This month we'd like to take a closer look at Neighborhood Safety, which was identified as one of the top two priorities in our Neighborhood Services survey earlier this year.  The largest safety interests fell within Crime Prevention and Disaster Preparedness.  

           As you know, we are working diligently to assemble the Florida Neighborhoods Conference, which will be hosted by Sarasota County this October (in Venice).  Selection of workshops has begun, and we are pleased to announce that crime prevention at the neighborhood level will be covered from a variety of approaches.  Registration is expected to open in July.

Sarasota County Neighborhood Services also maintains a working relationship with the Crime Prevention team in the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.  Take a look at the Crime Prevention tab on the Sheriff's website to view the resources they offer to neighborhoods.

June 1 marks the beginning of Hurricane Season.  Make sure you've reviewed the 2016 Disaster Planning Guide for the Tampa Bay Area, and check out other disaster preparedness resources for neighborhoods from Emergency Services (look in the middle of the page for " Documents: Neighborhood Preparedness").  Your neighborhood may also be interested in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.   In the past, neighborhoods have applied their CERT training hours as a volunteer match toward the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program, using the county's matching funds to purchase items like generators, radios, and other disaster preparedness supplies.  See the link below for more information on the grant program.

The Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program is gearing up for its next cycle of applicants.  If you are looking for neighborhood projects related to character, leadership, safety, environment, or health - register to attend one of our workshops .  We'll talk you through the program and the processes, and discuss potential projects.

Neighborhoods may also be interested in this source of grant funding:  the Florida League of Mayors is offering City Catalyst Grants, in amounts of $500 - $1,500.  The application is one page, and is due by June 17, 2016.

During rainy season, our neighborhood swarms with mosquitoes!  

I'm concerned about th e  spread of disease.  What can we do?

The Florida Department of Health has created a handy dandy guide for preventing bug bites, keeping mosquitoes outdoors, and stopping them from breeding.  Share it with your neighbors, and encourage everyone to be vigilant against allowing standing water to remain in yards and common areas (one more reason to pick-up litter, like upside-down water bottle caps!).  Learn more about the county's mosquito management practices on their website.