The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

The final 2009 monthly meeting of the Lake Sarasota Community Group will be held on a different day and time: The group will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 pm in room 203 of Sarasota Baptist Church community center - this is just upstairs from the room we normally meet in. The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8 pm - at 8 we have to be out of the building. People are invited to bring snacks , drinks and their ideas for next year. A $50 gift certificate will be raffled off. Among projects to be discussed, a community garden, bike paths on Bee Ridge west of Mauna Loa, and [your project here]. (Note: The first meeting of 2010 will take place in the same room on Jan. 13, 6:30 pm.)

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From the Lake Sarasota Community Group: A very happy Thanksgiving, And a sane Black Friday:

A couple of piles of mulch were dropped at the dog park a while ago, and remained there undisturbed, until this morning. After waiting patiently but in vain for it to somehow spread itself, a stalwart group of dog owners Friday morning took matters into their own hands. They brought shovels and pitchforks, rakes and a wheelbarrow, and in between the bantering about Frankenstein parodies and the relative work ethics of men and women, about an hour and 20 minutes later, most of one large pile was spread where there had just been dirt before. A few images from the entirely enjoyable occasion, with hearty thanks to Kathy, Art, Roxanne, Jenn, Steve, Jim, Dan the Squirrelmaster and Bill for literally pitching in: dog park mulch movers

Ted shared this October update of crime reported in Lake Sarasota: Here's the October crime report: There were eight total incidents: one burglary, one juvenile disturbance, and six thefts. Palau Drive was the "hotspot" with three thefts. Two were at adjacent addresses (4051 and 4052). The burglary was at 4111 Berkshire. The Juvenile disturbance was at 6918 Jarvis Road. The other four thefts were at 7266 Mauna Loa, 4008 Palau, 4102 Berkshire, and 3948 Middlesex. Most incidents occurred between the 9th and the 17th of the month. Most incidents occurred between 5 p.m. and midnight. Three incidents occurred in the morning hours, one at 4111 Berkshire (burglary), one at 4008 Palau (theft), and one at 4051 Palau (theft). The number of incidents doubled over September, but are still below the high levels experienced during the summer months. Ted Cover Citizens Patrol As always, Citizens Patrol could use a few good volunteers - it doesn't take much time, is enti...

How to Prevent a Carjacking Source: Florida Attorney General's Office Keep doors locked and windows shut. Don't stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead contact a service station or police. When stopped at a light, leave enough room between you and the car in front that you could make an escape. Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with fliers, asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully, even if it means running a red light or stop sign. While driving, if struck from behind or in any suspicious way, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed until the police arrive. Activate your vehicle's emergency flashers. If you're very suspicious, get the other vehicle's license number and drive to the nearest police station or a well-lighted area with lots of people. If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to an area with lots of lights and people. If possible, drive to the nearest law enforcement office. Obtain and...

Chief Fire Inspector Don Damron offered a lot of information about smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. For those unable to attend, a summary has been put in the files section of the Yahoo Lake Sarasota Group . The treasury currently has $1321.15. We also still have grant money from the county. Ray gave us an update on the Bee Ridge Rd. East project that will widen and buffer the road. More here . NOTE: Several of those present were strongly in favor of forming an ad-hoc committee to press for sidewalks and bike paths to extend west of Mauna Loa to Cattlemen, much of which falls to the state, rather than the county. Also, the empty land used for used cars and a dilapidated old political sign at Bikini and Bee Ridge needs to be cleaned up, several said. Stay tuned. During a recent Citizens Patrol round, Connie noted the location of several potholes on various Lake Sarasota streets. On Oct. 14, she called the county number: 861-5000 , and was connected with a woman who took the add...

At next Tuesday's LSCG meeting, Don Damron, Chief Fire Plans Reviewer/Inspector of the Sarasota County Fire Dept . will talk about home fire safety, and the department's smoke detector and home inspection programs. Other Agenda items will include discussion of future events, Yard of the Month, Bee Ridge Road update, parks issues (vandalism), and other new business as may come up. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at Sarasota Baptist, room 100, at 7 pm. The group is strictly voluntary - no dues, no deed restrictions, all welcome.

Update from Emergency Services as of Tuesday morning: Good Morning: Ida is now on shore and is expected to weaken. We are watching #73 located near Puerto Rico. This system has the potential to develop into a storm. I will keep you posted on any developments.

Sarasota's newest park, Urfer Family Park, will open on Nov. 14th. From the county's site: The grand opening ceremony for Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Ave., Sarasota from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will showcase Sarasota County’s first foray into all-ages physical fitness with outdoor exercise equipment stationed a various places on a paved one-mile walking path. In addition, the park boasts separate playground structures for toddlers, youngsters and teens. The park’s namesakes, Jack and Thelma Urfer will be on hand during the grand opening celebration, which will feature live entertainment, guided nature walks, food, and activities for the whole family. Home to cattle, tortoise and scores of native Florida plants, the 55-acre Urfer Family Park will continue to serve as a refuge for flora and fauna while providing recreational amenities for young and old alike. Continued preservation along with an enjoyable experience for families will fulfill the vision of the Urfers, who in 2008 mad...

There's been some new vandalism in Lakeview Park. It's been a while since we've had any significant issues. This time, a picnic table bench has been broken: And benches that face the lake on the point and near the pavilion have had their backs broken. This took some doing, as they are very sturdily made. Also, there's black spray paint on the door of the men's restroom, also near the pavilion. If anyone has positive information, contact lakesarasota@gmail.com.

The flag that greets those entering Lake Sarasota at Mauna Loa has become a bit tattered. A new flag has been ordered, and sometime this week, it will replace the existing one.

A note from Sandy: Hello everyone.... In getting everything in order for the garage sale on Saturday, I have a few requests. I need volunteers to hand out maps at Bee Ridge and Mauna Loa. If you can or hand out maps for an hour or so or you know someone who could help, please let me know. Also, if you have time to make a Craigslist (if you don't already see it on there) post advertising the garage sale between now and Saturday that would be great. Contact Sandy at Sallen11@comcast.net , or at 321-5582 .

Nearly 50 homes are already on the Lake Sarasota Mega Yard Sale Map: The Lake Sarasota neighborhood garage sale is coming up on November 7. Please email Sandy at sandy11@comcast.net asap to be included free of charge on the map that will be handed out on the day of the sale. View LS Garage Sale 11/7/2009 in a larger map If you can help defray the costs of advertising, that would be great. Donations can be sent to: Lake Sarasota Community Group PO Box 21983 Sarasota, FL 34276 Thanks!