Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

Birds take flight in Sarasota Art Museum exhibit

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...ce8e1e3c&ei=39

Visitors don’t just look at the work of artist Anne Patterson. They become part of creations that hang and dangle around you. There will be more than usual for patrons to immerse themselves in with the sights and sounds of “The Truth of the Night Sky: Anne Patterson and Patrick Harlin.”

The show, on display at the Sarasota Art Museum through Sept. 29, is a collaboration with the Hermitage Artist Retreat, where Patterson, a multi-media artist, and Harlin, a composer and sound artist, first met more than a decade ago.

The exhibit is running concurrently, at least until July, with “Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.” The show, curated by Dan Cameron, features work by 10 artists who have enjoyed residencies at the Hermitage over the last two decades.

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*‘The Truth of the Night Sky’

A creation by Anne Patterson and Patrick Harlin. Through Sept. 29. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; https://sarasotartmuseum.org

[wondermint2]

Rent or buy? Here's what experts say is the best option for Tampa Bay

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/real...ce8e1e3c&ei=41

To rent or to buy? That is the question for thousands of young Americans moving to big cities in 2024.

In general, it’s cheaper to rent than to buy in all major U.S. cities right now, according to a report from Bankrate that analyzed data through February 2024. This is mostly due to rent increases softening over the past year while home prices remain high and mortgage rates keep rising. It's still slim pickings when it comes to the housing inventory, too.

But before all you aspiring homeowners get discouraged, know that these factors vary depending on which city you're in.

In some metropolitan areas, there's a big gap between the monthly cost of renting and buying.

For example, the report says the typical monthly rent in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley area is $3,024 compared to the typical monthly mortgage payment of $8,486.

But in other cities, the gap is much, much smaller.

In the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area, the typical monthly rent is $1,395 compared to the typical monthly mortgage payment of $1,423 — only 2% more.

So, where does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area fall?

According to Bankrate, the typical monthly rent in our area is $2,106 while the typical monthly mortgage payment is $2,622.

It's also important to note that housing is rather expensive right now regardless of whether you're a renter or homeowner.

Researchers say rents surged in 2021 and 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions eased and people moved back to big cities — specifically those in Florida and other Sun Belt states.

“The long-term trend is that people seem to like the Sun Belt, probably because it’s sunny down there,” Daryl Fairweather, chief economist of Redfin, told Bankrate. “Those places have become more expensive since the pandemic because of how many people are moving in there.”

And, of course, there are pros to owning a home even if it may cost more money in the short term.

"Renting allows for more flexibility and has lower upfront costs," Bankrate researchers said. "Real estate is an asset that typically builds value over time and can later be sold for a profit, but it also typically improves your quality of life."

Economists say when you're deciding whether to rent or buy, it's important to consider these three factors:

[wondermint2]

Nearly 70 years old, DeSoto Bridge in Manatee County slated for replacement in new plans

For full article & graphic:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ne...5938dc72&ei=58

The Florida Department of Transportation has unveiled final details to replace the DeSoto Bridge across the Manatee River.

FDOT officials met with members of the community on Tuesday evening to present plans for the replacement of the aging 1.3-mile DeSoto Bridge, which was built in 1957. The department's preferred option features four 12-foot travel lanes with a concrete barrier separating northbound and southbound lanes. It also includes 10-foot inside shoulders and 12-foot outside shoulders to give vehicles space to pull over if necessary, and a 12-foot shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians.

The roadway north of the bridge would include two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction and a 12-foot shared-use path on both sides of the road. The southbound section includes a westbound turn lane, and the northbound section includes one eastbound and one westbound turn lane.

The existing four-lane bridge will remain in operation during the construction of the new bridge, which will be built immediately to the east of the current structure. Once the eastern half of the new bridge is completed, the existing bridge will be demolished to make space for the construction of the western half of the new bridge.

Traffic can cross the river by traveling on the first half of the new bridge during that time.

The final design of the project is estimated to cost $6.55 million, the right-of-way is estimated to cost $800,000. Construction costs are estimated at $140 million and expected to take place in 2027, with an additional $17.5 million estimated for construction, engineering and inspection.

The overall project is expected to cost $172.8 million.

Residents who would like to submit feedback to FDOT can email Project Manager Richard Combs at Richard.Combs@dot.state.fl.us, call 836-698-3770, or visit:

https://www.swflroads.com/project/442630-1

[wondermint2]

The Bay Sarasota phase two of construction this summer

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...5938dc72&ei=60

The Bay is a public park along Sarasota Bay open and free to everyone. Designed to be “One Park for All” it hosts more than 50 free events per month for residents and tourists to enjoy. From movies, to fitness, nature walks, and dancing, there is something for everyone.

The first phase of the park opened in October of 2022. Since then, over 450,000 people have visited the park with over 50,000 people attending at least one free event.

Now, The Bay will soon move into phase two, starting late summer. This phase will include work on the seawall, added resilient shoreline, which helps protect against hurricanes, new docks for boaters to park and pull up to The Bay, and even a pier.

Visitors will not have to wait for all of the construction to be finished to enjoy the new features. They will develop each feature in mini phases so that they can be used when they are completed individually.

“We’re going to start with the replacement of the seawall which is just south of the boat ramp, north of 10th street, and it will include the addition of 20-25 new day docks, so now people from the barrier islands or anywhere with a boat can now access The Bay Park by boat and by water,” said Diana Shaheen, the director of park guest experience. “We’re extending this resilient shoreline north, so what we’re doing is creating space that is resilient to storm surge like hurricanes,” said Shaheen.

The director of park guest experience also says 85% of construction must be done by summer of 2026 based on funding. For more information on construction and future developments, click here:

https://www.thebaysarasota.org/park-features-phase-2/

[wondermint2]

Sarasota County prepares for mosquito season after last year’s malaria outbreak


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

As we inch closer to some of the rainiest months of the year, residents can expect to see more mosquitoes out and about.

Sarasota County is preparing to respond as needed, but they’re asking the public to prepare as well.

You may recall last year, Sarasota County saw seven malaria cases. It was the first time in 20 years that the state of Florida had any confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness.

Crews treated more than 580,000 acres and more than 2,400 miles of ditches.

“With all of those efforts, we still cannot reduce the risk of mosquito-borne viruses and parasites to the public completely. That is our primary focus. We do everything we can, but we still need the public’s help and ways that everyone can help us on that is making sure to get rid of all containers on your property. Also, avoid mosquito activity at dawn and dusk; that is the primary activity time for mosquitoes feeding on humans,” said Sarasota County Mosquito Management manager Wade Brennan.

Residents are also encouraged to wear insect repellent and wear loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves.

To help protect the public from mosquito-borne illnesses, the county’s mosquito management department does ongoing surveillance through sentinel chickens and pooling mosquitoes and testing them in their labs.

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/oth...692832da&ei=40

[wondermint2]

Success of Giving Challenge shows the power of working together

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/smal...499bb5bf&ei=23

On April 9 and 10, this community came together in a show of unity that demonstrates just how connected we are.

The 2024 Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, showcased the power of collective action in our region, raising an impressive $17.2 million for 724 nonprofit organizations in a span of just 24 hours.

To incentivize giving among all income levels, The Patterson Foundation’s Governing Board again approved the unique unlimited dollar-for-dollar match on all donations from $25 to $100, which not only inspired more people to give, but also contributed $6.7 million to this year’s grand total.

Over nine Giving Challenges since 2012, the community has rallied time and again, raising $92 million in unrestricted funds for local nonprofit organizations serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties that are largely responsible for the amazing quality of life we enjoy.

Not every community is as fortunate to have such a robust nonprofit sector. Nonprofits work to enhance the well-being of our entire community in ways that include protecting our beautiful environment, presenting high-quality arts performances and exhibits, and providing care for those people (and animals!) in our region who most need it.

[wondermint2]

Nominations under way for FPL Power Play at Sarasota-Manatee High School Sports Awards

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/oth...499bb5bf&ei=40

What was the most outstanding high school play you saw this past year in the Sarasota-Manatee area?

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune is taking video submissions for the FPL Power Play contest, sponsored by Florida Power & Light. Footage of any play showing any high school in the Sarasota and Manatee County area is eligible. The top play, as decided by a panel, will be honored at the 2024 Sarasota-Manatee High School Sports Awards on Friday, May 31, at the Van Wezel Center. The show is produced with support from Lakewood Ranch.

Nominate your top play by uploading video to the contest page linked here:

https://heraldtribune.gannettcontest...nds/1/gallery/

The nomination period is under way and will end on Monday, May 13, at 11:59 p.m.

[wondermint2]

Sarasota/Bradenton companies looking to fill over 300 positions locally

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/comp...499bb5bf&ei=56

If you are searching for a new job, there is an opportunity to find one and get hired on the spot coming up this week!

Several businesses in the Suncoast and Tampa Bay area are looking to fill more than 300 openings by participating in the Sarasota / Bradenton JobLink Job Fair on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott University Town Center / Lakewood Ranch Conference Center, 8305 Tourist Center Drive, Sarasota.

Featured employers include: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Paychex, City of Bradenton, Sarasota Sheriff, Sarasota County Government, Bath Fitters and many more.

Parking and admission are free. Resumes are not needed.

For more information and to see companies attending, visit: http://FloridaJobLink.com

Registering in advance online is suggested.

[wondermint2]

This Drone Could Bring Life-Saving Help To Manatee County Residents (Video)

For video:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/th...8e6aa6ce&ei=37

Manatee County is partnering with Tampa General Hospital on a drone program that will be the first in the nation to deliver life-saving supplies via drone. 911 callers in the pilot program may receive an AED or opioid overdose treatment in under two minutes while an ambulance is on the way.

[wondermint2]

Osprey residents trying to rezone property before commercial development

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/real...e434cff2&ei=45

Osprey residents are fighting against a developer and they hope to rezone a piece of land before its turned into an office complex and oil change facility.

The property, located at 1401 S. Trail in Osprey is more than 63,000 square feet and was sold in 2023 for more than half a million dollars with the intention to build a ‘Take 5″ automotive shop and an office complex.

Several residents have express concerns about the changes. Sarasota County will hear the rezoning petition on Thursday afternoon.