20181221-21 Dec 2018


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As incoming County Commission Chair, Hines makes clear intent to focus on traffic improvements involving U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection

During Siesta Promenade public hearing, Hines engages in discussion with staff about measures to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety

As he prepares to take on the role of chair in 2019, Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines has signaled his intention to put the focus on improvements to the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road. (Read more »)


Red tide research and fiber optic cable along Legacy Trail extension among projects for which Sarasota County seeking federal funding

County Commission approves lobbying priorities for 109th Congress

Water quality issues, the planned improvements to River Road and the potential of installing fiber optic cable along the North Extension of The Legacy Trail will be among issues on which Sarasota County staff and its lobbyist will focus with members of the 109th Congress. (Read more »)


Negotiations underway with consulting firm to undertake formal design of renovations for all 45 holes at Bobby Jones Golf Club

City Commission approves project, with financing details to be voted on later

City of Sarasota staff has begun negotiations with a Pinehurst, N.C., firm for the design of renovations of all 45 holes at the city’s Bobby Jones Golf Club, as well as plans for a new clubhouse and a golf course instruction center, The Sarasota News Leader has learned. (Read more »)


‘Bed tax’ revenue down about 12% from October 2017 to October of this year, latest report shows

Number of visitors in October grew less than 1% year-over-year, president of county’s tourism office says

The so-called “red tide effect” most likely is to blame for a year-over-year drop in collections for the first report on Tourist Development Tax revenue for the 2019 fiscal year. Figures just released by the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office show the total “bed tax” revenue reported for October was $1,009,322.61, compared to $1,147,576.14 in October 2017. (Read more »)


County staff to proceed with design for new rock revetment on north Casey Key Road and evaluate options for mid-key stabilization project

Staff asked to come back to County Commission in January with more information about paying for the initiatives, including potential of special taxing district

With erosion continuing to undermine the structural integrity of portions of Casey Key Road — and a public water line threatened in one area — the Sarasota County commissioners unanimously have agreed to allow staff to begin the design and permitting process for a rock revetment on the northern part of the barrier island. (Read more »)


New roundabout to be built on Honore Avenue at Ashton Road intersection

Project expected to get underway in January

With no comments, the Sarasota County Commission has approved construction of yet another roundabout on Honore Avenue — this one, at the intersection of Ashton Road. On Dec. 11 the board voted unanimously to award the construction contract to Westra Construction Corp. of Palmetto for $2,389,518.16. (Read more »)


Lido Beach emergency renourishment project stalled temporarily by heavy seas associated with cold front

Under good conditions, city manager reports, work proceeding 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Work is continuing on the emergency renourishment and shoreline preservation project on Lido Beach, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin reported in his Dec. 14 newsletter. Approximately 20% of the project had been completed as of that date, he noted. (Read more »)


Parking meters installed on St. Armands

Paid parking program to begin in shopping district after new city garage’s opening, expected in January

Parking pay stations have been installed along St. Armands Circle in anticipation of the completion of the new St. Armands parking garage, City Manager Tom Barwin reported in his Dec. 14 newsletter. And while city staff over the past year has expected the garage would open this month, the completion of the project has been delayed until January. (Read more »)


Siesta Seen

FDOT proceeding with planning for drainage improvements on Higel; Siesta transit projects on county’s latest list for state and federal consideration; ‘bed tax’ revenue drops for Siesta accommodations in October; Cosentino group prevented from ‘hijacking’ Open to Public session during Dec. 12 commission meeting; Cosentino wins agreement of Second District Court of Appeal for delay in filing brief; and Sarasota city engineer wins kudos for working to obtain federal funding for Lido Renourishment Project

Drivers on Higel Avenue recently wondered what was going on as they waited on workers to give them the go-ahead to proceed in single-lane traffic. We have an answer. Spencer Anderson, Public Works Department director for Sarasota County, told The Sarasota News Leader that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been “performing subsurface utility exploration (SUE)” to support the design of a drainage project. (Read more »)


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OTHER NEWS (free):

 

County wins National Procurement Institute’s 2018 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award


A&E: Sarasota Ballet dancers shine in ‘Winter Variations’


Portion of School Avenue to remain temporarily closed to vehicles until Jan. 18


2019 NEST calendar featuring Sarasota County students’ artwork available at county facilities


Suncoast Partnership seeking volunteers for 2019 Point in Time survey of homeless individuals


Bay Street extension open as of Dec. 20


City of Sarasota facilities and Sarasota County government offices to observe Christmas, New Year’s


County Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector’s offices to be closed for four days during holiday period


Siesta Key Condominium Council Holiday Lighting Contest winners announced


West Villages home sales exceeding annual benchmarks, development partnership reports


Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office toy drive collects more than 1,300 donations