BRIEFS from BARWIN
From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
February 26, 2016
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Enjoying a winter day at New Pass on Sarasota Bay.  


  MEETINGS

  • Fruitville Road Streetscape Enhancement
    Tues., March 1 - 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    City Hall - Commission Chambers

    Details
  • Development Review Committee
    Wed., March 2 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall - Room 112
    Agenda
  • Community Workshop:  Site Plan within the Laurel Park Overlay District
    Wed., March 2 - 5:30 p.m.
    City Hall - Room 112
    Agenda
     
City Career Opportunities
Opportunity, Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Copy Room Over The Dramatic Clouds and Sky.
 

Assistant Purchasing General Manager
Capital Projects Engineer
Counselor-In-Training
Facility Maintenance Tech
    Police Officer, 2nd Class
Rec Attendant
Spray Tech
Treatment Plant Operator C
Utilities Capital Projects Manager
Utilities Review of Building Permit Apps 
                 


This Week's Items to Know:
1.
Future of Fruitville Rd. - Meeting March 1st    With several developments underway which are expected to draw many more residents and visitors to our special city, we're continuing to study alternative ways to make the downtown core more pedestrian-friendly without diminishing vehicular traffic flow.

Plans already are in the works for a series of roundabouts and streetscape enhancements on U.S. 41 to calm traffic for pedestrians while increasing continuous traffic movement.

Now, staff is studying alternatives to improve another gateway into
Eastbound Fruitville Rd. 
the city limits:  Fruitville Road between U.S. 301 and U.S. 41.

In November, staff began talking with stakeholders and interested parties about the current condition of Fruitville.  Right now, the road is considered to be a suburban thoroughfare and options are being reviewed to adjust it into an urban boulevard.

As with U.S. 41, the goal is to create a more inviting environment for pedestrians, so those who wish to cross Fruitville to connect from downtown to the nearby neighborhoods of Gillespie Park and Rosemary District will feel safe.

A wide range of alternatives are under consideration including modifying travel lane width, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, landscaping, and possible roundabouts at Cocoanut Ave., Central Ave. and Lemon Ave.  No decisions have been made.  We continue to gather data and seek public input.



The next community meeting about the proposed Fruitville Rd. Streetscape Enhancement project will be held Tues., March 1 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.  We encourage your participation.

For detailed information about the proposed project click here.

2.
Lose Big, Win Bigger - Starts Feb. 29     Reminder:  The 3rd annual Lose Big, Win Bigger fitness challenge at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex starts next Monday, February 29. 

If it's crossed your mind that you'd like to look and feel more fit, then consider registering for the challenge!   For 8-weeks, you'll be challenged to modify your lifestyle -- exercise more and make healthier food choices.  The winner is determined by the highest percentage of body weight lost.

There is a $25 registration fee, which includes a 3-month all access pass to RLTCC, fitness classes, and prizes.  And, of course, the staff at RLTCC will be there along the way to support and encourage you.

To learn more click here or call RLTCC at:  941-954-4182.

3.
Bobby Jones Golf Club - Demo Day    If you or a golfer you know is in the market for new clubs, we invite you to our historic municipal Bobby Jones Logo golf course for Demo Day on March 2.  

Representatives from Wilson and Callaway Golf will be at the complex offering golfers the opportunity to test the latest drivers, irons, fairways and hybrids, with a few swings.

Demo Day runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 2.  For more information click here.

Stop by Bobby Jones, 1000 Circus Blvd. -- you may just find the new clubs you've been looking for to improve your game -- at a special price just for Demo Day.

4.
Outstanding Community Leader - Brunie Neira    Congratulations to Brunie Neira at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex for being honored by the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County as an outstanding community leader.

In 2013, Brunie assisted with the development of a teen program called HARD: NOC
Brunie Neira was honored by the
Dept. of Health as an outstanding
community leader.


(Honorable Alliance for Reclaiming Destiny:  North Sarasota Original Chapter). Launched as a pilot program to introduce young teens to different opportunities, HARD:NOC became a permanent program at RLTCC (with many community partners) thanks to Brunie's vision, enthusiasm and dedication. 

Standouts like Brunie help make Sarasota special, and we're proud she was recognized by the Leadership Development Council with the Health Department.  Congratulations, Brunie!  



Upcoming Events 

Coin Show & Sale 
 Fri., Feb. 26 - Sun., Feb. 28  
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Municipal Auditorium

Suncoast Blues Festival 
Fri., Feb. 26 & Sat., Feb. 27
10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Le Marche Bohemian Craft Show 
Sat., Feb. 27
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Selby Five Points Park

United Way Tax Preparation 
Mon., February 29
3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Details 

Demo Day
 
Wed., March 2
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bobby Jones Golf Club
(1000 Circus Blvd.)
 
Details 
  
 

Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now! 


The following is a list of shows through March 2016.  To view the entire Van Wezel season visit www.VanWezel.org 
 
 

Vince Gill & Lyle Lovett
Fri., February 26, 2016 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Kristin Chenoweth
Sat., February 27, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Josh Groban
Sun., February 28, 2016 - 8 p.m.
The Australian Bee Gees
will perform Feb. 29.


Tickets

The Australian Bee Gees
Mon., February 29, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra
Tues., March 1 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The McCartney Years
Wed., March 2 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Thurs., March 3 - 8 p.m.
Fri., March 4 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Moody Blues
Sun., March 6 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Disney Fantasia Live in Concert
Wed., March 9 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Joffrey Ballet
Thurs., March 10 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Gordon Lightfoot
Fri., March 11 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Saturday Night Fever
Wed., March 16 - 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Young Irelanders
Thurs., March 17 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Peking Acrobats
Sun., March 20 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Bullets Over Broadway
Mon., March 21 - 8 p.m.
STOMP will be at the Van Wezel on March 22.

Tickets

STOMP
Tues., March 22 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Irish Tenors
Wed., March 23 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Linda Eder with Robert Cuccioli
Thurs., March 24 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Midtown Men
Fri., March 25 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Million Dollar Quartet
Sat., March 26 - 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Tickets

Aretha Franklin
Tues., March 29 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

An Evening with Sophia Loren
Thurs., March 31 - 8 p.m.
Tickets


To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org.

Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List' below or send us an email at [email protected]

Tom Barwin
City Manager
941-954-4102