While Florida’s Legislative Session won’t officially begin until March, some of the region’s lawmakers already have legislation filed as they look to the new year.

State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, made the environment the focus of his first bill. He wants state requirements for septic tank inspections to be put in place, something he hopes will prevent another red tide bloom on the scale seen along Southwest Florida’s coastline this year. His legislation would restore regulations stripped out of statutes in 2012.

“I heard about nothing else more than red tide during the course of the campaign,” Robinson said. Faulty septic tanks likely contribute to nutrients feeding red tide, he said, and regulating systems could cut down pollution feeding harmful algal blooms.

State Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, heads to Tallahassee for her first full term, but still feels close to an issue raised her first day of office after winning a special election in February. Good was sworn into the Legislature the same day as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High shooting in Parkland, and she’s filed legislation this year regulating private sales of firearms. The bill would require individuals to work with licensed dealers when selling their own weapons in order to conduct criminal background checks, the same as take place at gun shops.

“This is common sense gun violence prevention that the overwhelming majority of Floridians are behind,” she said. Too many felons get their hands on guns through private sales, and this law would better enforce existing restrictions on who can purchase firearms, Good said.

And state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, focused his attention thus far on immigration. The new senator, who served previously in the state House, has filed two bills for the upcoming session. One would prohibit counties and municipalities from becoming “sanctuary” jurisdictions refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The other bill would regulate the reentry into Florida by individuals previously deported.

“One of my biggest issues is always immigration,” Gruters said. 

Florida Capitol Complex

As the New Year approaches, full of high hopes and new resolutions, the most safest way to ensure a prosperous 2019 is by welcoming it with celebration. For those seeking divine food, drink and entertainment, look no further than Sarasota Bay and Marina Jack. The Marina Jack dining room is open for the evening, featuring a special four course dinner menu, as well as party party and a champagne toast at midnight. With musical offerings from Kettle of Fish and Rock Lee on piano, Marina Jack will be bursting at the seams with entertainment and frivolity, ending the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over Sarasota Bay.

For a truly decadent celebration, board the Marina Jack II for a four hour celebration dinner cruise with live music and dancing, along with party favors and, of course, a champagne toast at midnight. For dinner, enjoy an elaborate buffet featuring options such as grilled asparagus, beef tenderloin, crab cakes and more. Finish the night off with a holiday selection of desserts as you watch the midnight fireworks show reflected off the water. 

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has lifted a health advisory issued on December 22. The City of Sarasota Utilities Department reported a large spill of untreated sewage that overflowed into the Sarasota Bay near Centennial Park. The advisory urged individuals not to come into contact with its water. Water samples taken by the City of Sarasota indicate the bay water in the vicinity of Centennial Park meets surface water quality standards ensuring the public may resume water-related activities. The health advisory signage will be removed. At this time, there are no advisories in place on any Sarasota beach, or waterway. When making beach day plans, be sure to check the latest reports on beach conditions at the website below. 

Florida Healthy Beaches Program

Dennis McGillicuddy, co-founder and board chair of Embracing Our Differences, announced recently that the organization has welcomed Sarah Wertheimer to the organization’s board of directors. Wertheimer, 30, joined Embracing Our Differences as associate executive director in 2014, and was appointed executive director in 2018. As executive director, she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s staff, programs, policies and strategic plans. Wertheimer also coordinates fundraising, marketing and community relations campaigns. Prior to her engagement with EOD, Wertheimer served as director of development for The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and as development coordinator for Children First, Inc. In 2017, she was chosen as a member of Leadership Florida Connect Class VIII. Wertheimer is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and co-chaired the organization’s National Philanthropy Day. She is also a volunteer and event chair for Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Florida, Children First, Inc., and the American Cancer Society. In 2017, she was selected by SRQ magazine as one of Sarasota's "30 Under 30." 

Embracing Our Differences

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) has announced they have received a grant in the amount of $9,206 from the Cassidy Family Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support veterinarian expenses and SMART’s veterans’ program. Established in 1987, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) is a nonprofit organization that provides horseback riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. Located in eastern Manatee County, SMART is a mostly volunteer organization that serves over 650 individuals with disabilities each year, including people with a variety of challenges such as autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as individuals with terminal illness, emotional or mental health conditions, and hearing, speech or vision impairments. 

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc.