Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Important Campus Upgrade Completed as 58th Street Connector Opens

For full article:

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...onnector-Opens

The 58th St. Connector, a road extension that has been part of the New College Campus Master Plan for nearly a decade, opened earlier this week. The connector extends 58th street to intersect with College Drive, creating an additional entrance and egress point for vehicles to reach College Hall and Cook Hall.

Extending 58th St. between Bay Shore Road and College Drive improves both convenience and safety.

The improved traffic circulation will reduce the traffic at the Dort Promenade pedestrian crossing and allows for faster response times for emergency vehicles to reach some parts of the campus.

The project was approved by the New College Board of Trustees just over six months ago at its August 10 meeting. Funding for the project came from New College’s 2023 appropriations from the Florida Legislature.

[wondermint2]

The Life of a Sarasota County Animal Services Officer Is Way More Complex Than You Might Think

We recently spent a day with animal services officer Jeffrey Henry to find out what it’s like to corral critters for a living.

For full article:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/new...nimal-services

[wondermint2]

Schools are navigating the new world of artificial intelligence

For full article:

https://www.wusf.org/education/2024-...l-intelligence

The Sarasota County School Board is scheduled to consider two new policies at its Feb. 20 meeting, said district spokeswoman Kelsey Whealy.

One involves proposed changes to the policy on academic honesty. Whealy says the changes would add that students cannot use AI as a replacement for their own work. "And, if AI is used within a student’s work, the student must cite AI like they would other sources," she said.

"It's been really interesting over the last year and a half. As educators, we are really excited to see what the opportunities are for artificial intelligence in the classrooms."

Programs such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual enrollment may have additional restrictions on AI use in their respective courses.

Another proposal is a new internet safety policy which includes a provision that if students and employees used AI software on personal devices, the school district can’t guarantee that their data will be protected.

Whealy also said the district is also working on a broader policy that would provide additional guidelines on the use of AI.

She said the policy will likely include prohibitions and conditions on when employees and students can use AI and what information cannot be input into an AI platform, as well as a section detailing responsible use.

Whealy added the county's newest high school, to open in Wellen Park for the 2025-2026 school year, will offer an AI track in its Career and Technical Education program. Details on the curriculum are still being formulated, she said.

In Manatee County, school district spokesman Mike Barber says administrators say AI has "not been an issue for our district up to this point. I am sure it will be something we will need to address in the near future."

Ahead of the curve

At St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Bradenton, administrators are embracing the possibilities of AI and are already learning to navigate the technology along with their students.

"It's been really interesting over the last year and a half," said Andrew Forrester, associate head of school at St. Stephen's. "As educators, we are really excited to see what the opportunities are for artificial intelligence in the classrooms."

He said most students are using artificial intelligence as more of a prompt. "And what we're working on with them now is, once you've sort of primed your writing or your research, or your understanding with something that's been generated, what are those next steps?"

[wondermint2]

What’s the deal with all of the car washes?

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/33392...the-car-washes

The number of car washes that have been built in Sarasota and Charlotte counties can be baffling to people.

They pop up quickly, sometimes they are right next to each other — they are a favorite complaint on social media. Who hasn't seen "Not another car wash!" followed by an angry emoji pop up at least once a week?

But there are reasons as to why someone would want to invest on putting a car wash on commercial property, and it's economics.

The North Port City Commission, for example, recently approved the building of the city’s third Tommy’s Express Car Wash at one of its January meetings.

The new Tommy's will be on U.S. 41 next to the Fellowship Church. There is already a Tommy's Express near Sumter and Price boulevards and a second one just down West Price near Toledo Blade Boulevard. There is another Tommy's Express in the Murdock area of Port Charlotte and one on Tamiami Trail in South Venice. Plus several other chain and non-chain car washes in between those locations.

Despite some groans from attendees at the meeting, car wash developments actually make sense when the facts are examined, according to Alaina Ray, the city's Development Service Department director.

“Seventy percent of people in Florida go to professional car washes to get their cars cleaned," Ray said. "North Port and the local area probably have an even higher percentage.”

North Port Economic Development Division Manager Vinnie Mascarenhas claimed she can't wash her car at home due to the water.

“We're on well water,” said Mascarenhas. “I bought a filter from Amazon that goes on the hose. It's supposed to filter that well water. But I spent two hours in the driveway and I couldn't get the water spots off the hood of my vehicle."

Many surrounding communities, including South Venice, Nokomis, parts of Englewood and many other pockets also rely on well water like North Port. These areas are seeing new developments come to life.

One thing is certain, the trend for more car washes isn't going to change.

Venice will see a new Tommy’s Express Car Wash in the coming months, according to a company press release.

Tommy's marketing manager Mya Widmyer spoke about the various projects across the area, saying they are built with residents' best interests in mind.

[wondermint2]

Upcoming voter deadlines in Sarasota, Manatee counties

For full article:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/02/1...outputType=amp

As we approach election season, there are important dates of which to take note .

Here’s a list of deadlines.

[wondermint2]

North Port launches new Natural Resources Division with public input sessions

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/no...eddc03d8&ei=30

The city of North Port recently established a new Natural Resources Division to oversee preservation of critical habitat for endangered and threatened species, boost tree-protection efforts and coordinate a city-wide tree-planting plan.

Natural Resources Manager Stefan Kalev said the six-person department's mission is to maintain sustainable growth while protecting the environment.

The job includes working with developers to confirm critical habitat and wetlands assessments on proposed development sites, as well as single-family lot owners on where to best position a home to maximize the preservation of native trees – which could, in turn, offset the cost of permits to remove trees to allow for home construction.

The team will also establish an accurate measure of the city's tree canopy.

[wondermint2]

New FEMA flood maps for Sarasota County will update insurance requirements, risk levels

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ne...eddc03d8&ei=33

Federal officials have drawn new maps for Sarasota County, documenting areas vulnerable to flooding to inform homeowners of the dangers they face and also document possible insurance requirements for property owners with mortgages. The maps will take effect on March 27.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency maps determine properties’ risks and insurance requirements in high-risk flooding areas. The flood maps are not related to the county’s hurricane evacuation levels.

Noah Taylor, the county’s floodplain manager, was joined by several other Sarasota County officials at Fruitville Public Library for a recent workshop on the new maps. Residents would come in, take a number to hold their place in line, like at a deli counter, to meet with a representative who walked them through how their property will be designated.

Taylor said 30-40% of unincorporated Sarasota County is in a special flood hazard area – defined by FEMA as a higher-risk area with at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage. Those who own property in special hazard areas – zones marked with an “A” or “V” - and have a federally regulated or insured mortgage are required to buy flood insurance.

More than 10,000 people will be zoned out of special hazard areas, and about 5,000 will be newly included in them under the updated maps.

“Net overall, more people came out of the special flood hazard areas that went in,” Taylor said. “That can be attributed to better drainage that the county is doing, planned development, or the fact that the data is better and they have just accounted for errors.”

[wondermint2]

USF extends deadline for housing scholarships (Video)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/real...eddc03d8&ei=38

New and returning students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus wanting to apply for a housing scholarship will having longer to do so, as the deadline has been extended.

USF has been accepting applications to live in the building since last fall, and on Jan. 22, began accepting applications for a scholarship which will be for up to $4,000 over two semesters in 2024-25.

The scholarships are made possible by the generosity of community donors.

The housing scholarship deadline has been extended. Scholarship awards are limited and based on date of submission and until funds are exhausted.

To ask questions about the housing scholarships, email sar-housingscholarship@usf.edu

The first two stories of the 100,000-square-foot building will be a student center that will include a ballroom, dining facilities, a bookstore, a game room and study lounges, as well as offices for USF World, student government and other student organizations.

The top four floors will be comprised of suites and apartment-style residences for up to 200 students.

Residents of the new building are scheduled to move in on Aug. 23.

[wondermint2]

Cortez, it’s a way of life (Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival - Photo Gallery)

For photo gallery:

https://www.islander.org/2024/02/cor...a-way-of-life/

[wondermint2]

BB honors commissioner, seeks successor

For full article:

The city of Bradenton Beach ceremoniously honored former Commissioner Jake Spooner Feb. 15, presenting him with a plaque and flowers.

Spooner, a commissioner since 2015, was reelected in 2023 but resigned Dec. 28, 2023, citing the state’s expanded financial disclosure requirements, which now apply to municipal officeholders, as his reason for resigning.

The city’s focus now shifts to selecting a successor for Spooner’s Ward 1 seat.

During the Feb. 15 meeting, commissioners passed a final reading of an ordinance modifying ward boundaries.

Based on recommendations from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, the boundaries of Ward 1 and Ward 2 shifted and Ward 3 and Ward 4 flipped to allow sequential numbering from the north to the south end of the city.

Vosburgh motioned to approve the modifications and was seconded by Cole. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

With the new boundaries, the city made a public declaration of vacancy for the Ward 1 commission seat.

The city charter dictates the commission must propose nominees for a vacant seat from within the ward and then vote to fill the vacancy for the remaining term.

Spooner’s term ends in November 2025.

As of Feb 15, applicants for the vacant seat included:

- Debbie Scaccianoce, co-owner of Double Deez Chicago-Style Hotdogs restaurant, who brings experience as a former records manager for Manatee County;
- Gary Michniewicz, a former division director for Speedway LLC and former board member for the Knights of Columbus’ juvenile diabetes initiative.

Others interested in applying can contact the city at 941-778-1005 or 107 Gulf Drive N.

Applicants must be registered voters who have permanently resided in Bradenton Beach for 12 consecutive calendar months with proof of residency.

A commissioner receives a stipend of $400 a month.