Abandoned Sick Puppies Survive, Move To Foster Home: Manatee County

Abandoned Sick Puppies Survive, Move To Foster Home: Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — Two abandoned, sick puppies have “overcome incredible odds” and survived the parvovirus, according to a Facebook post from Manatee County Animal Welfare.

Rocky and Lilo, who suffered from canine parvovirus and temperatures of nearly 106 degrees, were found in a sealed box near Walmart in Bradenton earlier this month.

The puppies “are true survivors,” the agency said.

After two weeks of intensive care at the emergency room and the dedicated parvo ward at Bishop Animal Shelter, the puppies have been moved to a foster home for further recovery for the next month. Eventually, they’ll be ready to find their forever homes

“Their resilience and determination have been truly inspiring, and we’re grateful for all the support and love they’ve received along the way,” the county said.

Source: patch.com

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Sprouts Farmers Market Opens Its First Bradenton Location Today

Sprouts Farmers Market Opens Its First Bradenton Location Today

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Sprouts Farmers Market has opened its Bradenton location on the corner of Cortez Road and U.S. 41.

” data-image-selection=”{"x1":0,"y1":0,"x2":1100,"y2":757,"width":1100,"height":757}”>Sprouts Farmers Market has opened its Bradenton location on the corner of Cortez Road and U.S. 41.

Arizona-based grocery store chain Sprouts Farmers Market is opening its newest area location today, June 30, at 1149 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton. The grocery store offers organic produce, bulk goods, convenience meals, vitamin supplements and more.

The new store brings approximately 100 new jobs to the Manatee County area.

“I am very excited to welcome Sprouts Farmers Market to the Manatee County and Bradenton communities,” Manatee County commissioner Mike Rahn said in a press release.

Today’s grand opening will include product sampling at what the store is calling a “pop-up party.”

Sprouts Farmers Market is continuing to expand in the Sarasota-Manatee area and recently signed a 10-year lease at One Main Plaza in downtown Sarasota. The building is currently under construction, so an opening date for the 23,000-square-foot store has not yet been announced. One Main Plaza is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024

Sprouts Farmers Market is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1149 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. For more information call (941) 297-2359 or visit their website.

Source: sarasotamagazine.com

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Baby Lemurs | Guide Dog Puppy | Persian Cats Adopted: FL Good News

Baby Lemurs | Guide Dog Puppy | Persian Cats Adopted: FL Good News

FLORIDA — Four endangered baby lemurs born on reserve, a Southeastern Guide Dog puppy raised by hospital administrators, Persian cats who inherited fortune adopted.

A Sarasota woman claimed a $1 million prize playing the $5 Monopoly Doubler scratch-off game, Florida Lottery said.

Endangered Lemurs Born

A South Tampa owner stipulated in her will that her Persian cats remain in her mansion after her death. A judge says they need new homes.

Hospital Admins Raise Guide Dog Puppy

A Southeastern Guide Dog puppy named Skipper is being raised by leaders at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.

New Topgolf Opens

The new Topgolf opening in St. Petersburg has 102 outdoor, climate-controlled hitting bays and a sports bar and restaurant.

A critically ill New Jersey boy visiting FL with his family was sworn in as an honorary Sarasota police officer, Make-A-Wish said.

Sprouts Grocery Store Opens

A new Sprouts grocery store is opening in the Bradenton area this week. The grand opening will take place Friday.

Former Foster Child Receives Home

Falana Shannon received the keys to the final home to be built in a Habitat for Humanity community in Lealman.

Source: patch.com

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‘True survivors!’ Sick puppies abandoned near Bradenton Walmart recovering from parvo

‘True survivors!’ Sick puppies abandoned near Bradenton Walmart recovering from parvo

Two sick puppies abandoned in Bradenton have tested negative for canine parvovirus and are one step closer to finding a forever home, Manatee County Government announced.

Rocky and Lilo were discovered in a sealed box near a Bradenton Walmart on 30th Avenue East and 50th Street with dangerously high temperatures of 106 degrees. After two weeks of intensive care at the emergency room and the parvo ward at Bishop Animal Shelter, they are now parvo-free and have been “moved to a loving foster home for further recovery and some much-needed tender loving care for the next month,” wrote animal outreach specialist Hans Wohlgefahrt in an email to the Bradenton Herald Thursday.

While there is still no timetable on when they may become available to adopt, Wohlgefahrt said he will be sure to keep everyone updated on their progress during the foster journey and wrote that those interested should “stay tuned to find out when Rocky and Lilo will be ready to find their forever homes!”

Some dogs are not so lucky. Canine parvovirus is extremely contagious and the virus is often fatal for puppies, but with proper treatment, survival rates can approach 90%, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, while at-home-treatment is closer to 50%.

But the situation was a dire one for the puppies at the time of their discovery.

Manatee County Animal Welfare Division Chief Sarah Brown wrote in an email to the Bradenton Herald earlier in June that it was immediately apparent that “their condition was critical,” causing the medical team to jump into action while working to bring their temperatures down.

From there, county officials contacted an emergency veterinarian so the puppies “could receive 24-hour emergency care.” Rocky was the first to become stable and was transferred to Bishop Animal Shelter, while Lilo, who at the time was unnamed, remained in critical condition before they both continued their recovery at Bishop.

“They’ve overcome incredible odds and are true survivors!” wrote Wohlgefahrt.

The agency is still asking the public for help finding whoever is responsible for leaving the puppies. Anyone who has any information about the abandoned puppies or those involved is asked to reach out to contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933 ext. 1.

Rocky and Lilo are both now negative for canine parvovirus after having temperatures of 106 degrees when found near a Bradenton Walmart.Rocky and Lilo are both now negative for canine parvovirus after having temperatures of 106 degrees when found near a Bradenton Walmart.

Rocky and Lilo are both now negative for canine parvovirus after having temperatures of 106 degrees when found near a Bradenton Walmart.

Rocky and Lilo will be spending at least the next month at a foster home.Rocky and Lilo will be spending at least the next month at a foster home.

Rocky and Lilo will be spending at least the next month at a foster home.

Source: news.yahoo.com

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Breeze Airways’ new route to Providence from Sarasota-Bradenton kicks off July 2

Breeze Airways’ new route to Providence from Sarasota-Bradenton kicks off July 2

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Breeze Airways has announced its newest route from Sarasota-Bradenton to Providence on Sunday.

Flights will be operated twice weekly, with fares starting from just $85* one way.

”We are very pleased to see the continued growth of Breeze at SRQ and the added service to Providence. Our services to the New England region continue to expand and we are confident this new service will do well,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

Breeze offers bundled and a la carte options they brand as Nice, Nicer and Nicest. The new route will run Thursday and Sunday starting July 2 from $85 on the Nice option.

The Nicest bundle includes Breeze Ascent, two checked bags, and complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcohol.  Breeze currently flies both regional and transcontinental flights within the U.S. on a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The carrier has ordered 80 A220s, with options for 40 more. Seat pitch for a Standard Economy seat is 30 inches on the A220s and 31 inches on the E-195s, while seat pitch for Extra Legroom is 32 inches on the A220s and between 34 and 39 inches on the E-195s, depending on the row selected.

Ascent features 39 inches of seat pitch, 20.5 inches of seat width, and special features including a footrest for added comfort, and in-seat AC power and USB/C ports. Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure.

Flights are now on sale at www.flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app.

Source: mysuncoast.com

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Top 5 concerts this week in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto

Top 5 concerts this week in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto

We officially enter July this week, and with it comes a fresh new lineup of local events, including live music. Tuesday’s Fourth of July festivities features the return of a free annual concert in Palmetto that’s hosted names such as Smash Mouth and Wynonna Judd in the past, and has another national musical headliner this year.

Palmetto will also host a concert by a rising name in country music, while the owner of two restaurants and venues in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts neighborhood celebrates his birthday with a free show at one of his places, with an acclaimed blues guitarist playing the other. Here are this week’s highlights. Event details are subject to change.

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Louie TheSinger

Louie TheSinger.

Palmetto Mexican restaurant El Sombrero will host Louie TheSinger, a self-described “Texas-born Mexican that does country with flavor,” for a concert this weekend. The performer’s sound blends country with other genres, with this year’s single “Down Here” seeing him joined by rapper and fellow Texan Paul Wall of “Drive Slow” and “Sittin’ Sidewayz” fame. Louie TheSinger was also spotlighted in a recent Axios article proclaiming “Country music’s next stars are Latino,” mentioning him alongside other musicians including “The Voice” season 12 competitor Valerie Ponzio, Frank Ray and Kat & Alex. 9 p.m. Friday; El Sombrero, 1330 U.S. Highway 301, Palmetto; $40, $120 meet-and-greet; eventbrite.com

Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and Steve Arvey 

Rev. Billy C. Wirtz.

David Shiplett, chef/owner of restaurants/venues Birdrock Taco Shack and Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, celebrates his 64th birthday with a free show at the former, featuring two favorite acts of his, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and Steve Arvey. Along with hosting the weekly radio show The Rhythm Revival on WMNF, the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz has a dedicated following as a musician, blending irreverent lyrics with serious boogie-woogie piano chops. The Bradenton-based Arvey, meanwhile, is one of the area’s busiest bluesmen, as well as a renowned cigar box guitarist. 7 p.m. Friday; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; free; 941-545-9966;  facebook.com/birdrocktaco

Davy Knowles

Davy Knowles.

Cottonmouth’s live music lineup this week, meanwhile, includes blues guitarist and singer Davy Knowles. The musician was born on the Isle of Man, where he also started the band Back Door Slam, which released the album “Roll Away” and played festivals such as South by Southwest and Bonnaroo (recording a live album at the latter) before breaking up in 2009. Knowles continued to pursue a solo musical career, touring with guitar favorites Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani and releasing albums from 2009’s “Coming Up for Air,” co-produced by Peter Frampton, to most recently 2021’s “What Happens Next.” 6:30 p.m. Saturday; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $25 advance, $30 day of; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul

In Transit

In Transit.

Bradenton’s Oscura, which has become one of the top spots to see both local and national indie music acts since reopening at a new location last year, this weekend hosts the Friendly City’s own In Transit, featuring Oscura co-owner Ben Bakker among its members. The progressive indie-rock group played the venue last year after releasing their debut album “Signal Fires,” featuring musical guests including Garrett Klahn of post-hardcore/emo favorites Texas is the Reason and Frank Lacatena of Tampa punks Slap of Reality. Two other Tampa Bay punk groups, Discord Theory and Held Up, join In Transit at this show. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Saturday; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $5; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Great White

Great White.

Palmetto’s annual Fourth Fest, which celebrates the Fourth of July with festivities including a free concert featuring a national headliner, returns with Great White performing this year. The rock band rose to fame in the late ’80s with songs such as “Rock Me” and their cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” which was a No. 5 hit. The group’s current lineup still features founding member Mark Kendall, with co-founder Jack Russell touring separately as Jack Russell’s Great White. 6 p.m. Tuesday; Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto; free; 941-723-4988; facebook.com/palmettocra

If you would like to be considered for this story, please email ticket@heraldtribune.com with your event information at least 10 days before our Thursday publication date.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

Source: heraldtribune.com

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Clara Intha Duennes

Clara Intha Duennes

Clara Intha Duennes, age 98, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

She was born on September 25, 1924. 

A visitation for Clara will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Angels, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Duennes family.

Source: thebradentontimes.com

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Weekend Sounds June 30-July 2

Weekend Sounds June 30-July 2

Weekend Sounds June 30-July 2

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Sycamore Shade

Sycamore Shade

Dawn Kitterman

BRADENTON — There’s a lot of great live music lined up as we head into July this weekend. If you’re thinking a live show would be the perfect “pre-party” warm-up for your Fourth of July celebrations, there are plenty of performances to choose from this Friday-Sunday! Check out the Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Sycamore Shade 

Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen

Friday: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Sycamore Shade returns to the back porch stage of VOTA’s Cottonmouth this Friday! Sycamore Shade is an acoustic ensemble known for its rich bluegrass harmonies and its living room performance style. The band showcases familiar old-time folk, Americana, and bluegrass standards as well as original compositions, playing a wide variety of music from bluegrass to contemporary music. No cover. 

About the Venue:

Located in Bradenton Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen has quickly become one of Bradenton, Florida’s more popular outdoor music venues. Music is hosted on their intimate 80-seat capacity patio garden, a perfect setting under the branches of towering live oaks in the heart of VOTA. Known for his eclectic Southern dining, Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on Southern classics serving up his brand of Southern soul food in this 100-year-old cottage that doubles as an art gallery. The venue offers craft beer, wine, a list of creative hard ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages. Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton.

Hot Club of SRQ

Cafe in the Park 

Friday: 7-9 p.m. 

Join the Hot Club of SRQ for an evening of music in the park! Hot Club of SRQ performs gypsy jazz rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. The trio’s music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance. The Hot Club of SRQ’s sound can best be described as a 21st-century hybrid of the famous Quintette du Hot Club de France. The likeness of these two ensembles is the violin and guitar that create the fire and magic that make their music so captivating. Another likeness is the infectious groove known as La Pompe, which literally means the pump, and is an unmistakable hard-swinging rhythmical characteristic of this music. This style of swing jazz is more accessible to a broader audience. No cover. 

About the Venue:

Located in Payne Park, downtown Sarasota, Cafe in the Park captures the spirit of a quintessential urban cafe terrace. It’s the perfect place for a great coffee, a fresh sandwich, and live music. The family-friendly spot has menu selections of healthy café-style food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine, all served in a community park setting. Truly a great place to catch a live show. Please no outside food or drink. 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

Steve Arvey and Rev Billy C. Wirtz

Birdrock Taco Shack 

Friday: 7-10 p.m. 

Local blues musician and cigar box guitarist extraordinaire Steve Arvey will join WMNF’s Rhythm Revival Show host Rev. Billy C. Wirtz for a celebratory jam at the Birdrock Taco Shack the Friday evening. Join the two musicians for this special performance and party in honor of Birdrock/Cottonmouth owner, Chef Dave Shiplett’s 64th trip around the sun. No Cover. 

About the Venue:

Located in Bradenton Florida’s Village of the Arts, Birdrock Taco Shack is not your average taco joint, but a unique funky-fun taco spot and live music venue. Owner and chef David Shiplett—also the owner of popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen—doesn’t serve up just any tacos. Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic artsy shack or outdoors on the porch and back patio. Great food, cool people… and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton

Clover’s Revenge

3 Keys Brewing 

Saturday: 7-10 p.m. 

Catch local Irish speed folk band, Clover’s Revenge, at 3 Keys Brewing this Saturday, 7-10 pm. Clover’s Revenge brings a mix of two Irish musical traditions: acoustic pub music and Celtic punk rock. Utilizing simple instrumentation, the trio creates an explosive sound, with detailed harmonic lines, and complex rhythms. Steeped? – no, their Irish speed folk is pickled in the traditions of the Dubliners, Pogues, Silly Wizard, and Flogging Molly. The band insists upon high-speed, technical traditional tunes and punk rock badassery. Featuring Beau Wilberding’s percussion on the Cajon drum, Zach Johnson on guitar and vocals, and John Barron on vocals, mandolin, and guitar. High energy, high fun. No cover. 

About the Venue

Located in Bradenton off of East Manatee Avenue, 3 Keys Brewing is a family-friendly brewery with a full kitchen serving up gourmet-style pub fare. Offering an inviting social atmosphere and weekly list of entertainment, music, and food and drink specials. Enjoy their expansive front porch or take in the sounds of the beer garden with a beverage in hand…oh, and bring your 4-legged friends! 2505 Manatee Ave East, Bradenton.

Trevor Bystrom Band 

Birdrock Taco Shack

Saturday: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Local artist Trevor Bystrom, of Anna Maria Island, performs this Saturday at VOTA’s Birdrock. The show will include a special debut performance by 10-year-old “Nora Bear,” Bystrom proudly announced on social media this week. The young aspiring musician will perform two covers and one original composition this  Saturday! 

Bystrom was introduced to music at a young age having been raised in a musical family. Known for his multicultural sound which blends elements from many genres, including world, rock, reggae, Latin, and blues, Bystrom’s original music contains traces of traditional music from around the globe. His song lyrics center around current and persisting social and environmental issues and act as a call for listeners to be individual ripples of positive change in the world. No cover. 

Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio 

Motorworks Brewing  

Saturday: 7-11 p.m.

Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio will be rocking the beer garden stage at Motorworks this Saturday evening. An accomplished musician and songwriter and an authentic rock soul and blues powerhouse singer, Twinkle has worked with Aerosmith, Dickie Betts, Rod Stewart, Gregg Allman, and countless others. In the ’90s, she was signed to Warner Brothers for her debut album Haunted by Real Life, produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd) where it gained ready attention on the jazz/pop charts for its title song. Twinkle is known for her strong, bluesy, Rock Soul Radio members are lead vocalist Twinkle, guitarist Lenny Brooks, bassist Tony LeClerc, and Benny Puckett on the drums. No Cover.  

About the Venue

Since its opening in 2014, Motorworks Brewing has become one of the most awarded breweries in Florida, with over 22 national and international medals. With 20+ beers on draught, a full liquor bar, wine, and a rotating batch of seasonal and specialty brews available, Motorworks is a great place to join friends for a fresh pint of beer or a cocktail. The tree-canopied Beer Garden hosts a raised deck, games, an outdoor stage, ample patio seating, and plenty of room to dance. 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.

RJ Howson & Friends

Gilligan’s Island Bar

Sunday: 6-10 p.m. 

Fire branded in the Chicago blues circuit, roots-rocker and bluesman RJ Howson picked up his skillful guitar chops performing and sharing the stage with blues icons and fellow musicians at Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s Lounge, Kingston Mines, BLUES on Halstead, and many other clubs in the Windy City as well as countless other venues across the Midwest. RJ continues to be steeped in the southern stews since moving to Florida, with openers for Butch Trucks & the Freight Train Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Molly Hatchet, Buddy Guy, and a host of other legendary musicians. Having played music beginning in his youth, RJ has played everything from Chicago Blues to funk, soul, rock, gospel, country, salsa, and World Music. No cover. 

About the Venue:

Founded in 2001, Gilligan’s Island Bar prides itself on serving quality food, cocktails, and great service. The venue hosts live music and offers a tiki bar and an awesome outdoor stage. The flickering tiki torches, palm trees, and cool Gulf breezes are exactly what you have been looking for. Located on Siesta Key, 5253 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota.

Kettle of Fish

Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse

Sunday: 4-7 p.m. 

Over its years of performing, Kettle of Fish has shared the stage with numerous bands and musicians including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Roger Waters’ Band, Devon Allman, Pat Travers, Damon Fowler, and Dickey Betts, and they have played opening performances for artists such as Eddie Money, Molly Hatchet, Elvin Bishop, Tommy Castro, Trombone Shorty, the Marshall Tucker Band, Jimmy Buffett (at the famous Blue Heaven in Key West), and many more. 

Led by lead singer, guitarist, and band founder Dana Lawrence, Kettle of Fish delivers a sound that is a rootsy “blues rock with soul” that works to bring together soulful blues with the energy of rock n’ roll. If you like the sound of the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, Robert Cray, Stevie Wonder, the Allman Brothers, or The Grateful Dead, you will love Kettle of Fish. No cover.

About the Venue

East of I-75 on Fruitville Road, Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse is an open-air barbecue restaurant set under an expansive outdoor tiki hut, including an old-Florida style Tiki-bar. Established by the Stottlemyer family, the family-friendly restaurant and live music venue serves brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches, and salads in a unique atmosphere. Reservations are accepted. 19 East Road, Sarasota.

For more local music listings in Bradenton and throughout the area, check out GoTonight.com or download the GoTonight app. Know of an awesome local venue or upcoming show?

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Source: thebradentontimes.com

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West bradenton, FL Weather Forecast and Conditions - The Weather Channel | Weather.com

West bradenton, FL Weather Forecast and Conditions – The Weather Channel | Weather.com

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Here are the top small businesses, nonprofits in Bradenton and Manatee for 2023

Here are the top small businesses, nonprofits in Bradenton and Manatee for 2023

One business is making a difference in the Bradenton area’s affordable housing crisis. Another is making a difference in children’s oral health. And yet another is teaching young girls to be entrepreneurs.

Those were some of the highlights of the 43rd Annual Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards on Thursday night at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

One Step Housing, led by Mark Vengroff, was named Small Business of the Year in Category V, the category for companies earning the most revenue.

“This company steps up to the problem and provides solutions,” said presenter Mark Besio in announcing One Stop Housing as one of this year’s winners.

Besio cited One Stop Housing’s ability to thrive in an inflationary environment and come up with creative solutions.

“This organization focuses on problem solving. One of our judges asked, ‘how it is that this company has figured out how to do this?’” Besio said. “This company is a leader in providing affordable housing.”

Among the projects Vengroff and One Stop Housing are involved with are an affordable workforce village of about 400 units, where residents would pay no more than 30% of their earnings for rent.

Vengroff, about a dozen local companies and the Bradenton Area Economic Development Council have all played a role in trying to make the workforce village a reality.

“A lot of people are really suffering and are cost burdened,” Vengroff said of what drives him and his company to find solutions.

One Stop Housing has housing complexes in Bradenton, Sarasota, Orlando and Tennessee. Among its Bradenton properties are Robin’s Apartments, 2303 First St., Omega Apartments, 5411 8th St. Court W., Forest Cove, 45th Ave. Circle W. and El Patio Bradenton, 128 Ninth Ave. W. All have rents starting under $1,000 a month.

All of the the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small businesses of the year and nonprofits of the year and their team members gathered on the stage at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.comAll of the the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small businesses of the year and nonprofits of the year and their team members gathered on the stage at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

All of the the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small businesses of the year and nonprofits of the year and their team members gathered on the stage at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

Stronger Moving & Delivery Service

Category IV Small Business Award winner Stronger Moving & Delivery Service is the epitome of family, said presenter Eleni Sokos.

“From the way this company operates to the customers it serves, there is a deliberate focus on family-like connections. Relationships run deep in this company, which may explain why it hasn’t had any shortages in this tight labor market,” Sokos said.

Ruben Fuh-Rare accepted the award, saying he was surprised to be honored and wanted to dedicate the award to his entire team.

Dr. Andre Lewis of ALL About Kids Pediatric Dentistry won the Category IIII small business of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.comDr. Andre Lewis of ALL About Kids Pediatric Dentistry won the Category IIII small business of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

Dr. Andre Lewis of ALL About Kids Pediatric Dentistry won the Category IIII small business of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

ALL About Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Andre Lewis and his ALL About Kids Pediatric Dentistry practice won the Category III award.

“This business received a perfect interview score from our judging panel. This owner’s humility and passion were among the shining qualities that stood out,” presenter Justin Phillips said.

“This company’s key to creating life-long customer loyalty is connecting with them at a young age. For a company like this, it’s easy: they took a record 800 pounds of candy from your babies in their candy buy-back program,” Phillips said.

Lewis was moved by his small business of the year award.

“I truly love what I do. I get to be a kid all day, every day,” Lewis said. “I truly want to offer a place where they can feel safe, laugh and maybe see a guy dressed up as a tooth fairy,” he said.

More than 200 small businesses and nonprofits were nominated for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small business of the year awards. They gathered at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023 for a group photo. James A. Jones Jr. /jajones1@bradenton.comMore than 200 small businesses and nonprofits were nominated for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small business of the year awards. They gathered at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023 for a group photo. James A. Jones Jr. /jajones1@bradenton.com

More than 200 small businesses and nonprofits were nominated for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce small business of the year awards. They gathered at the Bradenton Area Convention Center 6/29/2023 for a group photo. James A. Jones Jr. /jajones1@bradenton.com

Your CBD Store Bradenton

Through products and services, volunteering and philanthropy, Your CBD Store Bradenton is actively involved in promoting wellness in Manatee County, said presenter Ramin Hashemi.

“Our judges noted that this owner is faith-driven and data driven,” Hashemi said. “We better ourselves by bettering others encompasses this owner’s philosophy in business and the community.”

Rachael Quinn, owner of Your CBD Store Bradenton, accepted the Category II award winner.

Ohana Embroidery

Paul Farmer, owner of Ohana Embroidery, was the Category I award winner.

“Our judges were impressed with the owner’s humility, sincerity and full heart. One judge noted that this individual believes that a smile can change someone’s day. Other judges noted how this business was willing to give back, using its success to start a program to help other people evolve,” said presenter Don Goudy.

“Weaving business and kindness together create the fabric of this company’s success,” Goudy said. “Armed with needle and thread, they create products that tell stories.”

Farmer said receiving the small business award was very humbling.

“I love what I do and take a lot of pride in trying to help people,” he said.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

The Category II nonprofit award winner, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., has been a leader in building courage, confidence and character in local young ladies, and it currently serves more than 800 girls and nearly 400 adults, said presenter Kevin Cooper of Mote Marine.

“It also offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world to young ladies in Manatee County, empowering these children with skills such as goal setting, decision making and of course resilency — one box of cookies at a time,” Cooper said.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, said the organization’s local roots date back to 1920 when the scout council started here. In 1953, the council bought its first 40 acres along the Braden River for what would become Camp Honi Hanta.

“We are proud to be part of such a diverse and spirited community,” Servian said.

Healthy Teens won the Category I nonprofit of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. Accepting the award was executive director Jonathan Evans and founder Mary Ann Legler, second from left. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.comHealthy Teens won the Category I nonprofit of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. Accepting the award was executive director Jonathan Evans and founder Mary Ann Legler, second from left. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

Healthy Teens won the Category I nonprofit of the year award from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce 6/29/2023. Accepting the award was executive director Jonathan Evans and founder Mary Ann Legler, second from left. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

Healthy Teens Inc.

“This organization is completely youth-centered, partnering teen educators with at-risk teens to increase the likelihood of successful outcome,” presenter Joseph Dunn said in recognizing Healthy Teens as the Category I nonprofit winner.

“Simply put, the organization provides a community platform so that teens can help other teens,” Dunn said.

In accepting the award, Healthy Teens executive director Jonathan Evans said, kids “don’t want to listen to us — they want to listen to each other.”

Founder Mary Ann Legler said that growing up in today’s world is not easy.

It takes a village, she said, adding this “is a wonderful place to grow up.”

Small business in perspective

Jacki Dezelski, the Chamber’s president and CEO, said nationally two out of three jobs created are by small businesses.

Jeff Podobnik, chairman of the board of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber has more than 2,000 members, and half of those employ five or less.

More than 200 companies were nominated for this year’s small business awards, and from those 34 were chosen as finalists.

List of finalists

For-profit businesses

  • A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry

  • Apollo Medical Transport

  • Clark Financial Partners

  • Coastal Kapital LLC

  • Custom ComTek

  • Discover Bradenton

  • Harbor Chiropractic

  • Honors Interiors LLC

  • J&J Wealth Advisors

  • JLS Remodeling Services

  • Kava Social Club

  • L.E.T.S. Landes Emergency Training Services

  • Len’s Roofing, Inc.

  • Mr. Handyman Serving Sarasota & Bradenton

  • Ohana Embroidery LLC

  • One Stop Housing, LLC

  • Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida

  • Re3 Stem Cell and Healing Institute, PLLC

  • Rise to Shine Cleaning

  • Send Me Cyndee Travel

  • Star Academy of Dance & Aerial Arts

  • Stronger Moving & Delivery Service, Inc.

  • Urgent Dental Care

  • Your CBD Store Bradenton

Nonprofit organizations

  • Avenue941

  • Chargers Soccer Club at Lakewood Ranch

  • Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

  • Foundation for Dreams

  • Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

  • Healthy Teens, Inc.

  • Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

  • Parenting Matters

  • The Twig Cares, Inc.

  • United Way Suncoast

Source: news.yahoo.com

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