The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

Senior Games, SCAT at Cattlemen, Warm Mineral Springs and more

2012-01-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

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

Boogie nights at VCC

TODAY: Break out the polyester slacks, the wide-collar shirts and your disco mirror ball. Night Fever is bringing its popular Bee Gees tribute to the Venice Community Center tonight and tomorrow only. Both shows start at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Students present oral histories

FRIDAY: Experience audiovisual presentations of the stories of native and long-time Gulf Coast residents. Hear their histories and view vintage photographs from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College of Florida.

Newtown community cleanup

SATURDAY: Sarasota County will hold itsannual community cleanup in the Newtown and Beverly Terrace area from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 28. Dumpsters will be provided for residents to dispose of any non-hazardous items, scrap metal and unbundled yard waste.

Warm Mineral Springs' future

Help shape improvements to Warm Mineral Springs by participating in a visioning session at the Morgan Family Community Center in North Port. A presentation is scheduled for Feb. 2 in Sarasota.

Have an active senior moment

Some of the best senior athletes around will compete in the 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Senior Games, Feb. 21-26 at locations throughout the region. If you've got what it takes to show up the yung'uns, register now. The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1.

SCAT Cattlemen station opens

Located on the southeast corner of Cattlemen Road and Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota, the Cattlemen Intermodal Transit Station is a full-service facility with six bays. Coming soon: ticket vending kiosks, electronic signage and security cameras.

Grant workshops scheduled

A series of grant orientation workshops under the popular Sarasota County

Neighborhood Grant Program

will be held January-March at several county locations. The program helps fund community improvement projects.

Protect yourself from shingles

Caused by the same virus associated with chickenpox, shingles is more common and serious in older adults. If you're 50 or older, get vaccinated.

New administrator joins Sarasota County

Randall Reid, former Alachua County Manager, has officially joined Sarasota County Government. In this video, watch him explain what he expects of the organization.

2012 Legislative Session, Week 2

Your up-to-the-minute report onlegislative actions affecting Sarasota County.

January 2012
Economic Report

Sarasota County's economic report for January 2012 has been released.

Volunteer for seagrass survey program

Sarasota County is following up its successful summer seagrass survey with a call for volunteers to participate in its winter survey, which will run through February 2012.

New videos this week

Sarasota County's bright new sign recognizing Siesta Key Beach as the"#1 Beach in the USA" is drawing lots of shutterbugs.

PLUS: How to fertilize properly.

AND: Visit the Celery Fields Stormwater Facility, Red Bug Slough and Roberts Bay with EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Grants, Vaccinations, Saturday Night Fever and more

2012-01-22T23:50:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

County unveils #1 Beach in USA sign for Siesta Beach

Sarasota CountyCommissioners unveiled a sign recognizing Siesta Beach as the "#1 Beach in the USA." The 8-foot-by-4-foot sign is located at the beachside entrance of the main pavilion.

Free event promotes Newtown healthy homes

A free Healthy Homes event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., Sarasota. Organized by the local Newtown/North Sarasota community in partnership with Home Depot, the event is designed to help residents learn how to keep their homes dry, ventilated, maintained, clean, pest-free, contaminant-free and safe using the principles from the National Center for Healthy Housing.

Warm Mineral Springs' future

Help shape improvements to Warm Mineral Springs by participating in visioning sessions hosted by Sarasota County and the city of North Port. Explore the site Jan. 21, or attend one of two presentations scheduled for Jan. 26 and Feb. 2.

Night Fever is bringing boogie back to VCC

Break out your polyester slacks, wide-collar shirts and gold neckwear because the disco mirror ball will be in full spin-mode as Night Fever brings its popular tribute to the Bee Gees back to the Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice, for two nights, Jan. 26 and 27. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Neighborhood grant workshops scheduled

A series of grant orientation workshops under the popular Sarasota County

Neighborhood Grant Program

will be held January-March at several county locations. The program supports the county's initiative to preserve and enhance the quality of life in county neighborhoods by providing matching grants to neighborhoods to help fund improvement projects.

50+ adults urged to vaccinate

Health officials are urging adults age 50 and older toget vaccinated against shingles. Caused by the same virus associated with chickenpox, shingles is more common and serious in older adults.

Volunteer for seagrass survey program

Sarasota County is following up its successful summer seagrass survey with a call for volunteers to participate in its winter survey, which will run through February 2012.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

Vote for the Net

2012-01-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

Vote for the Net and against anyone who would weaken it by trying to create scarcity where none exists, and by clamping down corporate controls, to maintain their old, out-of-date, modes of becoming the 1%.

http://voteforthenet.com/

how to strike

Scholarship, Springs, Siesta, SCAT and more

2012-01-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Electric car gets its revenge

TODAY JAN. 12: In 2006, the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car" explained how car manufacturers destroyed their own vehicles. Tonight it's payback time, as "Revenge of the Electric Car" premieres in Sarasota for a one-time, 6:30 p.m. showing at Burns Court Cinema. Following the film, Casey Key resident and author Stephen King joins a panel discussion and Q&A.

Holiday office closings

Most Sarasota County government offices and services, including libraries, the History Center and recreation centers, will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.Here is a complete list of closings.

Siesta Key Beach unveils sign

Picture yourself in front of America's No. 1 beach sign at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18. That's when the Sarasota County Commission will unveil the colorful new sign, fashioned after bright retro postcards from the past.

SCAT transfer station opens

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 19 will mark the opening of the new SCAT Cattlemen Intermodal Transfer Station. The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Cattlemen Road and Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota.

Peggy Sue and you at VCC

Johnny Rogers plays the hits of Buddy Holly and other music legends at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at the Venice Community center. Tickets are just $20-$25. Get yours today!

Early voting begins

Early voting for the Jan. 31 Republican primary election begins Saturday, Jan. 21, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 28. Eligible voters can cast ballots at one of three locations from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Warm Mineral Springs' future

Scholarship opportunity

The Supervisor of Elections is accepting applications for a $1,200 scholarship. Here are complete guidelines and eligibility requirements.

2012 Legislative Update

The 2012 regular session began Jan. 10 and ends March 9. Here's what Sarasota County will be watching in the weeks to come.

Do you commute from North Port?

SCAT offers express service for just $2.50 one-way (or $5 round-trip) with limited stops.

The route operates Monday-Friday with four round trips in the morning and four in the evening. To learn more, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000.

December Economic Report now available

Sarasota County's December Economic Report has been released. Get demographic details, employment figures and more for Sarasota County.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Community Connections

2012-01-08T20:33:00.002-05:00

Greetings!

'Band Bash' this Saturday!

One of the coolest additions to Selby Library's recent renovation is the new Teen Center, complete with work stations and materials created especially for teens.Now it's time to party, with some of the area's hottest local bands and DJs. Here's the lineup.

Holiday office closings

Planning Commission filling three vacancies

Sarasota County is accepting applications forthree vacancies on the Planning Commission. Each vacancy is for a four-year term. All applications must be filed by Jan. 6.

Culture never tasted this good

Sample Venice's best cuisine, visit the finest attractions, and cut a major rug, all in a single night, during "A Taste of Culture." This progressive dinner starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Venice Archives, and concludes at the Venice Community Center with after-dinner refreshments and dancing.

Logic and accuracy testing

The Supervisor of Elections ivites you to observe the logic and accuracy testing of the county's voting and tabulating equipment that will be used in the Jan. 31 Presidential Primary.

Peggy Sue and you at VCC

Johnny Rogers plays the hits of Buddy Holly and other music legends at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at the Venice Community center. Tickets are just $20-$25, and they are going fast, so get yours today!

Absentee ballots mailed

Absentee ballots for the Jan. 31 Presidential Primary were mailed Dec. 30. Under Florida law, all eligible voters may request a vote by mail ballot. Here's how to get yours.

Scholarship opporunity

The Supervisor of Elections is accepting applications for $1,200 scholarshoip. Here are complete guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Happy New Year from Lake Sarasota

2011-12-31T07:50:00.001-05:00

Band Bash, Rules of the Road and more...

2011-12-31T07:45:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

Holiday office closings

Most Sarasota County government offices and services, including libraries, the History Center and recreation centers, will be closed Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2, for the New Year's Day holiday. Here is a complete list of closings.

Band Bash breaks in Selby Library Teen Center Jan. 7

The new center was unveiled during an official ceremony earlier this month. Nowit's time to party with some of the area's hottest teen bands and DJs.

How do you roll?

If it's by bike, the Sheriff's Office wants you to know the rules of the road in Sarasota County.

Free, low-cost health services

The Sarasota County Health Department will provide free and low-cost medical services at 15 sites throughout Sarasota County in January. The staff will also be present at two special events.

Cut-rate fees for energy class

Learn how to achieve more energy efficiency in your home. Sarasota County is offering reduced class fee incentives for a limited number of residents who register for courses at the Florida Solar Energy Center.

December Economic Report now available

Sarasota County's December Economic Report has been released. Get demographic details, employment figures and more for Sarasota County.

New videos this week

Our local students' annual NEST calendar proves that the economic and social impact of locally grown food is not just kids' stuff.

PLUS: Tour Sarasota County'sPhillippi Farmhouse Market

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

Happy Holidays from Lake Sarasota

2011-12-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

2011-12-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

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

Holiday office closings

Most Sarasota County government offices and services, including libraries, the History Center and recreation centers, will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday. Here is a complete list of those closings, along with some exceptions.

Free, low-cost health services

The Sarasota Health Department will provide free and low-cost medical servicesat 15 sites throughout Sarasota County in January. The staff will also be present at two special events.

Cut-rate fees for energy class

Fresh Phillippi Farmhouse!

More than 50 local farmers gather every Wednesday at Phillippi Estate Park withlocally grown and harvested fruits and produce. Watch one of Sarasota County's more popular services.

How do you roll?

If it's by bike, the Sheriff's Office wants you to know the rules of the road in Sarasota County.

December Economic Report now available

Sarasota County's December Economic Report has been released. Get demographic details, employments figures and more for Sarasota County.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

Reminder about voter registration

2011-12-20T09:53:00.004-05:00

This message regarding voter registration has been sent to Homeowner Associations to be distributed:

KATHY DENT
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
www.SarasotaVotes.com

Dec 16, 2011
Media contact: Tel: (941) 861-8606
Fax: (941 861-8609

Voter registration deadline nears for January 31 PPP

SARASOTA, FL – Voters must be registered by January 3, 2012 to be eligible to vote in the January 31, 2012 Presidential Preference Primary, Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent announces. New voter registrations must be postmarked by January 3 or delivered in person to any supervisor of elections office not later than 5 p.m., January 3.

Because Florida is a closed primary state, a person can only vote in the primary for the candidates of the party in which the person is registered. This means that voters registered without party affiliation or in a party other than the Republican Party will not be eligible to vote on January 31.

Ms. Dent also urges voters to verify and update their registration information prior to election day. A voter may check his or her voter registration status by going to the SOE website (www.SarasotaVotes.com). Select “Voter Information” from the menu and then select “Voter Lookup” and follow the easy instructions.

New registrations, signature updates, and name and address changes may be submitted on a Florida Voter Registration Application.

Application forms are available at all supervisor of elections offices, city halls, county libraries and offices, and social service agencies, and may be downloaded from the SOE website.

For more information, call the supervisor of elections at (941) 861-8600 or write to Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 4194, Sarasota, FL 34230-4194.

-end-

Calendar by kids; free surrey rides; raining barrels

2011-12-15T19:33:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

Holiday office closings

Annual kids' calendar

Sarasota County's annual Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship team (NEST) calendar has been released. For 2012, students celebrate locally grown and produced food. Here are photos of all the winners.

Cut-rate fees for energy class

Take a slow surrey ride

Friends of The Legacy Trail is giving a lift to those who cannot otherwise share in the trail experience. The Legacy Trail surrey departs the Laurel Community Center and Trailhead every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Rides are free.

It's raining barrels

Come see why rain barrelsare a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Free workshop Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m., at North Sarasota Library. Barrels are available for $37, including tax. Pay by check or cash.

November Economic Report
Details on population, employment, top employers and more.

New videos this week

Sarasota County now has one convenient place to find information on permits and other requirements needed to build or improve exciting properties.

PLUS: Hear how homeowners in Sarasota County and surrounding cities are using the Get Energy Smart program to save energy and money.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

From the Sarasota Sheriff

2011-12-15T14:37:00.005-05:00

Sheriff's press release:

Scam Warning

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about seasonal door-to-door scams, most recently a scheme where people pose as students involved in a fundraiser.

Reported incidents indicate that well-dressed college-age young men are approaching people under the guise of raising money for a school trip. They claim that they attend local universities and that their parents live nearby.

The pitch differs, but on some occasions the suspects ask for $118 for a trip to an overseas sports tournament. If the homeowner seems hesitant they reduce the price and offer magazine subscriptions. The suspect will even present an official looking flyer and receipt, but they do not contain valid information.

In a separate but similar scam, the perpetrator claims to be a state or county worker doing tree work or other contracting in the area. On at least one occasion, the suspect has distracted the victim, entered their home and left with their checkbook or valuables.

However the scam plays out, we want to remind residents to not open their door to uninvited guests, even if they claim to be neighbors or claim to be doing official work.

Anyone who feels unsafe should call the Sheriff’s Office immediately so deputies can contact the individuals and verify the nature of their business. Call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number 941.316.1201.

Bee Ridge Widening Details Presented

2011-12-08T21:37:00.001-05:00

This is a bare bones summary of changes apparent in the plans presented by the county to the community at this evening's Bee Ridge Widening workshop - more detail will be available soon. A second community workshop will take place when plans are further along, possibly Summer/Fall 2012.

Because of a greater number of changes along the Lake Sarasota stretch of Bee Ridge Rd., more details will be presented to Lake Sarasota residents, possibly in January. Stay tuned.

1. Overview

The road will be four lanes to Bent Tree / Laurel Oak, and two lanes on to Bee Ridge Extension.

It will have streetlights, a median, bicycle lanes, bus stops and sidewalks on both the north and south sides. In places where the county succeeds in purchasing homes, there will be a deeper buffer between the roadway and the communities bordering the roadway.

2. Four new Culs de Sac

Lake Sarasota roads that connect to Bee Ridge are currently planned to be closed off:

Maui
Allen
Coleridge
Chaucer

2. Four Roundabouts:

These will be two-lane roundabouts, about 120' in diameter - smaller than the large one at Jacaranda, but considerably larger than those on Honore.

Four roundabouts are currently envisioned:

Tora/Golf Course Boulevard
Aberdeen
Laurel Oak/Bent Tree entrances
Iona/Bee Ridge Extension

Feel free to share your thoughts on the Lake Sarasota Facebook Page or via email to lakesarasota@gmail.com.

Community Connections

2011-12-08T21:35:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

TODAY Homeowners seminar

A panel of financial experts will be on hand to answer your questions about forcelosure, bankruptcy or credit during afree Hope for Homeowners seminar Dec. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Selby Library Auditorium, 1331 First St., Sarasota.

Local library marks milestone

Fruitville Library is 10 years old. Comecelebrate this anniversary from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, with music, displays and a Mistletoe Market of holiday items.

Crab legs skitter for beach run

America's best beach hosts the 35thannual Sandy Claws Beach Run at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the

Siesta Beach pavilion. This year's run features a DJ spinning tunes, healthy snacks, a raffle, and of course, a visit from Santa.

County offers administrator job to Randall Reid

Pending a satisfactory pre-employment background check and physical, the Sarasota County Commission today approved hiring Randall Reid as the county administrator, replacing Interim County Administrator Terry Lewis.

November economic report

Sarasota County has released itseconomic report for November. Get details on population, employment, top employers and more.

Take a slow surrey ride

Contracts approved for Gulf Gate Library, ATMS

On Dec. 6, Sarasota County awarded a $1.1 million construction contract for Phase 2 of the Advanced Traffic Management System, and a $740,750 architectural and engineering contract for the new Gulf Gate Library.

Hear how homeowners in Sarasota County and surrounding cities are using the Get Energy Smart program to save energy and money.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

Invitation to Learn: Bee Ridge Improvements

2011-12-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

Come out this Thursday,

December 8th, to find out what's in store

as the Bee Ridge Road widening goes forward --

provide your input:

Community Connections

2011-12-02T06:44:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

County offers administrator job to Randall Reid

November economic report

Sarasota County has released itseconomic report for November. Get details on population, employment, top employers and more.

Celebrate Selby Library remodeling project Dec. 2

After nearly six months, the $1.2 millionremodeling of Selby Public Library is complete, and you're invited to help celebrate, from 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Come tour the library's new state-of-the-art Teen Center.

Symposium to highlight pretrial services program

State lawmakers, county commissioners and law enforcement officers will hold aPretrial Services Symposium Friday, Dec. 2, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. The symposium is free and open to the public.

Hope for homeowners

Fruitville Library 10 years old

And it doesn't look a day over 5. Comecelebrate this anniversary from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, with music, displays and a Mistletoe Market of holiday items.

Run, run, Rudolph!

America's best beach hosts the 35thannual Sandy Claws Beach Run at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Siesta Beach pavilion. This year's run features an DJ spinning tunes, healthy snacks, a raffle, and of course, a visit from Santa.

More mobile health services

Get free and low-cost health services at 15 sites throughout the county in December. Services offered include diabetes screening, blood pressure tests, pregnancy testing, HIV and tuberculosis testing and adult immunizations.

New videos this week

Hear how homeowners in Sarasota County and surrounding cities are using the Get Energy Smart program to save energy and money.

ALSO: When the world's best BMX racers age 2-5 came to Sarasota, the competition was on to see just who was the best of the tiny best.

AND: How a loop system interconnect project will provide you with more quality drinking water.

Come learn about the Bee Ridge Road Improvement Project.

Hear more about the project, review graphics and project plan and discuss the project with design engineers and county staff.

Stop by anytime Thursday, Dec. 8, between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Colonial Baptist Church, 6901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

Speakers Bureau

Request a member of our Speakers Bureau to share their expertise with your community, homeowners association or other civic group.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

What's Up in Parks?

2011-11-24T07:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

With the great weather, there's so much going on in Parks.

Upcoming Nature Events in Sarasota County are here (Nov.) and here (Dec.) on the

Friends of Sarasota County Parks Site

Bee Ridge Widening Community Meeting Set

2011-11-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

Curious what's up with the Bee Ridge Road widening? You'll have a chance to find out what's being planned, to have all your questions answered, and to present your ideas to county planners.

Sarasota County staff will be present on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm at Colonial Oaks Baptist Church, 6901 Bee Ridge Road, opposite Tora.

They'll have maps and designs of the project, which will be approximately 30% along at the time of the meeting. You can learn what the widening will look like, how the wider road will be buffered from communities along Bee Ridge, where the roundabouts might be situated, plans for trees, bicycle paths, bus stops, and more.

Lake Sarasota will probably see access to Bee Ridge Rd. from some of its smaller streets closed off. All this information will be available at this event, so you can discuss the plans with the people who are designing the road, and register your thoughts with the county.

The matter of driveway closings may also be of interest: In the interest of safety, should private driveways be reconfigured to open on side-streets wherever possible? This again is mainly a question for Lake Sarasota properties.

Don't miss the opportunity to find out about this important alteration to Bee Ridge East of I-75, and to offer your input.

For more about Roundabouts, watch this video:

Also: At 7 pm the same day (Dec. 8), the Lake Sarasota Community Group will hold its regular quarterly meeting at Sarasota Alliance Church, 7221 Bee Ridge Rd. All residents are welcome to come and discuss how they feel about the plans.

Hope for Homeowners, New Speakers Bureau, more

2011-11-19T07:49:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

Welcome to the Sarasota County Community Connections eNewsletter. We hope you share this enewsletter with family, firends and neighbors. Contact us if you have questions, ideas for featured articles, or feedback on the system at emailcommunityconnections@scgov.net

Thanksgiving holiday closings

Sarasota County government offices, including libraries, the History Center and recreation centers, will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a list of those closings, along with some county services that will be available Friday, Nov. 25.

County begins contract negotiations for administrator

Sarasota County has begun contract discussions with Randall Reid for the position of county administrator. Reid is currently county manager for Alachua County, Fla.

Sign up for the spin cycle

Cycling enthusiasts, walkers, runners and inline skaters will converge on downtown Venice for Cyclovia Venice Nov. 20. The free event runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the westbound lanes of Venice Avenue between Nokomis Avenue and Venice Beach.

Hope for homeowners

A panel of financial experts will be on hand to answer your questions about forcelosure, bankruptcy or credit during a free Hope for Homeowners seminar Dec. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Selby Library Auditorium, 1331 First St., Sarasota.

Inquire. Learn. Engage.

Are you looking for a speaker to liven up a meeting, offer expert tips or cut through confusion surrounding a community issue?

The Sarasota County Government Speakers Bureau offers timely, informative and entertaining presentations on more than 200 topics with subjects ranging from emergency preparedness to going green to tips for healthier living. Our experts on staff can tailor their information to a variety of audiences and meeting formats.

Speakers Bureau Brochure

HOT TOPICS!

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs – Creating Jobs in Sarasota County
Where the Money Goes – A Voters Guide to Understanding the County Budget
Sarasota’s Green Legacy – What’s New in Parks, Trails and Environmental Preservation
Friendlier, Faster and Easier - Doing Business with the County
Play Ball! – Marketing Sarasota’s Sports Economy

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

learn about.

Community Connections

2011-11-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

Veterans Day closings

All Sarasota County government offices, including libraries, recreation centers and the Sarasota County History Center will beclosed Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Osprey library opens today

The new Osprey Library at Historic Spanish Point opens Thursday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. The library will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday.

Four candidates selected to interview for administrator

Sarasota County commissioners have selected four candidates to interview for the position of County Administrator. Find out where you can meet and greet the finalists.

Get in the EE Zone!

Attend one of two public workshops on the Energy Economic Zone. We need your input on clean technology, incentives and how to accelerate green economic development.

Honore Avenue extension gets ribbon-cutting ceremony

The event will highlight a major two-year extension and improvement project for Honore Avenue from Bee Ridge to Fruitville roads. It takes place Thursday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m., at the intersection of Honore Avenue and Webber Street.

Hope for homeowners

Free or low-cost health care

The Health Department's mobile medical unit is providing free and low-cost health services at 16 sites and two special events in November. No appointment is needed, and some services are free.

Speaking of Sarasota County

You can now request a member of ournew Speakers Bureau to share their experitse with your community, homeowners association or other civic group. This video explains some of many services your group might want to learn about.

More Headlines

Kindle comes to libraries

Address database update

Time extended for administrator selection

The extra time will be used, if necessary, to discuss candidates for County Administrator. Here is the revised time line.

Economic Report

Sarasota County has released itseconomic report for October. Get details on population, employment, top employers and more. And stay tuned for new reports here each month.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net

Drop off unsold items from Yard Sale

2011-11-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

From Sandy:

The Salvation Army will put a trailer at Luzon and Lancaster for people to put their leftover garage sale items in. It will be there by 1pm tomorrow (Saturday, 11.12.11) so people can take their items straight there and won't have to store them again. For larger items or for home pick up, you can call 727-541-7781 and someone will schedule to come pick the items up.

Community Yard Sale November 12th

2011-11-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

The next Lake Sarasota Yard Sale is November 12th - that's a Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can of course choose to say open longer or shorter, but those hours will be posted on our ads in the paper and Craigslist.

This season's sale won't include any tables for food or information, or maps, so be sure to put some balloons or other eye-catchers on your mailbox.

If you have the chance to get the word out via email, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media, here are a couple of links you can share:

http://sarasota.patch.com/events/community-yard-sale-lake-sarasota

http://events.heraldtribune.com/sarasota-fl/events/show/223122784-lake-sarasota-community-yard-sale

If between now and then you see any landscaping or other issues that should be addressed, please let us know - thanks.

Daylight Savings Coming, Legacy Overpass to Open, more

2011-11-03T22:50:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

Legacy Trail overpass opens

Grab your bike, strap on your skates, or lace up a dusty old pair of sneakers. The Legacy Trail / U.S. 41 pedestrian overpass opens Saturday, Nov. 5,with festivities that begins at 9 a.m. at the Venice Train Depot.

Veterans Day closings

All Sarasota County government office, including libraries, recreation centers and the Sarasota County History Center will beclosed Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Go online for metal ordinance

A public workshop was held Nov. 1 to discuss proposed changes to Sarasota County's scrap metal ordinance, but you can still view both proposed ordinances and submit comments, questions and suggestion online until Tueday, Nov. 8.

County goes 'WOW' for water

Sarasota County has proclaimed Nov. 5-13 as Water Opportunities Week (WOW) in recognition of the importance of protecting the regions' watersheds. Get your feet wet with one of the many organizations that are celebrating.

Free or low-cost health care

The Sarasota County Health Department's Health in Motion Mobile Medical Unit Staff will provide free and low-cost health services at 16 sites and two special events in November. No appointment is needed, and some services are free.

Change the time and batteries

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. Use the extra sunshine tochange the batteries in your home smoke alarm. If you can't afford a smoke alarm, the Sarasota County Fire Prevention Office will provide one.

Speaking of Sarasota County

You can now request a member of ournew Speakers Bureau to share their experitse with your community, homeowners association or other civic group. This video shows you how.

More Headlines

Kindle comes to libraries

Address database update

Commissioners add discussion time to administrator selection

The extra time will be used, if necessary, to discuss candidates for County Administrator. Here is the revised time line.

October Economic Report

Sarasota County has released itseconomic report for October. (Yikes, are gas prices really up 15.9 percent over this time last year?) Get details on population, employment, top employers and more. And stay tuned for new reports here each month.

We want your input

Small Business Owner Survey

The weather is here

Make your friends and and relatives up north jealous. Text a picture of you on one of our 14 public beaches. Find your piece of paradise here.

Calendar of Events

scgov.net

Weekly Calendar

Construction Updates

Contact Us

Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-861-5000

pubcom@scgov.net