Money Smart Week, K-9 Rescue and Much More

April 11, 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.  County named 2013 All-America City Award finalist Sarasota County has been named one of 20 finalists for the All-America City Awards, a nationwide contest established by the National Civic League that recognizes communities demonstrating innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration.  Get 'Money Smart' April 19-27 Financial professionals in banking, investments and retirement planning will host a series of presentations during "Money Smart Week @ Your Library," at Sarasota County Libraries.  Energy Upgrade workshops save money and energy Free 30-minute Energy Upgrade workshops are open to civic groups, clubs, faith organizations, nonprofit associations and businesses. 'Tour de Parks' maps now online The 2013 Tour de Parks route maps are now available online   Connect with K-9 Search and Rescue Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue will be at Nokomis Community Park from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, with activities for kids of all ages. Watch K-9 demonstrations, join the Blessing of the Dogs, maybe even adopt a pet. To learn more, visit www.k-9sar.net.   . County selects Director of Capital Projects Isaac Brownman has been promoted to the position of Director of Capital Projects for Sarasota County.  Veterans 'stand down' set for April 20 The 2013 Veterans Stand Down event will take place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Registration and most of the services for veterans will be available at the Sarasota County Health and Human Services (Health Department) building. Community Connection Day focuses on the family  A "Community Connection Day" with a focus on families and children will be held in Venice on Saturday, April 20. The free event will take place from 10 a.m.-noon at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library in Venice.  County hires Contract Administrator Sarasota County has hired Nancy Paradise as a Contract Administrator in the Office of Financial Planning. The hiring is part of the ongoing effort to examine and improve the county's processes to provide services, and to partner with municipalities, businesses and the community. County supports Suncoast Grand Prix with additional funding Sarasota County has approved additional financial support for the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix by agreeing to pay the $79,200 sanctioning fee for the event from the county Tourist Development Tax fund. Helping faith-based organizations prepare for hurricane season Sarasota County Emergency is hosting a luncheon  to equip faith-based organizations for the upcoming hurricane season. Design contract for Phase 2 of Myrtle Street improvement project awarded Sarasota County has awarded a $499,496 contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. of Sarasota for design of most of the improvements to Myrtle Street from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301 in Sarasota.  Kensington Park community cleanup  Sarasota County will hold its annual free community cleanup in the Kensington Park area from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Dumpsters will be provided at three locations for residents.