Manatee Spotlight February 5, 2012

It Is Time to Celebrate The Orange Blossoms

Take a deep breath and smell the beautiful scent of Orange Blossoms.  The orange blossoms are the sign of the citrus crop for the next season at Mixon Fruit Farms.  Mixon’s celebrate this time of year with their annual Orange Blossom Festival. “We plan a wide variety of activities so that everyone can attend an event”, says Janet Mixon, co owner of Mixon Fruit Farms with her husband, Dean. 

On March 3rd and 4th we have a really big event with a craft fair, lots of great food, including Amish Donuts, entertainment and rides, including bumper boats, rock climbing giant slides and more, all arranged in the parking lot of Mixon’s. There is no charge for parking, entrance or entertainment for this event.  Entertainment includes Dr. Dave, a really cute Dog and Duck Show, many local schools, the Star Fire Dancers and numerous other performers. On March 9th we have a Health and Business Fair with lots of free screening, including eyes, hearing, diabetes and much more.  There is also around 70 businesses showing of their products with give-a-ways and door prizes.


On the 9th and 10th we have 20 local authors selling and signing their books.  There will be children’s books, cookbooks, books on adventure, business and much more.  Come and meet these very talented people.  On March 7th we will have a Dr. Dave Band Concert from 6 -9pm in the Mixon Pavilion and the Yesterdayze Band Concert on March 14th.  There is a $7 charge or $5 with groups of 5 or more. 

On March 14th, from 11 am – 2 pm. Mixon’s is really excited to have our second annual Fashion Show and Wine Tasting featuring Irenes Fashions from Anna Maria and Mixon Select Wines.  There will also be a ballroom dance demonstration from the Bradenton Dance Club.  A plated lunch will be served by Orange Blossom Catering.  "There is something for everyone", says Janet Mixon. "We look forward to having fun with the people of our community". For more information and cost of any of the Festival events call 941-748-5829. or go to www.mixon.com and look under the Orange Blossom Festival for a list of activities and times.  2525 27th St. E Bradenton

Eight USF Sarasota-Manatee students receive FICPA scholarships

Eight students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have been awarded scholarships by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).  Those students are: Miranda Barber; Kimberly Kern; Colleen Laurie; Joseph McCourt; James Newman; Marcia Saulo; Jacqueline Taxdal; and Dat Vu.  Pictured above (L to R): Candy Kessel, FICPA Chapter Immediate Past President; David A. Cumberland, FICPA Chapter, President Elect; Francina M. Hollaway, FICPA Chapter, President; Dat Vu, Student, Scholarship recipient; James Newman, Student, Scholarship recipient; Leonard A. Belli, FICPA Chapter, Secretary; Robin K. Knuth, FICPA Chapter, Treasurer; and John M. Sarris, CPE Chapter Liaison.

Regatta Pointe Marina Spring Nautical Expo Fun & Free

The Regatta Pointe Marina Nautical Association is hosting their Spring Nautical Expo March 31 and April 1. They host three Nautical Expos each year during the months of November, April and August. Each Expo features free high quality boating seminars, free boat demo rides, a free power and sailboat show with over 50 in water boats and a wide variety of marine outfitters, suppliers and services. The Palmetto High School Rowing Team will display a four person rowing shell and answer questions about the growing sport of competitive rowing. There will also be live entertainment. The Nautical Expo format has quickly grown in popularity and attendance. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s educational.

“Our association is dedicated to providing a quality, free event built around meaningful seminars”, states Ed Massey, member of the Regatta Pointe Marina Nautical Association “in these challenging times the marine community needs to reach out to boating enthusiasts in an effort to preserve and grow this family oriented lifestyle”.

The free seminars feature many local marine industry experts that share important and beneficial knowledge. The seminar topics are varied and are of interest to both new and experienced boaters. The seminars are held in the Eagle’s Nest banquet room of Riverhouse Reef & Grill Restaurant building. Regatta Pointe Marina recently completed a four and a half million dollar renovation and boasts the finest marina facilities on Florida’s west coast. Food and drink are available at the two on site restaurants.

Plan to visit Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto on March 31 and April 1. The atmosphere is casual and friendly. For additional information contact Dan McClanahan, the marina harbor master, at 941-705-9565 or Ed Massey at 941-725-2350

Eagle Scout Recognition Luncheon

Saramana Chapter, Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution

The Chapter met at Holiday Inn Lido Beach at Noon on Friday, January 20^th to recognize the winner of the Annual Eagle Scout Award. This year the honor went to Charles (Chuck) Elzer of Manatee County. Chuck is currently attending the University of Florida, where he is studying Material Science Engineering. In his honor, two Scout Executives from the Two Rivers Council and the District Executive for Manatee County and South Florida spoke on the road to Eagle Scout and the state of scouting in America to the audience of 44 members and guests. Mr. Allen Hegener, Chairman of the SAR Eagle Scout Committee gave the award of a Certificate of Appreciation and a check to Mr. Elzer from the Scholarship fund.

Anyone interested in learning more about he Sons of the American Revolution or this particular Youth Scholarship Program should contact President Charles Riegle at 941-371-7079 or criegle@verizon.net.