Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Gulf Islands Ferry Service Expands

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...f7af0bcb&ei=48

A popular new way to check out the sights on the open waters in Manatee county has expanded service. Wednesday, the Gulf Islands Ferry service has grown from three to five days a week, that is, if the weather permits.

The service operates Wednesday through Sundays from 10am to 9pm taking passengers from downtown Bradenton to the Anna Maria Island Pier.

“Book and buy ahead, we’ve been busy,” said Gulf Islands Ferry lead captain Nicolas Francis.

Francis said the service, which launched in January has been averaging around 400 passengers a day.

When asked if they service would offer seven day a week service, officials said it may be part of the plan transportation option which is also geared at easing motor vehicle traffic in the area.

“It would be tough, we’d have to look at staffing, but it could be possible,” Francis added.

For details on tickets and schedules, visit: https://www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com/ , or call: 941-357-2587.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota bicyclist dead after hit-and-run in Bradenton; driver sought

https://news.google.com/articles/CBM...S&ceid=US%3Aen

A Sarasota man died after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on a crosswalk in Bradenton, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the 28-year-old bicyclist was trying to cross the eastbound lane of State Road 70 around 9 p.m. Friday when a red-colored car hit him. The driver fled the scene.

The 28-year-old man was taken to a hospital. He was pronounced dead on Saturday.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP or Crime Stopper.

The crash remains under investigation.

[wondermint2]

MCSO March DUI Saturation Patrol results

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/03/2...atrol-results/

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office conducted its March DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday, March 22nd and here are the results.

During the patrol, the united 4 impaired drivers and 2 additional drivers were tested for impairment.

They unit made 4 felony arrest, 8 misdemeanor arrests, and one criminal traffic summons.

Deputies wrote 26 citations, 17 warnings for other traffic offenses.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

New and improved public flight observation deck coming to SRQ airport. Take a look

For full article & photos:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/improved-...150000840.html

Major improvements are planned for a popular plane-spotting area at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The unpaved patch off the west side of a big curve on 301 Boulevard East/15th Street East, across from Lindbergh Court, is owned by Manatee County.

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and Manatee County government are jointly planning a reimagined observation area there, designed by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, including The Wing, an aluminum shade structure.

Visitors will be able to listen to air traffic communications from speakers in the 825-square-foot observation deck.

Displays and signage would provide information about the airport and its history. Seating will also be available in the observation area.

An aviation-themed playground for children is planned with sponsorship by Allegiant Air.

Also planned are landscape design, lighting and a paved parking area.

“We would look out there and see all the people behind the fence watching the planes and wondered how we could enhance it and make it a nicer experience,” said Rick Piccolo, the airport’s president and CEO.

Commissioners Approve $1.1M Reimbursement to SRQ for Observation Deck

For full article:

https://thebradentontimes.com/storie...ion-deck,80110

The Manatee County Government and SRQ Sarasota-Manatee Airport are partnering to construct a $2.2 million public observation area at the intersection of 15th Street East and Lindbergh Court in southern Manatee County. The county has agreed to support the project by providing SRQ with an economic development reimbursement equal to half the projected cost, $1.1 million.

The project’s development site is a fairly well-known location to area residents and visitors who enjoy parking on the unpaved easement along a chain link fence off 301 Boulevard East. SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo told TBT by phone that he has observed spectators of all ages enjoying the perfect vantage of take-offs and landings for years from his office window.

[wondermint2]

A malpractice case against Manatee Memorial Hospital gets a go-ahead

https://www.wmnf.org/malpractice-cas...ts-a-go-ahead/

An appeals court Friday revived a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by a man who alleged he suffered hip fractures while unconscious in a Manatee County hospital after a drug overdose.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal overturned a circuit judge’s decision to grant summary judgment to Manatee Memorial Hospital in the lawsuit filed by Michael Barber.

Barber was taken to the hospital in 2017 by emergency medical technicians and ended up being sedated, according to Friday’s ruling.

Days later, after regaining consciousness, he complained of pain and was diagnosed with hip fractures.

“Barber underwent surgery at Manatee Memorial to repair his hip fractures, but no hospital personnel ever explained to him how his hips were injured,” Friday’s ruling said.

Barber filed a malpractice lawsuit, but a circuit judge ruled he had not provided evidence that the fractures were a result of the hospital’s negligence.

The appeals court, however, agreed with Barber that he should have been able to argue what is known as a “res ipsa loquitur” theory of negligence — with the Latin phrase meaning “the thing speaks for itself.”

The panel pointed, for example, to evidence that Barber was not injured before going to the hospital.

“In the … case, expert testimony established that Barber’s injuries are not the type that result from lying unconscious in an ICU (intensive care unit) bed recovering from a drug overdose,” said the 19-page ruling, written by Chief Judge Daniel Sleet and joined by Judges Susan Rothstein-Youakim and Suzanne Labrit. “Put another way, he presented sufficient evidence for a jury to reasonably conclude that under the circumstances, injuries like his would not occur absent negligence.”

The ruling sent the case back to circuit court.

[wondermint2]

11 arrested following Sarasota County Sheriff's Office narcotics investigation

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/03/2...investigation/

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested 11 people following a months-long narcotics investigation.

The arrests were the result of an investigation near 32nd St and Leonard Reid Ave.

Undercover detectives were able to purchase rock cocaine several time from different individuals during that time.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

A colorful floating sculpture is planned at Bradenton Riverwalk

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tri...4287de20&ei=50

A new sculpture of the historic Manatee River is coming to Mineral Springs Park in Bradenton.

The sculpture, "The Singing River," draws on the Manatee River's folklore and history. City officials say the planned sculpture will sit above the walkway along the Riverwalk East extension.

"In Native American legend, the Manatee River, dividing line between the Calusa and Timucuan peoples, was known as the 'Singing River' because of the most beautiful and lovely music it mysteriously made on certain moons," according to Manatee County's website.

The artwork, which will cost $350,000, is expected to debut next spring at Mineral Springs Park, 1312 Second Ave. E., Bradenton.

Jean Farmer, the city's public art coordinator, believes the sculpture will create a little magic in the park. She hopes it will make visitors curious to learn about the humming river.

"There's only about a handful of these rivers anywhere in the world," Farmer said.

She also wants the artwork to honor the river's history. An archaeological dig in 2020 revealed how Angolan settlers in the 19th century lived in Bradenton and added new importance to the site.

"It's important that we get it right because it's a very special spot," Farmer said.

You can see the graphic designs here:

A colorful floating sculpture is planned at Bradenton Riverwalk. Check out the design

https://www.newsbreak.com/bradenton-...out-the-design

[wondermint2]

Traffic Watch for Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Week of March 24, 2024

For the full list of local road construction & closures:

https://www.mympo.org/blog/traffic-w...024?format=amp

Motorists are reminded to wear safety belts and drive with caution, courtesy, common sense, and patience as they travel through work zones. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state. If you know before you go, you can plan accordingly and save time and money.

[wondermint2]

Venice Symphony expanding upcoming season


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugl0V-DK2kM

The Venice Symphony is tooting its horns to promote its upcoming concert season.

The Venice Symphony is encouraging patrons to “Find Your Seat. Find Yourself” with their latest campaign to promote the 2024-2025 season.

For the first time, the Venice Symphony will begin its season in October, growing the season to eight weekends. The Symphony will be adding a fourth “Home for the Holidays” concert for another opportunity to experience the typically sold-out December performances.

They’re also adding more non-traditional concerts. “The Rat Pack is Back” will feature The Venice Symphony Jazz Orchestra with Michael Andrew, former headliner and bandleader of the Rainbow Room in New York City. The Symphony said the concert will transport you to a time and place when crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin dominated the world of music and pop culture.

The Symphony is doing this off the heels of its 50th anniversary season.

Founded in 1974, The Venice Symphony is a 501(c)(3) professional orchestra, offering a variety of concerts from November through May. The orchestra is led by Music Director and Conductor Troy Quinn.

https://www.snntv.com/sarasota/venic...coming-season/

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Firefighters rescue cat from car's engine compartment

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/33787...ne-compartment


NORTH PORT — Sometimes firefighters rescue cats from trees, other times they're closer to the ground.

On Friday, first responders were called upon to rescue an orange cat from a spot it had found inside the grille of a car's engine compartment.

By doing so, they averted a situation that could have had tragic consequences for the feline.

"Station 82 B shift responded to a cat stuck in the grille of a vehicle this afternoon," read a post on the fire department's social media page Friday. "A cat-astrophe was averted and the cat was removed safely and unharmed."

While they were able to wedge the cat out, firefighters didn't know how the cat found its way into the grille.

The owner of the car didn't know either, and also didn't know where the cat came from.

Firefighters asked the pet's owner to contact Sarasota County Animal Service at 941-861-9501 to reunite with their cat.

Meow! Cat-astrophe averted as cat’s owner sought out

Now North Port Fire Rescue is looking for its owner.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-nhCgAYwgE