Sarasota Citizens Join the Conversation

How to create Community Wildlife Habitats

2011-09-14T08:31:00.001-04:00

The NWF is offering a free webinar about how to create a community habitat in your community for wildlife - it's next week:

Webinar: Starting a Community Wildlife Habitat Project

Would you like to help your community become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat? To learn how to get started, please join us for a free webinar. Presenters will include team leaders from certified communities around the country.

Date: Tuesday, September 27th

Time: 3:00-4:00pm Eastern time

More here.

Does Economic Development Work?

2011-05-16T10:37:00.002-04:00

The most recent edition of This American Life, entitled "How To Create a Job," featured a segment on Economic Development - or, in this case, the myth of Economic Development. Adam Davidson of Planet Money attends a meeting of the International Economic Developers Council in San Diego and demystifies some of the claims made for the industry of Economic Development, putting in question the effectiveness of its impacts on local economies.

Apart from chanting "Jobs, jobs, jobs," like a deranged shaman, how are jobs created?

How to Create a Job.

Sheriff Issues 2010 Annual Report

2011-04-12T21:06:00.002-04:00

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has published its 2010 Annual Report. The publication, available in print and online, recognizes agency-wide milestones and achievements in 2010, Sheriff Tom Knight’s second year in office.

In addition to providing an overview of crime statistics, the annual budget and accreditation, the annual report provides insight into the people that propel the agency forward and their professional achievements.

Click on the link above to view the report as a .pdf file.

Come out to SNOOK HAVEN for Parks

2011-03-09T17:27:00.012-05:00

Come to Snook Haven this Saturday, March 12:

It Starts in Parks:

This Saturday at Snook Haven, at River Road near I-75, it's our first ever Outdoors Fest.

Visit the FOSCP Site for more about the event, the prizes and the purpose of FOSCP, a non-profit organization.

Find us on Facebook

Please note: We have new, unannounced prizes. More than 40 fantastic items will be won through our Chinese raffle. If any are not picked up, they'll go into Silent Auctions!

EDC's Digital Annual Report

2011-03-07T08:37:00.003-05:00

This interactive digital annual report, the first of its kind for the EDC, provides fresh opportunities to showcase the work of volunteers, local governments, regional partners and staff who are all working toward the same ultimate goal: creating a more sustainable and prosperous community.

EDC Launches Microsite

2011-03-07T08:31:00.002-05:00

Kathy Baylis: Sarasota County working to transform economy now

'BIG, BOLD IDEAS AND THE PEOPLE to carry them out. Sarasota County has what it takes to turn this economy around. And it's happening now."

That's the over-arching message from David Sessions, chairman of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, in the introduction to the EDC's 2010 annual report.

Recently launched as an interactive microsite, rather than a printed publication, the digital annual report "provides fresh opportunities to showcase the work of volunteers, local governments, regional partners and staff who are all working toward the same ultimate goal: creating a more sustainable and prosperous community" — to borrow more of Sessions' words. MORE>>>

EDC Launches Microsite

2011-03-07T08:31:00.001-05:00

Kathy Baylis: Sarasota County working to transform economy now

'BIG, BOLD IDEAS AND THE PEOPLE to carry them out. Sarasota County has what it takes to turn this economy around. And it's happening now."

That's the over-arching message from David Sessions, chairman of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, in the introduction to the EDC's 2010 annual report.

Recently launched as an interactive microsite, rather than a printed publication, the digital annual report "provides fresh opportunities to showcase the work of volunteers, local governments, regional partners and staff who are all working toward the same ultimate goal: creating a more sustainable and prosperous community" — to borrow more of Sessions' words. MORE>>>

Gulf Coast Gives

2011-03-03T10:13:00.010-05:00

Check out Gulf Coast Gives - a new site for local charitable and civic endeavors.

The beauty of Gulf Coast Gives is that every contribution counts…and you get to count along. Whether you pledge $25, or $100, you’re reducing the distance between a dream and a dream fulfilled. You’ll be able to keep track online and in real time: chances are, a kindred spirit will follow swiftly in your footsteps. It’s not unusual, in a matter of days or even hours, to find yourself part of your community’s history. And because the government recognizes the importance of your gesture, every pledge is tax-deductible, too.

Backed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Gulf Coast Gives offers select, worthy local projects to choose from -- here's one -- helping FOSCP purchase life vests and paddles for Sarasota County Parks:

Full Press Release

Gulf Coast Gives

2011-03-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

Check out Gulf Coast Gives - A new site for local charitable and civic endeavors.

The beauty of Gulf Coast Gives is that every contribution counts…and you get to count along. Whether you pledge $25, or $100, you’re reducing the distance between a dream and a dream fulfilled. You’ll be able to keep track online and in real time: chances are, a kindred spirit will follow swiftly in your footsteps. It’s not unusual, in a matter of days or even hours, to find yourself part of your community’s history. And because the government recognizes the importance of your gesture, every pledge is tax-deductible, too.

Many local projects to choose from -- here's one -- helping FOSCP purchase life vests for Sarasota County Parks:

Calling Volunteers to Help Friends of the Parks

2011-02-09T08:01:00.003-05:00

Please consider this opportunity to volunteer for the good of our parks:

The March 12th event, sponsored by Friends of Sarasota County Parks, will be at Snook Haven. Volunteers are needed, and there are opportunities for vendors. Contact Marianne with FOSCP to get involved.

More here.

A few openings remain for new Civics 101 class

2011-02-05T08:04:00.002-05:00

Some news about the upcoming "semester" of Civics 101 -- now's a good time to let people know who might be interested, it's filling fast:

Seats still open for Civics 101

Sarasota County government’s popular Civics 101 program still has a few seats open for the session beginning March 10.

Civics 101 is a 10-week program that introduces people to the operations and services of Sarasota County government. Each week, staffs from different county departments guide participants through a particular area, exposing them to the inner workings of county government. The classes give students a better understanding of how county government works, and allows them to build relationships with county staff. Sessions are offered at no charge in the spring and fall each year to Sarasota County residents and anyone working in Sarasota County. Twenty-five people are selected each term on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are available here.

The course schedule is available here.

For more information about Civics 101, call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or e-mail vfrench@scgov.net

Sanborn brings Film / TV Production to Region - Maybe

2010-09-21T12:24:00.001-04:00

"We want people from Hollywood to come here and fall in love with Sarasota, just like we have," Sanborn said, standing in the hangar.

Entrepreneur to build movie and TV production campus

Kathy Baylis, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, called the deal with Sanborn "a game changer" for the local economy. Besides bringing an exciting, high-profile business to Sarasota County, this kind of business creates spin-off jobs, she said.

* * *

Tax credits like these were "critical" to Sanborn deciding to put his studio in Florida, he said.

Giving incentives to companies to build filmmaking infrastructure like this is the reason behind the big incentive package the Legislature approved.

"That's basically what he's doing, is building infrastructure," Lucia Fishburne, Florida's film commissioner, said of Sanborn's plans.

* * *

Ringling President Larry Thompson floated another idea for local filmmaking infrastructure last week when he asked county commissioners to help pay for a $1 million post-production center on campus. Thompson says he has commitments from producers and directors, including Werner Herzog and Paul Schiff, to do post-production work on their films at the school if the Ringling studio were built.

[ed. note: we live-blogged an earlier discussion of this proposal here.]

* * *

Both Sanborn and Behr are quick to admit that their plan to build a studio is no sure thing. If they can sell the "Miami 24/7" series idea at an upcoming American Film Market convention in California, for example, it would provide them with deal momentum that they presently lack.

A bracing call for support of the Bed Tax

2010-09-10T12:43:00.000-04:00

Calling All Sarasotans (includes Business Leaders & Owners, Community Activists & Park Lovers, Elected Officials & Government Employees, Parents, Retirees, Athletes & Coaches, Seniors, Visionaries, and Rowing Aficionados),

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HISTORY AND WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!! Next week, (Thursday, September 16th, at 3 pm, 1660 Ringling Boulevard), the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council is discussing future uses for the Tourist Development Tax (TDT). We are asking them to approve an additional ½-cent portion of the Bed Tax to help fund the Nathan Benderson Park. This request is vital. Once completed, this community park will improve the quality-of-life for both residents and visitors. As a rowing facility, it will attract domestic and international rowers, their coaches and families, and tens of thousands of spectators year-round. The rowing park will make dreams come true and add to the economic sustainability of our community.
PLEASE ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETING. To show our solidarity, we are asking that everyone wear lime green shirts, the universal color from this year's regatta season. If you don't have a lime green shirt, we can provide you with one that proclaims our message,

"SARASOTA ROCKS, LET'S ROW."

For more information, please call me at 941-400-7333 or e-mail me atops@environeers.com .

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONSIDERATION.

Sincerely,

John Krotec

Member, Regatta Organizing Committee

Chairman, Fruitville 210 Community Alliance

Home and small business owner

Workshop on Planning for the Fruitville exchange

2010-08-31T07:19:00.001-04:00

Those interested in the future of planning and in the quality of communication among stakeholders in the community take note:

Tonight (Tuesday, August 31, from 6:30-8:30 PM), you are invited again to participate in the third of five workshops being conducted by the Sarasota County Planning Department at The Church of Hope, 1560 Wendell Kent Road (Fruitville Road to Coburn North. Coburn North to Richardson Road. Left onto Richardson Road. Richardson West to termination at I-75. Right onto Wendell Kent Road/Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Travel North approximately 1/2 mile. Park on the South side of building).

This workshop is extremely important to the development of the Fruitville/I-75 area. As residents, it is vitally important for us to be part of the planning process and to offer our input on projects that will affect our quality-of-life for years to come. Tonight's workshop will include a discussion on existing land uses, potential zoning districts, and how much square footage (baseline) could currently be allowed on the 325 acres. They will review how much square footage could be allowed under scenarios such as the "Illustrative Plan," and options with transect planning, including discussion of general impacts that baseline and transect scenarios might have on the area and local residents. Input from local residents is encouraged in these discussions. Hope to see you there.

Parks and Smart Growth

2010-08-29T22:22:00.003-04:00

Via an email from John Krotec, local civic leader and head of the Fruitville 210 Community Alliance:

Below is some reference material that helps support the Smart Growth aspect of the Benderson Park project. Despite the fact that it will be a world-class rowing facility, this park will be a great example of smart growth principals in action. Imagine how visitors and residents will feel when they visit such a state-of-the-art park and rowing facility!!! It would certainly be a bright spot for our community. Take care.

"How Cities Use Parks to Promote Smart Growth"

Executive Summary

Parks are commonly thought of as the venue for "fun and games," but that is only one role they play in a metropolitan environment. Urban parks, which broadly include parkland, plazas, landscaped boulevards, waterfront promenades, and public gardens, significantly define the layout, real estate value, traffic flow, public events, and the civic culture of our communities.With open spaces, our cities and neighborhoods take on structure, beauty, breathing room, and value.

Public understanding of the pivotal role that parks play in enhancing the quality of life in our cities is growing, along with an understanding of the links between the quality of city parks and sprawling growth on the fringe of cities. City parks are an important element of smart growth that addresses both the public's need for greenspace and the role of greenspace in mitigating higher development density. The smart growth concerns of the public create opportunities for both public agencies and private foundations to leverage support for smart growth, "by making and "re-making" city parks that both strengthen urban cores and protect the fringe.

Key Point #1 - Parks have voter support to direct public funds toward growth management strategies.
Key Point #2 - Parks enhance mixed development and redevelopment strategies, offsetting higher density concerns with accessibility to greenspace.
Key Point #3 - Parks can both strengthen the urban core and protect the fringe from overdevelopment.

KEY POINT #1:

Parks have voter support to direct public funds toward growth management strategies.

Over the last decade, voters have overwhelmingly supported additional spending for parks and open space conservation. Since 1998, more than 750 measures have gone before voters across the country, with a successful passage rate of 80 percent. Nearly $30 billion in new park and conservation funding has been created — more than $4 billion in cities alone since 1996.

In the November 2003 election, voters created $1.8 billion of new conservation funding, passing 100 out of 134 measures on the ballot. The use of new tax dollars to pay for parks and greenspace is a trend that recognizes the leveraging value of the enormous public interest in parks and greenspace. It is fueling new strategies and investments, blending regulatory and market-based tools to address the challenging issues of density, mixed use, and community livability.

This issue is important to voters from a number of smart growth angles. Voters prioritize water as a critical reason to buy land, no matter how it is expressed — from drinking water protection to protection of rivers and streams.Voters care about "natural areas," not "open space," which more often conveys a message of abandoned lots. And most importantly, voters care about creating parks for a reason — natural areas, recreation, and safe places for kids to play — rather than just creating parks that abstractly prevent sprawl.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, 68 percent of voters approved a $72 million bond measure for parks and open space in November 2003. The focus of the measure is to create a greenbelt around the city. "In neighboring communities there has been a very real and negative impact from sprawl, and the voters in Ann Arbor can see it themselves," according to Doug Cowerd, co-chair of the campaign. "There has been an impact on quality of life and voters have shown they are willing to pay to try and affect some positive change." (Trust for Public Land and Land Trust Alliance, 2004.)

Miami, Los Angeles, and Raleigh, North Carolina, have also benefited from partnerships with their counties, passing park measures worth hundreds of millions of dollars which are split between counties and cities for their separate priorities. Last November, voters in Raleigh passed a $47 million bond measure with a 69 percent margin (Trust for Public Land and Land Trust Alliance,2004). The funds will be spent over a seven-year period, which allows the city to pay them back without an increase in taxes.These funds can be further leveraged by use of a grant fund set up by Wake County. Grants are made for both planning and land acquisition. A 50 percent local match is required. Some municipalities have been allowed to pay their portion over time through a loan from the county.

In states where state programs will match local funding, including Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Jersey, local ballot measures have won partly on the availability of state funding matches that leverage local buying power. In 2003, in New Jersey, 27 municipalities passed measures ranging in size from $180,000 to more than $9 million (Trust for Public Land and Land Trust Alliance, 2004). Now 189 municipalities in New Jersey have dedicated open space taxes, generating more than $200 million a year in funding.

KEY POINT #2:

Parks enhance mixed development and redevelopment strategies, offsetting higher density concerns with accessibility to greenspace.

City neighborhoods need to maintain or increase their population while staying attractive and livable; however, density often remains a contentious issue for city neighborhoods of all types and sizes. Many residents oppose high density because they believe it will consume open space, exacerbate parking and traffic issues, or threaten the existing quality of life. A strong policy promoting parks and green-space can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns.

As many now understand, density is less the issue than design and amenities. A recent study in Texas showed that people are twice as likely to accept smaller residential properties if there is a park nearby (44.3 percent versus 18.6 percent) (Waugh, 2004).

Vancouver, British Columbia, is widely recognized as a leader in making high density work.That city's efforts stem from the adoption of their Central Area Plan in the late 1980s, which shaped a growth strategy emphasizing housing and neighborhoods first, known locally as "Living First." Vancouver's focus on a core-area open space system acts to mitigate higher density, and to tie areas together by allowing people to travel on foot. As Larry Beasley,co-director of Vancouver Planning, comments, "It's about the open space and the public realm being used to contribute to neighborhood form and identity. It's not about having useless private plazas, but instead shaping buildings to emphasize the respite of open public park spaces and squares that are an integral part of every neighborhood building cluster." (Beasley, 2002.)

One barrier to infill development is the need for upgraded infrastructure, including parks, to attract developers. Some cities are trying to address this issue. In 1998, the city council of Portland, Oregon, approved a systems development charge (SDC) that partly offsets the costs of services needed to support new housing.At the current rate of $1,630 per single-family unit, the residential development fee generates about $1.5 million a year for park capital improvements. Based on the SDC, the city developed a 20-year plan to build more capacity into the park system.

Across the country, 11 of the nation's largest cities, including Ft.Worth, Chicago, and Albuquerque, use impact fees to try to offset the costs of services delivered with new housing.

KEY POINT #3:

Parks can both strengthen the urban core and protect the fringe from overdevelopment.

There is an important connection between open space/park programs and urban/metro growth policy. By reducing or eliminating some of the infrastructure and financial incentives for developing low-density "edge cities" far from the centers of metropolitan areas, cities can be created that have both vitality and environmental sustainability. A dense, vital central city helps decrease the pressure for peripheral development, while policies that limit development at the edge encourage the kind of infill development that helps keep central cities alive.

Although public interest and support for new conservation programs is high, elected officials rarely leverage city park projects and other green infrastructure into regional policies that protect against sprawl.

In an attempt to persuade cities and counties to think more about smart growth, Maryland's Priority Places Strategy uses the "carrot" of state funding, including infrastructure funds, as incentive for local governments to redirect development to existing growth areas.The program has helped support neighborhood redevelopment as well as protection of rural and open space resources with grants for land conservation.

Austin, Texas, is seeking to control sprawl by focusing on the protection of drinking water. After a comprehensive mapping project showed that new housing construction was negatively affecting the city's all-important drinking water source, the Edwards Aquifer, the city decided to direct its public transportation and park investments to East Austin in an attempt to attract developers to concentrate growth on the less sensitive east side of town. East Austin is not only outside the drinking water protection zone but also is an area historically underserved by parks (Blaha and Harnik, 2000). Austin's 2004 Smart Growth map shows four new destination parks, all the city's proposed new rail corridors, and proposed infill development targeted to its "Desired Development Zone" on the east side of the city, and extensive watershed protection goals for the west part of the city. Since 1998, Austin has raised $153 million through ballot initiatives for parks, open space, and watershed protection.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has also been aggressive in linking neighborhood conservation and rural development in its comprehensive plan, Sioux Falls 2015: A Growth Management Plan (Schmidt, 2002). While managing growth at the periphery — including mandating high-density projects and investing in new parks — Sioux Falls has aggressively redeveloped brownfields and vacant lands in its central city with the help of investments in its parks and trail system.

Regional park partnerships can work for growth management when multiple jurisdictions coordinate, and sometimes collaborate, on park plans that serve multiple needs across the region. Led by the Metropolitan Council, the seven counties surrounding the Twin Cities in Minnesota work together on a regional park and greenway plan that extends from rural sites that protect water quality to neighborhood parks and playgrounds in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Goals to protect natural areas in rural and suburban areas, as well as equity "gaps" in urban areas, are combined in planning and public outreach strategies. The Metropolitan Council received an award this year from APA's Minnesota chapter for its regional growth plan, which emphasizes four smart growth policies including conservation of natural resources for parks and economic benefits (www.metrocouncil.org/parks/parks.htm).

Based on the experiences of Maryland, Austin, Sioux Falls, and the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota, a parks/growth management policy effort can be effective if it is strongly supported by elected officials, the business community, and the general public. Their leadership requires continuing efforts on the part of local planners to keep citizens involved in the planning process, and to keep parks positioned as a redevelopment and growth management tool.

Resources

Beasley, Larry. 2000. "Design for Living in Vancouver." Paper given at CNU 2000 Congress.

Blaha, Kathleen and Peter Harnik. 2000. Opportunities for Smarter Growth: Parks, Greenspace and Land Conservation. Coral Gables, Florida: Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities. June.

Schmitt, Jeffrey. 2002. "Sioux Falls 2015: A Growth Management Plan." Paper given at the 2002 APA National Conference. April.

Trust for Public Land and Land Trust Alliance. 2004. LandVote 2003.www.tpl.org/download_landvote_03.cfm.

Waugh, Dave C. 2004. "Buying New Urbanism:A Study of New Urban Characteristics That Residents Most Value." Texas State University-San Marcos, Department of Political Science (Pol. Sci. 5397), Spring.

This briefing paper was written by Kathy Blaha, senior vice president for national programs at the Trust for Public Land. Questions about this briefing paper may be directed to Kathy.blaha@tpl.org.

Local Primaries Results

2010-08-24T21:17:00.002-04:00

Some are final results, some still being counted.

Voter Turnout

2010-08-24T12:08:00.003-04:00

Sarasota voters staying home today?

How can cities (or counties) use parks for economic development?

2010-08-24T11:58:00.001-04:00

Public parks are often the "engine" that drives tourism in many communities. In a simplified tourism model, visitors use some mode of transportation to leave their homes and travel to attractions, which are supported by various kinds of services, such as hotels/motels, restaurants, and retailing.The attractions and support services provide information and promote their offerings to target groups they have identified as potential visitors.

Check out the briefing paper on how cities use parks here, or download the pdf here.

Hearing on Fruitville Comp Plan Amendment Continued

2010-06-22T23:24:00.000-04:00

Four hours into a hearing on a proposed Comp. Plan Amendment, the Sarasota County Commission voted to continue the matter for three weeks.

The postponement is designed to give residents of Richardson Road neighborhoods east of I-75 time to talk with planners to see if they can find suitable common ground to shape the future of approximately 320 acres that involve two quadrants on I-75, east of the Fruitville exit. (Some more background here).

Economic development meets the little foxes

2010-06-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

What happens when priceless land near a major highway becomes ripe for development as a "major employment center," and residents who have lived in a nearby, placid neighborhood fear for the consequences?

Something of the sort is shaping up at the I-75 exit at Fruitville Road, where Sarasota County is considering allowing a Comp Plan amendment to enable more creative, unified, sensitive planning. At least that's what advocates promise. Opponents say the amendment would open a Pandora's box of higher densities and intensities than the Comp Plan currently permits. The residents fear for the wildlife - foxes, 182 species of birds - and tranquility that have been their lot for generations.

The County Commission will vote on amending the Comp Plan on Tuesday. One possible outcome: deferring a decision until the fall, so that all parties have time to examine potential consequences. Stay tuned.

More from Sarasota Community Connections

2010-05-31T11:07:00.000-04:00

Economic development Property Tax Exemption put on ballot

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved a referendum on the Aug. 24 primary election ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would give the commission the authority to grant up to 100 percent of property tax exemptions for up to 10 years for existing and new businesses that qualify for the exemption. Officials from Venice, North Port and Sarasota also have expressed interest in the measure and will consider placing local versions of the ordinance on their ballots.

SCAT and Google partner to offer public transit options on Google Maps

Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) has a new online tool that makes it easy to ride a bus. Google Transit allows SCAT riders to plan their route with new features, including stop locations, transfer points, customizable routes and fare calculations.

Users of Google Maps looking for locations in Sarasota County will find accurate SCAT route informa

tion included when they search for directions to their destination. (MORE)

Sarasota County Siesta Beach ranked No. 2 in country

For the second year in a row, Sarasota County's Siesta Beach has been ranked the second-best beach in the country by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.

Dr. Leatherman, the director for Coastal Research at Florida International University, has been ranking the country's top 10 beaches annually for the last 20 years. In his review of Siesta Beach, Leatherman said, "With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters that serve for ideal swimming. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness."

Additional Planning Meetings Scheduled

2010-05-31T11:05:00.000-04:00

Sarasota County continues to seek input on major community issues

Sarasota County Planning Services has scheduled two addition meetings to discuss major community issues that the county's comprehensive plan should address during the next seven years.

The meetings are scheduled for:

6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 10, Sandra Sims Terry Community Center, 509 Collins Road, Laurel
6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 17, Cooperative Extension Building, Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Each meeting will begin with the same overview presentation followed by a facilitated work session. The purpose of these meetings is to seek input from the public in identifying major community issues that will steer the future direction of the comprehensive plan.

People who are unable to attend either meeting may supply comments or suggestions by sending an e-mail to ear@scgov.net. A short, online survey that seeks people's perspectives on issues facing the community is also available at the E.A.R. Web site.

Coolidge on the vagaries of "Economic Development in Sarasota

2010-05-06T13:37:00.002-04:00

Belatedly noted: This article by MC Coolidge in Creative Loafing, entitled Face Reality - (for more context, see here):

We’re so gaga over the idea of attracting film and entertainment business to the area that several City Commissioners (in the name of “economic development”) were in favor of leasing the much-used (and not-a-dime-subsidized) Sarasota Municipal Auditorium to Ringling College for soundstage use for a measly $1 a year. Thankfully, for once, the audacity inherent in the request, coming as it did from a college well-known for being so well-endowed it would make Jenna Jameson blush, riled up taxpayers enough to squelch the idea.

Of course, that deal would have been small potatoes compared to the heaps of taxpayer dollars Sarasota leaders have already spent pursuing “economic development” crushes that haven’t returned the sentiment. Do I need to remind readers about the roughly $5 million our city and county commissioners spent in pursuit of the Red Sox — for a “deal” that was never anywhere near real?

...

If government is going to be involved in and spend money on economic development for businesses (which I’m not at all sure it should be doing anyway), then I’d prefer them to focus on finding ways to develop and enhance the businesses that are already here — right down to the truly small businesses and including the many creative-type sole proprietors (of which I am one) who support those businesses — and to support new businesses that are committed to coming here and staying here without being paid off to do so.

Rowing Regatta could be Big

2010-04-24T11:20:00.001-04:00

From the local paper:

"We didn't understand the potential economic impact at the time," said Paul Blackketter, a project supervisor with Benderson Development Co., the real estate development firm whose retail, hotel and office properties surround the park. "We didn't understand rowing and what it could bring."

Benderson officials contend the accoutrements -- adequate retail and restaurants, hotels within close proximity, amenities such as museums and beaches -- will make the park the best in the U.S.

If some $40 million worth of amenities such as a boathouse, docks, improvements to Cattlemen Road and other upgrades are developed, as planned, experts say the park could become to rowing what London's Wembley Stadium is to soccer.

... Funded with federal stimulus dollars, $5 million from the county and a $1 million Benderson donation, the park and the road will be fully built out by early 2012.

Eventually, the park could host as many as 15 regattas a year, drawing some 200,000 people and pumping an estimated $40 million annually into the regional economy, company and county officials believe.

images from yesterday's warm-ups here.

High School Rowing in Sarasota this Weekend

2010-04-23T16:38:00.000-04:00

Setting up for the High Schools competing in the Rowing Regatta this weekend at Benderson Park:

More images here.

More about the economic impact of Rowing for Sarasota here.

"Sewer bills as high as $200"

2010-04-12T13:20:00.002-04:00

How a small Alabama county turned a $250 million sewer project into $5 billion worth of debt with the help of J.P. Morgan and interest rate swaps. A catastrophe for Jefferson County AL, and for its citizens and taxpayers.

Matt Taibbi's story here, and Taibbi interviewed on Democracy Now.

Further reading: The Commodity Futures Modernization Act

Volunteer Opp

2010-04-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

Volunteers still needed for this weekend's Regatta -- more here.

Rowing at Benderson could have large economic impact

2010-04-08T00:31:00.007-04:00

Via Mysuncoast:

SARASOTA - Athletes from around the world are already training here in Sarasota County, and by the end of 2011, Sarasota may become the premier rowing destination in North America.

If you're not a rower, what does that mean to you? Money.

When the lake at Nathan Benderson Park is expanded to world-class rowing standards, leaders in the rowing world say it can attract regattas here that will bring in tens of thousands of people who'll spend several days and leave big bucks behind when they return home.

It's an amazing stroke of luck.

"Who would have thought a few years ago Sarasota could be a rowing destination?" says John Leeming, president of Sarasota Crew.

But it just happens that the 600-acre lake at the new Nathan Benderson Park -- a lake originally dug as a mining pit -- can become what some say would be the best world sanctioned rowing facility in North America. It meets all the qualifications. "It's a dedicated piece of a body of water. It has no current, straight shoreline, good depth, great location for accessibility...local hotels and rest," says project manager Paul Blackketter.

Currently, the lake is 1500 meters long...not long enough for the world sanctioned rowing regattas. But the county is already working on a project using federal stimulus money to extend Cattleman Road, which would increase the size of the lake to just under 2200 meters -- exactly what's needed in international rowing competitions.

This week, international leaders in the rowing world are in Sarasota, including the editor of Rowing Magazine and a representative from the Boston rowing facility. Monday they told Sarasota County commissioners what a gold mine the county has with the lake. "They are all thrilled by the fact that this course can be a 12 month a year rowing facility, and they are also enamored by our community and the access that they have to the intracoastal (waterway), which provides the long distance rowing venue for training."

And these experts say when the lake is expanded to required length, the county could attract more than 77 countries to world class rowing regattas. And that would certainly have an effect on our economy. "Tremendous effect. An average regatta can attract over 10,000 people; ten regattas a year, you're looking a more than 100,000 people...huge economic impact."

The Florida Inter-collegiate Rowing Regatta is coming up at Nathan Benderson Park this weekend. 12 colleges from across Florida will compete for the state championship on Friday and Saturday.

View Larger Map

Swimming with Sharks

2010-03-22T00:15:00.002-04:00

Richard Clapp, mayor of Sarasota, swam

with bonnethead sharks (which eat

only crustaceans and small fish) to interest Google.

The mayor of Duluth, Minn., threw himself into the ice-ringed waters of Lake Superior. The mayor of Sarasota, Fla., immersed himself in a tank filled with bonnethead sharks, simply to one-up him. The mayor of Wilmington, N.C., said that he would even jump out of an airplane — with a parachute, of course.

... Google’s offer of a network with speeds of one gigabit per second, or 100 times faster than many of today’s high-speed connections, could be a great selling point for a recession-plagued town. Newspaper.

Hi-Speed Internet has support in Sarasota

2010-02-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

SARASOTA COMMUNITY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR ULTRA HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Sarasota, FL: A community effort is underway to bring an experimental ultra high-speed internet service to Sarasota, and you can show your support for it. Google plans to launch a test system in a select few locations in the United States for a fiber network with unprecedented speed. The experimental system would provide internet connections 100 times faster than what most Americans currently use, according to information released by Google.

Google is asking municipalities throughout the nation to submit information about their communities via a Request for Information (RFI), which will be used to determine where the experimental networks will be built. Civic groups can also nominate their community. A group of community leaders within Sarasota is working to provide the requested information to Google by the deadline Fri., March 26, 2010.

To learn more about the fiber network project visit here and here.

To show support for Sarasota becoming one of Google's test markets, become a fan of I Want Google Fiber in Sarasota on Facebook.

Jan Thornburg
City of Sarasota
Public Information Officer
941-954-2613
941-650-9693 (Cell)
941-954-4113 (Fax)

White House Healthcare Summit Live Feed

2010-02-25T09:58:00.003-05:00

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

If the feed doesn't work here, go here or here.

Newtown Estates BBQ and Blues

2010-02-09T10:21:00.002-05:00

An invite from the friends of Newtown Estates

The Friends of Newtown Estates would like to invite all to our Community BBQ Cook-off and Blues Festival Feb. 20, from 10 until the open air theater begins around 6 pm. We have booth space available Please call Newtown Estates office for more information. Thanks.

Newtown Estates Park

2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota, FL, 34234

(941) 861-9870

Economic Recovery Forum Video is back online

2010-02-08T15:09:00.001-05:00

After some rejiggering, the county's server is working again, and the full video of the Forum can be seen here:

http://scg.co.sarasota.fl.us/videos/recessiontorecovery.asx

Perhaps water could be cheaper in Sarasota

2010-02-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

This is small beans, but, still. -

Every month I receive two water bills from the county - one for water used, the other a fractionated finance charge, which is the same each month, and will be the same until, at some infinite future point, it's paid off.

I pay both bills online. The one that's the same - $15.09 - every month, I have set as an automated payment - the bank just kicks out a check in that amount every month. As in: no bill necessary. The county could save itself the labor and materials of sending out the paper bill, the return envelope, and the envelope containing both. It could all be done digitally, with an end of year statement, again, digital, or, up to you, it could be paper, if you prefer. But no, apparently that's not possible in Sarasota County. The people who pay their bills pay more, I'll wager, because we are paying for all the dead trees used to send us redundant information, month after month.

Just had to vent. Back to "the Arts."

Sarasota Business Today

2010-02-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

Sarasota County focuses on economic development with ‘Sarasota Business Today’ news program

Sarasota County has launched a new public service news program called “Sarasota Business Today.” The program focuses on a spectrum of county economic development initiatives and local businesses, with the theme of: “Live. Work. Learn. Play.”

More here

Grand Opening in Tampa

2010-02-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

Tampa Museum of Art opens Saturday

Link to Taped Forum

2010-02-04T07:08:00.004-05:00

A file of the televised Economic Recovery Forum that took place on Feb. 2, 2010 can be found on the county's website here:

http://scg.co.sarasota.fl.us/videos/recessiontorecovery.asx

See here for a stab at live blogging of the conversation, and other previous posts on this blog for more context, documentation.

Hedrick Smith talks Thursday

2010-02-03T13:36:00.000-05:00

Pulitzer Prize author and journalist Hedrick Smith speaks tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Hyatt. His topic is: ”The Dream at Risk, America’s Insecurity at Home and Abroad.” Find out more from the Forum Truth site - the talk begins at 7:30 pm.

Here's an interview with Smith by Doug Miles from a day ago.

Forum in the news

2010-02-03T08:18:00.001-05:00

A brief story about the Economic Recovery Forum in today's paper:

Prescription for Sarasota County: a new economy

Post-Forum - a couple more questions

2010-02-02T17:44:00.001-05:00

Since the forum discussion leaned rather heavily on the arts, on design, and on messaging (marketing, tourism, etc.), it seems worthwhile to consider what it takes to become an arts center, as opposed to an artsy and cool place.

With that in mind, a question I submitted - rather late in the forum, which doubtless received many during its interesting 90-minute discussion, was this:

Many upscale communities across the US lay claim to being "artsy" or significant places where art is made. How does Sarasota - or any wannabe arts center - establish objectively that they really are special?

That's a sort of philosophic aspect of the matter, but one that needs to be addressed. There's also a more pragmatic question of what sort of commitment a community is willing to make to the Arts.

It seems to me that a community that makes quality art needs to make it possible for folks without a great source of income to live, work, find the necessary materials, tools, and ultimately audiences. In New York City, where I used to live, the pattern was that artists would take over a decrepit neighborhood, create workplaces, as they did in SoHo, TriBeCa, and the East Village - and then, as they became "cool places," attracting bistros, galleries, bars, restaurants and real estate mavens, the actual artists were priced out of being able to live there.

Obama rolls out Small Business lending program

2010-02-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

Practically coincident with the Economic Development Forum came this bit of news from the Federal level:

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama proposed a $30 billion small business lending program Tuesday, the latest in a series of administration efforts to jump-start hiring by the nation's small businesses.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704022804575040722955784294.html?mod=WSJ_Small+Business_LEADNewsCollection

Economic Recovery: Excerpts from the Conversation

2010-02-02T16:10:00.019-05:00

Blogging the Forum live - beware typos:

Don Grimes, Univ. of Mich economist: Sarasota had a sense of immunity prior to the downturn. Then came bursting of the bubble.

18% of jobs lost since 2006 - 1 of every 5 jobs is gone.
Foreclosures have exploded.
Everybody who's bought a house since 2004 in Sarasota County is upside down.

Pat Neal - Builder, Neal Communities.

Fifth recession I've seen - "this is by far the worst."

Jody Hudgins, Banking, FNB Corp., Sarasota Cty. Planning Commission

"We all loaned into a market that was kind of silly." Can't take on any more risk.

What is the recovery going to look like?

Nora Patterson:

Gov''t. can't do everything, but can help. Sarasota County is positioned to be of assistance. Bonding out long planned projects to put jobs on the street. Incentives for higher wage employment. Community "SWAT Team" to help EDC recruit.
Also a referendum coming - in August 2010: Ask citizens if they'll support eliminate property tax for higher wage employers - to broaden the economy of Sarasota. This is the time to broaden the economy.

Comm. Joe Barbetta

I've been talking about tax abatement since 1995. Should hvae had it in place a long time ago. Need to help incentivize private sector to move forward.

Jeff Maultsby EDC mgr.

We're also looking at venture capital fund - getting into, or contributing to it.

Lauren Mayk: Question came in: What about existing businesses?

Barbetta

We have incentives - "there are so many businesses here that need to be taken to the next level"

Larry Thompson - Ringling College Pres.

Two years ago, Economic Development was a negative term here. "A crisis has brought reality to the community."

Pat Neal

Cash cows for Sarasota: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid - that is not a diversified economy. Need to look at Economic devel. in a whole new way.

Hudgins:

TARP money is enabling some banks to lend. The community banks - 65% of job creation - they're getting hit on real estate - worried about having enough capital to survive. Today's announcement - from the President - to help banks - not TARP 2 - another kind of program - should help. These new guidelines being proposed today should help.

Kathy Bates (sp?)

"Economic gardening" - state economic program - pretty sophisticated - provide a loan. Also a state venture cap program. Locally we have in North Port looking at revolving loan fund, and here, angel investors are looking at investments. WE're doing everything we can to make sure out businesses are aware of them. Economic Gardening - $8.4 million loan program for the state.

Thompson:

Venture Capital - follow the strategy - it would be exciting to see venture stopgate investing start here.- seed money, prototype, design, launch - I don't know who would coordinate it.

FPL Kathy Salvador -

We think Florida can be a hub for green economy. We want to build n momentum, and bring a much larger scale to the state - we need right legislation, renewable energy policies. We want to support as much renewable energy development as possible.

Mayk: What kinds of jobs?

Salvador:

That's where scale becomes important. Right now 110 MW is being built. Pending approval for 700 more MegaWatts. If we get the scale here to draw manufacturers, we'd get jobs in solar, construction.

Barbetta -

there are tens of thousands of homes that are substandard - retrofitting those homes, bringing them up to current standards - there's a business out there, and now there's the political will.
We should be looking at a center for excellence to get companies to the next level. We have a business commuity that's on board. Ringling is a world class institution.

Thompson -

Thinking about using Ringling as a base for design industries. Aging is a key - think of it as an opportunity - to be a test bed for products, services, needed for people who are aging.
Design goes way beyond packaging. It's actually about designing new businesses, new ways of dealing with customers, new products and making experiences for people. Think of Starbucks - it's about design - you go in because it feels good. Pleasant experience. That is design. You can create experiences when people come into your business.
Target couldn't compete with Wal-Mart on price, so they competed on design.

(Your humble blogger: OK, but those are boom-type luxuries - aren't we in a recession?)

Man in audience - Create a think tank - for design.

Thompson:

Baby Boomers are not, for example, going to put up with wheelchairs and walkers - they are going to want corvettes.

Virginia Haley -

Tourism. Sarasota has made investments in critical aspects of tourism - the Orioles, rowing facility, the beaches. Also have the arts, and natural land. Our marketing tagline is "Beyond the beach."
It's a new role for tourism - we're not selling one generic Sarasota to hte world - highly specific messages, targeting, drilling down to visitors that we know are really interested.
We need to better help people plan their trips here.

Thompson -

The Arts are like the fifth largest employer in Sarasota. The arts get people's attention, they come back, then eventually choose to live here.

Grimes -

Sarasota is second to Manhattan in terms of percentage of pop. employed in the arts. Virtually unique. When we think about what is going to distinguish us, when we ask why would a person want to move here, we have to keep in mind that our arts and natural environment are key advantages. A lot of opportunity.

Speaker in audience:
the key is to diversify the economy - it's always been construction, real estate here. Now it has to be different.

Pat Neal -

have to split the thinking which says no growth to protect the quality of life. We have to change our attitude as it's expressed to people who come here. We have to disaggregate the idea that new growth is bad.

Nora Patterson:

I think Pat is absolutely correct - sustainable growth rather than building huge subdivisions that have no economic core. Most of the small businesses that come here move here because their CEO's think this is a fabulous place.
Tax abatements - the cities will step up - to encourage manufacturers.

Mayk - question via email: Is there a new model for development?

Barbetta -

the new vision is to learn how to diversity - work on our sports, tourism, redevelopment. We have to be progressive, cutting edge.

Thompson

The film industry has recognized this area has great locations. But they say, to make a movie, you have to have a sound stage - the studio where you can create sets for indoor shots. That's what we don't have here. We at Ringling also need it for our filmmaking program. We're looking at finding ways to partner - create a soundstage that meets our educational needs, but also to create an opportunity for filmmaking here. Need building, land -

Mayk - how much?

Thompson - Around $2 to $5 million.

Speaker in audience - Film and entertainment - great way to keep our younger people here.

Arthur Gilford USF -

Sarasota Manatee USF - one thing Sarasota needs to pitch - you are educationally an enormously rich area. Given this population, you have more to offer here than Hillsborough, which is considerably larger. Need to promote this more.

Jim Ley

Dichotomy - you need young hip people on the design side - but older people are still going to come here. Need to invest in downtown redevelopment - a place for people who want to do something after 9 at night. Constant dichotomy - stand back and ask why is it happening? Is it happening for a positive reason?

You guys hear all the time: I'm for economic development, but not when it intrudes on my lifestyle.

Nora Patterson -

We hear that quite a bit. We try to see it from the perspective of the folks who tell us why it's bad, and try to create conditions and compromises so that the development can happen, and people feel that their concerns were dealt with.

Grimes

We're down to 400 housing permits a year - excess development is not going to be a problem in our working lives.

Katz (in audience - sorry, didn't get entire name)

Sarasota is a special place - we have some treasures - vital main streets in Sarasota , Venice - infill sites have diversity - mix of uses. We looked at the financial contribution of mixed use development - they pay their way. Contribute both to financial underpinning and quality of life.
Also, we assume people make rational decisions with economic planning. I'm from California - enormous center of entrepreneurs - not because of tax incentives, but because it's a cool place to live. We need to create a cool place to live.

Thompson -

that's why it's all about design - about how a community feels.

Barbetta - Design, education, marine science, "corvette walkers" - lots of different kinds of jobs.

Patterson - lawyers, doctors, accountants - also needed by our population.

Salvador - We think the 700 megawatts can bring thousands of jobs. We're competing with other states.

Question from audience: How do you keep the jobs local? As opposed to having a company come in with its own employees.

Ley - best way is to have an educated workforce. That's "a core fundamental"

Mayk: Wishlist question - if 100 milllion were given to the government, no strings, what would be the top 5 projects to fund?

Hudgins - Soundstage

Neal - Honore project, other infrastructure projects

Salvador - incentives to lure big industrial companies.

Grimes - Two things: a fund to provide technical expertise for people who's got a great idea for starting a business. Second, put it into the arts. Establish an international reputation in the arts.

Barbetta - Arts - Soundstage. Youth sports. Infrastructure. Revolving fund help homeowners retrofit their homes, make them more energy efficient.

Thompson - Soundstage and Arts, and a quasi venture cap fund to help fund some of these great ideas - aging institute, creativity institute - to make those kinds of things happen.

Ley - Venture Capital, temporary wage assistance, subsidies.

Patterson - Transportation system, Make arts world famous, additional sports facilities.

Wrapup.

(Blogger's Note: Live Blogging - recording a conversation in real time - is an inexact science. Useful until a transcript becomes available. There will be things mistyped, misheard, but the hope is that it provides a sense of the exchange, as it happened.)

Live stream of Sarasota Economic Recovery Forum Starting Now

2010-02-02T16:02:00.001-05:00

http://www.scgov.net/appvideo/scgovtv.asx

SARASOTA ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2009–2010

2010-02-02T15:30:00.001-05:00

Below is the conclusion to Prof. Grimes' study of the economic outlook for Sarasota:

CONCLUSION

Sarasota County’s economy has entered its worst economic episode in memory. The unemployment rate in the county, which historically has been below the national average, now exceeds the unemployment rate in the nation as a whole, and it’s expected to get worse before improving slightly in the second half of 2010.

The county’s economic troubles can be traced to the construction-and-real-estate-related boom between 1995 and 2005, which inevitably has led to a construction-and-real-estaterelated bust. The nation has followed a similar path, but the amplitude of both the boom and the bust has been much greater in Sarasota. We anticipate that there will continue to be job losses in Sarasota County in 2009 and 2010, but the losses in 2010 will be minimal, partly because we have assumed that the much-discussed economic stimulus package, especially its infrastructure spending portion, will mitigate some of the job losses in residential construction activity.

The good news is that there has been some employment growth in the high-wage, higheducational-attainment industries in the county, even during the first two years of employment decline. We expect that employment will continue to grow in these industries (health care, professional services, and corporate headquarters) over the next two years, but that these gains will be too small to overcome the job losses resulting from the construction bust and the weak economy overall. Job opportunities for people with relatively low levels of educational attainment will be scarce.

We are forecasting that the unemployment rate in the county will continue to increase through the first half of 2010, when it will peak at 9.3 percent, after which it will begin to drift down slowly.

The county has some great assets to promote future economic development. These include its natural beauty and weather, its recreational opportunities, and its arts community. There is already a sizable and reasonably healthy white-collar employment base in the county. These assets are a magnet to attract up-and-coming industries.

Among such opportunities is a group not usually thought of as an industry, that is, affluent retirees. It is fortunate that so many of them have gravitated here on their own, but there should be no slacking off of efforts to keep them coming.

At the same time, it is important to recognize the county’s liabilities, especially the fact that it is geographically isolated from most of the country. This will make it difficult to attract manufacturing companies to this area, an observation supported by Sarasota’s very low share of manufacturing employment that is not related to construction. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine a less geographically hospitable place for manufacturing than coastal southern Florida, except for Alaska and Hawaii. Economic development efforts should be directed elsewhere.

The most important factor in determining any area’s economic prosperity, at least as measured by the income of its residents, is the level of educational attainment of its work force. Sarasota County needs to become single-minded in its efforts to attract highly educated residents and the industries that seek to employ them. We believe Sarasota has the assets to do so.

Some responses to questions about the Forum

2010-02-02T15:05:00.001-05:00

The first set of questions have been answered by the county prior to the Forum. The relevant answer is beneath each question below:

1. How was the panel composed? I.e., who decided whom to invite?

The forum panel was planned by county, snn6 and H-T.

2. Was the EDC invited to participate in the Forum? If not, why not?

The EDC and CVB along with other community reps will be in attendance.

3. & 4. Has Univ. of Michigan economist Donald Grimes (a panelist on the forum) done any work on Southwest Florida that we can access? If so, you have a link or reference?

Don Grimes research is posted on scgov at -

http://www.scgov.net/Recovery/Local.asp

==

Footnote:

Prof. Grimes' research as posted on the county site consists of a pdf file: http://www.scgov.net/Recovery/documents/SarasotaOutlook2009Jan13.pdf

and a power point set of slides that goes with it:
http://www.scgov.net/Recovery/documents/SarasotaPPT011309.pdf

A few questions for the Economic Recovery Forum

2010-02-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

We'll post some potentially useful questions about the Forum and for Forum panelists here as we get them. Here are a few preparatory inquiries:

How was the panel composed? I.e., who decided whom to invite?
Was the EDC invited to participate in the Forum? If not, why not?
Has Univ. of Michigan economist Donald Grimes (a panelist on the forum) done any work on Southwest Florida that we can access?
If so, you have a link or reference?

Context: Sarasota Employment and Wages by Industry

2010-02-02T10:18:00.002-05:00

Click on image to enlarge:

via Enterprise Florida

Grimes on bright spots for Michigan

2010-02-02T10:04:00.001-05:00

University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes will be on this afternoon's Economic Recovery Forum panel in Sarasota. Here he is interviewed on hopeful sectors for Michigan in the current downturn:

Do you see any hopeful sectors for Michigan? You have previously talked about health care as strength in particular in Oakland County.
There's an amazing number of hopeful sectors actually in Michigan. As part of the study with the Research Seminar for Quantitative Economics that I was involved in, I believe we found 280 private-sector industries that between 2002 and 2007 actually grew faster in terms of employment growth in Michigan than they did nationally. That's a staggering number I never would have expected. Health care was one of the aggregate industry groups. There was also some that were in medical product manufacturing, pharmaceutical product manufacturing, agricultural and foodstuff manufacturing. It was in a wide variety of industries. Even semiconductors in Michigan were doing better than they were nationally.

Can the Arts replace Construction as an Economic Engine in Sarasota?

2010-02-02T09:33:00.003-05:00

From the HT:

Among the participants is University of Michigan economist Don Grimes, who warned local officials early last year that the construction industry would never again become Sarasota County's dominant economic force. Grimes suggested local governments and the business community concentrate on developing other promising sectors, such as the arts.

Questions abound: How do the Arts generate wide employment? What sort of jobs would become possible? Does the success of an arts-driven economy depend upon the quality of the art? If so, how does a locality ensure quality in its arts? How much of a role does marketing play in the image of a community as a "happening" place in the Arts? How does the Sarasota EDC (Economic Development Corporation) fit in?

For reference, here's a community profile of Sarasota County, with an employment breakdown by industry, provided by the EDC.

Every area bank lost in 2009

2010-02-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

Recession took its toll on local institutions in 2009

Year-end financial reports available Monday show that every bank based in Sarasota, Manatee or Charlotte counties posted a loss last year.

Live blogging here today

2010-02-02T08:43:00.000-05:00

Feel free to drop by and comment, or follow on Twitter:

SARASOTA - Business executives, academics and government officials will discuss strategies for helping the local economy recover in a 90-minute forum airing live Tuesday.

The forum, titled "From Recession to Recovery," starts at 4 p.m. It can be seen on Sarasota County Access TV, carried on Comcast 19 and Verizon 32, and via live streaming on the county's Web site, www.scgov.net.

more here.

Live online coverage of the Economic Recovery Forum

2010-01-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

We'll be blogging Sarasota County's Economic Recovery Forum on Tuesday, live, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., so stop by online.

Also, look for live tweets here: http://twitter.com/tommatrullo

Sarasota holds Economic Recovery Forum Tuesday

2010-01-29T11:51:00.003-05:00

Economic recovery forum planned for Feb. 2

The community forum, called “From Recession to Recovery,” will explore economic strategies for Sarasota County to recover from the recession. It is the first time in Florida that a television news station and a newspaper have partnered with a local government to provide a public discussion of a community issue. SNN Local News 6 also will produce four news reports based on the economic recovery forum that will be aired during news shows in weeks following the program.

When: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2

Where to watch:

Sarasota County Access TV, carried on Comcast 19 and Verizon 32.
Streaming video on the county’s Web site at www.scgov.net.

How to submit questions: E-mail to communityconnections@scgov.net.

Hosts: Lauren Mayk, anchor for SNN Local News 6, and Tom Tryon, Opinion Page editor for the Herald-Tribune.

Panelists:

Joe Barbetta, Sarasota County Commission chair
Nora Patterson, Sarasota County Commissioner
Jim Ley, Sarasota County Administrator
Larry Thompson, president, Ringling College of Art and Design
Don Grimes, University of Michigan specialist in economic forecasting and regional economic development
Pat Neal, homebuilder
Jody Hudgins, FNB Corp. and member of the Sarasota County Planning Commission
Kathy Salvador, Florida Power & Ligh

Others attending the panel discussion will include economic development specialists, and representatives of the tourism and real estate sectors.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about the “From Recession to Recovery” forum.

We'll be blogtweeting this live Tuesday, 4 - 5:30 pm

County Town Hall Wins Two Awards

2009-12-11T18:56:00.000-05:00

This blog received its start with the Town Hall Meeting held in Sarasota in June. The county's website announces that that meeting has become an award winner - twice:

Sarasota County wins two top state communications awards for 'virtual' Town Hall meeting

A Sarasota County "virtual" Town Hall meeting called "Money Matters" has been awarded the 2009 Crystal Award and the Judges Award by the Florida Government Communicators Association (FGCA). The Town Hall meeting is part of the county’s Community Connections campaign.

The Crystal Award recognizes the best county community relations program. The Judges Award recognizes a county’s ability to provide outstanding communications programs for minimal cost. The two awards were presented at the 2009 FGCA Annual Conference on Dec. 4 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

In the two-hour, live "Money Matters" program, citizens in a studio audience or watching a webcast were able to ask, e-mail or call in questions about the county budget, finances, programs and services. The Town Hall was carried on Comcast 19, Verizon 32 and the county’s Web site, www.scgov.net. County officials participating included Jon Thaxton, Sarasota County Commission Chair, Jim Ley, county administrator, and Steve Botelho, county budget director.

The "Money Matters" Town Hall program is available online atwww.scgov.net/CommunityConnections.

"The Community Connections campaign increases community involvement in county government and encourages communications between the taxpayers of Sarasota County and their government," said Crystal Pruitt, communications manager.

The combination of television, webcasting, e-mail, blogging and phone calls reached virtually every demographic in Sarasota County. Since the "Money Matters" program, Sarasota County has broadcast and webcast other virtual Town Hall meetings, including a forum of health and medical professionals talking about the threat from H1N1 (Swine) Flu.

For more information on the Community Connections campaign, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net/CommunityConnectons.

Sarasota Has No Economic Development Strategy?

2009-11-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

Sarasota County rethinks growth

[The] recession, the end of the building boom and a future made uncertain by the growing options of retirees has turned the old economic development model on its head.

The change was foreshadowed last December when County Administrator Jim Ley admitted in an internal memo to county commissioners that "we have no economic development strategy as a community." ...

the plans to spend more than $90 million on economic development in such a short period of time signaled a decided break from the past.

That shift was apparent again this week when Sarasota County commissioners announced plans for a program to give property tax breaks to businesses promising to create high-paying jobs here. The tax abatement plan would have to be approved by voters, and could be on the ballot as early as next spring.

more...

Another bank closes in Bradenton

2009-10-28T20:50:00.002-04:00

Bad loans topple another local bank

Federal regulators on Friday closed Flagship National Bank of Bradenton, the region's fifth bank to fail in the Great Recession. more...

Orange County lacks money to buy, maintain sensitive land

Orange County may not be able to purchase more environmentally sensitive land — property now used to preserve wildlife corridors and watersheds for future generations — for years because of the county's budget crisis. more

PALM BEACH COUNTY - Even as the economic sky was falling,Palm Beach County commissioners last month approved a double-digit tax rate boost to avoid budget shortfalls. more...

The cork in the bottle

2009-10-16T12:53:00.001-04:00

Foreclosures leap in Sarasota County

Foreclosure filings in Sarasota County spiked by 50 percent in September, even as an end-of-summer lull continued in Manatee and Charlotte counties.

...

During August, filings dropped by double digits in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The drop in Sarasota was nearly 34 percent from the previous month and 17 percent from the year before.

In Manatee, the monthly drop was 19 percent and up 3 percent from a year ago.

But some think the 50 percent spike in Sarasota County last month foreshadows another wave of filings.

The cork in the bottle is the different ways banks are processing their distressed properties, with some giving borrowers a three-month reprieve to stay in their homes while others are simply ignoring whole sectors where they have foreclosures to keep the toxic assets off their balance sheets. More...

In a good year, insurers still fail

2009-10-16T12:32:00.003-04:00

Insurers on shaky ground

102 of the 210 property insurers operating in Florida have reported underwriting losses, according to Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty.

The fact that these insolvencies and underwriting losses occurred in a year in which a hurricane has not struck Florida seriously undermines confidence in the ability of private insurers operating in this state to financially weather a stormy future.

Sarasotan Bill Griffin, his family and businesses have been involved in one failed company...

Citizens and a state-run reinsurance fund remain undercapitalized. The exodus from Florida of brand-name national firms and the underwriting losses of nearly half the property insurers in the state suggest the private sector isn't going to provide adequate coverage unless conditions change.

Insurance is complex and, in Florida, there is no simple way to meet the challenges of making coverage affordable while keeping companies solvent.

more...

Free Enterprise?

2009-10-14T10:51:00.001-04:00

Banks set to become region's largest landholders

All in all, banks are set to become some of Southwest Florida's largest landholders.

So far in 2009, they have begun foreclosing on at least 5,500 acres in Manatee and Sarasota counties that were bought for $420 million during the boom. more...

How do banks think? See here.

Fla. faces $2.6 billion shortfall

Just months after patching together a budget by cutting spending, raising fees and gobbling up federal money, Florida lawmakers are bracing for more tough times next year.

Florida could face a budget shortfall of as much as $2.6 billion for the 2010-11 fiscal year that starts in July, as state tax collections continue sagging and costs increase for programs such as Medicaid.

Comp Plan Public Hearing Wednesday

2009-10-12T10:49:00.001-04:00

Sarasota County Planning Services invites you to attend the first of several public hearings about proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan before the Sarasota County Commission. The public hearing will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the commission chamber at the County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

At this public hearing, the county commissioners will take testimony on the following amendments, which will affect several chapters of the comprehensive plan:

Adding new policies and amending an existing policy to address nonconforming residential densities. The purpose of this amendment is to deal with situations where the density permitted within existing zoning districts exceeds the density allowed by future land use designations on the future land use map.
Amending policies to limit residential densities to nine units per acre maximum in the in the light office future land use designation.
Adding the adoption of three new impact fee ordinances and revising a policy regarding school concurrency.

We hope to see you there and please forward this message along to your friends and acquaintances that may have an interest in these proposed changes. If you aren't able to attend, but would like to send in your comments, e-mail them to planner@scgov.net. More information about these amendments can be found on the county’s Web site at www.scgov.net.

Polk County Budget Blues

2009-10-05T11:49:00.002-04:00

Trying To Manage County Like Business, Not Bureaucracy

“More entrepreneurial than bureaucratic” was the mantra County Manager Mike Herr stressed while discussing the county’s $1.6 billion budget with the Polk County Tiger Bay Club on Monday.

While the county hs been affected by growth and the economic recession, it also managed to keep the millage rate the same, at 7.4993 mills. The overall budget is $111 million less than the budget for last fiscal year, Herr said.

One of the ways the county has managed to cut costs was by eliminating 80 positions. “I hate to do that,” Herr said, “because that means less jobs for people who need them, but there was no other way.” More...

Schools and Vegetables

2009-09-28T09:10:00.002-04:00

Leon County schools get $50000 each for improvements
Tallahassee Democrat

Throughout Leon County, teachers and students are seeing the impact of the 4 percent cuts each school had to make to their budgets. Teachers like Long wonder when they will be able to buy more books. Other schools need technology upgrades or added hours for teachers to be able to better serve students.

The Legislature passed the added property tax to help districts in Florida offset budget cuts; and that is exactly what Superintendent Jackie Pons intends ...

Vegetable specialist covers a lot of turf
Naples Daily News
By then they hope the state budget will improve, making more money available to the University of Florida. “With the budget crisis, every position that ...

Salaries Incommensurate with Economic Crater

2009-09-27T13:06:00.001-04:00

Ernst: Salary reviews should be routine

A police captain in Venice makes $103,750 a year. The deputy finance director makes $96,096. A parks foreman makes $60,623.
Last week, as the Venice City Council prepared for a final vote on next year's budget, a list of 56 nonunion salaries made the rounds among the citizenry. People always love to know what others earn, but Mike Rafferty had another reason for circulating the salary chart obtained by the Venice Taxpayers League.
He did not want the council to raise his property tax rate. He pointed to the salaries as an example of spending that is out of whack with what the public can afford. And he suggested that the council cut salaries before it raises taxes. More...

Regional GDP Plummets and more hot topics

2009-09-27T12:54:00.003-04:00

Region's GDP drops severely

Staff Report

Published: Friday, September 25, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 5:52 p.m.

The Great Recession and housing downturn took a considerable bite out of gross domestic product in Southwest Florida, reversing a course of large growth starting in 2006.

The data released Thursday from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics might be the broadest measure to date of the pain. GDP is the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within a area's borders within a year.

From 2005 to 2006, the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice area's GDP rose 7.4 percent, or about $1.7 billion, to $24.66 billion.

But things started sliding in 2007 and by 2008, GDP had slipped $836 million, or about 3.4 percent, to $23.83 billion from its peak.

County passes $400.8M budget
Tampa Tribune
To save more money, commissioners had already approved reductions in the mosquito control budgetand voted to cancel membership in the Florida Association ...

Orange OKs $3.1 Billion Budget, Jail Critics Sound Off
Orlando Sentinel
No residents complained tonight when Orange County leade

Brantley hires Florida man to be new manager
Florida Times-Union
Barwick, 45, will face a daunting list of problems that plague the rural county, from a $3 million budget deficit to washboard dirt roads to overflowing ...

Miami-Dade County cultural groups await details of budget cuts
MiamiHerald.com
BY HOWARD COHEN, ALEXANDRA MARTINEZ AND LOLA DUFFORT Hundreds of cultural and arts groups were spared from being axed out of the county's budget. ...
South Miami sets lower tax rate
MiamiHerald.com
According to the county property appraiser's office, taxable values in the city have dropped 9.3 percent. A budget of about $19.2 million -- $433000 less ...

No tax break for some despite declining property values
Crestview News Bulletin (blog)
At issue is the “recapture rule,” a little-known regulation adopted by the Florida Department of Revenue in 1995 that only applies to homesteaded properties ...

Closely contested budget issues

2009-09-24T10:38:00.001-04:00

Counties take different roads on employees, budget cuts

While high-ranking government employees in Miami-Dade have scored major pay raises despite the county’s financial woes, Broward and Palm Beach counties are taking a much different tack.

No one earning more than $100,000 a year in Broward government will receive a raise this year and must take a five-day unpaid furlough along with all other county workers. No raises are planned for top administrators in Palm Beach County either, and that county isn’t doing furloughs.

Ultimately, final budget refutes Alvarez
MiamiHerald.com
When Carlos Alvarez unveiled ``his'' proposed budget in July it was an end-of-civilization-as-we-know-it document. About 1700 county jobs would be cut, ...
County leaders receiving raises amid budget cuts
WZVN-TV
FORT MYERS: At a time of budget cuts and salary freezes, some of our top leaders in Lee County are actually getting raises. From the sheriff to county ...
Elections boss can't find any more budget cuts
Tampa Tribune
Commissioner Jeff Stabins said efforts are under way by upper county management to reduce Williams'budget and they will find places to cut by Thursday's ...
Collier County sheriff shoulders tough load shoulders load
The News-Press
by chris umpierre • cumpierre@news-press.com • September 23, 2009 With each press conference, the bags under Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk's eyes ...
Firefighters plead, but county OKs budget cuts
Gainesville Sun
Alachua County firefighters and supporters hold signs in protest of budget cuts for firefighters outside the County Administration building at the ...

Budget Issues around the State

2009-09-22T10:31:00.002-04:00

Palm Beach County commission hikes property tax rate 15 percent
Sun-Sentinel.com
County budget planners blamed the tax rate increase on a need to compensate for a drop in tax revenue stemming from the struggling economy. ...

County budget has $12.5 million in cuts, layoffs
Clay Today
Even more disturbing is the economic crisis Behring says the county will face for fiscal year 2010-2011. He said Florida's housing industry has been among ...

Miami-Dade County Commission approves $7.4B budget
Zikkir World (blog)
Jack Russell and a handful of others used the funding of the $640 million ballpark for the FloridaMarlins as a touchstone for their anger. The county took ...

County Should Help Fill Clinic's Shortfall, Panel Recommends
The Ledger
By Robin Williams Adams BARTOW | Central Florida Health Care should get $225000 from countyindigent-care funds to partially offset a shortfall at its ...

Ford, Foster outline their plans for spending tax dollars more wisely
Tampabay.com
Citrus County moved to a form of zero-based budgeting in 2008. A third of the county's budget is closely scrutinized every year. "It helps you prioritize," ...

Water wars
The News Herald
That population growth demanded broader county operations; the county's budget has grown from $89 million in 1989 to $294 million for 2010. ...

Around the state

2009-09-18T11:17:00.002-04:00

County Budget Fight a Battle Royale
NBC Miami
By TODD WRIGHT With more than $444 million in deficits facing the county, everything and everyone will be a target going into tonight's final budget hearing ...

Editorial: FYI, Martin County taxpayers; another proposed 'fee ...
TCPalm
The courts in Martin County, just like the courts in every other Florida county, are essentially state operations. The lion's share of the fines collected ...

Collier school board votes to raise tax rates
Naples Daily News
The issue brought many questions from Collier County residents before the School Board held its finalbudget hearing Thursday evening. ...

Miami-Dade County highest spender in lobbying US
MiamiHerald.com
The county's spending, though, may be cut back. The County Commission Thursday is prepared to pass a budget that caps the county's federal lobbying budget ...

Clerk's office abolishing 44 positions
Tampa Tribune
BY CARL ORTH NEW PORT RICHEY - A budget upheaval continues to reshape the staff at the PascoCounty Office of Clerk and Comptroller, where 44 jobs will end ...

Windfall restores county services for 2010 fiscal year
Tampa Tribune
County officials had already factored a $1.2 million rebate into the fiscal 2010 budget, which takes effect Oct. 1. The last-minute injection of $3 million ...

FGCU cuts - and Philly Library Shut

2009-09-15T11:56:00.001-04:00

FGCU cuts spending in order to come in under budget
Naples Daily News
By LESLIE WILLIAMS LEE COUNTY — Budget directors braced for stormy financial seas at FloridaGulf Coast University are reporting smooth sailing so far early ...

In Philadelphia:

All Free Library of Philadelphia Branch, Regional and Central Libraries Closed Effective Close of Business October 2, 2009
All Free Library of Philadelphia Customers,
We deeply regret to inform you that without the necessary budgetary legislation by the State Legislature in Harrisburg, the City of Philadelphia will not have the funds to operate our neighborhood branch libraries, regional libraries, or the Parkway Central Library after October 2, 2009. More...

Taxes and Budges

2009-09-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

County tax rate stays nearly put
Ocala
By Bill Thompson Marion County commissioners tentatively passed a $594 million budget for the new fiscal year on Thursday, but not before getting an earful ...
Miami Shores sets higher preliminary tax rate
MiamiHerald.com
The tentative tax rate can be decreased during the budget process, which lasts through September, but cannot be increased, according to Florida law. ...

Funding Cuts Leave Area Colleges Gasping
Washington Post
The University of Maryland Baltimore County is cutting positions. And Virginia's state universities are coping with furloughs for the first time in recent ...

Sarasota County Budget Hearing 9.14

2009-09-11T11:45:00.001-04:00

September 14, 2009

7:00 p.m.

SARASOTA COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER

1660 RINGLING BOULEVARD

COMMISSION CHAMBER

SARASOTA, FLORIDA

Jon Thaxton, Chair, District 5

Joseph A. Barbetta, Vice Chair, District 2

Carolyn J. Mason, District 1

Shannon Staub, District 3

Nora Patterson, District 4

BUDGET HEARING
1.		FINANCIAL PLANNING:
	Public hearing to consider Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Proposed Millage Rates and Tentative Budgets for Sarasota County, and the final adoption and certification of the FY 2010 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates and Assessment Rolls.

2.	OTHER BUSINESS

3.	OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - (Three-minute time limit per person/per meeting.)

NOTE:
	Individuals with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact County Administration at least three (3) working days in advance of the meeting date and time at (941) 861-5344.

Budget decisions, decisions

2009-09-10T09:13:00.001-04:00

School board nixes millage increase
Daily Commercial
Still, the community was divided over whether to compromise the county's learning environment or its residents' ability to survive in one of Florida's ...

Fort Lauderdale's proposed budget
Sun-Sentinel.com
By Brittany Wallman South Florida Sun-Sentinel Operating budget: $327.5 million, for city services such as police, fire and parks. ...

From boom to reality?

2009-09-09T10:09:00.002-04:00

Unfinished projects part of real estate collapse

Unfinished buildings, dead dogs, foreclosures, code violations, skeletons of commercial dreams, condos becoming homeless camps. More...

A new normal for home sales

By ADRIAN SAINZ AP
Real Estate Writer

Published: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:54 p.m.

The American dream of home ownership is still attainable. Buyers just have to deal with a new set of realities. More...

Around the State Today

2009-09-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

Despite Stimulus, Education Suffers Cuts
CBS News
But that state is still reeling from an anticipated a $26 billion budget deficit, and teachers who had been rehired may face more pink slips. In Florida ...

Budget crunch forcing schools to cut, become creative
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
... of Palm Beach County in Florida is closing because of budgetary problems, examples abound of day schools struggling at the start of the academic year. ...
See all stories on this topic

Commissioners vote to approve 15 percent tax increase
Sun-Sentinel.com
County critics say the budget squeeze blamed on the declining economy could have been lessened by better management of revenues during South Florida's ...
See all stories on this topic

County may eliminate 199 more jobs
Florida Today
BY RICK NEALE • FLORIDA TODAY • September 9, 2009 Brevard County's next fiscal budget may include $40 million in spending cuts and elimination of 199 jobs, ...

Miami mayor's budget proposal puts the onus on unions
MiamiHerald.com
Also on the mayor's hit list: Increased parking fees, changing weekly bulk garbage pickup to monthly, and hikes in various fees like Florida Power & Light's ...

City of Sarasota's Proposed Budget

2009-09-09T10:02:00.003-04:00

This link will take you to the City of Sarasota's proposed 2009-1010 Capital Improvement Plan. The next budget hearing is Sept. 21, at 6 pm, at City Hall.

Tepid article describes stalemate

2009-09-08T12:05:00.000-04:00

Business stimulus stalled in state
TALLAHASSEE - Eight months after vowing to spend $10 million in state money to "plant the seeds" to create new jobs, an economic stimulus program initiated by Gov. Charlie Crist has yet to hand out a dime.

Around the state: Tax Increases

2009-09-08T12:02:00.000-04:00

Schools Aided by Stimulus Money Still Facing Cuts
New York Times
Florida's second-largest system, Broward County Schools, laid off 400 teachers, but aided by stimulus money, rehired more than 100. ...

Property Tax Increase Could Be On The Way
NorthEscambia.com
A week from today, the Escambia County School Board is looking at a millage rate increase that would be the second highest in Florida. ...

Despite pleas, county oks higher tax rate
The DeLand-Deltona Beacon
The second and final public hearing on the county's budget and tax rates is set for 6 pm Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Thomas C. Kelly County Administration ...

Budget woes may shut 4-H
MiamiHerald.com
Miami-Dade would be only the second county to cut ties with 4-H in Florida, according to Marilyn Norman, 4-H state leader in Gainesville. ...

Near the bottom in education funding

2009-09-08T11:33:00.003-04:00

Education burden shifted to property owners
Florida continues to rank near the bottom of all states in per-pupil funding.
Gainesville Sun

lawmakers have shifted the responsibility of paying for K-20 education - kindergarten through college - to property owners.

Of all the state's general revenues - which include sales tax and fees - education's share declined from 61.5 percent in 1984-85 to 50.5 percent in 2005-06.

Looking at just the education budget: In 1985, state sales taxes and fees paid 65 percent of the cost of public education. Now, sales taxes and fees pay only 47 percent. The rest comes from property taxes. more...

See also:

Tourism board advising Collier commission to cut county museum funding
Naples Daily News
“They are cutting back on people and everything else to keep the county budget balanced.” The Marco Island museum is slated to get $80000 next year for ...

Power vacuum and round-up

2009-09-06T10:04:00.003-04:00

Miami-Dade commissioners keep taxes flat
Bizjournals.com
During their first budget hearing, Miami-Dade County commissioners voted early Friday morning to cap property taxes at last year's rate, creating a $444 ...

Most programs, not all, get their county funding
Gainesville Sun
Among the agencies that did not qualify was Easter Seals of Florida for the Altrusa House, a day-care center for frail seniors and adults with disabilities ...

Tax battle leaves residents, officials weary
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Volusia is the only Florida county with three separate hospital taxing authorities, and the rates in East Volusia rival what many Central Florida residents ...

Florida Lacks Clout in Congress
The Ledger
Lawton Chiles chaired the Senate Budget Committee. Today, several members of Florida's delegation, including Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, ...

In the House of Representatives, where constant turnover has depleted the state's seniority, not one of the 25-member Florida delegation is in a major leadership position or chairs a single committee from which legislation such as health care reform is being constructed.
The lack of seniority exists for three reasons:
The first might best be described as wanderlust. Like the state's transient population, Florida's political leaders are known as much for moving on as they are for moving up.
An even bigger factor in Florida's high turnover is that the state's rapid population growth has weakened the power of incumbency.
Finally, Florida may have suffered as much as anything by placing its bets on the wrong partisan horse.
Through redistricting, Florida's Republican-dominated Legislature has created Republican districts.

Around the State

2009-09-05T10:01:00.000-04:00

Fla. expected to face more financial woes
MiamiHerald.com
Florida's current budget of $66.5 billion is about $5 billion less than the one Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law two years ago. ...

Clerks of court deal with budget cuts
Bradenton Herald
By CARL MARIO NUDI - cnudi@bradenton.com MANATEE — Just as the other 66 Florida countyclerks of the court, Mana- tee County Clerk of the Court RB “Chips” ...

Tight budget, higher property tax rate for Broward schools
MiamiHerald.com
About 15 people attended the hearing, though only a few spoke -- mostly about the worst-case-scenario notices they received from the Broward County property ...

Commissioners to ask state to cut tax collector's budget
The Northwest Florida Daily News
Okaloosa County commissioners will send a letter detailing their objections to Tax Collector Chris Hughes' budget to the state Department of Revenue, ...

Brevard school budget OK'd
Florida Today
BY MEGAN DOWNS • FLORIDA TODAY • September 4, 2009 The Brevard County School Board approved an operating budget Thursday night that's down about 6 percent ...

Tax appeals coming

2009-09-03T09:14:00.004-04:00

In Miami Dade:

More than 4,100 people have visited the county property appraiser’s office to discuss their notices. An additional 10,600 calls have been logged with the county regarding preliminary tax notices. Property owners in Miami-Dade have until Sept. 18 to file appeals.

Thousands appeal property taxes as budget hearings near
Bizjournals.com
In Broward County, which is facing a $23 million budget deficit, 5291 petitions for appeal have been filed with the value adjustment board. ...

Cut, cut, cut
MiamiHerald.com
24: Florida's jobless rate hit 8.1 percent in December, the highest since September 1992. Today, as the County Commission takes up Mr. Alvarez's budget

Top 20 execs at Jackson to volunteer for pay cuts
MiamiHerald.com
Jackson leaders seek a solution to budget woes as county commissioners question why the hospital system needs more than 100 highly paid executives. ...

As Florida goes, so goes the Nation

2009-09-02T10:15:00.001-04:00

States across the nation pinch their pennies to save athletics
USA Today
Nearby Loudoun County, with 10 high schools, instituted a $100 fee to play sports. Money is for general budget shortfall not specific to athletic budget. ...

Behind Florida's Exodus: Rising Taxes, Political Ineptitude
TIME
One thing, for instance, would be to give a dozen top aides hefty raises while urging a rise in property taxes, as the Mayor of Miami-Dade County recently ...

Schools look to teacher furloughs to trim budgets
The Associated Press
But furloughs are happening in individual districts in states such as New Mexico,Florida and California, said Ed Muir, deputy director of research and ...

License and registration, PLEASE!
Ocala
Higher tag fees, raised by the Florida Legislature to address a budget deficit, take effect today. The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE - Driver license, ...

Music Programs Cut

2009-09-01T10:55:00.002-04:00

The three-week June music festival will be on hiatus in 2010 "as we re-evaluate its mission, format and structure in light of the current economy," Orchestra Board Chairman Virginia Toulmin said in a statement.

The 45-year-old Sarasota Music Festival has temporarily fallen victim to the economy as its parent organization, the Sarasota Orchestra, looks for ways to cut costs while protecting its core programming and local educational outreach.

The suspension of the festival is one of several cost-cutting measures announced Monday by the orchestra. More...

Sarasota Orchestra cuts popular programs, salaries to stay afloat

With the economy squeezing grants, government funding and corporate and individual gifts, the orchestra had to rely on almost half of its emergency reserves — a total of $515,000 — just to get through last season, McKenna said. This has been the first time during his nearly nine years with the organization that he’s had to tap into reserves.

Downsizing the Sunshine State

2009-08-30T11:26:00.002-04:00

...the Sunshine State is shrinking.

Choked by a record level of foreclosures and unemployment, along with a helping of disillusionment, the state's population declined by 58,000 people from April 2008 to April 2009, according to the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Except for the years around World Wars I and II, it was the state's first population loss since at least 1900.

"It's dramatic," said Stanley K. Smith, an economics professor at the University of Florida who compiled the report. "You have a state that was booming and has been a leader in population growth for the last 100 years that suddenly has seen a substantial shift."

The loss is more than a data point. Growth gave Florida its notorious flip-flop and flower-print swagger. Life could be carefree under the sun because, as a famous state tourism advertisement put it in 1986, "The rules are different here."

But what if they are not?

more.

"They are going beserk"

2009-08-28T09:49:00.001-04:00

Broward, Dade property owners `flipping out' over tax notices
MiamiHerald.com
The proposed tax notices arriving in Miami-Dade and Broward mailboxes in recent days have stirred a wave of protest, with dozens of homeowners taking to the streets Thursday and thousands of others dialing their property appraiser's office.
Many homeowners, already feeling pressures from high unemployment, a tumbling stock market and dwindling property values, were angry to open their TRIM -- Truth In Millage -- notices and see a property tax increase awaiting them, too.
``They are going berserk,'' said Charlotte Greenbarg, a Hollywood resident and president of the Broward Coalition, which represents homeowners. ``People are absolutely flipping out.''

Palm Beach County arts groups chase dwindling public funds
Sun-Sentinel.com
Other governments may have to cut arts funding entirely due to budget shortfalls. While some small cities don't contribute to the arts, county governments ...

Costs go up as resources dry up

2009-08-27T09:43:00.002-04:00

Free school lunches drop as parents' income audited
Tampa Tribune
Only 24 percent of parents in that South Florida school district responded. Hillsborough's Student Nutrition Services had an $87 million budget last year. ...

Driving in Florida getting costlier
Tallahassee Democrat
By Jim Ash • Florida Capital Bureau Chief • August 27, 2009 The reality of a $7 billion state budgetshortfall is about to come crashing down on Florida's ...
Although fees vary, the cost of registering a medium-sized sedan will skyrocket 54 percent, rising from $46.80 to $71.85.

Miami Dade Budget Cuts Leave Needy Families to Fend for Themselves
PR Newswire (press release) (press release)
The proposed would mean the total elimination of over $31 million in grants to community-based organizations in Miami-Dade County. A significant portion of ...

This we know about Sarasota

2009-08-26T23:14:00.002-04:00

The data here is supposed to be current:

There are 17 Factories (within 9 mi.) tweet this
325,016 pounds of 5 Pollutants were released (within 9 mi.) tweet this
16 Officials reported on 17 Factories (within 9 mi.) tweet this
4,571 Violent Crimes occured (in this CBSA) tweet this
Demographics: 11,218 people were Hispanic, 12,132 were African American,1,704 were Asian, 150,901 were White, 81,468 were Male, and 88,672 wereFemale (in this town)
17,054 people are Unemployed, while 127,563 have jobs (in this county) tweet this
There are 55,581 Home Owners and 19,993 Renters (in this town) tweet this
49% of people Relocated in the past 15 years (in this town) tweet this
1 Bill have been introduced about this location by 1 Member of Congress since 1993 tweet this

via this we know

Adjustments around the state

2009-08-26T08:53:00.001-04:00

Roll back outrageous pay raises
MiamiHerald.com
County commissioners are about to do the heavy lifting on the 2009-10 budget, holding a series of public hearings that will be full of cries of genuine pain ...

City Council weighs lean budget, may hook itself up with laptops ...
Destin Log
At Monday's council workshop on the budget, Councilor Jim Bagby said that cities throughout Floridaare buying laptops for elected officials to use on city ...

Metro report
Palm Beach Post
MANALAPAN - The town commission praised its staff Tuesday for delivering a lean budget for fiscal year 2009-10, though the proposed budget would be balanced ...

Real Healthcare Systems

2009-08-25T11:08:00.008-04:00

In this blogger's opinion, T.R. Reid's The Healing of America is the single most useful description of healthcare models available today -- the book describes four systems in use around the world, and how they compare.

Hear an interview with Reid here.

Full transcript of interview here.

Don't bother joining in the healthcare discussion without the information here.

See also: 5 Myths About Health Care Around the World

If you're a Native American or a veteran you live in Britain. They get government health care and government hospitals from government doctors and they never get a bill.

If you're an employed person sharing your health insurance premium with your employer, you live in Germany. That's the Bismarck model that was invented in Germany and used in many countries.

If you're a senior and you buy Medicare insurance from the government and go to private doctors, you live in Canada. That's the Canadian model. As a matter of fact, the Canadian health care system is called Medicare, and when Lyndon Johnson provided it for our seniors in 1965 he borrowed both the model and the name from Canada.

And if you're one of the tens of millions of Americans who can't get health insurance, well, you live in Malawi or Madagascar or Mali or something...

Another interview with Reid here.

Cascading impacts

2009-08-24T10:42:00.002-04:00

In affluent Naples:

More hungry students could be starting school Monday

In Sarasota:

Sarasota County schools cut $40 million from this year's budget. In the past two years Manatee has cut $43 million in spending. Fewer data and reading coaches, assistant principals and media specialists means more work for teachers and less help for students. link

Breaking a condominium death spiral

Few of the Southwest Florida’s condominiums are untouched by the housing bust, with experts claiming anywhere from a single unit to 40 percent of any given building’s units abandoned, in foreclosure or having residents who can no longer afford to pay their association dues.

In Osceola:

Fire Rescue station and library hours could be among county budget cuts

Regional bank failures reflect underlying problems

2009-08-23T13:28:00.001-04:00

Bank failures heavy in region

Eight Florida banks have failed in the past 13 months. Four of them were community banks based in Sarasota or Manatee counties.