Author Archives: Rachel Brown Hackney

Waechter charged with felony in case involving Ramirez

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Robert Waechter, 70, of Siesta Key, a former chairman of the Sarasota County Republican Party and a member of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, has been charged with a third-degree felony in connection with a fraudulent campaign contribution. According to … Continue reading →

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‘No swim’ advisory posted for Bird Key Park

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A “no swim” advisory has been issued for Bird Key Park, a recently renovated recreational area directly west of the Ringling Causeway bridge on the north side of Bird Key. Sarasota County Health Department officials received testing results from beach … Continue reading →

Posted in City of Sarasota, Environmental News, Health & Medicine | Comments Off

Blessed be they, large and small

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The annual Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m., in downtown Sarasota at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., the church has announced. The service will be held on the … Continue reading →

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Siesta stormwater project set to go out for bid in November

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Open house on beach improvements set for October Sarasota County probably will put the Siesta stormwater project out for bid in November, with the bid award expected in February, the project manager told members of the Siesta Key Association during … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental News, Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Tourism | Comments Off

Ask Otus: Putter’s plight still has happy ending

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-Owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature’s secrets. … Continue reading →

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10% building permit fee reduction continued

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Although the Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously Sept. 11 to maintain a 10% reduction in building permit fees through Oct. 1, 2013, Commissioner Joe Barbetta balked at the prospect of hiring a consult to undertake a study of the county’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Sarasota County | Comments Off

County Commission agrees to settle Medicaid payments lawsuit

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Upon advice of County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh, the Sarasota County Commission this week voted unanimously to settle the lawsuit it had filed against the state over efforts to collect disputed Medicaid payments. However, commissioners said they believed the counties needed … Continue reading →

Posted in Health & Medicine, Sarasota County, State Government | Comments Off

Suspect in Siesta case facing more charges

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A man whom Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies had arrested in early August in connection with fraudulent credit card use on Siesta Key is facing additional charges, the Sheriff’s Office has reported. George Dale Jr., 32, of 9312 Poplar Ave., … Continue reading →

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News Briefs for Sept. 14, 2012

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

International Coastal Cleanup planned for Sept. 15 Keep Sarasota County Beautiful is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2012 International Coastal Cleanup from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 15. A Siesta Key Association team of volunteers will clean … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Environmental News, Health & Medicine, Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Transportation | Comments Off

Documented Siesta Village maintenance costs about $131,000 below assessments

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A gap of almost $131,000 exists between expenses Sarasota County has documented for its upkeep of Siesta Village over the past year and the total amount of special assessments the property owners in the Village Public Improvement District paid for … Continue reading →

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9/11 memorial dedicated in Patriots Park

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Venice firefighters honored On Sept. 11, during a ceremony under much sunnier skies than they saw during the July groundbreaking, members of Salt of the Earth USA, officials of the City of Venice, first responders in the community and residents … Continue reading →

Posted in City of Venice, Nonprofit News, Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County, Sarasota People | Comments Off

‘Rare Finds’ proves a delectable, rare treat

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Exquisite. Engrossing. Endearing. They’re called “artist’s books,” but that appellation cannot begin to convey their charm, their wit, their intricacies — or the level of imagination that dwells within their creators. Through Sept. 19, Selby Gallery on the campus of … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Visual Arts | Comments Off

Arts Alliance contract language tweaked for FY 2013

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

County Commission seeking more documentation of outreach efforts Voicing frustration that she never had received documentation she had requested in June from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the chairwoman of the County Commission this week proposed changes … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Sarasota County | 1 Comment

County Commission splits on public-safety radio initiative

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

3-2 vote allows staff to proceed with plans to hire a consultant The vote was split on Sept. 12, but the Sarasota County Emergency Services staff received the go-ahead to advertise a request for proposals for a consultant to help … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Safety, Sarasota County | Comments Off

Noise, sound pollution ordinances’ sunset could be extended

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Noise ordinance could become part of zoning code The Sarasota County Commission will hold a public hearing on Sept. 25 to determine whether the sunset dates for the county’s Noise and Air and Sound Pollution ordinances should be extended for … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Neighborhoods, Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Tourism | Comments Off

Arts Briefs for Sept. 14, 2012

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Bird Street Players to close out FridayFest Originating in Tampa, the Bird Street Players will return to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, Sept. 14, with a wide range of music, from reggae to funk, from rap to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Concerts & Performances, Visual Arts | Comments Off

Beach Access 5 work rescheduled for Sept. 11

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Because of weather conditions, the closure of the Siesta Beach Access 5 parking lot at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road will has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sarasota County has … Continue reading →

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Mason shifts her swing vote on commercial buildings in major employment centers

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

On two occasions, almost exactly three months apart, Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason was the swing vote for a decision affecting one aspect of the commission’s decision to allow a broader range of commercial uses within major employment centers (MECs) … Continue reading →

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County’s economy saw continued positive trends in August

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The total number of permits Sarasota County staff approved in July for single-family homes was just four higher than July 2011 total, but the value of the construction had more than doubled, according to the August economic report of the … Continue reading →

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County charter amendment approved for Nov. 6 ballot

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A Sarasota County Charter amendment that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot would save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars if approved, the vice chairman of the Charter Review Board indicated in comments to the County Commission on Aug. … Continue reading →

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Buses to bring Crystal Classic visitors through Siesta Village

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

A co-chairwoman of the 2012 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sandsculpting Competition had good news this week for Siesta Village businesses. Plans call for buses transporting people to the event to use the north bridge and travel through Siesta Village … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Siesta Key, Tourism, Visual Arts | Comments Off

Fraudulent credit card usage continuing in Siesta Village

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Siesta Village businesses are continuing to grapple with the use of fraudulent credit cards, several members reported during the Sept. 4 meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association. “We’ve been dinged a few times,” Keith Cipielewski, co-owner of the Siesta … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Siesta Key | Comments Off

Siesta Seen: Pocket park proposal on hold

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Wonder what became of the proposal for a pocket park on that 1-acre vacant lot facing the Gulf of Mexico just north of Siesta Village? Christine P. Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, told me the … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Siesta Seen, Tourism | Comments Off

Siesta Key business owners not giving up on permanent No. 1 beach signs

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

They won’t take “No” for an answer. Siesta Village business owners are determined to find some way to maintain permanent signage about Siesta Public Beach’s No. 1 ranking in 2011 on Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman’s list of the top U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Tourism | Comments Off

Siesta Public Beach improvements on SKA agenda

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The project manager for the Siesta Public Beach Park improvements will be the special guest during the monthly Siesta Key Association meeting on Sept. 6 at St. Boniface Episcopal Church. Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce President Mark Smith reported during … Continue reading →

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Siesta theft suspects caught on tape

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance video of two suspects using allegedly stolen credit cards at Macy’s, with the hope the video will help officers identify and catch the thieves. The credit cards reportedly were taken from the … Continue reading →

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Business concerns sought in advance of walk-through with Siesta Village maintenance contractor

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

With a new contractor preparing to take over the Siesta Village upkeep on Sept. 10, county staff and Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. Chairman Mark Smith will take a final walk through the Village on Sept. 7 with representatives of … Continue reading →

Posted in Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Tourism | Comments Off

Village Association to hold monthly meeting Sept. 4

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Siesta Key Village Association will hold its monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, with updates scheduled on noise issues and crosswalks in Siesta Village. Members also will discuss the third … Continue reading →

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Siesta Beach plan details expected to be ready for stakeholders’ review this week

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County project manager responsible for the Siesta Public Beach Park improvements plan hopes to have clearly organized details of that plan available by the end of this week for Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mark Smith and … Continue reading →

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New Siesta Village maintenance contractor expected to start work Sept. 10

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota County staff is working on a purchase order that should allow the new Siesta Village maintenance contractor to start work on Sept. 10, The Sarasota News Leader has learned. Mark Smith, chairman of the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., … Continue reading →

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County, school officials justify closings in advance of Isaac

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Commission chairwoman and a Sarasota County School Board member this week defended the decision to close schools on Monday as a precaution with then-Tropical Storm Isaac’s path uncertain. School board member Shirley Brown told Emergency Management Chief … Continue reading →

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Earlier schedule announced for construction of Midnight Pass Road crosswalks

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

An earlier schedule for the construction of pedestrian crosswalks on Midnight Pass Road should ensure completion before Thanksgiving, the project consultant told The Sarasota News Leader this week. Instead of beginning in October, as originally planned, the project will get … Continue reading →

Posted in Siesta Key, State Government, Tourism, Transportation | Comments Off

New workforce readiness initiative to move ahead

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Survey just completed points to manufacturing skills gap In an effort to improve workforce readiness in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday, Aug. 29, to ask County Administrator Randall Reid to meet with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Sarasota County, Sarasota School Board | Comments Off

Schools’ five-day enrollment count translating into hiring of more staff

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Although the five-day enrollment total for the Sarasota County Public Schools was 688 below the 41,962 estimate for the 2012-13 school year, district officials will be hiring more staff, Superintendent Lori White told The Sarasota News Leader Aug. 29. “It … Continue reading →

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County officials told they should be proud of high marks on 2012 citizen survey

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

In spite of the extra stress brought on by the Great Recession, the majority of residents continue to give high marks to the quality of life in Sarasota County, the county’s 2012 Citizen Opinion Survey shows. That was the news … Continue reading →

Posted in Neighborhoods, Sarasota County | Comments Off

FPL easement granted for stormwater project on Siesta

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

With no comment, the Sarasota County Commission on Aug. 21 voted unanimously to grant a permanent utility easement to Florida Power and Light Co. for “the construction, operation, and maintenance” of underground and above-ground electrical utility facilities to accommodate the … Continue reading →

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Cattlemen Road site focus of future county emergency operations discussions

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

It was billed as a Sarasota County Commission discussion about the sale of surplus property. What it evolved into was an admonishment that staff not engage in another master facilities plan for the county that would include outside consultants and … Continue reading →

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Damage assessments under way in wake of Isaac

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

  Sarasota County crews are conducting damage assessments and response and relief operations today, Aug. 28, in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac, county officials have reported. As of early afternoon, a county news release says, county creeks and rivers are … Continue reading →

Posted in Sarasota County, Transportation, Weather | Comments Off

Bomb threat may be incidence of ‘SWATing’

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate a bomb threat made this morning, Aug. 27, regarding a Sarasota County Area Transit bus, the office has announced. At approximately 9:15 a.m. the Sarasota County switchboard received a call from … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime & Law Enforcement, Sarasota County | Comments Off

Government functions to return to normal Tuesday

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Garbage collection to resume Aug. 28 Now that tropical storm warnings and watches have been lifted for Sarasota County, Emergency Management officials have announced resumption of bus service, garbage collection and schools on Tuesday, Aug. 28. All Sarasota County government offices … Continue reading →

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Sarasota County schools to reopen Tuesday

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

All Sarasota County public schools will reopen Tuesday, Aug. 28, after being closed Monday as Tropical Storm Isaac approached. Superintendent Lori White, in consultation with Sarasota County Emergency Management officials, closed schools as a precautionary measure today, Aug. 27. Officials … Continue reading →

Posted in Sarasota School Board | Comments Off

Heavy rain, rip currents expected as Isaac passes

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota County residents and visitors are urged to remain alert to storm conditions and exercise caution as Tropical Storm Isaac moves through the Gulf of Mexico, a county news release advises today, Aug. 27. High winds and heavy rain are expected … Continue reading →

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More closings, storm shelter openings announced

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

More Sarasota County and municipal closings have been announced in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac. The storm is expected to increase to hurricane strength late today, Aug. 26, or early Monday morning, county Emergency Management officials warn. Tropical storm-force winds are … Continue reading →

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Sarasota County Emergency Management ramping up activities in preparation for Isaac

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Schools to be closed Monday (This article was updated at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 25 with more information from the Sarasota County Public Schools.) The Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center has moved up to Level 2 activation, the county has announced, … Continue reading →

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County libraries’ computer catalog system to be shut down for maintenance Aug. 28

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Library System will shut down its computer catalog system on Tuesday, Aug. 28, to allow for maintenance of the software used to keep track of the more than 1 million items circulated annually, the county has announced. … Continue reading →

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County Commission declares state of emergency

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Sarasota County Commission today, Aug 24, unanimously declared a state of emergency because of the potential threat from Tropical Storm Isaac. The action was “strictly an administrative procedure,” Ed McCrane, the county’s emergency management chief, pointed out in remarks … Continue reading →

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FDOT nixes beach ball signs

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

The Florida Department of Transportation has ended Siesta residents’ dreams of seeing yellow-and-white beach ball signs replace the brown Siesta No. 1 Beach signs at Sarasota County Area Transit stops. An Aug. 20 memo to the County Commission from Rob … Continue reading →

Posted in Sarasota County, Siesta Key, Tourism | Comments Off

Reid’s new staff recommendations win commission approval

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Lee Ann Lowery and Mark A. Cunningham have been appointed assistant Sarasota County administrators by County Administrator Randall H. Reid. Lowery will begin work Sept. 10, while Cunningham will start work on Sept. 24, Reid said. The County Commission voted … Continue reading →

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County crews continuing their battle with seaweed

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Sarasota County crews have removed more than 300 tons of seaweed from county beaches since July 1, county officials have announced. County staff and inmates from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Offender Work Program are continuing the effort to clean beaches … Continue reading →

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Code Enforcement Office gets OK for overtime hours

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Rachel Brown Hackney

Pointing out that code enforcement complaints after hours and on weekends aren’t just noise-related, the Sarasota County Commission this week unanimously approved inclusion of overtime hours in the next fiscal year budget for officers to handle those complaints. At the … Continue reading →

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