Homeless Outreach - Cold Weather  This week was a rare one weather-wise for Florida with wet and cold conditions that lasted several days. 

 

For many of us, cooler temperatures mean adding an extra layer, but for the homeless individuals in the area, those colder conditions can be life threatening. 

I was proud of the response from members of our Homeless Outreach Team, who spoke to each homeless person they encountered, encouraging them to seek shelter from the cold.

Senior Case Manager with the Homeless Outreach Team Krystal Frazier speaks to a homeless woman about the importance of seeking shelter from the cold.

The Salvation Army is serving as an emergency cold weather shelter until tomorrow morning, offering a warm place for those in need free of charge. Clothing and other items needed for these conditions are also offered at the Salvation Army. 

Beyond these colder temperatures, our Homeless Outreach Team is a very unique and important part of the fight to end homelessness. The team works several days a week, partnering with outside agencies in the Continuum of Care and reaching out to homeless individuals to connect them with the services they need.  

If you know of someone in need of help, contact our new Homeless Coordinator Kevin Stiff at 941-554-3263. 

This is yet another example of our commitment as a City to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the use of renewable energy as we work together to create a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable community. There's no charge for charging your vehicle, so we invite EV owners to take advantage of this great amenity!

Fredd Atkins Park - Closed Thru Jan. 19    Fredd Atkins Park, located at the corner of U.S. 301 and Dr. MLK Jr. Way, is temporarily closed through Friday, Jan. 19 as the park is redesigned. 

After receiving feedback from the community, we're moving forward with plans to enhance the park, which serves as a major hub for the Newtown community. 

Our plan is to create an open park setting by removing the gazebo, restrooms and retaining walls to make way for new landscaping and improved seating areas for activities. 

So far, crews have successfully removed the gazebo and are beginning to remove the bathrooms and walls, followed by the installation of a new irrigation system and the addition of sod to the area. 

While the park will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 20 with a substantial part of the work completed, additional work may continue into February. 

 

This project is an important step in the restoration and rejuvenation of this history-rich neighborhood. It's one of many projects we're undertaking to ensure the MLK corridor is a place for our residents to relax and enjoy all that the area has to offer. 

 

New Year's Resolutions - RLTCC Fitness Center   Many of us kicked off 2018 with New Year's resolutions, and chances are likely some of those include a focus on improved health and fitness.

 

Here's an option to consider:  You can join the Fitness Center at the

	Some of the workout equipment at the RLTCC Fitness Center.

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex for just $10 a month. (That's not a typo. It's ten dollars a month.) That gives you access to all the work out equipment in the facility, from treadmills to weights in a comfortable workout  environment.  The terms are flexible -- month to month -- with no contract to sign.      

      

For more information on how to join the RLTCC Fitness Center and help lead an even healthier lifestyle, call 941-954-4182 or visit
www.RLTaylor.com 

RLTCC - Winter Break Camp   The past few weeks at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex have been extra busy and fun with staff hosting two Winter Break Camp sessions.

 

This is the third year the camp has been offered and for the first time both sessions were at capacity -- with 30 children in each session having a safe, fun place to go all day during winter break.

 

In addition to playing games and making crafts (including photo frames and necklaces) a highlight from each session was a visit from our friends at Mote Marine Laboratory, who offered the children hands-on learning experiences about sharks.  They even had a chance to peer through a microscope and see the texture and pattern of shark skin up close.

 

Learning about sharks with Mote at the RLTCC Winter Break Camp.

 

Many thanks to the hard working staff at RLTCC for this program, which gives parents and grandparents peace of mind knowing the little ones are in a safe environment -- and having a good time.