Manatee County once again has a new leader at the helm of its government. County Commissioners last week selected Deputy County Administrator Charlie Bishop to fill the role in an interim capacity until a search for a permanent administrator concludes.

Bishop hinted at a public meeting he does not intend to hold job long-term.

“Obviously I know that this is temporary and we are all excited about the new county administrator coming on board very shortly,” he said.

Lee Washington, previously the county’s Neighborhood Services director, had been serving as interim county administrator since former County Administrator Scott Hopes abruptly quit from the role in February. In intervening months, the county discussed hiring Jon Mast, CEO of the Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association, in the role but he ultimately withdrew his name from consideration.

Washington recently told the board he was going to retire. 

“Mr. Washington stepped up when asked to step up and did the job,” said County Commission chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge. “He was very near retirement anyway but the board asked him to step up for the county and he agreed to do so. Then of course he has been on leave the last couple of weeks, and we understand that in the end he made decision that it was time for him to move on, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Godspeed going forward.”

Bishop said he felt good about the state of the county under Washington’s leadership the last several months.

“We’d like to say a few words about Mr. Washington and how much we respected him and his leadership to bring us to this point,” Bishop said at the meeting before agreeing to take on the job.

When Washington left, he temporarily left Deputy County Administrator Courtney de Pol is charge, but the county commission unanimously voted to put Bishop in the role through a formal vote. Bishop said he will work closely with de Pol and considered he a key member of the staff.

“This is a team effort,” he said. 

Photo courtesy Manatee County: Charlie Bishop

Sarasota’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious law firm, Williams Parker, is pleased to announce the opening of a second office location at the master-planned community and mixed-use development Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. The new Lakewood Ranch office address is 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Suite 200, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34240. Later this summer the firm will move to its new downtown office location at Plaza Five Points, where it will occupy the entire eighth floor at 50 Central Avenue. This is just the fourth move in Williams Parker’s nearly 100-year history. Williams Parker is comprised of more than 45 attorneys. The firm serves clients globally through its membership in Ally Law, an international alliance of law firms with a membership of nearly 75 firms that include 3,000 lawyers in 100 business centers worldwide. 

RejuvenX, a Florida-based healthcare provider specializing in comprehensive treatment of accident-related injuries, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its 10th clinic in Florida, and its second clinic in Sarasota County, located in the city of Sarasota. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m., Sept. 28, 2023. The event will feature food, music, facility tours, and remarks from the owners of RejuvenX, Dr. Timothy DeCanio, D.C., Dr. Jeremiah Joseph, D.C., and Jason Mink. "We are excited to continue to provide cutting-edge care in a compassionate setting to the residents of Sarasota County. I am thrilled to be bringing the RejuvenX brand to my hometown of Sarasota," DeCanio says. The grand opening is open to attorneys, orthopedic and medical doctors, neurologists and the general public. For over a decade, RejuvenX has committed to helping patients recover from accident-related injuries through a multidisciplinary approach. With existing clinics across Florida in Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Venice, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach and Boynton Beach, the Sarasota clinic marks the 10th location in the state. The new Sarasota clinic boasts a state-of-the-art Digital X-ray Suite and will soon offer full pain management services with C-Arm imaging. Services provided at the clinic include chiropractic care, neck and back pain treatment, pain management, imaging services and physiotherapy. RejuvenX stands apart from its competitors with its personalized recovery plans, experienced physicians, same-day appointments, direct work with auto insurance, reliable guidance, and consistently excellent reviews. The clinic prides itself on ensuring patients’ medical needs are covered by insurance, so the patient can focus solely on recovery. RejuvenX invites you to join them in the celebration of their new clinic's grand opening and experience the high standard of care they bring to Sarasota County. For more information about the grand opening event or services offered, please contact RejuvenX or visit their website at www.rejuvenxfl.com. 

On August 1st, U.S. News & World Report recognized Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) among the nation’s top hospitals for 20 medical specialties, procedures and conditions, including two specialties ranked high enough to make the “50 Best Hospitals” list. Of nearly 5,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated every year, SMH has repeatedly been recognized in the “50 Best Hospitals” for at least one medical specialty and rated among the nation’s top 10% for other high performing specialties, conditions and procedures. In the 2023-24 rankings and ratings, SMH-Sarasota is ranked #31 for specialized rehabilitation (rising from #35 last year) and #46 for obstetrics and gynecology care, a new national ranking this year. SMH’s other “high performing” specialties this year include: Gastroenterology & Gastrointestinal Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopedics; and Urology. While the specialty rankings are meant for patients with life-threatening or rare conditions who need a hospital that excels in treating complex cases, U.S. News also rates hospital performance on more commonly performed procedures and conditions, such as hip replacement and heart failure. In addition to the broader specialty rankings and ratings, SMH-Sarasota received “high performing” ratings for 13 specific procedures and conditions. Hospitals that perform exceptionally well on multiple procedures and conditions also earn state and regional rankings from U.S. News. This year, SMH tied for the #5 spot in Florida, up from #6 last year, and maintained its longstanding record as the #1 hospital in the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port metropolitan region. Now in its 34th year, the full list of U.S. News and World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” rankings can be found here: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings. 

S-One Holdings Corporation, a global company headquartered in Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, has been named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list ranks 100 companies in small, medium and large employer categories. S-One was ranked #9 as one of the Best Midsized Companies that includes businesses with 50 to 249 employees. Companies that chose to participate underwent an evaluation of their workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. The Best Companies To Work For In Florida is endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. Workforce Research Group managed the registration, survey and analysis and determined the final rankings. For a list of the 100 Best Companies To Work For In Florida, go to FloridaTrend.com/BestCompanies. 

Retired U.S. Army veteran Lucio Gaytan and his family received a warm welcome during the July 12 dedication ceremony of their new mortgage-free Pulte home. Attended by more than 250 guests, including PulteGroup employees and trade partners, Lakewood Ranch community representatives, state and local dignitaries and neighbors, the ceremony marked the completion of the four-bedroom, three-bath home in Sapphire Point at Lakewood Ranch. The home was donated to Sgt. 1st Class Gaytan through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program, which recognizes and thanks military personnel who have been injured during their service.  Since founding Built to Honor® in 2013, PulteGroup has donated 77 mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families, totaling more than $35 million in value. Recipients are identified through partnerships with other organizations serving military veterans. For the Gaytan home, Pulte worked with Building Homes for Heroes, a nationwide nonprofit of communities and corporations dedicated to improving the lives of military personnel. After PulteGroup identified the decorated Army veteran as a recipient for a mortgage-free Built to Honor® home, Pulte first honored Sgt. Gaytan with a ceremonial groundbreaking this spring. Well- wishers lined the street as the family was escorted by a patriotic motorcade to their future home for the groundbreaking in early spring – coinciding with the 27th anniversary of Gaytan’s enlistment. Pulte also honored Gaytan in April during Notes of Love, an event attended by county and community leaders, the family’s future Sapphire Point and Lakewood Ranch neighbors, friends, military veterans, trade partners, and representatives from PulteGroup and Building Homes for Heroes. Attendees wrote messages of appreciation, support and encouragement on the foundation, beams and drywall of the under-construction home. As the newest residents in Sapphire Point, the Gaytan’s will enjoy the community’s recently completed amenity center which includes a resort-style pool, basketball court, dog park, playground, and clubhouse offering a fitness center and community room, as well as the active lifestyle and proximity to dining, shops and entertainment throughout Lakewood Ranch, the top-selling community in the United States. 

Pictured: PulteGroup’s donated Sapphire Point home includes more than 2,000 square feet and thoughtfully designed wheelchair accessible features for Sgt. 1st Class Lucio Gaytan. Photo courtesy of PulteGroup.

Christopher Alan Homes is widening the path to home ownership through new Florida legislation which reduces down payments to as little as $6,000 for qualifying first-time homebuyers and military veterans. The hometown Florida builder is hosting two seminars Saturday, Aug. 5, detailing Senate Bill 102, the Live Local Act, and the state’s record investment toward down payment and closing cost assistance, lower interest rates and other benefits. Saturday’s seminars are 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Christopher Alan Homes’ Captiva model, located in The Hammocks at West Port, 1496 Sunset Preserve Way, Port Charlotte. There is no charge to attend, however space is limited. Both seminars will be held in English and Spanish. Guests can register by calling 855-44-MYCAH, or online at bit.ly/47bR0P9 for the 11 a.m. session and bit.ly/3rURPfb for the 12:30 p.m. session. Led by Michelle D’Auria, senior loan officer at Embrace Home Loans, the informational sessions include on-the-spot prequalification, consultations with a credit repair specialist, lunch, and free prizes and giveaways. Attendees will learn more about the Live Local Act, passed earlier this year, which expands eligibility for first-time homebuyers and veterans who need down payment assistance. The bill allocates up to $35,000 in closing costs for a limited time to buyers purchasing a primary residence who are employed full time by a Florida company and buying a primary residence. Created to meet the growing demand for attainable housing options for Florida’s workforce, the legislation also gives special consideration to law enforcement, teachers, first responders, active duty and retired military personnel while also supporting buyers no matter their income or state of life.

Forester Group, Inc. ("Forestar"), one of the largest single-family community developers in the nation, welcomes Homes by WestBay to Star Farms, a multigenerational lifestyle development located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Homes by WestBay, Tampa Bay’s largest locally-owned, privately held homebuilder, is anticipated to unveil four new model homes at Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch, with a public grand opening event and sales release anticipated early 2024. Buyers will have the choice to build and personalize award-winning floorplans from the ground up or select from professionally designed Quick Move-In homes. Homes will range between approximately 2,100 to 3,500 square feet and will feature bright, open floorplans ideally designed for the Florida lifestyle. Offering buyers 50- and 60-foot homesites, the builder’s Innovation series includes five floorplans ranging from approximately 2,100 to 3,300 square feet. The Artisan series features 11 floorplans with options from about 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. Homes by WestBay plans to showcase four models, two on the 50- and 60-foot homesites respectively. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida, Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch is a multigenerational lifestyle community that offers a unique experience tailored to residents. The thoughtfully designed, 700-acre, gated village is a resort ranch hometown featuring 1,500 single-family homes, paired villa retreats and townhomes with a variety of amenities, clubs and hospitality services. Positioned within the award-winning master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms is minutes from dining, shopping and cultural activities as well as top-rated beaches. Whether exploring new adventures, discovering new passions, meeting new neighbors or finding new ways to connect with nature, Star Farms is an extraordinary place to call home. Visit www.starfarmslwr.com and join the VIP Club for the latest information. 

Pictured: Biscayne II model from Homes by WestBay.

Crystal Bailey, Esq., has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. In her expanded role, Bailey will oversee the organization’s strategic operations, including implementing best practices in risk management, compliance, and governance. She will have responsibility for key areas including human resources, guest experience, administration, internal finances, facilities management, as well as all legal matters. Bailey also was elected Corporate Secretary of the organization by the Board of Trustees. Bailey joined the staff of Selby Gardens in January as Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel. She came from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, where she had served for eight years, most recently as general counsel on the Sheriff’s executive staff. Prior to her roles with the Sheriff’s Office, Bailey worked as a prosecutor handling all levels of offenses in Pinellas County. Bailey served on the City of Sarasota’s Charter Review Committee in 2021-22. 

ArchWell Health, a national company devoted to improving the lives of seniors, celebrates the opening of its first of 10 locations along the Central Gulf Coast, beginning with a center in Venice, Florida. Guests will enjoy flowers by Posies Flower Truck, live music by Trinidude Tom and Goodley Entertainment, local food trucks including Parise Coffee and El Guero Tacos, raffles and giveaways, site tours and opportunities to meet the ArchWell Health clinical team. In attendance will be Venice Mayor, Nick Pachota, a Sarasota County commissioner and Chamber of Commerce representatives. Thursday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by the Chamber of Commerce at 12 p.m.

ArchWell Health, 543 Tamiami Trail S, Venice. 

To learn more, visit