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From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The image of progress! Crews were installing sod and putting the finishing touches on improvements to Laurel Park. One of the enhancements is a new playground (in the background), which was officially opened to the public last weekend during a neighborhood event. More below in Weekly Briefs.
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Coyote Education
Over the past week, we've received reports of the appearance of a coyote(s) in the community. I spoke with Sheriff Tom Knight, who oversees Animal Control in the County, about the matter and learned that wild animal issues such as this are referred to the
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) which has staff members who are very knowledgeable about urban coyotes.
Understanding these animals and arming yourself with knowledge is very helpful.
Coyotes are found in all 67 counties in Florida and tend to be timid and run away when challenged, according to FWC. They're an important part of the ecosystem feeding on rodents, carrion, seeds, nuts, fruits -- and, on occasion, perhaps even small dogs and cats. So, it's important for pet owners to be aware and informed.
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Coyote in Laurel Park this week. (Image via Twitter - Sarasota Magazine)
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FWC recommends coexisting with urban coyotes by taking some precautions:
- Teach children how to identify a coyote and keep a safe distance
- Keep cats indoors
- Walk small dogs on a short leash away from wooded areas
- Walk pets at hours other than dawn and dusk
- Carry something to scare the coyote (whistle, can filled with pebbles
or pennies etc.)
- If a coyote approaches too close, act aggressively. Wave your
arms and shout.
- Do not feed coyotes
- Secure trash containers, preferably bring them indoors
According to FWC, coyote attacks are rare due to the animal's innate fear of humans.
We're sharing the video below, which was recorded this week in the City limits, for educational purposes to help the public identify a coyote. FWC tells us it's not unusual for a healthy coyote to be spotted during daylight hours, like this one:
There's no way of knowing for sure, but some believe the recently sightings may have been coyotes displaced from the long-vacant Colony complex when it was recently razed on Longboat Key.
We'll monitor the situation and continue to look into how best to respond. We're also considering the possibility of holding a town hall meeting with a FWC coyote expert who could provide information and answer questions.
More helpful information on urban coyotes can be found on the
FWC website or call FWC (Lakeland branch): 863-648-3200.
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This Week's Items to Know:
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1.
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Thanksgiving - Holiday Hours
City administrative offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22 & 23 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Trash, recycling and yard waste will be delayed one day. Regular Thursday collection will be on Friday; Friday pickups will be on Saturday.
Bobby Jones Golf Club will host the 10th Annual Turkey Shoot on Thanksgiving morning. Enjoy a shotgun start and play 18 holes with a riding cart, plus a continental breakfast at the Bobby Jones Grill.
Facility hours throughout the City will vary Thursday and Friday. We encourage you to check holiday hours before heading out.
On this Thanksgiving we're thankful for our dedicated employees who will be working on the holiday to ensue our neighborhoods are safe, water is flowing from the tap -- and overall, helping to make sure the City is running smoothly. Thank you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
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2.
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Lido Beach - Emergency Renourishment
On Monday, dredging began in earnest with water and sand being pumped from New Pass and deposited on Lido Beach.
The emergency renourishment is a 24/7 operation that will run for the next 90 days, possibly even on the Thanksgiving holiday. The beach will remain open to the public throughout the duration of this critical restoration. For safety reasons, we encourage onlookers to be respectful of the cordoned off area which is an active construction zone.
Here's a look at the very start of the project, which will help stabilize the depleted shoreline and protect public infrastructure:
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Bobby Jones Golf Club - Men's Sr. Better Ball Congratulations are in order for K.C. Fox and Ray Wenck who claimed the 2018 Men's Senior Better Ball trophy last weekend!
The tournament was played over two days on the British Course with the champions earning the title with an impressive score of 15 under par.
Congrats to all who participated in this competitive amateur event at our historic municipal golf course!
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L to R: K.C. Fox, Assistant Bobby Jones Golf Club Manager Christian Martin, Ray Wenck
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4.
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Mayors' Feed The Hungry Mayor Liz Alpert was among the many volunteers sorting donated non-perishable food items at Ed Smith Stadium last Friday as the Mayors' Feed The Hungry annual food drive came to an end.
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Mayor Liz Alpert sorting food during the Mayors' Feed The Hungry food drive.
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Once sorted, the food will be distributed to participating food pantries in Sarasota and Manatee Counties which will provide meals to those in need throughout the upcoming holiday season.
Launched by former Mayor Fredd Atkins in 1987, this was the 31st annual food drive for the Mayors' Feed The Hungry program. Throughout the years, over three-quarters of a million people have by assisted by the program.
Thanks to all for making a difference -- and Happy Thanksgiving!
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5.
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Laurel Park Improvements One of our most beloved neighborhood parks, Laurel Park, just received a makeover from the Parks and Recreation Department, including replacing the playground with a new "tree house" themed climbing area and swing set, new landscaping and a freshly painted gazebo.
During its annual Tunes in the Park celebration, last weekend, the Laurel Park Neighborhood Association presented the Parks & Rec Department with an oversized thank you card to express their appreciation for the enhancements and working closely with residents on the project. More photos are posted on the
City's Facebook page.
Kudos to Parks & Rec Director Jerry Fogle and everyone involved for a job well done!
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Celebrating the opening of the new playground at Laurel Park.
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Improvements also are underway at other neighborhood parks including Arlington and Eastwood. We'll keep you posted when they're finished and ready for the community to enjoy.
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Van Wezel: Shows on Sale Now!
To view the full Van Wezel season, visit
www.VanWezel.org
Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2018
KC and the Sunshine Band
Sat., November 24 - 8 p.m.
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Catch Black Violin Nov. 27 at the Van Wezel.
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Black Violin
Tues., November 27 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas
Wed., November 28 - 7:30 p.m.
The King and I
Tues., December 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Wed., December 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Brian Wilson Presents: The Christmas Album Live
Tues., December 11 - 7:30 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Sun., December 16 - 6 p.m.
Tickets
Itzhak Perlman: In The Fiddler's House
Mon., December 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Celtic Thunder X
Tues., December 18 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
The Sound of Music
Wed., December 19 - 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., December 20 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker
Fri., December 21 - 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
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The Mosow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker will be at the Van Wezel Dec. 21.
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Tickets
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Sat., December 22 - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets
On Your Feet!
Wed., December 26 - 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., December 27 - 7:30 p.m.
Fri., December 28 - 7:30 p.m.
Sat., December 29 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 30 - 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets
The Sweet Caroline Tour
Mon., December 31 - 9 p.m.
Tickets
To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail.
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
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@SarasotaFL.Gov
Tom Barwin
City Manager
941-954-4102
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