Three candidates have already filed to succeed state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch. Alyssa Gay on Friday announced she had filed in House District 72, making her the third Republican in the race.

“As a Manatee County native and small business owner, I understand the issues that my neighbors and I face on a daily basis,” Gay said. “Skyrocketing prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump are forcing hardworking Floridians to make difficult choices. I’m running for Florida House District 72, to give You a voice in Tallahassee that will ask the tough questions and hold special interests accountable. I will be attacking out of control cost-of-living increases and the housing and insurance affordability crisis issue by issue to ensure that Florida remains the number one place where people not only want to live, but will thrive.”

Gay is the founder of AG Creative, a marketing firm based in Bradenton.

She follows Manatee County School Board member Rich Tatem and Kimley-Horn shareholder Bill Conerly in filing for the open House seat.

The rush to the seat occurred after the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota offered the job of college president to Gregory. He announced immediately he will not seek re-election as a result. He was set to run for his last term before term limits precluded another run.

Tatem, a retired Air Force Colonel, said he wants to govern in the same way as Gregory.

“Tommy Gregory has been a strong leader for Florida and an effective leader for House District 72, and it is no surprise that he has this new opportunity,” Tatem said. “It is imperative that we elect someone who will carry on his legacy of conservative leadership that has helped brand our state as the Free State of Florida. After a lot of prayer, discussion with my wife, and encouragement from key supporters, I have made the decision to become a candidate for state representative and to continue that legacy.”

Tatem won his School Board seat in 2022, so a run required vacating him office early.

Conerly is running as an outsider ready to focus Tallahassee on important issues like immigration.

“Florida is at a crossroads. We can continue to kick the can down the road, year after year, on issues like immigration, insurance and our quality of life or we can act. I am running to take quick action, just like President Trump,” Conerly said.

“The politicians in Tallahassee should be on notice: I won’t be making excuses or empty promises on insurance rates, I will be lowering them come hell or highwater. Floridians can’t and shouldn’t be struggling to pay insurance premiums. That must change, starting now.”

All three Republicans are set to face off in an Aug. 20 Republican Primary. At the moment, no Democrats or candidates from other parties have filed. Candidates for the state House seat must qualify by June 14 at noon. 

Photos from LinkedIn: Bill Conerly, Alyssa Gay, Rich Tatem.

The Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, recently held their biannual Clerk Community Shred Day spring event. Clerk Angel Colonneso and staff, along with Palmetto High School Key Club volunteers, assisted over 200 people to shred more than 2,000 pounds of sensitive documents during the event. The Clerk’s Community Shred Day is a twice-yearly event that serves a crucial purpose—safeguarding personal information. Manatee County residents were invited to bring up to two bankers box size worth of personal documents to be shredded, as well as recycle old electronics and hard drives for free. The next Community Shred Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Manatee Technical College located at 6305 SR 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34203. The November event will offer document shredding only. For more information about this event and the Office of the Clerk, visit their website at www.ManateeClerk.com. 

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is proud to announce the promotion of two sheriff’s office members in a ceremony held on April 18, 2024. Sergeant Tyler Fowler was hired by the sheriff’s office and assigned to the patrol bureau in 2011. He later transferred to the traffic unit and then returned to patrol, where he served as a field training deputy -- mentoring and preparing new deputies. Sergeant Fowler obtained his law enforcement certificate at Manatee Technical Institute and his Associate of Science in Public Safety Administration at State College of Florida. Lieutenant Jesse Gieseke began his career in the patrol bureau in 2016. Since being hired, he has worked in various units and bureaus, including the tactical, intelligence, and fugitive apprehension units as well as the homeless outreach team. In 2017, he was appointed to the agency’s SWAT team. During his career at SCSO, he has received two life-saving awards, one of which was for his actions while off-duty at a local fitness center. Lieutenant Gieseke received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida and his certificate of law enforcement at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. “As these leaders move forward in their law enforcement careers, we proudly celebrate their accomplishments,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “Our agency values the hard work of those who pursue knowledge and work diligently to make the sheriff’s office and Sarasota County stronger, safer, and better.” 

Karen E. Rushing, Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, has announced Operation Green Light, a statewide program that helps customers with a suspended or revoked driver’s license pay overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets, while saving up to 30 percent in collection agency fees. State law requires the Clerk and Comptroller’s office to turn over unpaid tickets and other outstanding court fines and fees to outside collection agencies after 90-days. During Operation Green Light, the Clerk and Comptroller has been authorized to waive these collection agency fees for anyone who pays off their court obligations in full, or signs up for an affordable, customized monthly payment plan. The Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller’s office will also help customers who are eligible to reinstate their suspended driver’s license. The event will take place in Venice and Sarasota from April 18 – 20, 2024. “Operation Green Light is a way for Florida Clerk and Comptrollers to give back to their community,” noted Karen E. Rushing, Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. “If you have an overdue traffic ticket or court fee that has been passed on to a collection’s agency, or have a suspended or revoked driver’s license, we want to help you save money and get back on the road by paying your fines in full, or establishing an affordable and customized payment plan that works within your budget. We realize collection agency fees can be a financial burden and we’re hopeful many people will take advantage of Operation Green Light this week to save money.” Customers wanting to participate in Operation Green Light can do so on the following dates and times with two convenient Sarasota County locations: Thursday and Friday, April 19, 19, 8:30-6pm (extended hours),  South County Courthouse,   4004 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Saturday, April 20, 9am-1pm (weekend event), Sarasota County Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, entrance on Ringling Blvd. In addition, customers are encouraged to have their case number(s) in advance, and bring a valid photo ID as well as check, cash or credit card to make their first installment on a payment plan. Appointments are not necessary. Operation Green Light is available to anyone with outstanding fees, fines and court obligations issued in Sarasota County. Please contact the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s office to learn more about options to pay fines and court obligations, save money and restore driving privileges. Visit us online at www.SarasotaClerk.com/OperationGreenLight or call 941.861.7400 – Traffic and Fines division.  

The August 2024 primary is a critical election for our community.  However, not all races are primaries. Aug 20 is likely to be the final election for two School Board (all voters countywide), and a County Commission seat (District 1 voters only), with voters of any party eligible to vote. To encourage informed participation in this primary, the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County is kicking off a get-out-the-vote campaign. Designed to reach “snowbirds,” who are registered to vote in Florida, as well as full-time residents, this nonpartisan, multimedia outreach will be delivered in English and Spanish. The League’s 2024“Your Vote is Your Voice” campaign is designed to emphasize the importance of the August primary, eliminate confusion regarding who can vote and to provide voters with the information they need to register to vote and renew their vote-by-mail status. Historically, the August primary has had low voter turnout.  In 2022, only 36 percent of eligible voters participated. Consequently, the winners were elected by just 19 percent of those qualified to vote. For hospital board, only 26 percent of voters participated. Many voters are unaware this is a nonpartisan final election for school board (unless there is a runoff) and that vote-by-mail requests made prior to the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election must be renewed.  There’s too much at stake in the August election to have just a sliver of our residents take part.  That’s why we are launching the most ambitious and comprehensive educational outreach plan in our history.” says Shawn Bartelt, President of League of Women Voters of Sarasota County. To maximize the reach of this campaign, the League will be distributing professionally created media toolkits to their community partners.  Please contact President Shawn Bartelt at president@lwvsrq.org if you wish to receive one. 

For the month of March 553,521 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a 7.5% increase compared to 514,889 passengers in March 2023. The 12-month activity through March 2024 totaled 4,415,951 passengers, a 9% increase compared to 4,048,419 passengers for the 12 months through March 2023. “SRQ continues to reach a multitude of milestones. The total number of passengers traveling through SRQ exceeded half a million in a single month for the second time in the airport’s history, reaching a total of 4.4 million passengers in a 12-month period. We are delighted to see the commitment of our passengers in choosing SRQ for their travel needs during this period of significant growth and expansion,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is proud to announce its inclusion in Becker's Healthcare 2024 list of the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare.” SMH is the only health system on the Suncoast, and one of only seven in the state of Florida, to be named to the list. This recognition underscores the commitment of Sarasota Memorial to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, professional and personal development, offers wellness benefits that address whole-person health, and provides opportunities to give back to the community. Becker's Healthcare, a leading source of business and legal information for healthcare industry leaders, annually recognizes organizations across the United States that demonstrate outstanding workplace environments, employee engagement, and satisfaction. The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list. The team also assessed rankings and awards from reputable organizations such as Forbes, Newsweek, and Fortune. Hospitals do not pay for this honor or the right to promote this award. The list is intended to highlight hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that positively influence their employees and communities. "The more than 10,000 employees at SMH are the heart and soul of our organization, and this recognition is another testament to their unwavering commitment to their patients and their peers," said David Verinder, President and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. "Sarasota Memorial's inclusion in this list reaffirms our team’s dedication to maintaining an environment where all employees feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver high-quality care to the community.” The full list can be found here: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/150-top-places-to-work-in-healthcare-2024.html 

With National Small Business Week approaching and 20% of new businesses failing within the first year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2024’s Best Small Cities to Start a Business, as well as expert commentary, to help entrepreneurs find a place where their startup can not only survive but thrive. To determine the most business-friendly small markets in the U.S., WalletHub compared more than 1,300 cities with fewer than 100,000 residents across 18 key metrics. The data set ranges from small business growth rates and the accessibility of financing to investor access and labor costs. Top 20 Small Cities to Start a Business: 1. Cedar City, UT 11. Bozeman, MT, 2. St. George, UT 12. Eagle Mountain, UT, 3. Fort Myers, FL 13. Winter Park, FL, 4. Washington, UT 14. Midvale, UT, 5. Post Falls, ID 15. American Fork, UT, 6. South Bradenton, FL 16. Helena, MT, 7. Morrisville, NC 17. Sarasota, FL, 8. Lehi, UT 18. Casselberry, FL, 9. Altamonte Springs, FL 19. Springville, UT, 10. Coeur d'Alene, ID 20. Bradenton, FL. Key Stats: Bozeman, Montana, has the highest number of startups per 100,000 residents, which is 8.5 times higher than in Galesburg, Illinois, the city with the lowest. Bethesda, Maryland, has the highest share of the population with at least a bachelor’s degree, which is 19.1 times higher than in Coachella, California, the city with the lowest. Kentwood, Michigan, has the most affordable office spaces, which is 6.8 times lower than in Mountain View, California, the city with the least affordable. Isla Vista, California, has the lowest labor costs (median annual income), which is 10.8 times lower than in Los Altos, California, among the cities with the highest. Fort Hood, Texas, has the longest work week, which is 1.9 times longer than in Isla Vista, California, the city with the shortest. 

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:

Enjoy a full selection of gifts for your corporate needs this May, including for Mother’s Day on May 12th.The 2024 Mother’s Day Collection features 10 gorgeous heart-shaped chocolates filled with delicious special-edition flavors. These ultra-premium confections are available in Mother’s Day gift boxes for a limited time, along with an assortment of our Signature chocolates – providing the perfect gift to honor the working moms and female customers who nurture your business throughout the year! Additionally, Norman Love Confections offers a decadent selection of gourmet chocolate gifts for any occasion, and each artisan creation perfectly embodies the prestige your brand should convey. From chocolate gift towers to novelties such as S’more Love, every gift of LOVE exudes sophistication. Most importantly, Norman Love Confections delivers on its promise of concierge service for every corporate gifting client. We look forward to serving you with highly personalized service! 

Florida hometown builder Christopher Alan Homes has sold over 40 homes in Palm Bay since expanding to the East Coast. The sales represent more than half of the Fort Myers-based builder’s inventory of new-construction single-family homes built on individual home sites in that market. In Palm Bay, Christopher Alan Homes offers a variety of three and four-bedroom floor plans with 1,372 to 1,829 square feet under air and attached two-car garages on individual homesites, priced from the high $200s. Thoughtfully designed for today’s buyers in desirable locations with access to Interstate 95 and Atlantic Ocean beaches, the homes feature covered lanais and primary suites with walk-in closets and private bathrooms. Currently, Christopher Alan Homes has 14 homes available for purchase in Palm Bay and more in the early stages of construction, slated for release in early summer 2024. The homebuilder also has a variety of homes available in Southwest Florida on individual homesites and within Babcock Ranch, West Port, Burnt Store Village and Deep Creek. Through April 30, 2024, homebuyers can take advantage of a special savings offer that allows them to buy a new Christopher Alan home with little to no out-of-pocket closing costs when they use a preferred lender and CAH Title. With a reputation for building quality, stylish homes at attainable prices, Christopher Alan Homes constructs every home to high standards for building and energy efficiency, which include steel-reinforced concrete block construction, high-efficiency air-conditioning systems and impact-resistant, low-E insulated windows. Florida’s East Coast is revered for the natural beauty of its beaches, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Palm Bay, in Brevard County, is about 70 miles southeast of Orlando, 100 miles north of Miami and offers nearby beaches, parks and recreational areas for hiking, fishing and boating as well as cultural events and attractions. A diverse economy includes major employers in the aerospace, healthcare and technology industries. Palm Bay also has several hospitals and medical facilities, public and private schools and is home to Eastern Florida State College and Florida Institute of Technology. 

Pictured: Quick move-in opportunities in Palm Bay, including the pictured Gasparilla, feature flexible home designs that suit every lifestyle.

Pulte Homes, the nation’s third-largest homebuilder, has revealed its upscale amenities for the first phase of Vida’s Way.Situated in Wesley Chapel off of  Watergrass Blvd just west of Curley Rd, the initial phase of the community will span over 330 acres, paying homage to the heritage of the DePue Ranch and be called Vida’s Way Legacy. The highly anticipated community is set to debut in Fall 2024 from four decorated models and include nearly 700 homesites. From the moment residents and guests enter, they will be enveloped in the rustic charm of the ranch as they pass under a 35’ custom steel windmill. At the heart of Vida’s Way lies Stewards Park, a farmhouse-inspired 6,683 square-foot clubhouse. This centerpiece offers a screened-in game and recreation room, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a social plaza with a porch, wet bar, and extensive outdoor event spaces. Residents can also indulge in the resort-style community pool, complete with cabanas, pickleball courts, cornhole, wood fire pit, and outdoor grills. Kids will delight in playing in the ranch-inspired playground, tot lot, and the splash water feature at the pool. For four-legged family members, Fudge & Rusty’s Dog Park, is named after the family’s dogs of the original ranch and connects to the miles of walking and nature trails. Among other amenities, Vida’s Bloom, located at Stewards Park, offers a community garden where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables from private garden plots. Additionally, the pristine landscape sets the stage with gentle rolling terrain, protected wetlands with views of numerous ponds and ample open spaces. Homes at Vida’s Way will range from 1,662 to 4,272 sq. ft., with 2 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 5 bathrooms. Pricing details will be announced later this year. For more information or to join the VIP list for community updates and grand opening events, visit www.pulte.com/vidasway.  

Local Relief, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization and social media app, is on a mission to revolutionize the way communities communicate during natural disasters. By harnessing the power of technology and community support, Local Relief is empowering locals to stay connected, informed, and supported when they need it most. Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving communities in chaos and disarray. In such challenging times, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial for coordinating assistance, sharing critical information, and offering support to locals in need. Local Relief recognizes this need and has developed an innovative platform that acts as a lifeline during emergencies. Their commitment to this cause has recently been further solidified through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Director Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to collaborating with governmental agencies to amplify our impact and reach. The Local Relief platform serves as a centralized hub where individuals and communities can come together, communicate, and coordinate relief efforts. With features designed specifically for disaster scenarios, users can post real-time updates, request assistance, provide shelter, and share vital information with their neighbors. In essence, it's Locals helping Locals. Local Relief stands alone as the only social media app encompassing the three paramount aspects of disaster management: Evergreen Guidance: Find perennial advice on disaster preparedness, from crafting your first-aid kit to safeguarding important documents - information that remains constant and crucial; Dynamic Location-Based Social Platform: Engage with real-time citizen journalism. Share and discover live, local updates regarding supplies, donation needs, volunteers, people in need, disaster resources, and recent disaster updates. This information is also invaluable for nonprofits and organizations providing boots on the ground, community assistance, and valuable resources for locals in need; Direct Assistance Links: Seamlessly connect with a network of federal and state organizations, nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, long-term recovery groups, and other companies dedicated to disaster assistance, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. By fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and resilience, Local Relief aims to minimize the devastating impact of natural disasters and enhance the speed and efficiency of response efforts. Through its platform, the organization empowers locals to take an active role in their community's recovery and rebuilding process. Local Relief is actively seeking donations and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, religious groups, and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. By collaborating with like-minded entities, the organization aims to build a stronger, more resilient network of support for communities worldwide. The Local Relief app is available for FREE from the Apple Store or Google Play. For more information about Local Relief and how to get involved, please visit localrelief.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @localreliefapp. 

Wellen Park is encouraging residents and visitors to participate in their ideal day of wellbeing during Wellen Wellness, a signature event showcasing all facets of health and wellbeing. From fitness and finances to nutrition, motivation and more, the May 18 wellness experience features informative workshops and activities for all ages, including a fishing rodeo, a mini-triathlon, yoga, doggie Olympics, live music, raffles and a silent dance party. The fun begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 9 p.m. in Downtown Wellen. The inaugural Wellen Wellness event is free and open to the public. Several activities require pre-registration online at wellenpark.com/events/wellen-wellness. Wellen Wellness event sponsors and participants include Agility Physical Therapy, The Banyan House, Bayside Pet Resort, Beach Bum Timing, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Florida Lakes Spa, Garden of the Arts, Grand Living, Kind Vibes Outfitters, L.A. Ainger Middle School Band, Seymour Orthodontics, Sound Alternative, Stocking Savvy, Venice Theatre, Women’s Resource Center and YMCA of Southwest Florida-Venice. Guests attending Wellen Wellness will discover healthy dishes at Downtown Wellen’s restaurants and The Yard food park. They can also shop for home decor, jewelry, beauty and wellness products at downtown merchants. For full event information, visit wellenpark.com/events/wellen-wellness. 

A CLASS ACT | Students at Emma E Booker Elementary feel the love when they walk into Ronnique Major's fifth-grade classroom. 

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