Sarasota & Manatee Counties news thread

[wondermint2]

German brewer buys Rod & Reel Pier

For full article:

https://www.amisun.com/2023/12/10/ge...rod-reel-pier/

German brewer and restaurateur Oliver “Oli” Lemke is the new owner of the iconic Rod & Reel Pier and restaurant in Anna Maria.

German businessman Mario Schoenfelder bought the Rod & Reel Pier in 1999 and sold it to his friend and fellow German businessman on Nov. 21.

In response to a Dec. 7 email inquiry from The Sun, Lemke wrote, “Having been a friend of Mario’s family for many years, I´ve known the pier for quite a while as a guest. After the closing of the sale on the 21st of November, I came over and stayed at the pier for 10 days to get to know the team, the guests and the atmosphere. Everything at the pier will stay the same. To me, it´s a little piece of paradise and I intend to keep it that way.”

Lemke is a brewmaster who has operated his own brewery in Berlin since 1999. In addition to his Lemke Berlin brewery, he also owns four restaurants in Berlin.

[wondermint2]

5 applicants now seeking 2 Anna Maria commission seats

For full article:

https://www.islander.org/2023/12/5-a...mission-seats/

A handful of residents have applied to claim two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission.

The city received five applications from residents seeking to succeed Robert Kingan and Deanie Sebring as of Dec. 1, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy.

Applicants include:

- Gary McMullen;
- Kathleen Morgan-Johnson;
- Pat Olesen;
- Susan Stephen;
- Sharon Wisniewski.

Only two seats will be filled by a vote from the commission’s three members.

Sebring’s seat has been vacant since she resigned and moved away in October. Her successor will serve the remainder of her term, which expires in December 2024.

On the other hand, no one qualified to run for the seat occupied by Kingan, who elected not to run for a second term in November.

His successor will step into a full two-year term, since Kingan’s expires in December, before the selection process outlined by the city.

That process includes the solicitation of applicant questions that will be posed at a city-hosted public forum at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, where applicants will introduce themselves to the public and respond to residents’ questions.

In the meantime, it’s never too early to get to know the prospective commissioners.

Morgan-Johnson, Olesen and Wisniewski spoke with The Islander the week of Nov. 27 about their hopes to serve on the city commission.

McMullen and Stephen applied recently and their applications were shared Dec. 1 as a result of a public records request by The Islander. The newspaper plans to schedule profiles and interviews with the newer applicants later this month.

[wondermint2]

Better Beaches clean-up event is Dec. 16 on Siesta Beach

https://siestasand.us/better-beaches...-siesta-beach/

Join the Better Beaches non-profit group for a clean-up outing on Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16.

This in-person event is your chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and help us clean up the beach. No registration is required to participate.

By joining forces with Bettering Beaches, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Siesta Key. Together, we’ll pick up litter and ensure that our beloved beach remains a pristine paradise for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this event is a great opportunity to meet new people, have fun, and contribute to a worthy cause. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, a hat, water, and plenty of enthusiasm!

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

EcoSummit to focus on coping with Sarasota’s growth

For full article:

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/11/2...outputType=amp

As state and local governments continue to expand to accommodate growing populations, a local nonprofit believes they also bear a responsibility to invest in natural resources.

“If we continue to grow our built environment, we need to grow the natural environment, treating it as if it’s an essential utility,” said David Shafer. “You add roads; add more beaches, more parks. If you add more sidewalks and hard surfaces, you need to add more stormwater treatment, and not just the kind stored in a concrete vault, a living system that can do those actions so much better.”

Shafer and his wife, Jennifer Shafer, are co-executive directors of the Science and Environment Council, a non-profit that aims to bring together stakeholders and key members of the community to develop plans to address environmental concerns.

The Science and Environment Council will host the EcoSummit on Dec. 5-6 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, an event designed to open conversation surrounding solutions for the balance of nature and human growth.

The Sarasota-Manatee area is the second fastest growing area in the country, according to US Real Estate News. According to the Shafers, growth is stressing “ecosystem services,” such as clean air, clean water, fish and wildlife, recreational water.

Sarasota EcoSummit tackles development, pollution and water quality

Nearly 8 acres of open land is lost to development per hour in Florida, says a panel moderator.

For full article:

https://www.yourobserver.com/news/20...water-quality/

When it comes to environmental issues, it’s all about challenges and opportunities.

That was a recurring theme throughout the three-day EcoSummit hosted in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Dec. 4-6.

The event was hosted by the Science & Environmental Council of southwest Florida. The nonprofit serves the community by hosting similar events and sharing knowledge related to the environment.

On the first day, keynote speaker and documentary filmmaker Damon Gameau talked about seeking new environmental stories. Later that night, writer Carl Hiaasen, “Florida’s most savagely funny, riotous and cathartic storyteller” shared some of his Florida stories from dolphin-tourist relationships to alligator encounters.

Six sessions took place during the three-day event, which included panel discussions, case studies and storytelling from over 50 speakers.

Here is a snapshot.

[wondermint2]

3 Florida cities ranked ‘Best Places to Live in the U.S.’: report

For full article:

https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/3-...-s-report/amp/

Three Florida cities were recently ranked among the “best” places to live in the United States.

Money said it looked at economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, and where the best futures lie to come up with the top 50 cities in America.

The report ranked Atlanta, Georgia as the best place to live because of its “booming jobs market and eye on equality.”

Three Florida cities made the list: Tampa (No. 9), Altamonte Springs (No. 33) and Sarasota (No, 43).

Money called Sarasota a “paradise for beach, culture and wildlife lovers.”

“Sunbathers can enjoy sandy stretches on nearby Siesta Key (which has a thriving social scene — ever seen that MTV reality show?) and Longboat Key (where hundreds of sea turtles lay their eggs every year). Art fans won’t feel out of place, either. Sarasota boasts the Ringling Museum, a museum built by circus operator John Ringling and his wife in the 1920s. Styled after the Uffizi in Florence, Italy, the museum is home to pieces from artists like Peter Paul Rubens as well as a massive courtyard filled with bronze cast statues — including a replica of Michelangelo’s David,” Money reported.

A downside to Sarasota is that the homes are expensive. Money’s data showed that the median home sale price in 2022 was over $568,000.

Money said the population in Sarasota tends to be older and less diverse than neighboring Tampa.

Quick facts about Sarasota:

Population: 56,115
Median household income: $64,142
Median home price: $368,733
Unemployment rate: 2.6%

These are the 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022-2023, according to Money:

[wondermint2]

Sarasota Police Department host gun turn-in and free gun lock giveaway

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/12/1...outputType=amp

Sarasota Police department encourages residents to partner with the Police Department to keep the city safe by turning in unwanted guns.

SPD host a gun turn-in and free gun lock giveaway on Wednesday, December 13th.

The event begins at 2:00pm-6:00pm at SPD Headquarters (2099 Adams Lane) and Community Relations Unit Office (1782 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way).

[wondermint2]

A well-known farm in Florida closed after 84 years, but you can still buy its favorite products

Mixon's Farm Closure and Its Continuing Legacy

For full article:

https://original.newsbreak.com/@s-br...orite-products

After 84 years of serving the Florida community, the iconic Mixon's farm in Bradenton has closed its doors. Known for its unique offerings and agricultural education, the farm's closure marks a significant shift in Florida's changing agricultural landscape. However, fans of the farm can still relish its famous products, thanks to innovative adaptations by the Mixon family.

[wondermint2]

Originally Posted by wondermint2

Sarasota County eyes increased access to preserves as part of ecotourism push

For full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/new...sh/ar-AA1l8xco

Access to almost 100,000 acres of preserves, reserves, state parks and other natural areas could give Sarasota County an additional draw for tourism, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Rissler told county commissioners at a recent presentation on opportunities to increase public access to preserved and protected lands.

She characterized access to those lands – marketed as ecotourism – as the “fourth leg” of a stool for Sarasota County’s tourism efforts, along with beaches, arts and culture and sports.

That’s all part of the 2023 strategic plan, approved by the commission last January.

Sarasota County Commission Chairman Ron Cutsinger, who put the increased access goal in the board’s 2023 strategic plan, took a moment to marvel at that amount, which represents almost 34% of the land in Sarasota county.

The following is from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune 'Letters to the Editor' column:

Sarasota County already draws ecotourists with canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park

For full column with more letters:

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/32613...ver-state-park

Canopy walkway stimulates ecotourism

I was very pleased to see that Sarasota County leadership is focusing on ecotourism as an asset of the wonderful place we live (“Sarasota County eyes increased access to preserves as part of ecotourism push,” Dec. 7).

What is also important to note − and not mentioned in the article − is that the canopy walkway in Myakka River State Park has served as an ecotourism inspiration for both visitors and conservationists.

The TREE Foundation builds canopy walkways locally and globally in order to provide economic stability to indigenous peoples, such as those in the Peruvian Amazon, through ecotourism.

But the canopy walkways also have significant scientific purpose.

Given that 50% of the world’s biodiversity lives in tree canopies, the opportunity for citizen and professional scientists to explore the canopies is unparalleled. And, not incidentally, the walkway in Myakka Park has a very positive impact on the local economy.

Vanessa Wassenar, Venice, incoming board president, TREE Foundation

[wondermint2]

Despite owner's intentions, some worry Manatee farm will be developed

Jerry Dakin says he will "do everything in (his) power" to keep Dakin Dairy Farms an agriculture property.

For full article:

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/n...arm-developed/

Well-known east Manatee County dairy farmer Jerry Dakin recently made a decision many other Florida farmers, from apple pickers to zucchini growers, has had to make: to sell the property.

Dakin, 55, has operated Dakin Dairy Farms for 22 years, a two-decade cycle where it built a niche client base, sold wildly popular chocolate milk in a retail store and became a go-to spot for elementary school field trips.

Key takeaway: The owner of Dakin Dairy Farm, Jerry Dakin, has put the 350-acre property up for sale, causing many in the community to worry that the new owner could flatten the farm and build homes.

Core challenge: The dairy farm business, and agriculture in general, faces many obstacles, from competition to regulations to high costs.

What's next: Dakin says he's had several interested buyers — and he seeks to sell it to someone who will keep it a farm.

[wondermint2]

Manatee County Sheriff's Office conducts underage alcohol operation, businesses cited

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/12/1...outputType=amp

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a countywide underage drinking operation to target business that sell or sever alcohol to minors.

MCSO partnered with Drug Free Manatee. The detectives used three underage informants and visited 83 establishments throughout the county and issued Notices to Appear to 12 store clerks for selling alcohol to a minor.

During the operation, two separate underage informants went into the Speedway located at 8604 State Road 70 East multiple times and were able to purchase an alcoholic beverage from different store clerks.

Here’s a list of the stores where underage informants were able to buy alcohol:

7-11 - 2011 Cortez Rd. West Bradenton

Exxon - 5929 14th Street West Bradenton

Speedway - 8604 State Road 70 East Bradenton (2 separate transactions)

Circle K - 5944 20th Street East Bradenton

7-11 - 14427 State Road 64 East Bradenton

RaceTrac - 6005 53rd Ave E Bradenton

Marathon - 3101 15th Street East Bradenton

Circle K - 904 30th Ave East Bradenton

Citgo - 6306 15th Street East Bradenton

7-11 - 4451 Tallevast Road Bradenton

Shell - 8471 Lockwood Ridge Road Sarasota (South Manatee County)

Detectives conduct underage alcohol operations several times a year at random locations around Manatee County. Sheriff Rick Wells warns businesses about the penalties for providing alcohol to a minor in Florida.

Wells also encourages parents to remind their teenagers about the seriousness of drinking and the criminal charges they can face for possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.