Threads Vengroff family having trouble creating affordable housing in Sarasota. Manatee much more willing to work to find solutions.   Plans to convert an aging motel in south Manatee County into low-cost monthly rentals are being greeted with open arms by Manatee County government, even though it requires changing the county’s comprehensive plan. But in … MORE>>

Before he turned 35 years old, Blake Fuller of Sarasota had already made his first fortune, developing a race car battery made with lithium cells that helps NASCAR teams shave weight off their cars. Now, Fuller is developing a new niche market that could turn his little company into a superstar — wearable power. His … MORE>>

The price of  marijuana ranges so widely from state to state that someone who consumes an ounce a month can move from Florida to Oregon and save $1,100 a year, based on data collected at PriceofWeed.com. At $203 for an ounce of high quality cannabis, Oregon is the thrifty toker’s best choice, at least for now. … MORE>>

Offering cash prizes, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has lured bids from more than 30 groups to jump-start marine enterprises aimed at diversifying the economy and creating jobs while protecting the environment. The projects, each with the backing of a nonprofit institution, are now moving toward a June 30 deadline to become one of five … MORE>>

Want to turn yourself into a construction worker? For nine weeks of your life and $1,500, Manatee Technical College has a new course that will give you a shot at the field. Entry level jobs are not going to make you rich, at $11 or $12 an hour, but there is plenty of potential. Subcontractors … MORE>>

The chances of a medical marijuana amendment showing up on the presidential election year ballot are going up with each week that the Florida legislature fails to take action. In Florida, there are basically just two ways to get a state law on the books. One is to run in through the legislature. The other … MORE>>

If you like some of the specialties that you can find from food truck vendors, and wonder why you do not see them more in Sarasota, it’s easy. Local government has made it very difficult for them to operate here. In Bradenton, or anywhere else in Manatee County, it is easy for a food truck … MORE>>

A new marijuana bill is yet another reason to show up at the polls in November 2016 (other than to choose between Hillary  and Jeb). A well-established marijuana advocacy group is getting tired of waiting for  legislators to get real about medical marijuana and is now threatening to go all the way, by launching a … MORE>>

Meghana Krishnakumar isn’t your typical high school kid. One day during macroeconomics class at Pine View School, she dreamed up the idea of starting a new club. But not the typical social club you see in most public schools. No, Meghana was thinking of ways to share more stuff about entrepreneurs, business and money. So … MORE>>