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Spring is here and we're pleased to announce a beloved community tradition that has been dormant for years will return this year – a spring parade!
The Spring Fling Festival & Parade will be held Sunday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the parade starting at 2 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Osprey, then heading west to Cocoanut Avenue.
Generations grew up with this tradition and looked forward to it every year. Now Newtown civic leader Walter Gilbert and his team of volunteers are relaunching it in conjunction with the City. As a co-sponsor, the City is assisting with permitting, public safety and garbage collection.
Post-parade festivities will include live music, vendors and food trucks located adjacent to the historic Leonard Reid house at MLK Way and Orange Ave. Everyone is invited to attend this free Sarasota event, enjoy the sense of community and start a new family tradition!
 The day prior, Saturday, April 8, the Newtown community will host an Egg Hunt and Cookout at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex from noon to 4.p.m. There will be plenty of colorful eggs for the little ones to collect, games, music and tempting bites from the grill.
Thanks to all who volunteered their time over the past several months to plan the festivities. We can’t wait to see you at the 2023 Spring Fling Festival & Parade!
Interested in learning about the proposals for a new public art piece at the US 41-Fruitville Road roundabout?
Three artists will present their designs during a virtual community meeting Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. You’re invited to attend online, where you’ll be able to see conceptual renderings and ask questions. Register for the Zoom meeting.
The finalists were selected last November by the City Commission-appointed Public Art Committee, which provided feedback on the concepts and asked the artists to revise their submissions. The modified designs were presented earlier this month to the PAC. That meeting can be viewed here.
The finalists are:
- Sujin Lim – “Sun Always Shines”
- Mark Reigelman – “Snowbirds”
- Shan Shan Sheng – “Dancing Clouds”
To encourage community input and participation, additional public meetings have been woven into this selection process. The artists may hone their concepts following the April 18 community meeting. Then, the PAC is expected to decide in May which piece will be recommended to the City Commission for final consideration.
It’s important to note that the selected sculpture will have to meet Florida Department of Transportation safety criteria and adhere to height restrictions, sight lines, setbacks and not be a driving distraction.
US 41 and Fruitville Road is a well-traveled area by residents and visitors. We anticipate the sculpture selected will be a signature piece vetted by the Public Art Committee, City Commission and citizens, that conveys the community’s love of the arts.
The Sarasota Police Department wants to remind you to lock your vehicles.
Since the start of the year, 78 vehicle burglaries have been reported in the city limits and 73 had no forced entry --- that’s over 93%!
This type of burglary is preventable. Please take the step to lock your vehicle.
SPD tells us that purses, wallets, and other valuables have been left in plain sight inside vehicles. Unfortunately, thieves routinely check car door handles to see if doors are left unlocked. They're less likely to break in if they don't see anything. If you have to leave items in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk out of sight.
Leaving your vehicle unlocked, even in your driveway while going into your home or the store for a few minutes, can be an open invitation to criminals. Never leave your keys in the ignition or leave an extra "hidden" key in your vehicle. If you have a garage, use it.
We must remain vigilant and take these simple safety precautions to protect ourselves and our belongings.
Recording serial numbers of valuables is also a good idea. If the items in your vehicle are stolen, this can help identify a suspect if they attempt to pawn your property.
Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something. Call 911 or the Sarasota Police Department non-emergency line at 941-316-1199.
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Springtime at the Van Wezel brings an array of shows! On April 5, journey to the fields of Ireland with Gaelic Storm and the High Kings: The Might Tour. These two chart-topping Celtic bands have performed at sold-out venues across the globe, and now they’re coming to Sarasota.
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Coming to the Van Wezel April 11-16, Mean Girls is the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”
 Whether you're a vinyl aficionado or a TikTok fashionista, you’ll want to be at the Van Wezel on April 23. Postmodern Jukebox's Life in the Past Lane Tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era for the perfect patina of "vintage" and "modern."
To see all shows coming to the Van Wezel and to purchase tickets, visit VanWezel.org
Summer is quickly approaching and our City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to welcome kids ages 5 to 12 for Summer Camp! (5-year-olds must be currently enrolled in kindergarten.)
At Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, campers will enjoy sports and games in the gymnasium, arts and crafts, field trips, swimming in the Olympic-sized pool, and plenty of time outdoors experiencing activities such as archery and fishing. The camp runs from June 5 through July 28. The cost is $150 per week; breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided. Registration is now open at www.LetsPlaySarasota.com. Space is limited, so register today. Call 941- 263-6732 for more information.
At Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, campers will spend time at the facility's swimming pool and splash pad, go on field trips, and enjoy the gymnasium, game room and outdoor turf field. The camp runs from June 5 through August 4. The cost is $75 per week, and lunch is provided. Registration forms for camp at RLTCC will be available for pick-up in person at the facility, 1845 John Rivers (34th Street), beginning Monday, April 10. Completed registration forms will be accepted at the front desk starting Monday, May 1. Camp space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 941-263-6562 for more information.
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Check out a complete list of City of Sarasota employment opportunities and apply online here.
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