Watch Wallenda Walk & more from Community Connections

June 6, 2013 Greetings! Welcome to Sarasota County Community Connections. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, contact us at communityconnections@scgov.net.   Join World Oceans Day Family Festival SATURDAY: Join the fun during the World Oceans Day Family Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. This year's event will feature games and crafts focused on "green" sustainable practices, marine science and conservation by Mote and other local organizations. Help us be an All-America City again! We need your energy and enthusiasm for a community showcase and rally to send the Sarasota County delegation to the All-America City Awards in Denver. In April, the county was named one of 20 finalists for the award, which is part of a nationwide contest to recognize communities demonstrating innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Sarasota County won the award in 2006. Watch Wallenda walk the wire! High wire artist Nik Wallenda will train for his untethered walk across the Grand Canyon at Nathan Benderson Park from June 6-19. Find complete dates and times here.  Prepare now for hurricane season In anticipation of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, the Sarasota County Office of Emergency Management reminds residents to be prepared and stay alert during the storm season. Lifeguard hours extended at beaches Sarasota County's Beach Lifeguard operational hours have been extended on all guarded beaches from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.daily. Mobile health services resume The Sarasota County Health Department's Health In Motion Mobile Medical Unit staff will provide free and low-cost health services at 11 sites around the county during June. County approves contract amendment for construction of Gulf Gate Library The Sarasota County Commission has approved a $7.7 million contract amendment for construction of a new Gulf Gate Library at the site of the existing library in Sarasota. Update tetanus vaccine for hurricane preparedness As residents make preparations for a potentially active hurricane season, health officials encourage people to include getting their tetanus vaccination updated. Libraries begin summer reading program Sarasota County libraries have begun their youth summer reading programs. BOGO at Turtle Beach Campground There's camping under the stars - and then there is camping under the stars on one of the most beautiful beaches along the gulf coast of Florida. Now through Aug. 12, Sarasota County residents can stay two consecutive nights for the price of one at Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key.  Register for the 17th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference The FNC empowers residents to become more effective in leading their own communities by providing technical training and networking opportunities for association presidents, vice presidents, officers and neighborhood residents.