Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Latest research finds high percentage of visitors to Sarasota County end up becoming full-time residents

Beaches and relaxed atmosphere among top draws for tourists and new residents, studies also show

For full article:

https://sarasotanewsleader.com/lates...ime-residents/

A study undertaken for Visit Sarasota County (VSC), the county’s tourism office, found that 45% of the 470 county residents interviewed relocated to the county after first coming to the area as tourists, members of the county’s Tourist Development Council learned on Nov. 9.

Joseph St. Germain, president of the Tallahassee firm Downs & St. Germain Research, pointed out that that the firm has conducted studies through the years regarding many Florida destinations, but this was the first time Downs & St. Germain had found such tourism experiences to be the top reason for relocations to a specific area.

That response highlights the economic impact that tourism has on the county beyond visitors’ direct spending, St. Germain emphasized to the advisory council members, who were holding their regular meeting in downtown Sarasota.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota County to need another 12 million gallons of water supply per day within 20 years, Public Utilities director tells commissioners

Population growth driving higher demand

For full article:

https://sarasotanewsleader.com/saras...commissioners/

As part of his final appearance this week before the Sarasota County Commission, with his retirement pending, Mike Mylett, director of the county’s Public Utilities Department, pointed to the growth in water demand, especially over the past three years.

Within the next 20 years, Mylett said, the county will need another 12 million gallons of water per day (mgd) to serve its customers.

This year, he noted, the county experienced its first day ever of demand that hit the 30 mgd mark.

Over the 25-year history of the county’s system, he told the board members on Nov. 14, “We’ve had a pretty consistent growth rate on our utility.” Overall, Mylett continued, that rate was just under 2% per year. However, he added, “We’ve really grown really dramatically over the last three years.” During that period, the annual rate has been 5%.

“The growth is challenging our systems,” Mylett pointed out.

[wondermint2]

Anna Maria Island named one of the world's 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 by Travel + Leisure

For full article:

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/...e/71618801007/

Travel + Leisure divided its list of 50 Best Places into seven categories. These include For The Food and Drinks, For Big-City Thrills, and For Nature Lovers. Anna Maria Island, which is located in Manatee County on the west coast of Florida just south of Tampa Bay, tops the category titled For Beach Vibes.

Anna Maria Island is a narrow barrier island overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It's about seven miles long and located west of Bradenton, south of St. Petersburg and north of Sarasota. The island contains three, small cities. From north to south they are Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

"Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar," writes Jennifer Salerno Yong. "But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel."

Anna Maria Island is praised by Travel + Leisure for being a laid-back vacation spot where visitors typically get around in golf carts or on bicycles. The author mentions the Holmes Beach resorts Joie Inn, and Mello on the Beach, which is described as offering "vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico." For restaurants, the magazine mentions The Doctor's Office, also in Holmes Beach, and its garden dining area.

[wondermint2]

This sounds very unique!

Come one, come all to Carrie Seidman's annual Thanksgiving Open House

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/...ac56ef24&ei=19

"Throughout my long newspaper career – during which I’ve worn hats as a sportswriter, a restaurant reviewer, an investigative reporter, a features writer, a dance critic and an opinion columnist – I’ve written a great many interesting, unusual and (at least to me) memorable stories.

But the one people always remember has nothing to do with any of the fascinating people who’ve stories I’ve been privileged to share. What sticks in their minds is simply this: "Oh yeah, you're the nutty lady who invites everyone to her house on Thanksgiving."

I swear, that’s probably going to be the epitaph on my grave.

Well, somehow Thanksgiving is right around the corner again, and since I’ve apparently not yet come to my senses, it’s time to invite all my readers – as well as anyone else who has no better offer – to come to the Third Annual Thanksgiving Open House and Reader Appreciation Day at my home this Thursday.

Although people have commended my “bravery” in issuing such an open invitation, given the times, I’m not quite courageous enough to print my address in the paper. If you need to judge travel time, just know that it’s in downtown Sarasota. But if you’ll text, email or call (my contacts, as always, are listed at the end of this column), I’ll share the address, directions and parking instructions. (This will also help me gauge how many friends to plan for.)

For those who have attended in the past, please don’t show up at my old house, where the open house was previously held. That is, unless you want to stand in the driveway, as I did recently, sobbing while watching it make way for the latest hotel house."

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Several nursing homes from Sarasota made the list:

50 FL Nursing Homes Make 2023 U.S. News ‘Best’ List

U.S. News & World Report rated more than 15,000 nursing homes in its annual report. Here’s how it rated Florida’s nursing homes.

For full article & full list:

https://patch.com/florida/sarasota/a...news-best-list

50 Florida nursing homes received a 5 — the highest possible rating — this year in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rating.

The rankings service rated more than 15,000 nursing homes in the country based on patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; reliance on antipsychotic drugs; health inspection results, and other quality indicators.

Here are the nursing homes that received an overall rating of five for 2024 in Florida:

Seven Sarasota-Manatee nursing homes rank among Top 50 in Florida in 2024 rankings

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/se...gs/ar-AA1k5Xlm

Seven nursing homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties received the best score possible, an overall 5 out of a possible 5 rating, in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Nursing Home rankings.

That distinction – based on evaluation of both short-term and long-term care – placed them among the top 50 facilities in the state of Florida.

The magazine has compiled its list since 2009. This year it tallied results from more than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide and 42 in the North Port, Sarasota, Bradenton metropolitan area, using quality measures taken by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which includes data on resident care, nurse staffing, and success on preventing emergency room visits.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation Names Its 2023 ‘Six to Save’

The initiative highlights local historic buildings that may be under threat.

For full article:

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/hom...buildings-2023

Concerns over development are top of mind for many Sarasota County residents, just like they are for the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP), which seeks to save local buildings that tell a story. Yesterday, SAHP leaders and community preservationists gathered at the historic Phillippi Crest Club to learn more about this year’s Six to Save, a SAHP program that highlights local historic buildings that may be under threat.

“With all the new developers and real estate investors breaking ground here, many have no knowledge of or investment in what these buildings mean, so they get scrapped,” says SAHP program director Erin DiFazio. “The land underneath is just too valuable.” Indeed, a post-pandemic land boom has seen the area’s rents and home values spike amid increased demand.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Whose parking space is it anyway at Sarasota County public boat ramps?

With limited parking at Sarasota County parks' public boat ramps, commercial charters come under scrutiny from the County Commission.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...ic-boat-ramps/

Increasing pressure on parking at Sarasota County parks as more users move to the area has prompted the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department to suggest enhanced enforcement of an existing policy that would restrict charter operations in county parks.

The pandemic-fueled population explosion brought a flood of newcomers, many of whom purchased boats that must be trailered to public ramps at Sarasota County parks that have limited parking for boaters and other park users.

And with yearslong waiting lists at the handful of marinas that dot the county’s coastline, the growth in charter operators to meet growing demand means that many are conducting business as usual — picking up and dropping off clients at the county park boat ramps in violation of county policy that prohibits such commercial operations in public parks.

The problem is many, if not most of them, couldn't comply if they wanted to.

Debate over charter boat operations at Sarasota County parks continues

The issue has pitted some small businesses against each other with some saying the status quo has created an unfair advantage for some businesses.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Dw-wCkx3E

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Charges recommended against former Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes

For full article:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/11/1...outputType=amp

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has recommended that charges be filed against former Manatee County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes. Complaints against Hopes alleged criminal violations of Florida’s public records, theft and notary laws.

The investigation and relevant materials were forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review on Nov. 15.

Dr. Hopes resigned in February of 2023. The separation agreement negotiated with Hopes says the end of his employment as a voluntary resignation and separation are without cause and that Hopes departs “in good standing in all relevant respects.”

The sheriff’s office confirmed that the complaint was in reference to the county-issued cellphone and tablet of former county administrator, Scott Hopes.

Opinion: Manatee County is the land of Hopes and (bad) dreams

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/op...ms/ar-AA1k6nOw

Now, no one actually cried, or walked up to Scott Hopes and hugged him, but the way the Manatee County Commission slobbered all over a man who may be facing criminal charges was perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of local government meetings, which is saying something around here.

[wondermint2]

Wildlife center, animal rescue facility advances on $2.5M expansion

The Sarasota County project is underway while also raising funds to finish it.

For full article:

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/n...ces-expansion/

The Venice-based Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida has embarked on a four-phase, $2.5 million expansion that will allow the nonprofit facility to develop a plethora of species-specific habitats and significantly improve its ability to rescue and rehabilitate injured animals.

Phase one, which includes several new aviaries, including one for raptors, is already under way.

Project: Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida Expansion

Location: 925 N. Jackson Road, Venice

Cost: $2.5 million

Size: Five acres

Builder: Hughey Construction Services (Venice)

Architect: N/A

Designer: Waldrop Engineering (Bonita Springs)

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Manatee County proposes increased impact fees

For full article:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/11/1...outputType=amp

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved a motion to begin charging 100% of applicable impact fees. Those fees represent the one-time charge collected when new construction is completed in unincorporated areas of Manatee County.

The motion to direct Development Services staff and the County Attorney to begin the process to increase the impact fee collection to 100% was made by District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn.

“Coming from the building industry, I think we have to do something to help offset and take it from 90-100%,” Rahn said. Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge seconded the motion.

Manatee County collects impact fees to pay for multimodal transportation (including new roads), parks and natural resources, law enforcement and public safety equipment and libraries. Impact fees are restricted to funding growth-related capital improvements and may not be used for replacing infrastructure, maintenance or operations.

Demand for County infrastructure capacity is increased with construction, so impact fees ensure that new development pays its fair share of the capital cost incurred by the County to maintain adopted Levels of Service to accommodate population and job growth.

This is an opinion piece from Manatee County commissioner George Kruse:

The Subtle Art of Deception
Developers will now pay 100%...of 44% of the actual costs

For full article:

https://thebradentontimes.com/storie...eception,62519

We are certainly seeing the strains on our infrastructure and systems but we’re not seeing them rectified by the growth that’s causing them. For years, that cost has been heavily subsidized by the existing taxpayers…either through additional taxes or through living with substandard infrastructure.

Our last impact fee study was conducted in 2015 (eight years ago) based on data from 2014 (nine years ago). The calculated costs of growth would be substantially outdated at this point even in normal times. But the high-inflationary period we’ve gone through these past few years has further exacerbated this problem and this massive shortfall.

What’s worse, these outdated fees aren’t even being collected in full. They were increased to 90% of the cost of growth in April 2017 and they were never increased again. We’re presently not collecting the full cost of growth—in 2014 dollars—in 2023.