Emergency Alerts    Many of us were notified in the middle of the night about the deadly storm approaching Sarasota last weekend via emergency alert on our smart phone.  Meterologists and emergency managers were very concerned about the timing of the storm and people being asleep at 3 a.m. and possibly not being aware of the danger. 

Government alerts activated on an iPhone.

Since tornadoes are not as frequent in Florida as other states, tornado sirens are not used here.  Even if they were, the sound might not penetrate through the thick structures which are built to withstand hurricane strength winds. So, this storm serves as a reminder to make sure your smart phone is activated to receive emergency alerts, including severe weather alerts. 

On most phones, under 'settings', look for 'notifications'.  There you should be able to enable/disable emergency alerts for weather as well as Amber Alerts for missing children.  Because so many people were awakenend in the middle of the night by their cell phone and were able to take the necessary safety precautions, these emergency alerts are being credited with possibly saving lives.

If you do not have a modern cell phone, all-hazard weather alert radios are readily available for under $50 at most retail stores that sell storm supplies.    
                  

Neighborhood News:  Newtown on FDOT Map    Newtown is literally on the map!  The 2016 edition of the Florida Department of Transportation road map is now available to the public -- and the

Newtown is designated on the 2016 FDOT road map.

Newtown community is designated on it.  To be noted on the map, a community has to meet criteria set by FDOT and complete a permitting process.  One of the final steps for approval for Newtown was the installation of two community makers along U.S. 301, which the City completed recently.

A big thank you to Barbara Langston, Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association President, and Public Works Capital Projects Manager Bill Nichols who began pursuing the designation in 2011 and saw it through to completion.  Congratulations!  This official designation is a significant achievement for our historic, century-old African American community.

Copies of the map are available at no cost at the Newtown Redevelopment Office (1782 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way) or can be ordered through the Visit Florida website.      
    

Neighborhood News:  Newtown Farmers Market    Residents in the Newtown community are testing the idea of a Newtown Farmers Market.  They were open for business on MLK Day selling a variety of fruits and vegetables in the parking lot of the City-owned Newtown

Residents are testing interest in a Newtown Farmers Market.

Redevelopment Office.  City staff worked closely with organizers to help them open for business along the MLK Unity Walk route.

Those spearheading the effort are pleased with initial support and in the next month or so, hope to launch a Newtown Farmers Market with regular days of operation.  City staff will continue to work with this new enterprise and do what we can to support it.

MLK Day Events    We're told participation in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events was up this year, possibly by as much as 20 percent.  More people participated in the 36th annual MLK Day Breakfast, and a large diverse group marched in the Unity Walk from the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex to MLK Park.  It's important to remember and honor Dr. King's work.  And, seeing an increase in support for these events is positive for the Sarasota community.   Sr. Communications Manager Jan Thornburg produced a video highlighting the day's events:

YouTube video:  MLK Day 2016

            

New Purchasing General Manager    Procurement of services and products is an integral part of local government and is tied into daily

David Boswell is the new Purchasing General Manager.

operations, from something as simple as using an office computer to more complex issues like contracting services for a municipal construction project.  It's critical that our procurement process is professional and ethical -- and the public and potential bidders have confidence in that process. 

With this in mind, we're pleased to announce David Boswell was promoted to the position of Purchasing General Manager.  David has served as the Assistant Purchasing Manager for the past 4 years. 

Following a comprehensive search and interview process, David's professionalism, character and knowledge of local government procurement laws separated him from the pack. 

David retired from a successful military career, serving in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He  graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration.

It's a busy time in the Procurement Division, and we wish David all the best as he takes over the reins.  Congratulations!   

FREE Tax Preparation Services - United Way   If you earned less than $62,000 in 2015, the United Way Suncoast is offering free tax preparation services at sites in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Last year, people who visited one of the United Way tax preparation sites saved $253 (on average) in preparation fees alone.   In addition, more savings can be earned by applying for and receiving Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and Child Tax Credits.  Both are intended to increase disposable income for families and individuals.  The IRS, though, reports that 20 percent of those eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits do not submit a claim for it.  The United Way volunteer tax preparers will help make sure those credits are applied for.

In the Sarasota city limits, three tax preparation sites will be open until April 18 with designated hours:

* Boys & Girls Club - 3100 Fruitville Rd.   
   Hours:  Tuesdays  9:30 a.m.  -  12:30 p.m.

*  Robert L. Taylor Community Complex -  1845 34th St.
   Hours:  Mondays  3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

*  United Way Suncoast  - 1800 2nd St.; Suite 102
   Hours:  Tuesdays  2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information, including items you will need to bring, visit the United Way Suncoast website.

Ed Smith Stadium:  "Field of the Year"    Congratulations to the Baltimore Orioles!  The Sports Turf Managers Association named Ed Smith Stadium, located in the Sarasota city limits, as the 2015 "Field of the Year".

This award is considered the highest honor in the industry with members at all levels:  professional, collegiate, schools, and parks and recreation.  A panel of 15 judges rated the grounds based on many criteria including surface appearance, playability, effective use of budget and argonomic plan.

This is good news not just for the Orioles but the entire Sarasota community.  Since the Orioles located here 6 years ago, over 640,000 spectators have enjoyed games at Ed Smith Stadium, setting many new attendance records.

Spring training tickets for the Orioles go on sale tomorrow, Sat. January 23 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online or at Ed Smith Stadium.  The first home game is March 2nd.  Click here for the full Spring Training calendar.