Five Points Park - Turf Restoration   While traveling around downtown this week, you may have noticed fencing installed around the perimeter of Selby Five Points Park.

 

Our Parks and Recreation Department is in the midst of a turf restoration project to replace turf and shrubs lost over the winter. The fencing was put up to allow for regular watering and to allow the Palmetto St. Augustine grass to take root. We expect to have the fence removed on or before July 3 so that the public can continue to enjoy this oasis in the heart of downtown

We appreciate the efforts of our dedicated landscape maintenance staff, who do their best to keep all of the City's parks looking lush, green and beautiful!

The Parks and Recreation Department is restoring the turf at Selby Five Points Park.

Lift Station 87 - Update   Take a look below at the amazing progress made on the Lift Station 87 project, a massive undertaking that will improve our wastewater system and provide more reliable service for our customers over the next century. This structure sits about 50 feet underground and will handle approximately one-third of the City's wastewater flow when complete.

The City's contractor recently placed concrete for the second lift of wetwall walls. With one more lift, the wetwell will be to grade, and progress should accelerate over the next several months as above-ground construction begins on the building that will house all of the lift station's electrical components and controls, well above any threat for a storm surge or related flood.

We appreciate the continued patience of nearby residents affected by the construction. The public can remain updated on the project through  community meetings hosted by the project team, visits with Utilities Department staff at the project construction office (824 Osprey Ave.), calls to the project information line (941-356-8071) and via the project website,   LiftStation87.com .

A view of the recent underground work on the Lift Station 87 project, which remains on budget.

Security Screenings - City Meetings   Beginning Monday, June 17, new security screening measures will be in place for City Commission meetings here at City Hall. We will be taking precautionary measures to enforce state statutes that prohibit all firearms at meetings of government bodies.

Citizens are advised to arrive a few minutes earlier than usual to allow for a quick screening process - no different than one encountered attending a game at the ballpark - as they enter the commission chambers. 

This change has been carefully considered by City administration and Police Chief Bernadette DiPino for some time now. In addition to the SPD officers already present at each meeting, we feel this additional layer of security is prudent to provide peace of mind for all those participating in local government. It's an unfortunate sign of the times, but the safety of all of our citizens, City staff and officials remains our highest priority. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.

Discover Sarasota - Trolley Tours   Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out Discover Sarasota Tours, a local company that launched last fall. 

You may have spotted their air-conditioned trolleys cruising around the City and stopping at points of interest as part of their various tours. 

Among the offerings are a City sightseeing tour of many of our historic neighborhoods and arts and cultural organizations, including our own Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, as well as a public art tour highlighting many of the works in the City's public art collection.  Another option is their Circus City Tour, where tour-goers can learn about Sarasota's circus roots. 

Visit DiscoverSarasotaTours.com for more information on this fun, local entertainment option, and thank you to Discover Sarasota for promoting all that our special City has to offer!