In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, and the regular City Commission meeting will be deferred to Tuesday, Jan. 18.  Residential trash, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual.

Some hours of operation at recreational  facilities will be modified:

• Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Lido Pool, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, will be closed. 

• Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane, will be open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34^th St., will be open 6-10 a.m.

The Nature Trails at Bobby Jones Golf Club, 1000 Circus Blvd., will be open regular hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

NOTE:  MLK Day events and festivities have been canceled by the organizer, Greater Newtown Community Redevelopment Corporation, due to the Omicron positivity surge.

Earlier this week, the City Commission made a significant decision for generations to come by placing a conservation easement over the 261 acres that comprise our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club.  The easement, years in the making, is in partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and means the Bobby Jones property will remain open, green space for parks and recreation forever.

The Commission also approved issuing a capital improvement revenue bond for up to $20 million to restore the 18-hole Donald Ross course and construct a new 9-hole adjustable course as well as a clubhouse.  The project will include new drainage and wetlands that will filter regional stormwater and significantly improve water quality before it flows into Sarasota Bay.  This will be the framework for the nature park.

While it has been many years in the works, construction on the golf course will begin quickly -- as soon as next month. The current schedule calls for the 18-hole course to be finished in November and the executive course in January 2023.

It's been a Herculean effort to get to this point, and we couldn't have done it without the steadfast commitment from staff, our many community partners and ultimately the City Commission. Thank you!  Future generations will appreciate the action taken to protect this precious land and make Bobby Jones a nature park and green urban oasis forever.

Following an amazing turnout for the January Fresh Fridays event, where 1,500 people enjoyed the first Friday of the month with dancing and festivities in downtown Sarasota, organizers are now gearing up for the February event with a new time and location.

The Fresh Fridays “Love is in the Air” edition will take place 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Selby Five Points Park.  Mayor Erik Arroyo (aka “Cupid”) will officiate the marriage or renewing of vows of a select couple. In addition to the ceremony, the special couple will be treated to wardrobe, hair styling/makeup, jewelry and even a private reception for friends and family --- all courtesy of downtown merchants.

Interested couples are invited to email FreshFridays@Next-Mark.com with their names, a brief introduction and why they should be selected to be married during the Fresh Fridays Love is in the Air celebration. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Jan. 19. The lucky couple will be picked by the Fresh Fridays team.  Good luck!

Mark your calendar for a fun Sarasota Orchestra outdoor concert in Payne Park on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.! 

This will be the second season for “On the Road with SO:  Parks and Partners,” featuring Orchestra musicians performing in public parks in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

Representatives from CCNA (Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations) petitioned the Orchestra and City to host one of the outdoor concerts at a city park. We both agreed it was a great idea and the February 20^th concert at Payne Park Auditorium was added. We appreciate the suggestion and enthusiasm to include our city parks in the program.

Our friends with The Bay Sarasota will also host Parks and Partners on Sunday, Jan. 30. 

For the kids and grandkids, a special children’s performance will be held at the Payne Park Circus Playground on Sunday, April 24, at 2:30 p.m.

While the events are free, attendees are required to register online to reserve a space. Registration opens one month prior to each concert. Registration links and more details about the concert series, venues and parking can be found at www.sarasotaorchestra.org

Wondering what’s coming up at our Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall? 

The Lovin’ Feelin’ is back as blue-eyed soul pioneers, The Righteous Brothers, return to Sarasota on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Original Brother Bill Medley is joined by Bucky Heard in a concert experience that features their biggest hits, including the most-played song in radio history: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” You won’t want to miss Medley’s Grammy-winning Dirty Dancing theme, “The Time of My Life,” “Unchained Melody,” and much more.

Tango Fire returns to Sarasota on Monday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. German Cornejo’s Tango Fire encompasses and defines all that is Argentine Tango; dancing which sizzles with sensuality, accompanied by the unforgettable music of the great Tango masters including Piazzolla, Pugliese and Gardel. As one of the world’s most popular dance forms, this exhilarating show combines the rawness and sophistication, seductive and sultry side of Tango, evoking the intoxicating passion of late-night Buenos Aires.

With a legendary career spanning nearly five decades, Kansas has established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. The group will rock out the Hall on Friday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. The "garage band" from Topeka released its debut album in 1974 and has gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide.

The new year is off to a strong start at the Van Wezel! Tickets can be purchased online at www.VanWezel.org

The Sarasota Police Department will accept firearms and ammunition that are no longer wanted during a “Done with the Gun” event on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Firearms can be safely and easily disposed of at the SPD Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, or the SPD Substation, 1782 Dr. MLK Jr. Way.

If you no longer need a firearm, consider turning it in to help reduce the risk of it being stolen, misused or accidentally discharged.  Working and non-working firearms as well as antiques, replicas, pellet and BB guns will be accepted.

Unloaded firearms should be transported in a secure container in the trunk of a vehicle. Once on site, SPD officers will remove it from the vehicle.

For more information on the program www.SarasotaPD.org

Have some  hazardous household items you’d like to dispose of such as paint, motor oil, electronics and cleaners?  We're partnering with Sarasota County to offer an easy drive-thru, drop-off option.

The collection will take place Saturday, Feb. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon at Payne Park (enter the parking lot off East Ave. across from the Department of Health).  Please note:  This event is limited to City and Sarasota County residents, and proof of residency may be requested.

Click here for a list of accepted and unaccepted household items.

This is a drive-thru event.  Materials should be placed in your vehicle trunk.  Collection crews will unload the items while you will remain in your vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accepted.