Free Press (Sara/Mana)

Free Press (Sara/Mana)

Film to be shot

in Sarasota County

The Sarasota-based film production company Happy Camper Films LLP is in pre-production for its first feature-length film to be shot almost entirely on location in Sarasota County.

The film, titled, "Yes, and..." is a mock-u-mentary about two rival Sarasota improv troupes who are slated to compete against one another on the new hit television show, "Improv Nationals."

At stake are $250,000 and a shot at their own television show. Filming will begin in June with numerous Sarasota restaurants, businesses and attractions being utilized as locations. The film is anticipated to premiere on the film festival circuit next January.

Manatee Technical Institute

designs DeSoto renovations

When Ken Burton Jr. needed to upgrade the Tax Collector's building at the DeSoto facility, he turned to the Manatee Technical Institute and carpentry instructor David Sell and his students.

Students Tyler MacDonald, Marshall Fisher and Joey Leffler designed the kitchen, conference room and break room renovations. After obtaining the school board's approval, the students presented the design to Burton, his assistant Jan Hilker and Director of Operations John Marble. Sell estimates the labor to have been around $22,000. Out of pocket costs ran close to $13,000, according to Marble. MTI is entered in a state competition, a part of the Skills USA contest, held in Winter Haven in late April.

Sarasota Steak 'n Shake

receives disability award

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor's Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, honored Sarasota Steak 'n Shake with the Small Employer of the Year Award for the 2005 Ability Awards. The Ability Awards honor employers who have a strong policy and practice of employing people with disabilities.

Sarasota County Head Start

goes 40/40 in same year

Children First, the Head Start program in Sarasota County, was named by the National Head Start Association as one of the top 40 Head Start programs in the nation. The program will celebrate its 40th anniversary and Top 40 ranking at a convention in Orlando in May.

Sarasota firms help Hooters into Hispanic market

Nuevo Advertising Group and Provident Advertising have teamed up to provide restaurant chain Original Hooters® with Hispanic marketing. The two advertising agencies are working together to incorporate Hooters into the first Spanish-language broadcast of the Tampa Bay Storm arena football team.

Coldwell Banker's Sarasota

region receives recognition

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Inc. announced that the Sarasota region was inducted to the Platinum Club for outstanding performance at this year's Cendant Mobility Broker Network International Conference. Platinum Club status is given to the top real estate brokerages that achieve specific performance goals.

ETC...

• Sarasota-based Akuwa Solutions Group is now a ThinPrint solutions partner.

• Great Florida Insurance opened a new office at 9114 58th Drive E., Bradenton.

• The ADP Group opened Abitar Contract Furnishings, a full service procurement company.

• Lighthouse Studio, a graphic design and branding company and Bolen Communications are partnering to pursue local technology companies.

• INTOWN TV is offering businesses the ability to advertise on digital signs (Plasma Screen TVs) in the local shopping malls, including Westfield Shoppingtown Sarasota, Shoppingtown Southgate, DeSoto Square Mall and Port Charlotte Town Center.

• Construction began on the newest First Watch restaurant in North Bay Village, 26381 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs.