A development in the works in the Bradenton area was honored this month among the best planned communities in the state. The Florida Planning and Zoning Association recognized Lake Flores, a 1,300-acre project that may include as many as 6,500 homes, as an “Outstanding Planning Project,” an award presented at the 2015 Holiday Luncheon for the association’s Gulf Coast Chapter on Dec. 4.

“The Lake Flores plan has been many years in the making and has involved the time and expertise of countless individuals,” said developer Whiting Preston. “We especially appreciate the staff from the Manatee County Planning Department and the input and advice they contributed throughout this process.”

The Manatee County Commission in August approved the project, proposed on land stretching from IMG Academy to 75th Street between Cortez Road and El Conquistador Parkway. When finished, the project may also have 3 million square feet of new retail and office space and up to 500 hotel rooms, in addition to the homes. The land, previously utilized by the Manatee Fruit Company, will include green space an a 19-acre man-made lake. After the project was approved, Preston predicted accolades would follow. “The ideas will quickly become a sought out community for both locals and those moving into the area,” he said on the company’s official website. “Our team will work closely with county staff to ensure that all requirements are met and that we proceed in an efficient and effective manner." 

Osteria 7.13 is the new Italian café on the corner in Burns Square. The fountain that marks the spot where Orange and Pineapple is surrounded by café tables and the place is fairly busy on Monday night when I stop by with my mother for a quick first impression visit. This place is a labor of love. The manager, Antonio Bortoluzzo, and the chef, Cinzia Zanco, are young and impassioned. Both are recently imported from Italy—as are many of their gourmet ingredients. The 7 in Osteria 7.13 is the lucky number of the manager, the 13 the lucky number of the chef. Our charming Hungarian server, Dany, happily explains the reason for the numbers (in Italy, osterias are plentiful and are often distinguished by numbers) and offers thoughtful wine and food recommendations. We opt for a version of a caprese salad that involves layered slices of tomato, mozzarella and eggplant parmesan with fresh pesto and basil as garnish, as well as a cold plate called the San Daniele, which is a wooden board loaded with enough fresh arugula, mozzarella and prosciutto to feed a small army. Both dishes are impeccable; my mother declares the eggplant to be the best she’s tried in a very long time. The tiramisu that follows has a marscapone topping that is dense and not overly sweet and ladyfingers soaked in a secret ingredient. Actually, the ingredient is not a secret but the version is new to me and I encourage you to go to Osteria 7.13 and extract the answers for yourself. It’s bound to be a delightful experience. 

Osteria 7.13, 543 South Pineapple Avenue, 941-552-8657

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was ranked No. 2 in passenger security satisfaction among small hub airports by Phoenix Marketing International’s AirportXP mobile experience tool, which allows travelers to share their experiences at the 250 busiest U.S. Airports. The research, based on 144,600 air travelers evaluating over 200 airports nationwide from July through November 2015 shows satisfaction with airport security checkpoints varies widely throughout the country. The list ranked Bishop International in Michigan at No. 1 and Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field at No. 3. 

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The Sarasota YMCA Sharks Swim Team was ranked 11^th in USA Swimming’s Club Excellence Program. The Sharks team achieved many accomplishments during its 2014-2015 season. It won the15^th YMCA National short course championship, the 24^th Florida junior Olympic championships, the 20^th YMCA State championships, sent 15 swimmers to compete in junior and senior USA Nationals, sent two world junior championship competitors to Singapore including Team USA-selected Sharks head coach Brent Arckey, and qualified 10 Olympic trials competitors for 2016. 

Sarasota YMCA Sharks Swim Team

With only one shopping day left until Christmas it’s time to hunker down and secure the last minute gifts on your list. Narrowing down the perfect item isn't hard when you shop at a great boutique. As you hit the town to finish up your shopping, let us know your favorite local fashion retailer, so we can see if L. Boutique will keep hold of its title, or if The Met will edge it off of the local runway. 

Make sure to vote in our 2016 Best of SRQ Local Competition and while you’re at it, let us know your favorite spa as well! Reader Sue Tankersley let us know why L. Boutique was her favorite local fashion retailer, “I have shopped at L. Boutique for the past eight years. They are the best personal shoppers who bring me dresses, outfits, jewelry, shoes and accessories that I wouldn’t have even considered before. My wardrobe has expanded and is more unique than ever because of their diverse collections. I’ve been wearing the same dresses over the years and still continually get remarks saying ‘I love your dress.’ To which I respond, ‘I got it at L. Boutique.’”

The 2016 Best of SRQ Local polls are open now through February 15th, 2016 at SRQMAG.com/bestofsrq. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!