Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/316941
This is another issue with more than a little of that "déjà vu all over again" flavor, but our staff managed to find a number of new topics to sprinkle in among the continuing "soap operas." Bee Ridge Road is at the center of two of those fresher stories. Associate Editor Cooper Levey-Baker covered the County Com- mission discussion involving what board members cited as lack of sufficient engagement with neighbors of a proposed project. Lit- tle controversy arose with the County Commission agenda item I covered, which regarded the long-desired widening of one part of Bee Ridge and improvements to a two-lane segment. To my knowledge, City Editor Stan Zimmerman was the only reporter in the right place at the right time to learn that The Vue had passed its city administrative review so it can proceed on to the building permit stage. Talk about controversy! That project has alarmed many downtown residents, who fear it will fuel even worse traffic problems than the height of season brings. County Editor Roger Drouin and Stan both worked on the homeless shelter "front" again this week. And while some of you may be tired of reading such articles, I believe everyone who has an opinion about the handling of our community's homeless population needs to keep track of every step the city and county are taking on that matter. Finally, I encourage all of you to take a look not only at our News Briefs but also at our expanded Community Calendar. Lots of interesting items go into both. You might be surprised at what you will find. Editor and Publisher WELCOME