equity Vesta’s decision to continue the build purchased and listed the properties. out is based upon the idea that their When Vesta Equity bought Redington buyers are drawn to the coast and Grand there were only three the collaboration of the designers and completed units. Vesta decided to trades involved in the recent build finish three additional units and outs “nailed” the coastal feel buyers are give each their own individual style, drawn to. from traditional, contemporary to a transitional blend of the two. The interior coastal feel is what ultimately carried away these recent The three models were designed for buyers to inspire their future purchase buyers to call Redington Grand home.

Kerrie Lehnert, a hard finish designer, is the driving force behind Kitchens by Kerrie. Designing kitchens, baths, closets and more for over thirteen years, Kerrie works seamlessly with homeowners, architects, builders and interior designers creating the ultimate space, always with an eye on resale value. Kitchens by Kerrie maintains a showroom at Bacon’s Furniture’s Sarasota Location, 7557 South Tamiami Trail. For more information she may be reached at (941) 228.1173 or kitchensbykerrie@yahoo.com.

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