MARCH 17, 2019

ON THIS SUNDAY WE CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY........

Don't Let This Happen To You Today

Enjoyed my return to an old favorite this week.  Since 1996, MEDITERRANEO has been serving Sarasota in its 1970 Main Street location.  During those 23 years, many imitators have come and gone, but MEDITERRANEO thrives due to its consistent menu, unparelled service and reasonable prices.

From pizza to pasta to fish and more, their menu is rich with Italian dishes big enough to share for a party of 4 or more.  Open for dinner 5:30 to 10:30 call 941-365-4132 or Open Table.

One negative from my experience.  On the night we were there, the bar was in full swing with a party noisy enough to be heard throughout the restaurant; even in their back room.

URBANITE THEATRE closes another successful season with In A Word, by Lauren Yee, a well known playwright making her Sarasota debut..  As with most presentations in this theatre,  this one-act 75  minute play is both moving and emotional.

Running through April 14 at 148 2nd street.  For tickets 941-321-1397 or www.urbanitetheatre.com.  For an up close and rewarding experience you should see In A Word.

My rant of last week in support of SELBY GARDENS expanion generated many comments from you.  I am only posting one.  From Ann Hollins...."you need to see expansion documents before you make the support statement for Selby expansion.  It is way too ambitious, especially with the traffic issue on Orange.  A narrow two lane street, it is across Mound St."  As always, I don't expect all of you to agree with my Rant, and welcome your dialogue. 

Sarasota Memorial 

Having been witness to the quality of care at SARASOTA MEMORIAL, it comes as no surprise that once again they were named as one of the nation's 100 best performing hospitals.  This ranking comes from IBM Watson Health who looked at over 2,200 hospitals based on several categories including costs of care, patient satisfaction and readmission rate.  We are indeed fortunate to have SMH right in our backyard.

Aretha Performs at Kennedy Center Honors

I remember August 18, 2018 well.  It was on that day one of my favorite singers, Aretha Farnklin passed away.  Last Sunday, CBS had a 2 hour special with several artists reprising her many hits.  Not to be outdone, WEST COAST BLACK THEATRE is closing its 2018-19 season with their own tribute, Love Sung In The Key of Aretha.  

If any of you were fortunate enough to see Nate Jacobs'previous production or his tribute last year, you know this show will have you standing and cheering when its over.  Four women who live together review their life experiences through songs made famous by the "Queen of Soul"Aretha Franklin.  

Playing through 4/28 1012 N. Orange Ave. 941-366-000 or on web at west-coastblacktheatre.com.


In a few weeks the BALTIMORE ORIOLES will be heading home for opening day.  This week you still have time to take in a ballgame at Ed. Smith.  The Yankees are here today (3/17), Boston mid-week, and next Saturday the Minnesota Twins are in for a 6:05 twilight game with a fireworks show immediately following.  

Good tickets remain at ball park, 941-893-6300 or Orioles.com/sarasota.  Hope to see you there


JIM'S RANT.......A problem that will never go away is our homeless population.  As I travel downtown  I am struck by the increasing number of homeless on street corners, in alleys,

throughout the waterfront parks, and the bus station.  I was told, but do not believe, many of the homeless are being bused in from Manatee County.  Several apartment/condo complexes have gone to 24/7 desk security due in part to the increased number.  There is no long-term solution to this problem, just wanted to bring to your attention.  Thanks for reading.  See you next week......JIM