[Downtown]  Office Space Vacancies Under Control?
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqmediagroup.com

Much of the office space in Sarasota is still vacant right now, but commercial real estate agents say the market is getting better—or at least less erratic.

Ian Black, owner of Ian Black Real Estate, said his business has leased 272,000 square feet—including retail, office and industry space—in the last year.

"There is activity in this market," said Black, who feels the region is in recovery mode again.

John Harshman, owner of Harshman Real Estate, was also optimistic about the marketplace. He noted that areas like North Port have seen vacancy rates decline from about 35 percent to 30 percent, which is a marked improvement. Statistics kept by his office also indicate decreasing vacancy rates on the University Parkway corridor, though vacancy rates have increased in Venice.

Harshman is especially happy to see Class-A office space holding steady at a 13 percent vacancy rate. That is a sign, he said, that the market has reached its saturation point. And that vacancy rate is much better than other metropolitan downtowns like Tampa, which is floating around 20 percent vacancy, he said.

"We are doing very well, I think," he said. Share:

[Daily Shop]  T Talk
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

There’s something to be said for a good ol’ fashioned T-shirt, especially if Stitch has anything to say about it. New Ts in the shop by Fortunate Sun are L.A.-made for that laid-back Cali cool. The ultra soft tops for men send out kitschy, vintage-washed messages with graphically-enhanced mentions of notables such as N.Y.C., Bob Marley and Coca-Cola. What does Fortunate Sun have to say about its own Ts? “Wear [them] to the beach, to dinner, to bed.” ‘Nuff said. Share:

Stitch Boutique, 1636 Main St., Sarasota, 941-366-7268

[Good Bite]  Ooh-La-Lahvosh
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

Head upstairs to Hemingway’s Retreat and break off a piece of lahvosh—a massive, thin, crispy flatbread from Armenia. Lahvosh is commonly found in its traditional, untouched state in Middle Eastern markets, but the starter at Hemingway’s is topped with melted Havarti cheese and salsa fresca. It's on the crunchy side—with a bit of softness—without crumbling. And, if you squint your eyes, the camouflaged, white sesame seeds to come into focus, adding a subtle nuttiness to the flatbread variation. Don’t hold back on the additional toppings, which range from mushrooms to crushed pineapple to jalapeños. The jalapeños add some spice, color and contrast to the mildness of the lahvosh. The taste of lahvosh is reminiscent of upscale nachos, with the refreshing salsa bringing it to life. And, if ordered to-go, the oversized cracker is shipped in a pizza box, ready for a big group to nosh on its geometric slices. Share:

Hemingway's Retreat, 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-388-3948

[Exec Moves]  Pfahler Joins Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Chris Pfahler has been hired as the director of community investment for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. In the new position, Pfahler will work with partners and nonprofit groups to identify funding opportunities and ensure that the Foundation's investments in this region are managed effectively. Previously, Pfahler served on the Foundation's board of directors for two years and acted as project manager for the Florida BRAIVE Fund, which dispersed $5 million to assist military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Share:

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice

[New Service]  Amanatee Offers Suncoast Domains

Amanatee Group is leasing premium internet domains to increase local business visibility as part of the Global Reach Local Impact Project. A list of Suncoast exclusive domains has been listed on the company's website. The intent of domain-leasing is to drive targeted traffic to websites, to convey professionalism and prestige, and to ensure that search engines identify sites. Share:

Amanatee Group

[Exec Moves]  Daniel Joins Legacy Video

Kenny Daniel has been hired as vice president of operations for Legacy Video Studio in Sarasota. Daniel recently relocated to Sarasota from Arkansas and has 20 years of experience in video production, sound engineering, marketing and sales. Legacy Video provides video production services to clients throughout Florida and Arkansas. Share:

Legacy Video Studio

[Today]  LEARN: CSI Sarasota, Selby Public Library, 2:30—3:30pm

Need your investigative fix? Want to know how the cops outside of the TV world catch the bad guys? This afternoon at the Selby Public Library, learn how the Sarasota Police Department solves crimes with forensic science. Experts from the Police Department will be on hand to answer your questions. This special presentation is recommended for those ages 12 through adult. Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, 941-861-5000. Share:

[Today]  KIDS: Read to the Dogs, Selby Public Library, 4—5pm

This afternoon, children are invited to read to certified pet therapy dogs from the Humane Society of Sarasota County. This special program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention, and the kids love the interaction. Gifts of used blankets, towels, dog toys and treats are always appreciated. This program is recommended for children of all reading levels. Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, 941-861-5000. Share:

[Today]  SPORTS: Minor League Baseball Game: Bradenton Marauders vs. the Lakeland Flying Tigers McKechnie Field, 7pm

Tonight, come on out to the ballpark and root, root, root for the home team. Join minor league team, the Bradenton Marauders, as they take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The Bradenton Marauders is the minor league baseball team of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Marauders’ home games are held at McKechnie Field—the Pirates’ spring training facility. General admission to a Marauders game is $6. McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 941-747-3031. Share:

[Soon]  CLASS: Energy Incentives for Homeowners, Twin Lakes Park, July 28, 1pm

Take advantage of a great chance to save energy and money by learning about the new federal, state and local utilities incentive programs. These opportunities are currently available to citizens that improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Homeowners that upgrade insulation, windows and doors—as well as install air conditioners or renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, geothermal and fuel cell technologies—could be eligible for sizable reimbursements. Learn what products qualify and how to apply. This event is hosted by the Cooperative Extension, which is a partnership between the Sarasota County Government, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The goal is to provide information on agricultural, human and natural resources to enhance Sarasota County residents' quality of life. Register for this free event at sarasota.extension.ufl.edu. Twin Lakes Park, UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, 941-861-5000. Share:

[Soon]  OUTDOORS: Dip Net in the Grass Flats, Coquina Bayside, July 28, 6:30—8:30pm

Tomorrow evening, join a naturalist guide and catch critters in the grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Participants will discover the nursery of the sea and all the amazing creatures that begin their life cycles in the estuary. This event is suitable for all ages. You must wear closed-toe shoes (old sneakers work great). Cost is $15 per person. This event is put on by Around the Bend Nature Tours. All of the Around the Bend guides are Professionally Certified Master Naturalists through the University of Florida and the National Association of Interpretation. Call to reserve your space. Coquina Bayside, 1800 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 941-794-8773. Share:

[Soon]  BUSINESS: Workforce Freedom Initiative Tour, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, July 30, 8—9:30am

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Glenn Spencer, executive director of the Workforce Freedom Initiative of the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Spencer will give the latest legislative update from Congress regarding the labor agenda, strategies and what it means for the business community, especially in Florida. Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot with Lisa by July 28 at LisaR@ManateeChamber.com or call the phone number provided. Manatee Chamber of Commerce, 222 10th St. W., Bradenton, 941-748-4842, x123. Share: