The Path to Pain-Free Healthy Living Begins at Sarasota Neuropathy Center
(941) 347-9434 Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in North Sarasota, FL
Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.
People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:
- Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
- Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
- Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
- Trouble with Balance and Coordination
- Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
- Digestive and Bladder Control Issues
While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.
If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.
But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Service Areas
Neuropathy 101
Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.
What Causes Neuropathy?
When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.
Lack of Vitamins
Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.
Autoimmune Disorders
In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.
Genetics
Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Infections in the Body
There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.
Physical Trauma
Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.
What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs
Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.
Symptoms can include:
- Sensations of Pins and Needles
- Numbness
- Soreness
- Cramping
- Shooting Pains
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.
Focal Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in a Specific Area
Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.
Other symptoms can include:
- Muscles Don't Work Correctly
- Sharp Pains
- Localized Pain and Weakness
Autonomic Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions
This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness When Standing Quickly
- Issues with Sexual Intercourse
- Constipation
- Issues Regulating Body Temperature
Compression Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed
This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:
Symptoms can include:
- Sharp Shooting Pain
- Weakness in the Affected Body Part
- Numbness
Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL, becomes crucial.
Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy
Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.
By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
Our advanced therapeutic options include:
Nerve Regeneration Equipment
We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.
Vaso-Pulse Technology
This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.
Antioxidants
By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms
Minerals and Vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.
Immunomodulators
For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.
Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.
Diabetes 101
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.
The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL to learn more about this disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Genetics
You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes
Autoimmune
Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Many patients who speak with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL assume they have Type 2 Diabetes, but aren't 100% sure. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, we would need to conduct tests to verify whether you have the disease. With that said, the following symptoms often manifest when you have Type 2 Diabetes.
Neuropathy
Type 2 Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which in turn causes tingling and numbness, especially in your feet and hands.
Tiredness
Chronic fatigue happens when your body can't utilize glucose for energy in the right way.
Excessive Urination and Thirst
When you have high blood sugar, your body's natural response is to eliminate excess fluids. This can cause you to urinate frequently and can also cause you to feel very thirsty.
Slow-Healing Wounds
High blood sugar impairs your body's ability to heal itself and resist infection.
Vision Changes
When your blood sugar spikes, it can cause visual disturbances that can blur your vision.
Unexplained Weight Loss
In uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes, the body may begin to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.
If you believe you may have Type 2 Diabetes, it's important to get checked out ASAP. Regular health screenings and glucose monitoring are important for early detection and effective management of Type 2 Diabetes, as symptoms may not be apparent in the initial stages.
The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care
As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in North Sarasota, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.
We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.
Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:
Book Appointment
The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in North Sarasota, FL
At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.
Latest News in North Sarasota, FL
96 affordable apartments approved for north Sarasota property
Andrew Warfieldhttps://www.yourobserver.com/news/2024/feb/19/affordable-apartments-approved-north-sarasota/
Another 96 affordable housing-designated apartments appear to be on their way to the North Trail Overlay District in north Sarasota, but not without some fierce debate among a divided Planning Board over some members adding new requirements for approval.Although a motion to approve the project with conditions was approved 3-2, members were in unanimous agreement that the project is needed to help address the city’s attainable housing crisis and that it is an appropriate use of the county-owned 3.5 acres within the North Trail Ov...
Another 96 affordable housing-designated apartments appear to be on their way to the North Trail Overlay District in north Sarasota, but not without some fierce debate among a divided Planning Board over some members adding new requirements for approval.
Although a motion to approve the project with conditions was approved 3-2, members were in unanimous agreement that the project is needed to help address the city’s attainable housing crisis and that it is an appropriate use of the county-owned 3.5 acres within the North Trail Overlay District.
The motion to approve — with too many strings attached for board members Daniel Clermont and Terrill Salem — was supported by Shane Lamay, Vice Chairman Daniel DeLeo and Chairman Michael Halflants.
At issue were accusations that DeLeo and Halflants were attempting to redesign a much-needed affordable housing project three years in the making, one that had conformed to all zoning criteria, sparking a debate over the role of the Planning Board itself.
Tampa-based Blue Sky Communities is planning to acquire 6.2 acres from Sarasota County and develop the westernmost 3.5 acres into New Trail Plaza. The vacant site is on the east side of U.S. 41 between 46th and 47th streets. Assuming Blue Sky intends to close on the site and move forward with new conditions placed on the project by the Planning Board, it has no plans at this time for the remaining 2.7 acres of the site designated Single Family-Low Density on the city’s Future Land Use map.
Plans for New Trail Plaza include a four-story, 90-unit apartment building plus a three-story building with just more than 3,000 square feet of commercial space beneath six more apartments, three each on two floors. The commercial space will be leased as offices to CASL (Community Assisted & Supported Living).
The rental apartments will be priced in three tiers: 30% or below, 60% or below and 80% or below area median income (AMI). Affordability is defined as no more than 30% of the household’s income to be spent on housing, including utilities.
Although the NTOD requires only one-half parking space per each affordable housing unit — in this case 57 — Blue Sky proposed 106 spaces, losing two of them to a Planning Board tree-saving adjustment.
That was just one of the points of contention among the board as both Clermont and Deputy City Attorney Michael Connolly objected to the 11th-hour quarterbacking.
“What I don't want to do is throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Clermont said. “We don't get too many offers where we can get 30%, 60% and 80% AMI projects in this number right along a main thoroughfare. To me, it's a very good project. That doesn't mean it's perfect.”
Still, DeLeo, an attorney, and Halflants, an architect, pressed their points. DeLeo insisted that despite sign-off by the city arborist that all the grand trees that could be preserved had been, the project is not in compliance with the city’s tree ordinance. And although Halflants’ wanted the building raised by two feet to provide greater privacy for first-floor residents from a nearby sidewalk and the parking lot, that condition was not included in the final motion authored by DeLeo.
The ongoing discussion brought project consultant Joel Freedman back to the dais to proclaim, “I've been here a long time doing this, and Mr. Clermont is right on the money. I know you guys want to create great projects, but we're meeting the code. However, you're now impacting some major things.”
Among those “things” is the possibility that should Blue Sky be required to make another run through the staff gauntlet to make modifications to the project that may be contrary to other aspects of the zoning code, any added delays could potentially kill the project due to complexities associated with tax credits, etc. In addition to sacrificing parking spaces, for example, some utilities structures may need to be moved to preserve other trees.
“We did apply for tax credits through the state and there are some significant timing delays if we aren't meeting our closing deadline,” said Blue Sky Communities Senior Vice President Greg Giakoumis. “There are strings attached. We’ve gone through this process for years, and here we are. This would be a major impact to that financing and could put it in jeopardy, so that is something that must be considered."
As positions hardened on both sides, Connolly interjected, telling the board it has two choices: vote yes or no on the project as presented.
“I have a real problem with the discussion we've had for the past hour or so,” he said. "It's the applicant’s application. It's not ours. We cannot change the applicant's application in any way, shape or form. We can vote it up, or we can vote it down. Period. I have people on this board who insist on redesigning the project. You can't do it. I've been sitting here quiet for too long. You can't do it.”
DeLeo was not swayed, insisting only minor modifications are needed to preserve trees and comply with the ordinance. “I don't know why the city is trying to make it difficult for us to have a simple motion where we have them comply with the tree ordinance,” he said. His motion was for approval included Blue Sky preserve four of 11 grand trees and relocate a sidewalk around one tree, and to require the developer work with staff, including the utilities department, to ensure compliance.
“That’s too much for me,” Clermont said before the vote. “That's not what they brought us, and we're going to go crazy doing this.”
A New Affordable Housing Project Is Headed to North Tamiami Trail
Kim Doleattohttps://www.sarasotamagazine.com/home-and-real-estate/2024/02/affordable-housing-north-tamiami-trail-sarasota
New Trail Plaza in Sarasota will bring almost 100 units entirely dedicated to workforce and affordable housing tenants. February 15, 2024 A long-vacant 6.24-acre lot across from the iconic Bahi Hut will now be the site of New Trail Plaza, a new project spearheaded by a partnership between the nonprofit ...
New Trail Plaza in Sarasota will bring almost 100 units entirely dedicated to workforce and affordable housing tenants.
February 15, 2024
A long-vacant 6.24-acre lot across from the iconic Bahi Hut will now be the site of New Trail Plaza, a new project spearheaded by a partnership between the nonprofit Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) and St-Petersburg-based Blue Sky Communities, called Blue CASL Sarasota.
New Trail Plaza will house a four-story, 90-unit multifamily residential building and a three-story, six-unit mixed-use building with approximately 3,000 square feet of nonresidential floor space that will include a clubhouse.
Scott Eller, CEO of CASL, spoke to the urgent need for affordable housing.
“There are 16,000 to 17,000 Sarasota residents who are spending 50 percent or more [of their annual income] on their rent,” he says. “That means we have families having to choose between paying the rent or buying groceries that week. Even people who work at CASL can’t afford to work in this community. If you serve this community, you should be able to afford to live there.”
Spending about 30 percent of annual income on rent is often considered the baseline for affordability.
The area median income (AMI) for the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is $98,700 a year, with 80 percent AMI set at annual salaries of $51,200 for a single-person household; $58,500 for a household of two, and $73,100 for a household of four. New Trail Plaza’s long-term rental units will be targeted at those earning no more than 80 percent of the area’s AMI, with the bulk of rents targeted at those earning 60 percent. Some of the units will be one-bedroom, but most will be two and three-bedroom units.
“A lot of affordable housing is marketed at 100 percent and 120 percent AMI, but it’s the households making $70,000 and below who are struggling,” says P.J. Brooks, CASL’s COO.
Located between 46th and 47th Streets, the 96 units will be the first phase of the project and CASL expects to see shovels in the ground in May. “If everything stays on track we’ll be open before December of next year,” says Brooks. The 96 units are funded through federal tax credits, and CASL will identify other funds for the second-phase single-family homes with the help of local organizations with a similar mission to bring affordable housing to the area.
That second phase, which is planned for groundbreaking in the fall, will see five four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom single-family homes built as a buffer to the adjoining Bayou Oaks residential neighborhood. The new homes also honor the already existing zoning for single-family homes. All units must remain affordable for at least 50 years.
With a focus on uplifting families, a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club is slated to provide long-term tenants’ children with after-school programs.
“When you provide help with tutoring and doing homework, students suddenly get scholarships to colleges and feel confident they can accomplish whatever they set out to do,” says Eller. “A single parent working two jobs to make it work might not be able to find the time to help [their child]. This is about breaking that generational cycle of not getting ahead because rent is due.”
The county-owned parcel at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail will close on the sale to Blue CASL Sarasota once permits are in place. The price for the vacant 6.24-acre site is $1.95 million. Sarasota County purchased it in 2015 for $1.2 million.
The need for affordable housing keeps the nonprofit humming. A previous CASL-based affordable housing project called Arbor Village on Fruitville Road near Tuttle Avenue has a waitlist of 795 people. CASL also recently opened similar projects in Orlando, Lakeland and Port Charlotte, moving roughly 500 people into 300 units in 45 days or less.
“Even though rents will be lower, it has no impact on the quality of what we provide and our intent is we want people to feel proud to live there,” says Brooks. “Everyone deserves dignity and respect.”
“We don’t just want to do affordable housing,” adds Eller. “We want it to be amazing.”
Florida malaria cases contracted, transmitted in Sarasota, which hasn’t happened since 1950s: Health officials
Kimberly Kuizonhttps://www.fox13news.com/news/four-malaria-cases-mark-florida-first-locally-transmitted-cases-in-20-years-health-officials
SARASOTA, Fla. - The state of Florida has issued a mosquito alert after confirming four cases of malaria in Sarasota County. Health officials said the cases were transmitted locally – something that hasn't happened in the U.S. in 20 years.The Department of Health is also looking into a fifth potential case. So far, the cases are clustered within northern Sarasota County, but officials are advising everyone in Florida to avoid mosq...
SARASOTA, Fla. - The state of Florida has issued a mosquito alert after confirming four cases of malaria in Sarasota County. Health officials said the cases were transmitted locally – something that hasn't happened in the U.S. in 20 years.
The Department of Health is also looking into a fifth potential case. So far, the cases are clustered within northern Sarasota County, but officials are advising everyone in Florida to avoid mosquitoes.
Dr. Manuel Gordillo, who is an epidemiologist, said Sarasota can usually see one to two cases of malaria per year, because of people traveling to "endemic areas."
RELATED: Sarasota malaria cases prompt statewide health advisory
"What is unique about this one is that they don’t have any history of travel," said Dr. Gordillo.
The four cases reported so far have come from the Kensington area and DeSoto Acres in North Sarasota County. Dr. Gordillo said the cases were transmitted locally, which is something that hasn’t happened in Sarasota since the 1950s.
Florida's last locally transmitted cases were in Palm Beach County 20 years ago.
Dr. Gordillo said it feels a lot like a flu that lingers.
PREVIOUS: Malaria cases in Texas and Florida are the first US spread since 2003, CDC says
"Fever would be a big indicator. The fever can be accommodated by other symptoms, such as headaches, and body aches kind of like a flu-like illness, but unlike the flu, it doesn’t go away. It persists," he told FOX 13.
Sarasota County Mosquito Management is focusing on spraying for mosquitoes in North Sarasota County by truck and air.
Related: Sarasota malaria cases reported
The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory after four people in Sarasota tested positive for malaria.
"We’ve literally put our field crews throughout these areas looking for every permanent body of water," said Wade Brennan, the manager of Sarasota County Mosquito Management. "That’s where we are really targeting - permanent bodies of water, wood lots, swamps that’s what this mosquito loves."
They’ve also sent 100 mosquitos they’ve collected to the CDC for testing. Brennan said the last mosquitoes they collected, which tested positive for malaria were back on June 5.
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"They tested quite a few of them, and we’ve had three come back positive. All of those three are from the same exact wood lot," said Brennan.
The mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite have a short flight range, only about a mile to a mile and a half. They’re out from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., meaning repellent and dressing in long sleeves and pants is vital.
"We need everyone to take personal protection to avoid any kind of mosquito bites whatsoever," said Brennan.
Sarasota Christmas Lights: Best Holiday Light Displays Of 2023
Sarasota, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/sarasota/sarasota-christmas-lights-best-holiday-light-displays-2023
Homes, businesses and destinations in the greater Sarasota area are decked out in festive lights for the holiday season.Tiffany Razzano, Patch StaffSARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Throughout Sarasota County, many homeowners, businesses and destinations are decked out with vivid holiday light displays.Here are a few to check out as you and your family get into the Christmas spirit:Find out what's happening in Sar...
Homes, businesses and destinations in the greater Sarasota area are decked out in festive lights for the holiday season.
Tiffany Razzano, Patch Staff
SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Throughout Sarasota County, many homeowners, businesses and destinations are decked out with vivid holiday light displays.
Here are a few to check out as you and your family get into the Christmas spirit:
Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
2851 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota
One reader told Patch that she often drives by this decorated home, which is “huge fun to see.”She added, “The people (there) do it up crazy for Halloween and then for Christmas on a major scale.”
Selby Gardens’ Downtown Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota
The Lights in Bloom open-air holiday light show at the Selby Gardens’ downtown campus is a Sarasota-area tradition. It features more than 2 million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. The show runs Dec. 12-23 and 26-30, and Jan. 1-2, 6 to 9 p.m. Find ticketing information here.
University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
This shopping destination transforms into a brightly lit winter wonderland during the holiday season with its Festival of Lights. UTC offers nightly light shows running every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 2. There’s also a fireworks display every Saturday at 9 p.m. Learn more about the holidays at UTC here.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” House, 4217 Iola Drive, Sarasota
This replica of the Griswold’s light display in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is always a huge hit during the holiday season. It even has Clark Griswold standing in front of the home holding up strands of lights and a replica of the family's station wagon. With more than 17,000 lights, the display switches from colored to all-white lights every other night.
Cedar Hollow Christmas Display
The Cedar Hollow neighborhood along Bunyan Street goes all out each holiday season with arches of lights and other displays to explore. The lights are on nightly through Dec. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Colonial Gables Neighborhood
For years, this neighborhood has been known as a holiday light destination, particularly along Camu Street, Woodmont Road and Bee Ridge Road, according to rove.me.
Holiday Tour of Lights
SRQ Trolley once again offers its annual Holiday Tour of Lights touring some of the city’s best light displays, including the arch lighted streets, the gingerbread house, the copy of the “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” home and more. Tickets are $20 per person. Register online here.
The Holiday Atlas has also confirmed that the following Sarasota homes are lit up with vibrant displays this holiday season, including:
Have a holiday light display you'd like to include? Send the address, a photo and more information to [email protected].
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Watches posted: Tropical winds possible, rain expected for Sarasota-Manatee from Idalia
Staff reporthttps://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/08/27/hurricane-idalia-expected-in-gulf-heading-toward-north-florida/70694862007/
The National Weather Service office in Ruskin said in its Sunday afternoon briefing that Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a strong Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of about 90 mph, in the eastern Gulf of Mexico early this week....
The National Weather Service office in Ruskin said in its Sunday afternoon briefing that Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a strong Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of about 90 mph, in the eastern Gulf of Mexico early this week.
Sarasota and Manatee counties were just outside the forecast cone for the system's projected potential path, but the region was still forecast to see impacts from it. The highest winds are on the eastern side of the system, and rainfall of 3 to 6 inches − with isolated areas of up to 10 inches − are forecast.
On Sunday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center posted a Storm Surge Watch for the Gulf coast of Floridafrom Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.
A Hurricane Watch was issued for the Gulf coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Gulf coast south of Englewood to Chokoloskee, and for the Dry Tortugas.
Forecasters said the depression reached tropical storm status late Sunday morning and is expected to become a Hurricane Idalia early Tuesday as it heads toward an expected landfall between Panama City and Tampa Bay, with the center of the cone in north Florida, potentially near the Big Bend area of the Panhandle, late Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Where is Idalia?
Tropical Storm Idalia was about 540 southwest of Tampa Bay Sunday night. A slow, possiblyerratic, motion is expected overnight. A generally northward to north-northeastward motion at an increasing forward speed is expected on Monday and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the centerwill move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday and Tuesday, and approach the northeast Gulf coast late Tuesday.
Maximum sustained winds were near 40 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.
When will the winds arrive?
Storm winds were forecast to arrive Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Manatee County is forecast to have a 79% chance of tropical storm-force winds, with the earliest arrival time expected at 2 a.m. Tuesday and the most likely arrival time at noon Tuesday.
For Sarasota, the probability is 71% chance, with the earliest arrival time at 1 a.m. Tuesday and the most likely arrival time at noon Tuesday.
The probably for tropical storm winds for Sarasota and Manatee counties had increased with the update Sunday night, with an earlier arrival time.
Will there be storm surge?
Forecasters said there is a potential coastal storm surge of 3 to 5 feet above ground level in the Tampa Bay area, including Manatee County, and 7 to 11 feet farther north, with 2 to 4 feet in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties on Wednesday.
Forecasters said the "potential for significant storm surge and wind damage" had increased compared with what was expected a day earlier.
How much rain will there be in Sarasota-Manatee?
Flooding rain is possible Monday night into Wednesday. Heavy rain of 6 or more inches is possible along the coast, with less as you go inland, forecasters said.
The chance of rain flooding streets near the coast increases with high tide.
Drought conditions that have affected coastal Sarasota-Manatee and low river levels "will initially help absorb the rain," the forecast said. "The system should be moving fast so the rain will not have time to pile up like we saw in Hurricane Ian."
The rain could bring some relief from a drought that has left Sarasota-Manatee short of the normal amount of rainfall for the year by 18 inches.
Where is the storm system?
Tropical Storm Idalia remained 500 miles southwest of Tampa Bay early Sunday afternoon but intensification is expected.
Will there be tornadoes?
The main threat of tornadoes will be along the coast as rotating bands from the storm move onshore. The Sarasota-Manatee area was in a zone where the threat of severe weather was expected to be marginal on Tuesday.
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