A local cinema presented 'The Jungle Book' with the house lights half up and the volume half down for patrons with special needs such as autism. The screening was at the request of a Sarasota non profit called Face Autism. The sensory sensitive showing gave families a chance to get out to a movie with other families in similar situations, and not be looked down on. People could get up and move around, or howl with the wolves, and nobody cared. The cinema plans to offer more sensory sensitive showings throughout the summer if demand continues.
Not many cinemas are offering this kind of opportunity for a group in need. This is the first sensory sensitive showing of a movie in Bradenton.
Individuals with autism have a brain development disorder that impacts social interaction and can make it difficult to do things in public like going to the movies.
2. Wildlife advocates concerned for pelicans that get fish carcasses stuck in throats
Wildlife advocates are fearful for pelicans that get fish carcasses caught in there throats and die from septic poisoning or starve to death because they cant eat. The fish carcasses are from fishermen that clean their fish at cleaning stations on piers and toss the scraps to hungry pelicans. The advocates are pushing for more education for the public and as many fish carcass disposal pipes as possible throughout Manatee County.
When pelicans age given scraps of fish by fishermen cleaning their haul, the carcasses can get caught in their throats and they can die.
Pelicans and other birds are at risk when fish carcasses are not disposed of properly.
3. All animals at Manatee Animal Services only $10 through May
The Manatee County Animal Services is at beyond critical capacity with 155 dogs and 102 cats looking for forever homes. An adoption special is underway to save these animals from euthanasia. All animals are sterilized, micro-chipped, and up to date on vaccinations. Animals can be adopted for $10 and licensed for an additional $15.
Manatee county Animal Services is beyond critical capacity meaning there is no more room for cats and dogs in their facilities.
The cats and dogs in the Manatee County Animal Services are at risk if a forever home is not found for them.
4. New Bradenton planner says affordable housing a 'must' within the city
Bradenton's new Planning and Community Development director stresses how important affordable housing is to the redevelopment and improvement of the city. Getting people living in an area is what will drive the commercial growth of that area. The infill projects and revitalization of vacant areas in the city are key to providing affordable housing.
Affordable housing is extremely limited in the city of Bradenton, but stagnant or vacant areas exist that can be better utilized. With an increase in affordable housing, commercial development will follow.
The city of Bradenton, property owners, and local citizens are faced with a shortage of affordable housing.
5. Rubonia Community Center renovations underway
The Rubonia Community Center which has been shut down since 2013 is getting renovation and repairs for an upcoming summer youth program. The Manatee County Commission approved a nearly $100,000 funding agreement with the Community Association to get the summer program underway. At the conclusion of the summer program, the center will cease operations for more improvements to the building.
The Rubonia Community Center has been shut down since 2013, offering nothing to the community it should be serving. With the funding agreement issued by the County, a summer program can get underway, but the community center needs to take responsibility and take care of its own and serve the community.
The citizens of Rubonia, who would be served by the community center, have not been since 2013. After the summer program, it remains to be seen if the center can stay afloat.
Jeff, I really enjoyed reading about the local opportunities you discussed in your post. In particular, I liked numbers 1 and 3 the most. For number 1, the Carmike theater offering sensory sensitive screenings for certain films is an absolutely awesome idea. I have had experience with several special needs children, and understand that they are all just young kids like we were that want to go watch the latest animated movie and have a fun time. Many times, parents might shy away from bringing their special needs child to the theater for fear of them not sitting still, being disruptive, etc. This opportunity provides the chance for these families to all go any enjoy the film without stress or worry, and I think it's fantastic for those kids. In addition, the article about the Manatee County Animal services is great too. Almost every shelter for animals runs into the issue of overcapacity at some point. Nowadays, adoption is becoming more and more popular for pets like cats and dogs, and that makes me so happy. The Manatee County shelter giving people the chance to adopt for such a low price is a great idea to try and free up some space at the center and get those animals into a loving and caring home. Really interesting articles you found, good job Jeff!
ReplyDeleteHey Jeff,
ReplyDeleteGreat job with this post! I loved how in-depth you were with your coverage of the issues you presented.
- Ryan
Hey Jeff, your articles really focused on problems within a community. The two articles I really liked were articles three and four. I enjoyed learning about the lack of affordable housing in Bradenton and I'm pleased to read that they're trying to fix the problem. I'm not surprised that there isn't enough room for the cats and dogs in the Manatee county Animal Services. There are more dogs going in to shelters than being adopted and that's a growing problem nationwide.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI think your choice of articles and their summaries were excellent. Not only do they present potential opportunities, but individual readers of your blog may even be able to make an immediate difference. For example, someone reading your blog might feel motivated to adopt a pet which, as you have explained, are sterilized, microchipped, and vaccinated. I was thrilled to read about what the local cinema is doing for the autism community and their families. Imagine the freedom of everyone in attendance, not having to be constrained or asked to leave for fear of disturbing other patrons. This is a win, win situation for all. I for one will support this local cinema whenever possible, thanks to your post.