CITY SEEKS INPUT FOR
NORTH SARASOTA INITIATIVE

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota will hold a public forum Mon., February 11, 2008 at 6pm to discuss how to implement significant and sustainable changes within north Sarasota. The forum will be held at the Booker High School cafeteria, located at 3201 N. Orange Ave. The public, especially residents and business owners within the north district, are encouraged to attend.

In 2007, 9,000 people were arrested in Sarasota. Nearly half -- 4,800 -- were arrested within the north district. “To encourage investment in a community, the members of the community must have a feeling of safety,” City Manager Robert Bartolotta wrote in a letter inviting 200 members of the community to attend Monday night’s forum. “Street level narcotics dealing, prostitution, and crime will not be tolerated in any neighborhood in the City of Sarasota,” Bartolotta stated.

The initiative, known as “New Day in Newtown”, calls for community support to prompt change within north Sarasota. “This is not just a police plan,” said Cpt. Lucius Bonner, who is helping to coordinate the initiative. “We can’t just arrest our way out of this situation. We’re trying to get buy-in from those who live and work there, to help take back their community,” said Cpt. Bonner.

During the public forum, participants will break into small brainstorming groups to discuss how to approach five critical areas in Newtown: neighborhoods, law enforcement, social services, economic development and youth services. “Bring your ideas,” stated Bartolotta. “Be an active participant and help bring about a new day in Newtown.”

The revitalization of Newtown is the number one priority for the City Commission. Many initiatives are already in motion, including the recent expansion of the tax increment financing district into Newtown; plans for a new Robert L. Taylor recreational center; and the availability of grants and loans to encourage investment in the community. A Newtown farmers market is also expected to be unveiled soon.

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com