« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY May 27, 2019

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"Because it's an independent special district, it can't change its boundaries without going to the Legislature."

- State Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota
 

[Development]  Governor Signed Lakewood Ranch District Expansion
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The area for the Lakewood Ranch stewardship district could soon grew by another 2,000 acres.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill into law authorizing new tracts of land to become part of the special taxing district. That would mean an additional $1 million in taxes will be raised in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, according to state revenue estimates.

State Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, sponsored the local bill growing the district. He represents the Lakewood Ranch community in Tallahassee.  The legislation rolls two new pieces of property, a 2,264-acre property in Sarasota County and a 41-acre property in Manatee, into Lakewood Ranch.

“Because it’s an independent special district,” Gregory said, “it can’t change its boundaries without going to the Legislature.”

The district was created in 2005 and provides a sort of city boundary for the community, though such districts work differently than municipalities. A governing board gets elected, much the same as a City Commission, but votes get divvied out based on land ownership instead of granting residents a vote. Basically, every acre of land owned in the district gives an individual one vote.

It will ultimately take a referendum with land-owners finalizing the additional property to become part of the stewardship district. And it’s no small ask, considering infrastructure in the new lands could cost another $11 million, which will be funded by bonds payable by new homeowners residing there.

Revenue raised through assessments on property owners and budgeted by the district goes to infrastructure improvement. Rex Jensen, CEO of Schroader-Manatee Ranch, chairs the district’s governing board.

“The stewardship district was established when most of Lakewood Ranch was a cow field,” said David Ballard, Gregory’s legislative aide. By establishing the district, it allowed infrastructure for planned growth to be bonded using taxes from inside the district rather than using outside dollars.

The expansion of the district means Lakewood Ranch will officially span some 25,605 acres of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The district was originally created through a local bill, a different process than most legislation considered by the Legislature. The bill and any subsequent changes, like the one just signed into law by the governor, must first be approved by the Sarasota County and Manatee County legislative delegations rather than going through a normal committee process. Both legislative delegations unanimously approved the local bill, which represents the fourth change to the stewardship district.

The full House and Senate later approved the local bills through a unanimous vote during the session. 

[Education]  Third Grade Reading Test Scores Improve in Sarasota County

More than 3,215 third grade students in Sarasota County participated in the April 2019 Florida Standards Assessment, with incredible outcomes. Students scoring Levels 3 – 5 (proficiency) grew two percentage points compared to last year, while nonproficiency rankings decreased. The results reported are based on all students tested and include students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL) as well as retained third grade students. For the 2018-19 school year, proficiency rates in Sarasota County are 12 percentage points higher than the State of Florida in English Language Arts (reading). A comparison between the test scores for 2018 and 2019 indicates that Sarasota County third grade student proficiency increased by two percentage points. Sarasota County Schools is tied for 5th out of 67 school districts in reading proficiency. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Philanthropy]  SMH Foundation Awards 2019 G. Duncan Finlay Health Careers Scholarships

Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Foundation awarded the 2019 G. Duncan Finlay Health Careers scholarships this month to six outstanding high school students who plan to pursue careers in healthcare. Each student will receive $10,000 over four years to help offset the cost of college tuition and expenses. Funded by an SMH Auxiliary endowment, the scholarships have been provided annually for more than two decades. Scholarships are awarded to students after a detailed written application and interview process, in which they demonstrate a commitment to pursue a career in the medical field, strong academic performance and financial need. 

G. Duncan Finlay Health Careers Scholarships

[Philanthropy]  RASM Awards Six Student Scholarships

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) awarded six $2,000 scholarships to deserving students from the two-county area. Every year, the Association awards up to six scholarships, as selected by the RASM Scholarship Committee. This year, the committee reviewed more than 85 applications and interviewed 13 candidates before determining the final six. Three of the scholarships were awarded to applicants from the public at large and three were awarded to applicants who are immediate family members of RASM members in good standing with the Association. Scholarships support tuition, textbooks and other course-related fees. Since its founding in 2002, the RASM Scholarship Program has awarded over $170,000 to deserving students. 

Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

[Business]  GATES Construction Begins Work on Siesta Key Beach Condominium Project

GATES Construction has started construction on a new condominium named 89 Beach, located on Siesta Key Beach. This new luxury condominium building will feature six high end residences with three elevators, multiple cabanas, a 2nd level pool deck, wifi smart home technology, beachfront views and electric car charging stations. Architectural design services are being provided by DSDG Architects. 

GATES Construction



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Annual Myakka River Blues Festival , May 27, 11am-6pm

Tune in for a great lineup of artists this Memorial Day, including The Kat Crosby Band, The Collaboration Band, Sarasota Slim, Ghost Mountain Revival Band and Ben Prestage. Snook Haven is located in a sedate area near the riverbed in a natural cove that holds the true old Florida ambiance. Enjoy two stages with non-stop music with styles from the Chicago blues scene to southern style blues. Tickets are $15 pre-sale and $25 at the door. 

Snook Haven, 5000 East Venice Avenue, Venice. 

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cycle 5 , May 30 – July 5

In Gallery 1, Monumental, a group show, features small-scale sculptures. Next door, local artist Keith Crowley will exhibit a recent series of his meticulously layered photographically-based oil and watercolor paintings in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota. In Gallery 3, and featuring incisive and satirical investigations of the ego, sexuality, and competitiveness found on full display at gyms, Caitlin Albritton’s paintings and drawings of contorted figures address questions of gender issues and body politics.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Niceties , May 31 – June 30

Zoe is called into her professor's office to discuss her paper about slavery's effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history and power.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Art, Animals and You , June 1, 9am - 3pm

Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt, see what the vendors have in store, enjoy the art of the "Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna" exhibit and bring your well-behaved leashed pets for a free Pet Portrait. There will also be 1-hour children's art workshops at this interactive and creative day of family fun.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W, Bradenton.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Evolve Summer Social "Saturday Night Fever" , June 1, 7-11pm

Don't miss the Evolve Summer Social "Saturday Night Fever" benefitting the Children’s Guardian Fund on June 1st from 7-11pm at the Grove at Lakewood Ranch.  Each year, hundreds of children in foster care go without birthday presents or celebrations.  Through the proceeds from this event and  community donations, the Children’s Guardian Fund can provide $35 Walmart Gift cards to guardians for each child’s birthday.  Last year’s event “Havana Nights” raised over $13,000 providing over 370 gift cards. 

[SOON]  MUSIC: Artist Showcase (AS1): Fairy tales and Fantasy , June 6

Embark on a fantastic journey to faraway places. Various artist will perform to evoke a world of childlike imagination. Also, experience the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield's Ha-Galgal (The Wheel), a prayerful work inspired by the sound of the shofar, for solo horn.

Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Around the World in 80 Days , June 7 – June 23

Eight actors, 109 characters, six trains, six boats, four flights, one storm, a circus act and an elephant take center stage in this play. When Phileas Fogg and servant Passepartout board the train in London in 1875, he has only 80 days to travel the world to win a wager with his fellow members at the Reform Club. An adventure lies ahead that includes romance, danger and surprises with Scotland Yard pursuing him at every turn.

 

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Summer Fest June 8th 2019, 11am-3pm , June 8, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Music Compound is excited to announce a partnership with Child Protection Center joining them in celebrating their 40th anniversary fund raising campaign, help us help them by attending our Summer Fest 2019. Enjoy live music, food trucks, bounce house, beer samples, silent auction and other area vendors. This is a family friendly event, everyone is welcome!

The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 18th Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival , June 8 – June 9

Festival-goers will enjoy works from the state’s best talent of crafters and long-time festival favorites along with the newest names on the contemporary craft scene.  Come see some of America's best crafters displaying one of a kind jewelry, pottery, plant holders, soaps, and more. Also included will be an expansive green market.

St. Armands, 411 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: World Oceans Day Festival , June 8, 9am

Take part in a fun, family-friendly event celebrating our salty waters. A variety of ocean-themed activities will be available to learn about World Oceans Day. Even get the chance to dip nets into the water and discover the creatures beneath the waves! Learn amazing facts about our large wildlife—like sea turtles in Florida and explore the history of fishing in Manatee County.

Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street West, Palmetto.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Four, Two, One (Saturday Symphony) , June 8, 7:30pm

The depth of talent cultivated at the Sarasota Music Festival will be on display as four 2019 Violin Fellows join forces for Vivaldi's Concerto Grosso from L'estro Armonico. 2018 Festival alumni Katherine Arndt (violin) and Cassia Drake (viola) will share the stage for Mozart's beloved Sinfonia Concertante. Finally, pianist Jon Kimura Parker, world-renowned for his energy and onstage charisma, will bring his spirited personality to Beethoven's iconic Piano Concerto No. 4.

Sarasota Opera House, 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Happy Feet Dance Recital and Fundraiser , June 9, 4:00pm

Presented by Such-A-Diva & Dude! Theme: Bollywood Night! Preferred Attire: ‘That outfit you were wanting to wear for your red carpet appearance’. Celebrity guest: Punit J. Pathak. 100% of the profit from the tickets go to the Aga Khan Foundation.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton.

[SOON]  THEATER: Come Together: When the 60s met the 70s , June 11 – July 21

With music made famous by Cher, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and more, this rockin’ revue explores the changing musical landscape from 1965-1975. Come Together explores the musical soundtrack of one of the most exciting, controversial, and impactful decades our country has ever seen. Featuring hits like “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Come Together,” and “Killing Me Softly.”

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Summer Circus Spectacular , June 11 – August 3

This family-friendly spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets for preview shows, June 11-14, are just $12; for the remainder of the run tickets are $16/adults, $12/children 12 and under.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024