The Transportation Security Administration allows many passengers needing special assistance before boarding planes, most often children, to go through a pre-check security line. But sometimes caregivers still have to go through the regular inspection process.

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, wants that to change. He filed the Fast Lane for Youths (FLY) Act, which would allow adults traveling with minors and others with Pre-Check privileges to accompany them through the speedier checkpoint.

“In a stunning display of bureaucratic absurdity, current TSA policies do not provide Pre-Check privileges for gate passes even when the passenger and escorts all have been screened through the Pre-Check program,” Steube said. “My legislation provides a simple legislative fix to allow a more expedient process through the airport for many families this holiday season.”

The TSA allows individuals to enroll in the Pre-Check program at locations across the country. The program allows for children traveling with someone using the service to join an adult traveler, but the same accommodation does not exist for adults traveling with children utilizing the program.

Steube’s bill, filed during one of the busiest flying seasons of the year, would only apply to parents, guardian and caregivers assisting passengers who already qualify for TSA Pre-Check privileges. While the term “youth” appears in the bill name, the legislation would apply to any situation where an individual is providing needed caregiver special assistance to an individual using the Pre-Check program.

The legislation would ask the TDA Administrator to establish a system with at least Pre-Check two gate passes are approved for individuals when one applies for the Pre-Check line, and that the status would be noted on airline tickets as well.

The goal, Steube said, is to expedite gate passes and flight access procedures to allow caregivers, parents, and guardians to accompany minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights. 

Photo courtesy TSA.

Homes by WestBay will showcase four new model homes at Lithia’s newest and popular master-planned community, Hawkstone, on Saturday, December 9th, from 10am to 3pm. The signature model homes, Virginia Park, Westshore II, Biscayne II, and Key Largo II will feature today’s top home design trends and versatile floorplans that will be sure to wow. To commemorate, the builder will be hosting a holiday themed “Hawkstone Holiday Home Hunt” Grand Opening event with exciting food and family fun activities, including photos with Santa himself. Visitors and home shoppers are encouraged to claim their free tickets via Eventbrite or by calling 813-438-3838. Hawkstone is located just south of FishHawk and is quickly becoming the most sought-after neighborhood in Lithia. Residents enjoy high-end amenities while staying close to top-rated Lithia schools, nature preserves, family-friendly activities, US-301, and I-75. Completed amenities include small and large dog parks, resort-style and lap pools, open air cabanas, playgrounds, and winding trails. Currently under construction is a new Hawkstone Village Green amenity center featuring pickle ball and bocce ball courts, a tot lot, and a recreation area. Homes by WestBay is the builder-developer of Hawkstone where new home sales first began in March of 2020. Since then, nearly 800 families have chosen to call Hawkstone home. The community offers a variety of new home options from two of Tampa’s top homebuilders: Homes by WestBay & Casa Fresca Homes. Hawkstone features new single-family homes on 40’, 50’, 60’, and 70’ wide homesites and prices range from the high $300s to over $1 million. 

Tampa Bay’s premier homebuilder, Homes by WestBay, will be making their grand entrance into Venice, FL at Wellen Park’s newest neighborhood, Everly. The award-winning builder will be unveiling two brand-new model homes, the Biscayne II and the Gasparilla II, at their Grand Opening event on Saturday, December 16 th . Among the ten versatile floorplan designs available to homebuyers, six will be brand-new floorplans that were designed with an elevated Florida lifestyle in mind. New homes will range from the high $600s to over $1 million and sit on 62’ wide homesites. Wellen Park is a vibrant and thriving community located in Venice, FL. With its picturesque landscape and natural beauty, this master-planned community provides an exceptional living experience for residents of all ages. With an emphasis on outdoor living, Wellen Park provides an extensive network of trails, parks, and green spaces, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can enjoy activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking in the beautiful surroundings. New homeowners and families will have access to top-rated schools Taylor Ranch Elementary, Venice Middle and Venice High School. Wellen Park and Everly are conveniently located to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Sarasota via US-301, I-75, and the Skyway Bridge (I-275). For more information, visit www.homesbywestbay.com or call 813-438-3838. 

Marina Gabriel, DMD and Vivek Dewan, DMD will soon be offering dental services to the community of Sarasota at their brand-new office, Dental Care at Lake Shores. The new full-service, state-of-the-art family dental practice is set to open on Friday, December 29. Dental Care at Lake Shores will be fully equipped with the latest products and equipment available in the dental industry, offering Drs. Gabriel, Dewan and their dental team the opportunity to provide the most up-to-date procedures and services to their patients. From routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services, patients can expect individualized care to help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. Dental Care at Lake Shores is located at 7180 University Parkway #108 in Sarasota. The office is now accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 941-210-0595 or visiting http://dentalcareatlakeshores.com/. 

Activist and Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Tom Kirdahy discusses the transformative power of the arts in a time of widespread censorship and profoundly discriminatory legislation. Tom Kirdahy has devoted his life to the cause of protecting and expanding the rights of LGBT+ people, and his activist spirit has guided his producing. As conservative lawmakers set out to silence the voices of marginalized communities in Florida through the "Don't Say Gay" bill, the book bannings in schools, and the recent attacks on drag performers, it's more important than ever that we protect and uplift artists, because art has the power to change hearts and minds. Kirdahy is currently producing Stephen Sondheim's final musical Here We Are, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hadestown and the award winning off Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Q/A to follow the presentation. 

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Every Saturday this December, from Noon to 2 PM, The Makery invites parents to relish some well-deserved holiday moments while their young ones dive into a world of imagination at our Crafternoon Kid Drop-Off sessions. Commencing on December 2nd and running through December 23rd, children aged 6 and above are invited to join in the festive revelry filled with captivating crafts. From slime and ornament-making to clay fun and DIY delights, each session promises hands-on experiences guided by our skilled instructors and local artists, nurturing young imaginations and fostering artistic expression. The Crafternoon Kid Drop-Offs at The Makery offer more than just holiday cheer; they promise a safe, engaging, and inspiring space for children to explore their creative sides, providing parents with guilt-free moments to unwind amidst the joyful holiday spirit. Come join us at The Makery SRQ located at the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime this December for Crafternoon Kid Drop-Offs, where creativity knows no bounds!  

For more information or to reserve a spot, please visit:

SRQ Magazine is calling home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers to submit their projects from the past year. The winning entries are awarded Home of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards and the winning entries are published in the March 2024 awards edition of SRQ Magazine. 

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BEING LIGHT | Bia Candle Co. Sheds Light on Resilient Retreat, December 2023. 

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