The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

Sarasota County Grants Coordinator Kathlyn Clayton sent a follow-up email after our last Lake Sarasota Community Group meeting - (Thanks Kathlyn!). Here it is: A gentleman asked for a list of the types of projects that have been funded [through County grants]. Here is a sample: Landscaping Website Development Entryway signs Removal of invasive plants Shoreline restoration Water quality projects Install micro-irrigation Yard of the Month signs Neighborhood watch signs The same gentleman asked me why it ‘s a good idea to have an association. Here are some examples: Unity and communication that allows for a voice and influence into what happens in surrounding areas Sense of community Neighbors watch out for neighbors  Provides a channel through which neighborhood goals can be met A voice in development/land use issues Deal with crime and other disturbances as a unified group Hope the above is helpful.

From the Lake Sarasota Community Group

Welcome to Sarasota County's community e-newsletter. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, contact us at  pubcom@scgov.net .    County announces holiday office closings Most Sarasota County Government offices and facilities will be closed  Wednesday, Dec. 24 , and  Thursday, Dec. 25 , in observance of the Christmas holiday and Thursday, Jan. 1 , for New Year's Day. That includes all county recreation centers, Arlington Pool, Payne Park and the public pistol and rifle range at Knight Trail Park. A video holiday greeting from the Sarasota County Commission Gulf Gate Library mall location closing  Jan. 3 The Gulf Gate Public Library's temporary location inside Westfield Sarasota Square Mall will be closed beginning  5 p.m. Jan. 3 , in preparation for the opening of a new and improved library at 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, a few weeks later. Civics 101 now enrolling for 2015 classes Sa...

SCAT has been closely involved with the construction contractor in weekly meetings and updates. At this time, SCAT is planning to operate the Route 14 bus along the current route on Bee Ridge Road and loop around Middlesex Place and Berkshire Drive. Construction activities are such that for now two way traffic is being accommodated. SCAT has submitted a request to remove all bagged bus stop installed along Mauna Loa to the Sarasota County Traffic Engineering department. SCAT Operations is monitoring traffic and construction activities. If at certain times, the bus route is blocked, SCAT would use Mauna Loa only very temporarily detour (possibly even for only one trip, or portions of day) around the construction delay and would not stop to pick up or discharge passengers.

Welcome to Sarasota County's community e-newsletter. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, contact us at  pubcom@scgov.net .    Two events help people get insurance during open enrollment for Affordable Care Act The Community Health Center of North Port and the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida will host two enrollment events on  Monday, Dec. 15  at Selby Library, 1331 First St. in Sarasota and at the Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd. in Venice.  Gulf Gate Library mall location closing  Jan. 3 The Gulf Gate Public Library's temporary location inside Westfield Sarasota Square Mall will be closed beginning  5 p.m. Jan. 3 , in preparation for the opening of a new and improved library at 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, a few weeks later. Civics 101 now enrolling for 2015 classes Sarasota County Government's popular Civics 101 program begins  Jan. 22 , offering even m...

The final regular meeting of the Lake Sarasota Community Group will feature a County grants coordinator as well as the election of officers for 2015. County Grants Coordinator Kathlyn Clayton will be on hand to help us focus on a do-able project that would benefit from County matching funds. Various project ideas have been floated, but if there is interest, one will be chosen for Spring grant funding. Other items on the agenda include: SCAT bus routing through Lake Sarasota Any news around Bee Ridge Road improvements Any updates regarding the Bee Ridge Park of Commerce Monthly Sheriff's report on crime in Lake Sarasota A report on the recent community garage sale Rothenbach Park Project Election of Boardmembers for 2015 It all happens Thursday Dec. 11, 7 p.m., at Sarasota Alliance Church, across from Chaucer on Bee Ridge. All are welcome, no dues. Also, join the online Lake Sarasota, on Next Door . Anyone living in Lake Sarasota is eligible to join - no fees. ...

Welcome to Sarasota County's community e-newsletter. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, contact us at  pubcom@scgov.net .    Holiday Arts and Crafts Show returns to Englewood Sports Complex  Dec. 6   SATURDAY :  The show, which takes place from  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ,will feature 75 vendor tables offering unique creations such as handcrafted jewelry, holiday decorations, greeting cards, clothes, quilts and much more at this sold-out event. In addition, there will be a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest along with cookie decorating on-site. 'Fill the Boot' for MDA SATURDAY :  Members of Local 2546 will fan out across the county with boots in hand for this year's drive on  Dec. 6 and 7  from  8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at the intersections of Center Road and Jacaranda Boulevard, Fruitville Road and Honore Avenue, and Bee Ridge Road and Beneva Road. Storytelling as part of 1800s Ho...