[Downtown]  Riverwalk Courses Bradenton's Future
Jacob Ogles, Jacob.ogles@srqmediagroup.com

Little treats and big plans run the course of the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, a Riverwalk peppered with docks and information stations lines the border between the city core and the water body.

Business and government leaders alike say the Riverwalk will play a major role in the future of downtown, and that plans to expand the attractive walkway should only enhance its effects.

“There are certainly lots of flocks of people exercising and walking along the boardwalk,” said Mike Shanley, owner of the Twin Dolphin Marina.

Poston says by the end of the year, the reach of the Riverwalk that go much further, and extend beyond the Marriott hotel which now marks the end of a walker’s journey. Before the end of the year, the mayor says, whole new swaths of Riverwalk will be available for the public to enjoy.

The City Council in June approved new enhancements proposed by a team of graduate students from the University of South Florida. A $2-million phase of improvements is set to break ground in December, and will include more covered walkways and improved visibility to improve safety. Share:

[Daily Shop]  I Scream, You Scream
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

We all scream for gelato. Homemade gelato with Sur La Table’s DeLonghi gelato maker, that is. Lots of perks make this contraption the one to have. A self-regulating compressor keeps temps well below freezing, which allows for the lower-fat treats. And an airtight lid keeps the breeze out, giving that super dense gelato-y goodness. The maker also whips up all-American ice cream (and sherbert—and frozen yogurt—and frozen drinks). The perfect sidekick to Fourth of July weekend. Share:

Sur La Table, 22 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-0380

[Good Bite]  Hot Hut
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

The weekend promises to be a hot one with patriotic barbecues galore and temperatures not looking to dip much below ninety degrees. Fortunately, the Hukilau Hut is opening its doors just in the nick of time. Perhaps you’ve seen the new hut’s traveling companions setting up temporary shop around town, but this oasis has no wheels and will be easy to find when a heat spell hits. Inspired by the famous North Shore on Oahu, Hawaii, the Hukilau Hut is serving up thirty different flavors of shaved ice (a local, frozen treat far superior to the snow cone, we’ve been told) including guava, coconut and pineapple. Not only that, the new joint features boutique ice creams, milk shakes, Kahuna signature sandwiches, Kona chili dogs and coffee made from beans roasted on site. With hand-carved Hawaiian décor and a unique island look, the mainland has never looked so good on a scalding beach day. Share:

The Hukilau Hut, 2253 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, 941-925-0400

[Economy]  EDC Reports Incentive Grants Add Jobs in Sarasota

A 60-employee business relocating to Sarasota County and a long-time local business planning to add 80 jobs this year are helping to boost the area’s economic outlook, according to Kathy Baylis, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. The EDC assisted MyUS.com and Tervis Tumbler Company with local performance-based incentives aimed at bringing good jobs to Sarasota County. MyUS.com, a market leader in international package forwarding, is expanding to a larger facility in Sarasota County from two locations in Manatee County, according to Robin Roach, MyUS.com operations manager. The company has 60 employees and could add up to 165 additional employees over the next five years.Tervis Tumbler Company, which moved to south Sarasota County in the 1960s, is adding a new, 40,700-square-foot building at its location in Venice, according to Laura Spencer, president and CEO. Tervis plans to add 80 employees in 2010 for a total of about 400 employees. Share:

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

[Growth]  156 Businesses Join the Manatee Chamber

Through the efforts of forty-four Chamber member volunteers and the Chamber’s staff, 156 businesses and organizations invested in the Manatee Chamber of Commerce by becoming members during the month of June. These new business members bring the Manatee Chamber’s total membership to 2,366 individual firms and organizations as of June 30–a number that makes it the largest among all chambers in the Tampa Bay area. Share:

Manatee Chamber of Commerce

[Connectivity]  USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Business Announces Advisory Board

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has announced the members of a newly formed Advisory Board for the College of Business, which will begin to meet in the fall. The major charge of the eighteen local area business leaders who make up the Advisory Board will be to advise faculty about the skills business students in the 21st century need to enter a highly competitive workforce. The Advisory Board’s recommendations will help the College of Business to develop new curriculum that is the most beneficial for students and local employers. Members of the USF Sarasota-Manatee College of Business Advisory Board are: Tommye Barie, CPA Associates, Danamichele Brennen, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., Allen Carlson, Sun Hydraulics Corporation, C. John Clarke, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (retired), Bruce Coffey, L-3 Communications Corporation, Philip Delaney, Northern Trust, Mary C. Forristall, Forristall Enterprises, Inc., Scott M. Greer, BB&T
Dale Hoffner, CPA Associates, Rex Jensen, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc.. Lana Krauter, Bealls Department Stores, Inc., Lisa Krouse, FCCI Insurance Group, Inc., Cathy Layton, Layton & Company, Inc., Alice Rau, Community Leader, Don Roberts, Goodwill Industries Manasota, Steven Roskamp, Roskamp & Patterson Management, Lindy Smith, Aladdin Equipment Company andd Susanne S. Wise, Take Care of Sarasota, Inc. Share:

USF Sarasota Manatee

[Sustainability]  Florida House Debuts First Solar Powered Air Conditioning System

Sarasota County government is partnering with a local HVAC contractor to use the energy of the sun to cool the Florida House. Representatives from Tri County Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. will join Sarasota County Commissioners at 10 am, Wednesday, July 7, at the Florida House to announce plans to install a state-of-the-art Lennox solar powered air conditioning system that will be the first of its kind in Florida. Air conditioning accounts for 56 percent of an average household’s electricity consumption. The new system could decrease electric bills as much as 50 percent. An additional benefit of the system is that when the unit is not operating and the sun is shining, it will produce energy for additional household demands. Share:

Sarasota County

[Today]  RELAX: Palm Avenue’s First Friday Walk, Palm Avenue, 6—9pm

Enjoy gallery openings, dining, antiques, specialty shops and live performances as members of the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance sing, dance, stroll and serenade the community and its guests. The theme for this Friday’s walk is “An American Salute.” Kick off this patriotic weekend by walking along the gorgeous Palm Avenue is the ideal way to finish off the workweek in beautiful Downtown Sarasota under one of Sarasota’s greatest treasures—the sunset. Palm Ave., Downtown Sarasota Share:

[Soon]  FIREWORKS: Fourth of July Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, July 4, 7-11pm

Continue the tradition and celebrate July 4th at the Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular. Bring a lawn chair to Marina Jack and come down to Island Park to see one of the best fireworks displays Southwest Florida has to offer. This event generates proceeds for Suncoast Charities for Children. Donations of cash, book, 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. Share:

Sarasota Bayfront Fourth of July

[Soon]  OUTDOORS: Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Boat Race, Lido Beach, July 4, 11am

This Fourth of July holiday, enjoy the gorgeous beach weather by watching a boat race by the shore. This event is part of the 26th Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival. 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. Lido Beach, Between New Pass and Big Pass, Sarasota, 941-371-8820 x1800. Share:

[Soon]  KIDS: Fourth of July Celebration, Little Bookworms Children’s Bookstore and Boutique, July 4, 2pm

Join Little Bookworms for its annual Fourth of July Celebration. There will be story time, a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games and snacks. Little Bookworms is an independent, locally-owned boutique in Lakewood Ranch. It features thousands of books for infants through teenagers and a unique selection of apparel and shoes for boys and girls. Little Bookworms Children’s Bookstore and Boutique, 811 Lakewood Main St. #103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-3808. Share:

[Soon]  MUSIC: A Fourth of July Spectacular with Gloria Musicae, Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, July 4, 4pm

Between the picnic and the fireworks, join Ringling Museum and Gloria Musicae this Fourth of July for a spirited concert of patriotic favorites that will have you cheering, clapping, stomping and singing along. Tickets are $22. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, 941-360-7399. Share:

[Soon]  CELEBRATE: Tropical Fourth of July Celebration, Selby Gardens, June 4, 6—10pm

Live music by Yesterdaze will highlight Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ popular Tropical Fourth of July Celebration, Sunday evening on the Gardens’ beautiful bay front grounds. Tickets are $15 for Gardens' members, $18 for non-members and children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online and will also be available from 10am to 4pm at the Gardens' Welcome Center entrance. Festivities start at 6pm. Judging for the best patriotic attire contest will begin at 7pm on the west side of the Great Room by the Bay (where the band is playing). Prizes will be awarded for this contest at 7:30pm in the same location. The evening will culminate at nightfall in a spectacular community fireworks display along the bay front. All-American cookout fare as well as beer, wine, soda and water will be available for purchase (cash only). No food, beverages or coolers are allowed into the Gardens for this special holiday event. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Tickets are available online at selby.org until noon, July 4. Tickets purchased in advance will be available at the south gate on Palm Avenue the evening of the event. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-5731. Share:

[Soon]  FIREWORKS: Siesta Key Chamber Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Siesta Key, July 4, After Sunset

Celebrate this Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach. Sunday, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will present its annual fireworks display beginning at dark. This display can be seen from anywhere along Siesta Key. Boats may be anchored in the Gulf for viewing the fireworks. Bring chairs, towels, food and drinks—but be sure that you do not bring any glass containers. Siesta Key, Sarasota, 866-831-7778. Share: