Hurricane Season Starts Saturday

May 30, 2013

Greetings! Welcome to Sarasota County Community Connections. Contact us if you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, at communityconnections@scgov.net.

	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.  Sarasota Storm Center.

	Lifeguard hours extended at beaches
Sarasota County's Beach Lifeguard operational hours will be extended on all guarded beaches beginning Saturday, May 25 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.

	Join World Ocean Day Family FestivalJune 8
Sarasota County residents and visitors are invited to join the fun during the  World Oceans Day Family Festival from 10 a.m.-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..

	Don't hide fire hydrants
While fire hydrants are a familiar sight, residents should be aware of the importance of each hydrant to the community-not only for firefighting, but also for operation and maintenance of the water system.

	Grant will fuel fire extinguisher training simulator and smoke detectors
The Sarasota County Fire Department has received a fire prevention grant of $20,000 for a fire extinguisher training simulator and smoke detectors. The grant was awarded by the Firemen's Fund Insurance Company and the National Trust Insurance Services.

A number to know

For non-emergency situations: If you spot something in the neighborhood that looks suspicious, or poses a potential safety or security issue, you can let the Sheriff's Office know by calling 941-316-1201.

In emergencies of course call 911.

Early Lake Sarasota, or Sunshine Springs

In the 1950's Lake Sarasota came to the world's attention as Sunshine Springs and Gardens, complete with Swan boats, water-skiing elephants, and a beach . . .

These photos and more can also be found on our Facebook pages.

Community Connections - from the County

May 23, 2013 Greetings! Welcome to Sarasota County Community Connections. Contact us if you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, at communityconnections@scgov.net.   Most county offices to close for Memorial Day holiday, May 27 Most Sarasota County government offices, libraries, recreation centers and transit services will be closed Monday, May 27, to observe the national Memorial Day holiday.  North Cattlemen improvements to be celebrated at May 24 ribbon-cutting FRIDAY: A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24 to mark the completion of a major two-year construction project to extend and improve North Cattlemen Road. The event will take place at Nathan Benderson Park lake. Enjoy Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Sarasota and Venice The Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and the Venice Area Veterans Council, in coordination with Sarasota County's Veterans Benefits Unit, will host Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Sarasota and Venice. 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. Don't hide fire hydrants While fire hydrants are a familiar sight, residents should be aware of the importance of each hydrant to the community-not only for firefighting, but also for operation and maintenance of the water system.  Grant will fuel fire extinguisher training simulator and smoke detectors The Sarasota County Fire Department has received a fire prevention grant of $20,000 for a fire extinguisher training simulator and smoke detectors. The grant was awarded by the Firemen's Fund Insurance Company and the National Trust Insurance Services. 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.

Sarasota County Updates for Memorial Day and Week

North Cattlemen improvements to be celebrated at May 24 ribbon-cutting  A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24 to mark the completion of a two-year, major construction project to extend and improve North Cattlemen Road from Richardson to DeSoto roads. The event will take place at the western bridge to the regatta island in Nathan Benderson Park lake.           Most county offices to close for Memorial Day holiday, May 27         Most Sarasota County government offices, libraries, recreation centers and transit services will be closed Monday, May 27, to observe the national Memorial Day holiday. However, Payne Park Tennis Center will be open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and the Arlington Park Recreation Center will be open from noon-5 p.m.  Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) will not operate on Memorial Day. Sarasota County Advisory Board Openings Sarasota County Government values the participation and input of its residents in the decision-making process. To further that goal, the county has more than 30 citizen advisory boards, councils and committees, with members appointed by the County Commission.  If you are interested in applying for membership to an advisory board, click here to find a list of vacancies, as well as applications and instructions. Community Events   Enjoy Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Sarasota and Venice     The Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and the Venice Area Veterans Council, in coordination with Sarasota County's Veterans Benefits Unit, will host Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Sarasota and Venice. The Sarasota parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Main Street and Osprey Avenue. The route will be west along Main Street to Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream Avenue. The ceremony at Hamel Park will begin immediately after the parade. John Rosentrater, Director of Sarasota National Cemetery, will be the guest speaker. The Venice ceremony hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8118 will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Patriots Park at the northern junction of Business 41 and Bypass 41.      Attendees to the events should bring their own chairs. Water will be provided.

Bee Ridge Widening - a few updates

One of Sarasota County's project managers for the Bee Ridge Road widening provided some updates on that project at Friday's meeting of the Bee Ridge Neighborhood Committee.

State to put in Sidewalk

 In a surprise move, the state plans to build a sidewalk on the South side of Bee Ridge from Cattlemen to where the state's portion of Bee Ridge ends -- near the exit ramp from I-75. This project was moved up -- originally it was not expected to happen before 2018, but with this funding, it might be completed before the end of this year. This is great news for those who have had to walk along the roadway, or in the weeds, to get to businesses West of the highway.

State's portion of Bee Ridge begins at the dark area
marked with the yellow pointer.

When the County completes its widening of Bee Ridge, a sidewalk will run along the south side, connecting with the state's sidewalk and providing a continuous walkway from Cattlemen out to the Bee Ridge extension. There is not enough space to build a sidewalk along the state's portion on the north side of Bee Ridge, according to the engineers.

Landscape Details

The Committee also got an update on Landscaping plans for Bee Ridge:

East of Mauna Loa, the County intends to put in a row of trees on the north side of Bee Ridge, another row in the median that will begin just east of the intersection, and more trees and vegetation along the south side of Bee Ridge. Racetrac, which intends to put in a very large gas station on the northeast corner of Bee Ridge and Mauna Loa Blvd., will also be required to put in landscaping, including bushes and trees. The net result: when the trees and bushes grow out, there should be a natural buffer helping shield Lake Sarasota from the lights, exhaust, and noise from the highly trafficked station that will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A selection of grasses, shrubs and trees has been made that will be planted along the sides of the widened road, as well as in the medians and roundabouts. According to the current plan, the only portion of Bee Ridge that will have a wrought iron fence is 1,000 feet along the south side from Eton to Coleridge. It was deemed too costly to have a more extensive fence.

Photos of the road plan, the median, and the selection of plants can be seen by clicking on the image below:

Bee Ridge Landscaping plans as of May 3, 2013

Seven Lanes

When complete, the widened Bee Ridge Rd. will have seven lanes wide at the intersection of Mauna Loa Blvd. Going East, two lanes will be left turns at the light, two will continue straight east, and one will be a right turn into Lake Sarasota. West of the intersection, the north side of Bee Ridge Rd. will indent to provide a bus bay:

Bee Ridge Rd. and Mauna Loa Blvd., West side

Heading West, one lane will turn right into Mauna Loa Blvd. North, two lanes will continue straight, and one lane will be a left turn only into Lake Sarasota. East of the intersection, the south side of the road will indent for a Bus Bay:

Bee Ridge at Mauna Loa, East side

Construction for the road widening is expected to begin towards the end of this year.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them in the comments area below, or send them to lakesarasota@gmail.com -- we'll pass them along to the project managers. For the record, the managers of the Bee Ridge Road have maintained a high level of cooperation and communication with the neighborhoods along Bee Ridge Rd.

Crime Report for March 2013

Ted sent this report:

Here is the synopsis of the Sheriff's Dept. report for March. 

There were a total of seven incidents as follows: 

1. Vandalism: 4006 Hina Dr. (3/18, 7:19 p.m.) (Monday)
2. 7316 Mauna Loa Dr. (3/24, 2:17 p.m.) (Sunday)
3. Burglary: 6254 Kahana Dr. (3/8, 11:43 a.m.) (Friday)
4. 7051 Jarvis Rd. (3/22, 11:58 a.m.) (Friday)
5. Theft (all auto): 3967 Eton Pl. (3/1, 7:10 p.m.) (Friday)
6. 4117 Lancaster Dr. (3/26, 8:30 a.m.) (Tuesday)
7. 4117 Lancaster Dr. (3/27, 3:20 p.m.) (Wednesday)

Analysis: Six incidents occurred in the east section of Lake Sarasota, centering on Middlesex Pl. One incident occurred in the west section, on Kahana Dr. 

This coincides with previous incidents over past years--most incidents occur in a east central "corridor." Also, the pattern of dates holds--most incidents occur in the first week or last week of the month. Times reported also fit the pattern experienced over the past several years--noon to 9 p.m. Three incidents occurred on a Friday. The other four were during the beginning of the week.

I still believe that thefts, particularly thefts from autos and garages, are preventable. We need to keep reminding our residents to keep their cars and trucks locked, valuables out of sight, and to keep garage doors lowered when no one will be present in the front yard.

Easier permits, hurrican prep, free comic books

Greetings! Welcome to Sarasota County Community Connections. Contact us if you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, at communityconnections@scgov.net.   It's 'Free Comic Book Day' SATURDAY: Sarasota County libraries will provide an escape into the world of superheroes, villains and other characters brought to life on the pages of comic books with "Free Comic Book Day." Every child gets a free comic book while supplies last. County officials optimistic about $5 million state commitment for rowing The state House and Senate have agreed to include $5 million in their proposed FY14 budget for the Nathan Benderson Park Rowing facility.  New feature makes building permit applications easier As part of its continuing efforts to enhance building and permitting services for customers, Sarasota County Planning and Development Services is offering a new feature. New website will share information on unlicensed contractors As part of its yearlong outreach campaign to protect the public from unlicensed contractors, Sarasota County has created a website that will identify unlicensed contractors who have been cited for unlicensed activity. The purpose of the website is to provide law enforcement with information on repeat offenders. . Mobile health services temporarily suspended  Due to the transition by Sarasota County's Department of Health to electronic medical records in all its clinics, Health In Motion Mobile Unit services are temporarily suspended. Mock exercise prepares volunteers for hurricane season Volunteer Community Connections will conduct its annual mock Volunteer Reception Center disaster exercise at Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. Summer rates for Payne Park tennis Payne Park Tennis Center has a new summer rate of $150 for a five-month membership. The offer is available to existing and new members. Clerk releases first 'IMPACT Report' The Clerk of the Circuit Court has released its first "IMPACT Report," derived from the county's Comprehensive Annual Financial report. Benderson Park project wins award for 'Excellence in Economic Development' and 'Award of Merit' Sarasota County has been named a co-winner of the 2013 American Planning Association's prestigious "Hunter Award" for Excellence in Economic Development. The award is for the design and development of Nathan Benderson Park. Beginner Boot Camp comes to VCC Beginner Boot Camp classes will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday beginning May 7 for eight weeks at the Venice Community Center. The first class is free. County awards construction contracts for Beach Road and Hudson Bayou  Sarasota County has awarded construction contracts totaling $5.9 million for improvements to Beach Road drainage and Hudson Bayou water quality. Three county projects win state and national awards Two Sarasota County capital improvement projects have garnered statewide awards, and a third project has won a national award for excellence.