City of Sarasota Quicklinks

NEWS CONFERENCE AND REPORTS POSTED ONLINE

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:46 GMT

The news conference held this morning by City Manager Robert Bartolotta, regarding outcomes as a result of the recent administrative investigation of the Sarasota Police Department, is posted online in its entirety on the City’s website: www.sarasotagov.com. All public records connected to the review by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are also available online.

COMMISSIONER APPEARS ON TALK SHOW

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:21:03 GMT

City Commissioner Fredd “Glossie” Atkins, District 1, will appear as a guest on the “Dave Harman Show” on BLAB TV Tues., November 24, 2009 at 9:30 pm. During the 30-minute show, Commissioner Atkins will discuss the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program, which he helped establish in 1987. BLAB TV is located on channel 189 on Comcast Cable in Sarasota County.

CALL TO ARTISTS: 'INTERSECTIONS' SCULPTURES

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:31:41 GMT

The City of Sarasota is issuing a call to professional Florida artists for a public art competition, known as “Intersections”. The Call to Artists opens today and closes Fri., January 15, 2010.

Historic Resources To Be Surveyed

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:16:57 GMT

The City’s historic resources are expected to expand when an updated survey of the City gets underway soon. Hundreds of structures could be added as historic resources, which may have been missed during the original Phase I survey nearly eight years ago.

City Hall Closes For Veterans Day

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:16:14 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in observance of Veterans Day. The closing affects City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works, although solid waste and recycling collection will not be impacted.

H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Begin

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:15:41 GMT

The Sarasota County Health Department (SCHD) is working with school district officials to begin offering H1N1 flu vaccinations to elementary-age students at public schools in the county. The vaccine is voluntary and is not a required vaccine for school attendance. A parent/legal guardian must accompany their elementary-school-age child/children who will be receiving the vaccine at after-school and Saturday clinics. Health officials say that the H1N1 vaccination clinics listed below are open to those who attend public and private schools as well as home-schooled students. Parents/legal guardians of elementary school students should bring the consent form with them when they accompany their child/children to these vaccination sites.

CITY HONORED FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION ACHIEVEMENT

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:36:16 GMT

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota has been honored by an international coalition of local governments for completing a greenhouse gas inventory. ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability recognized Sarasota’s efforts recently during an event in Atlanta.

CITY LAUNCHES PUBLIC ART WEBSITE

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:11:47 GMT

The City of Sarasota launched a website providing detailed information about the City’s public art collection, including the artist, medium, location and photographs of each piece. The site can be visited at: www.sarasotagov.com/PublicArt

INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO BE HELD ABOUT RECREATIONAL TRAIL

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:44:12 GMT

The City of Sarasota will host an informational meeting about the West Bayfront Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT) Wed., October 28, 2009 at 6pm in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565 First Street. The meeting is open to the public.

ACCESS SARASOTA HONORED WITH NATIONAL AWARD

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:01:22 GMT

Access Sarasota, the government access channel in Sarasota County, has been honored by a national professional organization with an award for “City Life”, a popular program produced by the City of Sarasota Communications Office. The episode “City Life: December 2008” was awarded second place earning a Silver Circle Award at the recent 3CMA annual conference.

TREE TO BE REMOVED NEAR HUDSON BAYOU

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:29:02 GMT

The City of Sarasota will remove a Cuban Laurel Fig tree on Orange Avenue, which is growing into a bridge retaining wall and damaging the northwest side of the bridge. The removal will occur Mon., October 12, 2009 9 am – 1pm just south of Mound Street at the Hudson Bayou. Orange Avenue will be closed to traffic during the removal.

TENNIS ICON RECEIVES KEY TO CITY

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:20:09 GMT

Tennis Hall of Fame great Monica Seles will receive the Key to the City Mon., October 5, 2009 at 6pm during a regular City Commission meeting. Mayor Richard Clapp will make the presentation on behalf of the City Commission.

APPLICATION CONSIDERED FOR EXPANDED ENTERPRISE ZONE BOUNDARY

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:12:49 GMT

The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County will consider a joint resolution to apply with the State of Florida to expand the boundary of the current Enterprise Zone in North Sarasota. The resolution will be discussed during the regular meeting of the City Commission Mon., September 21, 2009 at 6pm at City Hall, 1565 First Street. The resolution also will be discussed by the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners, Wed., October 14, 2009 at 9:30am at the County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

CITY HIRES ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:12:53 GMT

The City of Sarasota remains committed to moving forward with green initiatives by hiring a new Environmental Specialist. Alison Albee will coordinate the City’s sustainability efforts, with an emphasis on developing an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase recycling within the community. “I see this role as not only an opportunity to assist the City of Sarasota to continue to grow economically while protecting the environment through sound, science-based management and resource conservation policies, but also as an opportunity to cultivate a common understanding throughout the community of the benefits sustainability provides as a way of ensuring a better quality of life for present and future citizens of Sarasota,” said Albee.

CALL TO ARTISTS: PARK SCULPTURE

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:23:31 GMT

The City of Sarasota is issuing a national Call to Artists for a significant sculpture to be installed within Fredd “Glossie” Atkins Park. The Call to Artists opens today and closes Thurs. October 15, 2009.

CITY HALL CLOSES FOR LABOR DAY

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:31:11 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 in observance of Labor Day. The closing affects City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works, although solid waste and recycling collection will not be impacted.

TWITTER FOLLOWERS TOP 1,000

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:09:59 GMT

The City of Sarasota now has more than 1,000 followers on its Twitter site, www.twitter.com/cityofsarasota, after launching it less than six months ago. “We’ve really had a lot of success with it,” said Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg. “People are using Twitter to stay in touch with what’s going on with the City of Sarasota.” The 1,000th follower signed up this morning.

CITY AUDITOR & CLERK HONORED BY FL LEAGUE OF CITIES

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:09:19 GMT

City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson was honored by the Florida League of Cities during its recent annual conference in Orlando for his dedication and many years of public service The FLC wanted to recognize him prior to his retirement, which is slated to occur before the end of 2009. He has served the City of Sarasota for 30 years.

DESIGNATED BEACH SMOKING AREA SIGNS INSTALLED AT AREA BEACHES

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:39:13 GMT

In an effort to reduce litter on the beautiful beaches throughout Sarasota County, both the Sarasota County Commission and the City of Sarasota have adopted ordinances providing for the usage of tobacco products in designated areas at public beaches. Beaches within the City of Sarasota will be marked with new signage tomorrow, Thurs., August 6, 2009, notifying the public of the change.

SYESHA MERCADO SPEAKS AT TEEN SUMMIT

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:30:19 GMT

American Idol ’08 contender and Booker High School graduate Syesha Mercado will participate in Teen Summit ’09, “Greatness Beyond Measure”, to be held August 7-9, 2009 at Ringling College. The event is open to youngsters 12 to 19-years-old. There is a $5 registration fee. Parents are encouraged to attend with their teens.

CALL TO ARTISTS EXTENDED

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:00:17 GMT

The City of Sarasota extended the deadline and broadened the residency requirement for a Call to Artists for unique sidewalk inlays for the Downtown Sarasota Historic District. The new deadline is Mon., September 28, 2009. Interested professional artists must reside in the Sarasota region.

OUTSIDE REVIEW MOVES FORWARD

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:47:46 GMT

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with a request by the City of Sarasota to conduct an administrative review of events surrounding the handling of a recent case by the Sarasota Police Department. City Manager Robert Bartolotta was notified yesterday via letter that a top official with the Sheriff’s Office has been assigned to the case and detectives experienced in conducting internal investigations will assist. No deadline has been set for the completion of the review.

OUTSIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO REVIEW HANDLING OF SPD CASE

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:32:49 GMT

At the request of City Manager Robert Bartolotta, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a review into the recent handling of a criminal case involving the Sarasota Police Department. The City Manager traveled to Tampa this afternoon and finalized the scope of the administrative investigation.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TO BE HELD AT PAYNE PARK

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:34:04 GMT

The City of Sarasota, Sarasota County and community leaders will join forces to host the 26th annual National Night Out, Tues., August 4, 2009 6 pm – 9 pm at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota. National Night Out is an evening dedicated to strengthening anti-crime efforts.

SARASOTA RECEIVES $2.2 MILLION IN POLICE GRANTS

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:04:55 GMT

The City of Sarasota was notified today by the United States Department of Justice that it will receive an estimated $2.2 million grant to retain nine Sarasota police officers. “This is great news,” said City Manager Robert Bartolotta. “This is fantastic. It will go a long way with our budget. To apply for 10 officers and to get 90 percent of our request is really positive,” said Bartolotta.

ADVISORY BOARD APPLICANTS NEEDED

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:50:01 GMT

The City of Sarasota is seeking individuals who are interested in their community to serve on City Commission Advisory Boards. Six Advisory Boards with a total of eleven seats are now open:

SKATE PARK OFFERS TIME FOR ADULTS

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:00:54 GMT

Adults will have their own time to enjoy the Sarasota Skate Park beginning Sat., August 1, 2009 when the Park will be open for adults only on Saturday nights
8:15 pm – 10:15 pm weather permitting. To participate, skaters must be at least 18 years old, wear a helmet and sign a waiver to skate. The admission fee will be $10. Skate Park passes will not be valid for adult skate nights.

MILLAGE RATE SET; REMAINS SAME

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:58:47 GMT

The City Commission has set the preliminary millage rate for the 2009-10 fiscal year at 2.7771, which is the same rate as the current fiscal year. The millage rate is staying the same in spite of a projected $8.9 million budget shortfall due to lower revenues.

VIDEO ON DEMAND RECEIVES RECOGNITION

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:12:13 GMT

The City of Sarasota has been recognized for achieving excellence in government efficiency in the 2009 Digital Governance Awards. The City received an honorable mention for using webcasting technology as a cost effective vehicle for the dissemination of information.

CITY HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:17:51 GMT

A news conference will be held today, Mon., July 20, 2009 at 11am in Room 109 in City Hall, 1565 First Street. City Manager Robert Bartolotta will discuss the recent events involving the Sarasota Police Department.

MAYOR NAMED MANASOTA LEAGUE PRESIDENT

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:36:17 GMT

Mayor Richard Clapp was selected to serve as President of the ManaSota League of Cities, an advocacy group for municipalities within Sarasota County and Manatee County. He was selected by fellow voting members of the League to serve a two year term as President. His duties will include serving as chairperson.

PROPOSED BUDGET AVAILABLE ONLINE

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:49:40 GMT

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10 is now available for review on the City of Sarasota website www.sarasotagov.com. An icon on the right side of the homepage links you directly to an executive summary as well as the complete proposed budget.

PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON PROPOSED BUDGET

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:40:24 GMT

City Commissioners would like to hear your comments about the proposed fiscal year 2009-10 budget prior to the budget workshops when the Commission will begin the decision making process to set the millage rate. A public comment session on the proposed budget will be held Wed., July 15, 2009 at 6 pm in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565 First Street.

ACCESS SARASOTA HONORED FOR VAN WEZEL TALK SHOW

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:44:17 GMT

Access Sarasota, the government access television channel, has been honored with a second Telly Award this year. The latest one recognizes the new talk show “At the Van Wezel…”, produced by the City of Sarasota Communications Office, as an exceptional video production. The program is a fast paced 30 minute show shot on location at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and features many highlights of upcoming performances. The award winning show can be viewed at www.sarasotagov.com

WATER METER REPLACEMENT CONTINUES

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:55:19 GMT

A contractor for the City of Sarasota will begin Phase II of the City’s water meter replacement program in two weeks. The contractor, Pedal Valves, Inc., will replace 150 water meters throughout Sarasota beginning Mon., July 13, 2009. The work crews will be wearing yellow or blue shirts with the logo “PVI Meter Team” and driving trucks with the same logo. They also will be carrying a letter from the City of Sarasota Utilities Department explaining why they are in the neighborhood. This is the same contractor which replaced 100 water meters earlier this month.

DISCOUNTED SUMMER FEES; EXTENDED HOURS AT BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:23:58 GMT

Play golf at one of the area’s most popular courses for half price – and arrive earlier and stay later! The Bobby Jones Golf Club, owned and operated by the City of Sarasota, is now offering discounted greens fees during midday play through the summer. The club also is extending its hours in the morning and evening.

CITY HALL CLOSES FOR JULY 4th HOLIDAY

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:11:26 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2009 in observance of Independence Day. The closing affects City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works.

CITY HIRES DEPUTY CITY MANAGER

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:36:10 GMT

Marlon C. J. Brown has been hired as the new Deputy City Manager, replacing V. Peter Schneider who is retiring next month. His primary responsibility will be to serve as the City’s Chief Operating Officer and supervise the City’s eight departments on day to day activities.

ACCESS SARASOTA HONORED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:16:48 GMT

Access Sarasota, the government access television channel, was honored with a prestigious silver Telly Award for two public service announcements produced by the City of Sarasota Communications Office. Both PSAs focus on the City’s mandatory recycling ordinance.

PAID PARKING DISCUSSION CONTINUES

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:02:29 GMT

The City of Sarasota will host its sixth public forum about paid on-street parking Thurs., June 18, 2009 at 8:30am in the Commission Chambers located in City Hall, 1565 First Street. The public is encouraged to participate.

TREE CONFERENCE INCLUDES EXERCISES AT BAYFRONT PARK

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:49:13 GMT

Two outdoor tree classes will be held at Bayfront Park as part of the Trees Florida 2009 Conference & Trade Show hosted by the City of Sarasota, along with Sarasota County, Mon., June 15 and Tues., June 16, 2009. The classes will involve demonstrations on tree climbing and tree removal techniques. Between 30 and 35 conference attendees are expected to participate in the classes each day. Spectators are welcome.

WATER QUALITY REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:48:28 GMT

The 2008 annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report, shows that the City of Sarasota’s drinking water meets all health and safety standards established by federal and state regulatory agencies. The report is based on the monitoring period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

WORK CREWS TO REPLACE WATER METERS

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:56:01 GMT

Residents should be aware that a contractor for the City of Sarasota will be replacing 100 water meters throughout Sarasota beginning Mon., June 8, 2009 and ending Wed., June 17, 2009. The work crews will be wearing yellow or blue shirts with the logo “PVI Meter Team” and driving trucks with the same logo. They also will be carrying a letter from the City of Sarasota Utilities Department explaining why they are in the neighborhood.

FRUITVILLE ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BEGIN SOON

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:22:50 GMT

Two improvement projects along Fruitville Road are expected to create lane closures from Honore Ave. to Wallace Ave. as the road is repaved and landscaped. The repaving project is already underway by the Florida Department of Transportation and is expected to be completed in 2010. The streetscape project, overseen by the City of Sarasota, will begin on or around Fri., June 5, 2009 and will finish by the end of July 2009.

CITY IS FIRST FLORIDA ISSUER TO SELL BUILD AMERICA BONDS

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:45:17 GMT

The City of Sarasota, it is believed, is the first issuer in Florida to sell Build America Bonds, which are partially subsidized by the U.S. Treasury through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.

BAYFRONT MOORING FIELD CONSTRUCTION BEGINS SOON

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:44:09 GMT

With an eye on creating a healthier environment for Sarasota Bay and providing new amenities for recreational boaters who visit Sarasota, construction of the Sarasota Bayfront Mooring Field will begin on or around Mon., June 22, 2009. To accommodate the construction, all vessels must vacate the area near Island Park shown on the map.

NEW ON-LINE SURVEY HELPS BUSINESSES COMPLY WITH RECYCLING POLICY

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:43:21 GMT

To help cultivate a more sustainable community, the City of Sarasota is launching a program to assist local commercial and business owners comply with the City’s existing mandatory recycling ordinance. Commercial and business owners are encouraged to take a brief on-line survey about their current recycling program. The City will use the data to guide business owners toward a compliant recycling program with potential cost savings.

CALL TO ARTISTS: SIDEWALK INLAYS

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:42:30 GMT

The City of Sarasota is issuing a Call to Artists for unique sidewalk inlays for the Downtown Sarasota Historic District. The inlays will replace dozens of 16 x 16 grey tiles along the Main Street sidewalk.

LAUREL PARK PLAYGROUND CLOSES TEMPORARILY

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:41:51 GMT

The playground equipment in Laurel Park will be closed for improvements beginning today at 4pm until this Sat., May 30th. All the equipment will receive a fresh coat of paint. An opening in the contractor’s schedule is allowing for the project to occur prior to summer vacation for area school children. The park will remain open during the painting.

CITY HALL CLOSES FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:52:08 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2009 in observance of Memorial Day. The closing affects City Hall, the Federal Building and Public Works, although solid waste and recycling collection will not be impacted.

LIDO BEACH NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S ‘BEST RESTORED BEACHES’

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:51:20 GMT

Lido Beach is being recognized as one of the Best Restored Beaches for 2009 by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association. “We are honored our preservation and enhancement efforts at Lido Beach have been recognized as some of the best in the nation,” said Mayor Richard Clapp. “Our beaches are very important to both our residents and our visitors. This terrific restoration project is appreciated by all of us.”

MEET THE NEWTOWN REDEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:53 GMT

The community is invited to meet Lorna Alston, the new General Manager, North Sarasota Redevelopment Division, at a community open house hosted by the Newtown Front Porch Council, Amaryllis Park Association and Sarasota Branch NAACP Thurs., May 14, 2009 at 6pm at the Robert L. Taylor Complex, 1845 34th Street.

CITY HOSTS PARKING GARAGE COMMUNITY DESIGN MEETING

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:51:01 GMT

You are invited to attend a community design meeting for the new parking garage to be located at 1289 N. Palm Avenue in downtown. The meeting will be held Thurs., April 30th at 6pm in the Commission Chambers within City Hall, 1565 First Street.

CITY CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:48:53 GMT

The City of Sarasota will celebrate Arbor Day Fri., April 24, 2009 with ceremonies at two schools. The first ceremony will take place at 9am at Booker Middle School, 2250 Myrtle Street. The festivities will continue at 1:30 pm at Southside Elementary School, 1901 Webber Street. Florida native trees will be planted by City staff with help from students. The events also will include poetry readings, performances by the student choral and a presentation by a local forester.

COMMISSIONERS SWORN INTO OFFICE; MAYOR SELECTED

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:12:52 GMT

The City’s two At-Large Commissioners, Terry Turner and Suzanne Atwell, were sworn into office this afternoon. Following the ceremony, District 2 Commissioner Richard Clapp was selected unanimously by the Commission to serve as Mayor for the next year. District 3 Commissioner Kelly Kirschner was chosen to serve as Vice Mayor.

CHILDREN"S FOUNTAIN CLOSES TEMPORARILY

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:04:47 GMT

The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain, located within Bayfront Park, is closed temporarily for chemical testing and possible maintenance.

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:48:52 GMT

Based on unofficial election results, Suzanne Atwell and Terry Turner were selected for the two At-Large City Commission seats. They will be sworn into office Fri., April 17th at noon in the City Commission Chambers in City Hall, 1565 First Street.

CITY RECOGNIZES TARTAN DAY

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:08:29 GMT

Mayor Lou Ann Palmer will pay tribute to the heritage of Sarasota’s original settlers by declaring Mon., April 6, 2009 “Tartan Day” during a 1pm ceremony in the lobby of City Hall, 1565 First Street.

CITY PARTICIPATES IN GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:39:48 GMT

Spring cleaning is on the horizon! Participate in the Great American Cleanup Sat., April 18, 2009 8am – 1pm as the City of Sarasota partners to provide three large Dumpsters for residents to dispose of unwanted household items. All 24,000 households within the City of Sarasota are encouraged to participate.

CITY RECOGNIZES TARTAN DAY

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:38:46 GMT

TOWN HALL MEETING DISCUSSES STIMULUS PACKAGE

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:03:04 GMT

The Newtown Front Porch Neighborhood Revitalization Council, Inc., in conjunction with the Sarasota County Branch, NAACP will host a town hall meeting Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the Robert L. Taylor Complex (The Rec) at 1845 34th Street from 6pm – 8pm to discuss the impacts of President Obama’s Stimulus Package/The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the community.

PAID PARKING DISCUSSION CONTINUES

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:49:03 GMT

The City of Sarasota will continue its discussion about paid on-street parking with another meeting Thurs., April 2, 2009 8:30am – 10am in the Commission Chambers located in City Hall, 1565 First Street. The public is encouraged to attend.

CITIZENS INVITED TO ATTEND COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:06:18 GMT

The public is encouraged to attend the Community Conversation on Energy and Climate on Earth Day, Wed., April 22, 2009, 1pm – 5pm at the Venice Community Center 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice. The event is part of the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives’ (ICLEI) “National Conversation on Climate Action.” The Greater Sarasota area is one of just ten communities in the nation selected to participate in the National Conversation. Admission is free.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISCUSSES NEWTOWN CRA

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:24:25 GMT

Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason will attend the regular meeting of the Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory (CRA) Board meeting to discuss the County’s participation with the CRA. The meeting is scheduled for Thurs., April 2, at 5:30pm at the Newtown Selby Goodwill Center, 1781 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. It is open to the public.

CITY HIRES NORTH SARASOTA REDEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:47:47 GMT

A new face will soon be seen in North Sarasota coordinating Newtown redevelopment efforts for the City of Sarasota. Lorna Alston has been hired as the General Manager, North Sarasota Redevelopment Division following an extensive nationwide search. Her primary responsibility will be overseeing the development of strategies to attract and retain businesses in North Sarasota.

NEW WATER RESTRICTIONS

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:50:17 GMT

New water restrictions are now in effect within the City of Sarasota after SWFWMD, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, declared an extreme water shortage for Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto and Manatee Counties.

WATER CONSERVATION WEBPAGE

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:09:51 GMT

Find the water conservation information you’re looking for on www.sarasotagov.com! The City of Sarasota now has a webpage dedicated solely to water conservation to help educate the community about the most recent water restrictions imposed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Just visit www.sarasotagov.com and click the water faucet icon.

2nd ANNUAL EARTH HOUR GOES GLOBAL: CITIZENS URGED TO PARTICIPATE

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:34:57 GMT

The City of Sarasota invites you to participate in the 2nd Annual Earth Hour, March 28th from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, by turning off your non-essential household and business lights and electrical appliances for one hour. “Switch the lamps off, unplug your electronics and turn off your television. Then go take time to enjoy a night out with the lights out,” says Michele Mician, the City’s Environmental Coordinator.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED FOR BIRD KEY

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:15:18 GMT

The boil water advisory for Bird Key has been lifted. Residents may now use tap water without boiling it. A boil water notice had been in effect for Bird Key since Thursday night, February 26th, when the City of Sarasota began conducting scheduled maintenance to the water system.

CITY LAUNCHES VAN WEZEL TV SHOW

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:31:06 GMT

The City of Sarasota launched a new television program on Access Sarasota today dedicated to educating the community about the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The 30 minute talk show, “At the Van Wezel…” features highlights from upcoming performances, including Broadway shows, and behind the scenes information about the Van Wezel.

CITY BEGINS TWEETING

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:55:40 GMT

The City of Sarasota will soon add the free social network Twitter to its many methods of communicating with residents. The City will begin sending short messages, known as tweets, Mon., February 23, 2009.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO MEET NEWTOWN CANDIDATES

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:53:49 GMT

The community is invited to meet the five finalists vying to become the new General Manager of the North Sarasota Redevelopment Division at a meet and greet Tues., February 24, 2009 5pm – 7pm at the Robert L. Taylor Complex, 1845 34th Street.

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD LAUNCHES GET OUT THE VOTE CAMPAIGN

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:53:01 GMT

The Youth Advisory Board to the Sarasota City Commission will spread voting awareness to residents in District One Saturday, February 21, 2009 by passing out absentee ballot request forms and providing information about the upcoming March 10, 2009 citywide election. The Board will meet at Goodwill, 1781 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, at 9am. In addition to the six Board Members, City Commissioner Kelly Kirschner, City Auditor and Clerk Billy Robinson, and Deputy City Auditor and Clerk Karen McGowan will walk door-to-door during this awareness event.

TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION SCHEDULED FOR BIRD KEY

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:52:12 GMT

The water supply to Bird Key will be temporarily shut off Thurs. February 26th 9pm to 6am to accommodate public safety enhancements to the City of Sarasota water system. The temporary interruption will impact the entire Key. A boil water advisory will be issued at the time of shut off and will be in effect for approximately 48 – 72 hours.

LIDO BEACH RENOURISHMENT BEGINS SOON

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:51:09 GMT

Lido Beach will soon boast beautiful light sand once again, as the much anticipated beach renourishment project gets underway. The project could begin as soon as Valentine’s Day and is slated to finish by Wed., April 15th. Disruption to beachgoers will be kept to a minimum.

SARASOTA RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:03:46 GMT

The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County have been honored jointly as a National Award Winner for outstanding participation in the 25th annual National Night Out program to prevent crime. The award was bestowed by the National Association of Town Watch which oversees America’s Night Out against crime.