State Street Construction - Temporary Closures Start March 30    We're moving into a new phase at the State Street Garage construction site now that the top floor has been poured and vertical construction is almost finished.

Expect temporary closures on State Street near Lemon Ave. and Orange Ave.

As a result, the contractor is beginning work on the State Street right of way improvements. 

Starting March 30, there will be temporary traffic impacts on State Street between Lemon Ave. and Orange Ave.   The closures will be necessary while crews work on the decorative facade of the Garage, replace an aging utility line and install new landscape and streetscape along State Street. 

The temporary closures will vary with location and length of time.  To start, from March 30 - April 10, State Street, between Orange Ave. and Lemon Ave., will be closed to thru traffic during the day.  To see detailed information about

'Business Open' signs will be visible during the temporary street closures.

anticipated closures during the next two months click here.

To help meet the parking needs for businesses impacted by the temporary street closures, 'Business Open' signs will be visible.  Also, valet parking will be available M - F  11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse.  Staff made arrangements for valet service during these hours to assist those businesses on State Street that will be directly affected.  It's important to note the service is for State Street business customers.  (Regular valet at Hyde Park will be 7 days a week starting at 4 p.m.)  

SPD - Promotions & Awards   Many of the City Commissioners and I had the pleasure this week to attend the SPD's annual promotions and awards ceremony.  What an event!   A standing room only crowd was in attendance to recognize the courageous, caring, and many times heroic efforts of our men and women in blue, and citizens who have helped SPD officers prevent crimes and catch criminals.  It was an honor to be there and hear firsthand about the remarkable achievements of our police officers.  Their daily dedication, hard work and commitment to partnership policing in our community is why crime is at a 20 year low.  Bravo to all the honorees -- and a special congratulations to the SPD promotees.

Promotions

*Lt. Kevin Stiff - to the rank of Captain
*Sgt. Robert Resch - to the rank of Lieutenant
*Officer First Class Jeff Ball - to the rank of Sergeant
*Officer First Class Charles Riffe - to the rank of Sergeant
*Officer Second Class Michael Schultz - to Officer First Class

Awards

* Meritorious Service Medal:  Sgt. Robert Armstrong, Sgt. Mark Opitz, Officer Gregory Miller, Officer Sean Carter, Officer Chase Gloeckner, Officer Juan Sanchez.  To read about their achievements click here.

* Life Saving Medal:  Officer Sheldon Cantrell, Sgt. Robert Armstrong, Officer Steven Fergus, Officer Dominic Harris, Officer Luis Paris, Officer Derrick Gilbert, Lt. Philip Deniro, Officer Kenneth Goebel, Officer Bruce King, Officer Steven Mayforth.  To read about their achievements click here.  

* Unit Commendation:  Narcotics Unit; Street Crimes Unit; Drug Enforcement Administration; Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms; State's Attorney Office; Patrol Shift 1B, North Squad.  To read about their achievements click here.

* Unit Citation:  Patrol Shift 2A.  To read about their achievements click here.

* Medal of Valor:  Officer Adam Barlow, Officer Terry Crenshaw.  To read about their achievements click here.

* Sworn Officer of the Year:  Det. Robert Armstrong.  To read about his achievements click here.

* Co-Sworn Supervisors of the Year:  Sgt. Lori Jaress, Sgt. Demetri Konstantopoulos.  To read about their achievements click here.

* Civilian Employee of the Year:  Genevieve Judge.  To read about her achievements click here.

Fruitville Road Park Cleanup   Last weekend, as part of the Great American Cleanup, Fruitville Road Park, located at the northeast corner of Fruitville and Beneva Rd., received some TLC.  19 residents from the adjacent neighborhoods of Glen Oaks Estates,

Residents cleaned up the park for two hours.

Glen Oaks Ridge, Glen Oaks Manor and Fairway Oaks volunteered their time on a Saturday morning to spruce up the park. They gathered downed tree branches, palm fronds, and litter.  We appreciate these residents taking the initiative and showing extra civic pride with this cleanup effort.  Neighborhood pride like this makes a significant difference in community safety and aesthetics.  And, thanks to Glen Oaks Estates Secretary Renee Gluvna for sharing this group photo and collage with us.  Well done!

Finance - Popular Report    The Finance Department just released its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, which provides citizens a brief, easy-to-read overview of the financial operations of the City.  While the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is nearly 200 pages and sometimes can be difficult to understand for someone who is not a finance expert, the PAFR is just ten pages.  Perhaps most importantly, the report is written in layman's terms and, where necessary, financial terminology is explained. 

Essentially, the PAFR provides a snapshot of the City's financial position, where City dollars come from and how they are spent.  This is an excellent way to promote transparency and understanding of  the City's finances.

A link to the PAFR is posted on the City of Sarasota homepage or you can click here to download it.

This is the second consecutive year our Finance team has produced a PAFR.  And, they're off to a great start!  The inaugural PAFR recently was recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting.  Congratulations to the entire Finance Department, particularly Susan Dodd, Assistant to the Finance Director, who does a yeoman's job of distilling copious amounts of information into an abbreviated, attractive report.      

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Sr. City Championship    Our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, will be especially busy this weekend as we host the annual Men's Senior City

2014 Men's Sr. City Champion Ray Wenck with Asst. Golf Club Manager Christian Martin.

Championship.    The tournament will be played Saturday and Sunday with a pool of 88 golfers.  All are amateur golfers, who are at least 50 years young.  Tee times begin each morning at 9 a.m. on the British Course.

The Senior City Championship is a popular event at Bobby Jones and spectators are welcome to walk or ride the course and enjoy the competition.  (Riding cart is $10; walking is $2.)  The tournament wraps up on Sunday.

Visit www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com to learn more about the tourney and other upcoming events.

We wish all the players a good, healthy two days of quality competition!

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Golf Bag Giveaway   While you're at  Bobby Jones, you may want

Purchase select golf balls and enter to win a Bridgestone staff bag.

to pick up some extra golf balls.  Right now, when you buy any E series or B series Bridgestone golf balls, you can enter to win a 2015 Limited Edition Bridgestone Golf Masters Edition staff bag valued at $400. 

Purchase one sleeve and you'll be entered once...buy a dozen balls (four sleeves) and get five entries.  The promotion ends Sunday, April 12, and a blind draw will be held the next day to determine the winner.

Let your golfing friends know!