Regular City Commission meeting:
Monday, Oct. 4 - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 5 - 6 p.m.
City Hall - 1565 First Street
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Sitting and lying proposed ordinance – In June, the City Commission directed the City Attorney to provide a sample ordinance prohibiting sitting and lying on public sidewalks within designated areas during specified times. The Commission will discuss whether to schedule a future public hearing or defer a decision.
Proposed sale of Fillmore Drive lot – This is a continued discussion regarding the possible sale of the Fillmore Drive surface parking lot on St. Armands Circle for a proposed mixed use development. The City Manager and City Attorney have additional information to share with the City Commission following a conversation with the City’s bond counsel and how the sales price would be calculated.
First Fridays Event – The City Commission will continue a discussion about a regular “First Friday” event with more detailed information about proposed street closures, costs and how it relates to the Downtown Improvement District’s proposal, “Fresh Fridays."
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Luxe on Tenth: Public hearings – An alley vacation, rezone and site plan will be considered for a proposed multiple family development to allow up to 157 residential units in the Central Cocoanut Neighborhood.
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In Person: Public input is accepted in-person in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565 First St. Face coverings are optional.
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Zoom: Those who prefer to participate remotely will receive instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom by emailing [email protected] by 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to a Regular City Commission meeting.
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Email: Written comments can be sent to City Commissioners on any topic at any time by emailing [email protected]
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eComment: Once a meeting agenda is published on www.SarasotaFL.Gov, residents can share their position and comments on an agenda item.
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St. Armands Parking - Changes Begin Oct. 11 |
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Upcoming adjustments to the St. Armands Parking District rate structure will help provide consistency with the downtown paid parking system while meeting financial commitments tied to the St. Armands Garage.
Starting the week of Oct. 11, rates in the St. Armands Garage will mirror those at the City’s two downtown parking garages. The first two hours will be free. The third hour will be $3, and $1 for each additional hour or part thereof.
The following week, Oct. 18, the on-street parking rates at St. Armands will be simplified and will become uniform with just one rate throughout the St. Armands Parking District: $1.50 per hour, which is the current maximum rate.
Meters will be in service from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday, excluding City-observed holidays. We’re also implementing 10 minutes free on-street parking in St. Armands.
The rate in the Fillmore Lot will become $1 per hour or part thereof.
About 150 free on-street parking spaces will remain free along Boulevard of the Presidents, just a short stroll to the popular shops and restaurants on the Circle.
In addition to bringing consistency with the downtown paid parking program, the adjustments to the St. Armands Parking District are necessary to meet requirements connected to the revenue bonds that funded the construction of the St. Armands Garage.
Questions? Please visit the Parking Management Division’s webpage or email [email protected]
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Penny Sales Tax – Community Meeting Oct. 6
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The Surtax IV Ad Hoc Committee will host its third community listening session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the City Hall Annex to gather input for suggested infrastructure projects to be funded by the continuation of the Sarasota County Penny Sales Tax, also known as the one-cent surtax.
In effect for over 30 years, Sarasota County voters have soundly approved the penny sales tax three times. In November 2022, you’ll have an opportunity to extend it again.
The penny funds approximately 70% of the City’s capital improvement projects, including the Lido Beach Pavilion makeover, transportation/mobility initiatives like new sidewalks for enhanced connectivity between neighborhoods, schools and parks, and the Multi-Use Recreational Trail extension into St. Armands Key, plus street resurfacing.
You can provide input about future projects for the city during the Oct. 6 community meeting or submit feedback online at www.SarasotaCountySurtax.net
All suggestions will be reviewed by the ad hoc committee, and recommendations will be forwarded to the City Commission for determination of the City’s project list that will be included with the November 2022 countywide referendum.
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A City program that adds works of art to the centers of roundabouts has won national recognition.
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) recently recognized our Art in the Roundabouts program with the 2021 Innovative Roundabout of Merit Award. The award raises the profile of modern roundabouts and seeks to inspire others to develop further enhancements in modern roundabout design.
Back in 2013, the City Commission decided that future roundabouts in Sarasota should include public art, reflecting our reputation as an arts and cultural community. Since then, we’ve added three public sculptures – “Embracing Our Differences” at Main Street at Orange Avenue, “BRAVO!” at Ringling Boulevard at Orange Avenue and “Jumping Fish” at North Palm Avenue and Cocoanut Avenue. There are plans for more on the way, too, at the new roundabouts on U.S. 41 at Fruitville Road and 10th and 14th streets.
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"BRAVO!" by Jorge Blanco is located in the center of the Ringling Boulevard-Orange Avenue roundabout. |
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Roundabouts are safer than traditional signalized intersections for both pedestrians and motorists, and they promote better traffic flow and circulation. The addition of prominent sculptures helps to calm traffic as vehicles enter and circulate through the roundabout, while not being a distraction. The art is selected via public process involving the Public Art Committee and City Commission and feedback from citizens, and it must meet certain specifications and safety requirements. The roundabout sculptures are paid for through the City’s Public Art Fund, which is made up of developer contributions.
In announcing the award, the ITE said that the installation of artwork in our downtown roundabouts “is an innovative and creative means for improving and beautifying urban streetscapes. … Art in the roundabouts has diversified the city’s cultural attractions and transformed the landscape by incorporating artwork as a roundabout’s central point of interest.”
Congratulations to the professional staff in our Planning Department who help oversee and administer our Art in the Roundabouts program in concert with the Public Art Committee and the talented artists who have contributed their talents in enhancing our City.
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The Bay Park Conservancy – Meeting Oct. 7 |
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As visible progress continues with The Bay Park, transforming 53 acres of City-owned land on Sarasota Bay into a landmark greenspace, The Bay Park Conservancy is hosting a community meeting to share a draft implementation agreement between the Conservancy and the City.
During the meeting, to be held Thursday, Oct. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, proposed governance and operating roles for the Conservancy and the City for each phase of the park will be discussed, including policies, procedures as well as planned events, activities and programs that may occur in the park.
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Rosemark Park - Online Survey Available |
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We’re moving forward with the creation of a brand new public park in the Rosemary District, and we’re seeking community input as we prepare to enter the design phase.
In early 2021, the City purchased a parcel at the corner of Central Ave. and Boulevard of the Arts for the sole purpose of building a green space for those within the Rosemary District, which is experiencing an unprecedented commercial and residential boom.
Residents are very much invested in the project, contributing $120,000 toward the purchase of the property. They’ve organized a working group, Friends of Rosemary Park, and are working closely with the City's Parks and Recreation Department on future usage, design and amenities. We're also seeking community input together.
You’re encouraged to take this survey. Responses will be distilled then incorporated into a few early designs that will be presented to the community for feedback and fine tuning. We greatly appreciate the Rosemary District’s continued collaboration with the City as we work together to gain as much early input as possible.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share the link with friends and neighbors.
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Interested in giving back to the Sarasota community?
Consider volunteering your time and expertise for one of the City’s many advisory boards.
You can check out requirements and apply online here.
Current or upcoming vacancies:
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Board of Rules and Appeals – 3 immediate vacancies for licensed fire sprinkler contractor, licensed mechanical contractor and consumer representative
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Historic Preservation Board – 1 term designated for an architect expiring December 2021, 1 immediate vacancy for seat designated for an attorney
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Newtown CRA Advisory Board – 3 member terms designated for a landowner in CRA, a retailer/merchant in the CRA or an at-large City resident expiring December 2021, plus 1 vacancy for a commercial real estate developer
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Public Art Committee – 4 terms designated for two architects/planners, an art expert and a city resident or property owner expiring December 2021
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Sarasota has pledged its support to local military and veteran caregivers by signing on as a Hidden Heroes City.
The Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties Program is a nationwide effort by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to create a network of communities that are committed to identifying military caregivers and increasing awareness and support.
So often these “hidden heroes” – an estimated 5.5 million spouses, parents, family members and friends across the country who are caring for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans at home – go unnoticed and underappreciated. As a Hidden Heroes City, we’ve agreed to help identify local military caregivers and deepen community resources to offer them vital support.
Mayor Brody recently brought forward a resolution for Sarasota to become the 169th community nationwide to sign on with the Hidden Heroes program, and received unanimous support from the City Commission in this effort. We are committed to doing whatever we can to empower and assist local caregivers as they continue their critical service.
For more information on how you can support the Hidden Heroes campaign, visit HiddenHeroes.org.
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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We hope you enjoy the Mayor’s Update. Please email [email protected] with comments or questions.
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