Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Sarasota Police investigating fatal bicyclist crash

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/05/1...cyclist-crash/

Sarasota Police Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a car and a bicyclist.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead on scene.

The collision occurred around 9 p.m. near the intersection of Washington Blvd and Fruitville Road.

The road will be closed for several hours. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues and officers work to clear the scene.

[wondermint2]

Looking for fun things to do this weekend May 17-19? Top 5 events in Sarasota area

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...d=BingNewsSerp

If you're a fan of classic rock, country, and blues music, and interested in supporting a beloved local musician in need, be sure to attend the Pat McDonald and Family Benefit this Sunday at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, one of Sarasota's top barbecue destinations.

McDonald's impressive career includes spending 17 years playing drums on classics such as "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," "Long Haired Country Boy," and "Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye" in the band of Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels. McDonald left Daniels' band in 2016 (and Daniels passed away in 2020) and has since played with Sarasota-based acts such as Kettle of Fish as well as The Monsoons.

McDonald recently suffered a stroke, and his wife, Jen, was diagnosed with breast cancer. To support the family, Stottlemyer's Smokehouse will host this benefit concert featuring an all-star roster of musicians with local ties and national acclaim.

In addition to the McDonald and Family Benefit at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, we have four exciting events taking place in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Punta Gorda's Fishermen's Village.

[wondermint2]

Things to do:

SRQ DAILY May 16, 2024
THURSDAY FAMILY AND RECREATION EDITION

For full column:

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2024-05-16

[wondermint2]

Vision for Main Street face-lift will require parking compromise

Sarasota city staffers tell DID board members "we have to be able to meet people halfway" when it comes to eventual complete street design.

For full article & graphic:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ng-compromise/

With the city’s Main Street complete street visioning process well underway, soon comes the task of balancing the 10,000-foot-level imagination to street-level reality.

As the organization with perhaps the most at stake as Main Street is eventually transitioned into a more multi-modal, pedestrian-friendly passageway, city transportation staff members presented a progress report of the visioning to the Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors at its May 7 meeting.

The visioning process will end this summer and full reports will then be developed, but in the interim Senior Transportation Planner Corinne Arriago and Chief Transportation Planner Alvimarie Corales updated the DID board on their progress.

Approval of the DID is not required, but the support of the board that represents all property owners, and by extension the businesses, in the downtown district is helpful.

“I don't envy you that balance that has to be found,” said DID Chair Chris Voelker. “Our perspective is trying to support the businesses. Those are our constituents in the DID. It's helpful for the residents if the businesses are healthy.”

Data presented includes crash history, an inventory of amenities along Main Street, a parking analysis and more, but above all parking remained of chief concern among some board members.

Not so much the number of spaces available — the research showed city-owned parking on and adjacent to Main Street is underutilized — but rather the convenience to customers who eschew parking decks blocks away from their preferred merchants for spaces on the street near their destinations.

The visioning data indicates high enthusiasm for greater walkability and more outdoor dining over the number of angled parking spaces along Main Street. Some 66.3% of the more than 1,500 respondents to an online survey said they would like to see more outdoor dining and shopping on Main Street, by far the highest priority listed. Meanwhile, vehicle parking was named a top-five priority by 36.1%, placing seventh on the list.

[wondermint2]

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...-fresh-vision/

[wondermint2]

A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...conomic-Impact

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County.

Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity. This figure exceeds the current economic impact of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall by 30%, marking a substantial advancement for the city's cultural and economic vitality.

The study also estimates the creation of 1,200 permanent jobs and $300 million in tax revenues over 30 years, demonstrating a substantial return on investment.

Key findings of the HR&A Advisors study include the following: Over $150 million in annual economic activity generated from operations, programming, visitation, and cultural tourism, with 358,000 annual visitors anticipated; Creation of 1,200 permanent jobs, contributing $52 million in annual wages; An injection of $562 million in spending countywide during the construction phase, including the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs and $162 million in temporary wages.

To request the full Economic Impact Study, please email info@performingartsfoundation.org.

[wondermint2]

Spotlight on Limelight Market

https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-dail...melight-Market

This Saturday, May 18 from 10-3 the Spotlight is on Limelight Market! This fun, pop up market happens in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime with rescue dogs, unique guest vendors, food, and live music.

Check out the 40+ local creators and curators inside. Great way to support local! Free, until you buy something amazing! Sarasota Honey Co. is also celebrating their grand opening inside The Bazaar. Free samples, games and a live beer demo.

Sarasota Street Talk, a popular podcast with Mark Klecka and Scott Malouf, will be recording and broadcasting live. Be sure to say hi to them and maybe you’ll end up being interviewed!

For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota.

[wondermint2]

Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...akewood-ranch/

Growing up, Bradenton’s Morgan Bettes Angell’s only connection to music was playing classical piano and being a big fan of music.

Her father listened to old American folk. Her mom was a Janis Joplin fan. Bettes Angell’s tastes, meanwhile, span a variety of genres, with some of her favorites being My Chemical Romance, Blink 182 and the band Jack’s Mannequin.

Now music is more than something she jams to. It’s also part of her livelihood as she and her company, Independent Jones, are responsible for booking bands at community events like Ranch Nite Wednesdays and the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch. The company, founded in 2015 and focused on showcasing live music and celebrating local artists, has booked over 500 gigs and produced some 300 events, according to its website.

Bettes Angell admires the talent of all the musicians with whom she interacts.

“The artists and how they can hear things, play things, jam together, that’s nothing I could ever do,” Bettes Angell said. “I can read music. I did play classical piano. I understand tones, pitches and sounds, things like that, but I don’t at all consider myself a musician.”

Even so, Bettes Angell is about to get even deeper into music: Independent Jones is bringing the former Bradenton Blues Festival to Waterside Park in Lakewood Ranch in December. The Bradenton Blues Festival previously ran for 12 years on the Riverwalk downtown.

[wondermint2]

Take in flavors of the world without leaving Lakewood Ranch

Want to avoid the hassles of international travel? This globetrotting itinerary requires no passport

For full article & photos:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...akewood-ranch/

Lakewood Ranch is a small community with a big attitude.

Despite its size, its international food scene rivals those of much larger cities. Even better? Your culinary journey is also a cultural journey. And each taste is as authentic as it gets.

Embark on a gastronomic adventure within just a few miles, where each bite becomes a passport to a different corner of the globe.

Here are a few hometown favorites to kickstart your culinary journey through a world of flavors.

[wondermint2]

President of cabinet business convicted of scheming to defraud customers

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/05/1...outputType=amp

The former president of M&L Cabinets, Inc. has been convicted of felony scheming to defraud over $50,000.

Nicole Anderson, 39, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and 20 years probation. She also must pay approximately $90,000 restitution.

Vice President Ryan Nobles, 45, is awaiting trial.

Anderson and Nobles were arrested in September 2023, following a seven-month investigation by Bradenton Police.

Nearly two dozen former M&L Cabinets customers reported making down payments of several thousand, to tens of thousands, of dollars for unfinished kitchen renovations, products, and services.

Additionally, M&L Cabinets failed to pay for cabinets ordered and received from a supplier.

Financial subpoenas for August 2022 through January 2023 indicated Nobles used his company credit card at casinos in Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, and onboard cruise ships.

In five months, Nobles charged approximately $220,000. During the same period, Anderson used her company credit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals totaling nearly $90,000. During this time, Nobles and Anderson continued to collect money from clients.

If you believe you’re a victim of fraud, contact the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300.