Dir. of Special Initiative on Chronic Homelessness     On Monday, the City Commission unanimously approved "with gusto" an 8-point plan to better address the chronic homeless issue.  One of the eight points is to bring an individual on board who will direct and coordinate our homeless efforts and work with the community to carry out our strategic plan. 

The ideal candidate will understand the unique challenges in Sarasota with the chronic homeless, while being able to leverage opportunities with our amazing philanthropic community and social services partners. 

We're looking for someone committed to successfully advancing the action strategies detailed in our plan.  The results oriented person will have a passion for success, exceptional communication skills, with an ability to interact effectively with our diverse community partners.  The initial priority will be to organize and launch a Housing First program to respond to the chronic homeless challenge in the City and County. 

The individual also will facilitate an affordable housing collaborative with a goal of building 100 units per year in Sarasota County over the next five years; explore partnerships to construct a small, short stay navigational center at a centralized location in Sarasota County; double the number of mental health beds in Sarasota County over the next two years; and explore a countywide ballot initiative to raise funds via a 'sin tax' or other fee to help finance the efforts to minimize homelessness in Sarasota County.  (To read the 8-point plan click here.)

The position is expected to be posted by this weekend on the City's employment opportunities webpage. The post will include a detailed description and online application.  Look for it -- coming soon -- here.

Facebook - Refreshed   The City of Sarasota Facebook page has been refreshed and is being updated regularly with new and relevant information.  We post announcements about everything from road closures to job openings to community events.  And, of course, you'll see beautiful scenes from around town which highlight why we live in Sarasota and so many visit.

You can find the page at:  www.Facebook/CityofSarasota or just scroll to the bottom of the newsletter and click the Facebook icon.  We encourage you not only to 'like' the page, but to visit it frequently.  With recent changes to Facebook, there's no guarantee all our posts will end up in your news feed. By visiting the page, you won't miss a single post!

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Marketing Video   We have an informative, new marketing video for our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, thanks to a partnership with Visit Sarasota County. 

The 2-minute video was shot and edited recently by VSC.  Many unique features about Bobby Jones are highlighted, including that it's a 324 acre facility with a wide range of wildlife right in the city limits.  Viewers learn that the 45-holes at Bobby Jones are for every skill level -- from novice duffer to seasoned high amateur.  The video also provides a historical tutorial about the indelible connection between Sarasota and the birth of golf in the U.S.  There's a lot to see and hear in that 2 minutes!

The video is now posted on the Bobby Jones website as well as City and VSC social media sites, so golfers contemplating a visit to Sarasota can get an idea of what the complex is like before arriving.
   
Customers tend to stay longer on websites that have video content. And, they're more likely to make a purchase.  We hope this holds true for Bobby Jones. 

Thanks again to Virginia Haley and her crew at VSC for facilitating this well done production and ensuring our 3 million plus visitors each year have an opportunity to see this urban jewel.      

 Bobby Jones - Men's City Championship   Don't forget -- the 44th Annual Men's City Championship will be held at Bobby Jones this weekend (April 25 and 26).  95 players are registered to compete on the British Course.  

This is a competitive tournament that attracts high caliber players and quality action on the course.  To see the pairings for Round 1 click here.

We invite you to join the fun as part of the gallery and walk the course.  The final rounds of the tournament will be held the following weekend on May 2 and 3. 

 SPD - Special Olympics Torch Run    I'm proud to announce that the Sarasota Police Department participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics once again this year!

If you were near the Paradise Publix on S. Osprey Ave. on Thursday, you may have seen the excitement, with a police escort leading the way for a Special Olympian and SPD officers as they ran their leg of the event --- just over 3 miles to Selby Five Points Park.

The Torch Run is a 1,500 mile relay by law enforcement officers in all 67 counties in Florida.  For well over 20 years, SPD has participated in the event, which is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games.  If you'd like more information or would like to make a donation, visit www.SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org

Thanks again to our officers for taking the time to participate in this worthwhile cause and making the world a better place.

2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

 

Towles Court Art - H.S. Art Award   Congratulations to Booker High School student Krystal Combs -- winner of the Towles Court Art Association's inaugural High School Art Award. The juried award came with a $500 prize which was presented last week as

This self portrait earned Krystal Combs first place for the inaugural Towles Court High School Art Award.

part of the Towles Court Third Friday Art Walk.

Krystal is a graduating senior and was honored for her well done and unique self portrait. The piece is especially striking when you consider she is a young adult just beginning to hone her craft.  So much talent at such a young age!

Two honorable mentions also were  recognized with $100 awards:  Suncoast Polytechnical High student Devin Dixon and Booker High student David Klos.  We wish them all the best as they prepare to graduate and pursue their artistic endeavors.

If you haven't visited Towles Court recently, I encourage you to do so!  One of Sarasota's oldest art districts, it truly is a hidden treasure.  Join them for Third Friday Walk 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at 1038 Adams Lane.  To learn more about this unique area visit www.TowlesCourt.com  The next Third Friday Walk is May 15.