The economy, ice cream and commercial development

Margaret Callihan knows a thing or two about the local economy.

As the chairman, president and CEO of SunTrust in Southwest Florida, she oversees all banking operations for the chain for five coastal counties spanning from Parrish south to Marco Island.

Working with businesses, borrowers and retirees, she has a finger on the pulse of Southwest Florida's economy as much just about anyone. So when Callihan (pictured) is optimistic about the progress being made in the recovery, it's probably a good sign.

Callihan sat down with me for about an hour Monday afternoon in her downtown Sarasota office to discuss all things banking. Among the highlights, she talked about how the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates low has spurred an uptick in borrowing but adversely impacted some who rely on savings interest as part of a fixed retirement income.

She also said banks are lending again, but have adopted a more cautious approach as a lesson learned from the housing crash.  

You can read the full Q&A at Bradenton.com.

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It's safe to call me an ice cream fan (especially Ben and Jerry's). So when I was asked to scout a new parlor that recently opened in the historic district on Manatee Avenue, I didn't hesitate.

The best part: I received a history lesson while there.

The walls at Bradentown Scoop are covered with old movie posters, Coke memorabilia and newspaper articles dating back decades. The display cases are filled with some of the most unique antiques I have ever seen. The shop sits in the oldest commercial building in Manatee County, dating back to 1903.

But the real highlight is the white Onyx bar and soda fountain dating back to at least 1920. The pair used to sit just across the street at an old arcade that's believed to have closed in the late 1940s.

It's a pretty cool place, especially for parents with a rug rat who has a sweet tooth and hunger to learn.

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I will be meeting with representatives at Benderson Development early Wednesday morning to discuss the developer's plans for commercial expansion in Manatee County, including the recent purchase of a Bradenton shopping plaza for $1.7 million.

Check Bradenton.com throughout the day for updates on this, as well as other business stories, and don't forget to follow me on Twitter @JoshSalman