Coon Key Bridge - FDOT Project   After hearing residents' concerns, staff intensified talks with FDOT to mitigate the traffic congestion resulting from the FDOT construction project on the Coon Key Bridge.

Since the project started less than two weeks ago, we've learned that some drivers are surprised when the two westbound lanes heading

	Crews working under the Coon Key Bridge.

toward St. Armands Circle merge into one.  So, FDOT will extend the notification and merge area by 200 feet.  Also, FDOT will hire an off-duty police officer who will be on site to help monitor drivers merging in the construction zone.

FDOT and SPD remind drivers to be cautious and not block intersections and crosswalks, which can create additional delays.  Also, drivers are reminded to follow the 'zipper' approach to merging -- alternating cars one by one from each merging lane which helps move traffic as efficiently as possible.

Although FDOT started construction after Easter (the traditional end of season) midday traffic back-ups have been longer than expected.

Regarding the timing of the project, FDOT has explained that there are structural safety issues with the bridge which need to be repaired before the height of hurricane season.  And, unfortunately, night work isn't a viable option due to the heavy machinery needed to break concrete which would disturb residents trying to sleep.
 

Orange/Main Roundabout - Public Art Installation     A sculpture will be installed in the center of the Orange Ave./Main St. roundabout this weekend, which will require a partial road closure for several hours.

Plan ahead:  Starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 17,  the southeast

	A rendering of 'Embracing Our Differences' by artist S. Blessing Hancock.

portion of the roundabout will be closed for several hours -- possibly into early afternoon -- while crews install "Embracing Our Differences", a public art piece.

To meet the public art requirement for major developments, the sculpture was commissioned by the developer of the Aloft hotel and One Palm apartments.  That developer partnered with the Embracing Our Differences organization in Sarasota to select the artwork and artist.

The sculpture will be a colorful infinity loop, signifying unity and diversity in the community.  It also will be the first public art installation in a roundabout within the city limits.

Instagram - #cityofsarasota    If you're on Instagram, the popular photo sharing social media platform, we encourage you to follow us! 

We launched an official City of Sarasota Instagram account earlier this week:
https://www.instagram.com/cityofsarasota/ 

This platform emphasizes visual images over the written word, so expect to see a healthy dose of beautiful photos from our special city, as well as groundbreaking ceremonies for community improvement projects, employee recognitions, and other interesting tidbits.

Instagram demographics skew more toward younger users (particularly those 18-29) and we hope to engage everyone, including our young residents.

The City also posts regularly on the following social media sites:

* Facebook
* Twitter
* YouTube

In addition, some departments and facilities have their own social media pages with messages focused on their particular area:

• Sarasota Police: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
• Van Wezel:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• Robert L. Taylor Community Complex:  Facebook, Twitter

If you're on social media, we encourage you to check out these pages -- we like to share with the community!