Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

City of Sarasota’s mature tree incentivization program relaunched as Neighborhood Canopy Program

Reservations being taken for spring plantings

https://sarasotanewsleader.com/city-...anopy-program/

The City of Sarasota’s “mature tree incentivization program is back and even better with a new name and new tree species!” city leaders announced in the city’s Feb. 2 newsletter.

“Now called the Neighborhood Canopy Program, the initiative encourages residents to plant and maintain large canopy trees,” the newsletter points out. The city’s Tree Mitigation Fund pays up to $500 toward an approved canopy tree after city staff has received the required $100 deposit, the newsletter notes.

Reservations are being taken for plantings this spring, the release says, with the following species available: magnolia, bald cypress, Southern red cedar, holly and pink tabebuia.

The release does emphasize, “Palm trees are not included in the program.”

Residents select their preferred species, and then each tree is planted by the city’s vendor, Mast Landscape Management, in coordination with the city’s arborists following the “right tree, right location” philosophy, the release explains.

“We anticipate as many as 150 mature trees will be planted during the spring cycle, each with a minimum 2-inch caliper, adding to the City’s urban canopy, helping to lower the island heat effect, providing habitat for wildlife and boosting property values,” the release adds.

The next planting cycle will be this fall, with different species available, the release notes: live oak, green buttonwood, royal poinciana, ligustrum and orange geiger. “The required deposit will remain the same: $100.”

The release does point out that the program has a limit of one tree per residential property in a calendar year.

Anyone interested in participating in the program may reach out to Mast Landscape Management at 941-480-6387 or email the city at NeighborhoodCanopyProgram@Saraotafl.gov.

Sarasota's Tree planting program rebrands to help neighbors keep the environment green

The Neighborhood Canopy Program offers a $500 incentive in to encourage homeowners to plant and maintain canopy trees.


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

Growth they say is a constant, and many people want to see it in their various communities. However, as welcome as that growth can be, it can come at the significant cost of precious resources in the environment.

That's why a city of Sarasota program to help neighbors plant more trees has rebranded and returned.

For full article:

https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/lo...7-b88156c92007

[wondermint2]

Ferry connecting downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island extends service

https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news...tends-service/

The ferry service connecting downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island is extending its service.

The Gulf Islands Ferry will add Thursday departures to its schedule starting Feb. 29.

The ferry will now run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. four days per week. It’s available Thursday through Sunday, barring any inclement weather.

The ferry currently stops at the Bradenton Dry Dock, the Anna Maria Island City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier.

Departures are available every hour, on the hour. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to get to each stop.

The 50-foot open-air catamarans, named Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, can hold 49 passengers.

To learn more about the ferry service, visit:

https://www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com/

[wondermint2]

Neal Communities Sells 172-Unit BTR Community

For full article:

https://www.multihousingnews.com/nea...btr-community/

Neal Communities has sold Marisol, a 172-unit build-to-rent community in Bradenton, Fla., near Sarasota, in a forward sale. The buyer was an institutional investor advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. Berkadia represented the seller, while J.P. Morgan Asset Management led the acquisition team on behalf of the buyer.

Construction on the single-family rental property started in July 2022. Built on 39 acres, the community consists of two-bedroom layouts with bathroom parity and a den, ranging from 1,434 square feet to 1,524 square feet.

Each single-story home features private backyards, attached two-car garages and lanai porches. Common-area amenities include a swimming pool with sundeck, a dog park and direct lake access.

The property is at 16335 Coastal Crest Place, some 8 miles from the Lakewood Ranch master-planned community and 4 miles from the Lakewood Ranch Plaza shopping center. Downtown Sarasota is some 23 miles southwest.

[wondermint2]

Recognize Outstanding City Employees with New 'Sarasota Shines' Online Portal

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...-online-portal

The City of Sarasota has initiated a new program, 'Sarasota Shines', to recognize its employees. This program includes an online platform where anyone can submit compliments for city employees. The Human Resources Department and Employee Appreciation Committee review these submissions and share them with the relevant employee. The program's goal is to emphasize the city's core values: integrity, accountability, teamwork, and respect.

The 'Sarasota Shines' platform encourages detailed submissions. Users are asked to describe their experience with the employee, why it was exceptional, and provide the employee's name. This feature is available to the public and city employees who want to acknowledge their colleagues' outstanding work.

The platform can be accessed from the city's homepage, www.Sarasotafl.gov, under the 'COMPLIMENTS' tab. Mobile users can find it under the 'I WANT TO…Compliment a City Employee' option in the left drop-down menu.

The city values feedback from residents and visitors and expects the 'Sarasota Shines' platform to be widely used. It is designed to celebrate employees from all city departments.

Employees who receive compliments through the platform will receive small tokens of appreciation and may be nominated for Employee of the Month or Team of the Month. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to promote a positive work environment and exceptional service.

Visit here for more details:

https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Home/Comp...ews/News/3555/

[wondermint2]

Sarasota rock band creates music out of trash

The Garbage-Men promote sustainability and recycling through musical instruments of their own creation.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...-out-of-trash/

In order to join the seven-piece lineup of The Garbage-Men, there’s one hurdle you have to clear first.

New band members must prove their ability by creating their own instrument — using recycled materials.

That's because when Jack Berry started the band at age 13 or 14, he didn’t have any woodworking tools to build a guitar.

But after he heard his father, Dave Berry, playing songs by the Beatles on guitar, he wanted his own instrument, so he decided to use the materials he had available: a Mini Wheats cereal box, a yardstick and a toothpick.

When he brought the instrument with him to school, his friend Ollie Gray suggested they form a band centered on the concept, and so in 2010, The Garbage-Men band was born.

Over the next few years, the band played a string of venues, including Times Square, “America’s Got Talent” and The National Guitar Museum Exhibit, while sharing a mission of sustainability.

[wondermint2]

The Boiler Room Bar and Grill Is Making a Comeback

https://www.newsbreak.com/bradenton-...ing-a-comeback

Remembered for its run in Bradenton at 5600 Manatee Avenue beginning in 1984, the Boiler Room Bar and Grill closed back in 2020. According to recent coverage by the Bradenton Herald , however, the bar and restaurant is about to make a comeback.

Reopened by Karen Bell , who also co-owns A.P. Bell Fish Co. , Star Fish Co. Market and Restaurant , and Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina , the restaurant will have a new name, Bradenton Boiler Room , says the coverage.

Bell told the Bradenton Herald that the menu will not feature the same recipes used in the restaurant’s previous instantiation but will be similar overall.

What Now reached out to Karen Bell on Tuesday to inquire about plans for the opening after finding a plan review submitted recently for the project by Bradenton Boiler Room LLC . Bell was not immediately available for comment on the opening and its projected timeline.

Launching in the same location on Manatee Avenue between 57 th and 55 th Streets West , Bradenton Boiler Room will rejoin a food and drink community that now includes Del Taco , Stone Bowl Pan Asian , Sweet Krunch , and Dunkin’.

[wondermint2]

Parrish residents dealing with dirt dilemma in their neighborhood (Video)

For video:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/02/2...outputType=amp

Some Manatee County residents are saying the dirt from a nearby construction site is covering their filters, side paneling, and costing them thousands in damages.

FoxBrook is home to nearly 250 houses, with some properties backed up to County Road 675. Also bordering that road is a Lennar Homes project -- set to construct hundreds of new houses.

“You could see all the dust come in. It was like fog. It was all over the neighborhood,” said Kathryn Haan.

Residents even showed video of filthy pool floors, air filters, and patio furniture.

“My wife and kids are sick from breathing it in,” said another neighbor.

Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher said the county is working with the contractors to get it under control. He said he hopes to find a resolution in early March.

[wondermint2]

Paving Project on Lakewood Ranch Blvd: Delays Expected in Manatee County

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/33498...manatee-county

Starting March 4th, a new paving project will begin on the inside lanes of Lakewood Ranch Blvd, stretching from SR 70 to SR 64 (Rangeland PKWY to Portal Crossing). The work is estimated to last for 2 to 3 weeks and will be carried out during the daytime.

Although there are no scheduled road closures, motorists traveling through these areas in Manatee County should anticipate delays and plan their trips accordingly. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and to exercise caution when passing through the construction zone.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota County School Choice deadline today

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/02/2...outputType=amp

The deadline to apply for Sarasota County parents to send their child to a school outside of their assigned district is Thursday afternoon.

Available seats at schools may be limited to certain grade levels due to enrollment capacity. The seats will be chosen through a random lottery.

Parents and guardians will be responsible for their students. Florida residents outside of Sarasota County are welcome to apply.

You can learn more here:

https://www.sarasotacountyschools.ne...n%20in%20March.

[wondermint2]

Free block parties, festivals and more fun events in Sarasota area this weekend

For full article:

https://www.newsbreak.com/sarasota-f...a-this-weekend

Our lineup of exciting March events in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties kicks off this weekend with block parties, festivals, and circus thrills. Leading our list is a free street party held in downtown Sarasota, and you will also find another similar one happening in Lakewood Ranch. Meanwhile, live music fans have a couple of great festivals occurring, with one each in Sarasota and Englewood.

In addition to the five events highlighted below, you can visit the free Embracing Our Differences exhibit on Bayfront Park and/or check out the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees water ski team performing with free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island.