There is something trustworthy about an unassuming restaurant. A nice façade and chic décor certainly go a long way in establishing the experience of dining in, but when it comes to good, no-nonsense food, particularly in the time of COVID, the way a restaurant looks means less and less. Show me a strip-mall diner, a food truck or a modest standalone restaurant and I’ll show you a food operation manned by hardworking cooks, matriarchs and immigrants, sometimes all three at once—but always churning out copious amounts of delicious, filling food. Dr. Martin Luther King Way is host to several such restaurants, and Jamerican Restaurant & Lounge is one of them.

Housed in a yellow building just East of the corner of MLK and US 301, the restaurant is a mainstay of the Newtown community, where Saturday night dance parties used to keep it open until 2 am. “We’re not doing our big parties now,” says owner and cook Gloria Jones, “but you’ll have to come back when we start them up again.” Nowadays, Jones is just happy to crank out the Jamaican soul food that helped make her restaurant such a vibrant community outpost. I ordered the curried goat to-go with a side of steamed collard greens and fried plantains. “The oxtail or the jerk chicken are more popular,” says Jones in response to my selection, but the heft of the container tells me I probably won’t regret my decision.

A generous serving of curried, stewed goat meat spills into every compartment of the Styrofoam container. Underneath the savory gravy and tender chunks of meat is a generous portion of rice and red beans, with the collard greens and plantains buried somewhere in the corners of the container. The gravy is silky and rich from the bones incorporated into the stewing process. With big chunks of fatty pork trimmings, the collard greens could make a meal themselves, while the plantains provide a bit of sweetness to the soul food overload. To top it all off, an exquisitely moist hunk of cornbread comes with the meal, just in case any ambitious eaters have something to prove. For me, this meal turned into two.

The restaurant is open from 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Orders can be placed in advance over the phone for pick-up, while Doordash and Grubhub provide service for delivery. 

Jamerican Restaurant & Lounge, 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, 941-260-5723

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Wellen Park (formerly known as West Villages) has jumped into the No. 3 spot on the list of the country’s fastest-selling master-planned communities, according to information published by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLO. With sales of 683 units in the first six months of 2020 (up 1% over mid-2019 and its No. 4 spot at the end of last year), Wellen Park is poised to continue its strong performance despite the market challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re very pleased that our development plans for this amazing master-planned community have been so well received and resulted in increasing demand from future residents who are looking for a place to call home that has everything they need,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “It’s clear that despite the impact of the pandemic, the unique vision and amenities that Wellen Park offers homeowners is appealing. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on that and grow the community into something even more attractive.”

Wellen Park, which now has West Villages as a district within it along with new districts Playmore and Downtown Wellen, offers a vibrant mix of residential, commercial and recreational options. Wellen Park currently has 7,500 residents, and at full build-out will have more than 60,000 residents and 22,000 homes. The community offers single-family and attached homes and condominiums in nine neighborhoods from homebuilders D.R. Horton, DiVosta, Lennar, Mattamy Homes, M/I Homes, Neal Communities, Sam Rodgers and WCI in the West Villages District. The single-family home floorplans range from 1,350 to nearly 4,000 square feet and prices range from the low $200s to the $600s.

In the new Playmore District, several national homebuilders are under contract for 2,000 homesites amongst six new neighborhoods, including one neighborhood with a bundled golf course. The homebuilders, including some new to Wellen Park, will offer a diverse range of home options, including single-family, villas, townhomes, coach homes and condominiums. Plans within Downtown Wellen, which is nearly 175 acres, include an apartment complex and assisted living community, as well as hotel space. There will be expanded education options for Wellen Park residents with a K-12 school planned to open through the A-rated Sarasota County Schools district.  Currently under construction, Downtown Wellen will include a vibrant hub filled with shopping, dining, entertainment and other amenities. The $60-million mixed-use development will be open to residents and visitors alike and feature waterfront experiences, pedestrian-friendly streets and public community spaces. Phase One of Downtown Wellen, which will include retail shops; waterfront dining and other restaurants; a town hall; a kids’ playground and splash pad; a food truck kiosk area; and an outfitter equipped with e-bikes, paddle boards and kayaks to enjoy the active lake, is expected to open in Q2 2022.

The community’s brand and vision are rooted in wellness. Wellen Park’s wellness focus is holistic and practical, designed to give residents greater opportunities to connect with one another, take care of themselves and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, all within an inclusive, genuine community vibe. The community’s extensive nature and fitness trails offer robust outdoor recreation and ample opportunity to exercise and connect with other residents. An additional 25 miles of trails will be added to the existing 18-mile trail network, including a 2.7-mile path encircling Downtown Wellen’s 80-acre lake, currently under excavation.

Adjacent to Downtown Wellen, the Atlanta Braves’ spring training stadium is located in Playmore District. The only Major League Baseball spring training complex open year-round, the park is also home to public events held throughout the year, including car shows, craft fairs, movie nights and a farmers market. An attached outdoor tiki bar is open daily offering a full sit-down menu. The tiki bar also hosts a monthly concert series. Wellen Park’s new Welcome Center will open later this year, a dynamic space where residents and visitors can spend time and learn more about Wellen Park, its neighborhoods and amenities, and the region. A new cafe attached to the Welcome Center, called Barrel and Bean, will offer a central gathering place with coffee, craft beer and wine service. Mattamy Homes, North America’s largest privately owned homebuilder, is the developer and majority landholder of Wellen Park. For more information about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805 or visit wellenpark.com. 

Downtown Wellen rendering.jpg: Currently under construction in Wellen Park, Downtown Wellen is a $60-million mixed-use development that will feature an 80-acre lake, retail shops, waterfront dining, pedestrian-friendly streets and public community spaces

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Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) passenger traffic saw an increase of 32% from 39,988 passengers in May to 52,845 passengers in June. Compared to June of 2019, traffic at SRQ is down 64%. Year-to-date figures show that airport passenger traffic is down 28%. Despite the ongoing effects of Covid-19, passenger traffic at SRQ has started to rebound. The airlines that serve the airport have added flights to their summer schedule as airports, airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implement strict cleaning and safety measures to protect passengers while traveling. 

Some of the safety measures implemented at SRQ include increased janitorial staff, plastic shields at all customer service counters, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing markers in queuing lines. You will also see employees, tenants, and passengers wearing protective face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “It is great to see passengers safely following CDC guidelines while traveling through our airport. This past Saturday we had 44 commercial service flights operate from SRQ and new destinations continue to be added each week. Over the past few months, we have worked with our tenants and the TSA to implement multiple layers of safety measures to protect passengers. We understand the concerns the public may have when flying and realize it is critical to ensure the airport is a safe and clean environment for travelers,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

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The long-awaited St. Pete Pier™ and the St. Pete Pier District opened to the public this week. The 26-acre engineering feat is designed to celebrate the city’s historic connection to the waterfront and marks the latest arrival of a gleaming attraction in the city’s picturesque downtown—ringing in a new era for this world-class city. As an entirely new district, this latest iteration of a pier employs the technology and innovative aesthetics of a new generation and newly vibrant city.

Redefining the capabilities and features of a modern pier, this entertainment district is an extension of St. Pete's bustling city center, offering a picturesque urban beach area, a vast, design-forward children’s playground, variety of dining spots, seasonal marketplace with local vendors, tree laden walkways and hidden copses, an ecotourism center and so much more. From children to seniors, nature lovers to art enthusiasts, fishermen to foodies – the St. Pete Pier has something for everyone.

“St. Petersburg’s icon has long been our public waterfront, one of the largest in North America. The new pier is an extension of our icon and is sure to draw both residents and visitors from all over the world” said Mayor Rick Kriseman, City of St. Petersburg. “Further, it is truly a pier for all people, with so much to enjoy regardless of income. It is a gift to our residents and future generations.”

From its earliest days in the late 1800s, St. Petersburg and its pier have been intricately linked. There have been many iterations of a pier over the years. In the last decade, St. Pete has become one of the hottest cultural, artistic, culinary and environmentally conscious destinations in the world, and it is getting a new Pier to match.

St. Petersburg has become one of the most recognized cultural hubs in the Southeast. And downtown St. Pete is its epicenter. Featuring museums devoted to artistic legends like Dalí and Chihuly and street after street adorned by colorful murals both large and small, it is easy to see why “Art Shines Here.” The St. Pete Pier and Pier District will be no exception. Not only is the pier itself a work of art, but it hosts installations from four internationally renowned artists: Janet Echelman, Xenobia Bailey, Nick Ervinck and Nathan Mabry. Art installation images here. The Pier District contains two projects, the Pier by Rogers and Team and the Pier Approach by W Architecture and Landscape Architecture and team. The Pier Approach contains the play area, the Janet Echelman art work, the Marketplace and the Doc Fords Restaurant.

The pier represents a significant civic investment by the City of St. Petersburg in the city’s bright future. The latest pier is the result of close collaboration between several internationally renowned and local designers. Under the guidance of the City of St. Petersburg and Mayor Rick Kriseman, along with the design team Rogers Partners, ASD|SKY, and Ken Smith Workshop collaborated with builder SKANSKA and pier management to accomplish the vision for a new and revitalized waterfront experience.

It is the City of St. Petersburg's goal to provide a safe and entertaining exPIERience for all individuals. The Center for Disease Control and the City of St. Petersburg recommend wearing a mask or cloth face covering when social distancing is not possible. We encourage visitors to the pier to wear a mask whether indoors or outdoors; however, local directives require masks to be worn when inside places of public assembly, such as restaurants. This will be enforced within the St. Pete Pier District. 

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Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (“FCS” or the “Company”), announced that FCS Chief Financial Officer Nathan H. Walcker has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2020. Walcker will succeed current Chief Executive Officer Brad Prechtl, MBA, who will retire from FCS, effective July 30, 2020, but continue to serve as a consultant through April 2021.

Prechtl has served as FCS CEO since October 2009, and through his decade plus tenure was instrumental in the development and creation of an infrastructure that enabled the Company to become a nationally recognized community oncology practice leader.

Under his leadership, FCS achieved many significant milestones that included the expansion of clinical sites, physicians and staff to ensure patients battling cancer have access to the highest quality care in their local communities. Prechtl was also instrumental in the development and growth of imaging, specialty pharmacy, care management, pathology services and clinical trials/research.

“I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to steer such an innovative organization over the last 10-plus years,” said Prechtl. “FCS has developed and grown with the singular goal of consistently providing the highest quality of value-based cancer care. I am very proud of all that we’ve accomplished and have been inspired every day by the dedication and commitment of my colleagues, physicians, clinicians and employees, and the courage and perseverance of our patients,” Prechtl concluded.

Walcker joined FCS in August 2019, bringing more than a decade of healthcare, physician services and corporate finance expertise with him to Fort Myers. During his time at FCS, he’s made significant contributions across finance, strategy and operations.

“Nate’s passion for our mission and commitment to our patients, team members and physicians is apparent,” said FCS President and Managing Physician Lucio Gordan, MD. “The Executive Board and I are confident that his vision for the future, coupled with the clinical expertise and long-standing reputation of our physicians and providers, positions us well as an organization," he said. 

After earning his undergraduate degree in Economics from Columbia University in the City of New York, Walcker started his career on the trading floor at Merrill Lynch in New York. He later received his MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and has since held senior positions as an investment banker focused on M&A and strategic advisory for healthcare clients across the globe. 

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The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to welcome 2020 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner, Jennifer Packer, for a virtual artist’s talk July 24, 2020, at 5:30 pm. Packer, a painter whose work focusses on expressionist portraits, interior scenes and still lifes, will participate in a discussion with Ola Wlusek, The Ringling’s Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Andy Sandberg, Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO, will moderate the program. Each year in April, the Hermitage Artist Retreat awards the Hermitage Greenfield Prize in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation. Alongside the presentation of the award, the Hermitage and our community celebrate the premiere of the prize commission from two years prior, alongside programs and panels that share these artists’ journeys, processes, and bodies of work with Sarasota audiences. The prestigious prize rotates annually in the fields of theater, music and visual art. As the winner of this year’s Hermitage Greenfield Prize, Packer receives a six-week residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and a $30,000 commission from the Hermitage to create a bold and impactful new work of art. Packer’s commission will premiere in Sarasota in 2022 with the Hermitage's presenting partner, The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Tickets for the virtual event are free but must be reserved in advance at ringling.org/virtual/hermitage. 

Pictured: Jennifer Packer, courtesy of The Ringling.

he Perlman Music Program/Suncoast (Perlman Suncoast) was recently awarded two grants in support of the organization’s 2020-2021 Season: $28,684 from the Florida Department of State - Division of Cultural Affairs; and $37,259 from the City of Sarasota's Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Program. “During these unprecedented times, we are grateful to the State of Florida and the City of Sarasota for allowing us to continue providing educational outreach programs to our community and beyond, featuring the extraordinary talents of Perlman Music Program alumni, faculty and students,” said Fran Lambert, President of Perlman Suncoast’s Board of Trustees. Perlman Suncoast is in the process of devising creating and innovative ways to engage its audiences throughout the 2020-2021 Season by presenting virtual programming and events, with the hope of resuming live performances sometime next year. 

 This month, five Florida public school arts teachers are spending part of their summer breaks on Manasota Key working on their own artistic endeavors. They are the winners of the 2020 State Teacher/Artist Residency program (STARs), presented by the Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education (FAAE). This year's recipients include three visual arts instructors, a library media specialist, and a creative writing and English teacher. The five receive a residency at the Hermitage on Manasota Key, where they have the opportunity to leave their classroom responsibilities behind and focus on their work as creative artists.

“These brilliant teachers are also talented artists in their own right,” says Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage. “During the academic year, their attention is devoted to their students, and this past semester has been particularly challenging for educators throughout our nation. The STARs program gives five distinguished teachers the opportunity to experience what leading artists from around the world have come to the Hermitage for – to focus on their craft, their art, and their creative process. Over the years, the STARs have created some truly stunning works of art and literature during their time at the Hermitage. Many teaching artist alumni have shared that this program enables them to return to their students with a new fire and passion for arts education.”

The chosen five are Daniela Drazan, a library specialist at Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks in Ocala; Gláucia Mir, a visual art, drawing and sculpture instructor at Liberty High School in Kissimmee; Joy Williams, a drawing, painting and ceramics instructor at North Fort Myers High (Center for the Arts) in Fort Myers; Tara Salovitz, an English and creative writing instructor at Port Charlotte High School in Port Charlotte; and Lucia Morales, a visual art instructor at Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy in North Miami Beach. 

The 2020 Hermitage Artist Retreat STARs: Daniela Drazan, Lucia Morales, Tara Salovitz, Gláucia Mir, and Joy Williams.

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The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office is proud to announce that two members of our Division of Inspector General Management Team were awarded certifications through the Association of Inspectors General.  Lori Stephens, Inspector General, attained certification as a Certified Inspector General (CIG) and Bobbie Windham, Deputy Inspector General, attained certification as a Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI). The Association awards these designations to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements regarding education and experience, and upon successful completion of one of its certification programs. The Inspector General Institute certification program curriculum includes a week of intensive training and certification courses presented by instructors who are current or former inspectors general and senior IG staff, along with experts in investigative, forensic, and related disciplines. The curriculum covers a variety of subjects including ethics, legal issues, professional standards, and investigative techniques. Participants are required to pass an exit examination upon completion of the courses.

Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, says she is extremely proud of this accomplishment. “These certifications show that our executive Inspector General team is dedicated to attaining the highest standard for investigations. They are extremely professional, and they are committed to upholding industry standards,” said Colonneso. “The purpose behind being designated Inspector General was to afford our team the opportunity to have access to extensive training in investigative techniques and to provide another layer of assurance with regard to investigations that they undertake. They will also be able to take advantage of continuing training and education as Inspectors General.”

The Association of Inspectors General is a non-profit, membership organization for agencies and professions in the Inspector General community. Its mission is to promote “excellence in the Inspector General community by establishing and encouraging adherence to quality standards, sponsoring professional development and networking opportunities, certifying individuals in IG-specific disciplines, supporting offices in governmental and external relations, and inspiring governmental entities to embrace the inspector general model as an effective tool in the fight to combat waste, fraud and abuse.” 

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Libby's Neighborhood Brasseries now opens on Tuesdays at their locations in Lakewood Ranch and Southside Village. On Wednesdays, enjoy The Original Wine Wednesdays with 1/2 off all bottles in stock and 25% off for medical personnel and pandemic first responders. On Thursdays, they feature Bogo on pasta entrees to go including the Impossible Vegan Bolognese, Joes Spaghetti and Meatballs and Rotisserie Chicken Carbonara. For Weekend Brunch, enjoy $10 bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm and 35% off online ordering on Sundays. Happy Hours returns on July 21 with 241 liquors, $5 wines/martinis, $4 select drafts and 6 for $6 bites. 

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Beginning tomorrow, July 14, Manatee County small businesses may apply for a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to support continuity of business operations by ensuring small businesses can reopen safely through the Recover Manatee Safety First Small Business Grant Program.

The funding is available to Manatee County small businesses that demonstrate a business loss due to COVID-19. Small businesses with 15 employees or less and located in the County and the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and the Town of Longboat Key are eligible to apply for one-time grants of up to $5,000.

The application and more information on the program are available at www.mymanatee.org/manateecares The application window opens tomorrow and will close Friday, July 24 or once 500 applications are received. Applicants are asked to review eligibility requirements and FAQs on the site before calling a special helpline at (941) 745-6271 or emailing recovermanatee@mymanatee.org to ask for help.

“There’s a finite amount of dollars that we have received to assist a large number of small businesses in Manatee County,” said Geri Lopez, director of the Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity department overseeing the program. “We know there will be a very high demand for this one-time assistance program. We’re just asking for patience through the process. We’re hopeful that this funding will help small businesses resume operations and meet CDC guidelines for public safety.”

To be eligible for this grant, a business must meet the eligibility guidelines as set forth below and can then file an online application with the Redevelopment & Economic Opportunity Department.

The applicant will describe their reopening plan and which of the eligible uses of funds they intend to utilize.

Eligibility Guidelines

The recovery grant is designed to assist Manatee County’s small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the Governor’s Safer at Home Orders.

These include:
— Retail
— Personal Services
— Medical/Dental Practice
— Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
— Hospitality/Tourism
— Childcare Services

Businesses that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
— Has recorded losses related to the Governor’s Safer at Home Act;
— Up to 15 full-time equivalent employees (FTE);
— Located in Manatee County including all municipalities;
— Not operating as a non-profit, or not-for-profit;
— Does not have code and/or regulation violations that have resulted in outstanding fines or liens;
— Does not have unpaid utility bill;
— Has not received any awards from the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP);
— Is registered with the State of Florida, or can provide Department of Revenue (DOR) filing, or can provide IRS Forms 941, W3, or 1120;
— Not home-based, unless a home-based childcare business; 

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DOH Sarasota has scheduled two by appointment only COVID-19 testing dates at the Venice Community Center July 15 and 16. DOH Sarasota will have 100 COVID-19 tests available per day, appointments are required as demand for testing is high. DOH Sarasota is prioritizing COVID-19 testing for anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell) or who works in a health care setting. To date, DOH Sarasota has tested more than 3600 community members for COVID-19 during our community-based testing events. To be evaluated and to make an appointment, please call 941-861-2883, Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

— Wednesday, July 15, 8 a.m. to noon - Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South on the island of Venice.

— Thursday, July 16, 8 a.m. to noon - Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue South on the island of Venice.

While these are primarily drive-thru sites, DOH Sarasota can accommodate walk-ups, and people on bicycles. The Florida Department of Health continues to see new positive cases across the State, please visit www.flhealth.gov/covid-19 for the most current case count and county specific data. The Florida Department of Health issued an additional Public Health Advisory June 20 in response to COVID-19, providing recommendations to protect Floridians and visitors from this virus. Please click here to see the full advisory and recommendations.