10th Street Boat Ramp & Dredging - Update   If you've visited the 10th Street Boat Ramp recently, you probably noticed there's a lot of construction activity!  All of it is to improve the area for boaters, marine life and the overall health of Sarasota Bay.

Good progress is being made with the replacement of the docks with three of the four already removed and replaced.  We expect the dock replacement component of the project will be wrapped up in the next several weeks, hopefully in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend. As promised, at least one boat ramp has remained open at all times, since it's such a popular area.

Meanwhile, the dredging of the boat basin is underway.  The basin has never been dredged, and, over the years, it has filled in substantially with silt clogging the area.  For the health of Sarasota Bay and safety of boaters, we're ensuring it's cleaned out and restored.

Please keep in mind:  The parking lot at the Van Wezel, near the Coast Guard Auxiliary, is reserved for Van Wezel patrons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Signs have been installed to remind boaters to be courteous and keep the parking open for those attending a performance at our popular cultural arts venue. 


Thanks to all for your patience as we work to be the best possible stewards of Sarasota Bay for all the dolphins, manatees, seabirds and wildlife who live in the Bay and people who enjoy this majestic gem.

Eloise Werlin Park - Closed May 8-26    Starting next Monday, May 8, Eloise Werlin Park, adjacent to Hart's Landing, will be temporarily closed while it gets a makeover, including new sod and fresh landscaping. 

Resident Doc Werlin, whose late wife the park is named after,

	Eloise Werlin Park will be closed for upgrades May 8-26.

adopted the area in 2015.  In collaboration with the City, Doc sponsored the construction of the playground and installation of benches, trees and plants to create a more inviting atmosphere for families. And, it's been a success!  The park has become a destination for adults who want to enjoy time on the Bayfront while their children have fun exploring the playground. 

Doc's generosity is continuing with the upcoming improvement project.  We greatly appreciate Doc's heartfelt philanthropy, which  is a model for public-private partnerships throughout the community.   

    

Community Canopy - Success!    The first phase of the Community Canopy initiative, a new pilot program giving away trees to residents, has been a resounding success!  Within the first two days of announcing the

	The wax myrtle is part of the Community Canopy program.

program, two of the four species of trees (wax myrtle and red maple)  were all spoken for. That was 80+ trees!  At this writing, just a handful of holly trees remain. First come, first served! It's possible all 125 trees could be reserved within just one week of announcing the program.

Using a website, residents are able to pick the best location to plant a free tree on their property for optimal savings on their electric bill.  The trees soon will be delivered door-to-door in a one gallon container.

We're committed to growing our urban forest -- and giving away 125 trees is a step in the right direction toward achieving our goal.  Now, program participants will be responsible for planting their new tree in the proper location and caring for it. 

To learn more about the program and reserve a holly tree (while they last) visit www.ArborDay.org/Sarasota

Bravo to all involved!

Pineapple Park - Community Input    We had a very good turnout at the Farmers Market last weekend to discuss the two concepts for the master planning process for the Lemon Ave. streetscape and

	Project Manager Todd Kucharski explaining the details of the two concepts.

Pineapple Park.  Project Manager Todd Kucharski and landscape architect consultant David Conner were on hand to talk one-on-one with residents and visitors about Option A & Option B. So many people were interested in learning about the concepts, staff stayed two hours longer than scheduled, so the conversation could continue.

There are significant differences between the two concepts. It's  important to note, though, that both options keep the existing fountain and public art.

The renderings and descriptions are posted on the City of Sarasota website and will be available for comment until Sunday, May 8 at 5 p.m.

Feel free to email comments to:  Todd.Kucharski@SarasotaFL.Gov 

Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now!