Sarasota County Updates

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Dear Lake,
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 office closings for Presidents Day
Most Sarasota County Government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day. 
County libraries and the Orioles team up to knock reading out of the park
Sarasota County is going to bat with the Baltimore Orioles and the Big League Reader Program to encourage youth leadership. Children who sign up at a county library and read three or more books during February earn a free grandstand ticket to the Orioles Spring Training game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 14.
Free tax help available through AARP
Free tax aid is available at locations throughout Sarasota County for quick filing of federal individual income tax returns at AARP tax aid sites and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. The VITA sites are operated by the United Way Suncoast.
Important changes underway to flood maps
Important changes to Sarasota County's flood hazard maps are underway. Proposed floodplain boundaries, regulatory flood elevations and vertical datum changes have been received by your community officials and published in the Federal Registrar on Dec. 31, 2014. Proposed Draft FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are scheduled for adoption in 2016. 
Commission approves state incentives for Venice-based PGT Industries
Following unanimous approval of the Sarasota County Commission, 
Library fines forgiven during Amnesty Week
Facing a fine that's been keeping you away from the library? Patrons of Sarasota County libraries who have outstanding overdue items will be able to return the items without penalty through Feb.14 to any Sarasota County library location.
Feb. 19 workshop to seek input on North Port joint-use library project
Sarasota County Government, Sarasota County Schools and the City of North Port will hold a neighborhood community workshop about the planning, design and programs for the new Suncoast Technical College and Sarasota County Public Library. The two-hour workshop is set for 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Toledo Blade Elementary School Cafeteria in North Port.
Sarasota County announces the continuation of the popular Barefoot Beach Bazaar at Nokomis Beach on Saturday, Feb. 21. 
Help promote the safe and courteous use of our non-motorized multiple-use trails. See safety displays, enjoy helmet fittings and free bicycle helmets for children pledging to follow safety and courtesy guidelines, while supplies last.
From October to December of 2014, volunteers contributed 15,390 hours to our quality of life. Our community partners added another 27,311 hours. The combined value - $906,969.24. Now the program is on Facebook. "Like" the page now to stay up-to-date on all how you can help change lives in Sarasota County.
Sarasota County Area Transit and a local Boy Scout troop, along with other community partners, teamed up to enhance service at the county's southernmost bus stop in Englewood.
For the second consecutive year, Sarasota County has been recognized by the Florida Department of Health as a Healthy Weight Community Champion. Sarasota County was one of 65 communities throughout the state to achieve this distinction this year - an increase from the 38 communities recognized in 2014. 
Due to ongoing construction work at the Siesta Beach pavilion, the 2015 Beach University has been canceled. The program, which spans four weeks and focuses on protecting coastal eco-systems, will return in 2016.
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent is accepting applications for a $1,200 scholarship to be awarded by the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) this year.
 
About Us
Sarasota County Government 
1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 
Florida 34236 
TTY: 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771

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