You may have noticed crews working on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge recently. The Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of restriping lanes to create a Shared Bus Bike Shoulder, which ultimately will become a bus lane and bike lane by summer 2024. The new bus shoulder is expected to be completed by August and the City’s free open air trolley, the Bay Runner, will be allowed to use it at the driver’s discretion when traffic is 15 mph or slower. Shuttle drivers will undergo training to understand how to enter and exit the lanes and how to safely co-exist with e-scooters and bicycles, which will be permitted on the bus shoulder as well.
The City initiated the concept of a bridge express bus lane in 2018 to help with connectivity between downtown and the barrier islands. With the popularity of the Bay Runner (details below), the dedicated lane will expedite riders over beautiful Sarasota Bay for their next stop to dine, shop or relax in our beautiful city.
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An increased number of residents and visitors are leaving their cars parked and electing to use environmentally-friendly and easy-to-use mobility options to move around town.
Ridership for the Bay Runner and rentals for Veo e-scooters and bicycles continues to surpass expectations even during these sultry summer days.
Over the July 4th holiday weekend, record-breaking usage was reported. Saturday the 2nd, Veo set a Sarasota record with 1,247 scooters/bikes rented. Also, on Saturday, the Bay Runner moved an incredible 850 passengers. During the three-day weekend, trolley ridership was 2,253!
People are riding the trolley then hopping on a scooter to finish their trip and vice versa. We’re thrilled so many people are embracing our award-winning mobility options, which is translating into fewer cars on the road, reduced congestion and lower vehicle emissions. Thank you, Sarasota – let’s keep it going!
You can learn more about the Bay Runner, including hours of operation and a route map, at www.SarasotaBayRunner.com For details on Veo rental scooters check out our Frequently Asked Questions on the City’s website.
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As part of its continuing education commitment, Veo will host a community outreach event this Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at BayFirst bank, 1782 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, in Newtown.
Veo representatives will be on site demonstrating the three models available for rent (stand-up and sit-down scooters and pedal-assist bikes), answering questions about the program and offering giveaways.
The event is part of the City’s efforts to expand access to micro-mobility throughout Sarasota. Through its Veo Access program, the company also offers discounted rates to low-income users who qualify.
Learn more at VeoRide.com or in the Frequently-Asked Questions on the City’s website.
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Interested in learning the latest about North Trail redevelopment efforts? Join Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch as she presents a forum to provide an overview of this important commercial, residential and cultural corridor. The event will take place Wednesday, July 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail.
 The forum will feature a panel discussion with staff members from the City’s Planning, Development Services and Public Works departments, as well as members of the North Trail Redevelopment Partnership. A historical overview of the North Trail Overlay District will be provided, plus updates on current development projects created through the overlay and vehicular access management. There also will be a question and answer period.
Community stakeholders formulated the North Trail Redevelopment Partnership in 2009 to help revitalize the corridor.
The circulation pump at Lido Beach Pool stopped functioning earlier this week, so the pool is temporarily closed until repairs can be made. Unfortunately, with current global supply chain issues, we do not have a time frame when the necessary replacement parts will be available and delivered.
Arlington Park Aquatic Complex is an excellent alternative for lap swimmers, and Lido Beach Pool passes will be honored there. Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is another option and offers lap lanes and play elements for the kids, including a splash pad and small and large slides.
We’ll keep you posted on the Lido Beach Pool reopening.
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Friday Fest, our popular, free outdoor summer concert series, returns to the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall tonight (July 15). Prepare to unwind to the awesome sounds of Kettle of Fish, a local favorite featuring funk, blues and good ‘ol rock ‘n’ roll. With the venue located on Sarasota Bay, it’s the perfect location to enjoy a spectacular sunset!
Friday Fest runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and takes place rain or shine (fingers crossed for sunshine!) with the event moving inside the Van Wezel in case of inclement weather.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs – no coolers or outside food/drink, please.
A big thank you to the sponsors and volunteers who make Friday Fest a reality!
Two more Friday Fest events are scheduled this summer: Aug.12 featuring Big Night Out and Sept. 16 with Jah Movement.
Hope to see you there!
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An all-new lineup of shows went on sale today at the Van Wezel, including the holiday specials!
On Dec. 7, the original team behind the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit reunites with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, the heartwarming, holiday rock ‘n’ roll musical. There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Sun Records is just that for Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Follow along in a story of Christmas past, present, and future jam packed with holiday hits and classic characters you won't want to miss!
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season! Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber and featuring MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. See The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Dec. 10!
Other exciting holiday shows include Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour, A Christmas Carol and Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland. Visit VanWezel.org/news/gift to see the full lineup of Christmas in July shows, now on sale.
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