When asked what sets the CitySide development apart from other projects in the city of Sarasota, developer Bruce Weiner chuckles. “It’s rental apartments,” he says. Sure, there’s a nice pool, a parking garage where residents can park on the floor where they live, and a tranquil private garden, but the fact the 228 units in the project’s first phase will all be rented instead of sold brings a type of housing the city could use more of than exists today.

That may be part of why there wasn’t as much traditional opposition to the project as one normally expects of dense developments in the city limits. The four-story apartment complex in the first phase sits on 2.6 acres. Of course, unlike other parts of town that frequently see cranes in the air, CitySide sits in the Rosemary, an area hungry for growth. “This came out of people saying we need more residential density,” said Debra Alward, chief operating officer for Longboat Enterprises. 

Units are expected to rent out for between $1,000 for smaller spaces and mid-$2,000s for larger spots. For now, the project is built on residential and amenities, and the CitySide team wants to see the commercial area around the project fill in before venturing into building storefronts. Until then, the team commits to being good neighbors, and is hopeful the entire Rosemary area will get a stimulus once the complex opens its doors.  

Antoine’s Restaurant has opened in a new location on 12^th and Tuttle and I couldn’t be more excited as they are now walking distance from my house. You have not truly experienced comfort food if you have not yet tried Mussels and Fries from Antoine’s. Chef Angela Georges presents a pot of juicy mussels simmered in various broths. The basic broth is Marinière with celery, onions and butter but there are several different options to choose from including my personal favorite, the Provençal Mussels, which add tomato, basil and Pastis to the traditional broth. The aromatic basil and fresh tomatoes give the dish a rustic appeal while the anise-flavored Pastis lends a sweet dark note that keeps me coming back for more. Mussel Mondays (all you can eat mussels for $22) are likely to find me and my fellow woman-about-town, Kirsten Sponseller, chatting with the charming owner, Olivier Georges, and sipping a nice Cotes du Rhone. Kirsten is likely to enjoy one of the delicious vegetarian dishes available such as the Carrot Ginger Bisque or the Mushroom Delight whilst I challenge the boundaries of “all you can eat mussels.” The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm but the always accommodating owners are willing to open early and stay late for their devoted customers.  

Antoine’s Restaurant, 1100 North Tuttle Avenue, 941-331-1400.

Join Mote Marine Laboratory for a week of education and entertainment during Shark Days at Mote: Real Sharks, Real Science. 

From August 10–15, 2015, Mote will dive into the science behind these incredible animals in a week full of events and activities. The celebration will include shark-tastic fun for the whole family.

For the tech-savvy shark fin-atics, Mote will be featuring Google Hangout sessions made possible by Mote’s SeaTrek videoconferencing technology, which allows scientists to bring high-energy, multimedia science programming right to your computer. These sessions will feature real shark scientists bringing their research and fieldwork to you.

Have questions about sharks? Adults can join Mote shark experts for a special Science Café, a casual discussion between the experts and you! Let your children unleash their creative side while learning about one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures with Sharks & Crafts, a free event with crafts in the Aquarium.

The celebration will wrap up with Fins and Fun, a family festival! For more information on how to register or attend the events during Shark Days, click here. 

Mote Marine Labratory is a 2015 SRQ Story Project partner and the featured non-profit organization this July. To learn more about the numerous educational programs, marine rehabilitation and scientific studies at Mote Marine Labratory, visit them online at mote.org or call (941) 388-4441.   

The School Board of Manatee County approved the appointment of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detective John J. Kenney to the position of Investigator for the School District’s Office of Professional Standards and the appointment of Cynthia Saunders to the position of Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services. Saunders has served as the Manatee District’s Executive Director of Secondary Schools since July 2013, and during his law enforcement career. Kenney has been a Homicide Detective with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office since October 2009. 

Manatee County Schools

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has awarded PayServ Systems, a nationwide industry leader in payroll, human resources, time and labor and talent acquisition services, with the Insignia Award. The Insignia Award embodies a long-standing Chamber tradition that honors members for their dedication to providing exemplary service to customers in the Greater Sarasota area. Recipients are applauded for their commitment to the community and adherence to the Chamber code of Ethics. 

PayServ Systems

Richard R. Gans, a shareholder in the law firm of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron and Tirabassi has been named a 2015 Florida Legal Elite. This is the eighth consecutive year he has been selected as a Florida Legal Elite by his peers, Florida attorneys asked to name attorneys with whom they have personally worked, hold in high regard and would recommend to others. The attorneys chosen represent less than two percent of the active Florida Bar members who practice in Florida. 

Fergeson Skipper Attorneys