[Development]  Longboat Key Approves Hotel Renovation
Jacob Ogles, Jacob.ogles@srqmediagroup.com

After two years of negotiations between neighbors, attorneys and Town officials, a $400-million renovation and expansion of the Longboat Key Club and Resort has been approved. The Commission voted 6-1 on Wednesday in favor of a proposal for the hotel which includes less condominiums than developers would like, but which is still financially viable.

In a final proposal submitted to the Town on June 27, the Club asked Commissioners to allow the addition of 32 golf course condominium units beyond what was approved two weeks prior. Additionally, more units would be built on the south property, where town officials and neighbors said additional condo development would be less disruptive. In total, the Club shed 9 or 10 units in this final compromise.

How long it takes before a new hotel is built, though, will depend on market forces. But in a phasing agreement negotiated with town officials, the Club will have to begin construction of the hotel tower when it begins construction of a meeting center and wellness center. Plus, many condominiums are tied to the hotel project. A 12-story hotel with 196 rooms also includes an additional 76 residential or tourist units, according to Club spokeswoman Katherine Songster.

The approval may still be challenged in court by the Islandside Property Owners Coalition, which says the project remains too massive for the Key and violates portions of the Town's comprehensive land-use plan. Share:

[Daily Shop]  Purse-onal Investment
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

You made it a point to cash out your Roth IRA to snag the newest Louis Vuitton, so why would you want to risk the perils of a restaurant’s floor on a Saturday night? Take a little assistance from portable purse hooks at T. Georgiano’s—hang your bag on the table’s edge and never fret over mystery smudges again. Fashion is maximized and functionality concealed by the hooks’ precious stones (such as jade, onyx and rose quartz), which act as glam lids for the hidden flip-top mint case with mirror. Share:

T. Georgiano's, 1409B First St., Sarasota, 941-870-3727

[Good Bite]  Real Men Drink Pink
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

Sure, some days the hubby will slip into a hunky, bubblegum hued t-shirt, but that’s often as far as he’ll go. Push him to embrace his manliness at the Real Men Drink Pink event today at Magnum Wine and Tastings from 6 to 8pm. Featuring a selection of 2009 vintage rose wines, ideal for a much needed refresher when sitting poolside, and also selling earlier vintages marked below their retail price, this tasting is ideal for the people who can’t help thinking pink. And here’s a little history lesson: back in the day—in the seventies, that is—rose wine was at first produced to make up for white wine’s high demand and falling supply. To keep up, wine makers experimented with a vino on the whiter side. Still made with red grapes, but with the skins removed so it could be as light in color as possible, the rose technique was a hit. It stuck around as a top-seller, eventually to make us Sarasotans blush with glee. Share:

Magnum Wine and Tastings, 2300 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 941-929-9463

[Exec Moves]  Nikki Taylor Joins Rock Solid Construction Group

Rock Solid Construction Group, Inc., a Sarasota-based award winning construction firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Nikki Taylor as Vice President of Business Development & Client Relations. Taylor, formerly with The Concession, brings a decade of marketing and strategic partnerships development experience to the firm. A Florida Minority Certified construction firm since 2007, Rock Solid Construction Group has provided new construction, renovation and build-out services to residential and commercial clients, and to public and private sector markets in a multi-county area since 2005. The company was the recipient of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Best Young Business Award in 2008. Share:

Rock Solid Construction, 766 S Opsrey Avenue, 941-365-1021

[Structure]  Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota Installs Board

The Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota has installed its new President Scott Rushing and Directors for the 2010-2011 year. Officers include Mark Johnson as Vice President, Ron Haines as Secretary, Mike Hawkins as Treasurer, and Tim Self as Chairman of the Board. Sertoma is an acronym for "SERvice TO MAnkind" and is an international organization that's been in existence for almost 100 years. The Sarasota Club has been in existence since 1956. Sertoma's primary service project is assisting the more-than 50 million people with speech, hearing and language disorders. Share:

Sertoma Club

[Expansion]  Local Skin Care Company, My Jeunesse, Expands

My Jeunesse has announced it is expanding its existing product lines of facial cleansers, masques, exfoliates, crèmes and moisturizers with the addition of all natural soaps, massage candles and massage/moisturizing bars. In addition, the Sarasota, Florida based company now also offer trial size packaging, ideal for gifts, to its existing facial product line. All of My Jeunesse’s products contain all natural and organic ingredients. Launched in 2009 after 16 years of development, My Jeunesse continues to grow and expand its consumer reach. Share:

My Jeunesse

[Technology]  SkinSmart Dermatology Acquires New Device

SkinSmart Dermatology of Sarasota has been involved in early clinical treatments for the Zeltiq Cryolipolysis device for fat layer reduction and is introducing it in Southwest Florida. The company is one of only nine in Florida to offer the treatment. The Zeltiq Procedure gently cools unwanted fat cells at specific areas of the body, causing them to shrink and gradually be eliminated from the body.The procedure for non-invasive fat layer reduction is available on a limited basis in Canada, the European Union and other international markets. Share:

SkinSmart Dermatology

[Opening]  Hukilau Hut Opens First Store on Mainland

The Hukilau Hut, a local favorite for its thirty flavors of authentic Hawaiian shave ice, has opened its first store on the mainland in Sarasota, Florida. Owned by a long time Sarasota family, the company has expanded their selection to include a complete coffee bar using beans roasted on site (including Cuban and American coffee, espressos, lattes and more), boutique ice creams and milk shakes, Kahuna signature sandwiches on in-house baked Maui bread, Kona chili dogs and much more. The new restaurant incorporates the unique, hand-carved Hawaiian décor that has made their traveling Hukilau Huts so well loved in the community. Located on the north side of Bee Ridge Road just west of Shade Avenue, the Hukilau Hut is open from Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. Share:

Hukilau Hut

[Today]  DRAW: Themed Sketch Night, Art Center Sarasota, 5:30—8:30pm

This is a summer series for adults, with each session featuring unique and unusual models, settings and genres. Tonight’s theme is “Costumed Characters Night.” Models will pose in extravagant and outrageous garb straight from the theater stage. Allow yourself to be inspired by these titillating, yet tasteful, drawing soirees. This is an excellent opportunity to refine your drawing skills in the company of your fellow artists and explore fresh, new poses. Sketch nights are held in a drop-in basis so no registration is necessary. Cost is $12 for ACS members and $16 for non-members. Must be of age 18 or older. Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-365-2032. Share:

[Today]  FESTIVAL: Parade of Boats, Downtown Sarasota, 7pm

Tonight, enjoy the Suncoast Super Grand Prix Festival’s Parade of Boats. The parade will stream through downtown Sarasota beginning at Main Street and US 301 and will end at Gulfstream Avenue. 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. Main St., Sarasota, 941-371-8820 x1800. Share:

[Soon]  HEALTH: Free Yoga, Siesta Key Beach, July 2, 8—9:30am

Start your morning off right tomorrow with a calming, refreshing session of yoga on the sands of Siesta Key. This class is designed for all levels of yoga experience, so no matter if you are a truly talented yogi or a newbie, this class is sure to provide a wonderful yoga experience for you. Bring a towel or mat and drinking water. The class meets directly in front of the main entrances to Siesta Key Beach, adjacent to the green lifeguard stand. Siesta Key Public Beach, Sarasota, 941-320-6693. Share:

[Soon]  MUSIC: Music on Main, Lakewood Ranch Main Street, July 2, 6—9pm

Grab your family and friends and enjoy this night of free entertainment and great food. Concerts are free to the public and are held on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9pm. Each concert features a different style of music and will benefit a local non-profit organization. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, but please leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Main St., Lakewood Ranch, 800-954-9578. Share:

[Soon]  ART: Art Walk, Bradenton Village of the Arts, July 2, 6—9:30pm

This Friday, take in the art of Bradenton Village of the Arts during their monthly Art Walk. The Village of the Arts is a vibrant community of artists living and working together in Bradenton. With over 35 artists, the Village is Florida’s largest art community. Art Walks fill the streets with art lovers looking for affordable fine art, jewelry, ceramics, designer wear and collectibles of all kinds. Bradenton Village of the Arts, 11th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-747-8056. Share:

[Soon]  CELEBRATE: Flag Fest Sarasota, Main Street, July 4, 4pm—12am

This is a free, Fourth of July Festival choc full of events for the whole family including live entertainment, face painting, pony rides and games. The fireworks show will go off until 9pm, but the festival lasts until midnight, keeping the party going with American rock bands among the festival’s other patriotic activities. This special event is presented by the Downtown Sarasota Alliance. Main Street, Sarasota, 941-706-7605. Share: