MLK Way - Resurfacing Starts May 17    If you haven't been on Dr. MLK, Jr. Way recently I encourage you to do so in June -- and see firsthand the noticeable and impressive revitalization.  The new library and sound stage being constructed by Ringling College are well underway.  And, the City is wrapping up the streetscape improvement project.  New landscape, bulb-outs, on-street parking and brick paver crosswalks are transforming the corridor.  Next, we'll mill and pave MLK -- essentially making it a new road.

Milling is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 17.  The project will start at Central Ave. and head eastbound to U.S. 301.  Then, the crews will turnaround and head back to Central.

The actual paving portion of the project is expected to begin Monday, May 23 and will take at least a week.  So, if all goes well, weather permitting, MLK should be resurfaced by the end of the month.

Please note:  During the resurfacing, 2-way traffic will be maintained with one lane open at a time intermittently.  Flag people will be on site to help with traffic control.  If you can avoid driving that stretch of road for the next couple of weeks, you may save yourself time.

The next piece of the North Sarasota revitalization should be the  completion of the Sarasota Housing Authority's latest phase of Janie's Garden.  Located just south of MLK and east of Central Ave., the development is in the final stages.  It's attractive and well done with 72 units.  And soon, construction will begin on Sarasota Memorial Hospital's new health clinic on MLK Way.    

The Newtown community has pursued the renaissance of their historic neighborhood with energy and fortitude. It's an exciting time and we expect these ongoing community investments will translate into positive economic growth for business owners and residents in the area. 

Pharmacy Coming to Downtown  -  One of the key ingredients to a successful downtown residential area is easy access to a pharmacy.  Residents need a drugstore, within easy walking or bicycling distance, to have prescriptions filled.  We're pleased to report one

	A pharmacy, Age Vital, will relocate to downtown Sarasota soon.

is coming to the downtown core soon!

Age Vital announced it is relocating from St. Armands Circle to 1618 Main Street -- just east of Orange Ave.   We don't know when the opening will occur, but the new location currently is under renovation.  Age Vital, we understand, is a compound pharmacy which works with physicians to prepare specific medications for a patient. 

With many people currently living downtown, and 3,000 more expected over the next two years, we're excited downtown residents soon will have the option to leave their car behind and stay close to home when they need pharmacy related goods.