Since the start of the Great Recession in 2008, the mover rate has remained between 11.5 and 12.5 percent, according to new 2014 statistics released today from the U.S. Census Bureau. The mover rate between 2013 and 2014 was 11.5 percent or 35.7 million people. This is the lowest number of movers since 2008, and continues a long-term trend of staying put. 

The evolving state of real estate law can be confusing even to the professionals involved, but a Sarasota law firm seeks to both explain and influence understanding of the field. The newest edition of Requisite, a “thought leadership” publication published by Williams, Parker, Harrison, Dietz and Getzen, touches on matters including uncommon investment opportunities and joint ventures, but the most important aspect of the booklet for the law firm’s future is a further establishment of reputation and expertise.

“I don’t know any law firms putting out thought leadership publications,” said Brad Robbins, chief operating officer for Williams Parker. “Our clients and target clients are savvy, sophisticated consumers of information.” Requisite launched with a publication dedicated to philanthropy, then moved this month to the topic of Real Estate. The entire publication is written in plain English, Robbins said, despite all being authored by attorneys. The writing works to avoid the footnotes and references to case law that make legal and academic writings so dense. It’s not exactly published for a wide audience, but definitely for those searching for expert opinion on the law.

The broad topics tackled each issue will be somewhat timeless, Robbins said. And each issue will include an expert interview; the most recent installment includes a conversation with Christopher Silver, the University of Florida’s dean of the College of Design, Construction and Planning. The publication will be available digitally, but Robbins said having a physical work that can be given to interested professionals and passed around appropriately will be the major form of distribution. The desired audience reaches beyond the greater Sarasota area, touching on issues of interest to anyone dealing with matters of law in Florida, and often with federal matters that would be of interest to anyone in the country.

“The lawyers of Williams Parker have a vast range of knowledge and experience,” said William Seider, president of Williams Parker. “Requisite draws on that wisdom and makes it available in the most lucid manner possible.” 

Manatee County Commission: The board meets Tuesday to discuss a purchase agreement between Cantolino Properties and Manatee County for property of 9th Street West in Bradenton. The meeting begins at 9am at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center.

Venice City Council: The board meets Tuesday to discuss an agreement with Sarasota County about the use of park impact fees for the construction of Legacy Park. The meeting begins at 9am at City Hall.

Bradenton City Council: The board meets Wednesday to discuss Department of Justice allotment of $27,484 for law enforcement purposes; the police will ask the city to accept the Justice Assistance amendment. The meeting begins at 9am at City Hall. 

Venice City Council

Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the Bradenton area through 75 events and creative electronic promotions that reach over 50,000 people a month, announces the relaunch of its website, RealizeBradenton.com. After more than a year of planning, the new site has been developed with the user in mind, emphasizing design, photography, simple navigation and easily accessible information. Since over 45 percent of the 10,000 monthly RealizeBradenton.com visitors are mobile users, the website was designed to be responsive in design. RealizeBradenton.com was designed in-house using staff expertise in photography, writing, and coding, with the development support of Bryan Gordon Design. The website is built on the NationBuilder platform, which includes a Constituency Relationship Management database and a Content Management System.  

Realize Bradenton

Sarasota was named one of 30 communities in the nation honored with a 2014 Pacesetter award by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Sarasota was cited for making “measurable progress” on summer learning loss outcomes. Initially focused on four attendance zones, with special emphasis on select schools in Sarasota County (Alta Vista Elementary, Gocio Elementary, Tuttle Elementary, and Emma E. Booker Elementary), The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading efforts in Sarasota County saw a reduction in chronic absenteeism, a significant improvement in the school readiness of students attending pre-K programs, and a rise of students attending summer learning programs to improve overall reading levels and prevent summer slide.  

Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

The Sarasota YMCA will mark the grand re-opening of the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Branch, on South Euclid Avenue, with a celebration on April 30 from 10am to 3pm with the official ribbon-cutting at noon.  During the celebration, community members will be able to tour the newly renovated gym and meet with staff and trainers. Other special activities include information booths on group classes and community programs, free health screenings provided by Sarasota Urgent Care, along with refreshments and music. 

Sarasota YMCA

Don't forget to RSVP to Where the Votes Are! Join us for coffee, bagels and early morning political discussion as we dissect the results of the March 10 election for Sarasota City Commission at SRQ Studios on March 24, 2015 at 7:45 AM. As campaigns brace for a runoff in May, SRQ Media Group will conduct an in-depth analysis of the first election results, carefully examining data based on geography, demographics and other voter behaviors. As part of our ongoing Where The Votes Are, SRQ political guru Jacob Ogles will present findings to gathered community and political leaders, then lead a discussion of the results and what the means for the city’s future. Breakfast and coffee provided. Please RSVP to wtva@srqme.com.