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Sarasota News Leader January 18, 2013 Page 55 SBEP TO HOST DEBRIS REMOVAL EVENT IN FEBRUARY The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is inviting members of the public to a Bay Guardian Volunteer Air Potato Round-Up and Debris Removal event on Feb. 23 at Bay Walk Creek. "What is an air potato?" an SBEP news release asks. "An air potato is an invasive vine that covers and shades out beneficial native plants," the release says. "The vine grows large tubers that resemble hanging potatoes. There will be a contest with prizes for the smallest, biggest and weirdest-looking air potato collected!" the release adds. preferably those one does not mind getting dirty —along with hats, sunscreen and work gloves. Everyone also is asked to bring a reusable water bottle, "to reduce our plastic pollution," the release points out, and a folding chair for lunch, which will be served after the The Bay Walk Creek restoration site is located round-up. on the grounds of the Charles Ringling Mansion (Uplands Boulevard), which is owned by Bay Guardians program shirts will be availNew College of Florida. able for all volunteers. People planning to participate who have such shirts already are "This beautiful, bayfront location has stretches of mangroves and estuarine beach," the re- asked to wear them. lease notes. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude This Feb. 23 event is suitable for anyone age at noon. 6 and up, the release adds. Registration is required: Click here to sign up. Participants must wear closed-toed shoes (old Anyone with questions may contact Sara Kane tennis shoes are recommended); long-sleeved at sara@sarasotabay.org or 955-8085. shirts and pants are recommended as well — COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES MEASURES FOR THREE BUSINESSES The Sarasota County Commission on Jan. 9 granted Tervis Tumbler in Venice a tax exemption extension for a second year, following last year's exemption of $12 million in new construction and equipment for a pledge of 154 jobs by 2016, the county has announced. gram is part of Sarasota County's economic development incentive program, the release adds. Two other companies received $240,000 in economic development grants to remain in Sarasota County and create about 70 jobs over The County Commission can waive property three years, the release says. taxes for 10 years for private companies that build or expand their facilities to create jobs, One company, code name Project Sky, rea news release notes. The property tax pro- ceived a $120,000 grant to expand its opera-