the 941

Yep, this sucker’s going up next spring, right along 41 between 4th Street and Boulevard of the Arts (also known as 6th Street), meaning we here at CL are going to get first-row seats to the construction. According to today’s Herald-Tribune, the complex will include a Waldorf-Astoria and a performing arts center. The city commission voted unanimously to approve the project, despite past reservations about the Proscenium’s impact on Tamiami Trail traffic. I guess the chance to create 6,600 local jobs speaks pretty loudly these days.

Let’s hope the Proscenium lives up to its promise and gets built in a timely manner. Pineapple Square was slated to start going up nearly two years ago and, aside from a Brooks Brothers and a Tastings or two, construction has yet to begin.

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Well, Sarasota, it’s been a solid 320 days since you and I last spoke, since I split from the Creative Loafing family because, gosh, you just don’t turn down four months of no rent in Venice, Italy. (For kicks, you can read my “farewell” column here.) So I spent my springtime in Venice, returned to Sarasota in early May, bounced around as a freelancer for a couple months, then picked up work as a field organizer with the Barack Obama campaign. Funny thing about working for campaigns, though: They end.

So, voilà, I’m back. And I’m damn happy to be here.

You’ll hear more from me in the coming days and weeks, of course, and you’ll also have the chance to get to know our new staff writer, Tim Sukits, as well as hear from our cavalcade of regular voices. In the meantime, send me an email (cooper@creativeloafing.com) or give me a call (941-906-7476) and let me know exactly what rules, what sucks and what you want to hear more about. I’m here for you, so let it all out.

Can’t lie, Sarasota: It feels good to be back.

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It’s Monday morning, bad weather is looming on the horizon, so let’s get right to the bad news:

• Is being intelligent a political liability in America?

• The bloom is off the rose at the Beijing Games.

• Heartless cop lets man’s dog die during traffic stop.

• Economic collapse approaches.How does double-digit inflation sound?

• The average U.K citizen is filmed by 3,000 government cameras every day. The United States is pissed off that we’re so far behind and is working to catch up.

• Federal court rules that the state has more important things to worry about that voters’ rights.

• If you go to the Democratic National Convention you may end up at “Gitmo on the Platte.”

•  The protests at both conventions are expected to be huge.

• Why does the mainstream media give John McCain pass after pass?

• The return of debtor’s prison?

• What is U.S. prison labor making for you? You’ll be surprised.

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“Congressman in Court” commercial looks at Buchanan’s history of legal woes

Christine Jennings for U.S. Congress launched a new television ad that began airing Friday across the 13th Congressional District. The ad, entitled “Our Congressman in Court,” points out that Vern Buchanan and his businesses have been sued more than 180 times, including recent lawsuits involving former employees who are alleging systematic consumer fraud, along with significant violations of campaign finance law.

“Incredibly, Vern Buchanan and his companies have been sued more than 180 times, from former franchisees of the American Speedy printing company that went bankrupt to whistleblowers at his car dealerships who lost their jobs,” said Jennings spokesperson Melissa Smith. “Voters need to know about this longstanding pattern of Buchanan and the way he has done business.  It’s earned him the title of “Our Congressman in Court.” Florida’s 13th District deserves a representative who will protect consumers and set an example of integrity and leadership. Buchanan should be accountable and provide clear responses to these allegations.”

For more, go to www.ourcongressmanincourt.com.

The script of the ad follows:

Christine Jennings: I’m Christine Jennings and I approve this ad.

Announcer: This is the defendant – Congressman Vern Buchanan. He and his companies have been sued over 180 times. And now Vern Buchanan’s being taken to court by former employees who say they were forced to give to his congressional campaign. These people are not actors. These are actual litigants who have sued Vern Buchanan and his companies when they’ve thought he’s taken the law for granted.  To find out more about the “Courtroom Congressman,” stay tuned to “OurCongressmaninCourt.com.”

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Christine Jennings Challenges Vern Buchanan to Debates

Jennings Running Open and Honest Campaign, Calls On Buchanan to Do the Same

Christine Jennings, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, today challenged Representative Vern Buchanan to a series of public debates before the November election, so that Floridians can see where both candidates stand on the issues.

“The voters of the 13th Congressional District deserve every possible opportunity to hear the substantial differences between Christine Jennings and Vern Buchanan from the candidates themselves,” said Jennings spokesperson Melissa Smith. “Candidate debates are one of the cornerstones of our democratic system, but so far during this campaign Vern Buchanan has tried to hide from any real debate on the issues and his record.”

Rep. Buchanan has avoided appearing at any public candidate forums, including one on global warming hosted by Greenpeace in April. On August 6th, Buchanan refused to appear at a well-attended candidate event hosted by The Meadows Community Association in Sarasota. Buchanan has also declined invitations to appear at a Tiger Bay Club meeting in Sarasota with other Congressional candidates.

“Christine Jennings has made a commitment to openness and transparency in her campaign,” continued Smith. “Unfortunately, Vern Buchanan has chosen a different route. The voters deserve to hear from Buchanan, and Christine Jennings is ready and willing to debate him repeatedly until November’s election. We look forward to hearing from his campaign on whether he believes, as Christine does, that the voters of the 13th District deserve a series of debates to hear from the candidates directly on the critical issues facing our district and our country.”

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Sarasota Bay: Celebrating Our Water Heritage

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Invites the Public to See New Documentary

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) invites the public to a free viewing of its new documentary Sarasota Bay: Celebrating Our Water Heritage.  Produced by local award-winning filmmaker, Florida Journey Communications, the 28-minute documentary makes a compelling case for what’s been achieved — and still needs to happen — to sustain the health of Sarasota Bay.

The featured theme is Sarasota Bay as the economic engine of our area and why healthy ecosystems make economic contributions that transcend conventional accounting.

The film features:
•    On-camera interviews with area leaders, including Jack Merriam (Environmental Manager, Sarasota County), Ernie Estevez, Ph.D. (MOTE), Jono Miller (New College), Pat Glass (Southwest Florida Water Management District), Jon Thaxton (Sarasota Commissioner) and Charlie Hunsicker (Manatee County Conversation Lands Management)

Plus discusssions of:
•    Habitat restorations—20 years of progress
•    Indications that the estuarine system has improved substantially
•    Why continued nutrient reduction is a top priority
•    Low-impact development—high-impact issue for the future
•    The “Water Connection”—why citizen participation matters so much
•    Gulf Coast Heritage Trail and ecotourism
•    SBEP’s vision for a sustainable future

There will be two showings at each of the following locations.  Each showing will be followed by a question and answer session.

Saturday August 9 – Manatee County Extension Service offices, Kendrick Auditorium.  1303 17th Street West, Palmetto.  First showing 10 a.m.  Second showing 11 a.m.

Saturday August 16 – FTB Jacaranda Library meeting room.  4143 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice.  First showing noon.  Second showing 1 p.m.

Saturday August 23 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in the Cooley Theater.  811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota.  First showing 1 p.m.  Second showing 2 p.m.

To RSVP for this event or for more information on the video, please contact the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program at 941-955-8085 or visit info@sarasotabay.org.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area’s greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public.  Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an “estuary of national significance.”

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Why was the CIA protecting Radovan Karadzic, the butcher of Kosovo?

• Economic news just continues to get worse.

• Now even prime borrowers are starting to default on loans.

• Bradenton bank goes belly-up.

• What’s really killing newspapers.

• On Joe Klein’s stand against Israeli neocons, the most dangerous people in the world.

• Another view on the kerfluffle.

• Osama bin Laden’s driver is on “trial” in Guantanamo Bay right now. But even if he is exonerated, what will we do with him? We could send him to the new prisons we’re building in Saudi Arabia. Or maybe the one we’re building on Diego Garcia?

• Think the surge has made life better in Baghdad? Think again:

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Accreditation Team Invites Public Comments about the Sarasota Police? Department?

A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement? Accreditation (CFA) will arrive to examine all aspects of the Sarasota Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief Peter Abbott announced Tuesday.

The Sarasota Police Department has to comply with approximately 250 standards in? order to receive accredited status. As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.

The public may call 954-7051 on 8-13-08, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards. A copy of the standards is available through SPD’s Public Information Officer, Capt. Stan Duncan at 954-7032.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the SPD’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write to; CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817.

The Accreditation Manager for the SPD is Sgt. Scott Mayforth. Sgt. Mayforth said the assessment teamis composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.

The CFA Team Leader is Assistant Chief John Dean of the University of North Florida Police Department. Other team members are Deputy Chief Joe Hall of the Panama City Police Department and Lt. Darryl Daniels of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status. The SPD’s accreditation is for three years.

Chief Peter Abbott stated “Accreditation indicates adherence to policies and procedures recognized as best practices in the policing profession. This will be the third time the SPD will undergo the accreditation process and we look forward to a successful review.”

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Sea turtle nesting season along local beaches is in full swing with the number of loggerhead nests now topping 1,000 for the season and running well ahead of 2007’s disappointing numbers.

From our friends at Mote Marine Laboratory:

Also from our friend at Mote, here are some dos and don’ts that people can remember to help clear the way for nesting turtles:

Do:

• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
• Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
• Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
• Place trash in its proper place
Do Not:

• Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
• Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged
• Use fireworks on the beach

Sea turtles are protected under federal law and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle, living or dead, is subject to penalty. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 388-4331. If you find a dead or injured sea turtle contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 988-0212.

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OK, most of us no longer get summer vacations and some of us can’t even remember that far back, but for many high school students, summer is a time to forget everything you just learned and spend idle time getting into trouble.

Fortunately, there are some good options for those motivated to get involved in community leadership.

A baker’s dozen of teens will graduate tomorrow from the STAR Leadership Training program provided by Community Youth Development. Students will be honored at a graduation ceremony at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 30 at the Leila and Michael Gompertz Center, 2635 Fruitville Road.

The mission of the STAR Leadership Training is to empower high school aged youth as community leaders through training and education.  Youth participate in extensive training (75 hours) focused on development of leadership, communication and group work skills, as well as specific tools needed to serve on boards, such as meeting protocol and member responsibilities.

Once trained, youth serve in a decision making position as a full and equal member of a city or county government committee, on a noprofit board of directors, or on countywide councils focused on education, law enforcement, community service or positive teen activities.

Since the program was created in 2000, 380  youth have completed the training.   Currently, 130 youth are serving in leadership positions.  STAR is recognized as a national model for engaging youth in community and civic life.

This year’s graduates are:  Kenna Allison, Ivan Bahamon, Celina Burchett, Katlin Burpee, Emma Dietrich, Patrick Ferlise, Jesse Frimmel, Hannah Greenwald, Dustin Morris, Alyssa Nutter, David Portnow, Jennie Williams and Sebastian Wright.

These are some of our best and brightest and will be runnign the show sooner than we all think.

STAR is funded through a grant from the Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the CYD Project.  For additional information on the Community Youth Development Project, please contact Karen Bogues, Project Director at 922-5126.

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