WHAT'S HAPPENING: Consortium of Colleges, City land swap

Local archaeologists start the new year by digging up the past at Phillippi Estate Park in an excavation to outline the site known as the Manasota midden, a site that is believed to have been occupied 2,500 to 1,300 years ago. Here, New College student Kris Brzostek points out an indent on a quahog, or hard-shell clam, that could have been used as a tool by natives.

Watch archaeologists unearth history here.

“She always told me that giving is better than receiving, and she told everyone who would thank her for her service, ‘Oh no, you’re serving me.’” — Judy Vigder, on her mother, Florence Katz, 100 who died Dec. 26

WHAT'S THE BUZZ

Representatives from New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art & Design, State College of Florida and University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Eckerd College and Florida State University announced the launch of the Consortium of Colleges on the Creative Coast, also known as C4, that will allow students to take courses at four of the colleges.

Here's what our Facebook readers had to say about the consortium:

"Love this idea and the diverse education this collection of coursework and experiences could provide!" Amy Treilby

"Not really a model. We've had this since late 1950 at UMASS Amherst, and Smith, Amherst and Mount Holyoke Colleges. Excellent program." Joan McKniff

"Excellent idea. Can't believe they are talking about it taking 5 years. How about September?" Tony Romanus

BY  THE NUMBERS

$250 million — The dollar volume of projects Jim Bridges’ Jebco Ventures is currently developing. (See page 12A)

140,000 — The approximate number of visitors to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens annually. (See page 10A)

3% to 5% — The amount by which Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President/CEO Rick Piccolo expects airport traffic to increase in 2016. (See page 14A)

City explores downtown land deal with developer

Plans for a roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road are still years from becoming a reality, but the city may take action soon to ensure the project can move ahead.

In a 3-2 vote, the City Commission directed staff Monday to negotiate a potential land swap with Palsar Developments Inc., the owner of a 1.5-acre site at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Fruitville.

If the commission eventually approves the land swap, the city could obtain land along Fruitville and U.S. 41 that is incorporated in the Florida Department of Transportation’s conceptual designs for the roundabout. In return, the developer would get a portion of adjacent city-owned land at the corner of Fruitville and U.S. 41 not used for the construction of the roundabout.

MEETINGS

Sarasota County Commission meeting – 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

Sarasota County Commission meeting – 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, Commission Chamber, Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota