MLK Way Streetscape  A much anticipated streetscape project to improve the aesthetics along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way between U.S. 301 and U.S. 41 started this week.  Over the past few years,

Select bulb outs are being removed.

significant community investments have occurred in Newtown including the construction of the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Janie's Garden Phase I and II, the Booker High School construction project, and the U.S. 301 landscape improvements.  Now, after working closely with residents about how they would like the MLK Way corridor to look and function, we're moving forward with modifications on that roadway.

Bird Key Park Bench Repair  Something is temporarily missing from our beautiful Bird Key Park -- the benches.  All seven benches were removed by Public Works last week to be repaired and repainted.  The park is quite popular.  And, the combination of high usage and occasional vandalism has weakened the finish on the benches, exposing the material to the elements and causing oxidation and rust.  We expect the benches to be back no later than next Thursday, May 15th.  In meantime, the park and the recreational trail that runs through it remain open to the public.

The benches at Bird Key Park are expected to return no later than next Thursday.

More Shared Purchasing Agreements   In March, we reported that the City of Sarasota initiated a shared purchasing program with other area governmental agencies to generate greater purchasing power whenever possible.  Our initial venture involved a bid for janitorial supplies and we collaborated with four other agencies.  That process was successful and we're now comfortable to move on to other solicitations.  The next two shared purchasing bids will be for credit card processing services in conjunction with the Sarasota County School Board, and electric motor rebuild and rewind services with the City of North Port.

When staff started looking into creating a shared purchasing program, we weren't sure how such an experiment would work.  It's been a lengthy process, but we're pleased with this new collaborative effort.  It's important to note that shared purchasing is one of the City Commission's priorities this year.  Congratulations again to our very busy Purchasing Department, especially our manager, Mary Tucker, who makes sure all our I's are dotted and T's crossed when it comes to the government purchasing realm.

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Men's City Championship   A tip of the hat to our staff at Bobby Jones Golf Club for pulling off a successful tournament despite the elements.  The third and fourth rounds of the Men's City Championship were scheduled to be held last weekend with 90 players.  Mother Nature, though, had other plans, as a thunderstorm rolled in Saturday morning and postponed all play. With last minute schedule adjustments and the sun shining Sunday, the final rounds were played.  Some golfers played a total of 36 holes on Sunday to complete the tournament.  We appreciate them toughing it out.

Congratulations to Phil Walters who claimed the Men's City Championship title with a combined score of -4.  This is the third time in seven years he has won the tournament.  To see all the tournament scores click here.