Hotel Curio: Temporary Street Closure Planned    Plan Ahead:  We've talked about pending construction near Cocoanut Ave. and Palm Ave. as we've been making plans for special events downtown -- and now that construction is upon us. 

Starting next Monday, May 9, Cocoanut Ave. between First Street

	Artist's rendering of Hotel Curio.

and Palm Avenue is scheduled to be temporarily closed for approximately six weeks.  This Phase I closure is necessary while critical infrastructure, including force mains and stormwater lines, is installed underground in conjunction with the building of Hotel Curio, adjacent to the Palm Ave. Garage.  Both north and southbound lanes of Cocoanut will be temporarily closed for the project.  (Please note:  Northbound will remain open on May 9th to help accommodate traffic flow while The Jewel mills and resurfaces a portion of Gulfstream Ave.)

A boutique hotel, slated to have 160 rooms, Hotel Curio is the third hotel currently under construction in the downtown core.  The new Aloft on Palm & Ringling opened in February. As Sarasota continues to draw visitors from around the world, Visit Sarasota County foresees these additional hotel rooms will help ease the need for accommodations for tourists and business meetings.

St. Armands - Pedestrian Management Feedback Wanted    You may recall, the Florida Department of Transportation tried something new this past spring to help with traffic flow around St. Armands Circle:  pedestrian traffic managers were stationed at crosswalks in

	Pedestrians wait with a FDOT Pedestrian Traffic Manager while vehicular traffic is allowed to flow - March 2016.

March.  It was hoped the managers would be able to ensure pedestrians traversed the crosswalk safely while providing designated opportunities for traffic to flow.

FDOT is now assessing the pilot program and is looking for feedback, including whether you think it helped traffic circulation, improved pedestrian safety and whether the program should return.

If interested, you're encouraged to download a survey here and return the completed form to FDOT.

We appreciate FDOT following up on this matter so quickly and already planning for next season.

Building-side Lighting Exhibit  -  Stop by the Rivo building (126 S. Osprey Ave.) in the evening to see a colorful and unique lighting

	A light sculpture created  by R.O. Schabbach displayed on the Rivo building.

display.   Known as 'light sculpture', this exhibit was designed by German artist R.O. Schabbach.  The display will be lit each evening from sunset to 11 p.m. through this Sunday, May 8.

City staff approved a right-of-way use permit and a temporary activity permit, so this dazzling exhibit could take place.  We appreciate the community's appreciation of art -- whether it's a traditional sculpture or light sculpture -- and we're pleased this fun exhibit is taking place in downtown.

Public Finance Leadership -  Congratulations to Deputy Finance Director Kelly Strickland who recently graduated from the inaugural class of Leadership FGFOA (Florida Government Finance Officers

	Deputy Finance Director Kelly Strickland recently completed FGFOA's inaugural course on leadership.

Association).  She was one of just 20 public finance professionals in the state selected to participate in this new program designed to develop and sharpen leadership skills. Sessions during the week-long course included discussions on team building, ethics, communication, and being a leader in a multi-generational workplace. 

It's important for staff members to receive the training they need to be successful in the workplace.  During the Great Recession, all training except that required to maintain professional certifications was suspended.  Fortunately, as the economic tide has turned we have been able to reinstate training for employees. Staff members are encouraged to obtain at least 40 hours of supplemental training each year.  This will help them stay current on occupational trends and provide us with insight into innovative programs successfully implemented at other governmental entities.

We appreciate Kelly's interest in leadership training and sharing her knowledge at City Hall.  Congratulations!  
            

*Tax not included

If you can take the heat this summer, why not save some green while you're on the greens?  For more info, including tee times, visit  www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com       

Friday Fest - Free Concert Dates   Our free summer concert series kicks off next month on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall along Sarasota Bay.   These are fun, family-friendly events and it's never too early to place them on your summer agenda:

• Koko Ray & The Keepers  - Friday, June 10
• Jah Movement - Friday, July 29
• Rebelheart - Friday, August 26
• Dr. Dave Band - Friday, September 23

There's something for everyone with these bands performing a variety of musical genres -- classic rock, blues, country, soul, reggae -- you name it!      

 

Friday Fest is held 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on the bayside lawn...rain or shine.  You're invited to bring blankets and chairs.  No coolers please.

 

See you next month for our 2016 kick off!

 

Join us for a free outdoor concert each month this summer at the Van Wezel.

 

Thanks to everyone at SPD for organizing the event and helping families build trusting relationships with our police officers.