Sarasota's 5 Things To Know: Rowing Park Receives State Funding

1. The is closer to its planned reality now that Gov. Rick Scott signed the state's budget and didn't veto $5 million pegged for the park like he did last year.

WWSB has the details on what it means to Benderson Development and that the $5 million has strings attached:

"This means we can move forward and meet our timelines to host national and international competitions," said Paul Blackketter, with Benderson Development.

Yet, the governor says that if certain economic goals are not met with the rowing center, the state will be able to take back its $5 million investment.

2. In related Benderson action at the park, from walkable community mixing residential and shopping inspired by communities such as Celebration, Florida, and Columbia, Maryland, to a shopping mall inspired by most towns in America, the Benderson-owned University Town Center is dramatically changing the shape of its plans for the development north of Nathan Benderson Park, The Herald-Tribune reports. A staff review of the changes is scheduled for Thursday, the paper reports.

3. A benefit for the Ave Maria Preparatory School for Special Learning Needs is looking for folks to step up to the casino table for the eighth annual Miracle Fest. The school in Myakka City is the only K-12 school specifically for special learning needs in Sarasota and surrounding counties. The event isn't until May 19, but organizers are looking for people to reserve now. The casino night will be from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, May 19 at . Cost is $100 per ticket. For more info, call 941-322-1601.

4. New Balance has launched a campaign to provide up to 5,000 pairs of “made in America” footwear to Active Duty members. and University Park will donate a pair of shoes for every $10 in-store donation and purchase made by a customer. In partnership with New Balance Corporation, shoes will be collected and sent to the USO which will be responsible for distribution to troops. Donations that exceed the 5,000 pairs will be donated to the USO as cash. For more information, visit www.newbalancesarasota.com or call 941-921-3696.

5. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students at the  are collecting donations to make Mother’s Day kits for local women’s shelters. Travel-size toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant and powder will be accepted through the first week of May. Donations can be dropped off at the school, 5840 26^th St. West, building 28. For more information or to make a donation, call OTA Director Debra Chasanoff at 941-752-5346 or chasand@scf.edu.