Van Wezel - 45 Year Sales Record Shattered    In Weekly Briefs last week, we mentioned that ticket sales for the Broadway hit Jersey Boys were extremely good.  Well, it turns out, the box office sales were the best ever in the 45 year history of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  That's impressive!

Over the eight performances, total attendance reached 13,943

All eight performances of Jersey Boys received enthusiastic standing ovations.

with gross ticket sales well over $1 million.  That shattered the previous record set by Mama Mia in 2007.

We continue to be very proud of the quality and variety of performances the Van Wezel is able to attract.  We can't wait to see what the next big hit will be.  Congratulations again to Executive Director Mary Bensel and the entire Van Wezel all-star team!  

City Demographics - By the Numbers   The U.S. Census Bureau provides the City with information which I thought might be helpful to share as we work to understand our community and plan for the future.  An interesting piece of data shows that the population is on the rise.  Between 2010 and 2013, the population in the city limits increased 2.4 percent.  Sarasota is an attractive, desirable place and we anticipate that growth could be a trend, particularly as Baby Boomers seek sunny, warm environs to retire, our local universities continue to grow, and our cultural institutions thrive.  It's also important to celebrate that our city is a diverse community, as minorities makeup nearly one-third of our population.

Here are some other numbers:

*  Population:  53,326
*  Persons per Household:  2.19
*  Black or African-American:  16.9 %
*  Hispanic or Latino:  14.2%
*  Median Age:  45.6 years
*  Persons under 18 years:  16.8 %
*  Persons 65 years and over:  22.4 %
*  Median Household Income:  $41,205
*  Persons below Poverty Level:  22.2%

To see a report recently generated about demographics in the City of Sarasota click here.

Lido Beach Restoration - Completed   We're pleased to announce the Lido Beach restoration project wrapped up this week --- finishing one week ahead of schedule and on time --- and well before turtle nesting season.  The last order of business before construction crews fully demobilized was the tilling of the beach Wednesday night. This helps create an environment sea turtles find desirable to nest.

If you haven't been to Lido Beach since the restoration and stabilization project started in mid-January, I encourage you to do so.  The erosion from Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, and after, was so severe that, in some areas, the beach no longer existed.   In those particularly hard hit sections, as much as 100 feet of beach was replaced. 

Not only is the new sand beautiful for beach goers, it serves to stabilize the environment and preserve property and infrastructure.  The project extended 1.8 miles, and when you see it, you'll know why people are commenting that it's some of the most gorgeous sand they've ever seen. 
The successful conclusion of this restoration project highlights why the City needs a long range beach restoration and stabilization plan.  We continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a long term program which would guarantee restoration of the beach every five years for 50 years (as opposed to the current process which requires the City to wait for significant erosion and then begin the permitting process).  The long range plan is still being vetted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, staff and the community.  We'll keep you posted.

RLTCC - Lose Big, Win Bigger Challenge    The second annual fitness challenge at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex known as Lose Big, Win Bigger is set to start the day after Easter.

The challenge will begin on April 6 with an official weigh-in and conclude with a weigh-out on June 1.  During the 8-week challenge, participants will receive ongoing support, plus RLTCC will host a series of events, including documentary screenings about the importance of food, diet and healthy eating.

The entry fee is $30 per person and includes a 2-month full access pass at RLTCC, three complimentary fitness classes each week and a free water bottle. Participants will have the opportunity to receive a mini tablet, Wii fitness package and Fitbit.  To see a flyer click here.

This is a fun way to be healthy and I commend our staff for organizing the fitness challenge once again this year.  Good luck...and may the biggest loser win! 

New Urbanism & Students   A large contingent of high school students visited City Hall and downtown yesterday to learn about New Urbanism and actually see how those principles have been put into action.  90 Lakewood Ranch High School students enrolled in an advanced placement course called 'human geography' heard from our staff planners about the elements that help create a livable and walkable downtown.

It was a pleasure to welcome the students to City Hall to learn about New Urbanism.

The teacher (who happened to be an intern with the City's Planning Department 20 years ago) provided our staff with a list of terms they've been discussing in class, and staff explained how those are used in every day planning within the City of Sarasota.  Then, the entire group strolled around downtown.  They studied Whole Foods, the Five Points roundabout, the new Aloft hotel under construction, and other developments, as staff pointed out the elements of New Urbanism design, from setbacks to pedestrian friendly aspects, to mixed use space, to incorporating the existing tree canopy.

We hope the tour was beneficial to the students, who very well could end up being some of our future urban planners.  A special thanks to the Neighborhood and Development Services Department and the Urban Design Studio for taking the time to share their professional expertise with these young students.