Sarasota's first registered Benefit Corporation, DreamLarge, continues to utilize business and events to connect the community and engage with the public. As a certified B Corp, entrepreneurial ideas and philanthropic spirit are used as a force for good and in this case, encompass handlebars and bike pedals. Launching the first of a series of community outreach and activation meetups, DreamLarge’s free BLVD Bike Rides initiative aims to bring together like-minded cyclists, while educating and inspiring local residents about the positive growth and activity in the area. 

Founder Anand Pallegar envisions the BLVD Bike Rides series as a catalyst for cross-pollination, for the community to meet neighbors and new friends in a burgeoning area of Sarasota. The event is open and accessible to all and kicks off this Thursday July 18. Two rounds of group rides are planned for 6:15pm and 7pm, through the Rosemary District and surrounding Downtown neighborhoods. Both rides will begin and end in the DreamLarge Yard with a casual get-together of attendees throughout the evening to network, mingle and enjoy a few local food trucks.  

For attendees who wish to participate and are without a bicycle of their own, a partnership with iBike Sarasota is providing free beach and city cruisers, while Endless Summer Eco Tours and Rentals is providing free electric bikes. In order to guarantee safe and accessible transportation, DreamLarge partnered with the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization as well. The organization will be on-hand to educate participants on bike safety and discuss the ways they are transforming transportation in the region.  

Meanwhile, a limited run of specially designed BLVD T-shirts will be available for purchase at the rides. 100% of the purchase price will go directly towards buying bikes for those in need this holiday season. 

Photo outside of the DreamLarge Yard, courtesy of DreamLarge.

Limited spaces are available. Reserve a bike by registering at BLVD Bike Rides

The Tuesday blues roll through once again and you need something fresh to spice up the midday cubicle doldrums. Leftover chili in scratched-up tupperware doesn’t hit the spot and who wants to waste ten minutes of a lunch break arguing with coworkers about sushi versus pizza? How about a gluten-free, dairy-free and 321-calorie Tropical Salmon Salad from Fresh Flamingo instead? The wild-caught salmon is glazed in a citrus dressing over an organic spring mix salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion and mango slices—brought to you and presented on a disposable platter. 

Hand-prepared and cooked in the morning then quickly chilled to preserve flavor, nutrition, quality and presentation, Fresh Flamingo delivers premade meals with locally-sourced ingredients for Sarasotans on the go. With a menu that changes daily based on what produce is fresh and proteins are available, choose from Beach, Vegan, Comfort or Fitness dishes—whichever fits your lifestyle. Order for the entire week or order for tomorrow, then re-energize those afternoon slums with a menu that never grows stale. Gourmet microwavable lunches are one click away—but make sure to order by 4pm for tomorrow’s delivery. 

Fresh Flamingo, 941-600-6551.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota was recognized by The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) as a Large Local Health Department of the Year for 2019. Applications for the award were judged based on the size of the health department, and were scored on their innovation and creativity, implementation, impact in the community and public health, and engagement of community and diverse partners. The theme for the 2019 LHD of the Year Award was, "Improving Public and Private Partnerships." Sarasota County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) is itself a collaboration between the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota and Sarasota County Government. 

"Whether leading, facilitating, guiding, or supporting, Sarasota County Health and Human Services remains deeply committed to our shared community goals. We are privileged to serve a community that works hard to build strong alliances to improve the health outcomes of all residents and visitors," says DOH-Sarasota Administrator and Director for Sarasota County Health and Human Services Chuck Henry. "By working together and aligning intentions and goals, the community has succeeded in coordinating action to maximize positive outcomes."

NACCHO highlighted three thriving examples of positive community collaborations during the award presentation: The Behavioral Health Stakeholders Consortium, Age-Friendly Sarasota, and First 1,000 Days Sarasota County. 

Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County

The School Board of Manatee County is seeking a civic-minded citizen to serve as member of the Audit Committee for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2019. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures.

Those interested in serving must: live in Manatee County, be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations and submit a letter expressing interest, providing contact information and providing a brief summary of their work experience. Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Michele Boyes, Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, FL 34206-9069 no later than Friday, August 16, 2019.  

School District of Manatee County

Neal Communities will be opening its newest community, Poinciana, this Saturday, July 20, with a grand opening from 11am to 1pm at 4335 Tamarind Place in Bradenton. The gated community is located in Bradenton, between University Parkway and State Road 70. Visitors will have the chance to tour two model homes at Poinciana.

Poinciana will offer paired villas in a British West Indies style in two of Neal’s most popular floorplans, the Crystal Sand and Tidewater models. Both floorplans offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. Tidewater is the larger, with 1,524 square feet of living space, a lanai, den, open floorplan and great room. Crystal Sand offers 1,434 square feet of living space with a spacious lanai, great room, open floorplan and oversized kitchen island. Villa pricing starts in the mid-$200s.

The community will include 82 villa homes upon completion, along with a pool, spa and a surrounding nature preserve. 

Neal Communities