Bond Ratings Affirmed      We are pleased to announce more positive financial news from City Hall.  Fitch Ratings affirmed the City's rating for the 2007 general obligation (GO) bonds at AA+ and the 2010 revenue bonds at AA.  Those are two of the five highest bond ratings given by Fitch.  The financial outlook for the City of Sarasota is listed as stable.

Fitch Ratings cited a strong economic recovery, adequate reserves and moderate debt as positive indicators.  The City's high fixed costs for pension liabilities, as well as retiree health care costs, are acknowledged, but Fitch notes that the City has taken proactive steps to limit these long term liabilities.  Our Finance Department and Human Resources Department continue to explore options to reduce these fixed costs while maintaining quality benefits for retirees. 

These ratings are another positive sign that the City is on the right track toward fiscal sustainability.

Click here to read Fitch Ratings' detailed news release announcing the City's affirmed bond ratings.

House Move  There's going to be a big move in Sarasota next week that will impact traffic in the early morning hours.  The Neighborhood and Development Services Department issued a right-of-way use permit for a single family home to be moved along local streets from one side of the city limits to the other.

The house, currently located near Osprey Ave. and Prospect St., will be relocated approximately 7.5 miles to Highland St.  The move is scheduled for Wed., October 1 from 4 a.m. - 6 a.m.

Once loaded onto a truck and ready to move, the house will creep northward, with two police escorts, traveling at no more than 20 mph.  At 52 feet long and 25 feet wide, the extra wide load will follow U.S. 301 north toward University Parkway, a route approved by the Florida Department of Transportation.  A traffic signal operator will accompany the procession to ensure the traffic lights are coordinated to facilitate the move.  To see a map of the approved route click here.

Approximately once a year the City is approached about issuing a permit to move a large structure like this.  We wish the homeowner and moving company, which is based in nearby Parrish, the best of luck.

This house will travel a 7.5 mile route on Wed., October 1 from 4 a.m. - 6 a.m.

Tourism Update - Record Setting Pace    Once again, we're receiving upbeat news from Visit Sarasota County.  During the current fiscal year, the number of visitors to our area has increased just over five percent.  They continue to spend, with direct

A view of Sarasota Bay from Bayfront Park.

expenditures throughout Sarasota County increasing 10 percent from last year.  Also, we're continuing to see signs that Sarasota is becoming a year round destination.  This past July, Sarasota County experienced the highest hotel occupancy ever for the month at 77.5 percent.  Known for irresistible weather and natural beauty, Sarasota also continues to build upon its reputation as a small town with big city amenities, particularly with the cultural arts.

Visitors are expected in the area next month for the Ringling International Arts Festival, plus a new festival called SarasotaMOD, which will celebrate our uniquely Sarasota architecture.  The inaugural SarasotaMOD, October 9-12, is expected to draw visitors from all over who enjoy architecture and would like to learn about the Sarasota School of Architecture.  The combination of subject matter and world class destination attracted the attention recently of the New York Times.  This is just one example of how word continues to spread about our special area and why people want to visit. 

To read the New York Times article click here and to learn more about SarasotaMod click here.

Payne Park Tennis Center - Annual Pass Special    Love tennis and a good deal?  This tidbit is for you!  Payne Park Tennis Center, owned by the City of Sarasota and managed by Sarasota County, is

A discount is being offered for first time annual pass purchasers.

offering a discount for first time annual pass holders.  From October 1 - November 17, first time purchasers will receive a 15 percent discount -- just $395 for the entire year.  The pass entitles users to unlimited access to 12 well maintained clay courts, 3 day advance reservations, and discounts on activities.  There are no initiation fees or monthly fees.  The facility is located adjacent to our beautiful Payne Park in downtown. 

For more information, contact the Tennis Center:  941-861-8193 or click here.

Sister Cities Award     Congratulations to the Sarasota Sister Cities Association (SSCA) for being honored with the Sister Cities International 2014 First Prize for Innovation.  SSCA hosted a sustainability conference last year in cooperation with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.  It was the first conference of its kind to be held on the west coast of Florida, with participants from area colleges and universities, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, Mote Marine Laboratory and six of Sarasota's eight sister cities.

Topics of discussion included the eco-municipality movement in Sweden (a template for smaller communities across the globe); sustainable buildings, communities, businesses and tourism; and energy creation, including solar, biomass and ocean currents.

This was a great exchange of ideas and thoughts by individuals from various nations, which is what the Sister Cities program is about -- becoming a citizen diplomat and developing peaceful relationships with others around the world.

The innovation award was presented to SSCA President Beth Ruyle Hullinger during the 58th annual conference of Sister Cities International held recently in San Jose, California.  Bravo!

Sarasota has eight sister cities spanning the globe:  Dunfermline, Scotland; Hamilton, Canada; Merida, Mexico; Perpignan, France; Tel Mond, Israel; Treviso, Italy; Vladimir, Russia; and Xiamen (Siming District), China.

SSCA is approximately 300 members strong.  If you'd like to learn more, visit their website www.SarasotaSisterCities.org

Attending the Sister Cities International annual conference (L to R):  Ron Gossett, Craig Hullinger, Beth Ruyle Hullinger, Shirley Gossett, Gayle Maxey and Tom Halbert.

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