Dear Neighbor,
          Every year the National Association of Counties recognizes the month of April as "National County Government Month."  Local governments are encouraged to raise awareness of the impacts they have on local communities.  That happens to align perfectly with the Neighborhood Services mission to connect residents to the resources they need for a thriving neighborhood, so we take this month seriously!
          This year's County Government Month theme is "Brilliant Ideas at Work." Each day we're featuring a brilliant Sarasota County practice on our Facebook page.
          National County Government Month also coincides with national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, so we've planned a condensed and age-appropriate version of our Civics 101 course for our employees and their children on April 27.
          Speaking of age - on April 19 we will be hosting a daylong program at the County Administration Center focused on the domains of Age-Friendly Sarasota  (9am - 3pm, 1660 Ringling Blvd; registration is required, lunch will be provided).  If you are interested in how Sarasota County government is working to accommodate a community for all ages, email neighbor@scgov.net to reserve one of our few remaining seats.
          Of course, there's a major age group we haven't yet mentioned - "millennials."  We're also working with the Sarasota Young Professionals Group on an educational email campaign about county government, leading into a special event with YPG members.
          And as if our schedules weren't filled with enough fun, we'll also be spending this Saturday (April 15) with a booth at the Florida House Institute's Earth Day Celebration.  It will be one more chance for us to share about our own programs and other aspects of county government.
          
Quick Links
Arbor Day
The celebrations don't have to stop with Earth Day - join Sarasota County
 for an Arbor Day event at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 29!  Local experts will join Dr. Ilka Feller, a world-renowned mangrove expert, for a panel discussion and educational talks at Lemon Bay Park (570 Bay Park Blvd, Englewood).  There will be an optional kayak tour (bring your own kayak) and hikes.  The event is free, but registration is required.
Extension Classes
Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability is now offering an "Extension Class Blast" to let subscribers know of upcoming classes and events.  Check out their  announcement  for an opportunity to subscribe.
Neighborhood Challenge
As the temperature outside is heating up, so is the competition for the 2017 Sarasota County Neighborhood Challenge!  Check out this image to see which neighborhoods are in the lead, but don't count your neighborhood out yet - round up your neighbors and get started today!
Neighborhood Grants
On Tuesday, April 18 our Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee will meet to discuss and score applications for Neighborhood Initiative Grant Cycle 29.  If you have been wondering about the matching grant program, or would like to hear about what types of projects our neighborhoods are proposing, you are invited to attend this public meeting at 9:30am in the UF/IFAS Extension Building (6700 Clark Road).
Disaster Preparedness
Hurricane Season is right around the corner!  Start preparing yourself and your neighborhood by attending the Hurricane Expo on May 12-13 at the Venice Community Center (9:30am-5:00pm both days).  If you live in a community with private streets, check with your association to see if they have a Right of Entry - Hold Harmless agreement on file with Sarasota County Emergency Services.
Neighbors Ask:

I don't understand the reasoning behind some development proposals that are approved.  Is there some type of plan I could access, that outlines the county's development objectives?

Why yes, there is.  It is called the Comprehensive Plan, and it recently underwent an 18-month, award-winning update process.  The entire Comprehensive Plan can be viewed online.
Until we Connect again,
Your Neighborhood Services Team

Jane Grogg, Manager
Miranda Lansdale, Community Outreach Specialist
Megan Lui, Planner
Katie White, Planner

Neighborhood Services | Sarasota County | 941-861-5000 | neighbor@scgov.net 
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