Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Food and Wine Festival to Benefit SCF Hospitality and Tourism Program

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...ourism-Program

State College of Florida's 26 West Entrepreneurship Center is hosting a Food + Wine Festival featuring local entrepreneurs and small businesses from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at SCF Bradenton, Building 8, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton.

General admission tickets are $10 and limited VIP experiences are available for $30. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the SCF Hospitality & Tourism program to support student scholarships.

Attendees can enjoy a Beer Garden sponsored by Lamborghini Sarasota, live music, and the opportunity to relish the flavors of our local food scene with samples from over 26 vendors. The festival also features wines, spirits, and craft beverages. The VIP Wine Lounge features a prosecco bubbly cart, curated light bites, swag bag and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://26West.SCF.edu/FoodWine. For more information about the 26 West Entrepreneurship Center, visit https://26West.SCF.edu.

[wondermint2]

George Davis to run for seat 3 on SMH Board

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...3-on-smh-board

George Davis is running for the third seat on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board.

A Democrat, Davis is set to run against two Republicans, Pam Beitlich and Mary Flynn O’Neill.

He currently consults with families about care options when they have difficulty knowing what next steps to take.

Davis said he has concerns over the issue of privatization.

Additionally, many criticisms of SMH have worried him too.

“Medicine is complicated, I was concerned with the idea that one could force the doctors to go against their integrity,” he said.

Davis is the former chair of Venice’s Environmental Advisory Board. He also practiced family medicine in the state of New York for more than 35 years.

While in Hudson, New York, he also served on a hospital board there, and he continues to work in the medical field.

He believes there can be improvements at SMH.

“Quality is always something to be improving. I would like to see the primary care division improved,” Davis said.

He has experience in the medical industry, so he said he knows how keeping talent is for the well-being of a hospital.

While a Democrat, he does not believe politics should intervene.

“Politicians have no place in the doctor-patient relationship,” he said, saying decisions should be made based on science.

[wondermint2]

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee on recent Iran attacks against Israel

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

Following the 300+ Iranian drone attacks against Israel, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee released a quote about the incident.

“Jewish Federations condemn Iran’s attacks against Israel the first by a sovereign nation since Saddam Hussein launched scud missiles at Israel in 1991 in the strongest possible terms.

Our communities stand in total solidarity with Israel and the IDF as they work to defend themselves from these brazen attacks and pray for their safety.”

[wondermint2]

League of Women Manatee County School Board Notes: 4/9/2024

For full article:

https://www.thebradentontimes.com/st...s-492024,83572

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Education Issues Committee observes the Manatee County School Board meetings for items of interest to citizens and to the League and notes adherence, or lack of adherence, to good governance procedures and the sunshine laws. The following are the major points from the school board meeting on 4/9/2024.

[wondermint2]

Growing concern for Israel over Iran attack (Video)

One member of the Jewish community in Sarasota reacted to Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend that has spurred national concerns.

For video:

https://www.fox13news.com/video/1441228.amp

[wondermint2]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Constant Speeding on Willow Street

https://www.thebradentontimes.com/st...w-street,83473

Commissioner Ballard,

I am writing about (1) constant speeding on Willow Street and (2) the need for some type of speed-calming planning & remedy (remedies).

The situation has become dangerous and desperate, both here and throughout the County. I note that in the more than 12 years my company has owned the Historic property, the County has done little to improve the situation.

In fact, the disproportionate amount of our property taxes (almost four times that of the Sara Bay Country), when combined with the fact that our property is affected by the School tax and when no children reside at the Villa Serena Inn, is all the more disappointing.

Within your Board's purview, it would seem that the emphasis has been more concerned with development and less with rational Planning, planning which would enhance the safety of the County and your constituents.

Would you be good enough to pass this email on to the appropriate party so that proper planning and safety may be effected.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration!

Very truly,

Steven Levin
Villa Serena Inn

[wondermint2]

Details still to be discussed on color and style of new Venice Circus Tent project (Video)

For full article & video:

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

A new 57-foot-tall permanent circus tent will eventually dot the landscape in Venice after a variance passage. Thursday, the Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation board voted 4 to 1 in favor of the circus tent as part of the new Trapeze Park to be built along South Ringling Drive on Venice Island.

The tent will host a trapeze academy to train new, as well as seasoned artists, as well as host future public entertainment performances and special events. Developers add long-term goals include construction of a hotel, restaurants, and a parking garage.

“The circus will never die,” said Tito Gaona, who’s owner and co-developer of the “Trapeze Park.” Gaona, a veteran legendary trapeze artist, has been using the tent site for training purposes for years, but said the new, development will be a huge draw for visitors as well as long time Venice residents. “I’ve been there 27, almost 30 years now, and now, it’s like it waited on me,” Gaona added.

While the board approved the variance, concerns were raised by the board over the aesthetics of the proposed tent, including color, and artistic designs that may adorn the exterior of the structure, which will be replaceable amid other buildings to be constructed in the area.

“This is a campus project, so it will include a hotel, a restaurant and a parking garage, there will be the circus tent, so they did also mention that there could be a fast-food restaurant, " said Venice Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark. Developers said the circus tent would come with a price tag of at least $1.5 million dollars.

“The tent is the right choice because that’s what circus tents are built to do, is to have circuses, and it’s a beautiful structure for the perfect reason,” said Misty Servia, AICP, Certified Planner.

While developers are excited about the growth, revenue and historic preservation of the area, others have concerns over increased traffic and congestion. “I think the circus and the tent itself is a great idea, but we need professionals to come in, not from the city, not from the developer, who assess our traffic flow, " said Venice resident Tommye Whittaker.

A final timeline of the entire project wasn’t disclosed.

[wondermint2]

I'm in favor of this proposed law. I don't like the current 'loophole' that exists for the personal sales of firearms.

Proposed rule aims to regulate gun sales and purchases

Gun stores and gun shows already have to do background checks. This new rule would require people who do a lot of personal gun sales to be licensed and check if customers are allowed to own a firearm.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHmuJ8bNN7Y

[wondermint2]

Tampa Bay named one of the ‘best’ places to find starter home

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/real...04c092a4&ei=27

If you are looking for a starter home, you may be in luck. A new study found that the Tampa Bay area is among the “best” metros to find an entry-level home.

Construction Coverage determined the rankings by analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, Zillow’s Housing Data, Redfin’s Data Center, and Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. It then scored each area by five factors, including the homeownership rate for under 35 householders and the percentage of owner-occupied homes with three or fewer bedrooms.

According to the study, Florida is the 13th-best state to find a starter home, with a score of 62.1.

The Tampa Bay area was the best large metro area to find a starter home in the Sunshine State. Construction Coverage ranked the metro at No. 6. The study showed that the average sale price of a starter-size home was $327,827.

[wondermint2]

Enjoy waterfront charm at the 10 best coastal small towns across the US (2024)

From oceanside to lakeside, plenty to see and do

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/t...all-town-2024/

If you are looking for a place to enjoy scenic views, historic attractions and delicious food, you may want to visit one of USA Today’s best coastal small towns.

USA Today editors compile the publication’s 10Best list, which is voted on by readers and showcases some of the best small towns across the U.S.

Two coastal Florida towns were highlighted on the list, both making the top five.

Coming in at No. 1 on the list was Stuart. USA Today said this “under-the-radar” town has great spots for picnicking and fishing at Flagler Park or Shepard Park. Visitors can also take a trip to Stuart Heritage Museum or the Road to Victory Military Museum.

Key West made USA Today’s list at No. 3. The publication said Key West is full of historic and coastal charm with its white sand beaches and palm tree-lined streets.

“Key West boasts everything from conch train tours and six-toed cats to a bevy of bars and festivals, not to mention it’s the southernmost point in the continental United States,” USA Today reported.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/real...04c092a4&ei=27