As recently agreed upon, the Florida Department of Transportation is providing City staff with advance notice of anticipated lane closures near the US 41-Gulfstream Avenue roundabout, as crews continue to work in the area. We are then sharing that information as quickly as possible.

We’ve been alerted there will be daytime and nighttime lane closures in the area Sunday, Feb. 5 through Thursday, Feb. 9.

Here’s what we can share:

Nighttime work:  Sunday, Feb. 5 – Wednesday, Feb. 8: starting at midnight

Daytime work:  Monday, Feb. 6 – Thursday, Feb. 9:  between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.

During both night and daytime work:

• The inside lanes on US 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue will be closed.
• The eastbound outside lane exiting the island will be closed.

During the night work, expect construction vehicle backup alarms and machinery noise as crews excavate existing pavement and prepare the curb pad for concrete. During the daytime, concrete will be poured for new median curbs and new storm drains will be inspected.

We appreciate FDOT providing the early heads up about these temporary lane closures.

We encourage you to check traffic conditions before heading to/from the barrier islands. Drivers should continue to be mindful in the US 41-Gulfstream Avenue area and stay alert as construction crews will be working close to active vehicle lanes.

Do you have paint, motor oil or other household hazardous waste you’d like to get rid of responsibly? We’re hosting a drive-through collection event in partnership with Sarasota County on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to noon at 1699 Morrill Street in downtown Sarasota.  

Materials that will be accepted include: adhesives and glues, aerosols, antifreeze, automotive products, cleaners, electronics, fertilizers, fluorescent lamps, gasoline, household fire extinguishers, mercury, motor oil, oil filters, paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane cylinders, rechargeable batteries, vehicle batteries and solvents/thinners.

Place your unwanted household hazardous materials into your trunk and staff will unload it for you.  No walk-ups, please.

Tires, ammunition, fireworks/flares, sharps (needles/syringes) and containers larger than 5 gallons will not be accepted.

This event is limited to City of Sarasota and Sarasota County residents. You may be asked to provide proof of residency.

The Bayfront Park Allen Playground is temporarily closed as construction begins this month on an all-new playground and splash pad combination. 

The plans include a shipwreck-themed playground with climbing features, shade structures and a new splash pad built from the ground up. The entire play area will be graded to create a seamless connection, with shaded seating between the playground and splash pad for parents/guardians. The whimsical animal statues, longtime fixtures at the old splash pad and part of the City's extensive Public Art collection, will be incorporated into the play area landscaping. 

Construction is expected to be completed late this fall and we anticipate the new play facilities will be worth the wait! In the meantime, we encourage families to check out our other popular playgrounds, including the Circus Park at Payne Park, 2010 Adams Lane.

Next time you head to Bayfront Park, allot some extra time to take in the 50 billboard-sized art pieces comprising this year’s Embracing Our Differences outdoor exhibit.

This is the 20^th anniversary of the global Embracing Our Differences initiative, which promotes diversity and understanding through large-scale juried artworks, each paired with a thoughtful quote.

This year’s theme, “Embracing Kindness”, generated an impressive 13,000 submissions from 119 countries with nearly two-thirds from students.

Over the past two decades, more than 4 million people have visited the annual Embracing Our Differences exhibit. Imagine the positive impact these powerful pieces have had -- and continue to have on our community and the world!  This year's exhibit will be on display through March 12.

Thank you to the Embracing Our Differences board of directors for their time, commitment and passion with this important issue.

With the City having more than two dozen volunteer advisory boards, we’re continually seeking qualified candidates who would like to give back to the Sarasota community.

Applications currently are being accepted for the Chair positions on the Independent Police Advisory Panel and Police Complaint Committee. Board descriptions and an online application are available via the advisory board webpage on www.SarasotaFL.gov   

We encourage you to consider applying and/or share this information with a friend, neighbor, or family member who may be interested.