What we are wishing for in 2017

Let’s face it – 2016 was rough. There were some bright spots but between all the celebrity deaths, the contentious election cycle, Zika virus, Syria and a wide variety of other things no one can say this year didn’t punch them in the gut at least a few times. I mean, just watch this fake “2016” movie trailer and try and tell us it doesn’t feel just a little too real.

I decided to poll the newsroom and see what some of my fellow colleagues are putting on their wish list for 2017. Here’s what they had to say:

  • Don’t abandon puppies and kittens you got your bratty kids as Christmas presents because they are suddenly too much work.
  • For people to park between the lines. (Seriously folks it is not that hard to park between the designated lines.)
  • I don’t want to say goodbye to any more Star Wars actors/actresses in 2017. (This goes for Star Trek too.)
  • For more affordable/attainable housing in Sarasota/Manatee counties.
  • For the influx of Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and other weight loss commercials to be less annoying that the presidential election ads.

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  • For “Unconditional Surrender” to go away. (We also had a vote for it to stay and a vote for it to become animated mid-day. So I guess we will stay up in the air on that one…)
  • For more amazing, influential musicians to release phenomenal albums — WITHOUT dying shortly thereafter.
  • Donald Trump’s impeachment. / Trump’s resignation over conflicts of interest. / Donald Trump turning out not as bad as most people fear.
  • The Braves announce they love Sarasota County so much they’ll build their own stadium here without tax money.
  • For a Gremlins movie.
  • More Alec Baldwin on SNL.

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  • For the Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl.
  • For the Cubs to win another World Series.
  • A raise and no layoffs!
  • For Southwest Airlines to move into the SRQ airport.
  • Red tide sinks to the bottom of the ocean to hide from new administration.
  • For a surge of young, eligible, educated bachelors to descend on our community.

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  • An influx of snowbirds who love to read newspapers but hate to drive anywhere.
  • Mandatory driving courses for snowbirds.
  • The Internet figures out how to package smell.
  • More hilarious Graphic of the Week pieces from Jennifer.
  • More fun events and business to open that cater to the locals and young professional demographic.
  • For the diverging diamond interchange to work like the state says it will.
  • M. Night Shyamalan films “Sharknado V” at Mote Marine.

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  • For Sarasota to get a Whataburger.
  • For mental health services and funding to become a priority in our area and our state.
  • For Hollywood to stop casting white people in brown/black/Asian roles *cough* Ghost in the Shell *cough*
  • For coherent Facebook comments on our story links.
  • For the city election to be less awful and mean than the general election.
  • For daily cookies in the newsroom. (Solid hope/wish.)

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What are you wishing for as we head into a new year? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

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