Public Art - Call to Artists    A Call to Artists is now underway for a sculpture that will be placed within a future roundabout at Orange Ave./Ringling Blvd and will become part of the City's extensive permanent public art collection.

We're seeking an experienced artist who has a proven track record creating a significant public art piece which can withstand the  weather conditions in Sarasota.

There is no predetermined theme for the sculpture.  Specific details about the submission process are posted on Call For Entry, a popular website for such listings:  www.CallForEntry.org

The deadline for submissions is June 5, 2016.  The Public Art Committee will review all the proposals and will make a recommendation to the City Commission, which will make a final decision.

We encourage all artists who have successfully completed a major public art commission to apply.  We have many talented artists in Sarasota, and we hope those individuals rise to the challenge and submit their ideas for consideration.

This work is being done well in advance of the roundabout being constructed, so, if all goes according to plan, the sculpture will be ready for installation when the roundabout is finished.  We anticipate construction on the roundabout will begin Summer 2017.  

Finance Dept. - Distinguished Budget Award    For the 26th consecutive year, the City's Finance Department has been honored with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.  Being recognized once again by other government finance professionals for our team's extensive knowledge and attention to detail when presenting a budget is a significant achievement. While Finance Director John Lege and his team appear to make it seem commonplace, earning an award of this magnitude consistently for more than a quarter of a century is far from commonplace. Those who played a key role with this award include:  Deputy Finance Director Kelly Strickland, Budget Manager Michelle Valentich, Assistant to the Finance Director Susan Dodd and Chief Financial Management Analyst Marjorie Holman  --  congratulations, everyone!  And, a special thank you goes to all our departments who work closely with the Finance team throughout the year with the budget process.

Each professional award accrued by our Finance team is a tangible sign that our finances, which are at the heart of City operations, are in good hands.  

SPD - State & Congressional Awards    Congratulations 3-times over for our Sarasota Police Department!  The commitment and hard work of our officers and volunteers were recognized recently with three significant awards:  one from Governor Rick Scott, and two from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Earlier this week, the SPD Volunteer Ambassadors were honored with the Champion of Service Award by Gov. Scott during a Florida Cabinet meeting in Tallahassee.  Volunteers are a significant aspect of our community policing program -- and we're proud of the 70 volunteer ambassadors, who together invested over 1,800 hours of service just last month alone.  Well done, everyone!

SPD Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Rinaca holding the Champion of Service Award with Gov. Scott and his Cabinet.

And last week,  SPD was recognized by Rep. Vern Buchanan with two 16th District Congressional awards.  A Unit Citation was given to the entire Homeless Outreach Team and their ongoing efforts to connect individuals living on the streets with available social services for housing, mental health, substance abuse and other issues.  Last, but not least, Sgt. Demetri Konstantopoulos was recognized with the Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award for his work with a prostitute diversion program called Turn Your Life Around.
Congratulations, everyone!  We're proud of our officers and volunteers who make SPD one of the  best community policing agencies in Florida.