The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

Access Sarasota, your local government access television channel, requests your opinion. Access Sarasota can be seen on Comcast Channel 19 and Verizon Channel 32 and webcast on scgov.net and sarasotagov.com . Please take the time to fill out this short survey so we can continue to bring you valuable programming. Access Sarasota Survey

I've tried to gather links from credible sources on all sides of the issue. If you know of other good links, please share. Thanks - TM. VoteSmartFlorida has updated its information. Orlando Sentinel Q & A Sun Sentinel Overview Some blog resources. Herald Trib Opinion News Press coverage Topix Discussion Democratic Underground thread FL CFO Alex Sink St. Pete Times editorial Gainesville Sun editorial Sarasota Officials have their say on WUSF TaxWatch Opinion

The following items were taken from a truck at 4110 Malden Drive sometime between Sat. afternoon, Jan. 12, and Monday morning, Jan. 14: HP Laptop, silver Xantech IR sensor, new in box Philips Pronto DS3000 charging base, used in original box Targus computer bag, black with extending handle and wheels The owner is very concerned to have them back, as his business depends on it, and is offering a substantial cash reward for their return. Any information appreciated, no questions asked. He can be reached at this number: 376-2104

The Jan. 29th Florida Tax Amendment is now being debated, but the details are still unclear to many. Below are a few links that might help: VoteSmart Voter Guide News Summary of Amendment, debate Florida Tax Watch Explanation Florida Tax Watch Discussion More material from Florida Tax Watch This story is still developing, and coverage and commentary will intensify over the next three weeks. Stay abreast of the news by googling the Florida Tax Amendment . The Tax Amendment will be discussed by the Sarasota County Tourist and Economic Development Board: Please join Sarasota County's Tourism and Economic Development Board on Tuesday, January 15, 6 PM, Nokomis Park Community Center, 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis in presenting a panel discussion to educate our community on the upcoming January 29th Referendum! Forward to friends and all interested parties! Please call Carolyn Keber if you have any questions: 941-861-5075. Hope to see you there!

January 7, 2008 Media contact: Kathy Dent, Supervisor of Elections, 941.861.8606 Sarasota County supervisor of elections offers early voting (SARASOTA, FL,) Early voting for the January 29 Presidential Preference Primary will begin Monday, January 14, 2008, and continue through Sunday, January 27, 2008, Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent announced today. Eligible voters may vote early in one of the three SOE offices in Sarasota (Terrace Bldg, 2001 Adams Lane), Venice (R.L. Anderson Administration Bldg, 4000 Tamiami Trail South), and North Port (Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail). Voters may cast their ballots Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; on Saturdays, January 19 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays, January 20 and 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Florida Law requires voters to present photo and signature ID in order to vote at the polls. If you appear to vote without current and valid ID, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot. Voters who have questio...

Notes from tonight's general meeting: Mauna Loa Blvd. will soon have one more stop sign, at Friendship and Mauna Loa. The County Commission approved the addition today. The water lines are set to be installed - it's a 120-day contract. Concurrently, sidewalks are going in on many streets ( see list here ) -- they'll take somewhat longer to complete. For questions about the project, contact the county coordinator, Rodney Jones, at 941 232-8295. There's a chance we might get oak trees for the medians - stay tuned. Plans are afoot to hold a neighborhood yard sale in the middle of March -- come to the next meeting -- Feb. 12th -- for more info! George plans a citizens patrol training session for late February contact him at george-morgan@juno.com Commiserations to Jeff, our new LSCGroup president, who recently suffered a back injury...get well soon Jeff! We now are officially a FL corporation, with our own bank account. Contributions to the fund are welcome and can be mail...

BubbleShare: Share photos - Safe Toys

There is no north-south corridor between I-75 and the Bee Ridge Extension -- therefore, Mauna Loa to Lago to Hand has become the default major artery, threatening the safety and welfare of residents of Lake Sarasota, two schools (Lakeview and Oak Park), and the community of Sarasota Baptist Church: View Larger Map

scgov NEWS Sarasota County Communications scgov.net | 941.861.5000 | TV 19 Jan. 2, 2008 Media Contact: Susan Walsh, 941-861-0951 or 941-650-4791, swalsh@scgov.net Project Contact: Pinky Pakalapati, 941-861-0931 or 232-5390 (cell), ppakalap@scgov.net Construction to begin Jan. 7 on sidewalks, water main Construction of the Lakeview Elementary School Area Sidewalks and the Jarvis Road Water Main Extension in the Lake Sarasota neighborhood is scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 7. In December, the Sarasota County Commission awarded the $1.6 million construction contract to Frederick Derr & Company Inc. of Sarasota, the lowest of seven bidders. The project is expected to be complete in September 2008. The project covers a total of 3.06 miles of 5-foot-wide sidewalks on the following 11 roadway segments: East side of Berkshire Drive from Java Drive to Bee Ridge Road South side of Brentford Road from Berkshire Drive to Marlborough ...

County Utility and Public Works representatives will meet with Lake Sarasota homeowners whose streets will be receiving water lines and sidewalks at Sarasota Baptist, 6:30 pm January 8. The contractor will be there as well to answer questions. Please come to the meeting. More info here . A general meeting of the Community Group follows in the same room at 7 p.m. Also please note - the following is still the latest info available: Traffic Calming: The Board of County Commissioners has set Jan. 8th, 9 a.m. to decide on the request for stop signs along Mauna Loa. It is possible the item will be pulled from the agenda at the last minute. The best thing is for everyone who wishes to influence the commission to email the commissioners individually. Also, email Don Galloway, the manager of Traffic Operations. The board will decide whether to approve one recommended stop sign along Mauna Loa. It may deny the request, or may decide to approve up to four signs. Here are the relevant emails: Don...