Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Erik Arroyo files for reelection for Sarasota City Commission

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ty-commission/

Sarasota City Commissioner Erik Arroyo has filed to run for reelection to his District 3 seat. Arroyo, a Hispanic first-generation high school graduate who later earned his law degree, was first elected to the City Commission in 2020, serving as the youngest mayor in Sarasota’s history in 2021-22.

[wondermint2]

This Almost Century-Old Home Was One of the First Built on Venice Island

This 1926 Mediterranean-Revival home has been well-loved by its owner for more than 20 years. Now it’s on the market and seeking its next steward.

For full article & photos:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/hom...-home-for-sale

It takes a lot of love to keep an almost 100-year-old home standing strong—especially one that’s just blocks from the beach and Florida’s forever humid air. But for the past 22 years, that’s what Shari Valencic did.

The Venice High School teacher’s historic home is one of the first ever built on Venice Island. Constructed during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, 326 Pedro St. was originally part of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ (BLE) original development. BLE was at the time one of the country’s largest labor unions, and it hired city planner John Nolen, who brought European-style, walkable communities to the United States in the early 20th century.

[wondermint2]

Manatee County continues commitment to recreation

For full article:

https://www.mymanatee.org/news___eve..._to_recreation

Manatee County is continuing to fund upgrades and enhancements to its world-class recreational amenities, creating enhanced leisure opportunities for residents and visitors.

During a recent Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting (January 9, 2024), Commissioners approved a budget amendment funding with bond proceeds from the 2022 Bonds for the construction of a new eight-lane pool at John Marble Park. This construction will replace the existing John Marble Pool for a total cost of $2,721,512. Work on this project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“This is a great addition to an already exciting project,” said District Two Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “Once completed the change will be dramatic.”

Funding for two (2) Synthetic Turf athletic fields for the Premier Sports Complex was also approved. A total of $4,548,375 will go towards the construction of the fields and associated overhead costs over the next year. Funding for this legacy project utilized $3,485,875 from Bond Proceeds from the 2022 Bonds and $1,062,500 from Parks Impact Fees.

“These additions will help us maintain a level consistency and excellence for those who use this fantastic facility,” said District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner. “It will enhance the already world-class experience.”

[wondermint2]

The possibility of road rage concerns me. With the increasing amount of traffic in our area drivers are becoming more impatient - at the same time guns are more widely in use then ever. If someone next to you is a bad driver try to stay calm and don't do anything to escalate the situation. This road range incident happened in Hillsborough County - but it just as well can happen in Sarasota/Manatee.

Father of 5 dead after road rage shooting in Riverview


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL7wubLPgB8

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

"Probable cause is not defined in Florida, but is generally understood to mean that the evidence is more likely than not that the person committed the crime. The evidence can come in the form of an affidavit, complaint or deposition of a law enforcement officer."

I'm glad Ed Brodsky's office is looking into the Video Voyeurism affidavit and not Ashley Moody.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3rs1KnSAg8

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Sarasota Police investigate shooting at Sarasota Commons

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime...ns/ar-BB1gXCtc

Sarasota Police officers are investigating a shooting that happened Friday morning in the parking lot of the Sarasota Commons.

The shooting occurred at 11:30 a.m. in the 900 block of N. Beneva Road in the parking lot of the United States Postal Service. Sarasota Police representative Cynthia McLaughlin said one person was shot and taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She couldn’t confirm their condition. No arrests have been made, but officers are continuing to look for a suspect.

A dark gray Buick hatchback had a bullet hole through the driver’s side door. McLaughlin couldn’t confirm how many shots were fired, but witnesses at the scene said they heard several gunshots. At least six bullet casings were visible on the street of the parking lot, along with a pair of sunglasses, a blanket and a flower-patterned pillow that were strewn on the floor. A Glock pistol was lying 6 to 8 feet next to the curb where the Buick was parked.

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

*Update: Police said one victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. SPD stated that the shooter is in custody and the incident appears to be an isolated event.

At this time there is no threat to the public and the shooting is still under investigation.

*Previously the WFLA web site said Sarasota police had a suspect in custody. However I just checked on the Sarasota Police Twitter web page and they mention this incident - but there is no mention of a suspect in custody. It's possible police have a subject in custody and they are keeping mum so as not to hinder the investigation - however IMO it's currently more likely the don't have a suspect in custody yet.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKbg3jfj7wY

[wondermint2]

Former president of Playboy's mansion up for sale on Siesta Key (Video)

For full article & video:

https://www.snntv.com/story/50313093...-on-siesta-key

SIESTA KEY, Fla. (SNN TV) - The Playboy Mansion is on the market for nearly $20 million on Siesta Key.

It's not the real Playboy Mansion, but it is currently owned by the former president of Playboy, Randy Nicolau.

The home is on the waterfront at 5151 Jungle Plum Road in the Hidden Harbor community on the Key.

The palatial manse is undergoing extensive renovations, according to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota, that should be completed by June.

Nicolau bought the property in 2018 for $2.5 million, according to property records and yourobserver.com/Playboy Mansion on Siesta Key.

The 8,000-square-foot home has six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two half baths, a floor-to-ceiling wine wall and bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls among other amenities.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota parking head wants more paid parking, fee increases, worrying some businesses

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...b70cbd32&ei=24

Whether in practice or policy, one issue that can never just be simple is parking.

At a recent Sarasota City Commission workshop, Parking Division General Manager Broxton Harvey laid out a serious of proposals designed to increase vehicle turnover and keep his department from being subsidized by the city. However, achieving those goals would also mean adding more paid parking, increasing the costs of fees and decreasing the grace period for parking in downtown garages.

[wondermint2]

Manatee County Republican Executive Committee chairwoman is under fire over financial woes

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/polit...66cac2a9&ei=17

The handling of finances within the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee under Chairwoman April Culbreath has led to the resignation of two executive board members and caused a rift between many executive committee members and those remaining on the board.

The Manatee REC is the governing body of the Republican Party of Manatee County. Members are preparing to hold a special meeting Monday evening to elect two new board members and to impose financial constraints to curb spending by board members without committee approval.

[wondermint2]

Nominations open for 2024 Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...66cac2a9&ei=23

f you have a great work environment, here is your chance to shout about it. Earn recognition as one of Sarasota-Manatee's Top Workplaces.

For the third year, the Herald-Tribune will honor quality workplace culture in the region. Any organization with 35 or more employees in Sarasota or Manatee counties is eligible to earn Top Workplaces recognition.

The nomination deadline is Feb. 23. Anyone can nominate any organization, whether it is public, private, non-profit, a school, or even a government agency. To nominate an employer go to:

https://topworkplaces.com/nominate/sarasota/

or call 941- 413-1720.

To qualify for a Top Workplaces award, employees evaluate workplaces using a short 24-question survey that takes about 5 minutes to complete. Companies will be surveyed from January to April.