City of Sarasota News

FRANKIE AVALON, FABIAN & BOBBY RYDELL AT THE VAN WEZEL FEB. 26

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:21:36 GMT

Dick Fox’s Golden Boys features three of the most popular teen idols of the late 50s and early 60s--Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell! The Golden Boys spotlight all-time greatest hits, “Venus,” “De De Dinah” and “Bobby Sox to Stockings” (Avalon); “Volare,” “Wild One” and “Kissin Time” (Rydell); “Turn Me Loose,” “Tiger” and “I’m A Man” (Fabian) along with tributes to the material of Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Rick Nelson and more, Sun. Feb. 26, 2012 @ 7:00 PM.

CITY WELCOMES KITCHEN CABINET SHOWROOM

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:53:38 GMT

Cucine Ricci, an imported Italian kitchen cabinet showroom, recently opened at 1424 State Street in downtown Sarasota. The locally owned business is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Night and weekend appointments are available. For more information about visit www.CucineRicci.com or call 941-554-8000.

RINGLING BLVD. CLOSES TO TRAFFIC; PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS CONSTRUCTED

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:23:58 GMT

To expedite ongoing downtown improvements, Ringling Boulevard between Orange Avenue and Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) will be temporarily closed to motorized traffic while two roundabouts are constructed. The closure is scheduled to begin Sunday, February 5 at midnight. Electronic message boards will be placed along U.S. 41 and throughout downtown alerting motorists to the closure and detour. Sarasota Police officers will be on site to assist with the initial change.

CHILDREN'S WEEK OBSERVED AT CITY HALL

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:01:14 GMT

The 17th Annual Children’s Week is being observed by the City of Sarasota with artwork created by some of our youngest citizens on display in the lobby of City Hall, 1565 First Street. The display is open to the public Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. now through Friday, February 24.

LINDA EDER & TOM WOPAT AT THE VAN WEZEL FRI., FEB. 24TH

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:30:48 GMT

Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway (Jekyll & Hyde), standards, pop, country and jazz. Tom Wopat first came to public attention in the late ‘70s as the freewheeling Luke Duke on the legendary TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, and has starred many times on Broadway including roles in City of Angels, Guys and Dolls and as Frank Butler in the revival of Annie Get Your Gun. An Evening with Linda Eder and Tom Wopat is a delightful journey through some of our most beloved show tunes and standards, with two of the best, Fri. Feb. 24 @ 8 PM.

LUPONE & PATINKIN AND MORE AT THE VAN WEZEL THIS MONTH

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:30:12 GMT

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin, appearing together again after their Tony Award® winning performances in Evita. These Broadway legends will bring their critically acclaimed theatre concert to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 PM Tues. Feb. 14th.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT CITY HALL

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:04:19 GMT

For the fourth consecutive year, educational materials are on display at City Hall, 1565 First Street, commemorating Black History Month. The materials, which feature new items this year, are now available for viewing in the lobby through Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The display includes photographs and newspaper articles charting African-American trailblazers in Sarasota and the history of racial integration in Sarasota County.

CITY OFFERS FREE PARKING IN BURNS SQUARE

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:45:44 GMT

To ease parking congestion during a downtown improvement project, the City of Sarasota is offering free parking in the surface lot at Laurel Street and Orange Avenue adjacent to the Burns Square Business District area. The parking lot is now open to the public and is free of charge for the next six months with no time restrictions, although overnight parking will be prohibited.

ANNA TREBUNSKAYA WILL SIZZLE THE VAN WEZEL FEB. 9TH

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:28:26 GMT

Luis Bravo’s FOREVER TANGO, featuring Dancing with the Stars favorite Anna Trebunskaya, is the internationally celebrated entertainment event that has played to great acclaim throughout the world and on Broadway. FOREVER TANGO will beguile and ignite the Van Wezel audience Thurs. Feb 9th @ 8 PM.

CATS: AMERICA'S FAVORITE FAMILY MUSICAL AT THE VAN WEZEL FEB. 10TH

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:50:36 GMT

This national tour of CATS, playing the Van Wezel on Fri. Feb. 10th @ 8 PM and Sat. Feb 11th @2 PM & 8PM, is the only production in North America sanctioned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. With original direction by Trevor Nunn and choreography by Gillian Lynne, this is the CATS credited with the British invasion of Broadway.

WINTER GOLF SPECIALS OFFERED AT BOBBY JONES

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:52:04 GMT

Swing into Bobby Jones Golf Club and take advantage of several winter specials designed for long time golf enthusiasts and novices alike. Consider these hot deals during the cool Sarasota months:

ADVISORY BOARD APPLICANTS NEEDED

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:04 GMT

The City Commission of the City of Sarasota is seeking individuals willing to serve on the Defined Contribution Plan Advisory Committee, which will be called the Employee Retirement Account Committee. Two seats, with trust banking or investment management experience preferred, are open.

THE BLUES BROTHERS REVUE VISITS THE VAN WEZEL Feb. 8

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:06:59 GMT

Dan Aykroyd and the Belushi Estate hand-picked this Jake and Elwood for The Official Blues Brothers Revue, bursting onto the Van Wezel stage Wed. Feb. 8 @ 8 PM for a one-of-a-kind stage show that faithfully recreates the magic of the Blues Brothers including the music, comic antics and affectionate character quirks that made blues fans out of millions of rockers in the 1970s and ‘80s.

FOREIGNER BRINGS ELECTRIC SET TO VAN WEZEL ON FEB. 7TH

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:51:41 GMT

Universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums, and sold out concert tours, the Van Wezel welcomes FOREIGNER on Tue. Feb. 7 @ 8 PM.

CITY COMMISSION APPOINTS INTERIM CITY MANAGER

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:38:05 GMT

The City Commission voted unanimously during a Special City Commission Meeting this morning to appoint Terry Lewis as Interim City Manager. An employment agreement will be drafted for the City Commission to consider in the near future. Mr. Lewis has been serving as Interim Sarasota County Administrator.

SHUTTLE SERVICE CONTINUES DURING CONSTRUCTION; HOURS EXPANDED

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:46:03 GMT

The Green Hopper, a low speed vehicle service, will continue to offer complimentary shuttle service around the Burns Square Business District during a temporary partial closure of Ringling Boulevard. Based on ridership during a trial period last week, the new hours of operation for the Ringling Roundabout Express will be:

THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA TAKES THE VAN WEZEL STAGE

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:04:21 GMT

Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. Enjoy one of their breathtaking performances live at the Van Wezel Mon. Jan. 23 @ 8 PM.

VAN WEZEL FAVORITES MICHAEL FEINSTEIN & JOSHUA BELL RETURN

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:52:07 GMT

These two contemporary men surprise and delight audiences with their classic affections. Michael Feinstein The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook will perform American standards from his Grammy nominated Sinatra Project on Tue. Jan. 31 @ 8 PM. Classical music superstar, violinist Joshua Bell will dazzle the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall audience on Thur. Feb. 2 @ 8 PM.

DAMN YANKEES MEET AT VAN WEZEL HOME PLATE ON JAN. 25!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:46:35 GMT

Faust, fly balls, and devilishly good fun all meet at the home plate of the 7 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical DAMN YANKEES, at the Van Wezel on Wed. Jan 25, 2012 @ 8 PM.

KENNY ROGERS RETURNS TO VAN WEZEL WITH TIMELESS HITS

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:42 GMT

KENNY ROGERS has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums during his storied 52 years in show business. Hear that instantly identifiable voice LIVE at the Van Wezel on Thurs. Jan 26, 2012 @ 8 PM.

WINTER SEASON ART EXHIBIT FEATURES SIX LOCAL ARTISTS

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:33:07 GMT

The winter season art exhibition is underway at “The New Deal Gallery” located in the lobby of the Federal Building, 111 S. Orange Avenue. The free exhibit is part of a visual art program sponsored by the City of Sarasota which showcases local artists for three months. The winter exhibit features six artists and is open to the public Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FDOT U.S. 41 IMPROVEMENTS PROMPT TEMPORARY NIGHT LANE CLOSURES

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:01:37 GMT

To improve safety and traffic flow along U.S. 41, the Florida Department of Transportation is modifying a portion of the road from just south of Bee Ridge Road to Siesta Drive. The improvements, which include lengthening turn lanes and creating a concrete median, will prompt nightly lane closures 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. All traffic lanes will be open during the day. Click here to view a map of the area.

GRANTS MAKE DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF VAN WEZEL PATRONS

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:15:07 GMT

In the past several months the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has received two very special grants: a Schooltime Performances grant from the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation and a Senior Access to the Arts grant from the Eluned and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation. Grants were also received from the Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation and The Community Redevelopment Act which both contribute to funding for the Schooltime Performances Program and the Total Access to the Arts Program. The Van Wezel has also welcomed team member Shelli Freeland Eddie, Esq. on board as the Grants and Resource Development Officer.

2012 RINGLING BRIDGE RUN - TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS JAN. 21st

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:26:24 GMT

The New Balance Ringling Bridge Run IX will be held on Saturday, January 21st. The four mile run will start at 7:30 a.m.. Pre-race staging and other activities will be held in the parking lot of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from 6:30 – 11:00 a.m. For the safety of the participants, some traffic disruption will occur.

ADVISORY BOARD VOLUNTEERS HONORED

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:20 GMT

Members of City of Sarasota Advisory Boards will be honored for their time and dedication during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Monday, March 12, 2012 5:30 p.m. – 7p.m. Media representatives are welcome to attend this invitation only event.

TWO ELECTRIFYING ROCK & ROLL SHOWS APPEAR AT THE VAN WEZEL

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:10:53 GMT

On Wed. Jan.18 @ 8 PM it’s the Ultimate Elvis Birthday Bash with two of the most superb Elvis entertainers on the planet, and on Thurs. Jan 19 @ 8 PM rock out to some of your all-time favorite hits with the great voices of Richard Nader’s Doo Wop including Charlie Thomas and The Drifters, Barbara Harris of The Toys, and more!

COMIC TIM CONWAY & FRIENDS BRING THE VAN WEZEL HOUSE DOWN!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:47:26 GMT

High-spirited Tim Conway takes the Van Wezel stage Sun. Jan. 22 @ 7 PM with humorist friends Chuck McCann and Louise DuArt.

MLK DAY INFORMATION

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:11:21 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday, January 16, 2012 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Regular City Commission meeting will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 17 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City Hall, 1565 First Street.

REMINDER: FREE PARKING HOLIDAY ON MLK DAY

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:14:26 GMT

The City of Sarasota will offer downtown visitors a free parking holiday Monday, January 16, 2012 -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Paid public parking will not be enforced for parking meters, pay stations and the Palm Avenue Garage.

SHUTTLE SERVICE OFFERED DURING RINGLING BLVD. CONSTRUCTION

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:40 GMT

The City of Sarasota is partnering with the Green Hopper, a low speed vehicle service, to offer complimentary shuttle service around the Burns Square Business District during a temporary partial closure of Ringling Boulevard. A 5-day trial period will begin Monday, January 9 with service offered 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., during peak lunch time. To view a service map click here.

BLAST! TAKES VAN WEZEL BY STORM

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:01 GMT

Since taking the world by storm with triumphant successes in London, on Broadway, across North America and Japan BLAST!, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for “Best Special Theatrical Event,” and the 2001 Emmy Award for “Best Choreography,” will play the Van Wezel on Tues. Jan. 17, 2012 @ 8 PM.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PERFORM AT THE VAN WEZEL JAN. 15TH

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:30:54 GMT

The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. Recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today, you and your family will be awed by these fabulous performers Jan. 15th @ 7 PM.

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY FORUM TO BE HELD JAN. 12

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:26:32 GMT

District 1 City Commissioner Willie Shaw will host a community forum Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Pines of Sarasota, 1501 North Orange Avenue. Commissioner Shaw will provide an update on initiatives occurring within District 1 and answer constituent questions. Residents, business owners and District 1 stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

LIDO POOL RATES AND HOURS ESTABLISHED

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:31:18 GMT

Residents and visitors seeking affordable outdoor family fun should consider the Lido Pool, 400 Ben Franklin Drive, located within sight of the azure water of the Gulf of Mexico and sugary sands of Lido Beach. Passes are available on a daily, seasonal and annual basis:

WHOOPI GOLDBERG APPEARS AT THE VAN WEZEL JAN. 14TH

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:57:37 GMT

Catch Whoopi LIVE at the Van Wezel Saturday Jan. 14 @ 8 PM. Please stay for Whoopi’s post-show Q&A.

In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have won the Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg,” 1985), the Academy Award (“Ghost,” 1991), the Golden Globe (“The Color Purple,” 1985 and “Ghost,” 1991), the Emmy (as host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” 2002) and a Tony (Producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” 2002).

CITY ANNOUNCES DEC. 2011 TOP TEN DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:08:34 GMT

The City of Sarasota is pleased to announce its Top Ten Department updates for December 2011:

1. Human Resources
Human Resources will be implementing a revised background check procedure for new hires and volunteers. The checks are job-specific and can include criminal background, driving record, sexual offender registry, and, if needed for the position, a credit check. Internal employees will only be asked to complete a background check upon promotion or transfer to a position that may have a business need for a background check to be conducted.

CITIZENS ACADEMY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:02:19 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Citizens Academy. The Academy will be held on Thursday evenings during February and March, 2012. City of Sarasota residents and business owners interested in learning about the inner workings of their municipal government are encouraged to submit an application to Neighborhood & Development Services by Friday, January 27, 2012.

STEP AFRICKA! BRINGS TRADITION TO THE VAN WEZEL STAGE

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:02:18 GMT

Like a tap dance without shoes, or a band without instruments, stepping is percussive dance that uses kicks, stomps, claps and chants – all linked to African and modern dance traditions. Discover the world of stepping with Step Afrika! at the Van Wezel on January 12 @ 8 PM.

CITY WELCOMES RETAIL CLOTHIER DOWNTOWN

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:18:58 GMT

The Original Stitch Boutique, a retail clothing store, recently opened at 1464 Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The locally owned business is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. For more information about the Original Stitch Boutique visit www.originalstitchboutique.com or call 941-321-5744.

CITY UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:13:41 GMT

The City of Sarasota unveiled a new website this morning featuring a vibrant fresh look and enhanced user friendly elements. The URL is still the same: www.SarasotaGov.com. “These front end changes make all the information on the website much more accessible,” said Bill Mallett, Web Communications Coordinator. “You don’t have to drill down several layers to find something. So, it’s faster to get the information you’re looking for.”

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR CITY FACILITIES; NO CHANGE TO TRASH COLLECTION

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:13:40 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday, January 2, 2012 in observance of New Year’s Day. The Regular City Commission meeting will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 3 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City Hall, 1565 First Street.

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR CITY FACILITIES; NO CHANGE TO TRASH COLLECTION

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:38:25 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed the following days during the 2011 holiday season:

• Friday, December 23 - in observance of Christmas Eve
• Monday, December 26 - in observance of Christmas Day
• Monday, January 2, 2012 - in observance of New Year’s Day

Weekly garbage and recycling collection will not be impacted during the holidays.