Sarasota

Manatee Seeks To Stem Shortage Of Nurses

Manatee and Sarasota area hospitals experience an average annual lack of 153 RNs and 96 RN openings due to turnovers. Several steps are being taken to increase nursing preparedness and overcome the shortage--State College of Florida introduced a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Sarasota Memorial Hospital offers 100 percent tuition reimbursement for continued nursing education. Regional workforce group CareerEdge was awarded a grant totaling $289,619 to fund a three-year training program at five local health care organizations. Read the complete story.

Recruiter To Fill 60+ Tech Jobs, Sees Uptick In Hiring

CEO and IT job recruiter Fritz Eichelberger says his company, Hotspaces.net, currently is recruiting for 60+ job openings that he is trying to fill for various clients. The Hotspaces.net website has been up since 1999, and Eichelberger, who recruited throughout the recession, says he sees signs of life again in the marketplace.The four major industry sectors that Eichelberger targets for recruiting employees: technology, interactive marketing, sales and healthcare compliance. While most of his clients are in the Tampa Bay region, he says he is expanding in the Orlando region as well. In November, Eichelberger hosted the "Pure and Shameless Technology Networking Social'' at Blue Martini on Bay Street at International Plaza. About 250 attended. "The attendance for this event was a bit higher than the last one I did in June," Eichelberger says. He holds similar networking events three to five times a year at various locations. "I draw people to my events from Sarasota, Wesley Chapel and North Pinellas, so I try to make the locations equally convenient for everyone."Eichelberger says those who have been unemployed for some time should not get discouraged. "Half of the people I placed this year have been unemployed for over six months or even one year," Eichelberger says. "In my experience, there isn't any discrimination where companies are telling me, I don't want someone who has been unemployed for some 'time'." Although things are looking more promising for the unemployed, Eichelberger advises jobseekers to do what is needed to stand out."Own your accomplishments and put them on your resume," Eichelberger says. "Your accomplishments will set you apart from competitors in the marketplace."Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Fritz Eichelberger, Hotspaces.net

Sarasota Builder Donates Playground For Autistic Students At Pinnacle Academy

Sarasota area students attending a school for autistic and behaviorally challenged children have new recreation choices thanks in part to a Sarasota construction company.Holland Construction donated its time and labor to construct two basketball courts and a tether ball court to the Pinnacle Academy. Funding for the equipment was raised through the academy's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)."It's the first sports-related area for them," says Joe Holland, president of the construction company. "We went in and excavated the area, poured the concrete pads and installed the equipment. It took a few weeks to complete. From the time we began to the time we finished it took about a week or two. It was an honor to be a part of the project."The kids need this kind of play environment and to get some additional stimulation through sports and exercise," continues Holland. "Some children respond really easily to those types of activities. I know my son does."Holland's 4-year-old son attends the school, and Holland is a staunch supporter of Pinnacle and its mission. He serves on the board of the Center for Autism Resources and Education (CARE), which provides families who are facing autism or a related disability in the Sarasota/Manatee, Florida, area with resources, support and education. "The Pinnacle Academy has been a great resource," he explains. "We relocated down here from the Baltimore area specifically for our son to attend there. They have a very unique approach to the development of the children. Most institutions take a narrow approach, but the Pinnacle Academy takes a wider one and truly understands that each child has unique needs in terms of education and therapy. My child has responded tremendously since he started there."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Joe Holland, Holland Construction

Giving Thanks In Tampa Bay

Over the miles and through the skies to special places we go. The Garmin knows the way, to carry the day through the sand and sunshine too-ooo! Over the miles and through the skies, oh how the time does go. It marks the roads but can't pay the tolls, as over the ground we go.  Over the miles and through the skies, to have a first rate day. Oh hear the voice of TomTom too. Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Creative Loafing Sarasota Picks Best Of Suncoast

What's your favorite restaurant in Sarasota? Which local band do you think is the Tampa Bay region's next big thing? Who do you think is propelling the region into a brighter future?Creative Loafing Sarasota selects its picks for best in food, music, art, theater and pop culture in its recent Best of the Suncoast issue.The selections include the 2010 International Theatre Festival in Venice for Best MultiNational Stage Show, progressive chef Derek Barnes for Best Chef and nods to local bands Seven Years Past and Have Gun, Will Travel.Read the complete list of people, places and events recognized.

Being The Boss: A Growing Choice In Tampa Bay

As entrepreneurs drive the local as well as the national economy, a fly fisherman, a restaurant owner and a videographer share lessons learned with other 83 Degrees readers considering the pursuit of independent success.  

Green Design Book Elevates Sarasota Design Firm

The Shimberg Group, a Sarasota-based architectural and interior design firm, was recently published in Martin Pegler's upcoming design book.The book, Green Retail Design, focuses on projects that emphasize re-use, re-purpose, recycle and re-profit principles.The Schimberg Group is featured for its design of two Whole Foods Markets in Orlando and Naples.Read the complete story.

New Sarasota Fitness Classes Boast Quick Results

Twenty minutes is all it takes. That's what Rick Wisotzke says. And he hopes to prove it to Tampa Bay clients with the opening of his Ninja CrossFit classes in Sarasota. Housed at the Extreme Fitness facility at 2383 Industrial Blvd., the classes are held mornings and evenings and taught exclusively by Wisotzke, a certified CrossFit trainer. Classes combine weightlifting, sprinting and gymnastics that work several fitness domains in a fast-paced environment. "You work really fast so you're working anaerobically," says Wisotzke. "It's training that transfers into every day life. Not just for looks but for fitness you use in everyday life. It can help with osteoporosis for older women, everyday lifting for moms or training for weekend athletes."Wisotzke hopes to build more than a thriving business. It is his goal to create a community of people devoted to fitness and healthful living."What I'm trying to build here is a community rather than just a workout facility," he says. "It's about a general lifestyle. I currently take shopping trips with my clients, pushing organics and nutrition. I'd eventually like to build a community garden to get a community going."Originally from Rochester, NY, Wisotzke discovered CrossFit after two accidents that doctors said would leave him permanently disabled. "They told me I'd be in a brace and using a cane for the rest of my life," he says. "But here I am teaching. I love it down here. I'm in flip flops all the time, so I'm an old Florida boy now."Prices begin at $10 per class, or $110 a month for unlimited classes. Wisotzke also offers individual training for $50 per hour.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Rick Wisotzke, Ninja CrossFit

Sarasota Tech Firm Plans To Add 60+ Jobs