Newsletter 128

NEWS FROM THE SUNCOAST …..

A HEAVY TOLL

This is a precarious time for Sarasota’s arts community during what is normally a vibrant and lively season. In what seems like a replay of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when announced shows were canceled, rescheduled and then canceled again, arts groups have altered their schedules with increasing regularity in the last few weeks because of the fast-spreading omicron variant. At a time when they were hoping for a return to normal or rebuilding the trust of patrons who had been reluctant to attend in-person performances, these organizations have been spending money for travel and housing, sets, costumes and rehearsals, only to see performances delayed or evaporate. Richard Hopkins, the longtime producing artistic director of Florida Studio Theatre, estimates that a number of delays, cancellations and schedule changes will cost the theater "in excess of $250,000, if not double that." "But the bigger issue is the emotional toll it’s taking on everyone," he said. "God bless the people who work in the theater. Our team has been fantastic." Hopkins noted that the staff had been depleted during the pandemic began "and we were just rebuilding our staff from being closed for 18 months." While battling COVID and bouts of flu, the staff has had to deal with patrons seeking refunds or rescheduling tickets, any number of production issues and finding housing for guest artists who tested positive for COVID. For more on this story, courtesy of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, please click here: A Heavy Toll

STATE OF THE ARTS

Part of what makes the Sarasota area so vibrant are the many exciting arts and culture opportunities it offers, and the organizations that present them try to maintain that excitement through bold creativity and by looking toward the future. We spoke to a number of arts leaders who are still relatively new in their jobs about what’s in store for the coming months. Participating are Benny Sato Ambush, artistic director for Venice Theatre; Jeffery Kin, who served 15 years as artistic director of Players Centre for Performing Arts and is now general director of the forthcoming Sarasota Arts Festival; Kinsey Robb, executive director for Art Center Sarasota; Anne-Marie Russell, executive director for Architecture Sarasota; Virginia Shearer, executive director for Sarasota Art Museum; and Bramwell Tovey, music director designate for Sarasota Orchestra. If you’re interested to read more, please click here: State Of The Arts

SARASOTA STANDS OUT

Two reports from companies specializing in long-distance moves included the Sarasota metro area as one of the top locations in the country where people are moving. Nearly 80% of the 1,496 local shipments from National Van Lines came from customers moving into the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan statistical area. That means only 20% were leaving. A similar study from moveBuddha looking at the rate of inflow and outflow of populations across the country shows Sarasota and Bradenton are both among the top 20 cities for relocation. Both studies put Florida near the top for inbound migration.
"Florida saw a sharp rise in net migration flow in 2021," the moveBuddha report said. "The ratio of inbound to outbound moves jumped 43 percentage points from 2020 to 2021, meaning more than twice as many people moved into Florida than left it." In Sarasota, that rate is more than three to one, according to moveBuddha data.
While the rate of inflow is high, it actually slowed somewhat compared to 2020.
The company notes the year-over-year decline for the city of Sarasota may be tied to a jump in Bradenton’s net inflow, as that city increased its net inflow from 1.6 in 2020 to 2.7 in 2021. Please click here to read more: Sarasota Stands Out

AREA HOME PRICES SOAR

Home prices in the North-Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area shot up by about a third in 2021, more than twice the national average, according to a report from a real estate analytics company. CoreLogic, a global property information and analytics provider, tracks residential property sales across the country. In its most recent home price index report, the company put the appreciation of home prices in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area at 33.4% during 2021. The national average for home price appreciation in the country came in at 15% last year. While a 15% year-over-year appreciation pales in comparison to Sarasota’s more than 33% appreciation, the national average was still nine percentage points higher than in 2020, fueling some concerns the U.S. housing market is in a bubble. "Much of what we’ve seen in the run-up of home prices over the last year has been the result of a perfect storm of supply and demand pressures," said Frank Nothaft, chief economist at CoreLogic. "As we move further into 2022, economic factors – such as new home building and a rise in mortgage rates – are in motion to help relieve some of this pressure and steadily temper the rapid home price acceleration seen in 2021." There’s more on this story here: Home Prices Soar

7,000 NEW HOMES PLANNED

Two new communities could soon bring thousands of new homes to Manatee County, following the creation of community development districts to build the infrastructure needed for the projects. Manatee County commissioners approved the creation of the Rye Ranch Community Development District and the Newport Isles Community Development Districts during their regular meeting recently.
CDDs are a governmental entity that can levy taxes from residents living within their boundaries to finance and build public infrastructure and community improvements. The creation of the two new districts gives developers access to the funding necessary to move their projects forward. Parrish is poised for rapid growth over the next decade as homebuilders continue to develop large swaths of land. One of those projects is Rye Ranch, which in June received the necessary zoning changes needed for construction. Developers plan to build 3,500 residential units on nearly 1,370 acres of land on County Road 675 east of North Rye Road. The project includes single-family homes and multi-family housing, as well as 300,000 square feet of commercial space and 20,000 square feet for public use, according to county documents. The Newport Isles development is slated to bring 3,382 new homes to north Manatee County following the creation of the Newport Isles Community Development District recently. The district is comprised of 1,555 acres of land south of the Hillsborough County line, between US 41 and I-75. Please follow the jump for more on this story: 7,000 New Homes

SRQ BREAKS JANUARY RECORD

A record number of passengers traveled through Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in January – continuing a trend of record-breaking increased use of the airport. A total of 302,189 passengers traveled through the airport in January, a 138% increase over the 126,704 passengers in January 2021. That sum also represents the highest number of passengers for the month of January in the history of SRQ. "We continue to be pleasantly surprised by the number of passengers who choose SRQ, especially last month, with the many weather-related cancellations," Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport said in a news release. "In January, we had 282 flights canceled, primarily due to the multiple cold fronts moving across the United States.
"Flight schedules are returning to normal as we prepare for our peak months of March and April." Piccolo anticipated record-breaking growth to continue as airlines add new destinations. There’s more on this story here: SRQ Breaks Another Record

VAN GOGH EXHIBIT COMING TO UTC NEXT MONTH

An immersive exhibit that allows visitors to walk in and around the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh will open in Sarasota in March at the University Town Center.
Tickets went on sale recently for "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,"which will be presented March 4-April 24 in the East District of UTC, between the shopping mall and Interstate 75. "Beyond Van Gogh," which features the images of more than 300 Van Gogh works on the walls, floors and ceilings of the exhibition space, has sold more than 2.5 million tickets around the world. The announcement in October that it would be coming to Sarasota generated a lot of conversation in the community. The showcase "takes on the challenge of breathing new life into Van Gogh’s vast body of work," said Mathieu St-Arnoud, the creative director of Montreal’s Normal Studio, which created the exhibit. "Through the use of cutting-edge 3D projection technology and music to illuminate all of his genius, guests can experience the artist with all their senses." Among the paintings featured are "Starry Night," "Sunflowers" and "Cafe Terrace at Night." Please click on the link for more: Van Gogh Exhibit at UTC

NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER COMING

Note: After this story was initially published, the Van Wezel Foundation provided updated estimates for the cost of the new performing arts center at $300 million to $350 million.
Since she took over as chief executive officer of the Van Wezel Foundation three years ago, Cheryl Mendelson has been working to sell the community and donors on the need for a major new performing arts center that will be the centerpiece of the new Bay Park Conservancy. Those efforts have been paying off with millions raised in leadership gifts. Recently she announced that Foundation board members have kicked in $20 million to move forward this year on architectural selection for the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. The announcement was timed to the recent annual foundation gala, the organization’s major fundraising event, which featured a dinner followed by a concert with jazz singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. The board also commits to raising at least $2.5 million each year. The plan is to build a 200,000-square-foot structure that will include a 2,250-seat mainstage theater and a 400-seat flexible seating venue that will overlook a public space that is part of the massive Bay Park Conservancy project, covering 53 acres. There will also be 10,000 square feet dedicated to education and lifelong learning, as well as multiple outdoor spaces and room for functions and special events. There’s more on this story: New Performing Arts Center

QUAY MOVING FORWARD

An 18-story luxury condominium at the Quay development took several steps toward a groundbreaking recently, as Sarasota officials’ review of the project’s site plan begins. For nearly two decades, the more than 14-acre property has been discussed for redevelopment, going back to the early 2000s when an Irish developer purchased several blocks of Sarasota bayfront. In 2014, GreenPointe Holdings purchased the site and received City Commission approval for a master plan that could see as many as 695 residential units, 175 hotel rooms, nearly 39,000 square feet of office space, and almost 190,000 square feet of commercial space to downtown Sarasota when all phases are completed. The master plan created 10 development blocks for the Quay property. At least two of the blocks in the development have been completed — the Ritz Carlton Residences Sarasota and the restoration of the Historic Belle Haven — but some of the biggest projects to come are getting underway this year. The property bounded by Boulevard of the Arts to the north, U.S. 41 to the east and 4th Street to the south submitted design plans for what will become the 18-story condominium tower One Park Sarasota. Sales started on condo units in December with prices starting at $1.86 million in the development with 149 units. Click here for more: Quay Moving Forward

RENTAL REGULATIONS OK’D IN BRADENTON

Vacation rental owners in Bradenton will be subject to more regulation with a new city ordinance intended to curb concern over these short-term rentals turning into party houses. Local Airbnb hosts criticized the ordinance to no avail before a contentious 3 to 2 vote by the City Council. Opponents argued the new rules are too onerous on a specific set of rentals and limit the income owners can generate.
Tourism is one of Florida’s largest economic drivers, and the property rights of short-term vacation rental owners have been discussed for years as state and local officials grapple for regulatory control of the growing industry. The Bradenton ordinance comes as the Florida legislature is once again considering new state laws that stop cities from limiting vacation rentals. Officials said the Bradenton ordinance complies with existing state laws. "We have almost no ability to influence where and when Airbnb’s are located, when they operate, and how many times they can operate," Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey said. "But it’s a business, and sometimes when you do business, you have to follow business rules, and that’s what I think this is." There are an estimated 630 short-term rentals in Bradenton listed on online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, according to the city.
The new ordinance requires property owners to register with the city, pass an inspection, and pay any associated annual fees between an estimated $200 and $300, among other requirements. "There is occupant safety involved," City Administrator Rob Perry said at a workshop recently. "We want to make sure there are fire extinguishers there … basic, basic things. Not invasive, not particularly time-consuming." Click here for more: Bradenton Vacation Regulations

THE FUTURE OF SIESTA KEY DISCUSSED

Residents on Siesta Key want better representation of their barrier island. Over the last several months, there’s been a momentous push to break away from the county and incorporate. However, the goal of bringing incorporation to the ballot in 2022 was shot down in a split vote by the local delegation on Jan. 4. Now, Sarasota’s mayor Erik Arroyo is stepping into the conversation, opening up the door to the possibility of annexing Siesta Key into the City of Sarasota. "The people of Siesta Key have felt that they are not represented for a very long time. That feeling, I think, would be alleviated by being a part of the City of Sarasota," Mayor Arroyo said.
During a city commission meeting recently, the mayor presented some of the benefits of annexation. He talked about the city’s focus on water quality, strict regulations for development on barrier islands, and residents of Siesta Key possibly having their own district within the city. "It would give them a seat at the table," said Mayor Arroyo. "The county has 454,000 people. If you divide that by five districts, it’s like 80+ thousand per district. The city of Sarasota would average about 13,000 people per district times five if Siesta came on board which would be such a great asset and it only makes sense," he explained. Other commissioners were open to exploring the possibility, but only if the residents of Siesta Key are on board. Resident Lourdes Ramirez spoke before city leaders recently. "I think we need a lot of information. I am not 100% sure if it is a good idea, but the problem is we don’t know," said Ramirez. "What I would love to see is a comparison chart. How it would be with the county, how it would be if we incorporate in two years, and how it would be if we annex with the City of Sarasota. That way we can really make an informed decision as a community. There has to be a community conversation on this," she continued. There’s more to read here: Siesta Key Future

BIKE, SCOOTER SHARING COMING TO SARASOTA

Residents and visitors will soon be able to use a sharing service to zip around in the city on a bike or scooter. The City Commission approved a contract recently with Chicago-based VeoRide Inc. to provide scooters and bikes that customers can ride for a price. The city expects the service to begin in early March. Veo will offer both seated e-scooters and standing e-scooters. The company will also offer traditional bikes and pedal assist e-bikes. The vehicles are "locked" in one location until a customer logs onto the Veo app and "unlocks" the vehicle. Sarasota customers will pay $1 to unlock a scooter and then 37 cents for every minute they use it. Bikes, on other hand, are free to unlock and cost 50 cents for every 30-minute interval. Veo also has a discounted rate for individuals whose incomes are at 200% of the federal poverty limit or who qualify for federal assistance programs.
Customers will be able to park the bikes and scooters in designated areas called "corrals." However, not all areas of the city will have corrals, so customers who ride a vehicle to one of those areas will be able to park it on sidewalks or driveways. They can’t park their vehicle in the middle of a sidewalk, though. Veo operates in more than 35 cities around the country, including St. Petersburg and Gainesville.
There’s more on this story here: Bike & Scooter Sharing Coming

ST ARMANDS LOT SALE ON HOLD

Two acres of city owned-land near St. Armands Circle will remain a parking lot — for now — as financial challenges resulting from Sarasota’s borrowing to build a parking garage there complicate any sale of the property. City commissioners voted 4-1 recently against proceeding with any of four serious proposals that could have resulted in a boutique hotel and grocery store or a condominium and grocery store being built on the Fillmore Drive parking lot just off the circle. That vote came after a presentation from City Attorney Robert Fournier in which the longtime attorney for the municipality, as well as City Manager Marlon Brown, strongly recommended commissioners not sell the property until at least 2027. That recommendation came after a thorough examination of a bond with stipulations tied to the property. The city used the bond to pay for the St. Armands Parking Garage, 57 N. Adams Dr., that is partially repaid from revenue derived from the more than 200 parking spaces in the Fillmore Drive parking lot. Any loss of revenue from those spaces being turned into a development would need to be made up by some other means. Since the the bond won’t mature until 2038, loss of any spaces could be construed as violating the bond’s covenants, opening up the possibility of a challenge by bondholders, Fournier said. Brown told the commissioners if they wanted to proceed now on the development proposals, it would require setting aside $16 million in an escrow account. To annul the bond, Brown has told the board, "which is a legal practice, we have to find some way to come up with $16 million." If you’re interested in reading more, then click here: St. Armands Lot Sale On Hold

AMI WATER TAXI PLAN ADVANCES

Officials are pushing to implement a pilot program for a water taxi to serve tourism hotspots on Anna Maria Island by as early as Memorial Day weekend. If seen to fruition, the water taxi would connect downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island cities and potentially expand to include Longboat Key and Palmetto. Local officials have long discussed a water taxi in Manatee, but looming construction for four bridges in the next decade has led to a renewed sense of urgency. They hope the taxi takes the pressure off congested roads by offering an alternate way to get to Anna Maria Island without driving. "We do believe that now is the time to implement it," Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes said. "When all that bridge construction is going on, it’s going to be a lot more fun and a lot more convenient to get in a water taxi and take that ride." Officials aim to launch a one-year pilot program by Memorial Day. Although no formal agreements are in place, discussions include terminals in Bradenton, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Click here to read more on this story: AMI Water Taxi Advances

BEACH RIGHTS TOPIC REMAINS A HOT ONE

Who owns Florida’s beaches? That was the question that the non-partisan Sarasota Tiger Bay Club tackled in mid-January during the group’s monthly luncheon meeting. Kevin Cooper, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium vice-president for communications and strategic initiatives, served as moderator of the panel that featured Catherine Luckner, Siesta Key Association president; John McCarthy, historian and vice-president of Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s Historic Spanish Point; and Isaac Eger, a Sarasota writer and public beach advocate. The issue has become increasingly controversial, dividing waterfront land owners from those who believe that the beaches of Siesta Key and all the coastal areas of the state should be open to everyone. In Florida, Eger reported, 80% of the coastline is privately owned, including 60% in Sarasota County. The questions of not only who owns the beaches but also who can access those sandy shores have been argued for centuries. The Romans, McCarthy noted, viewed all beaches as public domain. Currently, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Texas are among the few states that allow public access to the sandy beach in front of a private property. Here in the Sunshine State, according to Eger, public access is definitely not the case. Citing the controversial 2018 Florida Statute 163.035 that then-Gov. Rick Scott signed into law, known as the "Establishment of Recreational Customary Use" bill, Eger said that the legislation greatly diminished the ability of local governments to provide the public the right to area beaches. The rights of private property owners to establish ownership of beachfront property, he advised, has increased dramatically since the bill went into effect. "It’s all about the money," said Luckner, speaking to the issue of public access and privately owned Siesta Key beaches. Confusion about public access, she noted, could have a negative impact on tourism. Interested in reading more on this story? Click here: Who Owns The Beaches?