Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Bayshore Gardens, FL.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Bayshore Gardens, FL, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Bayshore Gardens, FL, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
Manatee Memorial Hospital, which is marking its 70th year, is expanding its reach with new free-standing emergency rooms.Officials mark the opening of the newest, Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens, 5506 14th St. W., with a ribbon cutting 10 a.m. ThursdayThe event, which is open to the public, will include tours of the 10,884-square-foot facility, equipped with six exam rooms, three rapid medical spaces, full-service laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound areas. CEO Tom McDougal and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan are set to offer remarks during...
Manatee Memorial Hospital, which is marking its 70th year, is expanding its reach with new free-standing emergency rooms.
Officials mark the opening of the newest, Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens, 5506 14th St. W., with a ribbon cutting 10 a.m. Thursday
The event, which is open to the public, will include tours of the 10,884-square-foot facility, equipped with six exam rooms, three rapid medical spaces, full-service laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound areas. CEO Tom McDougal and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan are set to offer remarks during the ceremony.
The new ER will officially open to patients on Monday, March 27, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care for all ages.
“We are honored to be extending Manatee Memorial’s community outreach by opening our first freestanding emergency room for Manatee County,” McDougal said in a news release.
“No matter what the emergency, the new Manatee ER at Bayshore Gardens is equipped to handle everything from minor conditions to stabilizing treatment for major conditions such as heart attack and stroke,” McDougal said.
Manatee Memorial opened its first free-standing emergency room in Bradenton on May 11, 2022, in Sun City Center, at 16504 S. U.S. 301.
Two weeks ago, Manatee Memorial broke ground for its third free-standing ER near the intersection of Manatee Avenue West and 75th Street West. That ER is scheduled to open in early 2024.
Manatee Memorial’s sister hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, in 2022 opened the ER at Fruitville, 6760 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota opened its first facility in Manatee County, a stand-alone emergency room, in 2018 at 8500 State Road 70 E., near Lakewood Ranch.
What’s the difference between an ER and an urgent care center?
Here’s what the Mayo Clinic Health System says:
“An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention.
“Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. If you have a minor illness or injury that can’t wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the way to go.”
Manatee Memorial Hospital, originally named Manatee Memorial Veteran’s Hospital, opened its doors Feb. 23, 1953, as a 100-bed hospital.
The Bradenton Women’s Club started fundraising activities in 1939 for a new hospital to replace Bradenton General Hospital, which was outdated, inadequate and cramped.
But those plans were interrupted by World War II and didn’t see new life until after the war, when on Aug. 13, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed the Hill-Burton Act into law. The law provided construction grants and loans to build hospitals around the country.
With federal support, a $400,000 county bond and resident donations, efforts resumed in 1947 to build Manatee Memorial Veteran’s Hospital.
In May 1954, the hospital won full accreditation by the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals
On July 1, 1963, the state Legislature renamed the medical center to Manatee Memorial Hospital.
“Confusion over the inclusion of ‘veterans’ in the name led many to believe the hospital was a Veterans Administration facility — for military only. The hospital, however, kept its commitment to veterans,” Kevin DiLallo, the then-hospital CEO, said in a Bradenton Herald guest column in 2018.
The Manatee County Veterans Memorial is still located on hospital property near the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Manatee Hospitals and Health Systems, Inc., a nonprofit Florida corporation, purchased Manatee Memorial Hospital in 1984.
In 1995, a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., based in King of Prussia, Pa., purchased the hospital.
The range of medical services provided today includes emergency medicine, cardiac, cardiovascular, stroke, surgical,orthopedics, outpatient and inpatient radiology services, rehabilitation, respiratory care, sleep services, oncology, wound care and women’s and children’s services, including Manatee County’s only Level II neonatal intensive care unit.
“Not surprisingly, many of the 2,200 current employees were born at the hospital and have children and grandchildren also born there. Manatee Memorial Hospital has been a beacon of community health; ever improving, continuously advancing and always serving the growing needs of the community for seven decades,” a hospital news release said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers around the country gained new appreciation and respect from the public for their life-saving efforts and for their courage and dedication during a time of great uncertainty.
Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center became the first Bradenton-area hospitals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and start inoculating staff on Dec. 23, 2020.
Manatee Memorial initially received 1,300 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine about 9:30 a.m. and by 1 p.m. was already inoculating staff members.
For more information on the hospital, visit manateememorial.com.
The Bayshore Garden Center is an institution in North Fort Myers. The winner of The North Fort Myers Neighbor’s annual reader’s poll for countless years for both Best Nursery and Best Landscaping, the pleasant, plant-filled business is a source for both plants and information on gardening and landscaping.The new owner is Terry Chepy, who has taken over from Jan Johnson and Joe Scott who decided after many successful years to retire from the business.Originally from East Lansing, Michigan, Chepy said it was their top...
The Bayshore Garden Center is an institution in North Fort Myers. The winner of The North Fort Myers Neighbor’s annual reader’s poll for countless years for both Best Nursery and Best Landscaping, the pleasant, plant-filled business is a source for both plants and information on gardening and landscaping.
The new owner is Terry Chepy, who has taken over from Jan Johnson and Joe Scott who decided after many successful years to retire from the business.
Originally from East Lansing, Michigan, Chepy said it was their top pick in buying a business.
Chepy said he looked all over Michigan for a business to acquire, but then he heard Bayshore Garden Center here was for sale.
He and his family have been frequent vacation visitors to the Fort Myers area. “I then decided, why not look at a place I wanted to be, for the next 10 or 20 years, or the rest of my life? I love the area.”
He came first in February to look at the business, and was impressed with what he saw. “Actually, I fell in love with it (the business) and the people in the area.”
He’s now working at the center seven days a week, saying that getting up every morning and getting to work is a joy. “It feels more like a hobby than work.”
All but one of the previous staff members are still at the center. “They are the most knowledgeable group of professionals I’ve ever been involved with; that’s why people like to come here.”
The staff is helping him get to know local customers. “The local customers have been friendly and very accepting,” he said. “I really appreciate that.”
He said the business was run so well, it really didn’t need an overhaul when he took over. “I’m trying to maintain what they (the previous owners) have done over the years.”
When you enter the center off Bayshore Road, you see the friendly outdoor kiosk that serves as the cashier’s stand, and many plants and trees on display. The size of the center is misleading – a horizontal layout, there are thousands of plants in different varieties and numerous trees for sale. “We have 20 to 25 different types of palm trees and dozens of types of citrus trees,” Chepy said.
They even have Florida peach trees. “I tried one of the peaches — my first Florida peach — and it was delicious,” he said.
One thing he hopes to promote to customers is many free services. For one, they offer free landscaping evaluations at your home. “For example, if someone wants help with a landscape design, we can take it from nothing to a complete, fully designed and installed landscape.”
They also invite customers to bring in problem plants. “We can tell you what’s wrong, it could be anything from disease to nutrient deficiency to too much or too little watering.”
They also have brochures from a Citrus Care Guide to those on caring for plants in general.
He also plans to restart the popular free gardening topic classes in the future.
A Cape Coral resident, married to wife Sharon, he is the father of two. An avid tennis player and golfer, he hopes to do more of those in the future, but right now his business is his priority.
Bayshore Garden Center is at 5870 Bayshore Rd. Hours are Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 543-1443.
North Fort Myers News
North Fort Myers Civic Association to host Clash Charity Golf Scramble June 17
Join in the North Fort Myers Chamber blood drive Wednesday, May 24
DISTRICT ONE DISTRICTWIDE ROADWATCH REPORT – MAY 21 – 27
One Boston family new to Sarasota is bracing to ride out their first hurricane — 10 days after moving to the Suncoast."We just literally came down ... and we get the worst hurricane Sarasota has had in 100 years," said Mike Cahill, who moved to the area with his wife and 26-year-old son.As some residents rush away from the coast to ...
One Boston family new to Sarasota is bracing to ride out their first hurricane — 10 days after moving to the Suncoast.
"We just literally came down ... and we get the worst hurricane Sarasota has had in 100 years," said Mike Cahill, who moved to the area with his wife and 26-year-old son.
As some residents rush away from the coast to escape Hurricane Ian's devastating weather conditions, Cahill tried to join them. He said he called several hotels further from the ocean.
"I checked hotels two to three hours southeast and they were all booked," he said, adding that he looked in Arcadia and Okeechobee.
2 p.m. Live Updates:Hurricane Ian still on track to hit Sarasota County, historic flooding possible
Related:Venice now looks like Florida landfall for shifting Hurricane Ian
The Herald-Tribune called several hotels across Sarasota and Manatee County to check for availability — every single one was completely booked, including The Carlisle Inn & Conference Center near Fruitville, a Days Inn off of 301 and 41, and a Best Western on Cortez Road West.
As of Tuesday morning, Manatee and Sarasota issued mandatory evacuations for both Level A and Level B zones. Florida officials expect more orders within those counties and the Tampa Bay region.
As locals fled their homes, Interstate 4 and Interstate 75 were busy with evacuees, according to several social media posts from Sarasota and Manatee County residents and state officials.
“We’re going to start having traffic issues,” Kevin Guthrie, the Florida Emergency Management Director said on CNN Monday night.
He said the state is likely to employ an “emergency shoulder use” strategy to add more lanes in an effort to ease heavy traffic volume along I-4 and I-75.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue also said his agency has the ability to open the shoulder of the interstate to vehicular traffic.
"As soon as travel speeds get below 40 miles per hour, we typically are able to do that," he said.
Emily Maddy was preparing to join bumper-to-bumper traffic southbound on I-75 Tuesday afternoon.
She lives in Bayshore Gardens in Bradenton, now under a mandatory evacuation order. Her husband, who works at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, will ride out Ian as part of the airport's emergency crew, but she's struggling to decide where she'll take shelter.
"I'm supposed to be heading down to North Port soon, but now the area I was going to shelter in is in an evacuation zone as well," Maddy said in a Facebook message.
Hurricane Ian:Sarasota-Bradenton closings and cancellations due to the storm
Cindy Schultz, a Bradenton resident, said she’s considering evacuating with her family to Orlando after her work closed at 1 p.m. Tuesday, but she is struggling to find an affordable hotel.
“I'm also worried about spending the night stuck on the interstate," Schultz said.
For some, they didn't notice a difference on the road. Sarasota resident Kendalle Anderson left for Orlando Tuesday morning and said she was surprised to see "pretty normal" traffic leading up to Hurricane Ian's landfall.
"There really wasn't any at all. We were shocked," she said. "There was one fender bender but was only 15 minutes of back-up."
At a Tuesday press conference, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue said the department suspended certain tolls to aid in the evacuations, including the Alligator Alley toll and many of the toll facilities in the Tampa Bay region. Depending on Ian's path, FDOT could expand toll suspensions throughout the state.
Along US-41 from Bradenton to Sarasota, there were little to no lines at several gas stations Tuesday.
Perdue said that all of Florida's ports also have adequate gas supplies.
"They're well positioned to quickly reinstate operations following the storm and keep fuel supplies moving," he said.
When word got out last November that Kmart was closing its store at 7350 Manatee Ave. W., the last Kmart in Manatee County, rumors began to swirl almost immediately that Target might be interested in that location for one of its stores.The rumors turned out to be true.“I can confirm Target has plans to open a store in Bradenton. Located at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue, the store will be approximately 49,000 square fe...
When word got out last November that Kmart was closing its store at 7350 Manatee Ave. W., the last Kmart in Manatee County, rumors began to swirl almost immediately that Target might be interested in that location for one of its stores.
The rumors turned out to be true.
“I can confirm Target has plans to open a store in Bradenton. Located at 75th Street and Manatee Avenue, the store will be approximately 49,000 square feet. As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share – including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date,” a spokeswoman for Target said in an email on Tuesday.
The proposed Target would be the second in Manatee County. The existing store is located at 6150 14th St. W., in Bayshore Gardens.
There is also a Super Target at 101 N. Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center shopping district. Sarasota has several other Targets, including at 5350 Fruitville Road and at 8401 S. Tamiami Trail.
In February, workers took down the iconic K from the facade of the former Kmart building on Manatee Avenue, leaving an empty building and lots of questions about what might be coming next.
At the same time, just on the south side of Manatee Avenue and 75th Street West stood an empty parking lot where a Lucky’s market had been planned, on the site where a former Albertson’s supermarket was demolished.
Lucky’s pulled out of plans to build at the intersection after it lost Krogers as an investor. Ultimately, Lucky’s filed for bankruptcy and closed many of its stores. A WaWa store, which won city approval in 2018, was also planned for the intersection but has yet to be built.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made a difficult time for large box retailers even more difficult with national brands Tuesday Morning, J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus, J.Crew and Stage Stores, and Steinmart all filing for bankruptcy this year.
The decision by Target to takeover the former Manatee Avenue Kmart space means that at least one down-on-its luck Bradenton retail location will be spared what is frequently happening in many other big box spaces.
“What is happening with the big boxes is that they are being repurposed with smaller tenants. Some are becoming fitness facilities, others are becoming entertainment venues, and some are becoming mixed use. Some are being turned into storage facilities,” Janet Robinson, commercial director for Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT, told the Herald earlier this year.
The friction between Key West and some communities at the other end of the island chain is generally a dull but persistent sort of discord, muttered under the breath but rarely debated publicly.Key West, to some, is the intrusive diva whose showy excesses and pouty demands make life difficult for those around her, despite their dependence on her income.But that quiet conflict between communities has grown louder and more public in recent weeks, as county officials consider whether to assume responsibility for Poinciana Gardens....
The friction between Key West and some communities at the other end of the island chain is generally a dull but persistent sort of discord, muttered under the breath but rarely debated publicly.
Key West, to some, is the intrusive diva whose showy excesses and pouty demands make life difficult for those around her, despite their dependence on her income.
But that quiet conflict between communities has grown louder and more public in recent weeks, as county officials consider whether to assume responsibility for Poinciana Gardens.
Key West’s assisted-living facility has been struggling financially since its opening in July 2018, when only nine of its 106 units were occupied — and those residents were paying $3,000 per month for apartments.
Rents were much higher than anticipated under the original management company, making the brand-new units too expensive for most Keys seniors.
In 2019, the Key West Housing Authority, which owns the property, found a new management company that lowered rents and increased occupancy, but the facility continues to operate at a loss that the housing authority can no longer afford.
County Commissioner Craig Cates wants the county to take over operation of the facility from the housing authority with additional financial support from the city of Key West.
Cates in May called the arrangement “a no-brainer” due to the money it would save the county in the long run.
Monroe County is spending $1.2 million a year to operate Bayshore Manor on Stock Island, which currently houses only 11 residents.
“If we can move the Bayshore Manor residents to Poinciana Gardens and close Bayshore Manor, we’ll have more than a million dollars a year to put toward Poinciana Gardens,” Cates said in May. “Plus, we’ll get back the Bayshore Manor property on College Road. Plus, we’re currently spending about $250,000 to rent office space at the Professional Building and other locations in town. We can move those offices to the Bayshore Manor property that we already own to save another quarter-million dollars a year. To me, it’s a no-brainer. I hope the other commissioners see it as clearly. There’s also space available at Poinciana Gardens to have senior day care services and other activities bring in additional revenue.”
But not everyone agreed.
Resentment, dissent and political threats became apparent in recent weeks, with some Upper Keys community groups opposing the proposal, wondering why their taxes should fund something their seniors won’t use.
“This isn’t about Upper Keys vs. Key West; or Poinciana Gardens vs. Rowell’s Marina, which the county bought, but Key West doesn’t use,” County Commissioner Mike Forster told the Keys Weekly on Tuesday. “We’re not going to divide the Keys. We’re going to take care of each other. But I want to know the appetite of Key West for this project.”
Forster said he would not vote in favor of Cates’ proposal “if Key West is only putting up $400,000 the first year, then $300,000 the second year, then $100,000 the third year. We need the city of Key West to be a full partner in this with us.”
Commissioner David Rice agreed, saying, “My hope is to continue these services for our seniors with three groups — the county, the city and the housing authority — all working together, and I’ve gone from hopeful to optimistic that County Administrator Roman Gastesi is making good progress with his discussions and negotiations,” Rice said.
Commissioner Eddie Martinez said he would back Cates’ proposal.
“Our seniors are not disposable,” Martinez said. “Also, Poinciana will operate in the black when run properly, and it will be. So there should be no issues. If we move Bayshore Manor residents to Poinciana Gardens, and move some county offices to the Bayshore property, it will all be offset. Are you willing to dispose of your parents? Or anyone else’s? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t either. Search your heart and just do what is correct.”
The county commission will hear the latest from Gastesi and consider their options at their meeting on Wednesday, July 21.
Until then, the group of Key West residents who fought for 20 years to get an assisted-living facility built, is hoping the commissioners will see fit to serve the senior citizens of Key West however possible.
“The basic thing here is they need to not let our elders down,” said Joan Higgs, a former administrator at Bayshore Manor and a founding member of the Florida Keys Assisted-Care Coalition, which got the facility built. “Somehow this has become about politics instead of about taking care of our seniors. The county will protect coral reefs and old buildings, but not our elders? Their refusal to support this would be completely outrageous and inhumane, and I’ve never seen that from our county commissioners.”
