SRQ DAILY Feb 28, 2022
Monday Business Edition
"In January, there were more new listings than closed sales in the region. While it's too early to determine whether this is a trend that will continue through 2022, it is a figure that we will be watching closely."
While there may be signs of a market finally flattening, real estate professionals in the region still reported record prices and record-low inventory in January.
Total closed transactions in the region declined 7.2% year-over-year in January, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. But the drop came primarily in the condo market. Single-family home sales in the region slightly increased by 4.7% in Manatee County compared to last January and decreased about 2% in Sarasota County. Meanwhile, condo sales dropped 15.1% in Manatee and 23.5% in Sarasota.
“In January, there were more new listings than closed sales in the region. While it’s too early to determine whether this is a trend that will continue through 2022, it is a figure that we will be watching closely,” said Tony Veldkamp, RASM president and a senior advisory at SVN Commercial Advisory Group. “As sellers see a continued increase in home prices and interest rates, which eventually will lead toward more supply, they have to decide whether to take advantage of now being the ‘time to sell’ before the market levels off.”
The rise in new listings also was in homes, which jumped 1.2% marketwide while new condo lists dipped by 19.6%. But compared to January, new condo listings jumped up 35.6% and new home listings leapt 26.5%.
“New listings tend to rise in delayed response to the increase in prices, and inventory rises when new listings outpace the number of properties that go off-market,” Veldkamp said.
As far as prices go, those continue to reach new heights. The median home price in Sarasota climbed to $464,500 and it reached $480,000 in Manatee County. That’s a 36.6% increase in Sarasota compared to last year, and a 29.7% jump in Manatee year over year. The median price on condos also jumped up to $350,000 in Sarasota and $301,000 in Manatee.
It continues to be an extreme seller’s market. Despite new listings, there was just a 0.6-month supply of homes in Sarasota or Manatee counties. The goes for Sarasota condos, and the supply of condos in Manatee is only 0.4 months. All active lists at the close of the month totaled 1,348 as properties continue to sell rapidly after hitting the market, with the median time from listing to sale sitting at seven days. 
Sarasota County is launching a new effort to bring to communities the classes, information and programs they want, when and where they want them. The “Community Connections” series partners the resources of UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources to delivery free, monthly workshops at local libraries. Events run through December, with topics ranging from healthy eating on a budget to wildlife education.
“We are excited about this partnership that will establish a consistent presence of Extension staff within these communities to answer questions, teach best practices, and make connections,” said Lee Hayes Byron, Sarasota County Extension director. “There are so many interesting classes planned and engaging activities for adults and youth, alike.”
“UF/IFAS Extension is one of our longstanding partners, and we are delighted to expand our collaboration through this series of enriching programs,” said Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.
The series has developed with input from community members, who expressed a desire for expanded educational opportunities on specific topics of interest to them, while also providing input on the most convenient times for their families. Based on that input, Extension will offer customized classes to neighborhood libraries throughout the year. The initial run brings events to two key libraries in the north and south regions of the county: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota; and North Port Library, 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port.
Planned events include: “All About Your Tap Water,” “Shared Spaces: Creating Your Edible Garden,” “Creatures of the Deep,” “MyPlate on a Budget,” “EcoTalk: Bats!” and more. There are also events specifically geared to youth audiences, including: “Solar for Kids,” “Sarasota Wildlife: InvestiGATOR,” and others.
The Bay Runner trolley offering complimentary service between downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach begins Wednesday, March 2, at 8 am. The free open-air trolley service will operate between downtown and the barrier islands with 12 pre-determined stops approximately 2-3 blocks apart in pedestrian areas along Main Street, St. Armands Circle and Lido Pavilion. The trolley endpoints will be Main Street/School Avenue and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach. The trolley route map is available here. An additional stop will be added near Golden Gate Point when the U.S 41-Gulfstream Avenue roundabout is completed.
Hours of operation and headway times for the complimentary service will be: 8 am to midnight, seven days a week, including holidays, 20-minute headway time during peak hours and 30-minute during off-peak hours. The transit schedule will be monitored and modified as necessary to provide efficient service. The Bay Runner carries 28 passengers and is equipped with a wheelchair boarding lift. The Bay Runner was approved by the City Commission to help alleviate traffic congestion between downtown Sarasota and the barrier islands by offering an easy, hassle-free alternative to an automobile.
“If you can leave the car behind and let someone else do the driving at no cost, why wouldn’t you?” said Mayor Erik Arroyo. “Siesta Key has had success with a trolley, and we expect Sarasota will too. The Bay Runner will become a convenient, safe and fun way to get from downtown to St. Armands and Lido Beach for visitors and residents alike while naturally reducing the number of vehicles on the road.”
The City Commission partnered with the Downtown Improvement District (DID), St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and City staff to bring this amenity to reality. In addition to City economic development funds, and a $1.5 million FDOT grant, the DID and BID each allocated $50,000 toward the initial three-year program.
“I’m very enthusiastic about the Bay Runner,” said City Commissioner Hagen Brody, who presented the trolley concept to the City Commission for consideration last year. “This is a critical component of our broader micro and multimodal transportation additions to the City of Sarasota and will hopefully make it easier and quicker to get around downtown and out to the island.”
The Sarasota Bay Runner app will track real time information including approximate arrival times and will be available via the Apple App Store, Google Play and www.SarasotaBayRunner.com A QR code on Bay Runner stop signs directs users to the app as well. The service will be operated by CPR Medical Transport, the same company that runs the popular Siesta Key Breeze trolley. Beach totes, shopping bags and other carry-ons that can easily fit within a passenger seating area will be encouraged as it is hoped people will take the Bay Runner to come and go from the beach, shop and dine.
There’s never been a more important time to quit tobacco.
Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center, as part of the Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program, offers free tobacco cessation sessions to help individuals quit all forms of tobacco. These group sessions—held virtually and in-person—will assist you with developing your own customized quit plan. Free nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches, gum or lozenges (if medically appropriate and while supplies last) and follow up support from a trained tobacco treatment specialist are provided with the session.
Contact us today at 866-534-7909 or visit our page to schedule a class or learn more about the program!
Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center, 2201 Cantu Ct. # 220, Sarasota, FL 34232
Join the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program on March 12, 2022 from 10am - 2pm in supporting healthy neighborhoods and waterways in North Sarasota. In the morning, there will be a paddle cleanup (BYO - bring your own kayak) of Whitaker Bayou and a land cleanup/workday at Orange Blossom Community Garden. Then, head back to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park to enjoy a BBQ, the Newtown Farmers Market and community health resources.
Salon Suites of Sarasota, a new, luxury hybrid salon, invites the public to attend the grand opening & open house event planned for Friday, March 4, 2022 at 6pm. Located at 5250 17th St. Unit 103 in Sarasota, the Salon Suites of Sarasota grand opening event will feature food, drinks, free hair service gift certificates & giveaways from neighboring businesses, and “swag bags” of treats for the first 50 guests.
With a mission of empowering beauty professionals to “be their own boss and build their business,” without losing the “social aspects of community,” the space features private and semi-private suites combined with traditional booth rentals in a hybrid salon setting. The salon also features communal areas with amenities including luxury shampoo bowls, a full kitchen, coffee station and more, in a “modern boho aesthetic.”
“Salon Suites of Sarasota is quite literally a labor of love that began out of necessity - my fellow stylists and I fell in love with our space, only to learn that the shop owner was facing eviction leaving us 15 days to figure out our next steps. After deciding that we needed to take action, we created a space to not only benefit clients, but fellow stylists!” said Jamie Kingas, Salon Suites of Sarasota Founder, CEO & Hairstylist. “This new venture empowers our stylists to really “own” their space - it’s the perfect blend of feeling like you have your own salon, but you’re still part of an amazing, tight-knit community of other passionate, talented artists!”
The grand opening event, beginning at 6pm on March 4, 2022, will feature a ribbon cutting, music, a professional photographer and will give guests the opportunity to tour the space, meet the stylists and learn more about the new female owned & operated salon suite. The 3,250 square foot salon will eventually house additional hair stylists, eyelash extension specialists, barbers, estheticians, temporary makeup artists, spray tanning technicians, teeth whitening technicians, waxing specialists, health and wellness specialists and more.
Returning to the Van Wezel on March 1 at 8pm, THE SWEET CAROLINE TOUR is a Neil Diamond Concert Celebration starring Jay White. White has performed over 10,000 concerts around the world over three decades, honoring the artistry of the American music legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon. Featuring the greatest hits and beloved gems that audiences know and love, the production is an authentic Neil Diamond concert experience not to be missed.
REGIONAL PREMIERE. It’s the semifinals of the U.S. Open. Sergei Sergeyev, an up-and-coming Russian phenom, and Tim Porter, a great American superstar in the twilight of his career, go head-to-head under the lights of the tennis court. Journey into the minds of these two extraordinary players as they consider the shots they didn’t take, the sacrifices they made for success, and the legacy they may leave behind. By match point, much more has been won and lost than a game of tennis. The Last Match will show from March 2 t0 March 25, 2022.
Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles on March 2 at 7:30pm. See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 20 years. It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change.
Grammy-nominated global music sensation CELTIC WOMAN returns to Sarasota with this all new show on the main stage, bringing the beauty of Ireland to life. POSTCARDS FROM IRELAND celebrates the rich musical and cultural heritage of Ireland — all while taking audiences on a journey of story and song from across the Emerald Isle. Embrace an evening of angelic voices, breathtaking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity as you’re transported to the lush landscapes of Ireland on March 3 at 7pm. Celtic Woman's fresh fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary songcraft celebrates Ireland's ancient heritage while reflecting the vibrant spirit of modern Ireland. With Irish dancers, bagpipers and an array of traditional Irish instruments — including the bodhran, tin whistle and uilleann pipes — this dynamic and multi-talented group has captivated audiences around the world.
A Midsummer Night's Dream will take place March 3-5, 2022 at The Bowling Green at the Bay Park Conservancy, 801 N Tamiami Tr. Join us for a special Shakespeare-in-the-Park presentation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," one of the most enduring Shakespearean comedies ever performed. With its insights on love and the intoxicating feelings it imparts to lovers, the play makes clear that "the course of true love never did run smooth," even while celebrating the triumph of love in the end. Love, irrational and whimsical, a force that warps reality and can rule lovers with the authority of a puppeteer, is the centerpiece of this play that examines this most uniting of all human emotions.
Three of Broadway's best join Sarasota Orchestra in a concert of songs that garnered Grammys, Tonys and Oscars on Friday, March 4 at 7:30pm at the Van Wezel and Saturday, March 5 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm at the Van Wezel. Vocalist Susan Egan, the original Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, returns to our Pops stage with Phantom of the Opera stars Douglas LaBrecque and Lisa Vroman.
For Program 5, The Sarasota Ballet is excited to present the acclaimed Mark Morris Dance Group for the first time. Founded in 1980 by dancer and choreographer Mark Morris, the group quickly garnered national and international attention as a result of Morris’ expressiveness and unique musicality. Mark Morris Dance Group will take place on March 4 2022 at 7:30pm, March 5 2022 at 2pm and 7:30pm, March 6 2022 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and March 7 2022 at 7:30pm at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail.
“Trashed ”—an art show where 85% of the materials have been found or otherwise set aside to be “Trashed”. This seven-week show focused on “Turning Trash into Treasure” is meant to shed some light on what we so easily toss aside to be sent to our landfills and waterways. Artists have a unique way of looking at objects through a different lens. These artists have taken “trash” and transformed it into imaginative pieces of unique artwork. The show includes sculptural, functional and beautiful objects, this will be a rare chance to snag one of a kind pieces for the local art lover. “Trashed” will encompass different events during the show’s run, including a Trashed” Comedy show, on March 25th. Visual artists and comedians will come together to present an experience of laughter and good times. This collaboration only highlights and cultivates the growth of a dynamic arts community here in St Petersburg. Hosted by Lauren Dufault, she brings a group of the area's favorite comedians: Shellie Harris, Brad Gilmore and the headliner John J Murray. “Trashed” will finish out with an Earth Day Celebration on April 22nd. Opening is March 4th 6-9pm, Art Walk is March 12th 5-9pm, Comedy Show is March 25th 8pm, Art Walk is April 9th 5-9pm, and Earth Day Celebration is April 22nd.
Art of the Garden is a juried exhibition of original art showcasing fine handcrafted work inspired by the natural beauty of gardens. Fifty artists created 90 pieces from fiber art and delicate jewelry to ceramic garden sculptures. The show runs from March 4 through April 19, when the People’s Choice Award will be presented. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook. Docent tours are available upon request. Mark your calendar for... Wednesday, March 9, 6pm: Virtual tour of the exhibit and awards presentation with judge Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. (Zoom link on FloridaCraftArt.org). Saturday, March 12, 5-9pm: Second Saturday ArtWalk and visit ArtLofts on the second floor. Wednesday, March 16, 6pm: Discover the beauty of Florida native plants with garden expert Marquette McManus of Wilcox Nursery. Sunday, March 27, 2pm: Enjoy a garden-inspired poetry reading with Helen Pruitt Wallace and other poets. Saturday, April 2, 11am: Learn about Ikebana - the art of Japanese flower arranging. Saturday, April 9, 5-9pm: Second Saturday ArtWalk and visit ArtLofts on the second floor. Sunday, April 10, 1-3pm: Workshop: Make a macramé plant hanger with artist Elizabeth Neily. $35 fee includes all materials and a handcrafted pot by a Florida CraftArt artist. Space is limited; call FCA to register.
Immerse yourself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh like you've never experienced before from March 4, 2022 to April 24, 2022 at the Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Drive. Beyond Van Gogh is a rich and unique multimedia experience, taking the viewer on a journey through over 300 iconic artworks including instantly-recognizable classics "The Starry Night", "Sunflowers", and "Cafe Terrace at Night", now freed from their frames. Set to a symphonic score and using the artist's own dreams, thoughts, and words to drive the experience as a narrative, Van Gogh's art comes to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across multiple surfaces and heightening the senses with their immense detail. Guests will leave with a new appreciation of this prolific artist's stunning work. Hours of Operation are Sunday through Thursday: 10am to 9pm and Friday & Saturday: 10am to 10pm. The visit will take around one hour with final entry one hour before close.
In both the life of the artist and of the college student, finding oneself becomes as vital as gaining skills and knowledge. Ringling College graduates Tom and Peggy Root managed to find both themselves and each other. After meeting at and graduating from Ringling College, the married pair went on to pursue their art in parallel careers, including continued study at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Connecticut. Peggy’s body of work picks up right where the original plein air painters left off, though she shies away from the label because of differences in practice and aesthetics. Tom’s paintings focus primarily on portraits and figures, with an exquisite understanding of the subject borne of his uniquely thorough process of observation. In-person viewings are free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm from January 8 to March 22, 2022. The Thompson Alumni + Skylight Gallery is located at 2621 Bradenton Road, on the first floor of the Keating Center. This exhibition was made possible by the Ringling College Library Association and in part, by WUSF 89.7, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.
Circus Sarasota 2022 will take place at 200 University Town Center Drive from February 11 through March 6. International circus artists will leave audiences awestruck. Every year features a new cast in an intimate one-ring European style Big Top. This year’s show features incredible artists, many that have been featured on tv’s America’s Got Talent. Be thrilled by aerialists, hand-to-hand acrobatics, juggling and much more.
The Learned Ladies, By Molière, Translated by Richard Wilbur, and Directed by Benny Sato Ambush, will show from February 23 through March 13, 2022 with a Preview on February 22, 2022. Clitandre seeks the hand of Henriette, a match heartily approved of by her father, Chrysale. However, his wife, Philaminte, has other plans for her younger daughter—namely marriage to a foppish wit who panders to Philaminte’s middle class pretensions. Full of wildly comic characters, each one more extreme than the other, Molière’s most popular play is sure to have you rolling in the aisles.
A Commemorative Exhibit of Ian North’s Works “Seeking Love: The Journey." Ian North invited the viewer to derive their own meaning from his artworks, to discover their own story in his mixed media assemblages. Ian had a successful solo exhibition at SPAACES in February of 2021. The day the exhibition closed he suffered a fatal heart attack. His talent extended far beyond the visual arts. Ian was a musician and songwriter, releasing groundbreaking music in the ’70s and ’80s. He was a Sarasota community icon, well respected for his visual art and music contributions. To commemorate his art and his life, this show will exhibit a collection of his life’s work and the art card collection he lovingly created for his wife over the last 21 years. Opening Night Reception is Friday, February 25th, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm. Saturday Brunch Reception is Saturday, February 26th, 2022 from 11am to 2pm. By Appointment Only on February 28th & 29th.
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