Herald-Tribune Community Forum - Development   The Herald-Tribune hosted an engaging community forum this week about development in downtown Sarasota and the "Billion Dollar Boom" the City is experiencing. 

Real Estate Editor Emeritus Harold Bubil provided helpful historical perspectives, noting that Sarasota has absorbed building booms

	L-R: Planning Director Steve Cover, Herald-Tribune Real Estate Editor Emeritus Harold Bubil, Moderator Chris Wille and Michael Saunders Realtor Jonathan Abrams

nearly every decade over the past 125 years and there continues to be tremendous interest in the area.  The panel articulated the  current trend indicates people are buying in Sarasota and moving here to live year-round more so than in the past when buyers were almost exclusively part-time residents or investment speculators.

Much of the discussion and questions from the audience focused on transportation and mobility issues.  Our Planning Director, Steve Cover, was a panelist and emphasized that the City is committed to researching all viable alternative modes of transportation and enhancing sidewalk width and setbacks where legally possible to improve pedestrian safety and comfort.  With two transportation specialists now on staff, we have the expertise and manpower to dedicate to proactively address this important safety and quality of life issue.

Thanks to the Herald-Tribune for hosting another engaging and informative community forum!

U.S. 41 Construction Update    Those who travel along U.S. 41 between 14th and 10th Streets may have noticed increased construction activity as FDOT crews prepare to build two roundabouts.  One of the significant and time consuming aspects of the project involves replacing and relocating underground utilities, which is why FDOT expects the completion to take two years.

Late last week, Commissioner Ahearn-Koch and I met with Tahiti Park and Central Cocoanut residents and business owners, along with FDOT representatives, about the project.  It was a productive session with questions and concerns expressed directly to project coordinators.  A larger community meeting also was held the night before. We appreciate FDOT's willingness to host these listening sessions and their responsiveness and commitment to provide weekly neighborhood updates about upcoming work and the anticipated impact in the immediate areas.

Based on feedback, FDOT also agreed to install additional signage alerting drivers that left turns are not allowed from 14th Street to 10th Street.

Please keep in mind:  The speed limit is reduced to 30 mph through the construction zone and fines are doubled when construction workers are present.

 

10th Street Boat Ramp - U.S. 41 Access Only   A reminder for boaters who use the 10th Street Boat Ramp at Centennial Park:  The only way to access the park is via U.S. 41.  The 10th Street entrance is now closed due to the road construction.    
 
   

RLTCC - Closed March 16 & 17    The Robert L. Taylor Community  Complex will be closed for scheduled maintenance on Fri., March 16 and Sat., March 17.

During the temporary closure, the water to the building will be shut off while repairs to the water system are made.  At the same time, crews will apply a fresh coat of paint to the interior of this well used facility.

Staff coordinated the maintenance to minimize the impact to the community.  We appreciate everyone's understanding as we give this popular regional rec facility some TLC.

The facility will reopen with regular hours on Mon., March 19.
              

Public Works Award - Bob Heggan     Congratulations to Bob Heggan, Capital Projects Coordinator in the Public Works Department, for being honored as the Project Manager of the Year by his peers with the Suncoast Branch of the American Public Works

	L to R:  Alex Boudreau with Sarasota County Public Works presenting Bob Heggan with the Project Manager of the Year award.

Association!

The recognition was bestowed for Bob's diligent oversight of the seawall and shoreline stabilization project at Bayfront Park. He was nominated by co-worker Bill Nichols who wanted to share Bob's successful management approach with other coastal communities considering similar projects.

This much needed improvement project was especially challenging due to site constraints, construction materials, tides, and stormy weather -- all while adhering to the FDEP work permit requirements.

The seawall was finished prior to Hurricane Irma's arrival and, as designed, it withstood the pounding surf and helped stabilize the shoreline with minimal sand erosion. 

Next, a living seawall demonstration project will be installed in front of this new traditional seawall.  The living seawall is being designed by a local company, Reef Innovations, to help reduce wave action while creating habitat for marine life.  Mote is studying the site to help us understand how the living seawall functions and its efficacy.  Bob will also oversee that project in conjunction with Sustainability Manager Stevie Freeman-Montes.

Kudos to Bob for taking extra care with the management of this complex project and ensuring we're good stewards of our precious environment.