The time has finally arrived - registration for the 2016 Florida Neighborhoods Conference, hosted October 13-15 by Sarasota County in Venice, Florida - is now open!  Register before September 2 and receive the "early bird" discount rate of $50.  Basic registration includes a suite of neighborhood-oriented workshops, a continental breakfast, keynote lunch, anniversary celebration, awards breakfast, and your choice of tours.  Did we mention you get all that for only $50??!

          If you are looking for ways to show your neighborhood a little love, you don't want to miss this fantastic opportunity!  Check out the Conference Guide, then

     

     Please also check out the volunteer and sponsorship opportunities posted on the Neighborhood Services webpage.

     

     There's no question we've been working away to plan the conference - but there are tens of thousands of other people working and volunteering in Sarasota County, too!  With Labor Day fast approaching, we'd be remiss if we didn't say "thank you!" to everyone for the part that you play in making Sarasota County a premier place to call home.  Your efforts are appreciated!

Correction:  In the last newsletter we shared an announcement about proposed changes to chicken-keeping regulations in unincorporated Sarasota County.  The location for the second public hearing, to be hosted October 10, was listed incorrectly.  The correct location of the meeting on October 10th is the R.L. Anderson Building, 4000 S Tamiami Trail, Commission Chambers.  You can view the revised announcement here.

Help the Department of Health celebrate fitness with a Family 5K Walk/Run event on Saturday, September 24 on Nokomis Beach at 8am. Because really - what day ISN'T a g o od day to start  at the beach?

Remember, we are looking for historic documents from our neighborhoods to display at the Florida Neighborhoods Conference.  Dust them off and scan them in, then send to [email protected] (or bring to 1660 Ringling Blvd, 5th Floor, where we can scan them for you).

How can I help protect Sarasota County's natural resources?

One of our most precious resources are our watersheds (areas drained by a river, stream, creek, etc.).  The fecal coliform bacteria levels in the Phillippi Creek watershed, which must meet standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Florida Department of Environmental Protection,  have been identified as a top priority.  On August 31, county staff will meet with interested residents to share how they can get involved in a new program that will identify bacterial sources and develop a plan for improvement in Phillippi Creek.   Walk the Watershed:  Wednesday, August 31 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Florida House, 4454 Beneva Road, Sarasota.  For more information call 941-861-5000.