Month: March 2024

Gail Knight Derick, 89, passed away following a brief illness on March 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Gail was predeceased by her father, F. Stuart Knight and her grandson, Jack Knight Derick. Gail was also pre-deceased by her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Mort and her Aunt Barbara and Uncle Carl who played a vital role in Gail’s formative years providing a wonderful family life in which she could grow.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Philip; her children, Jim (Jody), Jennifer (Matthew) and Alison (Emily). Gail is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Ryan, Meghan Gail, Caroline, and Theo as well as her great granddaughter Alessia. Gail’s important extended family includes cousins, Fritz, Carl and Marny, all of whom she adored.

Gail was born on May 25, 1934, in Brockton, Massachusetts, and attended Middlebury College where she met Phil. Her passion for life was contagious and she shared her love through everything she did–grade school and nursery schoolteacher, health care worker, hospice volunteer. Gail’s favorite part of life was being a mother and devoted wife. She walked her children from infants into adulthood and was as proud of them as they were to call her Mom.

Gail shared a love of sports with her husband, in particular the Boston Red Sox when Phil took on the role as a team Ambassador in 2001. She accompanied Phil to many games and loved assisting him in the role of fan services. Together they filled countless requests for Fenway Fan packs from around the world and even helped take the World Series trophy on tour in 2004. In recent years Gail found a passion following the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, watching games from her couch while holding hands with Phil every chance she got.

Gail’s presence will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her brilliant love and infectious laughter will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace, knowing she made the world such a brighter place.

A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lord’s Pantry, C/O Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205 in honor of Gail’s lifelong commitment to supporting people in need.

Source: thebradentontimes.com

March 20, 2024

Naugatuck, Connecticut – D’Anthony Keon Lindsey transitioned from this life on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. D’Anthony resided in Naugatuck, Connecticut after growing up in Manatee County (Palmetto), Florida.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a

D’Anthony Keon Lindsey was born on July 22, 2002, at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. As a growing child, D’Anthony attended the public schools of Manatee County and participated in the youth department at St. John First Baptist Institutional Church, Palmetto, FL.

D’Anthony was preceded in death by his sister, DeJenae K. Lindsey and grandfather, Samuel M. Duval, Sr. He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Diana Rene Duval Lindsey, and father, Roderick Anthony Lindsey; siblings mourning D’Anthony’s passing are: Jayla Z. Lindsey, Maliya S. Lindsey, Roderick A. Lindsey, Tremanye S. Hall, Travis T. Lindsey, Victoria L. Lindsey, and Deaunna R. Lindsey; grandmothers, Ruby D. Clemons and Ethel Lindsey; a special uncle, Willie J. Clemons III and a host of other loved ones including uncles, aunties, cousins, and friends!

Source: thebradentontimes.com

November 5, 1933 – March 25, 2024

Bradenton, Florida – Joan Reid passed away on March 25th, 2024 at the age of 90 in Bradenton, Florida. She was the widow of John (Jack) Reid. They shared 38 years married to one another. Joan was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 15th, 1933. She is predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Katherine Mitchell and her siblings, Maurice (Joey) Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, and Mary Mitchell.

Joan grew up in Hartford, Connecticut and later moved to Windsor, Connecticut. She initially lived with her parents in Windsor but eventually married and raised her three children. She and her husband purchased a cottage colony on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire in the 1970’s. Joan’s time at the lake and cottages are some of her fondest lifetime memories. While managing the cottages, she made many friends who would return to vacation there year after year.

Joan and her husband later moved to Bradenton, Florida. In Bradenton, she worked many years as a secretary for Alcan/Norandex. There she made many lasting friendships. Some were able to recently help celebrate her 90th birthday at her home this past November.

Joan is survived by her three children: Michael Reid and partner, Diana Visser; Judy Taylor and husband, Gary Taylor; John Reid and wife, Barbara Reid.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Katelyn Cook and husband, Chris Cook; Seamus Dwyer and wife, Alexis Dwyer; Sean Dwyer and wife, Lindsey Dwyer; Kylie Irqsusi and husband, Feras Irqsusi; and step-granddaughter, Jessi Taylor and wife, Adriana Generallo. In addition, Joan left behind 5 great-grandchildren: (Mackenzie, Grady, Callahan, Ryland, Zayn, Airlie, and Torin) with another expected in July (Jack). She will also be truly missed by her sister-in-law and best friend, Elizabeth (Liz) Mitchell, many nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.

Source: thebradentontimes.com

October 13, 1967 – March 19, 2024

Bradenton, Florida –

Sabrina Yvonne Shannon-Bryant, 56, of Bradenton, FL, transitioned to her heavenly home March 19, 2024. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Friday, March 29, 2024 at Westside Funeral Home, 204 7th St W, Palmetto, FL. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 30, 2024 at St. John First Baptist Institutional, 1108 29th St E Palmetto, FL. Condolences may be given at www.Westsidefh.com 

Source: thebradentontimes.com

Janis M Stradley, 69, passed away on January 28 in Tampa.She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Her father Milton “Mac” McCullough was a clinical psychologist by training, and served for many years as an administrator for mental health programs in the State of Ohio government. Her mother Frances Whiteside McCullough was a middle school science teacher. Her parents married shortly before the start of World War II, and Mac served in the US Army from 1941 until the war ended.Janis had a lifelong love for animals. She always had household pets, and for many years owned and rode horses. She never turned away from the suffering of neglected and abused animals. Throughout her life she supported many kinds of animal welfare and rescue efforts.After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the Ohio State University, she worked for The Limited, a women’s clothing store in the Columbus area, and studied nursing. She married veterinarian Dr. Daniel Stradley of Columbus, and though the marriage did not work out, they remained lifelong friends. Janis had a lifelong fascination with the body and movement. Graceful and elegant, she loved dance and was an accomplished ballroom dancer. After her marriage ended, she moved to California and obtained her degree in physical therapy at Loma Linda University She practiced physical therapy in British Columbia for a time before returning to Loma Linda to obtain a doctorate in the field. For many years she worked for Kaiser-Permanente, specializing in patients with circulatory problems, and in ergonomics. Lithe and slender, she was a very beautiful woman who looked many years younger than her age. She loved the outdoors, and loved long hikes in the woods or in the hills overlooking her California home. She formed many deep and lasting friendships with colleagues, neighbors, and fellow animal lovers.Despite a lifetime of healthy living habits, Janis was struck by illness, and in 2021 moved to Sarasota, Florida, where her brother lives. In 2023 she moved to her “dream house” in nearby Bradenton. In January she finally lost her battle, and her life ended very peacefully with her brother at her side. Her choice was cremation, and she will be remembered in an online event later this year to enable her many California friends to share their memories.Janis was a complex and interesting person of many talents. She had strong beliefs, lived life her own way, and never compromised her principles. Along the way she touched many people deeply. She was loved and she will be missed.She is survived by her brother Darryl and his wife Laurie of Sarasota. Please contact Darryl at JanisStradleyMemorial@gmail.com to receive a notification of the memorial event once it has been planned.Donations in her name may be made to any organization that works to help neglected and abused animals.

Source: dailybulletin.com

Naples/Fort Myers/Charlotte

Up from the ashes: Construction has officially kicked off at the Shalimar Beach Resort — nearly 18 months after it was destroyed during Hurricane Ian. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in Sanibel last week to mark the new project. The rebuilt resort will include a 27,334-square-foot, two-story building with 21 one-bedroom units as well as a 6,032- square-foot, two-story fourplex building with two one-bedroom units; two two-bedroom units; and four duplexes with one-bedroom cottages. Each building will be built over covered parking, says Fort Myers-based Stevens Construction, which is building the resort. In all, there will be 33 units as well as a lobby and a manger’s suite. It will be a total of 52,207 square feet. The Shalimar first opened in 1959. In an October 2022 Facebook post, the property’s owners described what happened when Ian hit, writing that “our entire property has been swept away in the storm surge, with most of our buildings coming to rest in heaps on West Gulf Drive and in streets beyond.” It promised at the time to rebuild old-Florida style cottages on the property rather than condos. “Just much stronger and better, of course!”

Fee schedule: The city of Cape Coral has approved an increase to its utility impact fees to pay for the expansion of municipal water and sewer services. According to the Real Estate Investment Society, a networking, education and industry advocacy group, the city is raising the fees for water, sewer and irrigation for a new home from $6,750 to $8,748, up 29.6%. The increase will be phased in over four years. Localities around the region are beginning to discuss increasing impact fees as population growth and the development needed to serve that growth burdens local infrastructure. In late February, Manatee County commissioners voted to raise its impact fees by 50% over the next four years. The increase will go toward addressing roads, parks, libraries and emergency services. And REIS says Fort Myers is also discussing raising its impact fees on water.

Tampa/St. Petersburg/Pasco/Polk

Courtesy image

Active living: PulteGroup has closed on a 200 acre-site in Pasco County that will be the first phase of a 430-acre development it’s planning. The homebuilder paid $13 million. Eshenbaugh Land Co. was the broker, says a Pulte spokesperson. The property will be used for the development of 696 homes under the company’s Del Webb brand, which is aimed at people 55 and older. The property is off of Shady Hills Road, north of State Road 52. Pulte says land development permitting should be completed by the spring, with the construction of model homes starting by year’s end. When complete, the community will include a clubhouse with a bar and grill, walking trails, a food truck plaza and pickleball and bocce courts. It will be called Del Webb River Reserve. Last year, Atlanta-based Pulte bought 724 acres in Lakewood Ranch with plans to build 1,300 Del Webb homes on the property.

Plan to address affordability: The city of Tampa has launched the Tampa Housing Implementation Plan, which includes putting more than $82 million in funding aimed at making it more affordable for renters and homeowners to live in Tampa. The plan calls for identifying the gap in housing supply, figuring out what needs to be done to address housing shortages and taking the steps to fix it. This can be done, the city says in a statement, by investing more money to support the creation of affordable places to live, as well as land use changes to support housing for residents over the long-term. According to the city’s statement, nearly 40% of residents are “housing cost-burdened.” That means more than 30% of their monthly gross income goes toward paying for housing.

Sarasota/Manatee

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Plan to address affordability 2: Speaking of affordable housing. Sarasota County has launched a plan of its own to attract developers and others to build affordable multifamily housing projects. Its plan is called The Resilient SRQ Multifamily Affordable Housing program. The $40 million program calls for nonprofit and for-profit developers, county municipalities and public housing authorities to apply for funding to build communities aimed at low to moderate income families. The funding comes for the $201.5 million the county is getting from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through a community development block grant for disaster recovery. Laurel Varnell, the program’s manager, says in a statement that the program aims to help meet the need for affordable living units after Hurricane Ian. For the projects that meet the basic criteria (which includes a minimum of 51% of the units being affordable), developers will be scored on their financial plan, leverage of funding, project readiness, project impact, period of affordability, the number of affordable units and a pre-award assessment.

Senior moments: A pair of senior living facilities in Venice and Bradenton have been sold to Clearwater investment firm TJM Properties for $7.1 million. The Venice property it bought is the Tuscan Garden of Venice at 1121 Jacaranda Blvd. TJM paid $3.13 million for that property. The second is Summerfield Senior Living at 3409 26th St. W. in Bradenton. TJM paid $4 million for that property. Both, according to local property and state records, were previously owned by a Toledo, Ohio, real estate trust named ReNew, which lost money on both land sales. Property records show that in 2020 ReNew paid $4.3 million for the Venice property and $4.5 million for the one in Bradenton. TJM, founded in 1979 by entrepreneur Terry McCarthy, was once a big player in senior living, until it sold 15 of its communities in August 2013. After focusing on the hospitality sector over the next decade, it bought five senior living facilities last year, making improvements and taking over management. The latest purchases were made by LLCs with principal addresses at TJM’s Ulmerton Road offices and naming Terence McCarthy as manager.

If you have news, notes or tips you want to pass along, contact [email protected]. Or you can text or call 727-371-6944.

Source: businessobserverfl.com

Keywords

Reasoner Nursery; Atwood Grove; History of Pink Grapefruit; History of Manatee County

Source: thebradentontimes.com

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Looking for a way to show your support for Florida panther conservation? Consider getting the newly designed Protect the Panther license plate, whether you are renewing your Florida plates or licensing your car in the state for the first time.

Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked with photographer Carlton Ward and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to design the new plate. The latest design features a stunning photograph taken by Carlton in 2018 depicting a well-known panther — the first female documented north of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973 and also the first female documented to have had kittens north of the river in over 40 years. The Caloosahatchee River has long appeared to be an obstacle to the natural expansion of the population, including the northward movement of female panthers.

The new license plate can be purchased at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or by checking with your local tax collector office for availability. When renewing vehicles, Florida motorists can exchange their old plates for the new Protect the Panther plate by going in person to your local tax collector office or the FLHSMV. At this time, the new plates are not available through online renewals but can be purchased in person.

Fees from the Protect the Panther license plate go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a critical source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring and conservation efforts. The long-term public support of this fund has had a direct positive impact on the FWC’s management and research efforts, resulting in timely, science-based information needed to guide current and future conservation actions for Florida panthers. The FWC and conservation partners have made significant progress with panther recovery and the FWC’s panther program relies upon sales of the license plate to continue these conservation efforts.

Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee. Florida panthers are listed as an Endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.

Purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate isn’t the only way you can help panthers. Drivers can also help by following all posted speed limits, particularly in panther zones, which are in place in several counties across south Florida to coincide with areas where panthers are known to cross. Panther speed zones help protect both Florida panthers and motorists from vehicle collisions and potential injury. You can also donate directly to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Florida Panther Fund to support the rehabilitation and release of injured panthers and help FWC staff and partners locate and protect panthers, including their dens and kittens.

To learn more about Florida panthers and the FWC’s work to conserve the species, visit MyFWC.com/Panther.

Source: thebradentontimes.com

by Dawn Kitterman

BRADENTON — Manatee County Commissioners will convene for their first work session meeting of 2024 this Tuesday, April 2. The meeting will be the first of several work sessions scheduled as part of the county’s FY24-25 budget process. 

Along with the county commission’s responsibility for establishing local policy, procedures, and programs through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions and the commissioners’ responsibility for appointing a county administrator, the commissioners are also responsible for adopting the annual operating budget for all departments and offices organized under the commission.

In Florida, county government fiscal years begin on October 1 and end on September 30, as opposed to the state government’s fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Local school districts in Florida follow the state’s fiscal year schedule.

Manatee County’s Department of Financial Management prepares the county’s budget. It is currently led by Chief Financial Officer Sheila McLean. The county administrator is responsible for leading the budget preparation and recommending an efficient and effective annual budget that can adequately fund and support county programs as directed by commissioners. The county administrator is responsible for ensuring the timely preparation of the tentative and final budget and will present a recommended budget to the board for consideration. 

County commissioners approve the annual budget through a majority vote of the board.

During Tuesday’s work session, CFO McLean will present the Financial and Budget Execution Summary to commissioners. The presentation will update commissioners on last fiscal year’s budget and the county’s current financial standings. This information will help lay the foundation for the commissioners’ consideration during the budget adoption process for FY24-25. 

McLean’s presentation will cover the county’s financial position at the end of FY23, including its cash balances, reserves, and investments, and a financial summary of the county as of Feb. 2024. Additional topics will include updates on funding sources and revenues, CIP projects, the county’s debt status and debt funding plan, and the millage. 

The next BOCC budget work session scheduled for the FY24-25 budget process will be held on June 12, during which Administrator Charlie Bishop will present the recommended budget to commissioners. This will be Bishop’s first budget process as county administrator. Bishop was appointed to the position by commissioners in Sept. 2023, just as the last fiscal year’s budget headed to adoption hearings. CFO McLean oversaw the budget preparation last fiscal year, and this will be her second year overseeing its preparation.

Click here to access the April 2 BOCC work session meeting agenda.

Here are some important public meeting dates scheduled as part of the budget process:

June 12 –  Budget Work Session
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
County Administrator presents the recommended budget 

June 17 –  Budget Work Session
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Constitutional officers’ budget presentation followed by budget review presentation

June 18 –  Budget Work Session
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FY25-29 Capital Improvements Plan presentation

June 19 – Budget Work Session
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fund Analysis Summary 

Other important dates within the county’s budget timeline include property value certifications anticipated by July 1, the budget reconciliation meeting scheduled for August 1, and two public hearings in September required for the budget’s adoption with exact dates yet to be determined.

Click here to view the county’s full FY25 budget schedule. 

Manatee County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller also has a role in the county’s fiscal responsibilities. The clerk—who, like commissioners, is an elected official—is responsible for overseeing county funds, including accounting, the review and issue of payments, and safeguarding county assets. The clerk is also responsible for preparing and publishing interim and annual financial reports.

The annual reports are prepared following the close of the previous fiscal year and include a comprehensive financial report, a debt report, a utilities financial report, the port authority financial report, and the Clerk’s Popular Report.

As suggested by its name, the Popular Report is perhaps the most popular among citizens as it explains Manatee County’s financial health in terms and format that is more accessible to the average citizen. Unlike the annual comprehensive financial report, the Popular Report is less in-depth while providing an overall financial perspective of the county and all five constitutional offices. The popular report provides residents with information about the county’s past fiscal year’s health and budget as the new fiscal year’s budget process begins.

Click here to view the clerk’s end-of FY23 Popular Report.
 
Click here to view the clerk’s end-of FY23 County Debt Report. 

To review other annual reports prepared by the Clerk’s General Accounting and Reporting Division, visit the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s website or click here.

Source: thebradentontimes.com

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Bradenton Police said they have received an uptick in license plate thefts recently.

Source: wtsp.com