State Legislature Candidates Forum Set For Sept. 27

1. The ManaSota League of Cities will host a candidate forum for the Florida General Assembly from 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 at City Hall.

Candidates seeking offices as state representative or state senator will appear to discuss priority issues facing Florida’s cities.

Candidates scheduled to attend include:

• Paula House – Democrat Candidate for Senate District 26        
• Jim Boyd – Republican Candidate for House District 71
• Adam Tebrugge – Democrat Candidate for House District 71
• Liz Alpert – Democrat Candidate for House District 72
• Ray Pilon – Republican Candidate for House District 72
• Bob McCann – NPA Candidate for House District 73
• Greg Stuebe – Republican Candidate for House District 73

2. Say hello to the new Director of Marketing at Goodwill Manasota, Yen Reed. 

Reed was previously the Business Development and Public Relations Specialist at Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.  A graduate of the University of Florida, she brings with her over a decade of public relations and communications experience. 

“I am attracted by the company's mission and its commitments to the community,” said Reed.  “I believe that teaching people how to apply themselves is the best multiplier to truly create change.”

You can reach Reed at Yen.Reed@gimi.org

3. Dickie V 2012! Vote for Lakewood Ranch resident and ESPN college hoops analyst Dick Vitale as philanthropist of the year in this Tampa Bay Business Journal poll.he V Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer that is funding research and education programs at ACH, including the new Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship.

He holds an annual Dick Vitale Gala, which has raised millions over the past seven years. Earlier this summer, Vitale also purchased new uniforms for Booker High School's football team.

4. Bistro 502, a restaurant staffed by high school and adult students in the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Program at the Sarasota County Technical Institute, will open its doors to the public for the school year today at 11 a.m. The bistro will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays throughout the school year, with some exceptions.

The menu will change periodically, starting with a menu of Spanish, Mediterranean and California cuisine through Oct. 25. The restaurant will be closed the week of Oct. 28 and will reopen Tuesday, Nov. 6.

5. Alta Vista Neighborhood Association will take up the topic of the proposed Walmart at the Ringling Shopping Center, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"video-walmart-discusses-proposed-supercenter-with-sarasota"} --> and the School Avenue area at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday. The meeting will be at the