John “Jack” Kopp

By Julie Kerns Garmendia Resident Community News Not many 90-year-olds are able to celebrate that milestone birthday with co-workers on the job, but St. Vincent’s volunteer John “Jack” Kopp recently did just that. Kopp first retired to Sarasota in 1980 after working in the family manufacturing business, Kopp Clay Company in Ohio. The company was […]

Revelers celebrate Clean Water Act’s 40th

Revelers celebrate  Clean Water Act’s 40th

St. Johns River supporters gathered at Sadler Point Marina last month for a fete honoring the 40th birthday of the Clean Water Act. The event, which attracted guests of all ages, included trivia, kids’ activities, music and local brew from SweetWater Brewing and food from Super Food Truck. The St. Johns Riverkeeper played host for […]

Mobility Plan fee moratorium ended Oct. 19

The sun officially set on the 2030 Mobility Plan fee moratorium Oct. 19, but developer Toney Sleiman continues to advocate for a new moratorium bill, leaving the plan’s proponents on guard. The one-year moratorium was adopted to stimulate growth by lifting impact fees on new development. But not everyone thinks it has been effective enough […]

Jump right in!

Once slated for closure, historic Good Shepherd pool now making waves – Several years ago, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd pool was nearly drained. But a push for new membership and other key changes to pool management have helped the 90-year-old neighborhood amenity stay afloat. “A few years back the Good Shepherd Pool […]

Residents, RAP appeal restaurant plan approvals

Two local groups have appealed the city planning commission’s Sep. 27 approval of Mellow Mushroom’s exception application. Those groups include We Love Avondale LLC — known as “the opposition” to Mellow Mushroom’s Avondale restaurant plans — as well as Riverside Avondale Preservation, according to WLA organizer and Avondale attorney, Thomas M. Donahoo, Jr. RAP Executive […]

5 Points Village rezoning application draws ire

5 Points Village rezoning application draws ire

  Developer’s opponents seek community support for Nov. meetings – A bid to rezone the 5 Points Village shopping center in Riverside has gotten intense push back from local residents and neighborhood enthusiasts who want to see the building’s developer be a better neighbor. November will be a pivotal month for the rezoning debate, as […]