Business Briefs

+ Wells Fargo gives third grant to Mote Marine
Mote Marine Laboratory recently received a $7,500 grant from Wells Fargo for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. The donation is the bank’s third contribution toward Mote’s turtle efforts.

“We’re proud to support the important work at Mote Marine Laboratory,” said John Zimmerman, area president for Wells Fargo, in a news release. “Our company and our team members have a keen interest in protecting our environment and marine life, so we appreciate the efforts of the rescue and rehab teams at Mote.”

Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program responds 24 hours a day to reports of sea turtles and other marine animals in distress in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“Mote has already released two rehabilitated turtles nicknamed Fargo I and Fargo II back into the wild,” said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s rehabilitation and medical care coordinator, in the release. “We look forward to more happy endings thanks to Wells Fargo’s continuing support.”

+ St. Armands Circle looks to get two new businesses
Just Because, a specialty gift shop owned and operated by two sisters, and Surf Shack Coastal Kitchens, a two-story, island-style restaurant, will open on St. Armands this season.

Just Because will feature local art, including jewelry, pottery and glassware. Sisters Barbara Pugliese and Marie Cohen plan to open the store Nov. 1, at 75 N. Blvd. of the Presidents. Store hours will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The Surf Shack will open its first restaurant outside of its original location in Tampa mid-December at 326 and 328 St. Armands Circle.

Owner Steve Bishop says renovations on the building are ongoing, and it’s possible the restaurant’s opening day could be pushed back due to construction.

+ Beach Residences units sell for combined $5,595,000
Two condos closed last week at The Beach Residences on Lido Key. Unit 802 sold for $2.84 million, and Unit 503 sold for $2,755,000.

Judy Kepecz-Hays, of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, sold both units and also listed Unit 802. Julia McClung, of Michael Saunders & Co., listed Unit 503.

The Beach Residences were built in 2005. Unit 802 has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,964 square feet of living area. Unit 503 has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,861 square feet of living area.