SARASOTA -- The law firm of Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A. is celebrating its 75 year anniversary. The firm has an emphasis on litigation and trial practice and clients represent every industry and trade.
The firm’s practice areas include construction, personal injury, automobile and transportation, medical malpractice, commercial and business litigation, trust litigation, product defects, labor and employment, appellate, and marital and family law.
The business holds Martindale Hubbell’s highest AV rating which represents the height of professional excellence. The firm has been named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the AM Best Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys, and is a member of the ALFA International Legal Network.
Longboat Key Club offers “Passport to Wellness”
LONGBOAT KEY -- Longboat Key Club & Resort is starting a “Passport to Wellness” campaign designed for people who want to maintain a healthy, stimulating lifestyle through an interactive and inspirational approach to well-being.
The program is available to club members, resort guests and associates and offers events, receptions, educational seminars and health-related classes scheduled throughout the year.
It includes a “Biggest Winner Challenge” that features a series of challenges to keep individuals motivated including beachside exercises and stretching, a healthy-eating cook-off and healthy outdoor activities, ending with an awards ceremony in April.
Other program highlights include a guest speaker series that will be presented in a cocktail reception format featuring a host of medical, health and lifestyle experts discussing a variety of topics that encourage an individual to lead a healthy, balanced and active life.
Residences of Siesta Key begins whole-ownership
SIESTA KEY -- The Residences on Siesta Key Beach, Hyatt Residences is launching its whole-ownership condominium opportunity. The property was purchased by an affiliate of NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., and will continue to be managed by the Hyatt Residential Group.
Fewer than 30 units are currently available as whole-ownership residences and are fully furnished with high-end appliances and luxury appointments.
Ranging in size from 1,700 to more than 2,600 square feet, the residences offer two-to-four bedroom suites and many offer gulf-front balconies with private views of the beach and pool.
Previously, the units were offered as fractional properties. But now, the majority of the homes are available for whole ownership.
Neal Communities sees 43 percent increase in sales
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Neal Communities continued its rise in home sales, recording a 43 percent increase in January with 33 homes sold – 10 more than the same month a year ago.
“It’s a great start to the new year for our team,” said President Pat Neal, “and with the continuation of the low interest rate environment and a further rise in incomes and employment, we look forward to a strong 2012.”
Traffic was up 44 percent with 942 families making their way through Neal’s offerings, meaning roughly 10 more prospective buyers a day viewed Neal’s homes in January compared to last year. Visits to the Neal Communities website jumped 37 percent compared to a year ago.
Taylor Morrison opens new Riverview model
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Taylor Morrison has opened a new model in its Riverview community, Winthrop Village. The Ashland was designed and created in keeping with the traditional neighborhood design of Taylor Morrison’s Winthrop Village.
The grand opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18 and noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at 11207 Winthrop Main St. There will be food, refreshments, prize drawings and special offers including 50 percent off options up to $10,000.
The two-story Ashland has a split, three-bedroom design, two and a half baths and a loft. It has 2,269 square feet of living space and starts at $179,900.
Turner Tree and Landscape provides hospitals with trees
BRADENTON -- Two hospitals, one in Bradenton and the other in Sarasota, are getting tall trees, irrigation and other beautification from Turner Tree and Landscape under contracts totaling more than $350,000.
At Blake Medical Center, Turner is working on a trauma building and also the medical center, replacing old trees and adding ground cover along with new lighting. In Sarasota, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, irrigation, landscaping, and 27 oaks and 15 palms will be added.
Whitney Bank receives national, regional awards
NEW ORLEANS -- Whitney Bank has received 14 national and regional Greenwich Excellence Awards in Small Business and Middle Market Banking for 2011.
Less than six percent of 750 eligible financial institutions have earned the coveted Greenwich recognition, which is based on interviews with 13,500 U.S. small businesses and 11,500 middle market companies.
In the Small Business Banking category, Whitney received six national Excellence Awards and two regional Awards.
Whitney also won five national Excellence Awards and one regional Award in the Middle Market category.
Chamber gives Insignia Award to Mercury Printing
SARASOTA -- The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has presented Mercury Printing with the Insignia Award for the month of February. The award recognizes the achievement of quality customer service and commitment to the community.
Mercury Printing has been a member of the Sarasota Chamber for more than 38 years and has evolved with the changing technology. Late last year Mercury installed the latest and greatest imaging system producing full color, full bleed digital short-run production.
Mercury Printing also has established litigation support capabilities including document copying and/or scanning, numbering, optical character recognition for easy search and retrieval.
Econo Lodge East receives ’12 Gold Hospitality Award
BRADENTON -- The Econo Lodge East hotel is a recipient of the 2012 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International, Inc., franchisor of the Econo Lodge brand.
“The Econo Lodge East hotel’s commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as of the best hotels among the Econo Lodge brand,” said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer for Choice Hotels.
The Econo Lodge East hotel is among the top percentile of properties within the Econo Lodge brand as one of only 12 hotels out of 257 Choice Hotels brand properties within the state of Florida and one of 58 hotels within the 782-strong Econo Lodge brand to receive “Gold Award” status.
-- Herald staff reports
