Ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration today, state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, won election as treasurer for the Republican National Committee.

“I appreciate the confidence President Trump, Chairman (Michael) Whatley and all my colleagues have placed in me to serve as Treasurer of the Republican National Committee,” Gruters told SRQ.

The Florida Republican National Committeeman won the post unanimously, two years after running for the position unsuccessfully against Kentucky’s K.C. Crosbie. This year, Crosbie ran for RNC Co-Chair.

Whatley, North Carolina Republican Party chairman, took over the RNC in February after former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel stepped aside to move room for Trump’s choice to head the national party. That showed the different state of national GOP politics from last time Gruters ran for RNC Treasurer. He had Trump’s endorsement for his 2023 campaign but fell far short of winning the post. Now, Trump has effectively slated an entire slate of officers at the RNC, all of who ran without opposition.

Gruters won election at a winter meeting of the RNC in Washington, D.C. and will remain in the nation’s capitol for the inauguration today. At the meeting, Florida Republican National Committeewoman Kathleen King,a long-time Manatee County Republican leader, seconded Gruters’ nomination for the Treasurer position. She has worked closely with Gruters on regional political efforts for decades.

“He will bring Florida to the RNC,” King said, “and together with this board, Joe, President Trump, (and Vice President) JD Vance, we will make America safe again, we will make America strong again, we will make America great again, and we will make liberals cry again with this organization.” 

Screenshot courtesy C-Span: Joe Gruters speaks to Republican National Committee members.

Sarasota real estate attorney Nancy E. Cason, managing partner of the law firm of Syprett Meshad, has been re-appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a fourth term serving on the Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. Ms. Cason will serve on the nominating commission for a three-year term ending July 1, 2027. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is tasked with selecting nominees to fill judicial vacancies created in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit (consisting of Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties)which are designated to be filled via appointment by the Governor’s office. To learn more, visit smrl.com, or call 941.365.7171. 

The Ed Smith Stadium Box Office and Team Store will be open for in-person sales beginning Tuesday, January 21, at 10 a.m. ET. The Box Office and Team Store will remain open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of the 2025 Spring Training season. Parking will be available in the East Lot.The 2025 Spring Training marks the club’s 16th spring season at Ed Smith Stadium. The Orioles will play 15 games at their home park, including 10 afternoon games, all beginning at 1:05 p.m., and five night games, each slated to begin at 6:05 p.m. All game times are subject to change. Fans can watch top prospects from the Orioles and Yankees compete at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, March 15, as part of Major League Baseball’s Spring Breakout.   

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With only 13 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 between 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. The majority of available homesites provide the opportunity for immediate occupancy, allowing homebuyers to avoid long construction delays. 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.  

Developers have broken ground on a coveted piece of land on South Palm Avenue steps from downtown Sarasota, Selby Gardens and the Sarasota Bayfront. The Palm 625 Sarasota includes twelve two-to-three-bedroom units. LV7 Investment Group is developing the project. Sarasota-based Hoyt Architects designed it. Voeller Construction will begin building it this month. These companies have extensive experience building in the downtown core. Coldwell Banker Realty agents Ray Collins and Gina Mazzoni are leading the sales efforts for the project at S. Palm Avene and Alderman Street, a block from Burns Court."There's something charming about a boutique condo building where you can come and go with ease. There is so much to do around that area that you will barely need to use your car," Collins noted. Completion date is projected for 3Q 2026. 

The Henson Fund has named Dr. Bianca Harris as its Director of Programs. As the director of programs, Harris will be responsible for enhancing the fund’s visibility by interfacing with education representatives in creating programs to meet the unique growth and development needs of students at Title 1 schools. Those responsibilities will focus on supporting communities and families to ensure students are thriving academically and socially. Harris has extensive experience as a teacher, school counselor, principal, program coordinator and chief program officer, providing expertise in program development, measurement, evaluation, and outcomes. Most recently, Harris advised New Leaders, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to build equitably focused aspiring school leaders to dismantle disparities prevalent in K12 education in America. 

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All too often, lung cancer is diagnosed too late, when it is difficult to treat. The overall five-year survival rate is just 20.5%. But SMH lung cancer specialists are helping people beat those odds with an aggressive detection program catching early-stage lung cancer at double the rate achieved in most health systems across the nation. SMH lung cancer screenings have nearly doubled since SMH expanded its detection program in 2019 and introduced Eon’s AI software. Patients whose “incidental” findings indicate they have a potentially “high risk” nodule are urged to begin annual low-dose CT (computed tomography) screenings for lung cancer, said Amie Miller, ARNP, coordinator of SMH’s lung cancer screening program. “Catching lung cancer early greatly increases the patient’s chances that it can be treated and even cured,” Miller said. “And if we can diagnose lung cancer at the earliest stages, it’s going to make a huge impact.” 

Wellen Park is the sixth top-selling community in the U.S. for 2024, according to prominent national real estate consultants RCLCO and John Burns. Announced this week, the rankings are based on last year’s sales of 960 new homes. Sales at Wellen Park were up 10% from 2023. Wellen Park is also home to CoolToday Park, spring training stadium for the Atlanta Braves. The stadium is a dynamic hub of activity, hosting not only spring training games but also community events and concerts throughout the year. This unique connection to a Major League Baseball team adds a unique vibrancy to Wellen Park, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities to enjoy professional sports close to home and fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie.  

Pictured: The increase in home sales also highlights Wellen Park's commitment to health and wellness, outdoor recreation and an authentic community vibe.

Sarasota County is continuing upgrading water meters throughout unincorporated Sarasota County to enhance the utilities system and improve response times during weather events and year-round. This project started in 2023 on Siesta Key and is expected to take five years to complete the remaining meter replacements throughout unincorporated Sarasota County. The updated meters feature advanced satellite-based technology, enabling water usage data to be collected remotely. This eliminates the need for staff to drive by meters for readings. The new technology allows the County’s Public Utilities Department to identify and address issues within the system, such as leaks or breaks, more quickly, especially after weather events or other service interruptions and allows staff to restore service faster. For additional information about the water meter replacement project, please visit scgov.net or call 311 or 941-861-5000.  

Florida’s ACLU Executive Director Bacardi Jackson shares her deep concern about the "decimation of democracy” and the wave of repressive legislation sweeping not only Florida, but many states. She’ll discuss real threats to fundamental freedoms including women’s rights, First Amendment rights, racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and our democracy overall. Ms. Jackson describes how citizen engagement is a vital complement to litigation. With our vote, we can, at election time, undo the damage done by politically regressive legislation to secure a freer, more equitable future for Floridians and all Americans. In May 2024, Ms. Jackson became the ACLU of Florida’s first Black woman Executive Director. Ms. Jackson’s career reflects her commitment to justice, equity, and impactful leadership in civil rights. Q/A to follow the presentation.

Registration , 11:30am, Lunch - 11:55am, Program, Q&A - 12:30 - 1:30pm. 

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Nick Pachota, lifelong conservative, first responder, small business owner, and Venice Mayor, has officially filed to run for the Florida House of Representatives, District 74, which covers parts of eastern Sarasota County, including Venice, North Port and surrounding communities up to north Sarasota, primarily east of I-75. The seat is currently held by James Buchanan, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. With a his private-sector background and a career as a first responder, Nick Pachota brings a unique blend of public safety experience and local community leadership, along with small business sensibilities to the role. Pachota and his wife, Kate, a registered nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice, live in Venice and have two adult daughters, one granddaughter, and a grandson on the way. 

Sarasota County is hosting several job fairs in January, February and March 2025 throughout Sarasota County. Hiring managers will be on-site to screen and interview job seekers who wish to apply for open positions with Sarasota County Government. To view all job openings or to apply online, visit scgov.net/jobs or call 311.