For the first time in 40 years, Sarasota County will swear it a new Tax Collector. Republican Mike Moran, a term-limited Sarasota County Commissioner, defeated Democratic incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates.

So what will be Moran’s priorities as he takes the lead at the county office?

“I believe strongly that any organization whether they are government or private sector should strive to be better,” Moran said.

Moran for the last eight years served on the Sarasota County Commission, elected once at-large and later in a single-member district. In that role, he has served on the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, and before serving on the commission, he was part of the Sarasota County Planning Commission. He also served on the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

But he also stressed his work in the private sector. He’s a Realtor, and before moving to Sarasota in 2002, he and wife Lori ran a payroll, tax filing and insurance firm for 30 years. He said that gives him the financial literacy to serve in the office well.

“I have started, owned, and operated a number of companies with hundreds of employees that specialized in high transaction, complicated tax services,” he said. This along with my public service experience is a natural fit for the position of Tax Collector for Sarasota County.”

Moran also is the executive director for Florida PACE, a public entity that provides financing options for energy-efficient and hurricane-resistant home improvements. Moran, though, has come under fire for operations of that program. Some county tax collectors, including in Pasco County, severed agreements for concern the program was exploiting individuals.

Moran dismissed concerns.

“PACE does not use one penny of Taxpayer money. PACE attracts private investors to Florida to help finance hurricane-hardening property improvements such as windows, doors, roofs, and generators,” he told SRQ before the election.

He now takes over an office that Ford-Coates led since her first countywide election in 1984. But he said he also has experience with leadership transitions. He said that’s about more than just coming in and trying to exert authority, but rather overseeing a smooth transfer of power.

“I have been directly involved in a number of mergers and acquisitions and without exception most creative and good ideas have come from staff, not leadership,” he said.

“I will do a lot of listening and ensure basic, foundational systems and procedures are in place such as modern technology, and ensuring staff are educated, compensated, motivated properly to carry out exceptional customer service for the residents of Sarasota County.” 

Photo courtesy Moran campaign.

Manatee County is continuing to hold community outreach sessions to engage and inform residents who live in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and were hit hard by the recent hurricanes. To provide answers, Manatee County has organized a series of information meetings designed to answer some of the most pressing questions. At this time, two more sessions are planned: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, 10am–noon, The Bridge Church (4000 75th St. W., Bradenton); Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, 10am–noon, New Hope Baptist Church (9422 Old Tampa Rd., Parrish). Residents living in Special Flood Hazard Areas whose homes sustained any type of storm damage (wind, water, storm surge, etc.) should be aware of additional requirements to repair or rebuild. It is crucial to ensure contractors are licensed and knowledgeable about the National Flood Insurance Program, Florida Building Code, and our current Floodplain Ordinance. Of critical concern is the so-called 50% rule―a minimum requirement of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that prohibits improvements to a structure, built to outdated standards, that exceeds 50% or more of its market value, unless the structure is brought into full compliance with current floodplain regulations, Florida building code and NFIP requirements. Current standards may include elevating the structure, using flood-resistant materials or other mitigation efforts. Citizens are encouraged to visit the website mymanatee.org/B4Urebuild prior to the information event to familiarize themselves with all current floodplain requirements. These requirements will also be detailed during the event. Residents should not begin repairs without proper authorization, oversight, permits or records. These rules are key components of floodplain management, ensuring that non-conforming structures in high-risk areas are built to withstand future flooding. Failure to comply can affect flood insurance eligibility, lead to significantly higher premiums for the entire county and have severe ramifications for federally backed home loans. All storm-related repairs require permits; however, Manatee County is waiving building permit fees for storm-related repairs through March 1, 2025. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and onTwitter, @ManateeGov.

Residents are invited to take advantage of safely and securely shredding their personal documents for FREE at the Clerk's Community Shred Day on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Manatee Technical College, 6305 SR 70 E, Bradenton, FL 34203. Manatee County residents can bring up to two standard-sized banker boxes of personal documents to be shredded on-site. Accepted items include documents of any color or type of paper, plastic credit cards, and IDs. Paper clips, staples, rubber bands, labels, and file tabs do not need to be removed from documents. The event does not accept binders, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, wet/damp paper or previously wet paper, and electronics. This event is a drive-up event, and Clerk leadership or an event volunteer will be on hand to safely remove items from vehicles and bring them to the shredding truck. In addition to document shredding, the event offers hard drive destruction services. Residents will need to remove their hard drive from their personal computer or laptop before bringing it to the event. Shred Medic, a professional shredding company certified by the National Association for Information Destruction (AAA Certified), will provide the shredding and hard drive destruction services. "This event serves a crucial purpose. Safeguarding personal information," said Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. "In today's digital age, protecting sensitive data is paramount, and the Clerk's Community Shred Day event provides a secure and reliable means for residents to dispose of confidential documents to reduce their risk of identity theft." Since 2018, the Clerk’s Office has proudly offered free document shredding services to all residents of Manatee County. For more information and event details, please visit the Clerk’s website at https://www.manateeclerk.com/about-us/clerk-events/.

Pictured: Clerk staff members from last year's event dumping a resident's personal documents into a shred bin for shredding. Photo courtesy of Manatee Clerk.

An exciting lineup of tenants coming to Market Walk at North River Ranch will begin opening their doors as early as this fall. Located at 11695 Moccasin Wallow Rd., Market Walk is the first major commercial retail development of the award-winning, master-planned community, North River Ranch, the flagship, master-planned community of local land developer Neal Land & Neighborhoods. The initial tenants include popular brands such as Foxtail Coffee Co., F45 Fitness, a selection of eateries and dining from Papa John’s Pizza, Yan Kitchen Asian, and a fine Italian restaurant. Other tenants include Earthwise Pet, Ann Spa Nails, Massage Luxe, UPS, a state-of-the-art dental office, Market Walk Dental, and a free-standing Fifth Third Bank. With more tenants yet to be announced, Market Walk will offer a diverse range of services, from health and wellness to everyday shopping, all conveniently accessible to the community’s residents, currently comprising over 1,000 homes. Market Walk at North River Ranch is anchored by a 50,487-square-foot Publix, which opened earlier this year. Other development milestones at North River Ranch include the start of sales in the latest neighborhood in the new home community, Longmeadow. Longmeadow will offer a mix of home styles, with home builders Pulte Homes and Cardel Homes Florida starting in the $400s and Homes by WestBay starting in the $600s. Model homes are open daily. To learn more about North River Ranch, visit www.northriverranch.com. 

Over the years, we’ve earned a reputation across the area for “quality” due to our high standard of exceptional craftsmanship, selection, design, and service. When you step inside our showrooms, you’ll find a vast collection of furniture, rugs, art, and accessories from the world’s top manufacturers. From timeless classics to contemporary trends, our showroom is designed to inspire what is possible in the way of living. At Norris, you’ll have access to our award-winning interior design team who will unlock the potential of your home’s décor. Drawing inspiration from your interior’s architecture, lighting, and scale, we’ll help you craft a luxurious space that is functional, aspirational, and most importantly tailored to your lifestyle. We invite you to come explore our showrooms and discover the possibilities for your home. Whether you are looking for that one unique piece or full room design, Norris has everything you need to create the home of your dreams. 

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HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital announced it has achieved numerous accolades for clinical excellence from Healthgrades. The hospital’s distinctions include one of Healthgrades 100 best hospitals for orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, and prostate surgeries. The hospital also earned the surgical care excellence award and was named among the top 10% in the nation for surgical care. Additional distinctions included being rated five stars for treatment of heart failure, pacemaker procedures, carotid surgery, knee replacement, hip replacement, back surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, and treatment of sepsis and diabetic emergencies. The achievements are based on patient outcomes. As part of the 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers. *Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. 

Pictured: Emergency room team at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.

S-One Holdings Corporation, a global company headquartered in Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, proudly announces its 30th anniversary of Shaping Tomorrow Together. Thirty years ago, our co-founders, Art Lambert and Ron Simkins, were captivated by the natural beauty and diverse culture of Sarasota. They immediately noticed our city as an incubator for business, innovation, and creativity, so Art and Ron moved their families to a place unlike any other. As they started their new life, a new venture began. We embarked on our journey with the challenge of creating a solution for Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which needed high-quality, durable signage. This opportunity sparked our pioneer spirit of being industry disruptors, making waves to challenge the status quo and reimagine change for the better. Focusing on our three pillars of Team, Customers, and Community was essential to reaching our 30-year milestone. "I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have built together," shared Art Lambert. "The essence of S-One has always been our people. Their unique talents and passion to meet customer and community needs drive us forward." 

To learn more, visit

With only 18 homesites remaining in Christopher Alan Homes’ final phase of The Hammocks at West Port, homebuyers have a limited opportunity to secure a new home in this sought-after community, located at U.S. 41 and El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte. Homebuyers can select from three innovative floor plans offering three and four bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half baths and 1,719 to 1,920 square feet under air, and the majority of available homesites can be delivered for occupancy by the end of 2024, allowing homebuyers to be home for the holidays. For more information about The Hammocks, its new homesites and quick move-in home opportunities, visit the Christopher Alan Homes sales center at 1496 Sunset Preserve Way, Port Charlotte, open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Information is also available by visiting westportbycah.com or calling 941-623-9754. 

Pictured: Shown as a professionally decorated model home, the Captiva reflects the open concept designs available in The Hammocks by blending the open kitchen and spacious great room.

When visiting HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, one of the first smiling faces you'll likely see is Captain Mark Benedict, a security officer who served in the United States Marine Corps. On Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and reflection, the hospital will honor those healthcare colleagues who have served in the armed forces to preserve our freedom. Benedict was a Lance Corporal (LCpl), the highest rank a marine can hold without being a non-commissioned officer. He served as a police officer from 1982 to 1985 in Beirut, Lebanon, Wilmington, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas. Military police work to uphold law and order and have duties like investigations, emergency response, base access and corrections. He follows in his uncle's footsteps, who was in the Air Force. However, he is proud to be his family's first and only marine. "I am proud that I served my country overseas. I made friends that I have for life. Once a marine, always a marine. It's a family that never goes away." said Benedict. As a security officer for Englewood Hospital, the safety of patients and staff is a top priority. In his role, Benedict is responsible for maintaining a safe environment and directing the security team's efforts. "With the people I supervise, I think of us as a team and a family. I'm proud because the Marine Corps instilled that in me." When asked why he chose to work in security for a healthcare organization, he said, "I like to help people. I like the hospital because I get to meet people, pray with them and be a calming influence. They want to know their family is safe, and they want to feel safe when they come here. It helps in the healing process. There is physical healing, emotional healing and spiritual healing. All of those are important, and I feel that I've been called to protect those things. And along the way, cause a smile once in a while." Englewood Hospital is part of HCA Healthcare, a nationally recognized military-friendly employer that has hired more than 40,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses since 2012. In 2021, the Military Times named HCA Healthcare one of the country's best employers for military-connected employment programs, benefits and support. The organization has earned national recognition as a military and military spouse-friendly employer for 11 consecutive years by VIQTORY. To learn more about the HCA Healthcare Military Affairs program, visit https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/pages/military-affairs.

Pictured: Captain Mark Benedict, is responsible for maintaining a safe environment and directing the efforts of the security team. Photo courtesy of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.

DENTALVANA a new concept of dentistry is excited to announce the grand opening of its second location at 1280 N Palm Ave, Sarasota FL. The event will take place on November 11th, 2024, at 5 pm. The grand opening will feature a signature smile experience give a-way which includes a personalized exam, X-ray, 3D scans and cleaning with Air Flow—our new Swiss technology for dental cleaning. We will also be giving away a professional glow whitening treatment which will bring your smile up to 14 shades lighter ($1,310 Value) “We are thrilled to bring DENTALVANA to Sarasota because this city holds a truly special place in our hearts. We fell in love with Sarasota’s unique vibe—the feeling of strolling down Palm Avenue, seeing warm smiles, engaging in genuine conversations, and witnessing the deep, long-term friendships of people we know. It’s what inspired us to move across the state,” said CEO Dr Julia Guerrini. “We get excited about dentistry! The possibility of changing lives everyday through proactive and preventative oral care fuels us. And our team of passionate dental professionals strive to deliver perfection and guarantee excellence in an atmosphere that is calm and tranquil. In short, we are a high vibe dental office that is fun, comfortable, caring and gentle. Our mission is to transform the way you feel about dentistry and to be a guide on your journey of total wellbeing. Our philosophy is simple, comfort, compassion and individualized care.” 

Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10-3 the Spotlight is on Limelight Market! This fun, pop up market happens in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime with rescue dogs, unique guest vendors, food, and live music. Check out the 40+ local creators and curators inside. Great way to support local! Free, until you buy something amazing! Tenderheart brings over the most adorable adoptable dogs.Also joining us this month is Sarasota High School National Art Society, Great Joy Greeting, Polli’s Crochet, Retro Rabbit, AnimalzRule Fabrik Works, SE Ellis Design, S & B Soap, The Cracked Coconut, Yancy Homemade, The Tie Dye Nerds and Island Time Signs. For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. 

Le Macaron French Pastries, the first and oringal macaron franchise, is re-opneing their location at St. Armands Circle this Saturday. The location, which had estimated damages of $100,000 from Hurricane Helene, will be opening their doors once again. 

New College of Florida will be well represented on the International Trade & Business Development Leadership Mission to Italy, a key initiative instituted by Governor Ron DeSantis to strengthen Florida’s commercial ties with Italy. The mission includes representatives from Florida’s key economic development organizations, private companies, ports, hospitals, and universities. The delegation from New College participating on the mission includes: President Richard Corcoran; Trustees Debra Jenks, Ron Christaldi, Lance Karp, and Don Patterson; General Counsel to the Board of Trustees Bill Galvano; New College alumni Bob Allen and Mark Famiglio. “We’re hopeful to expand the learning opportunities for our students with other classical liberal arts institutions worldwide,” said President Corcoran. “Trade missions like this hold the possibility of new and exciting initiatives coming forth that will further grow New College’s prestige.” The weeklong mission includes stops in Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin, and Milan. More than $4.4 billion in bilateral merchandise trade occurred between Florida and Italy last year, and more than 9,000 jobs in Florida are supported by Italian companies operating in the state.