The Color Nine Group (CNG) is honored to congratulate the City of Sarasota on being awarded a $12 million RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This incredible achievement will fund the transformative 10th Street and Boulevard of the Arts Complete Streets project, a development that will positively impact the lives of residents and visitors for years to come.

The 10th Street and Boulevard of the Arts Complete Streets project reflects Sarasota’s commitment to creating safe, accessible, and connected spaces for its community. The planned improvements will enhance 130 acres within the Rosemary District, introducing features such as:

• A roundabout at 10th Street and N. Orange Avenue to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and high-visibility crosswalks for safer pedestrian and cyclist access.
• A mobility hub equipped with innovative Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) and bike...

  Thank you for visiting the Faceless Leaders blog.  As someone who has been in a leadership role in numerous organizations over the past 20 years, I created this blog as a resource for those who hope to improve their leadership.  In John Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Maxwell defines leadership as influence- nothing more, nothing less.  If that is the case, then all of us are leaders in some way because we influence people every day.  (My guess is that you already consider yourself a leader to some degree or you would not be reading a blog on leadership.) Unfortunately, we all know people (possibly even ourselves) who misuse or abuse their ability to influence others.

Newtown: Sidewalk Funding Approved

We have exciting news to share regarding sidewalks and connectivity in Newtown! We recently were informed that Congress passed a $1 million allocation for our Newtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation Community Project, which the City Commission prioritized in 2023.

In 2022, the City’s Pedestrian Connectivity Plan was updated and prioritized connectivity to schools, parks, business districts, recreational areas and more. The Plan serves as a guide to complete sidewalks to meet ADA requirements for uninterrupted pedestrian connectivity. The most underserved area within the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area was prioritized to build new sidewalks and replace deteriorating sidewalks based on many factors, including safety issues, right-of-way needs, whether it is included in a larger connectivity plan and community support.

Many residents in Newtown rely on walking and bicycling to go to and from jobs and essential services, and we are thrilled...

Walton County, Florida, is taking significant steps to preserve its natural environment and safeguard its water resources. With support from Community Project Funding (CPF), the county has secured $500,000 for a critical study focused on restoring the aquatic ecosystem in Choctawhatchee Bay and River Basin. This funding will help protect the region’s natural beauty while boosting its environmental resilience for years to come.

What is Community Project Funding?

Community Project Funding (CPF) is a targeted federal investment for specific community projects, requested directly by members of Congress. Unlike competitive grant applications, CPF allows local governments, nonprofits, and other entities to receive direct federal support for critical projects that meet community needs. CPF funding is often secured through the federal appropriations process and is designed to support projects with broad community backing.

Walton County’s project is an ideal candidate for CPF, as...

Securing federal funding for community projects can be a complex process, but it’s one that brings significant benefits. In Sarasota, federal funding has been approved by the House of Representatives to improve public safety. The Sarasota Police Department is on track to receive $750,000 to establish a Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC), pending final approval by the Senate in late 2024. This initiative would make Sarasota one of the few cities in the region to leverage advanced technology in law enforcement.

What is Community Project Funding?

Community Project Funding (CPF) is a special allocation of federal funds for specific community projects, requested directly by members of Congress to address the most pressing needs in their districts. Unlike traditional grants, CPF allows local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to receive direct federal investment without having to go through a competitive grant application process. CPF is part of the federal...

In football, like in life and business, victory doesn’t happen by accident. It takes preparation, strategy, and execution to win on game day. John Maxwell’s PLAN AHEAD framework is like a playbook for success, helping individuals and teams strategize their way to a win. Whether you’re aiming for personal or professional growth, this structured approach offers a clear path to your goal—much like a well-executed drive down the field.

The Game Plan: Understanding the PLAN AHEAD Framework

Think of the PLAN AHEAD framework as your offensive strategy. Each step is a play designed to advance you toward the end zone. Here’s how Maxwell’s framework breaks down when viewed through the lens of football:

1. Pre-determine Objectives – This is like the pre-game strategy meeting. You decide what success looks like. What’s your end zone? What does winning mean for you and your team?

2. Lay Out Your Goals – Just like a quarterback calling plays,...

By Stephanie Willis

In life, we often find ourselves constrained by invisible boundaries—limitations that, although unseen, significantly shape our experiences and hold us back from reaching our full potential. These boundaries, formed by upbringing, societal expectations, and personal experiences, can subtly dictate how we view ourselves and the world around us. The good news is that once we recognize them, we can work to break free.

In this post, I’ll guide you through identifying these invisible barriers and share powerful strategies for unleashing your true potential.

Recognizing the Invisible Boundaries

The first step toward transformation is awareness. Invisible boundaries are often deeply ingrained and hard to see. To recognize them, reflect on areas in your life where you feel stuck or limited. Ask yourself:

• What beliefs or experiences are contributing to these feelings?
• Where did these beliefs come from?

Whether these limitations stem from past experiences,...

In today’s fast-paced business world, it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day challenges and lose sight of the bigger picture. Yet, leaders who practice Big-Picture Thinking are able to navigate uncharted territories, see potential obstacles before they arise, and define possible outcomes for their teams and organizations. This type of thinking is essential for long-term success and adaptability.

What is Big-Picture Thinking?
Big-picture thinking is the ability to step back, view a situation from a broader perspective, and understand how all the pieces fit together. This isn’t just about having a vision—it’s about seeing connections that others might miss and understanding how today's decisions will impact tomorrow’s outcomes.

Think of it as scenario planning, where you prepare for multiple future possibilities. Leaders who engage in big-picture thinking don’t just focus on immediate goals but consider how external factors, industry trends, and...