Climate Change Adaptation Training   As we prepare for expected sea level rise in Sarasota, several City employees recently attended a 3-day training session, "Climate Adaptation for Coastal

Asst. City Engineer Daniel Ohrenstein working on an exercise at the NOAA seminar.

Communities", hosted by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).  The timing was excellent as we are initiating a climate adaptation plan and studying the impacts of sea level rise, storm surge and increased precipitation leading to flooding.

One focal point of the seminar was community vulnerability -- how to conduct a vulnerability assessment and then identify possible adaptation measures.  This is valuable knowledge which we expect to put to good use as we move forward to protect our special coastal community.

With the City's infrastructure being vulnerable, three key employees attended the seminar:  Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat, Sustainability Manager Stevie Freeman-Montes and Assistant City Engineer Daniel Ohrenstein.   We appreciate their focus on this important issue.

The training was a regional event held in Englewood with meteorologists, and representatives from a variety of government agencies (from as far away as Atlanta) attending. 
   

MLK Way - Street Improvements   As the Newtown community embarks on its 101st year as a neighborhood, significant improvements are underway to restore Dr. MLK Jr. Way to a pedestrian-friendly business district between U.S. 301 and Cocoanut Ave.

Wherever possible, sidewalks are being widened -- and perhaps more importantly, over a dozen FPL utility poles, currently placed in

Wider sidewalks are being created along MLK Way.

the middle of the sidewalk, are being relocated.  New landscaping is being planted and pedestrian enhancements, including brick crosswalks and a mid-block crossing at Janie's Garden, are also underway.  Plus, to help bolster the revitalization of the business corridor, 20 angle parking spaces are being added at Janie's Marketplace.

Once the heavy work is finished, MLK Way will be resurfaced from U.S. 301 to Central Ave.  The remainder of the road to U.S. 41 will be repaved in coordination with the ongoing construction at the Ringling School of Art and Design.

These pedestrian-friendly improvements have been in the pipeline since 2006 when they were included in the Newtown CRA Plan.  We anticipate the improvements will further help connect the Newtown community and the MLK Way corridor to the Ringling campus as the college builds a new library and soundstage, and Sarasota expands its identity as a center for education and creativity.

To see a video of what's been going on recently click below.

Dr. MLK Jr. Way improvements

 

'Lose Big, Win Bigger' - Record Participation   Following media coverage of the 'Lose Big, Win Bigger' fitness challenge at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, this week, interest in the event soared!  An additional three dozen people registered to participate this past Monday after seeing or hearing about it on ABC 7.  That brings the total number of participants to 68 -- by far, the most since we started the event three years ago. 

A big thank you to Alix Redmonde and ABC 7 for sharing this healthy news story and helping to inspire and motivate individuals in our community to get fit!

The challenge runs for eight weeks and the winners are determined by the highest percentage of body weight lost.  Anyone, though, who accepts the challenge to exercise more and eat healthier is a winner!  We'll keep you posted.

Southeastern Guide Dogs - Sculptures   Southeastern Guide Dogs has launched a new fundraising and community awareness campaign, "Superheroes on Parade", featuring life-size dog

"Triumph", sponsored by Visit Sarasota County, is on display at the visitors center on Main Street.

sculptures.  A total of 50 hand-painted statues will be placed in the Sarasota area, including several locations in downtown.

A talented blend of local and international artists created the sculptures, nine of which were unveiled during a recent celebration at Dimmitt Automotive on State Street.  For the next six months, the sculptures, which are being generously sponsored, will be on display.  The campaign will culminate with a 'parade' on Palm Avenue scheduled for October 8 and 9.

Currently, six sculptures are located in downtown Sarasota:

1.  Dimmitt Automotive - 1518 State Street
2.  Mattison's Grille - 1. N. Lemon Avenue
3.  Visit Sarasota County - 1710 Main Street
4.  Hyatt Regency - 1000 Boulevard of the Arts
5.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune - 1741 Main Street
6.  SRQ Media Group - 331 S. Pineapple Avenue

For more information about the "Superheroes on Parade" campaign visit:  www.GuideDogs.org
 

Blue + You = Movie Night:  March 12     You're invited to attend SPD's next Blue + You event -- free Movie Night on Sat., March 12.  The family friendly movie 'Annie' will be shown outside on the west lawn of the SPD Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane.  The movie starts at 7 p.m.  We're told a special live performance, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., is in the works.  So, plan to arrive early!  Bring blankets and chairs -- the viewing area opens to the public at 6 p.m.

Thanks to SPD Chief Bernadette DiPino and the many individuals at SPD involved with the Blue + You Movie Night.  These events have become popular with the community and help bolster positive relationships between residents and police officers.