City News: Bobby Jones Golf Club, Friday Fest, Advisory Boards Openings

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 08/04/2023 03:00 PM EDT

Aug. 4, 2023

Hello Everyone,

When you receive your TRIM notice from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser later this summer, look for the City of Sarasota line item showing a 3.0000 preliminary operating millage for Fiscal Year 2023-24. That’s the same as the current budget. While property values increased an average 13% throughout the city, the City Commission unanimously approved the preliminary millage rate last week following in-depth presentations by staff on the state of city operations, and what is needed to continue to provide the outstanding services and amenities that make Sarasota a desirable community.

We’re excited several new or renovated parks will open during the next fiscal year for residents and visitors to enjoy, including Bobby Jones Golf Club & Nature Park, Bayfront Park playground and splashpad, Avion Park and Rosemary Park. Those amenities will require four additional full-time positions to maintain.

Last year, as inflation continued to increase, and after the budget was approved, the City Commission made the right decision to invest in our hard working employees and provided a cost of living increase comparable to other local governments.

A 3.0000 operating millage rate will fund FY 2023-24 expenses while maintaining a healthy fund balance to cover an unexpected emergency, such as a natural disaster, given the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

On behalf of the City Commission, I’d like to thank City Manager Marlon Brown and his well-qualified team of professionals who have worked for the past eight months to assemble this responsible budget.

The proposed budget can be viewed here.

Prior to adopting the budget, the City Commission will hold two public hearings at City Hall:

Tuesday, Sept. 5 - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 19 - 5:30 p.m.

Earlier this week, we learned the St. Armands Special Business Improvement District extension failed to garner the required 50% vote needed to continue the special taxing district. During our next regular meeting Monday, Aug. 7, the City Commission will receive an update and what it means for the budget and funding improvements to our world-renowned shopping and dining destination.

We have much work ahead. Have a nice weekend!

With humble regards,

Kyle S. Battie
Mayor

News and Updates

Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park

Renovations to the Bobby Jones Golf Club & Nature Park are closer to completion, with a November grand opening on the horizon.

City Manager Marlon Brown got a first-hand look at the nearly 300-acre property this week, inspecting greens, fairways and the remaining construction.

The fully refurbished 18-hole Donald Ross-designed course will open first, along with the nature park.

The 12th hole at the newly renovated Bobby Jones Golf Club & Nature Park.

A nine-hole adjustable par three course – tentatively scheduled to open in January 2024 - is being built on the other side of Circus Boulevard on the Gillespie Course. A large driving range, short-game practice area and new clubhouse are included in the plans.

City Commissioners previously approved $20 million for the renovations, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District provided a $1.5 million grant for water quality improvements on the property.

Over the years, our historic municipal golf course has hosted athletes and competitors like Babe Ruth and Paul Azinger, who still holds the course record of 62.

Stay up-to-date on the Bobby Jones renovation and upcoming Parks and Recreation programs and events through the Parks and Rec newsletter. Sign up here and have it delivered directly to your inbox!

Purple Ribbon Committee

City Commissioners recently selected the seven Ad Hoc Van Wezel Purple Ribbon Committee members who will help guide the future of Sarasota's performing arts hall.

Those appointed, along with the selection criteria, are:

Melissa Gissinger, Selma Goker Wilson: Residents of the City of Sarasota (2 seats)
Morris Hylton III: Expertise in historical preservation (1 seat)
David Rovine: Financial expertise in the field of the performing arts (1 seat)
Charles Cosler: Expertise in architecture, design of performing arts center, reuse of large public structures and buildings (1 seat)
Robert Bunting: Expertise in climate adaptation, FEMA, and flood plains (1 seat)
Lee-En Chung, P.E.: Expertise in civil structural engineering (1 seat)

The Committee will focus on financially sustainable options for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, along with the use, purpose, and lease of the building. They will begin meeting soon, and will have two years to bring their findings and recommendations to the City Commission.

Advisory Board Openings

The City of Sarasota is looking for volunteers to fill vacancies on citizen advisory boards.

Vacancies include:

Many opportunities are available on various advisory boards, with appointments made by the City Commission. Consider sharing your time, interest and expertise to help shape our community. Apply today!

Van Wezel's Friday Fest

It’s been an exciting summer at the Van Wezel for the free concert series Friday Fest!

This month, Friday Fest continues with TEN-76, a powerhouse, high-energy band that covers classic and modern rock. TEN-76 regularly plays many of the local venues and are expanding in the Southeast Region. They have volunteered their time and entertainment for charity events to help raise funds and awareness.

Friday Fest takes place on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 5-9 p.m. Friday, August 11. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs while they take in the music and sunset. Food and beverages from local vendors will also be available for purchase. Outside food, beverages, umbrellas and coolers are prohibited.

The final Friday Fest for 2023 will take place on September 22 with local favorite, Jah Movement. Grab your friends and family, and get ready for a fun evening listening to live music on Sarasota Bay!

SPD: New Podcast Episode

Episode 5 of the "Chat with the Chief" Podcast, Recruiting the Best of the Best, is now streaming for free wherever you get your podcasts!

Joining Chief Rex Troche on the podcast this episode is our top-notch recruiting team, Jack Carter and Enrique Nazario. Law enforcement continues to offer exciting career opportunities while meeting the ever-changing needs of our diverse community. Our recruiters are working hard to find the best and brightest candidates to enhance our dedicated workforce. In this episode, Jack and Enrique discuss what qualities they look for and the employment benefits that come with joining the Sarasota Police Department.

Enrique is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served on active duty and in the Reserves for 32 years. Throughout his law enforcement career, he served as a Federal Corrections Officer, a Trooper for the Indiana State Police, and 22 years at the Orlando Police Department, where he was a Master Police Officer and Recruiter. Jack is a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who joined the SPD family as a police officer in 1999 and retired as a white-collar crime detective in 2013. He then served with the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs as a claims specialist and designated representative for veterans before the Board of Veteran Appeals.

Do you think you'd be a great fit for our police force? Read more about what a career at the Sarasota Police Department looks like on our recruiting website.