 Pictured: Holes 10 and 18
Construction is progressing well on Bobby Jones Golf Club, our historic municipal golf course! The back nine fairways (holes 10-18) have been grassed and the greens will be completed when ground temperatures warm to optimum levels for healthy growth. On the front nine, both sprigging and sod installation started last month. The 9-hole adjustable Gillespie Course is being shaped and will be ready for grass soon. Construction also began this week on the new driving range and accompanying building, practice green and restrooms. And, work will get underway soon on a temporary clubhouse as well as the Gillespie Course starter booth/shop. As you can see in the photo above showing holes 10 and 18, the renovation is looking good!
Meanwhile, design concepts for the new clubhouse are being created by Fawley Bryan Architecture and will be presented to the City Commission for consideration in the coming months.
The wetlands located on the property have been fully constructed and will be planted with native aquatic shoreline vegetation beginning in April. Bobby Jones is the City’s single largest green space and with the creation of these new wetlands, water quality in the region will be vastly improved with stormwater being filtered as it flows through the property and ultimately into Sarasota Bay.
This environmental and recreational improvement project will have a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of future generations and we look forward to showcasing Bobby Jones to the community. At this writing, we anticipate the golf course will open this fall with infrastructure in place for a 150 acre nature park.
The City of Sarasota is on a list we diligently are working not to be on.
Our city is among the top 25 communities in Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists
Our transportation planners are working on ways to make our community more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. That will take time and future design plans.
In the short term, the Sarasota Police Department is continuing its High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
HVE details will be conducted from now until May with enforcement efforts focused primarily on educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. We want to increase awareness and compliance with traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists.
Please remember:
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Drivers: Obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.
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Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.
Violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.
The HVE program is in addition to the SPD Traffic Unit's regular daily duties. We appreciate the officers being out there and helping to create a safe environment for walkers and bikers.
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The Sarasota Performing Arts Center Architect Selection Task Force made significant progress this week during a public meeting as it selected six semi-finalists from 18 shortlisted applicants who were invited to submit proposals to design the new performing arts center.
The six architect firms selected to advance in the process are: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Foster + Partners Limited, Gehry Partners LLP, Henning Larsen, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and Snøhetta. We are fortunate to have such a distinguished field of semi-finalists.
The Task Force began the winnowing process after 43 architectural firms from around the world submitted their qualifications last December.
Next, the Task Force will meet in May to narrow the six semi-finalists down to three. Those finalists will be invited to Sarasota to present their ideas and vision for a new performing arts center that will serve as a hub for innovation, inspiration and entertainment for generations to come.
The architect selection process is funded through a State of Florida appropriation.
More information about the project is available at www.VWFoundation.org/onpoint
Pictured above from left to right: Task Force Members - Michele Hooper, Mary Bensel, Mark Famiglio, Dr. Jenne K. Britell.
Photo: Peter Acker Photography
March is full of exciting performances at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. On March 7, experience the dance sensation,Pilobolus! For this 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus questions its own “givens,” turns its traditions sideways and brings its past into the future. The celebration includes signature works from vintage classics to their trendsetting innovative work in shadow.
Don’t miss New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ new and critically acclaimed production of The Mikado on March 9. Join in on a fantastic voyage to a land where the matchless libretto, beautiful music and all your favorite characters await! Enjoy the abounding absurdity and astounding wit that are as fresh and full of laughter now as when Gilbert & Sullivan first brought the story to life.
 Get On Your Feet! when the Broadway hit showcasing the inspiring true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan comes to Sarasota March 14-15. On Your Feet! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “Conga.”
Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit when Ireland with Michael - Live comes to the Van Wezel on March 16. This multimedia experience combines the music, dance and stories of Ireland.
Tickets to these exhilarating shows and more can be found at VanWezel.org.
Economic Development Manager Wayne Applebee recently was a guest on “Justice Matters” on Sarasota’s community radio station WSLR 96.5 FM. Hosted by Legal Aid of Manasota Executive Director Linda Harradine and Sarasota County Public Defender Larry Eger, this episode focused on the Newtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and its established purpose of addressing blight to improve quality of life through specific community investments. Wayne provided an informative overview of the CRA, funding, advisory board functions and the many ongoing and future initiatives in the Newtown CRA.
Some of the programs discussed include the Business Assistance Grant Program, sidewalk and lighting improvements, and a proposed homefront beautification initiative. Our ongoing Newtown Title Clearance program, conducted in partnership with Legal Aid of Manasota, also was discussed at length, including the importance of ensuring you have clear title for your home. It was a very educational show! To listen, just click here. Thanks to Legal Aid of Manasota for their continued commitment to provide legal expertise with the title clearance program.
Have questions about the Newtown CRA? Please email Wayne.Applebee@sarasotafl.gov
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Believe it or not, the Bay Runner has been in service for one year. And what a year it's been!
By the end of the anniversary month, well over 150,000 passengers will have experienced our free trolley between downtown, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key.
As staff worked to implement the City Commission’s vision to offer a complimentary shuttle service to help reduce traffic backups between the mainland and barrier islands, it was anticipated a trolley would be used by residents and visitors. But, the extent of its popularity has surpassed our expectations.
February, the shortest month of the year, was the busiest month so far for the Bay Runner with more than 17,000 riders opting to live more and drive less. Thank you and congratulations to all who are helping to improve our community’s quality of life by leaving their vehicle behind and taking the Bay Runner.
Many use the trolley in tandem with Veo e-scooters or bicycles to complete the first or last mile of their trip -- and save a car trip. Every bit helps! This unique mobility combination was recognized last year by the International Parking & Mobility Institute with an Award of Excellence for innovation.
The Bay Runner is available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, including holidays. Download the route map, real-time app and more at www.SarasotaBayRunner.com
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