Old Bradenton Rd - Update     The milling and paving of Old Bradenton Rd. wrapped up this week after being slightly delayed due to the recent poor weather conditions.  With the fresh asphalt down, the entire utility improvement project is substantially completed.

While crews wait the necessary two weeks for the pavement to cure before the final thermoplastic striping can be completed, trees and vegetation will be planted in the area.

Also, the last two of the four tiki hut bus shelters are expected to be built along the SCAT route by the end of today.  Benches also will be installed.

The bike lane on Old Bradenton Rd. soon will be painted green, a new safety measure for cyclists.

One of the final steps of the project will be to paint the bicycle lane green.  Green bike lanes are becoming popular throughout the U.S. as they make cycling safer by reminding drivers to watch out for cyclists when crossing bike lanes.  This will be the City's first green bike lane.  Painting is expected to occur in mid-March.

Downtown Development:  Projects Posted Online   Approximately $500,000,000 (one-half a billion) in real estate development is currently under construction and in the pipeline in downtown.  These projects include residential developments, hotels, mixed use and office space. 

With so much going on, it's helpful to have a one-stop location where

One Palm Avenue, currently under construction at Palm Ave. and Ringling Blvd., will include a 138-room Aloft Hotel and 139 apartments, restaurant, and retail space.

information is available about each project.  Our Downtown Economic Development Coordinator Norm Gollub produces a detailed monthly report -- and now it's available to the public anytime on the City's economic development website www.SarasotaEconomy.com     

The monthly report tracks each current and proposed project with a construction value over $500,000.  The number of hotel rooms, condos, and town homes under construction are listed, as well as the square footage of commercial space.  The developer's name, an artist rendering, construction value and project status also are provided in an easy-to-read format.

After a brief review of this report, it's clear our economy is on the upswing and Sarasota continues to be an area favorable to investors, visitors and new residents. Thanks, Norm, for making this information available and transparent to everyone.   

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Men's Sr. Championship    The recent 2nd annual Bobby Jones Open was a big hit with players and spectators and already staff is preparing for the next tournament at our historic municipal golf course:  the Men's Senior City Championship.  This event is open to any male amateur golfer who will be at least 50 years young at the start of the 2-day tournament on Sat., March 28. 

The entry fee is $145 per player and includes green fees, cart, refreshments, tee gift, prizes, and award dinner.  The first 200 paid player entries by the end of business on Mon., March 23 will be accepted. The tournament will be played on the British Course with tee times starting at 9 a.m. 

Please pass this information along to your golfing friends who might be interested!

For more details and to download a registration form click here.   Learn more about Bobby Jones Golf Club at www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com
         

Payne Park -  Tennis Championships     Calling all amateur tennis players!   Payne Park Tennis Center will host the Sarasota County Adult Clay Court Championships March 5-8.  The tournament is

The Adult Clay Court Championships will be held at Payne Park March 5-8.

non-sanctioned, open to all players and will include competition for men and women and singles and doubles.   The Tennis Center is owned by the City of Sarasota and operated by Sarasota County as detailed in our interlocal agreement. 

Interested players can register online at www.SCGov.Net/Parks (select "View Activities" and enter the keyword search "Clay Court Championships"). 

For more information click here or contact the Sarasota County call center:  941-861-5000.

RLTCC - Spring Break Luau    Our staff at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex already is gearing up for spring break.  To kick off vacation, young teens (ages 13-16) are invited to attend a festive luau party on Sat., March 7th from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.  The swimming pool will be open and there will be plenty of fun activities and music geared for young teenagers.  Admission is $4 now or $5 at the door.  (Proceeds will benefit youth programs at RLTCC.) The first 25 kids through the door will receive a complimentary Hawaiian lei. 

For more information click here or contact RLTCC:  941-954-4182. 

Sister Cities - One World Gala   Each year, Sarasota Sister Cities recognizes a person or organization which has made significant contributions to enhance world understanding and mutual respect through their extraordinary work, volunteer service or philanthropy.  Next month, the 2015 One World Award will be presented to Andrew Ezzell and JoAnn Patrick-Ezzell, co-founders of the Give Something Back International Foundation (GSBI).
GSBI supports K-12 education for children throughout the world with an emphasis on making online educational resources available via the internet.  The organization has sponsored children in Thailand, Vietnam, Haiti and Afghanistan.  As a result of the Ezzells' efforts, new libraries and classrooms have been built in Thailand.  Currently, planning is underway to construct a school in Haiti.

Congratulations, Andrew and JoAnn!  Your global outreach and diplomacy through your foundation is the essence of the Sister Cities program.

The One World Gala will be held Sun., March 29.  Tickets start at $150.  To register click here.