The Sarasota County Commission last week devoted $15 million in grant money to vocational training, including for the construction industry trades. After about a half hour of negotiation and debate, commissioners sent half of that to the Sarasota School Board for a North Port expansion of the Suncoast Technical College, while the remainder went to establish a Building Industry Institute run by the Suncoast Builders Association.

Initially, Sarasota County Commissioner Neil Rainford supported fully funding a nearly $13.2 million request from the new Institute, preferring a private organization get the funding over one run by another public entity. He wanted to give less than $2 million to the School Board. 

“They are funded by the taxpayer in terms of the over-a-billion dollar budget for the School Board,” Rainford said.

But County Commissioners Joe Neunder and Ron Cutsinger opposed spending any money on a private, untested entity. Neunder said he recently toured School Board-run workforce programs at Riverview High School and had full confidence in the school district's ability to provide training in trades. 

“The North Port-Englewood region is the right fit,” he said.

Ultimately, Commissioner Mark Smith suggested fully funding a $7.5-million request for Suncoast Technical and delivering the rest of the money to the Building Industry Institute. That passed on a 3-2 vote with Neunder and Cutsinger in opposition. The board did not provide any funding for a $3.8-million proposal from Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. The funding allocated all comes from a federal Community Development Block Grant program.

That means the Building Industry Institute will get about $7.5 million, a little more than half what it requested. “I wish we had more money, but this is what we got,” Smith said.

Suncoast Builders Association President and CEO Jon Mast in a letter to commissioners said his association membership knows the needs in the market for the construction industry.

“As an organization that has deep roots in this community, we recognize the great need to create economic sustainability through workforce development that will bring about long-term recovery and resiliency for the future,” he wrote.

Mast said the association already established the institute as a nonprofit. He wrote that other efforts have been successfully executed in other parts of Florida and the nation.

The budget proposed by the organization includes $5.6 million for the purchase and renovation of a property on Cattleman Road, and another nearly $4.9 million to furnish and staff it. A detailed budget also includes $224,000 in pay for a CEO and $154,000 for a CFO over a 16-month period (which includes a four-month pre-launch period).

Smith said he trusted the Institute would spend any money prudently because the Suncoast Building Association membership knew the vocational needs in the area.

Rainford said he was confident the Institute would address a demand. “It's helpful to have more than one organization producing talent to that talent pool, because I think the construction industry represents about 10% of our employees here in the region, at a minimum,” he said.

Photo courtesy Pixabay.

Creative Oxygen Labs, a pioneer in clean air technology, and Nationwide Protective Coating Mfrs., Inc., a leader in innovative paint solutions, are thrilled to announce a new venture that will bring oxygen-infused coatings to the US market. This collaboration combines the cutting-edge scientific expertise of Creative Oxygen Labs with the manufacturing and distribution prowess of Nationwide Protective Coating, setting a new standard in air quality improvement for residential and commercial spaces. The oxygen-infused coating, which will be manufactured at Nationwide Protective Coating’s facility in Sarasota, Florida, represents a major advancement in the paint industry. By integrating Creative Oxygen Labs’ patent-pending nanotechnology, this innovative paint has the capability to neutralize airborne pathogens and pollutants, enhancing the air quality in homes and workplaces.  The oxygen-infused paint will be introduced at an affordable price of $89 per gallon, with each gallon sufficient to paint a feature wall in each room or ceiling of an 800 square foot building. The Oxygen infused paint comes with a 15-year written warranty, offering consumers air quality assurance for just $5.93 per year — a small price to pay for those who prioritize their health and that of their loved ones. This innovative product is also ideal for companies aiming to boost staff productivity, as poor air quality has been linked to brain fog, fatigue, and absenteeism. The first 1000 gallons of Oxygen paint will be available on the market in November 2024, and both customers and channel partners are encouraged to preorder now. We are looking for 2 exclusive partnership resellers in each city ONLY. 

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) hosted its successful 2024 Annual Meeting. With an audience of 400 attendees, the invigorating programming highlighted the EDC’s achievements in diversifying and growing Sarasota County’s economy while celebrating its bright future. The EDC recognized Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick (Rick) J. Piccolo, as the 2024 Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Honoree. The honor is awarded to an individual in Sarasota County who embodies the personal and business values that Nixon demonstrated. As Chairman of Sun Hydraulics until his death in April 2007, Nixon left behind a distinct legacy of lifetime achievement. Nixon was known for his sense of humor, astute business mind, support of economic development, community involvement, and humble and self-effacing personality. He was a man of integrity and strong ethics and treated everyone equally. The recognition lives on in his honor. In addition, the EDC had a panel of local industry expert leaders at the event. Ringling College of Art and Design’s President, Dr. Larry Thompson, moderated a panel discussion including Rick Severance, President, Wellen Park; Vladimir (Vlad) Ljesevic, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, CMPSE; and Dr. Alex Beavers, Chief Innovation Officer, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Each panelist offered a unique and invaluable perspective on the future, not only locally but also regionally, in the industries of tech, real estate, and the Blue Economy. The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy. Their mission is to grow and diversify the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing its unique natural and cultural environment. 

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) announces new appointments and recognizes outgoing members to its Board of Directors for the 2025 fiscal year, which begins October 1. Joining the Board for two-year terms are Stacey Corley, President of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Jason Samson, General Manager of Aloft Sarasota, and Heather Van Wie, President and CEO of The Cottages On The Key. Serving on the 2025 Executive Committee are: Richard Russell, General Director of Sarasota Opera – Chair, Nick Mavrikas, Area General Manager of Spark by Hilton – Immediate Past Chair, John LaCivita, President/CEO of Willis Smith Construction – Vice Chair, Tim Self, Senior Vice President Investments, Gulfside Wealth – Secretary/Treasurer. Departing the Board this year are Ann Frescura, Executive Director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, and Rick Konsavage, Managing Director of The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Continuing their terms as members are: Hon. Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County Commission; Mark Gordon, Managing Editor of the Business Observer; Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice Main Street; Mike Quillen, President of Gecko’s Hospitality Group; Wes Santos, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota; and Susie Bowie, President/CEO of The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. 

Pictured: VSC ecognizes outgoing board members, Rick Konsavage and Ann Frescura, for their years of service. Pictured [l-r]: John LaCivita, Rick Konsavage, Ann Frescura and Hon. Ron Cutsinger.

Residents of EVERLY, Wellen Park’s first custom home neighborhood, are enjoying a lifestyle with luxury waterfront amenities, complete with stunning sunsets over the 50-acre lake. Wellen Park celebrated the completion of the amenity campus with a special resident preview event in early September. Nestled along the neighborhood’s meandering signature lake, the site offers engaging and leisurely amenities, replete with a putting green to practice your golf skills and pickleball courts. Tropical landscaping, an inviting soundtrack of water from the pool and adjacent lake, an array of unique gathering areas and private poolside cabanas channel a vibrant vacation-every-day vibe. The social hall and separate state-of-the-art fitness studios feature modern farmhouse architecture with a coastal countenance. Steep sloping roofs enhance the openness of inside spaces, which include a kitchen and reception area in the social hall, covered and open-air verandas. Residents can lounge poolside on the large deck, or at a secluded beach with hammocks for relaxing. Alfresco destinations also feature a relaxing dining area and a large lakefront fireside lounge. The resort-inspired experience is elevated by EVERLY’s impressive zero entry swimming pool with dedicated lap lanes fringed by fountains and spillways. Two oversized cabanas are the go-to outdoor living areas for relaxation and fun, offering a grilling station and lounge seating adjacent to a gas fireplace. These are the perfect areas for a cozy chat with your new neighbors, a serene spot to read a book, or the ideal location for a group BBQ or dinner party. Rows of stately palm trees, abundant green spaces, an event lawn and stone walkways laced with crisscrossing turf create a lush tapestry for outdoor destinations. The neighborhood also connects to Wellen Park’s miles of multimodal trails, including the future Oakheart Nature Trail winding along the lake, and provides an easy walkable connection to the Sarasota County School District’s future high school and K-8 school campuses.EVERLY offers custom and semi-custom luxury homes by John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Neal Signature Homes and Homes by WestBay with select lakefront homesites for prime sunset views. Dozens of single- and two-story floor plans provide the catalyst for customizable private residences with three to four bedrooms, three car garages, up to five baths and 2,560 to nearly 4,200 square feet under air. Select homes have additional outdoor living options and casitas. Seven professionally decorated model homes are now open. Boasting distinctive architecture and interior design, they reflect today’s modern lifestyles with spaces for working from home, possibilities for multigenerational living and showcase multiple ensuite bedrooms, large entertainment spaces and enhanced outdoor living. Homes in EVERLY are priced from the high $600,000s to $1.8 million. Quick start and move-in ready homes are also available.  

Pictured: The resort-inspired experience is elevated by EVERLY’s impressive zero entry swimming pool with dedicated lap lanes fringed by fountains and spillways.

September 11th, 2024: ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness is excited to invite the community to join us for our highly anticipated Open House & Ribbon Cutting Event on Thursday, October 24th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. As the most significant event of the year for our clinic, we’ve planned an incredible day of beauty, self-care, and philanthropy that you won’t want to miss! This event is an exciting opportunity to experience ZENA Aesthetics & Wellness’ signature treatments, services, and specials while mingling with our expert team and other beauty enthusiasts in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a loyal ZENA client or new to our clinic, this is the perfect event to refresh your skincare routine and explore our wide range of treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty. Our expert team will be on hand to answer questions and provide personalized recommendations to help you look and feel your best. This open house also provides a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive specials which are only available during this event. If you’re passionate about refreshing, renewing, and rejuvenating your skin or simply looking for a fun way to spend the day, our Open House is an event not to be missed. Plus, your attendance helps support a great cause, as all raffle proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, helping seniors and families in need.

Thursday, October 24th, 2024, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, 5219 E. State Road 64, Bradenton. For more details, please call 941-749-0741.