WHAT'S HAPPENING | Week of Aug. 26

Boat races bring big money to Sarasota

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix organizers added another day of racing this year, and the overall event generated a $6 million greater economic impact for the region than in 2014.

According to a report commissioned by Visit Sarasota County, the festival poured more than $20 million direct spending from 65,679 out-of-state and non-local spectators, participants, coaches and members of the media. That equates to a $32 million economic impact, considering indirect local spending triggered by the event.

"The Grand Prix Festival is a prime example of the impact sports tourism brings to this community,” said Festival Director Lucy Nicandri in a news release. Nicandri also serves as executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children, which oversees and benefits from the event.

The report estimates Sarasota County recouped $120,750 in tourist development taxes from the festival, and $322,000 from state and local sales tax. The county budgeted $94,200 in tourist taxes to support the event.

"It's clear from the numbers in our report that thousands of visitors have now made it a tradition to spend their July Fourth weekend holiday in Sarasota County to enjoy the races and this annual festival,” said Visit Sarasota County President Virginia Haley in the news release.

What's the buzz?

While a rogue rooster continues to call an Osprey neighborhood home, supporters and detractors of the cocky fowl responded on Facebook and through email with suggestions for Park Trace Estates residents.

"Great to see those in Osprey are eschewing a fowl attitude when it comes to who will rule the roost—er, that is. To be downright peckish, please note our best towns sport both fin and fowl. Quit your cackling and wing it! " — Carolyn Davis Cockey

"Catch it and drop it on Longboat. They love Roosters." — Chris Jones

"Trap him and give him an all expense paid one way trip to Key West." — Jo-Ann Horn Olszewski

"Don't know who decided on the name 'Randy,' but from the admirers of him, his name is 'Bongo.' Since he has selected our neighborhood to roost in, the insects, reptiles and rodents have decreased significantly." — Lori Andrews

Meetings & Agendas

Siesta Key Village Association meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, Siesta Key