Officials with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County have awarded film incentives to more than 1,800 seperate projects since the creation of the program in 2008, and estimate that the economic impact was more than double direct spending. 

It’s been less than two months since Stan Zimmerman was appointed as a Sarasota City Commissioner, but he is already being challenged by political activist and consummate campaign supporter Matt Woodall. There remains time for other candidates to enter the fray, but both candidates in the contest so far say they are ready to make the case for themselves.

Zimmerman was appointed to the Sarasota City Commission District 3 seat in November to replace Shannon Snyder, who resigned to run for higher office. The former journalist said he wants to continue in the post he has observed from press seats for years. “Imagine watching from the front row as two guys mud-wrestle for the hand of Cinderella. Then they both decide Cinderella isn’t pretty enough for them, and go chase another target for their affections,” Zimmerman said. “I’ve been in love with Cinderella for 40 years. I thought it was time somebody showed her the respect and affection she deserves.”

Woodall has been a regular presence in campaigns, particularly those for Democratic candidates. He most recently supported Linda Holland’s last City Commission campaign. Now he is vying for the seat himself. “After thoughtful consideration and encouragement it seems that my education, experience and interest could be both an advantage and useful benefit to the citizenry of District 3,” Woodall said.

The deadline for qualification for Sarasota City Commission District 3 is Jan. 9. The election is scheduled for March 10; if necessary a runoff will be held May 12. 

Taylor Morrison, a leading builder and developer in North America, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction at Oyster Harbor, the newest enclave in Fiddler’s Creek. The event was attended by Ryan Fulmer, John Asher, Angela Wisdom, Steve Kempton, Sal Simonetti, Jennifer Sutton and Stephen Reiter, all of Taylor Morrison West Florida. 

Taylor Morrison

Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved $3.4 million in grants at its December meeting. Gulf Coast awarded a $50,000 Leveraged Grant to Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast for the Building Strong Families homelessness-prevention program.  The grant will be leveraged by additional funding to serve more than 300 families in southern Sarasota County through the program over the next year.  Gulf Coast also awarded a $25,000 Leveraged Grant to the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County to further develop the health- and life-sciences industries in the region. Gulf Coast also awarded $386,575 in grants from unrestricted and field-of-interest funds to more than 40 local organizations.  

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Fawley|Bryant’s Strategic Consulting Unit recently presented findings from the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where Architects Stuart Henderson and Steve Padgett collaborated with IMG Fashion Division at the historic Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts venue in advance of the February 2015 Fashion Week. The MBFW venue showcases fashion designers from around the world as they unveil their 2015 Fall Fashion trends. IMG Global is a multi-billion dollar global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 25 countries around the world. 

Fawley Bryant