Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Sarasota Audubon hosts talk on how citizen science sheds light on painted buntings' migration

Dr. Jamie Rotenberg began the Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) in 2006. He will describe what is now known about the birds' habits and migration, and what people can still do to help.

For full article:

https://www.wusf.org/environment/202...ings-migration

Almost two decades of research, aided by citizen scientists who monitor backyard bird feeders, has yielded a fuller picture of the migration habits and threats facing a precious songbird known as the painted bunting.

The eastern population of these colorful birds spend winters in Florida, Cuba, Mexico and Belize, while their breeding grounds are in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

But researchers now know much more about what helps them thrive, and where they are struggling, thanks to a project started in 2006 by Jamie Rotenberg, an avian ecologist.

He recently retired from his professorship at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and moved to Sarasota.

Rotenberg will give a talk about his research Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Celery Fields, at the Nature Center.

[wondermint2]

Seniors may not 'Need Your Rockin’ Chair' but financial advice can help | Retire on Track

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/33713...etire-on-track

Country singer George Jones had a hit record with “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” where he sings, “This grey hair don’t mean a thing.” I can understand the sentiment. All around us in this area of Florida are vital, active older adults who aren’t ready to spend their days watching traffic from their porches. I hope to be like them when I’m at that age.

Yet Sarasota and Manatee counties might have more rocking chairs than the rest of Florida. In Sarasota County, 38% of the population is aged 65 and over; in Manatee, 29%. That’s compared with 22% for the state.

For many of us, the time will come when our lives will need to slow down. And as we get older, chances will increase that we’ll need to draw on planning we did earlier to handle healthcare situations such as long-term illness.

Many younger people are seeing this stage of life up close as the population ages and they try to help their parents. It isn’t an easy time for these caretakers, especially those in the so-called sandwich generation who are taking care of both their aging parents and their young children. Here are some lessons I’ve learned about helping the older generation from a financial perspective.

[wondermint2]

Former Venice air base building up for 'historic' designation

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/venice-fl/...ic-designation

The only building still on its original site from the airport’s World War II days as the Venice Army Air Base will be considered for inclusion on the local historic register.

Now serving as the clubhouse for the Venice Municipal Mobile Home Park, the building started as the servicemens club for the base, Council Member Ron Smith told his colleagues in proposing the structure for the register.

Some base-related buildings dating back that far were relocated, while others were demolished, he said. Some were even burned for fire department training, he added. But the club remains.

Smith made a motion to start the process of listing the building, which would require an application that Historic Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer would review prior to the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board making a recommendation to the Council.

The Council would then consider an ordinance that would require approval at two meetings.

The only significant concern raised was whether putting the city-owned building on the register would mean it has to be open to the public.

Klinkhamer said it wouldn’t. Listing it on the local register would just mean the city has designated it for preservation and wouldn’t have an impact on its use, he said.

It would mean that any work on the building would need to comply with preservation standards, he said. However, he added, it would also greatly increase the chances of getting state funding for any work.

[wondermint2]

STC announces tuition-free CNA FastTrack program

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...ttrack-program

Suncoast Technical College is tackling the current national nurse shortage with a new local solution starting next month.

STC announced its partnership with CareerEdge to offer a free CNA fastTrack program set to launch in April, according to a press release last Tuesday.

The program is limited to only 15 participants, though officials said no technical experience is required for this training.

CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, said the new program will support the academic institution’s mission to "help prepare the next generation of nurses."

According to a 2023 report by the Florida Hospital Association, the average nurse vacancy rate in Florida hospitals is 13%, down from 21% in 2022, and the average nurse turnover rate is 20%, down from 32% in 2022.

But despite 2023 data surveys showing the retention and growth of nurses in Florida after the pandemic, officials said the Sunshine State still faces a 2035 projected nurse shortage of nearly 60,000.

CareerEdge said the free opportunity will encourage individuals in the community to gain a foundational knowledge of nursing and bolster the nation's healthcare industry.

The curriculum will be a tuition-free, condensed version of STC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program running from April 30 through June 6. Classes will be held at STC's main campus from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota.

The program will also include CareerEdge’s "Bridges to Careers" soft skills training where participants can learn "additional aspects of professionalism," according to a GSCoC spokesperson.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital will host the participants for clinical training during the last two weeks from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to gain real-world experience before receiving their certification.

Those interested in participating will need to apply for the free program and interview with CareerEdge staff.

Eligibility requirements include a GED or high school diploma, a Sarasota or Manatee County residence, an application turned in by Friday, March 29, a background check and a drug test prior to starting the training.

Applicants are responsible for paying for their application fee, certification exam fee, fingerprint testing and drug screening, though GSCoC officials said all costs are reimbursable upon passing the exam.

Participants must cover expenses for medical clearance and proof of certain immunizations, with no reimbursement opportunities available.

For more information, visit:

https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers

[wondermint2]

Monsignor who served Diocese of Venice since its inception dies at age 79

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...dies-at-age-79

Monsignor Joseph Stearns, a retired priest who served in the Diocese of Venice since its inception in 1984, died Thursday in Sarasota at age 79.

Stearns was ordained as a priest on May 20, 1972, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Miami. He served as pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Sarasota, from Oct. 1, 2007, until his retirement on March 1, 2015.

Prior to that, he was pastor of St. Margaret Parish in Clewiston from 1982 to 1990, Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda from 1990 to 1995, and St. William Parish in Naples from 1995 to 2007.

[wondermint2]

‘A great start to spring.’ How a Palmetto captain helped catch a tarpon in Tampa Bay

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/palmetto-f...n-in-tampa-bay

Captain Griffin Deans is always one to leave a big bait soaking because he knows that is often what it takes to catch big fish.

“Even if we’re just trout fishing, I’ll throw something big out trying to catch something like a shark or anything else big that pulls,” the Palmetto-based captain explained. “Clients love the story of a big shark and it often makes a trip for them.”

After spending much of his winter chasing hogfish, sheepshead and grouper in the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico , Deans recently returned to his specialty of flats fishing when the waters began to warm up. In doing so, he’s seen signs of spring and great fishing.

[wondermint2]

Bradenton resident with family stuck in Haiti prays they come home soon (Video)

For full article & video:

https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2...come-home-soon

Marc-Henry Jean says he is taking it day-by-day as he waits to find out when he will see his mom or dad again.

“Both my parents are stuck in Haiti,” said Jean, a Bradenton resident. “Is there going to be a time where they can safely come back to the United States or are they stuck at the mercy of gangs?”

He and his family are originally from Haiti, but he moved to Bradenton in 2012 and started his own financial consulting company. His parents moved to the U.S. a few years later with green cards, living permanently in Bradenton and in Haiti.

“This is my parents here, my mom, my dad, my daughter,” he said.

Both in their 70s, his dad, Madsen, and his mom, Igenia, were vacationing in Haiti when disaster struck.

“I hope there is a way for them to come to the United States as soon as possible," Jean said. "I love my mom dearly. I love my dad dearly."

Both were supposed to come back to the U.S. on March 8 to celebrate Igenia’s birthday.

“It’s hostage, keeping the entire country as a hostage," Jean said. "It’s the first time I’ve seen a country as a whole be kidnapped."

He said he is desperate at this point to try to get his parents back to the states because of his mom’s health.

“She cannot walk," Jean said. "She needs someone to assist her and needs medical attention and has glaucoma risking to be blind if she doesn’t get her medication and come back here for her appointment."

[wondermint2]

Philanthropic Leaders Honored at Manatee Community Foundation's 2024 Spirit of Manatee Awards

This county-wide celebration of philanthropy shines a spotlight on those who have made significant impacts on improving the lives of others.

For full article:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/saraso...wards-20240317

Manatee Community Foundation honored the remarkable contributions of five outstanding individuals and organizations for their philanthropic endeavors during the 2024 Spirit of Manatee Awards, which took place on March 13 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Established in 2006, The Spirit of Manatee Awards is an annual event dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of giving and community service. This county-wide celebration of philanthropy shines a spotlight on those who have made significant impacts through their generosity and dedication to improving the lives of others.

At this year's event, more than 520 attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of the honorees and listen to stories of their compassion and altruism.

John Vita, a founding member of The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley, which served as the event's presenting sponsor, extended a warm welcome to the honorees, commending them for their steadfast dedication to making a positive impact. He emphasized that these individuals and organizations have set an exemplary standard for philanthropy in our region.

[wondermint2]

Letters to the Editor - Quit crying about Sarasota's rapid growth, increased traffic

For today's full 'Letters to the Editor' column in the Sarasota Herald Tribune:

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/...y/73009020007/

Stop complaining about Sarasota's growth

As a resident of Siesta Key since 1951, I had to laugh at the complaints in a letter March 15 about how developed Sarasota has gotten since 1996 (“Florida, Sarasota have lost their stature”).

I remember when there was nothing but sand on Midnight Pass Road. You could see the beach and sand dunes easily. There was no traffic to speak of and a one-lane, hand-cranked bridge on Old Stickney Point Road.

There were complaints when the first condo went up before 1996. The letter writer was part of the problem, I guess, as a fairly new arrival.

Traffic here is still better than the beltway in Washington, D.C., at rush hour or any street in New York City.

Talk about wanting to shut the barn door after you are inside!

Amanda Simmons, Sarasota

[wondermint2]

School shooting threats disrupt Manatee County students. What’s being done to stop them?

Over 100 threats have been reported in the past three years, Manatee County school officials say.

For full article:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/school-sh...144000038.html

Social media threats against Manatee County schools may start off as a joke to some kids, but law enforcement and school officials want students to know they are no laughing matter.

There have been over 100 threats against Manatee County schools in the past three years, according to a spokesperson with the district. Many of these threats come via social media, where law enforcement officials say students often feel like they can get away with saying things they wouldn’t say in person.

But according to Julio Jordan, a lieutenant and head of the school resource officer unit with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the opposite is usually true.

What students say online is getting them in trouble, he says.

“Things can turn ugly on social media. Unfortunately, I don’t think a lot of them understand just how bad it can be,” Jordan said.

What many students fail to realize, Jordan says, is that despite feeling more anonymous or distanced from their remarks online, threats posted to social media are more likely to follow them and turn into something serious.

Social media threats lead to arrest

In Florida, written threats are treated differently than verbal threats, Jordan explained. He said making a threat on social media usually means putting it into writing, which can easily lead to criminal charges.

That’s what happened on March 1, when deputies arrested a 13-year-old Manatee County student for threatening to “blow up” his Palmetto middle school.

Buffalo Creek Middle School administrators learned on Feb. 28 about comments made in a Snapchat group, according to the sheriff’s office.