[Planning]  Planning Advice from Winter Park
Jacob Ogles, Jacob.ogles@srqmediagroup.com

From its utility system to new urbanism, Sarasota leaders have looked to Winter Park's successes in recent years as a possible template for this area. But after a visit to Sarasota, Winter Park Senior Planner Lindsay Hayes said there is plenty here for her to take back to her jurisdiction as well.

After attending the recent SemCon 2010 event to offer expertise on historic downtowns, Hayes found herself driving the streets with a camera in hand looking for images to take back to Winter Park.

"I went back downtown so I could zip up and down the streets and take photographs," Hayes recalls. "I found an on-street parking space near where I wanted to go… It seemed to me everything was pretty conveniently located."

She said this area may lack a bit in design standards, and that there should be more consistency in the look of downtown Sarasota as one walks from block to block. Hopefully, the recent historic designation won by downtown will incentivize landowners to renovate buildings in a way that have a classic Main Street feel, she said.

Planners in Winter Park have won national acclaim, in part for efforts like a push to "vertical zoning" requiring restaurant or retail space on the first floor of downtown buildings. Hayes said the presence of professional offices and banks is fine downtown, but that having those buildings front the main streets does little for area commerce. Instead, shops and eateries that entice pedestrians will better activate an area.

"You want to attract people to come downtown and stay downtown," she said. "They may come downtown to go to one specific store, but to capitalize from a retail perspective, you want to encourage them to stroll the avenue and maybe stop in another store, and maybe get refreshments they did not intend to have." Share:

[Daily Shop]  Mouse in the House
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

You prefer to leave Orlando to the tourists, but that doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate a little Florida nostalgia now and then. Tervis Tumbler’s brand new Disney line will get you up close and personal with a certain famous mouse while still keeping a safe distance from the I-4 corridor. Drink Mickey and the crew (Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy) on Osprey’s famous cups while enjoying Tervis technology—cold drinks, condensation free—all sweltering summer long. Share:

Tervis Tumbler, 928 South Tamiami Trl., Osprey, 941-966-8614

[Good Bite]  Tasting Tour
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

There are a bunch of ways to scope out your surroundings, whether it’s a hiking tour, a biking tour, a helicopter tour—hey, even a concert tour. In Sarasota, however, where the cuisine is as engrained in the land as a grain of salt, what better way to get in tune with the city than to go on a food tour? Join Gourmettrek for a culinary expedition through the Downtown Historic District and hop from restaurant to restaurant. A tour guide will travel Main Street and hit a few hot spots, including Café Amici, Pastry Art, Sports Page, First Street Chop House, Sarasota Vineyard and the Gourmet Market. No binoculars, maps or bug spray are needed for this adventure—just bring an appetite. Share:

Gourmettrek, www.gourmettrek.com, 813-374-0306

[Publicity]  Vinyou.com Featured on Mashable, LifeHacker

Vinyou.com, a wine-tasting social networking site created by Bradenton residents Andrea and Jamie Dennis, was featured on two international websites - Mashable and Lifehacker. Mashable featured Vinyou in its Spark of Genius series, which highlights start-up companies which are less than three years old and haven't yet made $1 million in revenue. Lifehacker listed Vinyou in its recommended websites that help people get things done more efficiently. Vinyou launched in March. Share:

Vinyou.com

[Opening]  Building Bridges School Opening

Building Bridges for Success, a school dedicated to teaching teens like skills not taught in traditional classroom settings, is being established in Sarasota by Greg Para, a former corporate executive and trainer. Class registration begins in July for after-school, evening and weekend courses designed to help middle and high school students get a good start on the next school year. Daytime classes are also available for home-school children. Individual tutoring will also be offered. Share:

Building Bridges for Success

[Opening]  Special Care Provider Opens

Special Care Home Maker and Companion Service, a new business based in Bradenton, is now open and promoting its services. The company is providing special home care, both through 24-hour-a-day care or part-time help. The service is intended to allow patients to enjoy independence and get the extra assistance needed to remain comfortable and safe within their homes. Available services include such medically-oriented tasks as medication reminders, transportation to therapy and accompaniment to appointments, as well as home services like light housekeeping, meal preparation and grocery shopping. The service is available in Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties. Share:

Special Care Homemaker and Companion Service, 2510 11th Ave. E., Bradenton. 941-592-0898

[Technology]  New Ultrasound Debuts at Dattoli Cancer Center

Dattoli Cancer Center has invested in the newest color-flow Doppler ultrasound technology for its prostate cancer treatment center and brachytherapy (seed implant) suite. The Hitachi “HI VISION 900” is the next generation premium class, high-resolution ultrasound system representing a genuine advance in image quality and clinical utility. The equipment brings a new level of enhanced visualization through real-time elastography – technology that can distinguish the most subtle tissue differences, critically important in delineating cancerous and benign tissue. Share:

Dattoli Cancer Center and Foundation

[Today]  MUSIC: Van Wezel Friday Fest: Yesterdayze, Van Wezel, 5—9pm

This is a high energy, six-piece band with great vocals, re-creating your favorite songs from the ‘60s—the era that changed modern music forever. Every tune is a Top 40 hit from 1960 to 1969 such as songs of the Beatles, the Stones, the 5th Dimension, Steppenwolf and the Rascals. From Motown to the British Invasion, from Elvis to Hendrix, from Aretha to Warwick, Yesterdayze delivers a non-stop blast from the past you'll never forget. This event is free. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-953-3368. Share:

[Today]  LECTURE: A Botanical Artist’s Journey to Tibet, Selby Gardens, 12—1pm

Margaret Snee, a soon to be graduating student of the Academy of Botanical Art at Selby Gardens, has completed the requirements to obtain certification as a botanical artist. Snee will give a presentation of her five and a half week journey to Tibet to search for flora growing in the alpine meadows of the Kham District. Several species of flora including a terrestrial orchid are represented in her paintings and drawings that she will present. Selby Garden’s Cooley Theater, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-5731 x239. Share:

[Today]  ART: David Budd: A 40 Year Retrospective Opening Reception, Ringling College’s Selby Gallery, 5—7pm

Tonight there will be an opening reception in celebration of David Budd’s art exhibit at Selby Gallery. The exhibit will be on display in Ringling College’s Selby Galleries I and II through July 28. Distinguished as Sarasota's premier gallery for contemporary visual arts, Ringling College's Selby Gallery is a professional on-campus exhibition space that serves as both a center of learning and hub of extracurricular activity. The 3,000-square-foot Gallery presents major exhibitions by nationally and internationally celebrated artists, designers, illustrators and photographers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ringling College of Art and Design’s Selby Gallery, 2700 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-359-7563. Share:

[Soon]  COMEDY: McCurdy’s Improvisation Comedy Troupe, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, June 25—27, 7:30pm

Tonight, and through this weekend, McCurdy’s presents stand up bits, improvisation games and sketches with Les McCurdy and special guest improv comedians. Gut busting, stand up pieces will be interlaced with wildly unpredictable improvised bits. You may even find yourself on McCurdy’s Premier DVD. If you're one of his fans be a part of history in the audience for the filming of his first comedy DVD, working title, FORE! He's Shanked Another One Into The Crowd. All five shows this weekend will be filmed and the "best of" will make the cut. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 3333 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-925-3869. Share:

[Soon]  CELEBRATE: Second Annual Main Street BBQ Cook Off and Beer Festival, Lakewood Ranch Main Street, June 26, 4—10pm

Come out to Main Street in Lakewood Ranch this Saturday for a day filled with food, music and activities for the kids. There will be live music by the Rum Runners, Big T and the Tornados and Paper Airplanes. Attendees will sample barbecue and International Beers from Gold Coast Eagle. Join Main Street as its restaurants compete for the title of “Best BBQ.” Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton, 800-954-9578. Share:

[Soon]  FESTIVAL: Suncoast Super Grand Prix Festival Kickoff Party, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 7pm—1am

The Suncoast Super Grand Prix Festival is back and is celebrating its 26th year. This Saturday, the festival will be hosting a kick off party to celebrate the start of this year’s events. The dress is casual, and there will be a silent auction, dinner buffet and an open bar. There will also be live entertainment by the Greg Billings Band and Tucci Group. This is an elegant, enjoyable way to spend this summer, Saturday night. Cost is $100 per person. Sarasota is home to the longest running powerboat race site in history. Over the past 25 years, Festival proceeds have constructed more than $14 million in facilities for local charities serving the physically and mentally challenged. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Share:

[Soon]  KIDS: A’s for Science, July 1-Sept 30, 9am-6pm

Celebrate your child’s hard work in science this year and bring them to Mote Marine Laboratory for a day of fun. Children, grades K-12, who received an “A” on their report card in science will enjoy free admission with one paid parent ticket (one child per adult). You must bring you report card for proof of excellent grades. Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, 941-388-4441 Share:

[Soon]  FIREWORKS:Fourth of July Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

Maintain the longstanding tradition and celebrate your Fourth of July at Marina Jack. Island Park and the bayfront provide a gorgeous environment for a memorable night with the family as you watch a vast array of colors light up the sky. All proceeds from this event will benefit Suncoast Charities for Children, which serves children with a variety of special needs. Donations of cash, books, toys, diapers, and wipes for newborns through eight years of age are gratefully accepted. Donation drop points are located at Island Park, Marina Jack, and the Municipal Auditorium. Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 941-371-8820 Share: