Solar Rebates, New Traffic Tools, more in Community Connections for the coming week

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Solar panels on a houseSave energy and money with FPL rebates on solar panels
Sarasota County officials are encouraging local Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) customers to take advantage of limited-time rebates on energy-saving photovoltaic solar panels. FPL is offering an annual total of $15.5 million in rebates under five programs. (MORE)
Sarasota County SealSarasota County celhebrates 90th anniversary

The Sarasota County Commission this year is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Sarasota County. A commission proclamation notes that the anniversary is an opportunity for citizens to "celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals and groups to help preserve the heritage that has shaped us as a community and as a progressive county."

Free and low-cost health services provided at 16 Sarasota County sites
The Sarasota County Health Department's Health In Motion Mobile Medical Unit staff will provide free and low-cost health services at 16 sites around the county during June. (MORE)
CCBalloonNow you know ...
You may be wondering why new traffic signal controller cabinets are being installed at some intersections throughout the county. It is not related in any way to red light running cameras! What you are seeing is the beginning of construction on Phase 1 of the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to update 123 intersections throughout Sarasota County.

ATMS uses a variety of detectors, cameras and communication systems to optimize signal timing, monitor traffic and manage incidents such as major traffic accidents. ATMS also can be used during emergencies such as hurricanes to help improve the traffic flow on evacuation routes. ATMS connects signalized intersections along major corridors into a single, unified network that will be operated out of the Regional Traffic Management Center jointly operated with Manatee County. Manatee County also is upgrading its traffic signal network.


Intersections being upgraded include: along University Parkway from Airport Circle to Interstate 75 (I-75) east; U.S. 41 from Woodmere Park Boulevard to General Spaatz Boulevard; Fruitville Road from Cocoanut Avenue to I-75 east; Clark Road from Gulf Gate Mall Drive to I-75 east; Venice Avenue from Grove Street to Auburn Road; State Road 776 from Virginia Court to Jacaranda Boulevard; and John Ringling at Sunset Drive. Switching out the cabinets will be done during the hours of 8 p.m.-6 am. Other work associated with this project includes conduit installation and fiber installation, which will be done during the daytime hours. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the spring of 2012.


Eventually, when all three phases of ATMS are completed, 173 signalized intersections in the county will be upgraded.


Upcoming Events

Kids 'Summer Beach Runs'
Beginning June 14, held every Tuesday
Registration starts at 5:30 p.m.
Runs at 6:30 p.m.
Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key
http://bit.ly/lbXxpc

Kids 'Summer Beach Runs'
Beginning June 15, held every Wednesday
Registration starts at 5:30 p.m.
Runs at 6:30 p.m.
Venice Fishing Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive, Venice
http://bit.ly/lbXxpc



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