State Street Garage Update     A lot of activity is going on behind the fence at the State Street Garage construction site, building the foundation.  More than half of the concrete pilings are in place, and we anticipate all 52

Heavy machinery is used to drill a hole where a piling will be installed.

pilings will be installed within the next 2-3 weeks.  That will set the stage for the concrete piling caps to be poured, which is necessary prior to vertical construction.  In the meantime, Saturday work will continue at least through August.  Also, within the next couple of weeks, a new exit point for construction vehicles will be created on Lemon Ave., allowing  trucks to enter on Ringling Blvd., drive through the site, and exit on to Lemon Ave.  As a reminder, project updates are held every other Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. at City Hall.  The public is invited to attend and ask questions and make suggestions. 

Contractors finishing a concrete pour Wednesday afternoon on a piling.

Drainage Improvements - Lockwood Ridge & 12th Street     Starting next Monday, as you drive near Lockwood Ridge and 12th Street, please be aware that crews will be working in the area making drainage improvements along 12th Street.  The road and sidewalk to the southeast of

A message board on Lockwood Ridge just north of 12th St. notifies motorists of the upcoming lane shift.

the intersection are prone to flooding and it has become a public safety concern especially with pedestrians who walk in the road when the sidewalk is temporarily flooded immediately after a heavy rain.  Slight elevation changes will be made and a curb will be installed to help guide the rainwater to a nearby existing bioswale.  All traffic lanes are expected to remain open, but there will be a temporary shift.  The project is expected to wrap up in about two weeks and alleviate the flooding issues.

Orange Ave. Parking Lot Reopens    Speaking of drainage projects, the Public Works Department finished a much needed drainage improvement project this week near Orange Ave. and 2nd

The Orange Ave. Lot reopened this week with a fresh look.

Street.  While making the necessary changes for better drainage flow, crews also improved the Orange Ave. surface parking lot.  It was resurfaced and striped and soon new signage and parking blocks will be installed.  If you haven't checked it out yet, consider parking in one of the 20 free spaces there when you visit the Farmers Market tomorrow.  It's just a short walk to Main Street.

Arlington Pool Update    The completion of the pool improvement project is nearing, but unfortunately, a delay with the delivery of the custom heaters and installation of the electrical system to the heaters has resulted in an extended delay in reopening the pool to

The Arlington Pool renovations are nearing completion.

the public.  Both the competition and training pools are full of water, and the pumps and filters are working.  The new deck is finished and the new shower tower is installed.  The diving boards and competition start platforms are in place.  The last item to be completed is the electrical wiring and plumbing with the new heaters, which is much more extensive and complex than a standard residential pool system.  Staff is now exploring how soon the pool can be opened as the electrical work is being completed.  These are much needed improvements at the pool and, unfortunately, it is taking longer to complete than planned.  We appreciate everyone's continued patience.

Gillespie Park Neighborhood - National Night Out    Residents are invited to come out next week for a neighborhood National Night Out (NNO) block party hosted by the Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association and Sarasota Police Department.  The event will be held

McGruff will be in attendance at the Gillespie Park NNO celebration.

at Gillespie Park, 710  N. Osprey Ave., on August 5th at 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  It's designed to be a casual neighborhood gathering, giving residents an opportunity to meet police officers one-on-one before our larger annual NNO event in the fall (tentatively scheduled for October 7 at Payne Park).  Always a family crowd pleaser, McGruff, the Crime Fighting Dog, will be on hand to greet the kids and grandkids.  Cake and lemonade also will be served.  These NNO celebrations dovetail into our community partnership policing philosophy, which encourages police officers and residents to build relationships and work together to help prevent and solve crimes.  We look forward to seeing you at NNO!

Bobby Jones Golf Club - "I Will Run 4 Beer"      That's a headline you may not have expected to see in a municipal government newsletter!  In a continuing effort to introduce more people to our municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club will host a competitive 4 mile run and 2 mile fun run/walk next Friday night (Aug. 8) called "I Will Run 4 Beer".  The event will take place along the cart path on the British Course which is temporarily closed for aerification, a regular part of golf course maintenance.  So, the timing is perfect to host a fun community event at Bobby Jones with an opportunity to generate some revenue.  The event is sponsored in part by Fit2Run which just opened a location on Main Street in downtown. To register visit  www.Run941.com  

Last fall, Bobby Jones hosted a high school cross country track meet which was very successful.  Bravo to golf course manager Sue Martin and her dedicated staff for continuing to think outside of the (tee) box for recreation at Bobby Jones.