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From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The chilly temperatures brought to our area by a mid-week cold snap didn't keep Sarasota residents Jose Fernandez, left, and Paul Bolton from walking along the shoreline at Bayfront Park on Wednesday. Fernandez and Bolton said they walk six days a week at the park - even when it requires gloves and an extra layer of clothing or two.
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This Week's Items to Know:
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1.
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Sarasota Holiday Shopping & Parade - Sat. Dec. 1
It's that time of year! Time for extra merry festivities and good cheer -- and the fun kicks off this weekend with shopping during the day, followed by the 23rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Parade.
The parade starts at 7 p.m. at Main Street and U.S. 301 (Washington Blvd.) and goes down Main Street to Gulfstream Ave. Marching bands, decorative floats, entertaining performers, and of course, the big jolly 'ol elf himself (Santa!) will take part in this special holiday tradition.
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Santa's arrival is a highlight of the Sarasota Holiday Parade.
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Please Note: Downtown businesses will be open all Saturday, for holiday shopping.
Parade preparations require:
- 9 a.m. Main Street from U.S. 301 to Orange Ave. will close to vehicles
- 11 a.m. Main Street from Orange Ave. to U.S. 41 will close to vehicles
- 3:30 p.m. Main St./ Palm Ave. intersection will close
- 5 p.m. Main St./Osprey Ave. and Main St./Orange Ave. intersections will close
For a list of temporary street closures click here.
While the parade starts at 7 p.m., spectators are encouraged to arrive early. We suggest parking at one of the several public parking garages in downtown (State Street, Palm Avenue, 2nd Street) and enjoy a brief stroll to the parade route, taking in the holiday lights and festive atmosphere.
As the parade goes by, SPD will reopen Main Street. Festivities are expected to wrap up by 9 p.m.
Thanks to parade organizer (and former Vice Mayor) Danny Bilyeu and all the participants for their dedication to continuing this joyful Sarasota tradition.
And, the parade isn't the only event going on in downtown Saturday night. The Nutcracker will be playing at the Sarasota Opera House at 7 p.m. So, downtown will be bustling with holiday activity.
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2.
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Holiday Boat Parade of Lights - Dec. 8 During the holiday season, parades are held on back-to-back weekends in Sarasota.
The
parade starts at 6 p.m. on Sat. Dec. 8. Dozens of boats, ranging in size from luxury yachts to petite dinghies, will be decorated with bright holiday flair and light up the night as they glide around the Bay.
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The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held Sat. Dec. 8.
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The most popular viewing areas are: Bayfront Park, Marina Jack, City Island and Centennial Park.
The parade route has been modified this year, so that all the entries will pass within a few yards of spectators along Bayfront Park. Plan to arrive early to secure a viewing spot for you and the family.
The Boat Parade of Lights is a fundraiser for the Suncoast Charities for Children. In addition to a cash donation, 60 special needs children will attend the event with VIP seating for a close-up look at the decked out vessels.
Thanks to all who help make this dazzling event a holiday classic in Sarasota.
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3.
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FDOT: U.S. 41 Open House - Dec. 11 The Florida Department of Transportation is considering possible modifications to two intersections along the North Trail: Myrtle St. and Dr. MLK, Jr. Way.
The intersections are included in an overall plan to improve mobility along the north-south corridor (between the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and downtown Sarasota), increase bicycle and pedestrian safety, and boost sustainability.
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FDOT is evaluating possible improvements at U.S. 41 and Dr. MLK Jr. Way.
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Three options are being considered by FDOT:
(1) Improve the existing signalized intersections
(2) Construct partial two-lane roundabouts at both intersections
(3) No action -- leave the intersections in their current state
The first two options include the possibility for buffered bicycle lanes, and sidewalks up to 10-feet wide with 4-feet of separation from the road.
Currently, FDOT is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD & E) study. That means they will evaluate possible environmental effects associated with each alternative including wildlife impacts, wetlands, floodplains, noise and project costs.
An open house will be held
Tues. Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street, where residents can learn more about the proposals. A formal presentation will
not be given; however, a video presentation will run continuously and FDOT staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather community input.
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4.
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SNN City Report
SNN, the 24 hour news channel available locally via Comcast and based in downtown Sarasota, invited me recently to provide a brief update once a week about issues in our special city.
Recorded in the SNN studio, the 'City Report' provides an opportunity  to highlight topics that are important to the City of Sarasota. Since its launch almost two months ago, we've touched on a wide range of subjects including the City's population, global warming, the City's new living seawall at Bayfront Park and the significant impact of Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the region.
The next 'City Report' will cover an interesting topic: the future of driverless cars and the potential impacts on municipal planning.
Tune in for that segment on SNN tonight (Friday, Nov. 30) at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. -- or catch up on previous segments via the SNN website.
With this new endeavor, I'm learning a lot about what goes on behind the scenes with TV news and production. And with each taping, my appreciation grows for on-air personalities and their ability to deliver the news with such conversational ease. It is indeed a special skill. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to sharing information with the community in this format.
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Van Wezel: Shows on Sale Now!
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.
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Celtic Thunder X will be at the Van Wezel Dec. 18.
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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.
Tickets
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Sat., December 22 - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets
On Your Feet!
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Catch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 22.
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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
Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert
Wed., January 2 - 7 p.m.
Tickets
Jay Leno
Thurs., January 3 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Something Rotten!
Mon., January 7 - 7:30 p.m.
Tues., January 8 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
3 Redneck Tenors
Wed., January 9 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Blue Suede - The Premier Elvis Birthday Bash
Thurs., January 10 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Air Supply
Sun., January 13 - 7 p.m.
Tickets
The Righteous Brothers
Tues., January 15 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Linda Eder
Thurs., January 17 - 8 p.m.
Pilobolus Shadowland: The New Adventure
Tues., January 22 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Howie Mandel
Wed., January 23 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
The Midtown Men
Fri., January 25 - 8 p.m.
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Gladys Knight will perform at the Van Wezel Jan. 26.
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Tickets
Gladys Knight
Sat., January 26 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Jerry Lee Lewis
Sun., January 27 - 7 p.m.
Tickets
Tony Orlando
Mon., January 28 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
Dick Fox's Golden Boys
Tues., January 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Neil Berg's 110 Years of Broadway
Wed., January 30 - 2 p.m. & 7:30 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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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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