BRIEFS from BARWIN
From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
March 3, 2017
Photo of the Week
Much anticipated improvements to the docks at the 10th Street boat ramp got underway this week.  Crews are removing the aging decking and replacing it with a composite lumber material that will withstand exposure to the extreme elements on Sarasota Bay.  Please note:  The boat ramp will be open to the public during the project, which is expected to be finished by mid-May.             
  MEETINGS

  • Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board
    Mon., March 6 - 10 a.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • City Commission
    Mon., March 6 - 2:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Downtown Improvement District
    Tues., March 7 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • St. Armands Parking Garage Workshop
    Wed., March 8:  8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
    St. Armands Key Lutheran Church - 40 N. Adams Dr.
    Details
  • Board of Rules and Appeals
    Wed., March 8 - 3 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Planning Board
    Wed., March 8 - 6 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
City Career Opportunities
Opportunity, Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Copy Room Over The Dramatic Clouds and Sky.  

Building Inspector (Single License)
Electrical Maintenance Mechanic
Golf Course Attendant (Part Time)
Inventory Technician (SPD Part Time)
Landscape Maintenance Tech I
Manager, Accounting & Payroll Systems
Plans Examiner
    Police Officer, 2nd Class
System Integrator  

                            


This Week's Items to Know:
1.
Bird Key - Median & MURT   Work will begin next Monday, March 6 on a much anticipated improvement project connecting Marina Jack to Coon Key. The Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT) will be extended on the south side of John Ringling Boulevard from Bird Key Drive to the east side of the Coon Key Bridge.  At 10-feet wide, the extension will be user-friendly and will include lighting and landscaping.  This connectivity will enhance pedestrian safety and encourage a healthier lifestyle for those who want to exercise along the Bayfront, over the Ringling Bridge and across Bird Key. 

At the same time, the median at Bird Key will be spruced up with enhanced landscaping, irrigation and pavers.

Travel lanes will not be closed for either project.  Some barriers may be placed in the area to provide a safe work space for the contractors -- and that only will be done during non-peak drive times.

The next phase of the MURT -- coming soon -- will connect Coon Key to St. Armands Cirlce. 

A runner exercising along the right-of-way where the
MURT extension will be constructed.

 
2.
Newtown - Heritage Trail   Historic markers for the Newtown African American Heritage Trail are now installed throughout the Newtown community denoting important facts about the 100+ year history of the area and the pioneers who made a lasting impact.

The 15 signs include historical photographs and cover a wide range of
An historic marker on Osprey Ave. provides an overview
of healthcare in Newtown.    
topics that shaped the lives of residents. Marker #13, for example, provides an overview of healthcare and details how residents relied solely on home remedies and midwives, due to segregation and a lack of healthcare access. That marker is placed on Osprey Ave. adjacent to the future SMH teaching clinic, which will provide the most modern healthcare to the community.

Prior to installation, residents were invited to take a sneak peek at the markers during a recent community event at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.

The Heritage Trail is part of the Newtown Conservation Historic District project which was approved by the City Commission in 2015 at the request of Newtown residents.  A mobile app and website are
Residents had a chance to see the markers before installation during a recent unveiling event. 
 
being developed to guide visitors along the trail and through Newtown's history. We'll keep you posted when they're available.

Also, we just learned a short film about the history of Newtown will be screened during the Sarasota Film Festival.  Organizers are working on the date and location.  Very exciting!

Thanks to the Newtown Conservation Historic District team, led by consultant Vickie Oldham, with guidance from our Senior Planner Dr. Cliff Smith for an incredible job bringing Newtown's vast history to light.  And, thank you to the Newtown residents for sharing their personal stories about the evolution of this special community.

3.
Blue + You = Movie Night: March 4  SPD is offering another fun, free, family-friendly movie night tomorrow night -- Saturday, March 4. 'The Secret Life of Pets' will be screened outside at SPD Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane. 

Movie start time is 7 p.m. The west lawn will be open to the public at 6 p.m.  Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the show! Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available.

Thanks to SPD for coordinating these family-friendly events that are an integral part of our partnership policing philosophy and building trust between all members of the community and police officers.      

4.
Bobby Jones - Men's Sr. City Championship: April 1 & 2    Our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, will host the 22nd Annual Men's Senior City Championship next month.  The Bobby Jones Logo tournament event will be held over two days -- April 1 & 2 -- and for the first time both the British and American Courses will be played.

The event is open to all amateur males who will be at least 50 years of age on April 1.  Registration is $150 per player.  Deadline with payment is Monday, March 27.

For more information visit www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com or call the Golf Shop:  941-954-4163.



Upcoming Events 
 
        
Vintage Fair 
Municipal Auditorium
Sat., March 4:  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Sun., March 5:  10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Details 

Lido Tides Arts & Crafts Show
Lido Beach Pavilion
Sat., March 4 & Sun., March 5
10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sun Circle Art Festival 
Sapphire Shores Park
Sat., March 4
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
 
Lido Beach Jazz Concert 
Lido Beach Pavilion
Sat., March 4
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Blue + You Movie Night 
SPD Headquarters - 2099 Adams Lane (west end lawn)
Sat., March 4
Field Opens - 6 p.m.
Movie Starts - 7 p.m.
Details

Demo Day - Wilson Staff 
Bobby Jones Golf Club
Tues., March 7
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Details



Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now! 


The following is the current show schedule through March 2017.  For more information visit www.VanWezel.org    
 

Sarasota Orchestra-Pops: Leading Ladies of Broadway
Fri., March 3 - 8 p.m.
Sat., March 4 - 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Tickets

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
Sun., March 5 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Ringling Town Hall - James Balog 
Mon., March 6 - 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Details

Taj Express - The Bollywood Musical Revue 
Tues., March 7 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Sarasota Ballet - A Tribute to Ashton 
Fri., March 10 - 7:30 p.m.
Sat., March 11 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth 
Sun., March 12 -7 p.m.
Tickets

Annie 
Tues., March 14 - 7 p.m.
Wed., March 15 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Sarasota Concert Association - Royal Scottish Nat'l Orchestra
Thurs., March 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Details

Once 
Fri., March 17 - 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Tickets

Sarasota Orchestra - Masterworks: Titan 
Sat., March 18 - 8 p.m.
Sun., March 19 - 2:30 p.m.
Tickets

Jump, Jive & Wail featuring The Jive Aces 
Tues., March 21 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Ringling Town Hall - Kofi Annan 
Wed., March 22 - 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Details

Shadowland by Pilobolus 
Thurs., March 23 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Chicago 
Fri., March 24 - 8 p.m.
Sat., March 25 - 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun., March 26 - 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 
Mon., March 27 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Momix - Opus Cactus 
Tues., March 28 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Sarasota Concert Association - Piano Duo 
Thurs., March 30 - 7:30 p.m.
Details 


To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org.

Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List ' below or send us an email at CityNews@SarasotaGov.com. 

Tom Barwin
City Manager
941-954-4102