North Port adds $4.1M for Warm Mineral Springs restoration
The springs project moves ahead, plus a $91.8M storm-recovery vote and this week's museum nights.
North Port has approved $4.1 million in additional funding for the restoration of Warm Mineral Springs, one of the city's most beloved sites. The new allocation closes a construction gap in the historic park's building rehabilitation project, the long-planned effort to fix up the structures at the site. Because the money comes on top of earlier funding, the vote is aimed at keeping the work moving rather than starting over, directed at improvements that have long been planned for the park. With the gap in construction costs now covered, the project can advance toward completing the building work. It marks another step in a rehabilitation effort that has been long in the works, and it brings the reopening of the improved buildings closer to reality. (Sarasota Magazine)
County approves $91.8M for storm recovery
The Sarasota County Commission has approved a $91.8 million budget amendment to fund hurricane recovery projects across the county. The spending is directed at recovery work that remains ongoing after a string of major storms, a reminder that the return to normalcy is still a work in progress. County reimbursements for storm-related costs continue to lag, which keeps pressure on local budgets even as the projects move forward. The amendment keeps money flowing to those efforts while the county waits on reimbursements that have been slow to arrive. (WUSF)
Adopt a sea turtle nest through Mote
Mote Marine Laboratory is inviting the public to adopt a local sea turtle nest, with the adoption fee going toward its sea turtle research and conservation work. The program helps biologists better understand the turtles' biology and behavior, and it gives residents a hands-off way to support that work. For anyone who wants to back local marine conservation without getting out on the sand, it's a straightforward way to pitch in. (Sarasota Magazine)
A gator turned up in a Venice pool
An alligator turned a Venice backyard pool into its own swimming spot, and a Ring camera caught the whole thing. The homeowner was alerted to the reptile paddling around in the water, an unexpected guest rather than the usual kind. It's the sort of warm-weather wildlife surprise that shows up around Sarasota County from time to time, and a reminder to keep an eye on the yard. (WFLA)
Mote SEA pairs an aquarium with free student labs
Mote SEA is open to visitors in Sarasota, combining aquarium exhibits with marine science education. Students across the greater Tampa Bay region receive free access to marine STEM education through three teaching labs. The facility gives residents a public aquarium and a school-focused learning resource under one roof. (WUSF)
Ex-Little League treasurer guilty in $200K theft
Ahnysa Turner, a former treasurer of Sarasota Little League, has been found guilty of stealing more than $200,000 from the youth baseball organization. Turner was convicted on Monday and sentenced to a year in jail, and was ordered to pay $176,000 in restitution. The case centered on money taken from the local league that supports youth baseball in the area, closing out a theft that added up to a substantial loss for the nonprofit. (WFLA)
Family Puzzle Night at The Ringling
Family Puzzle Night takes over the Museum of Art at The Ringling on Thursday, July 16, starting at 5 p.m. The evening is filled with puzzles and family activities, an easy indoor outing for parents and kids after the workday winds down. (The Ringling)
Guided tours at Sarasota Art Museum
Docent-led guided tours run at Sarasota Art Museum on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. The conversational walk-throughs are led by museum docents who share background and insight on the works currently on view, aimed at anyone who wants a little more context with the art. (Sarasota Art Museum)
Art on Film: 'Taking Venice'
Sarasota Art Museum's Art on Film series presents a screening of 'Taking Venice' on July 23. The program pairs films with the museum's focus on art, giving visitors an evening option connected to what's on view. (Sarasota Art Museum)
Highlights Tour at Sarasota Art Museum, July 22
Sarasota Art Museum hosts a Highlights Tour on Wednesday, July 22. The midweek program gives visitors another guided opportunity to explore the art on view and learn more about the current exhibitions. Event details are available through the museum's official page. (Sarasota Art Museum)
Your Wednesday Playdate at Sarasota Art Museum
Sarasota Art Museum hosts Your Wednesday Playdate on Wednesday, July 22. The program gives residents another midweek museum option, with details available through the official event page. Anyone interested can check the museum's schedule before heading over. (Sarasota Art Museum)
Ron White at the Van Wezel
Comedian Ron White brings his stand-up show to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, September 13. The performance is for audiences 18 and older, so it's an adults-only night for anyone planning ahead on the fall calendar. (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall)