City of Sarasota News

'STREET TEAMS' MARKS ONE YEAR; 63 PEOPLE NO LONGER HOMELESS

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:08:03 GMT

: The Street Teams program, a homeless initiative launched by the City of Sarasota in partnership with The Salvation Army, is marking one year of successfully helping homeless individuals find permanent housing and employment. To date, 63 individuals who recently lived on the streets in Sarasota now have a safe place to call home and are employed as a direct result of the Street Teams program.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN MAY 27

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:24:01 GMT

The City of Sarasota in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee will host the annual Memorial Day parade in downtown Sarasota on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 starting at 10 a.m. The event will begin at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and will continue Sarasota’s longstanding history of honoring military personnel. At the conclusion of the parade, a ceremony will be held at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. The ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

SPD BOAT SAFETY EVENT AT CENTENNIAL PARK MAY 25

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:43:11 GMT

On May 25th, 2013, the Sarasota Police Department will be kicking off boating season with a Boating Safety Event at Centennial Park from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We along with other agencies will be conducting boat inspections at the ramp and on the water. Vessel security and drowning prevention information will be available. A live flare demonstration and a fire extinguisher simulator will be on site.

CITY PARTICIPATES IN HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS EXERCISE

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:52:24 GMT

: As hurricane season approaches, the City of Sarasota is participating in a hurricane preparedness exercise to ensure key personnel have a firm understanding of the critical actions which need to occur before, during and after a storm. Named “Hurricane Wendy”, the drill includes activating the City’s Emergency Operations Center, as well as conducting tabletop and functional exercises. As part of the functional drill, residents may see an unusually high number of emergency and Public Works vehicles driving through neighborhoods on Wed., May 22.

COMMISSIONERS SWORN INTO OFFICE; MAYOR SELECTED

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:23:43 GMT

The City’s two At-Large City Commissioners, Suzanne Atwell and Susan Chapman, were sworn into office this afternoon during a Statutory City Commission meeting. Following the ceremony, District 3 Commissioner Shannon Snyder was selected by the City Commission to serve as Mayor for the next year. District 1 Commissioner Willie Shaw was chosen to serve as Vice Mayor.

INTEREST FREE HOME REPAIR LOANS AVAILABLE

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:46:33 GMT

Zero percent deferred home repair loans are now available for eligible homeowners through the Sarasota County Office of Housing and Community Development. The program allows income eligible homeowners to improve their home by making necessary repairs such as a new roof, air conditioning, roof, windows, doors and more.

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:07:16 GMT

Based on unofficial results for the two At-large City Commission seats, Suzanne Atwell and Susan Chapman were selected to serve for the next four years.

CITY REVITALIZES NUISANCE ABATEMENT BOARD; APPLICANTS SOUGHT

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:29:13 GMT

As the Sarasota Police Department implements a fresh partnership policing strategy throughout the City, the Nuisance Abatement Board is being revitalized to handle complaints about nuisance properties. Two seats currently are open on the Nuisance Abatement Board. City residents with an interest in ridding neighborhoods of crime are encouraged to apply.

PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOP MAY 16

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:03:48 GMT

The public is invited to attend a workshop about funding concepts for future multimodal projects within the city limits. The meeting will be held Thursday, May 16 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the SRQ Media Studio located within the City Hall Annex, 1565 First Street. City staff is exploring flexibility with regard to how developer contributions and existing revenue sources can be used to fund sidewalk, bicycle and transit projects, in addition to traditional road improvements.

YOUTH INVITED TO SHOW SKILLS AT DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT COMPETITION

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:08:44 GMT

Youngsters ages 7-15 are invited to participate in the nationwide inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt Championship to be held at Bobby Jones Golf Club with an opportunity to compete in the finale at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. Bobby Jones is one of just ten courses in the region to be selected for this fun, competitive youth program. Local qualifying will take place at Bobby Jones Saturday, June 29.

CITY WELCOMES MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY FIRMS

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:50:31 GMT

Odato Marketing and Genuity Group, two collaborative companies specializing in marketing and technology services, recently relocated to 330 South Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Odato Marketing offers public relations, advertising, design, web, social media and video production services. Genuity Group provides technology services including mobile application development, systems integration and process automation. Together, the companies deliver advanced marketing and concepts to clients.

CITY WELCOMES RUG BUSINESS

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:32:57 GMT

Rugs by Reza, a family owned business specializing in the selling, cleaning and repairing of Persian rugs for 40 years, recently relocated to 652 S. Washington Boulevard. Rugs by Reza also buys and trades custom and antique rugs from around the world.

FIREFIGHTERS’ PENSION PLAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:40:09 GMT

Direct descendants of City of Sarasota firefighters are now eligible for a scholarship to attend State College of Florida thanks to the generosity of a Florida-based law firm. The $25,000 scholarship is funded by Sugarman & Susskind, P.A. in Miami which provides legal counsel for the City of Sarasota Firefighters’ Pension Fund.

Revised - BRING YOUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK DAY

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:51:00 GMT

Daughters and sons of City of Sarasota employees including the Sarasota Police Department joined their parents for the day of Thursday, April 25, 2013, to see what their parents do during the workday. The occasion is the 20th anniversary of the annual event promoted by the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation. The program is designed to give girls and boys an opportunity to participate in what a parent or mentor does during the work day, demonstrate the value of education, help them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their goals in a hands-on and interactive environment.

NEW SOLICITATION ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE APRIL 29

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:36 GMT

Effective Monday, April 29, 2013, the Sarasota Police Department will begin enforcing the new Sarasota City Ordinance, 23-1, Solicitation and Distribution on Public Roads, within the city limits. The ordinance’s intent is to “Protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Sarasota.” The ordinance prohibits pedestrians from going upon or alongside a designated road to solicit or attempt to solicit donations, contributions, employment, business, sales or exchanges from occupants of motor vehicles. It also prohibits pedestrians from going upon or alongside a designated road to distribute or attempt to distribute products or materials to occupants of motor vehicles.

BUS RAPID TRANSIT MEETING MON., APRIL 29

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:10:44 GMT

The public is invited to attend a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) meeting Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m. in the Annex Building at City Hall, 1565 First Street.

SPD 1ST ANNUAL CITIZENS' POLICE ACADEMY

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:07:52 GMT

Sarasota Police Department’s Chief of Police, Bernadette DiPino, is holding the Police Department’s 1st Annual Citizens’ Police Academy. The Citizens’ Police Academy will start Wednesday, July 31, 2013, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The remaining classes will be held weekly on Wednesday nights, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Sarasota Police Department Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane. Graduation from the Academy will be on October 2, 2013.

CITY CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:53:54 GMT

The City of Sarasota will celebrate Arbor Day Friday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. at Tuttle Elementary School, 2863 8th Street. A flowering gold tree will be planted near the school entrance with the help of members of the student council. Mayor Suzanne Atwell will present a proclamation declaring Arbor Day within the City of Sarasota.

REPAIRS UNDERWAY ON OSPREY AVE.; ROAD TO REOPEN TOMORROW

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 21:11:11 GMT

Repairs are underway on Osprey Avenue after a contractor working on a nearby TECO natural gas line inadvertently broke a 16-inch water transmission line this morning. Weather permitting, it is anticipated Osprey Avenue near Grove Street will reopen tomorrow morning.

WATER LINE HIT; WATER CUSTOMERS NOT IMPACTED

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:25:02 GMT

A 16-inch City of Sarasota water transmission line was inadvertently broken at approximately 10 a.m. near Osprey Avenue and Grove Street when an individual conducting a directional bore for TECO hit the water line. The water line does NOT deliver water to customers and there is no impact to City of Sarasota water customers.

CITY & RINGLING COLLEGE STUDENTS PARTNER TO EDUCATE PUBLIC

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:38:56 GMT

Ringling College of Art and Design students enrolled in the course “Ecology of Water” were given an unusual assignment for their final project this semester: develop an interesting and creative way to explain the extensive treatment process City of Sarasota drinking water goes through as it leaves the tap as safe, clean potable water. The students’ ideas are many and varied, including the development of a cell phone application, documentary film, children’s activity book, brochures and posters. The materials will be exhibited at the Federal Building, 100 S. Orange, Tuesday, April 16 and Wednesday, April 17 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. with the students on hand to discuss their projects. The public is invited to attend the free exhibit. The City of Sarasota may use one of the pieces to help educate the public about drinking water quality.

BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB HOSTS MEN'S CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:03:56 GMT

The Bobby Jones Golf Club, Sarasota’s municipal golf course, will host the 42nd Men’s City Championship the weekends of April 27 and May 4. The tournament is open to any amateur male golfer.

RLTCC RECOGNIZED BY STATE; RECEIVES PERFECT INSPECTION

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:39:27 GMT

The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC) received an impressive perfect score during the most recent food service inspections conducted by the State of Florida. Just 40 other food service establishments throughout the state received a similar excellent rating out of the 108,731 facilities that were inspected.

CITY WELCOMES ART GALLERY

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:02:56 GMT

Packard Galleries, a family owned art business, recently opened at 539 S. Washington Boulevard. The gallery features paintings created by Anne Packard and her daughters Cynthia Packard and Leslie Packard. Packard Galleries is open for business Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information call 941-806-8916 or visit www.PackardGalleries.com

NEW ORDINANCE FOCUSES ON 'PLAINLY AUDIBLE' SOUND FROM A VEHICLE

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:51:14 GMT

The City of Sarasota has a new sound regulation in its City Code Chapter 20-4, dealing with unreasonable sound coming from motor vehicles and it will take effect midnight, April 1, 2013.

SPD RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:23:56 GMT

As we gear up for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the Sarasota Police Department wants to remind our residents and visitors that we all have a duty to protect children from child abuse. This year the Sarasota City Commissioners will proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Proclamation will be presented at the City Commission meeting on April 1, 2013, at 6:00 PM.

CITY WELCOMES MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:20:34 GMT

Mariscos Azteca Mexican Seafood Restaurant recently opened at 1100 N. Tuttle Avenue adjacent to Ed Smith Stadium. Family owned and operated, Mariscos Azteca offers traditional Mexican cuisine, including mojarra frita and ceviche, in a comfortable, authentic Mexican atmosphere.

BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB HOSTS SENIOR CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:56:25 GMT

The Bobby Jones Golf Club, Sarasota’s municipal golf course, will host the 18th Annual Senior City Championship Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. The tournament is open to any amateur male golfer who is at least 50 years of age by April 6, 2013. Just the first 200 paid entries will be accepted into the tournament. The deadline to register is Monday, April 1 at 5 p.m.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS BUDGET AWARD

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:32:32 GMT

The City of Sarasota Finance Department recently was honored by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

CITY WELCOMES ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:28:42 GMT

Treat an accessories boutique recently opened at 530 S. Pineapple Avenue in Burns Court. The shop specializes in jewelry, handbags, scarves, belts, flip flops and more. Treat is open for business Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Friday/Saturday 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. For more information call 941-366-6369 or find them on Facebook.

OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:55:50 GMT

Based on official results for the City Commission election, three candidates will advance to a runoff for the two At-Large seats: Suzanne Atwell, Susan Chapman and Richard Dorfman. The runoff will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:57:16 GMT

Based on unofficial results for the City Commission election, three candidates will advance to a runoff for the two At-Large seats: Suzanne Atwell, Susan Chapman and Richard Dorfman. The runoff will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2013

PUBLIC ART DEDICATION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 26

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:32:43 GMT

A signature art piece in downtown Sarasota will be formally dedicated to the City of Sarasota public art collection during a ceremony Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. Mayor Suzanne Atwell and District 3 City Commissioner Shannon Snyder will be on hand to accept the sculpture “Complexus” as a gift from the Sarasota Public Art Fund. Internationally renowned artist John Henry who created the monumental piece also will be in attendance.

CITY HOSTS DOWNTOWN WALKABILITY EXPERT; PUBLIC FORUM MARCH 20

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:31:15 GMT

The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Downtown Sarasota Alliance, Downtown Improvement District and others, is hosting city planner and author Jeff Speck as he presents his thoughts on how to make downtown more walkable during a forum Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565 First Street. A revered authority on new urbanism, Mr. Speck offers creative and often times simple ways to make an urban area more walkable and ultimately more vibrant. The forum is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in the vibrancy of downtown in encouraged to attend.

100 PARKING SPACES CREATED TO SUPPORT ROSEMARY DISTRICT

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:56:03 GMT

Following a community dialogue on economic development in the Rosemary District and analyzing the current parking inventory, the City is creating 100 new on-street parking spaces along Lemon Avenue and 4th Street. The spaces will appear over the next two days by re-striping the pavement.

ARLINGTON PARK GYM CLOSES TEMPORARILY FOR RENOVATIONS

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:10:46 GMT

The Arlington Park gymnasium, 2650 Waldemere Street, soon will undergo a much needed renovation requiring the gym to be temporarily closed for approximately two weeks. The makeover will begin Monday, March 11 and is expected to finish Monday, March 25.

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY FORUM TO BE HELD MARCH 14

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:07:39 GMT

District 1 City Commissioner Willie Shaw will host a community forum Thursday, March 14 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Booker High School – Cafeteria, 3201 N. Orange Avenue. Residents, business owners and District 1 stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The featured presentation will be “Partnering Policing, Neighborhood Support and New Strategies”.

CITY WELCOMES REAL ESTATE FIRM

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:34:27 GMT

ONE Sarasota Realty Group, a full service real estate firm specializing in residential, new construction and commercial real estate, recently opened at 741 South Orange Avenue. The office is open for business Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. A professional broker and realtor, with Sarasota expertise, also are available all hours via cell phone: Sara Boudarga, broker and owner, 941-321-6352 and Debbie Gonzalez, realtor, 941-504-9383.

CITY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WITH FREE EVENT MARCH 8

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:11:09 GMT

The public is invited to celebrate International Women’s Day as the City of Sarasota hosts a community get together and movie viewing Friday, March 8 at 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street. The event is free and open to the public.

CITY WELCOMES FAIR TRADE RETAIL STORE

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:52:01 GMT

Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry Co., a retail store specializing in fair trade with underdeveloped countries, recently opened at 1463 Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The shop features batik clothing as well as jewelry, accessories and home furnishings.

CITY WELCOMES ICE CREAM SHOP

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:56:29 GMT

Scoopdaddys ice cream shop recently opened at 1359 Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Scoopdaddys is known for serving up old fashioned milkshakes, ice cream floats and, of course, banana splits amid a vast collection of 1940s, 50s and 60s memorabilia. Store hours are:

AMPLIFIED MUSIC BAN LIFTED;DECIBEL & HOUR LIMITATIONS STILL ENFORCED

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:23:57 GMT

The City Commission temporarily suspended enforcement of the ban on amplified music and entertainment in outdoor accessory restaurants (patios etc.). The action was taken yesterday afternoon during the Regular City Commission meeting at City Hall.

NORTHBOUND OSPREY AVE. AT MOUND CLOSES TEMPORARILY

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:44:35 GMT

Osprey Avenue from Mound Street to Brother Geenen Way is scheduled to be closed to northbound traffic for one week beginning Friday, February 22 at 7 a.m. The road is planned to be re-opened to through traffic by Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m. Southbound traffic will be maintained through this section of Osprey Avenue. Construction crews will be working on the Lift Station 87 force main installation during this period.

PARKING OPERATIONS RELOCATES TO CITY HALL

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:39:38 GMT

The Parking Operations Division (POD) will relocate from the Sarasota Police Headquarters to the lobby of City Hall, 1565 First Street, starting Wednesday, February 20 at noon. The current location will close at noon on Tuesday, February 19 to begin the move.

ADVISORY BOARD APPLICANTS NEEDED

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:31:46 GMT

The City Commission of the City of Sarasota is seeking individuals willing to serve on the following Advisory Boards:

CITY OFFICES CLOSE FOR PRESIDENT'S DAY

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:22:41 GMT

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday, February 18 in observance of President’s Day. The Regular City Commission meeting will be held the following day, Tuesday, February 19 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City Hall, 1565 First Street.

SARASOTA SISTER CITIES ANNOUNCES 'ONE WORLD AWARD'

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:20:27 GMT

The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) will kick off its Golden Anniversary Year, Sunday, March 3, at the Sarasota Bay Club, 1301 N. Tamiami Trail, by honoring five-time Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann Palmer and the Sarasota Christian School with its “One World Award”. The gala is open to all who wish to honor the 2013 award winners. Tickets are $125 per person and available in advance.

100TH DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION RECORDED

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:12:42 GMT

The 100th domestic partnership was registered within the City of Sarasota last week, less than three months after the program began. The success of the registry has generated interest from other Florida municipalities inquiring about possibly using the City of Sarasota’s program as a model. The City Commission approved the program and registrations began November 6, 2012.

CITY PARTICIPATES IN HIGH SCHOOL 'SHADOW DAY'

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:04:07 GMT

The City of Sarasota will participate in Cardinal Mooney High School’s Senior Shadow Day Wednesday, February 6 with students shadowing employees to learn about their careers. Two students will follow two videographers in the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk to discover what a typical work day is like for an employee who shoots and edits video for government television programming. Another student will shadow his father while on patrol as a Sarasota Police officer.

CITY HOSTS TRANSPORTATION OPEN HOUSE FEB. 7

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:21:59 GMT

The City of Sarasota will host an open house discussion about future multimodal improvements Thursday, February 7 at 6 p.m. in the SRQ Media Studio located within the City Hall Annex, 1565 First Street. Staff would like your input on future transportation planning.

JUDE CASTRO - SARASOTA POLICE DEPARTMENT'S VICTIM ADVOCATE

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:27:06 GMT

The Sarasota Police Department is pleased to announce Jude Castro, formerly of Crescent City, Florida, has been selected as the Victim Advocate to assist our community.

EARLY BIRDIE SPECIAL AT BOBBY JONES DURING FEBRUARY

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:00:06 GMT

Early birdie special at Bobby Jones on the weekend during the month of February for those who play before 10 a.m.

FREE ENTREPENEUR & INNOVATION WORKSHOP OFFERED

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:20:52 GMT

A workshop designed for current and aspiring entrepreneurs will be held Tuesday, February 5 at 6 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street, in Sarasota. It is free and open to the public

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT CITY HALL

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:43:45 GMT

For the fifth consecutive year, educational materials will be on display at City Hall, 1565 First Street, commemorating Black History Month. The displays include photographs and newspaper articles charting African-American trailblazers in Sarasota and the history of racial integration in Sarasota County. The exhibit will be open to the public Friday, February 1 through the entire month of February Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A display also will be open to the public at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street, starting Saturday, February 9.

SPD HOSTS FREE SEMINAR ON SCAMS, SCHEMES AND EXPLOITATION

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:39:14 GMT

The Sarasota Police Department will offer a free seminar designed to help the public avoid “Scams, Schemes, and Exploitation”. The training will occur on February 7th, starting at 6:30 p.m. The training location will be the Sarasota Police Department (2099 Adams Lane), Community Room.

PORTION OF U.S. 41 TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE JAN. 29 FOR WALLENDA SKYWALK

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:02:08 GMT

U.S. 41 between Ringling Boulevard and the John Ringling Causeway in downtown Sarasota will be temporarily closed tomorrow Tuesday, January 29 while Sarasota native and world renowned aerialist Nik Wallenda walks over the highway from the bayfront to Marina Tower on a high wire without a safety harness. The closure is expected to occur from 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Traffic will remain open to and from St. Armands Circle and the barrier islands. Traffic also will be open to Marina Jack via Main Street, Ringling Boulevard and northbound Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41).

LIVE TRUCK PARKING DESIGNATED FOR WALLENDA SKYWALK

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:20:13 GMT

A revised live truck parking plan is in place for the Nik Wallenda Skywalk tomorrow. Live trucks will be allowed to park in the parking lot along the Bayfront south of the ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue. Trucks may park there beginning late tonight. Media outlets which plan to carry the event live should contact Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg in advance to make parking arrangements.

CITY HIRES INTERIM HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:42:16 GMT

Stacie Mason has been appointed Interim Human Resources Director by City Manager Tom Barwin. She currently is a General Manager overseeing employee compensation, benefits and risk and safety management. For the past several months, Ms. Mason has been transitioning into the position. She will officially begin her new assignment Friday, February 1.

CITY HIRES NEW UTILITIES DIRECTOR

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:01:04 GMT

Mitt Tidwell, a veteran utilities manager with vast public and private sector experience, has accepted the position of Finance Director with the City of Sarasota. He will begin work on Monday, February 25, 2013.

NEW TOWNHOMES REPLACE BLIGHT IN NEWTOWN; CEREMONY JAN. 23

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:23:26 GMT

Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Vice Mayor Willie Shaw along with members of the Sarasota Housing Authority and the North Sarasota community will celebrate the grand opening of King Stone Townhomes with a dedication ceremony Wednesday, January 23 at 11 a.m. at 1720 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The townhomes replace the former Mediterranean complex which was notorious for blight and crime.

CITY OFFICES CLOSE FOR MLK DAY HOLIDAY

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:36:36 GMT

City of Sarasota administrative offices will be closed Monday, January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Regular City Commission meeting will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 22 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City Hall, 1565 First Street.

STREET CLOSURES SAT. JAN. 19 FOR RINGLING BRIDGE RUN

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:01:04 GMT

The following street closures and traffic disruptions will be experienced on Saturday, January 19, 2013 between 7:00 and 9:30 am.

CANDIDATES QUALIFY FOR ELECTION

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:09:21 GMT

Six candidates have qualified for the City Commission election for the two At-Large seats to be held Tuesday, March 12, 2013. The qualifying period ended today at noon. The following candidates will appear on the ballot:

WINTER ART EXHIBIT FEATURES FOUR LOCAL ARTISTS

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:35:55 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 work by local artists for three months. The winter exhibit features four local artists and runs through March. It is free and open to the public Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MOTORCYCLE PARKING CHANGES THIS WEEKEND ONLY

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:21:08 GMT

To accommodate the Thunder by the Bay motorcycle festival this weekend, parking changes will be in effect at the Palm Avenue Garage. More motorcycle parking will be available on Level 2 via the use of a motorcycle corral. Motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to use the corral and other designated motorcycle parking.

CANDIDATE QUALIFYING BEGINS

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:16:20 GMT

The candidate qualifying period for the City Commission election for the two At-Large seats is Monday, January 7, 2013 through noon Friday, January 11, 2013.

QUICK RESPONSE MINIMIZES SEWAGE LEAK

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:12:02 GMT

A quick response by City of Sarasota Utilities Department crews to a sewage leak this afternoon at a valve pit near Lift Station 7 along the Hudson Bayou significantly reduced the impact of the minimal spill. A faulty air release valve triggered the leak which crews repaired in less than two hours. It is estimated 12,000 gallons spilled into the Hudson Bayou. Another 18,000 gallons were captured via pumper trucks and transported to the wastewater treatment plant.

CITY HIRES FINANCE DIRECTOR

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:11:36 GMT

John Lege III has accepted the position of Finance Director with the City of Sarasota. He will begin work on Monday, February 4, 2013