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Hello Friends,
We have notable updates to share this week about our vibrant, growing city.
The City Commission held a special meeting earlier this week to discuss recommendations from the appointed Charter Review Committee. We greatly appreciate the committee members’ long hours and service to our community. Ultimately, the City Commission supported maintaining the current Commission-City Manager form of government. In the coming months, public hearings will be held on ballot language for proposed changes to the City Charter, including tying City Commissioner salaries to the city population, requiring Charter amendments to be decided during a general election, moving away from required surety bonds to insurance coverage for specific staff positions, and housekeeping matters such as updating language and references. If the Commission moves forward, the proposed Charter amendments would be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot for City of Sarasota voters to decide.
During its last regular meeting, the City Commission approved funding to hire 10 additional police officers. With the influx of visitors and activity, we expect these officers will be welcomed with open arms by residents and business owners alike. Eight officers will be assigned to walking patrol in downtown and the Rosemary District, which have experienced a significant increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The other two additional officers will be assigned to the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit to assist with citywide traffic enforcement, injury accidents and special events. We appreciate our officers and the sacrifices they make day in and day out to protect our community and keep us safe. We look forward to the 10 additional officers joining SPD and helping to make Sarasota one of the top places to live in America.
Congratulations are in order to SPD for working tirelessly and coordinating with state and federal law enforcement agencies to make an arrest in a recent homicide near the North Trail. This complex case was solved in less than three weeks through the sheer determination of SPD investigators working nights and weekends using available science and advanced technology. The individual arrested also is a person of interest in another homicide in the vicinity. Outstanding work -- thank you!
It's the first Friday of the month and that means lots of fun evening events in downtown to enjoy during this wonderful spring weather! Check out Sip and Shop along Main Street from 5 to 8 p.m., Palm Avenue Gallery Walk 6 to 9 p.m. and Fresh Fridays 7 to 10 p.m. This month’s Fresh Fridays theme is Art on the Block and will take place on Lemon Avenue between Main Street and First Street. Stroll from one to the other and enjoy all three festivities. Happy First Friday!
Sincerely,
 Erik Arroyo
Mayor
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Are you starting to see the new rental scooters and bikes around town? Within the first couple of weeks of the rollout, this new micro-mobility program is catching on quickly! Already, 3,472 rides have been taken in the city for a total of 11,160 miles. That’s four times the distance from the east coast of the U.S. to the west coast – remarkable! The average ride is 3.4 miles and by far the most popular vehicle is the sit-down scooter, accounting for 75% of all rides.
City Commissioners and staff joined Veo representatives last week trying them out during the official launch in Sarasota. Not only do these vehicles provide a quick, convenient way to travel short distances, they’re environmentally-friendly and a healthy bonus for those who opt for the pedal-assist bike.
Download the Veo mobile app to get started and see a map where the vehicles are located in parking corrals and where you can ride. Riders must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver license, provide a credit card and take a short user quiz before being allowed to unlock a vehicle.
Scooters are regulated as bicycles in Florida, so they are not allowed on narrow or crowded sidewalks. While helmets are encouraged, they’re not required.
Learn more at VeoRide.com.
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The Bay Runner trolley, another component of our comprehensive transportation plan, Sarasota in Motion, also is being received very well!
During the first four weeks of operation, 13,854 people opted to live more, drive less and take the free Bay Runner. That’s an impressive number! Residents and visitors are discovering the convenience of hopping aboard the Bay Runner and moving easily from downtown to Lido Beach through St. Armands Circle for fun at the beach, and shopping and dining at our popular venues. For those seeking a healthy outdoor adventure, the trolley is equipped to carry bicycles, and stops at Main Street/School Avenue near the Legacy Trail Extension adjacent to Payne Park. Each vehicle left behind helps reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak season travel times. Thank you for doing your part!
The open-air trolley runs daily 8 a.m. to midnight with 12 designated stops. A mobile app with real-time arrival information is available for download in a beta test form. The official launch is expected soon.
For a route map please visit www.SarasotaBayRunner.com
The trolley was originally conceptualized to help alleviate traffic congestion during the Gulfstream Ave. roundabout construction. Florida Department of Transportation officials tell us the project remains on schedule to be completed this fall.
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You’re invited to celebrate Spring with a special community event Sunday, April 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St.
Vice Mayor Kyle Battie and Newtown community leaders recently expressed an interest in resuming a traditional Spring celebration, but with a modern twist. Rather than a parade, which was part of the Newtown fabric dating back to the 1960s, the refreshed event, the Newtown Spring Festival, will focus on a sense of community with live music including local gospel choirs, dance performances, children’s activities and local vendors and food trucks on site.
 Similar to the Downtown Holiday Parade, New Year’s Pineapple Drop and a dozen other significant special events, the City is co-sponsoring this celebration through in-kind services such as public safety, solid waste collection and other support. Many individuals and organizations are partnering to organize the event including Walter Gilbert (lead organizer), Newtown Alive, Newtown Nation, Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness, Gwendalyn Fleetwood, and the Sarasota Police Department. Thank you all – and we hope to see you there!
With more than two dozen volunteer advisory boards, we’re continually seeking qualified candidates interested in sharing their time and expertise with the Sarasota community.
Duties and responsibilities for each board as well as an application are available on the City of Sarasota website. We invite you to review the list of advisory boards below, which currently have openings or will soon, and consider applying or sharing the information with a friend, neighbor, or family member who may be interested:
- Board of Adjustment
- Board of Rules and Appeals
- Citizen Advisory Network to MPO
- Citizen Oversight Committee to Public School Facility Planning
- General Employees’ Pension Fund Board of Trustees
- Historic Preservation Board
- Housing Authority
- Human Relations Board
- Nuisance Abatement Board
- Public Art Committee
- Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee
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We are thrilled to announce the 2022-2023 Subscription Series featuring 10 Broadway shows, four dance productions, and five subscriber specials. This upcoming season includes the Sarasota premieres of Disney’s Aladdin, Blue Man Group, Mean Girls, and Tootsie. To see the full list of shows included, or to reserve a subscription, visit VanWezel.org/subscriptions.
In addition to next season’s series, there is still an exciting lineup of shows this month including An Officer and a Gentleman, a new musical based on the Oscar-winning film. Featuring a score based on the 1980’s catalogue of music that gave voice to a generation, the show includes hits from Rick Springfield, Debbie Gibson, Richard Marx, Wilson Phillips, Pat Benatar, and the Grammy-winning #1 hit single “Up Where We Belong.” An Officer and a Gentleman is set to perform April 6-7 at 7:30 p.m.
Mansion of Dreams is the crowning achievement of the multi-award-winning Master Illusionist, Rick Thomas. He has the unique ability to transport his entire audience to a mystical world unlike their own. Stunning magic, extreme comedy, exquisite dancers, and an inspiring story are woven into one of the most amazing productions ever to be seen on stage. See Mansion of Dreams on April 11 at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit VanWezel.org.
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April 4-8 is Food Waste Prevention Week, and the City of Sarasota is joining partners and communities across the country to raise awareness and inspire citizens to reduce food waste in our homes and workplaces.
Did you know that spoiled food costs the average American household $1,600 a year? Americans lose more than $218 billion annually on wasted food that ends up in the landfill and harming our environment. So, what can we do about it?
By making just a few changes at home, you can save money, conserve resources and improve food security for everyone. Simple actions such as composting, saving leftovers, planning menus and shopping lists for the week and properly storing fruits and vegetables can add up. You can also donate to a local food bank, ensuring that nutritious food gets to those who need it.
Learn more helpful tricks and tips at www.SavetheFoodFL.com and take the pledge to reduce food waste. Thanks for helping to make Sarasota a more sustainable community!
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Monday, April 4 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, April 5 | 10 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, April 6 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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