It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and we have a bunch of awesome autumnal October events taking place this weekend to celebrate the season.
We have two of my favorite annual events leading the way: Rocktoberfest in downtown Sarasota and a traditional Oktoberfest at Edelweiss, which will happen in and around the authentic German restaurant found along Bradenton Riverwalk’s new eastern expansion.
You will also want to consider Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cookoff in Sarasota’s Southside Village, as well as Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival in east Manatee. Looking for a Celtic and Bavarian mash-up? Check out Celtoberfest, taking place in Motorworks Brewing’s big, beautiful beer garden adjacent to Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.
Continue reading for details on each of these exciting events.
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Oktoberfest-inspired food and beverages will be paired with an impressive lineup of musicians for Rocktoberfest, the free admission, pet-friendly event set to take place this weekend in downtown Sarasota along the Bayfront at J.D. Hamel Park. There will be smoked sausages, roasted meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, and pretzels along with a special selection of German beers served at the full-liquor bars. The live music lineup includes local and national standouts, including a 6:30-8 p.m. Friday performance by blues luminaries Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers. 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; J. D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive; free admission; paragonartevents.com
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Eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment at Edelweiss, the authentic German restaurant located just east of downtown Bradenton by the new Riverwalk East extension. There’s a large, open-air beer tent set up with seating and live entertainment on stage in addition to contests, traditional Oktoberfest food and steins filled with genuine German beer. 4-8 p.m. today through Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday; The Edelweiss Restaurant, 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; free; 941-748-3838; facebook.com/edelweiss941
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Beans or no beans? For the 23rd year, local firehouses will be competing in a chili cook-off taking place outside Morton’s Gourmet Market in Sarasota’s bustling Southside Village. There will be celebrity judges, live music and more including various vendors. 2-5 p.m. Sunday; Morton’s Gourmet Market, 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; free admission, $10 to sample all chili; 941-955-9856; sffbf.org
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The 32nd annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival begins this weekend with plenty of pumpkins, hayrides, scarecrow displays, and lots of food options including, yes, pumpkin pie. The long list of entertainment includes everything from the beloved pumpkin cannon and country music to circus acts and a monster truck show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29; Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton; $15 admission, $5 parking (children 10 and younger free); cash only; 941-322-2168; hunsaderfarms.com
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Celtoberfest, everyone’s favorite Celtic and Bavarian mash up, will be at Motorworks’ massive beer garden for two days of live music, games, special vendors, bagpipers, food specials and steins for sale. Friday’s band lineup is Bill Mullen at 5 p.m. and Tuatha Dea at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, it’s Black Velvet Band (11 a.m.), Clover’s Revenge (1:30 p.m.), Mac Tier (4 p.m.) and Seven Nations (6:30 p.m.) Motorworks Brewing is at 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton bordering the Village of the Arts. Tickets are $15-$40 and can be purchased at celtoberfest.org.
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
Source: heraldtribune.com
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Lily Sutton, a seventh grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, remembered the joys of being a part of the All County Choir in fifth grade.
She practiced every week with the choir and loved participating in the competition.
When she was entering middle school in sixth grade, she was disheartened to find out Haile Middle School didn’t offer a choir program.
But this year, Sutton is loving every day on the risers in the choir room at Haile Middle, singing with her classmates as part of the school’s new choir program.
“I’ve been singing since I was a little kid, and now I get to sing with this awesome group of people,” Sutton said.
Alicia Coney, Hailey Terstegge and Ava Thomas sing “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Haile Middle eliminated the choir program in fall 2020 due to staffing cuts.
The program has returned this school year with high interest. The choir program consists of a choir for sixth grade students and another choir that combines seventh and eighth graders. This year, the program has 55 students, but teacher Janice Wagner hopes to see the program grow.
With 25 years of experience teaching choir, Wagner was asked to serve as the director of the school’s new choir program. She had stepped away from being a choir teacher and served predominantly as a math teacher for the past eight years.
“I was a little hesitant, but once I got into it, I realized how much I missed it,” Wagner said. “The kids are just awesome. They’re so enthusiastic, and they sing so well.”
Since the school hasn’t offered a choir program over the past three years, the students in the program have not had any vocal training unless they pursued it individually.
Starting the program from scratch has meant Wagner has to teach her students the basics before they can build on the program.
“The exciting part is that it’s like molding them and shaping them right from the beginning,” Wagner said. “There’s no bad habits.”
Wagner has been teaching her students to sight read, harmonize and work as a team to perform a song. She said learning how to harmonize often is a challenge for students because they are used to singing the melody of a song.
The choirs will be able to show off what they’ve learned during their first concert Dec. 7.
When asked what the students want to sing next, Rylee Pascoe pushes for “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Wagner said she’s a little nervous about the concert because her students have yet to perform in front of anyone, but she’s excited to see them rise to the occasion.
In February, the choirs will perform in the Music Performance Assessments at Venice High School. They will sing two prepared songs for judges as well as sight read rhythm and vocal exercises.
Celia Baehr, an eighth grader, is thrilled to be a part of the program, but she’s sad she’ll only have one year with the choir until she moves onto high school.
Baehr said she felt judged in her other classes when she would hum or quietly sing to herself, but now she has the space to sing her heart out while surrounded by a group of likeminded students.
“It’s a great community, and we’re all learning and getting better since the start of the school year,” she said.
The seventh and eighth grade choir students spend their days practicing songs including “Seasons of Love” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Spencer Barros-Watts, a seventh grader, said he appreciates the different types of music they are performing. His favorite at the moment is “Jingle Bell Rock” because it’s a catchy, fast-paced song.
When her students need a break, Wagner knows just the song to sing: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.”
Every time a word that starts with a “b” is sung, her students either have to sit or stand. When the next “b” word comes, they have to do the opposite.
During a round of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” Sept. 29, Wagner’s seventh and eighth grade students were laughing as they tried to keep up with whether they were supposed to be sitting or standing as the lyrics continued.
“It’s getting them up and moving and getting them out of their seats,” Wagner said. “It just breaks up the hard work we do. The kids love it. They ask for it all the time.”
Source: yourobserver.com
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Kendrick Wallace, wood carver.
A free International event will take place October 20, 21, and 22, on the City of Bradenton’s Riverwalk East End at Manatee Mineral Spring Park,
The Back to Angola Festival is being hosted by Oaktree Community Outreach, a local nonprofit, in partnership with Reflections of Manatee. This cultural and heritage festival is a homecoming and celebrates the once-forgotten blended history of Red Bays, Andros (Bahamas), and the Angola Maroon community who resided at the Spring in the early 1800s.
The existence of Angola only recently re-entered the collective memory of contemporary history after decades of new historical insights, archeological explorations, and chance meetings by various groups and universities. These findings revealed that not only physical archeological evidence of this community persisted but also the legacy of the people themselves. After Angola was destroyed in 1821, a portion broke off and founded a new life in Red Bays, Andros.
The Park and the Back to Angola Festival Program are registered on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (NTF).
At the Back to Angola Festival, descendants, historians, community leaders, and those local to the surrounding Bradenton area, along with anyone else interested in reveling in the history will come together to commemorate 202 years since this community resided at the Springs.
Participants will hear lively presentations on the history, see cultural demonstrations of basket weaving, and wood carving by the descendants, and experience a live Bahamian Junkanoo workshop complete with live music. Of course, no festival would be complete without the food – Bahamian delights will be on sale such as conch fritters, conch salad, and fish dinners among other delicacies such as coconut cake by local vendors. Also on sale will be art, books, oils, homemade jams, pickled vegetables, and other treats and Bahamian souvenirs.
Participants will be able to view the Freedom Seekers Exhibits at the nearby Reflections of Manatee Museum.
Presenters at the event include:
Dr. Uzi Baram, Director of Public Archaeology for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens; Vickie Oldham, President of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc.; Dr. Canter Brown, Renowned Florida historian; Dr. Sharon Jefferson Educator, founder of RECESS; and Sherry Robinson Svekis, President Reflections of Manatee; Jason Brown (Angola descendant & cultural archaeologist); Residents of Red Bays-Descendants of Angola :- (Sharona Barr, Wilton Russell, Peggy & Indiana Cooper, Kendrick Wallace, Anora Gibson), Bahamian Cultural Heritage Ambassador Henry Higgins and International Recording Artist Clifford “Big Bruh” Riley (Andros descendant), Junkanoo Groups: Miami Generation Junkanoo and Miami Junkanoo Bahamas.
The City of Bradenton’s Riverwalk East End at Manatee Mineral Spring Park is located at 1312
2nd Ave East, Bradenton 34208, located two blocks north of State Road 64 off 14th St. E.
Event Times are Friday: 6:00 – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
Source: coastalbreezenews.com
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BRADENTON, FL — It’s spooky season in Bradenton! This means plenty of Halloween events to check out, ranging from family-friendly gatherings to more debaucherous adults-only parties.
Check out some upcoming Halloween events in Manatee County:
Goblin Gathering
This spooktacular outdoor event on Oct. 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at GT Bray Park is family friendly and fun for all ages! Local businesses will be passing out treats and sweets to participants, providing a safe alternative for families to trick-or-treat. This year will also feature a spooky trail and food trucks will be onsite. Event entry and trick-or-treating is free. $5 wristbands are sold to jump in the bounce houses, enjoy a pony ride and be festively face painted.
Community Fall Festival
Parrish United Methodist Church hosts a fun, free, family-friendly fall festival Oct. 15, 4 to 7 p.m. The festival includes an inflatable corn maze, games, hayrides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, animals, a photo booth, food trucks and more.
HalloWine Walk
BooFest is officially back Oct. 27, 6 to 9 p.m., on Lakewood Main Street. The free family-friendly fun includes entertainment, food and drink vendors, and more. Children should bring trick-or-treat bags to collect treats from sponsors and merchants. There will also be a costume parade.
Boo! at the Bishop
Join The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and other community partners for safe, family fun on Oct. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Trick-or-treat within the museum while visiting with local community members. Light activities will also be provided for children as they explore. Child-friendly costumes are encouraged.
Oscura’s Halloween Costume Cover Show
Celebrate Halloween weekend at this free covers show. The event features Suburban Wasteland as Blink-182, The Tilt as The Cure, Neverless as Fall Out Boy and Lesa Silvermore acoustic as Nirvana.
Source: patch.com
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BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — In a past life, the sheriff’s building complex on 57th Avenue East in Bradenton was a work release center for the recently incarcerated. But the thousands of square footage is getting a new start in a few months, as it transforms into a transitional living facility with wraparound services for families in need.
“My heart is with the vulnerable children of Manatee County,” said Amanda Ballard. “I know that the need is there.”
Ballard is the District 2 commissioner for Manatee County.
“We’re really trying to give these families a genuine opportunity to make a change,” Ballard said.
She said the county is spending about $600,000 on this project out of the $3 million they set aside to counter the effects of homelessness on the community.
“We’re not just giving someone a place to stay,” Ballard said. “We’re actually giving them the services and the skills that they need.”
Ballard is leading the charge to turn the sheriff’s offices into one building with nonprofit services, like a temp agency, tutoring and counseling, and a second building with temporary housing for about 30 families.
“This isn’t just one or two nights, or one or two weeks and then you’re out,” Ballard said. “The intent is for these families to be able to stay here for three or four months.”
The program will be called, ‘Under One Roof,’ and run by a local nonprofit that Ballard said will be chosen by the end of October.
“We’ll be able to accommodate, hopefully, 15, 20 different service providers,” Ballard explained. “That are able to work with these families.”
There is still work to be done inside, like fixing up the kitchen and getting rid of the handcuffs on benches.
“Right now, it doesn’t look like a place that you would want to bring your family for those wraparound services,” Ballard admitted. “But a few months from now, it’s going to be a completely different environment.”
The county hopes to house its first families in the complex by Christmas.
Source: wfla.com
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
Join Town Square University Parkway for our first annual Health Expo this Saturday, October 14th from 10 AM to 4 PM. We have over 75 businesses coming together to support our community and provide free resources. Join us for our vendor show, our live demonstrations, 15 different breakout rooms or one of our educational presentations. Call today to find out more or register to attend 941-277-5048
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Source: patch.com
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The Circus Arts Conservatory, the nation’s only nonprofit organization that combines professional circus performances, youth circus training and outreach programming, is thrilled to launch another great year of Circus Sarasota and Sailor Circus Academy performances – as well as an exciting new holiday collaboration with the “King of the High Wire,” Nik Wallenda – in its 26th year.
Tickets for the upcoming season are now on sale; the shows in the 2023-2024 performance season include:
● “Brave New Wonderland”: the CAC’s new collaboration with Nik Wallenda, runs November 18-December 31, 2023; Holiday-themed Big Top at the East District at UTC; tickets $30-$75
This magical, immersive holiday spectacular – which Wallenda will direct and headline – will bring all the joy and wonder of the holiday season and incredible artistry of world-class circus artists to the Sarasota-Bradenton area
● Sailor Circus Academy “Candyland”: runs December 27-31, 2023; Sailor Circus Arena; tickets $20-$40
The nation’s longest-running youth circus program presents an amazing spectacle as students ages 8-18 flip, fly and soar to new heights in a new holiday production
● Windjammers featuring Sailor Circus Academy: January 14, 2024; Sailor Circus Arena; free (but donations are gratefully accepted)
The Windjammers is a group comprising retired circus musicians; enjoy expertly-played classic circus music accompanied by performances by Sailor Circus Academy students
● Circus Arts Gala: February 2, 2024; Ulla Searing Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island; tickets $350
A one-of-a-kind evening featuring world-class artistry paired with fine dining, benefiting the CAC’s outreach programs that educate, entertain, and enrich lives
● Circus Sarasota: February 16-March 10, 2024; Ulla Searing Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island; tickets $20-$80
Featuring an international cast of the world’s most renowned circus artists in thrilling performances
● Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices (in partnership with The Key Chorale): March 22-23, 2024; Sailor Circus Arena; (tickets on sale December 12, 2023)
The CAC teams up with The Key Chorale to present a unique show that combines live singing and music by the 40+ piece Cirque Orchestra with the exhilarating artistry of professional circus artists and Sailor Circus Academy students
● WONDERBALL: April 2024 (date TBD); Sailor Circus Arena; (tickets on sale this fall)
The hot electronic dance music (EDM) concert returns for a second year, with proceeds benefiting the CAC’s youth education programs
● Sailor Circus Red Troupe “Spring Show”: runs May 4-5, 2024; Sailor Circus Arena; tickets $20-$40
Patrons of all ages will be wowed by acts showcasing stunning aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, contortion, light-hearted comedy, and more
“Each year we strive to create a season that will not only surpass the previous year but will exceed all expectations of our patrons of all ages and from near and far,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Circus Arts Conservatory executive VP/COO. “From our youth training program to our professional productions, we are looking forward to providing world-class entertainment and continuing to work to preserve the rich history and legacy of the circus arts.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CircusArts.org or call the Box Office at 941-355-9805.
About The Circus Arts Conservatory
The Circus Arts Conservatory, located in Sarasota, Fla., is home to world-class performances, excellence in training the circus arts, and community-based outreach programs. The organization was born from decades of circus history and today serves as a legacy to those that have set the standards for international circus artistry and education. The Circus Arts Conservatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit CircusArts.org for more information.
Source: patch.com
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Passco acquired ParkCrest Landings in 2016 for $75 million. Image courtesy of JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors
Goldelm has purchased ParkCrest Landings, a 400-unit community in Bradenton, Fla., for $102 million. JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors represented the seller, Passco Cos. Arbor Realty Trust provided a $62 million loan with a September 2024 maturity date, according to public records.
Yardi Matrix data shows that the buyer also assumed an existing $48.8 million Fannie Mae loan, originated by KeyBank in 2016. That same year, Passco acquired the asset for $75 million.
ParkCrest Landings came online in 2015 and encompasses 17 two- and three-story buildings. Units offer one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, ranging between 612 and 1,404 square feet.
Common-area amenities of the Class A property include a fitness center, clubhouse, business center, volleyball court, as well as two swimming pools and a spa. Residents also have access to arund 920 parking spaces.
The 78.4-acre property is at 5725 1st Ave. East, close to a Walmart Supercenter and a few dining options. Ellenton Premium Outlets is 6 miles northwest, while The Mall at University Town Center is some 9 miles away. Tom Bennett Park is within walking distance.
Earlier this year, Passco Cos. sold a 260-unit luxury community, also located in Southwest Florida. Longitude 81 Apartments traded for $78.8 million, Yardi Matrix data shows.
Source: multihousingnews.com
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by Dawn Kitterman
BRADENTON — After a nearly eight-week delay, Manatee County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a long-discussed permanent housing project for homeless and at-risk of homelessness veterans. The approval will convey county-owned property valued at $6M to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Inc., for the development of a veteran affordable housing complex.
The project was first presented in detail to commissioners during an April 25 BOCC meeting. The presenters for the project included representatives of both the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Inc. and the U.S. VETS Program. The proposal was intended to bring permanent supportive housing to a county-owned parcel at 4410 66th Street West, Bradenton. The county would agree to support the project by transferring and donating land to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Manatee County Commissioners had previously made a commitment to support future veteran housing projects by agreeing to allocate $15 million of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. These designated funds would be used to “purchase” the county-owned property from the Utilities Department—to offset the donation from the Utilities budget/assets—as a part of that previous commitment.
In April, the initiative was only in the planning stage, however following the presentation, commissioners voted unanimously to advance the conveyance of the county-owned site in support of the future location of the proposed project—though select commissioners had expressed some concerns.
In August when the item returned to commissioners for approval, the nonprofit—Tunnel to Towers Foundation—found that the unanimous support among commissioners had waned and lesser concerns previously expressed during the April meeting had ballooned to a majority of commissioners voting to “pause” advancement of the proposed project.
Commissioners Jason Bearden and Kevin Van Ostenbridge expressed several reservations about the requested approval which would have finalized the deal in August.
Bearden said he had significant concerns about T2T partnering with the U.S. VETS Program as it was his belief that the U.S. Vets would manage the site and Bearden had heard negative things about U.S. Vets from friends. Bearden also said he had “seen with his own eyes” examples of the poor quality of other sites managed by the organization.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation Vice President Gavin Naples responded to Bearden’s concerns assuring him that in the instance of the proposed Manatee County project, his organization would be controlling and managing the site—not U.S. VETS.
Van Ostenbridge expressed concerns about the proposed number of units for the project, concern over whether the site would cater to homeless veterans from outside of the area, and concern over a lack of community outreach and communication.
Based on his own concerns and those expressed by Bearden, Van Ostenbridge suggested the board might consider a “pause” on any votes for approval to allow for town halls to be held in the area of the proposed project.
Commissioner Amanda Ballard motioned for the board to continue the item for “up to six weeks.” Van Ostenbridge readily supported Ballard’s motion, however, because only four commissioners took to the dais to cast their votes, it was passed in an unusual 3-1 vote with Commissioners Ballard, Van Ostenbridge, and Ray Turner in support, Commissioner George Kruse in opposition, and Commissioners Bearden, Mike Rahn, and James Satcher absent.
Both District 4 Commissioner Rahn and Van Ostenbridge—who is the District 3 commissioner—held community town halls on the topic. Tunnel to Towers participated in the town halls which drew many residents for presentations and to have their questions answered. Both town halls found overwhelming public support for the proposed project and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, particularly among veterans and families of veterans.
Last month, prior to the Tunnel to Towers project returning to the board for another chance at approval, Bearden proposed a separate potential veteran housing project for county-owned land off of Buckeye Road.
At the time, Bearden seemed to suggest his proposed tiny-home veteran project might be a preferred option as opposed to the Tunnel to Towers project which hung in limbo. During the board’s discussion on Bearden’s proposal, commissioners seemed to come to the agreement that both projects could be valid options and the board’s decision need not be an either-or between the two.
On Tuesday, Tunnel to Towers Vice President Gavin Naples provided another detailed presentation to commissioners. Naples addressed the myriad of concerns that had been raised over the long course of negotiations and discussion of T2T’s proposed veteran village.
“It has been a long road to here, obviously,” Naples began his comments to commissioners. “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation stands to deliver this program, as we have for about a year now, but we are deeply saddened by the misinformation and the lies that have been surrounding this program.”
“My objective here today—whether or not the vote goes one way or the other, ” Naples continued, “is to correct the narrative and to make sure that everyone understands what this program is, what the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is, and our track record for helping veterans and first responders throughout the nation.”
Click the video below to replay his comments and presentation in their entirety.
[embedded content]
Following Naples’ presentation, two commissioners continued to express reservations about a possible approval—Commissioner Bearden and Satcher.
During his questioning, Bearden appeared agitated as he explained to representatives of the project he was “sick and tired” of veterans “being used as pawns for people to make money off them.”
Similarly, Satcher’s tone and disposition toward the representatives of Tunnel to Towers seemed at times adversarial with him frequently cutting off Naples while he was attempting to answer the commissioner’s questions, sometimes denying him the opportunity to respond at all.
During his opening presentation, Naples shared with the board that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was formed after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. Since its creation, said Naples, the organization had earned the “highest charity rating” and .94 cents of every dollar spent by the organization is spent on its recipients—veterans, gold star families, and first responders.
To listen to Commissioner Bearden and Satcher’s comments and questions, and responses by representatives of Tunnel to Towers and U.S. VETS, click the video below.
[embedded content]
Following board questions, the meeting recessed for an hour and a half lunch before reconvening to hear public comments on the matter.
Numerous members of the public attended the meeting in person to address commissioners, many of them citing a “letter” or “text message” they had received that they said misled them as to the nature of the proposed project.
Of the residents who mentioned having received misleading communications, almost all said that they had changed their minds and wished to speak in support of the project having heard the presentation by Tunnel to Towers before the lunch break.
At one point, Commission Chair Van Ostenbridge clarified that the communications being referenced by public speakers were not official communications by the county government or commissioners.
Click the video clip below to watch public commenters on the item.
[embedded content]
There was minimal commissioner deliberation following public comment as Commissioner Rahn moved to close the discussion with a “call to question” moving the item quickly to a vote. Notably, Commissioner George Kruse, who had long championed the proposed project, spoke up to say he was “on the board” waiting to speak.
Put to a vote, approval for the conveyance of land to Tunnel to Towers for the development of the veteran affordable housing project passed unanimously.
Following the meeting, TBT reached Commissioner Kruse by phone. Kruse told TBT that he was very happy with the board’s vote to approve and referred to the outcome as “a great day for Manatee County and for its Veteran community.”
“I have been working diligently with our staff and Tunnel to Towers since the summer of 2022,” Kruse told TBT by phone. “I want to thank the organization for sticking with us and working through concerns in a professional manner.”
“I also want to thank the public for its outpouring of support for our veterans and this project throughout this process,” he added.
Kruse said the support of the public was particularly evident on Tuesday by the number of citizens who showed up to speak in favor of the project “in spite of disingenuous propaganda.”
“Today the BOCC honored a commitment we made long ago and I’m looking forward to both the groundbreaking and the ribbon cutting of this transformative future housing complex!” Kruse stated.
Source: thebradentontimes.com
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Residents said they have concerns with the tower so close to where they live.
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A device that keeps people connected is now dividing one Manatee County community.
A homeowner wants to build a cell tower on their property, but their neighbors are fighting back.
This is happening in a rural Bradenton neighborhood along 28th Avenue East.
“We are Zone A1, so vegetation, animals, that’s what we want, not a cell tower,” neighbor Jodi Samson said.
Samson’s rural Manatee County neighborhood may soon be home to a 115-foot Verizon cell tower.
Dozens of neighbors joined Samson at a meeting Tuesday night with attorney Mattaniah Jahn, who is representing Verizon. Verizon wants to construct the tower on a homeowner’s property.
“[There’s] health concerns for my daughter and us. Who knows what this is going to do,” Samson added.
For those who own homes in the area, they worry about their home’s value. Jahn is representing 1 Source Towers, which is the company hired to construct the tower for Verizon. Jahn said the tower is needed for reliable cell service.
But those living in the area claim cell service isn’t an issue.
“If it’s not broken don’t fix it. There’s nothing wrong with our service,” Susan Kincaid said.
Jahn explained one homeowner living on 28th Avenue East in Bradenton has signed an agreement with Verizon. Jahn wouldn’t disclose how much the homeowner will be paid, but neighbors said the cost is creating concern.
“Our area is an untouched beautiful area. Why put something that’s going to devalue?” Samson said.
If the cell tower is code compliant, Jahn said it’s likely this neighborhood will have to welcome the 115-foot tower.
From here, there will be a hearing on Oct. 23 with county officials. Jahn said that’s when the county will see if the plans are code-compliant. If so, the tower will likely move forward to construction.
Source: wtsp.com
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