Bradenton

Waste Pro Opens New Solar-Powered Building In Bradenton

Bradenton Private School LEEDs Manatee County In Going Green

The new Saint Stephen's Episcopal School is the first publicly registered school in the Tampa Bay region to seek a LEED Gold certification for environmental awareness. Officials aim to win the prestigious Gold certification by the end of the school year.

Lakewood Ranch Shows Signs Of Economic Rebound

At the bottom of the housing bust in 2008-09, the Lakewood Ranch development had about 850 homes on the market. That number has been reduced to about 215, says public relations manager Candice McElyea, a sign that the 8,500-acre development in Sarasota and Manatee counties is on the verge of an economic rebound. Furthermore, McElyea says, Lakewood Ranch expects to sell 350-400 homes this year, which could signal a resurgence in construction in the development. In January, 24 new home contracts were signed or reservations made and 68 new homes already were under construction. "This is the highest amount of construction activity we have seen on the ranch since 2006," said Lakewood Ranch Communities President Milt Flinn. "We are excited and encouraged by the sales we have experienced in the first month of the year; in addition our traffic is up considerably compared to this time last year." According to figures compiled by McElyea's office, visitors to Lakewood Ranch's models and information center increased by 35 percent in January, with 997, compared to 741 in January 2009. The number of return visitors in January also increased: 387 in January 2010, compared to 256 in January 2009. There have been promising signs on the retail side, as well. Ad Relevancy and Smith and Dine law offices opened recently at Lakewood Ranch's Energy Court Center and Sarasota architect Don Lawson moved his office to Lakewood Ranch. A health and wellness center, operated by physician Harvey Mishner, recently opened in a former bank building on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. While the real estate activity has not yet approached the level it reached at the height of the housing boom, when more than 1,000 homes would annually be sold at Lakewood Ranch, indications are that the development has turned in a promising direction, McElyea says. "I think, overall, the economy is getting better," says McElyea. "But it's going to recover fastest where people feel their value is protected. We have so many more years of development and growth that are going to happen here. Obviously, the country is suffering now, but there are little pockets of places that are going to come back sooner." Writer: Carter Gaddis Source: Candice McElyea, Lakewood Ranch

Lakeland Green Business Expo Promotes Local Sustainability

Jeff Kratsch initially wanted to put his marketing skills to work raising awareness about protecting the environment "one light bulb at a time." He founded his Bradenton-based environmental nonprofit, OneLightBlub.org, in 2007 with that in mind."There's so much information out there about sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start," says Kratsch. "The original model was to help people figure out how to change a light bulb, the easy energy conservation stuff."The concept bloomed into what he hopes will become a regular series of green business expositions. It started with what Kratsch called a "flawless" event in Sarasota-Bradenton in June 2009, and will continue Feb. 27 at the Lakeland Center with the Lakeland Green Business Expo.The events have been given a catchy name, created by Kratsch and his 11-year-old daughter: Green Home WamaLama Green Business Expo. The goal is to create a local answer to sustainability, green living and green business practices, and to showcase "American innovation in the new 'green' economy."The Lakeland event, featuring a recycling drive and an Eco-Kids zone with fun learning activities, will showcase green initiatives developed by government agencies across Lakeland and Polk County.The expo will include exhibits and programs by "Green Earth Presentation" sponsors such as Magnify Credit Union, QuickBeam Energy of Winter Haven, new hybrid vehicles from local auto dealers and other vendors of sustainable and energy saving products and services.Krastch says he's planning a third show in October 2010."We're not trying to be a big Vegas-style or Orlando-style trade show," Kratsch says. "We really are trying to promote local business, local economies and demonstrate ways to drive the sustainability when you find these things."The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Writer: Carter GaddisSource: Jeff Kratsch, OneLightBulb.org

Florida May Add Incentives To Attract Film Industry

Economist Hank Fishkind Brings Economic Forecast To Bradenton

ArtCenter Wins New Lease In Bradenton

Knight Foundation Extends Free Public Internet Access To Bradenton

Tampa Bay Sports Stars Score Big With Their Causes

Fighting cancer and helping children top the charitable giving lists of some of the Tampa Bay region's favorite professional ball players and coaches.