State Street Garage - Now OPEN!   We're pleased to announce the much anticipated State Street Garage is now open to the public and available for parking!  It officially opened Wednesday at 5 p.m.  If you haven't driven or walked through it yet, we invite you to do so.  Architecturally speaking, it's an impressive structure. And, with enough space for nearly 400 vehicles and 30 bicycles in the heart of downtown, it's exactly what our increasingly vibrant downtown needs.

You may see some contractors on site working on punch list items to finish the project, including painting and installing the second elevator.

We look forward to tomorrow (Sat.) when the Garage will be available for the first time for those visiting the Farmers Market.  The Garage can be easily accessed on State Street (off Orange Ave. or Lemon Ave.) or from Ringling Blvd.
                          

White House Community Policing Forum - Sarasota Invited    

Mayor Willie Shaw, SPD Chief Bernadette DiPino and I were honored to be invited to participate in a special national community policing forum held at the White House this week.

Following the recent unrest in our country,

With SPD Chief Bernadette DiPino and Mayor Willie Shaw at the White House.

President Obama assembled the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. During the forum, we had the opportunity to meet with members of the Task Force, law enforcement officers, elected officials, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and community and faith leaders from across the nation. The recommendations set forth by the Task Force were discussed as well as   how to implement them toward improving the quality of life in our communities, and public and police safety for all.

The discussion groups were very informative and enlightening, and focused on the six areas addressed by the Task Force:

1.  Building trust and legitimacy
2.  Policy and oversight
3.  Technology and social media
4.  Community policing and crime reduction
5.  Training and education
6.  Officers safety and wellness



Having begun my public service career as a police officer 35 years ago, I can assure you that bringing community based policing into the the 21st century is a long overdue discussion.  Just 40 communities were invited to participate in the forum, and I'm proud Sarasota was included to share our proactive community policing experience which emphasizes creating local partnerships.  After attending the forum, it's apparent we're ahead of the curve under the leadership of Chief DiPino, as SPD strives to collaborate with our neighborhoods and community based organizations each and every day.

Members of the faith based community who are actively involved with community policing also were invited to attend the forum.  Kelvin Lumpkin, pastor with Light of the World International Church, attended with us and shared his experiences and insight into how residents and SPD officers are developing better communication and cooperative partnerships and working relationships. 

This was an unexpected trip on short notice.  We appreciate the City Commission's support and those who worked behind the scenes to  ensure we were able to get to Washington, D.C. and share Sarasota's story and learn from others as each and every police officer in America strives to be a part of, not apart from, every unique community from coast to coast. 

Community members trust officers to exercise sound judgement and de-escalate situations, when possible, at each and every incident they are called upon to keep the peace.  And, the public's ability to help prevent crime and assist with prosecuting attackers can never be underestimated or taken for granted. 
                       

Preliminary Millage Rate - No Change     During its regular meeting Monday night, the City Commission unanimously set the preliminary millage rate at 3.1728 -- that's the same rate as last year. 

We are proposing a fiscally responsible budget with less than a 1.5% increase from the current fiscal year.  This includes additional staff positions in key areas (including SPD, Utilities, Code Compliance, Parking) to help us maintain (and in some areas improve) our level of service.  As we see our skyline change and we anticipate more residents moving into Sarasota, we need to have the staff and resources available to respond to such a growing population. 

The City Commission's support and leadership with this proposed budget is greatly appreciated.  Before the budget is adopted, public hearings will be held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 21.  The proposed budget can be found online here.   
        

Van Wezel - Renovations    The staff at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is taking full advantage of the off-season to get a lot done around the building!  And, when we say 'a lot done' we mean major improvements. 

Demolition of the women's and family restrooms started this week.   All are being remodeled with a modern style to improve traffic flow and reduce lines.  Four extra stalls will be added in the Grand Foyer and a new restroom is being constructed in the Founder's Lounge.  (Don't worry, gentlemen....the men's restrooms are slated for a similar makeover next summer.)

Also, the old orchestra shell was dismantled and removed from the Hall to make room for a new shell which will be more flexible and allow for greater opportunities to bring even larger shows to the Van Wezel.  The new shell is being funded in part with two capital improvement grants from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and the Harry Sudakoff Foundation.  We greatly appreciate their generosity to improve the Hall and allow us to continue to offer an excellent cultural arts experience.

From replacing the orchestra shell to renovating the restrooms, a lot of improvements are underway at the Van Wezel this summer.

And last but certainly not least, all the carpet throughout the Hall will be replaced and the Grand Foyer will be given a fresh coat of paint. 

It is indeed a very busy summer at the Van Wezel!  Thanks to Executive Director Mary Bensel and her staff for working diligently to coordinate the construction schedules so the work would not interfere with our popular Friday Fest activities.  

Bobby Jones Summer Camp     The second of three youth summer camps was held at Bobby Jones Golf Club earlier this week.  Youngsters had the opportunity to hit the links with one of our PGA professionals and learn about this challenging sport from course etiquette, to driving, chipping and putting.  We're excited that the  camp was sold out --- and staff was able to accommodate one extra student for a total of 13.  Thanks to the Bobby Jones staff for making the 3-day camp fun, interesting and educational for the children.  The last camp is scheduled for Aug. 10-12.