Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

SPAC architect selects Sarasota-based firm as architect of record

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...sarasota-firm/

The architecture firm named to design the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center has named a Sarasota firm as the architect of record.

Renzo Piano Building Workshop, which is headquartered in Genoa, Italy, has selected Sweet Sparkman Architects from among 30 candidates.

Sweet Sparkman Architects has been practicing for 22 years, completing cultural and community projects such as The Bay, Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling College of Art and Design: Basch Visual Arts Center, Asolo Repertory Theatre Koski Center Campus, Venice Theatre and Siesta Key Park and Pavilion.

[wondermint2]

‘A very costly lesson.’ Bradenton furniture manufacturer owes employees $92K, feds say

For full article:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/very-...193000992.html

The United States Department of Labor recovered nearly $100,000 in back wages from a Bradenton furniture store, the agency announced Monday.

Investigators said they found that Alumatech Furniture Manufacturing Inc., 6063 17th St. E., Bradenton, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by not paying eight employees overtime rates despite them working over 40 hours in a workweek.

As a result of the employer failing to pay overtime to piece-rate and commission-based workers when required, the department said they recovered $92,562 in back wages and damages for the affected workers. The owed back wages average out to over $11,500 per employee.

“The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring workers get every dollar they earned,” Nicholas Ratmiroff, the Wage and Hour Division’s district director in Tampa said in a statement.

[wondermint2]

Letters to the Editor - Investigate who is bankrolling candidates for Sarasota city and county commission

For full column:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/in...on/ar-AA1nVmM9

Investigate campaign contributions

I commend the Herald-Tribune for its article April 28, “Developers have the inside track,” which confirms what many have suspected for many years regarding the significant influence developers have on city and county officials.

One area where the newspaper could make a further impact is to shed light on the campaign finances of Sarasota City Commission and Sarasota County Commission candidates. Commissioners make crucial decisions on rezoning issues, where development often clashes with the wishes of residents and the preservation of natural resources.

Voters need to know who contributes to the candidates in order to understand to whom the candidates may be beholden. For instance, is a candidate backed by grassroots residents or bankrolled by developers?

Candidates are legally bound to disclose their funding sources and detailed records are available. But knowing where to find them and understanding donors’ businesses and affiliations takes time and expertise.

This is where the Herald-Tribune can step in. By using its investigative expertise, it can determine campaign contributions, identify them and publish its findings. Voters will be empowered with valuable insights about the candidates and whether or not developer power brokers fund their campaigns.

Nick Trippodo, Sarasota

[wondermint2]

North Port leaders encourage voters to approve referendum on Nov. ballot (Video)

The referendum would give the city permission to amend its charter so it can borrow money.

For full article & video:

https://www.fox4now.com/north-port-e...-on-nov-ballot

North port voters will have a new referendum to consider on the ballot in November.

North Port leaders want to amend the city’s charter so that the city can borrow money. However, that will ultimately be up to the voters to decide in the general election come Nov. 5.

City Manager Jerome Fletcher told North Port Community Correspondent Victoria Scott that amending the charter will give the city a better opportunity to fund large-scale projects. He referenced the estimated $122 million new police headquarters.

Fletcher said the borrowing power would be within reason, though.

It will also help North Port keep up with the growing needs of the city.

[wondermint2]

Hop aboard!

Frog Hop free transportation service continues to make the call, answer the call

For full article:

https://siestasand.us/hop-aboard/

That loud “RIBBIT!” you hear on Siesta Key isn’t from some enormous amphibian invading the island.

Rather, it is your free neighborhood transportation service announcing its presence via its custom frog horn and large Frog Hop logo.

According to operating manager Tina Limber, who now owns and operates the business with her brother William, the Frog Hop was born in December of 2017 when founder Gary Kompothecras wanted to help reduce traffic on the island and simultaneously provide safe transportation for residents and visitors. Hence, the shuttle service was born and along with that came an easy and inexpensive way to get around Siesta Key.

“We get them home safely,” Limber said, “I’ve had drivers get out of their buses and walk people to their door to make sure they get home safely.”

That kind of commitment is no accident.

“The Frog Hop drivers are part of a handpicked team of local drivers to ensure you receive the best experience and free ride service to get you where you’re going safe and on time,” Limber added. “The drivers all have information regarding Siesta Key and Sarasota. The Frog Hop is an amazing way to explore the area and a perfect way for out-of-town guests to see the sights along Siesta Key.”

The Frog Hop is a free transportation service; however, Limber suggests passengers tip the drivers because they don’t get paid.

“The drivers pay for their gas and reimburse a percentage back to the company to help reimburse company expenses,” Limber said.

Unlike Siesta Key’s trolley, Frog Hop passengers don’t have to be standing and waiting in a designated area until their ride arrives. Passengers can just call and say where they are, how many people they have, and where they want to go.

“We pick them up and take them anywhere on Siesta Key for a tip. We are a door-to-door service,” Limber said.

In addition to providing a creative, safe, and efficient way to get around, the Frog Hop is also available for events such as weddings, business meetings, concerts, or just a night out on the town. Call to charter one of the Frog Hop vehicles for your next outing.

Also, the Frog Hop provides rides to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

According to its official website, the Frog Hop fleet of vehicles includes open air trolleys and 20-pluspassenger vans.

How is the Frog Hop different from other transportation services?

“We have music, air conditioning, we give out information, wrist bands, and we’re just engaged with our passengers,” Limber said.

The Frog Hop’s normal hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, Limber said, “If the phones are ringing, we will stay out until the streets are quiet.”

This creative mode of transportation is available rain or shine, and all you must do to schedule a ride is call 1-844-FROG-HOP or 1-844-376-4467. The website address is: https://froghopsiesta.com.

[wondermint2]

Inside the Fleming file

New Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce president shares his viewpoints on various topics

For full article:

https://siestasand.us/inside-the-fleming-file/

“We’re a magical place and people want to be here,” says Eric Fleming, the new president of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, summing up the joys and occasional challenges of life on the slice of beach paradise we call home.

[wondermint2]

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church packs 30,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger (Photo Gallery)

For photo gallery:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...h-packs-meals/

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church on April 27 hosted over 100 volunteers to pack 30,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger during its second annual meal-packing event.

Karyn Hawksley is the chair of community service at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and organized the event.

Along with members of the church, 100 people from communities in the area signed up to volunteer such as the Lido Shores Property Owners Association, Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto counties and Second Chance Last Opportunity. Volunteers could also show up on the day of the event without signing up.

Children from the Boys and Girls Club were assigned as team leaders at tables to give instructions and help anyone who had questions. They received training before the event. This was to help them build leadership and social skills while mingling with Sarasota residents.

April Glasco from Second Chance Last Opportunity was also there to help and take meals directly to people her nonprofit serves immediately after the event.

Volunteers switched off between packing meals and decorating the boxes that the meals would be delivered in.

The volunteers packed 30,000 adult meals which provides 60,000 meals for children. The meals will be going to different nonprofits around the area including Second Chance Last Opportunity, Harvest House, All Faiths Food Bank, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Englewood Food Pantry and Schoolhouse Link.

The event was funded by the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation, providing $10,000 to purchase the food.

"Last year, we made 20,000 meals and had to raise the money ourselves," said Hawksley. "So, this year to see how much we have grown with making more meals and having the church's fund support us has made all the difference. Also, working with April and the Boys and Girls Club is just incredible. They had made a great impact on our community and the world."

[wondermint2]

Lakewood Ranch veteran honored for service to the military and community

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...nored-service/

In 1993, Lakewood Ranch’s C.J. Bannister didn't see college as a viable option.

She was graduating from high school in Eddyville, Iowa, and was told that joining the military would be a way to increase her educational opportunities in the future.

So that’s what she did.

Bannister enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. What she didn’t know then was that the eight years she would spend in the Air Force would be some of the best years of her life and lead her to a career in helping veterans.

During its Red, White and Brave luncheon April 16, the Tidewell Foundation honored Bannister not only for her service in the military but also for her service to veterans in the community through her work with nonprofits. The foundation honored five other female veterans as well.

[wondermint2]

Mayor, state legislator discuss consolidation

For full article:

https://www.amisun.com/2024/04/29/ma...consolidation/

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth met with Rep. Will Robinson Jr. recently to discuss the potential for consolidation or elimination of the three Anna Maria Island cities. She said that after the meeting, she feels he’s listening to city leaders’ concerns.

Robinson is one of the five-member Manatee County state legislative delegation that initiated the process for the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) study looking at consolidating the three Island cities into one, eliminating the cities and folding them into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton, or leaving them as-is. The results of the state agency study will be sent to Robinson and Sen. Jim Boyd for review, but are not required to be released to city leaders or to the public.

During the April 23 conversation, Titsworth said that they discussed the report and Robinson said he’s looking forward to seeing the report and related numbers. One of the sticking points with state legislators and the Island cities has been a lack of consolidated services in an effort to save taxpayer money on the 7-mile Island. Titsworth said that’s something that Robinson asked about and wants to see some progress on.

While all three Island cities are looking to partner with the city of Longboat Key on enforcing mangrove protections as agents of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Titsworth said she and Police Chief Bill Tokajer are in preliminary talks with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy about the Holmes Beach Police Department taking over law enforcement in the northern city.

Currently, the city of Anna Maria is the only Island city without its own police force, contracting with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. Titsworth said the two cities are looking at the numbers and a draft interlocal agreement to see what the options are.

[wondermint2]

Voters to decide tourist tax increase

For full article:

https://www.amisun.com/2024/04/29/vo...-tax-increase/

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners were set to vote on whether to increase the county’s tourist tax, also known as the bed tax, from 5% to 6% at their April 23 meeting, but the item was removed from the agenda due to a recent change in state law.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) increase the tax at its April 15 meeting, but neither body was aware of 2023 legislation that gave voters the power to levy an increase in the tax.