Downtown - Businesses are Open!   Crews are making good progress relocating utilities underground at Main Street and Orange

The sign says it all!

Avenue in advance of building a roundabout at the intersection.  We understand the temporary closure is an inconvenience to drivers and a hindrance to some shoppers. To lessen the impact as much as possible, the project, which will be a significant transportation addition to help traffic and pedestrian flow through downtown, was scheduled during the summer months.  As the work continues, City staff is in close contact with business owners in the area keeping them updated on the construction schedule. 

Already, the construction crews have been working on Saturday and

Crews working just east of the Orange Ave. and Main St. intersection.

even during the recent rain storms.  They're working under a tight schedule to have the project significantly completed by mid-November. 

Don't let the dust deter you!  Construction times like this are always challenging, and we need to continue to support our local businesses, particularly those located in the construction zone.  To make it as convenient as possible for people to visit downtown, we're offering free valet parking just north of the Orange Ave. and State St. intersection.  The service is available every day 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.   Also, within a short, convenient walk to Main Street is the new State Street Garage with almost 400 free parking spaces.

Reminding the public that our downtown is open for business during this construction period is important.  Thanks to our Senior Communications Manager Jan Thornburg for producing a brief, informative video for social media this week that sends a clear message: Downtown Sarasota businesses are open!  You can watch the video below.  If you're on Facebook or Twitter, the video is pinned to the top of the City of Sarasota page where it can be easily shared. 

YouTube:  Businesses are Open!

 

Neighborhood News - New Pedestrian Bridges     In a previous edition of Weekly Briefs, we mentioned that all five of the wooden pedestrian bridges along Boulevard of the Presidents on Lido Key

One of the new pedestrian bridges along Boulevard of the Presidents.

would be replaced.  Well, the project is done and the bridges look good and are available for use.  The old bridges were deteriorating from being exposed for decades to the salty and wet elements coming off the Gulf of Mexico.  The replacement bridges are made from a manufactured material which is expected to hold up well in harsh conditions for up to 50 years.            

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex - Philanthropic Grants   I've noted before in Weekly Briefs that Sarasota is a giving community which often benefits from generous acts of

The lessons were conducted at RLTCC by aquatics instructors with the Sarasota YMCA.  Photo Courtesy: Enrique Pino

philanthropy.  And, we've witnessed that generosity once again.

Via the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Keith and Linda Monda generously donated the funding to cover the costs of swim lessons for 95 children at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.  For nine weeks, the kids learned how to swim, with lessons conducted at RLTCC by instructors with the Sarasota Family YMCA.  The Mondas recognize that swimming is a critical life skill (especially in an area like Sarasota with so much water) which should not have an income barrier.  Thanks to their generosity, these youngsters now have a good foundation of swimming basics to build upon.

L to R:  Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Sr. Vice President for Philanthropy Veronica Brady, Linda Monda, RLTCC Manager Jerry Fogle, Keith Monda, Mayor Willie Shaw

The Mondas' also sponsored 200 children so they could have access to RLTCC and all the fun recreational activities at the facility during the summer.  The RLTCC staff works hard to keep pass fees affordable.  But, for some families struggling to make ends meet, any amount is too much.  So, these 200 kids had a safe, fun place to spend the summer -- thanks to the generosity of the Mondas.

To commemorate the last day of swim lessons and to thank the Mondas, a celebration was held this week with the children at RLTCC. 

Keith Monda cultivated a successful career as an executive in the fashion and apparel industry.  For decades, he and his wife vacationed in Sarasota, enjoying the community's natural beauty and relaxing environment.  Several years ago, they relocated to Sarasota County, and now, as full time philanthropists, they're committed to helping less fortunate children become better prepared for a healthy and successful life.  They refer to this time in their lives as their 'give back period'.  Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Monda, for your extraordinary commitment to help the youngest members of our community!

Keith and Linda Monda surrounded by the children who received swim lessons.

 

Bobby Jones Golf Club - Summer Camp Success    The staff at Bobby Jones Golf Club just wrapped up another successful summer of youth golf camps.  All three sessions were sold out with 12 students in each camp receiving instruction from one of our on-site PGA professionals.

Golf is a recreational activity for all ages, and it's a good way to combine exercise with enjoying the outdoors.  We're pleased so many youngsters are interested in learning more about this great pastime at our historic municipal golf course.  We hope to see these youngsters playing at Bobby Jones soon.  Congratulations to our staff for another excellent round of summer camps!
                

Bobby Jones Golf Club - 4 Mile Races     The British Course at Bobby Jones Golf Club was temporarily transformed into a race course last Friday night as 125 runners braved the heat and humidity

The start of the 4 mile race at Bobby Jones.

to participate in the 'I Will Run For Beer' race.  It was a competitive 4 mile run, with the route staged along the edge of the British Course. 

The event went so well, the Run 941 runners will be back at Bobby Jones later this month.  On August 29th, the 'Bacon Run' (4 miles and 2 miles) will be held at the American Course. For more information visit the Run 941 website:  www.Run941.com

It's nice to see different activities taking place at Bobby Jones, particularly during the traditionally slower, hot summer months.