News Briefs

+ County files lawsuit against Sanborn Studios
The county filed a lawsuit against Sanborn Studios LLC July 28 for a breach of contract and indebtedness.

The county entered an agreement with Sanborn in 2010 to offer an incentive to relocate to Sarasota and help promote economic development and encourage new business.

Sanborn had told the county it would produce about 117 new jobs from 2010 to 2013. The positions were to be full time with an average wage of $72,029. For each position Sanborn failed to make, it was supposed to reimburse the county $2,992.

The county gave Sanborn two incentives, one for location and the other for operations, totaling $650,000.
After just more than a year, Sanborn closed its studio in Lakewood Ranch in December 2011 and failed to create the required jobs.

Sanborn defended its actions in a press release, noting it met with the county last year. At that meeting, the county affirmed Sanborn had created 200 jobs that met the stipulations in the contract.

+ Grand Prix surpasses 2013 economic impact
The 2014 Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival sailed into Sarasota County last month and unfurled an even greater economic impact than the previous year.

The 30th annual boat race and event, held from June 28 through July 6, spurred a $17.2 million overall economic impact and generated 15,900 room nights in local hotels. Out-of-county visitors (the largest boon to a local economy during an event) spent $9.6 million, which was an 8.6% jump over the previous year’s event.

+ Sarasota deputies investigate homicide
A domestic-related shooting left one man dead Monday, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call before 1 p.m. at a home on Ranchero Drive and found the body of 41-year-old Michael Reign Goodman. Authorities took Karli Wilbanks, 25, in for questioning but released her pending further investigation.

Goodman owned the used-car dealership A to Z Autos Inc. located on South Tamiami Trail, according to filings with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.

+ Correction
The July 30 Diversions article about Howard Millman misstated the year he left the Asolo Repertory Theatre. He left the Asolo for a second time in 2006.

Meetings & agendas

Siesta Key Association board meeting — 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, Room F, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

County Planning Commission meeting — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Planning Board meeting — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota