The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

Welcome to Sarasota County's community e-newsletter. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback relating to this newsletter, contact us at  communications@scgov.net .  Maio chosen as 2016 commission chairman The Board of County Commissioners selected Alan Maio, District 4, as chairman and Paul Caragiulo, District 2, as vice chairman for 2016 during a public meeting  Friday . Charles Hines, District 5, will serve as Pro Tem. Commissioners honored students who took part in the 2016 'Branch Out - Plant a Tree' NEST calendar Sarasota County commissioners honored 13 elementary school artists whose illustrations appear in the 2016 "Branch Out - Plant a Tree!" calendar, an effort of Sarasota County's Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST). Six libraries closing  Dec. 11  for staff development Six Sarasota County public libraries will be closed  Friday, Dec. 11 , for staff development as library employee...

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 offices closed for Thanksgiving Sarasota County Government offices, including libraries, Sarasota County Historical Resources and recreation centers, will be closed  Thursday, Nov. 27 , and  Friday, Nov. 28 , for the Thanksgiving holiday. Solid Waste Collection Schedules for the Thanksgiving Holiday Here are the waste collection schedules for the Thanksgiving holiday for Sarasota County. Knights Trail Park Pistol and Rifle Range to close two days for Thanksgiving holiday The Knights Trail Park Pistol and Rifle Range will be closed to the public  on Thursday  and  Friday, Nov. 27-28 . The range will resume normal operations on Saturday, Nov. 29. Safe turkey cooking tips for the holidays As families prepare Thanksgiving meals, keep...

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 .    Sandy Claws Beach Run returns to Siesta Enjoy a run and lots of holiday fun as the 38th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run returns to Siesta Beach on  Dec. 13 . The brilliant, white, pure quartz sand is hard-packed, making for fast finish times. Or, set a leisurely pace and take in the tranquil beauty of what's been named one of America's best beaches. Sarasota Chalk Festival at the Venice Airport Sarasota Chalk Festival at the Venice Airport,  Nov. 14-17 , located at 900 Airport Ave, E. Venice, FL Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition Twenty-four Master Sand Sculptors from around the world will compete in the 5 th  annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic presented by Margaritaville ® .  Get 'Down n' Dirty with free Extension series Come experience a fun wa...

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  communityconnections@scgov. net.     Follow us on Twitter! Sarasota County has expanded its presence into social media with an updated Twitter site. Follow us now for up-to-the-minute updates. Holiday Arts and Crafts Show returns to Englewood Sports Complex     SATURDAY :  The Arts and Crafts Show will be held on  Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.  at Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 South River Road, Englewood. Join the Sandy Claws Beach Run   The Sarasota County Parks and Recreation sponsored 37th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run is scheduled for  Saturday, Dec. 14 , at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota.    Homeless expert submits local gap analysis    After listening to area officials' recommendations and the co...

Welcome to Sarasota County's community e-newsletter. If you have questions, ideas for articles, or feedback on the system, contact us at  communityconnections@scgov. net.     Like us on Facebook Sarasota County is branching out. Like one or all of our pages. Sarasota County Government Emergency Management   Commissioner Christine Robinson Libraries UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Neighborhood Services  Parks and Recreation Green Business Partnership Office of Community Redevelopment County receives award for hazardous waste collection program Sarasota County Hazardous Waste has been recognized by the 2013 North America Hazardous Materials Management Association with a Longstanding Program Excellence Award. Barefoot Beach Bazaars now accepting vendor applications Parks and Recreation is accepting arts-and-crafts vendor applications for the upcoming Barefoot Beach Bazaar season at Nokomis Beach.  Workshop o...