West Villages Improvement District

Friday, June 28, 2019

Atlanta Braves: Reassessing NL East contenders ahead of trade deadline

https://tomahawktake.com

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 16: Blooper plays a joke on Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies prior to their game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 16, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

The NL East figured to be a dog fight between four of the five teams, now closing in on the halfway point things aren’t as clear as before. The Atlanta Braves have been on a hot streak and have begun to pull away.

The NL East and NL Central both were projected to be the deepest divisions in baseball, with a fight for the division title and wild card spots going to the end of the season. The NL Central has lived up to the billing but the NL East has faltered as of late with the Atlanta Braves taking charge.

Coming into this week, the Atlanta Braves were 6.5 games ahead of the second place Phillies who sit one game above .500 and are 1-9 in their last 10 games.

The Phillies were thought to be the team who would take the NL East title from the Atlanta Braves, but their recent struggles have put that into question.

Their major acquisitions in the off-season made headlines, but so far have not lived up to the hype. Bryce Harper leads the way with a $330 million dollar investment and a return that doesn’t match.

He’s batting .248 on the year but last year he only batted .249, maybe this is just the new Bryce Harper. J.T. Realmuto is posting solid numbers with a .260 batting line — only 17 points beneath his career average of .277 and there’s plenty of time to get back to his career numbers.

Jean Segura, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners, was thought to be high contact hitter amidst a lineup of home run giants. However, Segura has been in a bit of a dry spell lately batting .268 compared to his career .285 but has the ability to turn it around.

However, the biggest loss was the injury to their leadoff hitter, Andrew McCutchen. He’s out for the year with a torn ACL and provided a spark to the top of the order. The Phillies are 6-12 since losing him adding to the disappointing season.

Fellow outfielder Odubel Herrera has been placed on administrated leave due to suspicion of domestic violence and is believed to be suspended at some point.

The Phillies look to be in the midst of a tough stretch with no end in sight.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Thursday, June 27, 2019

July 4th Fireworks at Venice Beach

https://www.venicegov.com

Venice’s annual Independence Day fireworks display will light up the night sky on Thursday, July 4. The fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty on July 4 shortly after 9 p.m. The free show will last an estimated 30 minutes. Although the Jetty and Jetty Jacks Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety, the fireworks display may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other places around Venice. Another way to get a good view of the show is from the water. Boats should be at anchor by 8:30 p.m. on Independence Day; the Venice Inlet will be closed to boat traffic at 8:45 p.m. until about a half-hour after the display’s grand finale. The show typically draws 10,000-15,000 people.

The South Jetty (Humphris Park) at 2000 Tarpon Center Dr., will close the day before (at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 3) to all vehicles, pedestrians and anglers so that Garden State Fireworks can set up. This closure includes the Jetty walkway, parking lot, Jetty Jacks concessions and restrooms through July 4.

Tarpon Center Drive will remain open, allowing all vehicle traffic to turn around at the entrance to the Jetty park. There will be message boards notifying motorists of the closures. Venice Police will have an outgoing traffic pattern in place to keep traffic flowing and intersections clear following the fireworks display. Police will also provide extra beach and water patrol for the weekend.

Beach spectators are strongly advised to not bring their own fireworks. With so many people, especially small children, individuals using fireworks can be extremely dangerous. It is also not a good place to bring pets. Dogs are not allowed at most places on the beach and the noise from fireworks is disturbing to them.

***In the event of inclement weather, please know that the fireworks show may be delayed.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Summer Circus Spectacular

Tuesday, June 18, 2019
https://venice.floridaweekly.com

Tuesday through Sunday through Aug. 3, Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. See some of the finest circus artists from around the world perform thrilling acts. Show times: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for preview shows June 11-14 are just $12 for adults. The cost goes up to $16 adults, $12 children age 12 and younger. 941-360-7399; www.ringling.org/events/summer-circusspectacular.

Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Season — 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-366-9000; www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate

REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964

West Villages Realty LLC

19503 S West Villages Pkwy

Stes A2 & A11 (by Appt)

Venice, Florida 34293

Office: 941-460-3179