Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

This is an opinion piece from Lourdes Ramirez (the president of Siesta Key Community) - and Robert Sax (the president of the Marina Del Sol Condominium Association). Ramirez and Sax were successful litigants in separate Siesta Key hotel disputes.

Citizens must stand up now to protect Siesta Key's quality of life

For full aticle:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...fe/ar-AA1kaMiz

“Development on Siesta Key has strained or exceeded the ability of many natural and man-made systems to support the existing human population living on Siesta Key.”

In 2021, the county commission approved changes to the zoning code that eliminated existing room density restrictions for hotels – and it approved three separate large hotels with a total of more than 400 rooms. The resulting outcry led to citizen-led lawsuits and a grassroots effort to incorporate Siesta Key to remove the growth decisions from county hands.

[wondermint2]

Siesta Key Farmers Market moving to new location

https://siestasand.us/siesta-key-far...-new-location/

The weekly Siesta Key Farmers Market on Nov. 19 will move to a new location at 5211 Ocean Blvd., in front of the Beach Bazaar business.

It is held each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Michael Crider of Fouta Spa is now serving as manager of the market, replacing Lloyd Dobson. The market was previously held in Davidson Plaza’s parking lot.

[wondermint2]

Programs like this that emphasize real-world skills to high school students are so valuable. Bravo!

Riverview High construction program helps students find footing in field

The construction technology lab enables students to graduate high school with industry-recognized skills and get hired straightaway.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...-find-footing/

A partnership that included companies such as Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Jon F. Swift Construction, Neal Communities and Halfacre Construction, the program offers hands-on experience in the construction and trades industry alongside the National Center for Construction Education & Research curriculum.

According to Sarasota County Schools, over 60 students signed up within days of enrollment, while a waiting list of more than 60 students formed.

Upon completing the program, students graduate with industry-recognized skills and access to opportunities that include local internships and jobs.

[wondermint2]

Here's another valuable local high school training program in the news:

HCA Florida Blake Hospital holds healthcare experience for Manatee High School Medical Academy students

For full article:

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

Part of HCA Florida Blake Hospital looked more like a high tech training laboratory on Thursday. The hospital played host for what’s called an “immersive healthcare experience” for seniors at Manatee High School’s Medical Academy.

The Medical Academy identifies students, starting in the ninth grade, who express interest in working in various types of healthcare fields. From each academic year until they graduate, the students can enroll in classes that fit their specific areas of interest.

At HCA Florida Blake Hospital, those students got hands-on experience with medical robots and surgical simulators.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Robert Ferguson discussed his medical career path with students while holding an open forum on lung cancer and its risk factors as part of lung cancer awareness month. He added the chance to work with the state-of-the-art robotics gives students an opportunity they might not otherwise have.

Academy officials said often, students graduate with licenses as certified nursing assistants or electrocardiogram technicians.

“We offer industry certification in their senior year, so it does help them get a job,” said Laura Sollenberger, Manatee High School Medical Academy Director.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Bobby Jones Golf Club rates are set for first year of play

A variable pricing process will determine the rates by the minute. City residents will receive a 10% discount.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...nes-rates-set/

With the yearslong awaited opening of the renovated Bobby Jones Golf Course imminent but not yet scheduled, a rate schedule through Nov. 2, 2024 has been unanimously approved by the Sarasota City Commission.

Bobby Jones course architect reflects on why 'Sarasota has me for life'

Richard Mandell explains how old-school course design was blended with modern water management to create a fun course that's true to the Donald Ross plans.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...sota-for-life/

Nearly a decade since city officials broached the subject of the restoration of the Bobby Jones Golf Complex, the grand reopening of the restoration of the original 18-hole Donald Ross layout is set for 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 15.

There were many iterations of the project, which started with 45 holes — including what since 1926 evolved into two 18-hole courses plus a nine-hole par-3. The project was eventually pared down to the original 18 holes plus an adjustable nine-hole short course and a nature park. Through it all, the constant was Richard Mandell. The Pinehurst, North Carolina-based golf course architect specializes in Ross restorations, but his work here became a golf course/nature park/wetland project.

As Mandell's work on the golf course winds down, he remains involved with the design of new facilities for the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club and further development of the nature park. Also, his involvement with the golf course will continue in perpetuity. In his own words, Mandell said, “Sarasota has me for life.”

Also in his own words, Mandell looked back on the restoration project’s challenges, its homage to the original design, stormwater management techniques and his favorite features of the course.

[wondermint2]

New CEO embraces ambitious mission for longtime Sarasota nonprofit Save Our Seabirds

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...e-our-seabirds

As a self-described “mercenary for a good cause,” Brian Walton, the new chief executive officer of Save Our Seabirds, is not afraid to dream big and connect present day to the legacy of the City Island sanctuary.

Walton hopes as CEO to steward the development and funding of a new avian hospital that includes a flight cage, allowing the organization’s in-house veterinarian to expand rehabilitation capabilities. The project is expected to cost between $10 million to $15 million, according to estimates from Sarasota-based DSDG Architects. Capital funds stand at roughly $1.2 million.

“We sit out on (a barrier) island, and everything is built out of wood. It has been beaten to death by the storms and the weather over the years. A lot of the aviaries, the buildings, they’re rotting away,” Walton said. “There’s been a plan to rebuild the campus and build a new hospital to ensure our cutting edge doctor has the cutting edge tools to best do what she does.”

Save Our Seabirds is one of the largest bird rehabilitation centers in the state and receives approximately 5,000 distress calls a year. About 1,200 birds come through the hospital on an annual basis. The mission of the organization is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and sick birds – shorebirds and other species as well. Last month, they released 30 birds that came through the hospital and were rehabilitated.

The organization offers a bird-walk experience to the public, where 120 resident birds are on display, either because of injuries that were too severe to return to the wild or former pets too acclimated to humans to be released.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Location:

1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida, 34236 , across the parking lot from Mote Marine Aquarium.

Hours:

Open to the public everyday from 10am to 4pm

Admission:

There is currently no charge for admission to SOS. They do appreciate donations of any amount.

[wondermint2]

Here is some good advice for homebuyers that appeared in today's Sarasota Herald-Tribune. This article is from Duff Rubin - the Southeast Regional President of Coldwell Banker Realty.

Buying a new home should be exciting. Here are nine mistakes to avoid | Home Front

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...oid-home-front

Buying a home is an exciting time as an adult. It will likely be your largest purchase and is something most people experience only a handful of times in their lives.

Whether it’s your first home purchase or it has been a decade or two since your last real estate purchase, here are common mistakes to avoid during the homebuying process:

[wondermint2]

Latest Iteration of The Bay Going to City Commissioners

For full article and artist rendering:

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...+Commissioners

More boating access? Planned restaurant space? As the Bay moves from conceptual renderings to realized amenity, planners continue to evolve and refine a master plan for the site. Sarasota City Commissioners tonight are expected to discuss and approve a number of changes to the Bay Park Master Plan and offer a clearer glimpse of the regional park’s future.

The Bay Park Conservancy Board, the nonprofit contracted to manifest and manage the park, already unanimously approved an updated master plan on Oct. 17. Those proposed changes now will land before elected city officials. Updates include more overflow parking, an extension for the Canal District boat ramp and more refined plans for overwater structures, as well as a pedestrian and fishing pier. The new plan also notably seeks to preserve certain existing amenities on site, most notably Holley Hall in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.

Vice Mayor Jennifer Ahearn-Koch said she expects significant conversation around the update, and commissioners will discuss ways to create a positive asset while addressing community concerns.

A presentation scheduled for discussion tonight notes at some community meetings, excitement was voiced for a restaurant, or group of restaurants, overlooking the Bay.

The most notable change on new renderings surrounds the boat docks, which now will abut three waterfront restaurants covering 4,000 to 5,000 square feet a piece. The plan also adds two boat docks, a retail kiosk and space for a water taxi station.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Several nursing homes from Sarasota made the list:

50 FL Nursing Homes Make 2023 U.S. News ‘Best’ List

U.S. News & World Report rated more than 15,000 nursing homes in its annual report. Here’s how it rated Florida’s nursing homes.

For full article & full list:

https://patch.com/florida/sarasota/a...news-best-list

50 Florida nursing homes received a 5 — the highest possible rating — this year in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rating.

The rankings service rated more than 15,000 nursing homes in the country based on patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; reliance on antipsychotic drugs; health inspection results, and other quality indicators.

Here are the nursing homes that received an overall rating of five for 2024 in Florida:

Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Ranked Among Nation's Best Nursing Homes

For full article:

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...-Nursing-Homes

Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was named among the nation’s best nursing homes for short- and long-term rehabilitation in U.S. News’ annual “Best Nursing Homes” ratings released this week.

In the 2023-2024 report, less than 20% of more than 15,000 skilled-nursing facilities evaluated were recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” for “Short-Term Rehabilitation,” “Long-Term Care,” or both.

Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was recognized among an elite group of skilled nursing facilities that earned a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible achievement, for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

Located at 5640 Rand Blvd., Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation for people recovering from surgery, injury or illness. Its multi-disciplinary team cares for approximately 100 residents around the clock, 365 days a year.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Pulte buys 724 acres, plans to bring 1,300 homes to Lakewood Ranch

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/n...akewood-ranch/

PulteGroup has bought 724 acres in Lakewood Ranch and plans to build 1,300 homes on the property.

The builder announced Wednesday it had closed on the Manatee County land and that the homes — and a 15-acre amenities campus — will be part of its second 55 and over Del Webb-branded community.

Pulte did not disclose what it paid for the land. The development will be named Del Webb Catalina.

More details here:

PulteGroup introduces Del Webb Catalina, Lakewood Ranch's Newest Premier Active Adult Community

For full article:

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...dult-Community

PulteGroup, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for over 70 years, has closed on 724 acres for a second Del Webb community in Lakewood Ranch, the No. 1 best-selling, multi-generational community in the U.S. for five years running.

Del Webb Catalina expands upon the success of Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, which sold out this year. Located on the Bourneside Blvd. extension, the new gated community will offer 1,300 single-family homes and attached villas and showcase the pioneering brand’s amenity-rich and robust lifestyle for active adults 55+.

Del Webb Catalina will offer three collections of single-family home designs and villas in four-unit buildings nestled along intimate cul-de-sac streets with lake, preserve and wetland views.

Del Webb Catalina’s main gated entrance is located on Bourneside Boulevard and will offer additional entries along 44th Avenue East to the north and Rangeland Parkway on the southern boundary. The community is six miles from Interstate 75, 2.3 miles from state Route 70 and 2 miles from SR 64.