Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Bestselling author's Siesta Key home listed for $7 million

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...y-home-listed/

The Siesta Key home of bestselling author Glenn Cooper has recently hit the market at $6.95 million. Built in 1997, the 6,827-square-foot residence sits on a lot of 19,177 square feet on a canal with bay and Gulf access.

Constructed with structural safety in mind, the fortress-like home features an array of steel pilings and has undergone a two-year renovation.

Cooper is perhaps best known for his trilogy, “The Library of the Dead.” Cooper’s residence is at the north end of Siesta Key at 749 Freeling Drive boasts a unique history and impressive library, which was the venue for the creation of nine of the author’s books.

[wondermint2]

What happens when New College's lease on airport land expires?

SRQ airport's president warns "there will be no New College" if it doesn't buy the leased land before prices skyrocket and the school can't afford to stay there.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...-land-expires/

For nearly a decade, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo has attempted to convince leadership at New College to begin acquiring property it leases from the airport because a failure to do so, he said, threatens the future existence of the school.

Although more than 30 years remain on a 100-year lease for 32 acres that largely comprise New College’s East Campus, Piccolo has warned that now is the time to act while the land on which the college has built facilities can be acquired at a reasonable price.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires that airport property be leased or sold at fair market value.

Piccolo said he can’t forecast what that figure will be in 2056, but estimates rent could run as high as $20 million per year or the price to acquire the land may top $200 million. That’s even assuming the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) at that time decides to renew the lease.

[wondermint2]

Canal maintenance update leaves town commissioners confused

Longboat Key is in need of a canal management program, but the system to pay for it is complicated.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ners-confused/

The latest presentation of Longboat Key’s canal maintenance program was an attempt to explain an elaborate cost apportionment method, but it left commissioners with more questions than answers.

Public Works Program Manager and Assistant Director Charlie Mopps led the presentation on Nov. 6 alongside Taylor Engineering, Inc. and Anser Advisory, LLC.

The intent of the program is to support future maintenance of Longboat's 81 canals to improve navigability within the canals.

The discussion was meant to explain how funds will be collected, dividing the island into seven groups and three classifications of canals.

But after about two hours of presentation, no consensus was reached and commissioners voted to push the matter to a meeting on Dec. 11. Further delays could put it behind schedule to be included on the 2024 tax roll.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Town to unveil Town Center Green pavilion, looking ahead at new library

The $800,000 Karon Family Pavilion stands at the center of the "park-like atmosphere" envisioned for Phase 2 of Longboat Key's Town Center Green project.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ahead-library/

Longboat Key has never had a true public event and park space, but that's about to change.

The Karon Family Pavilion — the second phase of the Town Center Green project — is getting finishing touches to be officially unveiled on Nov. 11.

A short walk away from Publix and town hall, the white pavilion commands a presence.

But it’s more than just a pavilion; it’s a space that embodies a “park-like atmosphere” for the town.

Around the center are benches, greenery and an oval-shaped walking path, paved with recycled rubber. In his latest “Tip Talk” video, Town Manager Howard Tipton said the rubberized pavement makes you feel “like you’ve got that spring in your step.”

Longboat Key community hub overcomes fundraising challenges

Rising costs led to a push for more financial support from town residents for the Karon Family Pavilion.

For full article:

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/n...ng-challenges/

Utilizing almost five acres of land on Bay Isles Road, the Town of Longboat Key has a long-range plan to create a town center to serve as a community hub for its residents.

An outdoor stage and event space was an important component of that, and Jon F. Swift Construction wound up being the ideal construction management firm to carry that vision forward. The Sarasota-based company previously worked on other projects on the barrier island, such as Bayfront Park and Fire Station 92.

The concrete bandshell has curved block walls laid on a radius. “It gives it an architectural look,” says Russo.

One of the coolest elements of the open-air pavilion is something many people might overlook: a special paint technique was used on the ceiling for a more unique, artistic appearance.

[wondermint2]

Two weeks left to apply for FEMA Assistance

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/11/1...outputType=amp

For individuals affected by Hurricane Idalia, there are two weeks remaining to apply for FEMA Assistance.

18 counties are eligible for those who live in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee or Taylor counties.

The deadline is Nov. 29 and residents can apply for temporary lodging, repairs and other disaster related costs.

Call toll-free 800-621-3362 (Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
You can also download the FEMA app.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Sarasota County Commission votes to end memberships in state, national library groups

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/sa...ps/ar-AA1jVjSn

The Sarasota County Commission voted to stop funding the county public library system’s membership in the American Library Association and Florida Library Association Tuesday, despite the urging of almost 60 speakers who spoke for roughly two hours Tuesday morning.

In doing so, board members decried public comments that linked the prospect of book banning to the decision and side-stepped social justice issues related to ALA President Emily Drabinski while keying in on her self-professed Marxist leanings.

This is an opinion piece from Carrie Seidman of the Sarasota-Herald Tribune. While Carrie is obviously against this decision - her article does delve into both sides of the argument in more detail - giving the opinions of the comissioners that voted on it.

To 'save' kids, Sarasota County may hurt libraries. Can someone make that make sense?

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/to...se/ar-AA1k2feS

On Tuesday, the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners again waded into the culture wars arena, voting, 4-1, to stop funding the county’s public library system’s memberships in the American Library Association (ALA) and the Florida Library Association (FLA) over what they perceive as the organizations’ political advocacy.

Despite two hours of testimony from community members – most of whom opposed the action, citing the dangers of book banning and a rise in authoritarian government – the board sided with supporters who’d asked for the vote at the previous commission meeting, many of whom have been outspoken in the past about removing “inappropriate” materials from school libraries, curating Black history curriculums or refusing vaccine mandates.

Rene Di Pilato, director of libraries and historical resources for Sarasota County, testified – at the request of Commissioner Mark Smith, the sole dissenting vote – that the effect of losing the memberships will be to deny staff access to professional accreditation, trainings and discounts.

She said the county library system, while a member of the ALA, does not “march in lockstep with any organization” and that the ALA has no influence over local catalog choices. Most librarians say the ALA is vital to their professional development.

The irony in all this, of course, is that the county commission itself is doing exactly what it is accusing these organizations of doing – straying from its “core mission” of governing and meddling in partisan social issues.

Just as they did recently in rejecting the well-researched funding recommendations of their behavioral health advisory committee to instead make their own rules and choices, the Sarasota County commissioners are, once again saying, “We know what is best for the people – more than they do themselves.”

While this recent rejection may seem minor, the danger is the precedent it sets, that “slippery slope” we’re often warned about. If the BOCC – which is charged with committing taxpayer monies responsibly in accordance with greatest benefit to its constituents – continues to go rogue and value its own “greater wisdom” in decision making, a government “of, by and for the people” is a farce.

[wondermint2]

National developer plans luxury built-to-rent villas in North Port

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay...on-thrift.html

A national developer plans to break ground in November on a built-to-rent community of luxury villas.

The Hadley is Thompson Thrift's third project in the North Port metro area and its 13th in Florida.

The Hadley will be a 268-unit Class A multifamily community in North Port, Florida.

Located on Sumter Blvd, the community is near Heron Creek Towne Center, which is home to Publix Super Market, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Walgreens, and a variety of food options.

This 25-acre community will offer one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas with private ground-floor entry, attached and private outdoor back patios, and 10-foot ceilings.

Residents are treated to resort-style features including a 24/7 fully-equipped fitness center, resort-style pool and spa, dog park, and much more.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Pine View School in Sarasota County was very high on the lists:

These Are The Best Elementary, Middle Schools In FL, New Ranking Says.

Multiple elementary schools, middle schools in FL are among the best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

For full list:

https://patch.com/florida/miami/thes...w-ranking-says

Multiple elementary schools and middle schools in Florida — including some Tampa Bay area schools — are included among the best in the country, according to new rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report.

The news outlet based its 2024 Best Elementary and Middle School rankings on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on student proficiency in core subject areas.

Sarasota County schools rated best in Florida, new education ranking says

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/sa...ys/ar-AA1k2UIz

Sarasota County Schools was listed as the best school district in Florida by Niche.com in its new ranking.

The ranking, based on publicly available data and user-submitted reviews, includes St. Johns County in second place and Manatee County Schools at 32nd. The Sarasota County School District has received an A rating from the state every year since the grading system was implemented in 2004.

Last year, Sarasota's achievement numbers either stayed the same or fell in every subject. However, the district's achievement was still well above the statewide average. For example, Sarasota's reading achievement was eleven percentage points higher than the statewide average of 50%, which placed the district tied for fourth in the state behind St. Johns, Nassau and Baker counties.

The scores used in the Niche ranking and from the last statewide testing results were from 2022-23, before current Sarasota Superintendent Terry Connor was hired in July. Statewide grades for the previous school year are expected this winter.

[wondermint2]

Market on Longboat Key returns, now with preorders for baked goods

After a one-year hiatus, the outdoor market will set up shop on the Town Center Green once a month from December to April.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...s-baked-goods/

Looking to enjoy local vendors, art and food right on Longboat Key? The Market on Longboat Key is soon returning in full force after taking a year off.

The outdoor market kicks off on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature a special performance by the Manatee School of the Arts Jazz Choir on its opening day. Throughout the market’s five planned dates, it will host a variety of local vendors and will feature various food trucks.

Food trucks will be serving dishes ranging from lobster rolls to burgers and gyros. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be multiple vendors offering cakes, cupcakes, banana bread and more.

To name a few of the vendors already in the lineup: Sarasota Honey Company will sell raw, local honey; Siesta Key Rum will make an appearance for sampling and selling; and for furry companions, Oh Yeah Pet Treats has what they need.

For items like handbags, purses, aprons and T-shirts, there will be local artisan vendors like Lena’s Beachside Emporium. A variety of local artists are also on the list for the market.

If You Go
The Market on Longboat Key. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 11 and April 15. Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

[wondermint2]

Lacrosse tournament expected to cause heavy traffic in Manatee County

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/fit...17563879&ei=42

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has issued a traffic advisory for this weekend as the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association President’s Cup comes to town.

The tournament will host thousands of participants and spectators during the largest women’s lacrosse tournament in the U.S. this Friday and Saturday.

The event is taking place at the Premiere Sports Complex in Lakewood Ranch and IMG Academy in Bradenton, and the following roads are expected to see increased traffic:

⚠️ SR 70 & Post Blvd.

⚠️ Rangeland Parkway & Post Blvd.

⚠️ LWR Blvd. & Malachite Rd.