Mermaid Fountain Rededication   Over the past six months, the Mermaid Fountain at Paul Thorpe Park (formerly Pineapple Park) in downtown has been lovingly restored and returned to its original colorful, whimsical grandeur.

Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie, Vice Mayor Liz Alpert, City Commissioner Hagen Brody and Commissioner Willie Shaw represented the City during a well attended rededication ceremony this morning (Fri., July 21) for the fountain, signaling the renaissance of the park.  Former Commissioners Suzanne Atwell, Susan Chapman and Stan Zimmerman also attended.

We'd like to thank resident Renee Hamad and her late husband for their generous donation of $27,500, which assisted with funding the

	Residents Renee Hamad and Barbara Campo being recognized by Parks & Rec Director Jerry Fogle.

restoration.  Thanks, also, to the original artist Nancy Goodheart Matthews who worked with artist Danielle Glaysher on the project.  And congratulations to the many involved residents for their unwavering passion for the fountain -- with special recognition to Barbara Campo, who organized the rededication ceremony.

Last but not least, bravo to the City's Landscape Division which went the extra mile installing a colorful, lush flower bed adjacent to the fountain.

More photos are posted on the City's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

A proposed master plan for the Paul Thorpe Park and Lemon Avenue Streetscape calls for keeping the fountain and artwork in place while increasing the green space, and providing shade for visitors to relax under.  From Main Street to Pineapple Avenue, the curbs along Lemon Avenue will be removed and pavers installed, similar to Lemon Plaza.  This final proposal incorporates all community feedback.  A community presentation of the proposed master plan will be given on Wed., August 16 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 

Recycling - Single Cart Collection Coming!   To encourage recycling and save expensive landfill space, the City of Sarasota is committed to making recycling as easy as possible for residents!  A different company, Waste Pro, will begin collecting recyclables on September 2 -- and residents will no longer be required to separate plastics and paper etc.  Feel free to co-mingle recyclables!  Waste Pro will separate all the recyclable material later at its facility.  

In about a year, we expect to convert from the rectangular recycle bins to a single recycle cart where all recyclable material can be placed for pick up:  paper, plastic, cardboard etc.

14% of residential waste is recycled through the City's curbside recycling service.  We anticipate the easier process of co-mingling recyclables will encourage more residents to participate.  Ultimately, higher recycling rates will translate into less waste going to the landfill, which is good for Mother Earth and encouraging a sustainable community.

Bobby Jones Golf Club - North/South City Tourney  For the second consecutive year, the Bobby Jones Golf Club hosted half of the North/South City Tournament last weekend.

The tournament was developed last year to generate interest between two municipal courses:  Bobby Jones and River Run Golf Links in Bradenton, with one round being played at each facility.

This year's finish was very exciting!  After 36 holes of regulation play, two teams were tied, forcing a playoff.  Ultimately, Larry Kulchar and Zach Stanger earned the championship.  Congratulations to the players -- and to staff members at both golf courses who worked to facilitate a fun and unique competition in the summer.

 

Commission Chambers - New Energy Efficiencies   Recent lighting and electrical retrofits in the Commission Chambers are boosting energy efficiency at City Hall! 

Recently, a total of 85 incandescent and halogen bulbs in the  Chambers were replaced with LED lights, which are expected to provide the same color light for as long as 30 years.  A control panel was also upgraded. 

The new lights use less electricity and produce less heat, helping to reduce air conditioning costs. Based on current electricity usage and rates, we expect the retrofittings to save the City $1,000 a year on electric bills. Additional savings are expected through reduced maintenance costs, since LEDs last longer and require less maintenance.

Thanks to our forward thinking staff for continuing to keep energy efficiency and sustainability priorities at City-owned buildings.
 
 

The following is a list of shows through Dec. 2017.  To view the entire Van Wezel season visit www.VanWezel.org