Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Renowned Architect Todd DeGarmo Settles Into His Custom Laurel Park Home (Photo Gallery)

It’s the first time DeGarmo, the CEO Emeritus of STUDIOS Architecture, got to design a home for himself.

For full article & photos:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/hom...-sarasota-home

Considering its smallish size, Sarasota’s concentration of architectural finesse is high. And its architectural acclaim didn’t end with the Sarasota School of Architecture, the renowned post-World War II architectural movement.

Take Todd DeGarmo, for example. He’s an acclaimed architect who could build a home just about anywhere, but he chose Laurel Park in Sarasota.

[wondermint2]

Siesta Key home sells for $15 million (Photo Gallery)

It's the most expensive sale of a property on the Key in more than two years.

For full article & photos:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...key-home-sale/

A six-bedroom, six-bathroom home on Siesta Key has sold for $15 million — the highest price for a home in more than two years, Realtors said.

Known as the Chateau du Soleil, this 8,623 square-foot home at 4300 Higel Ave. is set on a sprawling 1.6-acre compound with separate guest/staff quarters and access to a secluded beach.

Built in 2008 by Perrone Construction, it features 12-foot ceilings, marble countertops, and a marble fireplace. The outdoor patios and balconies overlook a deck, new pool, spa, and manicured grounds.

Chanel Holdings (Nevis) LLC sold the home to Mitchell Schepps, trustee, of West Palm Beach, for $14,995,000. It sold for $12 million in 2021.

[wondermint2]

"What have we turned into?": North Port residents upset over rezoning project (Video)

Some North Port residents and one city commissioner are worried about an upcoming project.

For full article & video:

https://www.fox4now.com/north-port-e...zoning-project

There's a growing pain in North Port that's becoming a big pain in the neck for one city commissioner and some residents.

"Now all of these developments are coming in, and they're building two, three-story units, so when I look at my back yard, guess what? I no longer have my trees," said North Port resident Robin San Vicente. "I have this three-story condominium. I didn't move here for that."

City leaders are rewriting the unified land development code, which includes changing the city's zoning map. The city needs to do this to grow the local economy, so more businesses can help give the city a diverse foundation in terms of tax base and services.

However, San Vicente and North Port City Commissioner Debbie McDowell aren't in favor of the current proposal.

"Now, you're either going to get a church in your back yard, or you're going to get condominiums," San Vicente said. "It's like, what the heck! What have we turned into as a city?"

McDowell thinks the move will sacrifice quality of life for single-family homes.

"Mixed-use 1 will not allow any single-family homes," the commissioner said. "So, what is now allowed as a single-family home — if it gets rezoned to mixed-use 1, or mixed-use 2, they will not be able to build a single-family home on that property."

McDowell said mixed-use 1 and 2 allows some businesses and residents to share the same property. She wants the city to give more clarity on this. San Vicente shares the same view.

However, city officials said they've over communicated the situation to residents.

"We've done podcasts," said North Port Director of Development Services Alaina Ray. "We've done social media. We've done fact sheets. We've done interviews with our local news agencies, and those are all things that we don't have to do according to state statutes."

The city wants to have this process completed by Summer 2024.

[wondermint2]

Johnson & Johnson baby powder trial: Sarasota woman testifies 'life has been a nightmare'

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...en-a-nightmare

Patricia Matthey appeared before a Sarasota jury in circuit court late Wednesday afternoon, displaying in front of her various medical supplies — intravenous tubing, needles, a colostomy bag, vials with potassium — all items she explained she needed to have with her to survive for 48 hours.

“It’s made my life a total nightmare," the Sarasota County woman said. "Since the day I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, my life has been a nightmare."

Her husband, Bernard Matthey, and her son, Philippe Matthey, both sat at the plaintiff's table, staring intently at her face. Bernard Matthey clasped his hands, pressing them up to his mouth for most of the testimony.

Pat Matthey died in November 2019 after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2016. She appeared in court through a taped video deposition taken on Dec. 20, 2018, knowing that her health was fragile.

“Well, obviously I haven't seen Pat since she passed away, and seeing her sick reminded me so much of the suffering that we went through,” Bernard Matthey said during his testimony Thursday morning. “It’s really moving to me to think about how difficult it was.”

Philippe Matthey, on behalf of his mother’s estate, is suing Johnson & Johnson for product liability and wrongful death. The complaint alleges that Pat Matthey's cancer was linked to the talc-based baby powder produced by Johnson & Johnson which she had used for more than 50 years.

Over the decades, there have been varied opinions from scientists, researchers and government agencies about whether talc-based powders increased the risk of ovarian cancer in women.

Talcum, or talc, is a soft, naturally occurring mineral mainly made up of magnesium, silicon and oxygen, and is often found in mines with asbestos.

[wondermint2]

Fresh start with a cart

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/34011...rt-with-a-cart

Sarasota County commissioners decided in March to contract with two trash haulers, ending the county's long-time relationship with Waste Management.

The new contracts for hauling garbage, recycling and yard waste are with FCC Environmental Services of Florida and Waste Pro of Florida.

FCC Environmental Services Florida will work in the south part of the county, covering Englewood and the unincorporated areas around Venice and North Port.

Waste Pro of Florida will work in the north part of the county.

The new collection services begin March 31, 2025. Until then, Sarasota County residents and visitors should continue to follow current disposal guidelines for collection services.

The change in Sarasota County services does not effect customers in Charlotte County, which has a continuing contract with Waste Management.

In November and December, Sarasota County residents can take part in a cart size selection process.

Public meetings about the new services and the cart size selection are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the following dates:

• April 15, William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice.

• April 16, Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtis Ave., Sarasota.

• April 17, Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood.

• April 18, Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.

For more information, call 311 or visit:

https://sarasota-county-fl.civilspac...-begin-in-2025

[wondermint2]

Slow Down! Bradenton Police clock driver going 98 mph in 45 mph zone

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/04/1...h-45-mph-zone/

Bradenton Police are urging drivers to slow down. Officers are out looking for speeders!

According to a post from Bradenton Police Department’s Facebook page, officers clocked someone Friday morning driving dangerously. A driver was caught going 98 mph on Manatee Ave E in a 45 mph zone.

Under Florida law, driving 50 mph over the limit requires a mandatory court appearance, $1,000 fine for a first-time violation and four points on the driver’s license.

Slow down and be safe. You’ll be even later to your destination if you’re caught speeding!

[wondermint2]

Bradenton man who stormed the Capitol with his parents on Jan. 6 pleads guilty (Photo Gallery)

For full article & photos:

https://www.newsbreak.com/bradenton-...-pleads-guilty

A Bradenton man accused of storming the Capitol with his parents on Jan. 6, 2021, pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting a police officer.

John Schubert, III, 47, was caught on camera helping his parents break into the Capitol building as Congress met to certify the electoral votes in the 2020 Presidential election.

His parents, Amy Schubert and John Schubert Jr., pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct in 2021, two years before their son would face charges of his own. The Illinois couple was sentenced to 18 months of probation, $500 in restitution and 100 hours of community service, on top of a fine, according to a report from Nexstar’s WGN .

Federal agents identified Schubert as a man who appeared in several photos on his mother’s Google account. The photos matched security camera and witness footage that appeared to show Schubert walking through various locations at the Capitol.

Outside the building, Schubert was part of a group of rioters who clashed with police. Officers were “heavily outnumbered,” according to court documents.

He was shown on camera shoving a police officer and attempting to punch them. He entered the Capitol building by breaking a window and helped his parents climb inside.

Schubert was arrested on Oct. 4, 2023 in Bradenton.

On Thursday, Schubert pleaded guilty to a felony offense of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. He is due back in court for his sentencing on July 11.

[wondermint2]

Suncoast No Longer near Drought Conditions... at Least For Now

For full article:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/04/1...outputType=amp

The entire Suncoast is no longer experiencing dry conditions which are precursors to droughts, according to this week’s latest drought index. Previously, the western half of both Manatee and Sarasota counties remained in the lowest category, which is the dry level. These areas have now moved into the normal range. However, with no rain expected, full sunshine and temperatures reaching near 90 by mid week, the Suncoast could easily creep back into the dry status.

[wondermint2]

Battle with FEMA over Hurricane Ian permitting issue leaves North Fort Myers sisters unable to enter their home

An independent building inspector is looking at the property owned by two North Fort Myers sisters who can't get into their home 18 months after the storm because of a permitting issue.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoqVkWnyeEc

[wondermint2]

‘You can never get bored’: Sarasota Open, other big events coming to town this weekend


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_xrBdLze1w

From the courts to the big screen, Sarasota is buzzing with activity this weekend, and the economic impact is nothing short of impressive.

Sarasota isn’t just a beautiful city, it’s also a hub for events that bring in revenue and excitement.

This weekend alone, three major events are drawing crowds and dollars into our community.

First up, we have the Sarasota Open, a premier ATP Tour event showcasing top-tier tennis talent at Payne Park, 2050 Adams Lane, Sarasota. The singles semifinals are Saturday with the final on Sunday.

The Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sculling Championship takes place Saturday and Sunday at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

The cultural highlight of the weekend is the Sarasota Film Festival. The ten-day festival concludes Sunday, but Saturday is the official closing night with an awards ceremony and a closing night part.

Actor/director Steve Buscemi hosts a Q&A following the Florida premiere of his film The Listener at The Hollowood 11. Tickets are sold out, according to the Sarasota Film Festival’s website.

Movie buffs and industry insiders, and tennis and rowing enthusiasts from near and far flocking to the city, filling hotel rooms, dining at local restaurants, and shopping in our stores, which is injecting a significant boost in our local economy.

“Just from 22 to 23 we saw an intake and an increase in visitors, visitor spending, room nights sold. You can go from a different type of Broadway show to an art gallery to a class rowing event at Nathan Benderson Park to a tennis tournament here at Payne Park. You can never get bored,” said Visit Sarasota County Sports Marketing Coordinator Nate Sweetman.

These events not only bring in revenue from ticket sales, but also shine a spotlight on Sarasota as an event destination.

https://www.snntv.com/sarasota/you-c...-this-weekend/