SRQ DAILY Jan 25, 2018
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"It's a property rights thing until it's in my neighborhood."
How island governments should regulate short-term home rentals has grown with such services as AirBNB, but now state lawmakers, including Sarasota’s state senator, want to set uniform rules across the state of Florida that stop municipalities from putting in place burdensome rules.
State Sen. Greg Steube says the rules restricting rentals in various communities throughout the state violate individual property rights and mask an intent to shut rentals down completely. “I absolutely think that’s their intent,” he says. “Over these last couple years I have heard a lot of complaints from property owners.” Steube has sponsored legislation that would put regulation of rentals under the auspices of the state Division of Hotels and Restaurants and preempt any regulation by smaller jurisdictions.
But officials in jurisdictions like Longboat Key call the legislation an assault on their home rule. “It’s totally in the face of Longboat Key and our rules,” says Longboat Key Town Commissioner Jim Brown. “We have had our rules that basically say one rental per month, and those have been in place for over 30 years.” Brown says Longboat Key has successfully fought state infringement on the town’s ordinances before, and the municipality would have to go to court again if Steube’s bill passes.
Brown feels Steube and other lawmakers have pursued this legislation at the behest of powerful Realtor lobbyists in Tallahassee, who have seen tremendous opportunity for profit with the arrival of services like HomeAway. The property rights argument holds little weight in Brown’s eyes. “If somebody built an auto repair shop next to him (Steube), would he say the same thing?,” Brown asks. “It’s a property rights thing until it’s in my neighborhood.”
But Steube says over-regulating rentals stands in the way of tourism growth as well. At a press conference last week, he quoted statistics from the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (the AirBNB host community) showing that, in 2013, more than $31.1 billion was infused into the Florida economy by some 17 million vacation rental visitors that year. The study also showed vacation rentals supporting over 320,000 jobs annually either directly or indirectly each year, generating more than $12 billion in labor income.
Brown says though that local governments have regulated rentals for decades, and that jurisdictions need to have a say on the commerce within their community. “[Steube] wants this, but he also wants people to be able to cut down all the trees and carry guns in college,” Brown says. “I'm not sure where he comes up with these ideas.”
With cooler temps and the thrilling lack of humidity summoning its own brand of Florida winter, it’s an opportune time to get outside and enjoy activities that would otherwise be unforgiving in the heat of the day. Now here’s the rub. People joke about how thin Floridian blood is, and well, we have to admit that it’s true. Either we’re sweating it out in August sauna weather or rattling our teeth every time the thermometer dips below 50 degrees.
The extreme southern chill is the perfect excuse to splurge on some otherwise unnecessary attire like knee-high boots (your third pair), sumptuous cashmere scarves and, oh yes, insulated and fleece vests. Zip-up these bad boys and get warm and toasty. And where to find them? Environeers is the trek-worthy, local destination for gearing up for adventure—whether it’s walking the dog at sunrise, cycling the Ringling Bridge, hiking the the Appalachian Trail or trotting around South America, these guys are your go-to resource for practical, yet dapper, attire. And they give great advice on which products you can and cannot live without.
Pictured above: Women’s KUHL Dani Sherpa Vest, cut from a premium Italian poly shearling fleece fabric, left, and the exclusive new KUHL Spyfire Vest for men made from 100% ethically certified goose down,right.
Environeers, 5373 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-371-6208.
A strong market continues in the Sarasota and Manatee area, as indicated by December 2017 statistics released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. Compared to December 2016, combined numbers show an increase in closed sales, median sales price and pending sales. Closed sales for single-family homes in Manatee County increased by 4.1 percent to 511, while Sarasota County increased by 3.6 percent to 639. Sarasota condo sales increased by 9.7 percent to 327; Manatee condo sales increased by 0.5 percent to 221. Pending sales are indicated by the number of listed properties that went under contract during the month. Manatee single-family homes increased by 0.5 percent in pending sales, while Sarasota increased by 4.3 percent. Condo pending sales show improvement in Sarasota with a 26.1 percent increase, however, Manatee County condo pending sales decreased by 9.2 percent. Median sales prices continue to grow in both counties. Additional information and statistics for inventory, new listings and distressed sales, follow the link below.
US Masters Swimming has promoted two members of its national office. Kyle Deery is now the senior director, marketing and communications. He joined USMS in 2009 and has managed sponsor relationships, marketing initiatives and membership services. He’ll now lead the publications and communications department and be responsible for supporting the communication and messaging to drive the USMS:2020 strategic initiatives. Marianne Groenings has been promoted to director, events and programs. She joined USMS in 2013 and has worked in club and coach services to provide education and support to existing Masters coaches and programs and fostered development of new Masters programs and educational resources. In her new role, she’ll continue to work with coach and club services, work to grow USMS events, and support new initiatives such as the Fitness Series and USMS’s fitness program. Her department oversees USMS’s regional program developer and local program initiatives and provides planning and support for USMS events such as the National Coaches Clinic and the LMSC summit. USMS is a Sarasota-based national membership-operated nonprofit organization that provides membership benefits to nearly 60,000 Masters swimmers across the country.
J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp., a Venice-based commercial construction company, has been awarded the contract to construct a 28,000-square-foot building for PGT Innovations. The one-story building will connect two of PGT Innovations’ existing glass processing plants located on Technology Drive in North Venice, creating a large continuous space for operations. With construction scheduled to begin this month, the new building is planned to enhance safety, quality, productivity and efficiency as glass moves through the processing stations that are used to produce impact-resistant and energy-efficient glass for PGT Custom Windows + Doors brand products. Slated for completion in fall 2018, the project will add production space, as well as a 1,150-square-foot compressor room. A 3,100-square-foot exterior canopy area will also be constructed as part of the project. Designed by Hall Architects, the new space is expected to increase the capacity for housing processed glass units before they move to the next phase in the manufacturing process, allowing the company to maximize its production capabilities.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance's annual concert featuring imaginative dance pieces by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers.
Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Join SRQ Media for the next installment of the 2017-2018 SB2 Luncheon Symposia series with SB2: State of the Region on Thursday January, 25 2018 from 11:00am-1:00pm at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Local experts will explore the economic link and symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurship and tourism in the Sarasota and Manatee region. The luncheon will culminate with the presentation of the SRQ LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR awards honoring area trailblazers whose initiative and business savvy are helping our region grow.
Guest Panelists include: Elliot Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County; Mark Huey, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County; Brian Mariash, Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management; Jeff Mayers, General Manager of the Resort at Longboat Key Club; Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
Tickets are $65/per person, which includes a mouth-watering plated lunch provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM
The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join Selah Freedom for the Fifth Annual "A New Beginning" Fashion Event on January 25th. The event will feature a runway show showcasing stunning fashions, a champagne luncheon, sip & shop, and inspirational survivor stories.
Selby Five Points Park, 1331 1st St Sarasota, FL 34236
Trapped underground after a deadly collapse, a coal miner finds his salvation in the arrival of a young and inexperienced first responder. While they wait for additional rescue assistance, they discover they have a curious amount in common. As the men confront mortality, their connection may unearth a deeper revelation about acceptance and spiritual refuge. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota
Music Compound is excited to announce a partnership with several local students to present the first ever Shred the Love Concert and silent auction. Funds earned from Shred the Love will go to the Music Heals Us Foundation. Music Heals Us purchases ukuleles for children that are fighting cancer. The entire event is being orchestrated and performed by local high school students. The event will be held Friday January 26th, from 6-9pm at Music Compound.
Music Compound , 1751 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232
Opening with another company premiere, Paul Taylor’s Airs kicks off the night with a beautiful and flowing performance that showcase the choreographer’s passion for modern dance and ballet. Following Airs, Sarasota Ballet Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano brings the return of his Valsinhas, which premiered in 2013.
Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
On display is Shine the Light, a moving exhibition that focuses on the historical aspects of refugee displacement and persecution. Featured is Laura Donefer’s masterwork, Todesmarche Revisited, a 22-foot long installation of 900 casts of bare, upturned, glass and cement feet, cast from real people, including Holocaust survivors. Also showing is a photo essay exhibit by Charlotte Schmitz and a short film preview by Dave Marshall and Deborah Haber.
Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.
Join Sarasota Contemporary Dance for their annual concert featuring imaginative dance pieces by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers. Performances will be held at FSU Center for the Performing Arts and continue for several nights.
Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, Florida 34243
Party Under the Stars transports guests to a rooftop party in Manhattan with a festive evening under the stars featuring music, dancing, dining and a silent auction with fabulous prizes. This year, FCS Foundation Chair and CEO of Florida Cancer Specialists, Brad Prechtl and his wife, Terri Prechtl, Lead Patient Support Volunteer at Florida Cancer Specialists, Lakewood Ranch will be honored during the night. All event proceeds provide non-medical, financial assistance to cancer patients.
Polo Grill , 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
All the way from Buenos Aires, Latin Grammy-winning pianist and composer Pablo Ziegler celebrates the tango in all its forms in an intimate chamber music setting. Ziegler brings his own compositions, as well as works of tango legends such as Ángel Villoldo, Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and Ástor Piazzolla, for whom Ziegler served as pianist for many years and iconic recordings.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
An illustrator, graphic designer and former student of the great Paul Rand, John Pirman unites influences from modern architecture and Swiss design to pop culture and old posters of the WPA for his own distinct, minimalist and symbolic style. See vibrant illustrations of Florida life, as well as Pirman’s own renderings of various pieces of modern architecture.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
View eight ten-minute plays selected for full production from the many submitted each year to this annual contest. Adjudicated by theater professionals, cash prizes will be awarded for the first place winner and runner-up.
Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
The 2018 Bradenton Area River Regatta has it all, including speed, stars, and showmanship, in a free family spectacle that will have you holding your breath through every heart pounding moment. As Manatee County’s largest spectator event, the action is riveting and the thrills nonstop as world-class performers on and off the river showcase their awe-gasping athleticism and see-it-to-believe-it championship skills.
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, President and CEO of the Rachel Carson Foundation, Doctor Robert Musil will discuss the social responsibility of sustaining the planet for future generations and global climate change. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.
Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243
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