City of Sarasota Quicklinks

MILLAGE RATE SET; TAXES LOWER

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:32:07 GMT

The City Commission approved the preliminary millage rate yesterday for the 2008-09 fiscal year, lowering the overall millage which will result in savings for homeowners with Homestead exemptions. The preliminary millage rate is set citywide at 3.1062, a 1.9% decrease from last year.

PROPOSED OPERATING MILLAGE REMAINS SAME; TAXES DROP

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:44:09 GMT

The City Commission will hold budget workshops for two days this week to discuss the 2008–09 fiscal year. The proposed budget maintains the current operating millage rate and reduces the debt service millage, thereby lowering the total millage. With the net taxable value of property within the City of Sarasota down, fewer property taxes would be collected.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON DISPLAY

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:03:30 GMT

A variety of plug-in electric vehicles will be on display 4:30pm – 8pm Mon., July 21, 2008 at City Hall, 1565 First Street, as the City Commission hears a presentation from the Florida Electric Automobile Association on the benefits of electric vehicles. The presentation will take place in the Commission Chambers at 6pm as part of the regular City Commission meeting. "Electric vehicles are starting to appear all over Florida,” said Michele Mician, City of Sarasota Neighborhood Coordinator. “Currently, plug-in electric vehicles offer one way to reduce our carbon footprint and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As technology improves we can hope to see this energy drawn from solar utility and make plug-in electric vehicles a viable zero emissions alternative," said Mician.

FRIDAY FEST HUGE SUCCESS; PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:12:00 GMT

Friday Fest, the popular free live music festival hosted by the City of Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is doing its part to bring more people to the Van Wezel. Last month’s Friday Fest, the first of four such events scheduled this summer, was heavily attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

CITY HOSTS AAU TOURNAMENT

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:39:40 GMT

The City of Sarasota will add to its rich history of baseball tradition by hosting 1,000 of the nation’s best young Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) players at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex and Ed Smith Stadium Sat., July 19 – Fri., July 25, 2008. This is the 12th time in the past 13 years the City has hosted the AAU 14-Under National Championship Tournament.

NEW MANAGER OVERSEES BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:04:43 GMT

Susan Martin has been promoted to Manager of Bobby Jones Golf Course, replacing Ray Grady who resigned this week. “I’m excited and looking forward to getting to know the golfers here at Bobby Jones,” said Sue Martin, Bobby Jones Golf Course Manager. “It’s a wonderful facility. I look forward to working with the employees and moving the golf course forward.” Martin has been employed by the City of Sarasota for three years as the Manager of Recreation and Sports. Her duties have focused on the smooth operation of Ed Smith Stadium and the Skate Park.

CITY SEEKS GREEN CANOPY PARTICIPANTS

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:07:45 GMT

The City of Sarasota is looking for residents interested in participating in the Green Canopy Partnership Program. In the program, the City plants trees along the right-of-way of residents’ homes, as long as the residents pledge to water and care for the saplings until they take root. “It’s a true partnership between the City and residents. The City provides the trees and installation, and the residents agree to water them,” said Michele Mician, Sustainability Coordinator. There is no fee to participate in the program.

CITY HALL CLOSES FOR JULY 4th

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:28:57 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Fri., July 4, 2008 in observance of Independence Day. The closing includes City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works. There will be no collection of garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulk waste.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO FIRST TASTE OF NEWTOWN FESTIVAL

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:39:36 GMT

The community is invited to join the family fun at the inaugural “Taste of Newtown Festival” Sat., June 21, 2008 2pm to 8 pm at Fredd “Glossie” Atkins Park and on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, from Links Ave. to Washington Court. Admission is free.

SARASOTA DESIGNATED AS PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:23:23 GMT

The City of Sarasota has been honored with the designation as a Preserve America Community. The City now will be eligible for grant money for projects which promote the continued preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN WILL CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:54:17 GMT

The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain at Bayfront Park will close for its mid-year inspection and maintenance June 16-18, 2008. The scope of work includes inspection, repair and resealing of the animal statues at the fountain by the original artists who created them.

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:29:57 GMT

The City of Sarasota is seeking citizens to serve on the City’s new Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The Committee’s task will be to create a local housing incentive strategy, and make recommendations relating to the production of affordable housing.

FIRST MEETING OF THE BERTHA PALMER HONORARY COMMITTEE IS ANNOUNCED

Wed, 28 May 2008 14:07:22 GMT

The City of Sarasota will host the first meeting of the Bertha Palmer Honorary Committee on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:00a.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The 14-member committee will help coordinate events and provide support for the 2010 Sarasota County Bertha Palmer Celebration, marking the centennial of Bertha Palmer’s arrival in Sarasota.

ALLEN PLAY AREA TO CLOSE FOR REPAIRS

Fri, 23 May 2008 17:40:59 GMT

The popular Allen Play area at Bayfront Park will be closing in mid-June for repairs. Due to wear and tear from high usage, as well as the harsh salty environment, contractors will be closing the playground to repair the play structure and completely replace the rubber mat underneath it.

NEW OPERATING HOURS FOR THE CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN

Fri, 23 May 2008 17:38:49 GMT

Due to budget constraints, the City of Sarasota is adjusting the daily operating hours for the Children’s Fountain at Bayfront Park. Beginning May 27, 2008 the Children’s Fountain will be open noon to 7:00p.m., weather permitting. Historically, the summer hours began at 10:00a.m. Use of the fountain during normal hours is free of charge.

VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP, NEW VISION AND TWO MAJOR NEW GIFTS

Tue, 20 May 2008 18:14:30 GMT

The new leadership of the Van Wezel Foundation was introduced for the first time at the City Commission meeting on Monday May 19 at City Hall. The leadership of the Foundation includes:

CITY HALL CLOSES FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Mon, 19 May 2008 13:20:04 GMT

Sarasota, FL: City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed May 26, 2008 in observance of Memorial Day. The closing includes City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works, although solid waste and recycling collection will not be impacted.

CITY WELCOMES SISTER CITIES STUDENT PLAYWRIGHTS

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:29:10 GMT

The City of Sarasota will welcome students from three Sister Cities who won a playwriting competition connected to the Florida Studio Theatre based in Sarasota. Eleven young playwrights will be honored from three sister cities: Dunfermline, Scotland; Tel Mond, Israel; and Vladimir, Russia.

City Considers Downtown Green Space Policy

Thu, 15 May 2008 13:10:08 GMT

The City of Sarasota will look to enhance its green thumb in the downtown area when the City Commission considers downtown green space draft policies Monday. Consideration of the draft policies will be on the Commission’s agenda of its regular meeting on May 19th, at 2:30pm at City Hall. Public input will be welcome.

AGREEMENT EXPECTED BETWEEN VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL & VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:11:51 GMT

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is eagerly anticipating the passage of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Sarasota and the Van Wezel Foundation which delineates the roles of both organizations in reference to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The memo has yet to be approved by either party and is tentatively scheduled for this week’s upcoming City Commission meeting on May 19th.

SARASOTA WELCOMES SYESHA MERCADO

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:54:00 GMT

: The public is invited to attend an exciting welcome home event for American Idol top three finalist Syesha Mercado, Fri., May 9th. The festivities will include a free public concert by Syesha on the grounds of the John & Mable Ringling Museum. The concert is expected to begin at approximately 3:30pm.

City Welcomes FHSAA Tournament

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:19:06 GMT

The City of Sarasota will host the Florida High School Athletic Association baseball finals at Ed Smith Stadium Wed., May 14th - Tues. May 20th. This is the eighth year the City of Sarasota has proudly hosted the statewide event.

DETOURS POSSIBLE WITH LITTLE FIVE POINTS CONSTRUCTION

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:28:31 GMT

Drivers and pedestrians in the Little Five Points area of downtown Sarasota should be on the lookout for a major construction project. The stormwater project, overseen by Sarasota County, will involve heavy machinery and will require temporary detours, road closures and night work.

STATE STREET LOT OPERATED BY IGH HOLDINGS

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:31:58 GMT

Effective Thurs., May 1, 2008 the entire State Street public parking lot will be controlled and operated by IGH Holdings, LLC. All 139 public parking spaces will be reserved either for those people who purchase a Pineapple Square parking permit or for those who wish to pay for valet parking. (Valet parking is available to the general public.

News Conference Available Online

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:53:15 GMT

The news conference held today by the City of Sarasota to discuss financial management in challenging times can be viewed in its entirety on the City’s homepage: News Conference April 16, 2008

NEWS CONFERENCE AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:00:43 GMT

The news conference held today by the City of Sarasota to discuss the recent action taken by the Goodyear, Arizona City Council can be viewed in its entirety on the City of Sarasota website: News Conference April 8, 2008

CITIZENS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN EARTH HOUR

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:57:50 GMT

Saving our planet from global warming: It starts with a flip of the switch. The City of Sarasota invites everyone to participate in Earth Hour on March 29th from 8pm to 9pm. During this pre-Earth Week event, households and businesses are encouraged to turn off their lights for one hour.

CITY SEEKS MORE INPUT ON NEWTOWN INITIATIVE

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:35:04 GMT

The City of Sarasota invites residents and business owners to continue participating in forums to create significant sustainable changes in North Sarasota. Action committee meetings will be held over the next several weeks to continue the dialogue and develop strategies in five areas determined by the community to be high priorities: economic development, law enforcement, neighborhoods, social services and youth services.

PUBLIC PARKING CHANGES ANNOUNCED

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:01:15 GMT

A portion of the State Street public parking lot will be reserved for valet parking effective Mon., March 17, 2008. The west side of the lot, containing 68 spaces, will be reserved for valet parking and available to the public for $3 a day. The east side of the lot, 71 spaces, will be available to the general public and downtown employee permit holders.

ACCESS SARASOTA TO AIR SARASOTA'S FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING CONFERENCE

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:36:05 GMT

Access Sarasota, the government access channel for the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, will provide live coverage of Sarasota’s first Public Housing Conference on Friday, March 14, 2008 beginning at 2:00pm. The event is sponsored by the resident councils of Sarasota’s subsidized housing complexes.

FOLLOW-UP MEETING SCHEDULED

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:32:35 GMT

City of Sarasota residents and business owners are invited to attend a follow-up meeting to discuss the “New Day in Newtown” initiative. The meeting will be held Sat., February 23, 2008 9am – noon at Booker Middle School cafeteria, 2250 Myrtle Street. Light refreshments will be served.

CITY AND REDS HOST KIDS CLINIC

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:49:49 GMT

The City of Sarasota is pleased to announce the 11th annual Kids and Coaches Sports Clinic will be held Sat., February 23, 2008 1:30pm – 3pm at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street. Children ages 6 through 18 are invited to attend and receive major league instruction from Cincinnati Reds players and coaches. The clinic is free.

CITY SEEKS INPUT FOR NORTH SARASOTA INITIATIVE

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:39:20 GMT

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.

City Offices Close For Holiday

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:07:22 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed February 18, 2008 in observance of Presidents’ Day. The closing affects City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works, although solid waste and recycling collection will not be impacted.

ACCESS SARASOTA WANTS YOUR OPINION

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:18:59 GMT

Access Sarasota, the government access channel for the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, would like your opinion about the station’s programming and your viewing habits. You are invited to participate in a brief on-line survey of Access Sarasota, which will help to guide present and future television programming including City and County Commission meeting coverage. The survey can be found on the City of Sarasota webpage: www.sarasotagov.com

CITY OFFICES CLOSE FOR THE HOLIDAY

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:51:41 GMT

City of Sarasota offices will be closed Mon., January 21, 2008 in observance of Martin Luther King, Junior Day. The regular City Commission meeting will be held Tues., January 22, 2008 at 2:30pm at City Hall, 1565 First Street, then continuing at 6pm.

CITY E-MAIL TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:50:58 GMT

The City of Sarasota e-mail system will be temporarily unavailable from Fri., January 18, 2008 at 5pm through Tues., January 22, 2008 at 8am due to system maintenance. E-mails sent to City Commissioners, Charter Officials and staff during that time period will not be received until at least Tues., January 22nd.

CITY PROVIDES AMEMDMENT ONE INFORMATION

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:50:11 GMT

Voters throughout the State of Florida will head to the polls in less than three weeks to vote on proposed Amendment One, the proposed property tax reform measure. You can learn more about proposed Amendment One, including what it would do and how it would impact you and your community, by visiting the City of Sarasota homepage: www.sarasotagov.com “It’s one-stop shopping for voters who are doing their homework about Amendment One,” said Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg. “The City’s website provides information about the elements of the proposal, as well as the financial impact it would have on the City’s budget if approved by voters,” said Thornburg.

CITY HOSTS GREEN SPACE WORKSHOP

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:49:15 GMT

Let’s talk about green space! You’re invited to attend a public workshop about downtown green space Tues., January 15, 2008 at 6pm at Payne Park Auditorium, 2100 Laurel Street.

CITY LAUNCHES E-NEWSLETTER

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:47:30 GMT

The City of Sarasota launched an electronic newsletter today providing citizens with another avenue to be informed about events and issues at City Hall. “More and more residents are getting their information on-line. And, City E-News is a response to that,” said Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg. “City E-News is packed with news articles and informative tidbits. It’s colorful, full of photographs and interactive. Almost every article provides a link for the reader to seek more information,” said Thornburg.