Florida House leaders abruptly closed the 2015 regular legislative session three days early with no budget approved, almost certainly forcing a special session to be called in the near future. State House and Senate members have been at an impasse over inclusion of a Medicaid expansion alternative in the state budget.

State Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice, said he was unaware House leadership would adjourn until Speaker Steve Crissafulli took to the podium to make the announcement mid-day Tuesday. After speaking with members of House leadership following the news, Gonzalez said he agreed with the move, surprising as it was. “It’s probably the appropriate thing,” he said. “We are at an insurmountable impasse based on, in my opinion, the Senate’s unyielding position.” He said House members last week offered a $200 million concession on the budget, then a $600 million one, but there was no movement. Gonzalez said a budget will be passed before a constitutional deadline of June 30, but it would be no more productive to hold negotiations now than it would be in several weeks.

Florida Senate leaders have been focused on the availability of $2.2 billion in federal funding through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. House leadership and Gov. Rick Scott oppose accepting the funding. 

It’s only been a couple months since the inaugural Sarasota Music Half Marathon had its stellar first lap through the streets in Southwest Florida, but organizers are already gearing up for next year. As soon as next week, organizers are pulling together volunteer teams and discussing the next event, set for Feb. 7. “Surprisingly it takes all year,” said Heather Hackett, event director.

John Korff, founder of the event, said the inaugural run in February saw around 1,500 pre-register and another 1,300 sign up on the day of the race, the most day-of sign-ups for a Florida marathon. He said the event, geared toward the recreation runner and featuring music performances along the run by more than 20 bands, has the opportunity to brand Sarasota as a sports venue. “It should be a perception-altering event in Sarasota that shows it is something other than just great weather and a retirement community,” he said. “Sarasota is young, vibrant, exciting, musical and healthy.”

Hackett said the event only takes on teams of individuals, be they church groups, school groups or independent organizations. “We definitely want as much involvement as humanly possible.” 

See Korff speak Thursday at SB2: Hosting a Crowd, an SRQ Media Group-sponsored panel on regional events being held at the Powel Crosley Estate. Read an interview with Korff about the marathon in the May issue of SRQ, available now. 

A fun new addition to the Mall at University Town Center opened last week with a preview event that had people lining up to catch the first glimpse. This indoor/outdoor venue features a fire pit, live music, lots of TVs for your sports viewing enjoyment, a list of tantalizing burger creations and an even longer list of beers to wash them down. I appreciated the local beers on tap and the tempting tasting morsels. Our favorite was the ‘Mustang Sally,’ a half-pound Wagyu beef patty with red onion marmalade, brie cheese and sliced prosciutto served on a brioche bun. I know, I know: “It’s a chain!” But it started in Miami, so it’s a Florida chain. Also, for all of my fellow Man vs. Food fans, you can try the eating challenge. ‘The MotherBurger’ is 10 pounds of premium Black Angus beef served with lettuce, tomato, onion and a pickle for $125. You can share it with your friends, but if you finish it alone in less than two hours, it’s free – and you’ll be a local legend. Be sure to send us a picture if you take on the challenge! 

Burger and Beer Joint, 160 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, 941-702-9915

Sarasota County's Office of Financial Management received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 25th year, the group announced. The award, the highest professional recognition in governmental budgeting, will be officially presented to OFM staff during an upcoming county commission meeting. 

Sarasota County

Neal Signature Homes, a Lakewood Ranch-based luxury homebuilder, sold 25 homes in the first quarter of 2015, more than half of all homes sold in 2014. Neal Signature projects 88 sales and 70 closings in 2015. These objectives are due largely to the explosive growth the company has seen this year and the 64 homes currently under construction in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

Neal Signature Homes