Community Connections

Greetings! Welcome to the Sarasota County Community Connections e-newsletter. Please share this e-newsletter with family, friends and neighbors. Contact us if you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, atcommunityconnections@scgov.net

Nokomis community cleanup SATURDAY: Sarasota County will hold itsannual community cleanup in the Nokomis area from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Dispose of any non-hazardous waste during this free event. New public access email site Sarasota County has launched a newonline site for public access to email. Search by topic, individuals and date.Take a look around,  Closing the book on 2012's 'One Book, One Community' The Library System turns the page on another successful campaign with events throughout February. Author appearances, book discussions, lectures and presentations ... read all about it here. Update on Procurement In May 2011, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing identified opportunties for improving county procurement practices. Hear what we've accomplished so far during an open discussion at the Health and Human Services building in Sarasota. New online vendor registration Vendors who want to do business with Sarasota County will be able to use a new, free online procurement system beginning in March. Read how eProcure will simplify the vendor process in Sarasota County.. Wheels keep on turning The Legacy Trail celebrates its fourth anniversary with a "Tour de Parks' ride Sunday, March 25. Bike 20 miles on fully paved trails, or try the 35 or 65-mile rides on trails and publc roads. Breakfast is sponsored and served by First Watch. Register by March 11.  Watching our watersheds Commissioner Jon Thaxton joins a panel of scientists, managers, policy makers and educators in a roundtable discussion about the health of our water bodies. Watch, Feb. 15, during the 2012Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium. Comp plan amendment Sarasota County is seeking public input for a possible Comprehensive Plan amendment guiding free-standing commercial uses in major employment centers containing industrial light manufacturing and warehouses. Free alert notification system Sign up for free alerts on issues that impact your property and neighborhood, including water/sewer interruptions, road closures, Amber Alerts and evacuations. Warm Mineral Springs' future How do you see the future of Warm Mineral Springs? North Port has startedan internet survey, and Sarasota County has launched an online wiki. Give us your feedback on this valuable natural asset. Learn to write, edit, direct Apply now to one of the Sarasota Film Festival's free educational programs. Learn how to write, direct, edit and review films. And don't forget about youthFEST, a free and family-friendly celebration of cinema. To learn more, visit the Sarasota Film Festival website. Beat the high price of gas  If you commute from North Port, SCAT offers express service for just $2.50 one-way (or $5 round-trip) with limited stops.Find complete routes and pick-up times here. Reading comes up to bat County libraries have teamed up with the Baltimore Orioles to promote reading. Children who sign up and read three or more books in February receive areserved grandstand ticket to the March 14 game against the Pittsburgh Pirate

Randall Reid's vision for Sarasota County  On Feb. 3, County Administrator Randall Reid shared with commissioners his vision for the organization, and how he hopes citizens, commissions and employees will perceive the organization in the future. What's your vision for Gulf Gate Library? Tell us during a community open house Thursday, Feb. 23, at St. Andrew United Church of Christ in Sarasota.. 2012 Legislative Session, Week 4 Your up-to-the-minute report onlegislative actions affecting Sarasota County. How are we doing? Sarasota County libraries want to know. Get a survey online atwww.sclibs.net, or complete a "Voice of the Customer" survey at any Sarasota County library between Feb. 13-18. January 2012 Economic Report  Sarasota County's economic report for January 2012 has been released. Commission Reports Actions taken by the Sarasota County Commission during its regular meetings. More headlines  Say, "I do," again, on Siesta Key   Sign up for Senior Beach Walks   Neighborhood grant workshops   23rd Annual Senior Games   Mobile healthcare in February   New SCAT Transit Station    Shingles vaccinations New videos   HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Watchwhat more than 300 women can build for a disabled couple on southern Sarasota County..  PLUS: Sarasota County and Stephen King help the electric car avenge itself.   AND: A seldom-seen video from 1992explores the depths of Warm Mineral Springs. Speakers Bureau Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group. Property Appraiser news If you enjoy getting news about your community and Sarasota County Government, sign up for the Property Appraiser's e-newsletter, Furst Facts.Get up-to-the-minute information about tax exemptions, preliminary values, TRIM notices, tax bills, changes to statutes, and ordinances affecting your property.

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