City News: Idalia Damage, Labor Day, SPD Citizens Academy

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 09/01/2023 03:00 PM EDT

Sept. 1, 2023

Hello Everyone,

It’s been a whirlwind week, but we made it! Thank you to our incredible, dedicated City team from the administration to Emergency Management, Sarasota Police Department, Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Communications and more. All pitched in before, during and after Hurricane Idalia to ensure the best possible outcome for our community.

Early damage assessments indicate the City’s assets fared well for the most part. While extensive coastal street flooding occurred on the barrier islands, it was anticipated to a certain extent due to the magnitude of the storm coupled with high tide. We’re pleased with how the improved storm drainage system near the US 41-Gulfstream Avenue roundabout performed. Although the area flooded, the tidal water from this Category 4 storm receded relatively quickly and the intersection was reopened by mid-afternoon following the storm. It took a bit longer for the water to recede on the barrier islands, because three pumping stations stopped functioning – two caused by the hurricane and the other was hit by a car prior to the storm. Our Public Works and Utilities crews worked with Sarasota County, which oversees storm water management for the City, to secure portable pumps and get the area cleared and safe for all travelers to return to St. Armands Key and Lido Key well before daybreak Thursday. We greatly appreciate the team effort.

Our Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, situated on Sarasota Bay, came through the storm with minimal issues to report. There was some water intrusion in the Grand Foyer and other areas; however, there is no observable damage to the building, roof or signage.

Several parks along the bayfront are temporarily closed with storm damage (more information below in City News) and our teams are already working as quickly as possible to clear the way and make it safe for families to return. Conditions at Bayfront Park have been restored to the point that O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill will reopen tonight in time for the holiday weekend.

If you experienced flood damage at your Sarasota home, please report it to the City at FloodingInfo@Sarasotafl.gov. Include your name, address and contact information as well as a brief description of the damage and photos, if available.

Important reminder: For residents with regular Tuesday garbage/recycling pickup that was suspended due to the pending hurricane: Our Public Works Solid Waste Dream Team will have a special pickup Saturday, Sept. 2! Please have your carts curbside at your usual time. And, there will be one more collection adjustment. With Monday being the Labor Day holiday, pickup schedules will be delayed one day. So, Monday will be on Tuesday and Tuesday’s regular pickup will be on Wednesday. The Dream Team will make it happen and collect it all!

With humble regards,

Kyle Battie
Mayor

News and Updates

Parks Update

The scene at Bayfront Park the day after Hurricane Idalia. Most of the park is temporarily closed while crews work to clean up storm damage.

Parks and Recreation teams began damage assessments and cleanup almost immediately after Idalia passed. Unfortunately, several parks along Sarasota Bay are temporarily closed because of damage:

Bayfront Park (Note: O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill will reopen Friday night, Sept. 1.)
Tony Saprito Fishing Pier
Ken Thompson Park playground

At Bayfront Park, two boats slammed into the seawall with one landing on the sidewalk and coming to rest on a park bench. Light poles are down, portions of the sidewalk are buckled, and vegetative debris is scattered. (Click here to see additional photos.)

Crews are working as quickly as possible to restore this popular regional park. Already, the boats in the park have been lifted out with the help of Marina Jack and our Parks and Recreation Department. Most of Bayfront Park will remain temporarily closed as cleanup and repairs continue. The area toward the front of the park has been restored sufficiently and O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill and the restroom area will be open tonight (Friday, Sept. 1).

Several large panels on Saprito Pier popped out (as designed) and will have to be re-installed. That will take time and coordination with large equipment.

As inspections continue, other parks may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

Please visit www.Sarasotafl.gov/alerts and follow the City of Sarasota’s social media channels for updates.

Disaster Sales Tax Holiday

After going through Hurricane Idalia, it’s a good idea to assess your hurricane kit and restock any essential supplies – all tax free -- during Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday now through Sept. 8.

Eligible tax-free items include laundry supplies, toilet paper and soap $30 or less. Generators, batteries, smoke detectors/alarms, carbon monoxide detectors are also included.

For a full list of tax-free items, visit FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and for a helpful disaster supply kit checklist, check out FloridaDisaster.org/Kit

Alert Sarasota County

If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to register for Alert Sarasota! You’ll receive important updates and emergency messages via text, email or phone call. Stay informed on tropical weather alerts, mosquito spraying updates and other important community notifications. Register at www.AlertCitySarasota.com

Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 4

Reminder: Monday is the federal Labor Day holiday, so holiday hours will be in effect for our facilities.

City administrative offices and the Van Wezel Box Office will be closed. Recreation facilities including Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, Payne Park Tennis Center and Robert L. Taylor Community Complex will have modified hours of operation.

The regular City Commission meeting will be deferred to Tuesday at 9 a.m. with a special meeting for a budget public hearing starting at 5:30 p.m.

Garbage Schedule: There will be no residential garbage, recycling or yard waste pickup on Monday for City customers. Monday collections will be shifted to Tuesday, and Tuesday pickups will occur on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday collections will not be interrupted. For questions or more info, please contact our Solid Waste Division at 941-365-7651.

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Sarasota Police: Citizens Academy Returns

Join our Citizens Academy this September! Immerse yourself in an engaging learning experience where you'll gain insights into law enforcement and community collaboration.

The Citizens Academy offers a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of the Sarasota Police Department. Through informative sessions and interactive activities, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of police operations, procedures, and community partnerships.

This eight-week course is scheduled to meet every Wednesday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 27 and concluding Nov. 15. This convenient timing ensures participants can balance their daily commitments while learning about the vital role law enforcement plays in our community.

Whether you're a curious individual, a concerned citizen, or someone considering a career in law enforcement, this academy is for you! Engage in discussions with experienced officers, learn about investigative techniques, and explore the challenges and rewards of ensuring public safety.

To secure your spot in the program, send an email expressing your interest to SPDcitizensacademy@sarasotafl.gov Please act promptly, as spaces are limited. This is your chance to foster a stronger connection between our police department and the community we serve.

We look forward to having you with us!

Van Wezel: 2023-2024 Season Announced!

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently announced the BIGGEST & BEST season to date! It features Broadway Blockbusters and a variety of music, magic, comedy, and dance.

The season opens on Sept. 30 with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring Barry Bostwick, the original Brad Majors. The diverse musical season will include top-notch performances by John Waite, Paul Anka, Nick Carter, Kristin Chenoweth, Marie Osmond, Sarah Brightman, and the award-winning power couple David Foster and Katharine McPhee. The musical lineup also features extraordinary tribute bands and shows like Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience, The Simon & Garfunkle Story, Always Olivia, The Rocketman Show and One Night of Queen.

This season also features an array of illusionists including Champions of Magic, The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, and Hyprov, which features Colin Mochris from Who’s Line is it, Anyway?

There will also be classical music and beautiful dance performances from The Academy of St Martin in the Fields featuring Joshua Bell, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

And, of course, the highlight of the season is the Broadway lineup featuring seven Van Wezel premieres and six Tony Award-winning shows. The Broadways shows include Hamilton, Hadestown, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, The Cher Show, Pretty Women – The Musical, Jagged Little Pill, Little Women and Shrek – The Musical.

Single tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Please note: Hamilton tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Parks & Rec: Fall Events

Our Parks and Recreation facilities are gearing up for fun and festive fall events! Save the dates and follow us on Facebook to keep up with the latest details:

Arlington Park Halloween Trail Carnival, Friday, Oct. 20, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Free, no registration required.

Pumpkin Splash! At the Arlington Park Pool, Saturday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $10 per participant/pumpkin, $2 for additional children. Parent/Guardian assistance is required for pumpkin carving. Space is limited – pre-registration is required. Register at www.LetsPlaySarasota.com.

Trunk or Treat at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 5 - 7 p.m. Free, no registration Required.

Bark-O-Ween at the Arlington Park Paw Park, Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. at the Arlington Park Dog Park. Free, registration is encouraged. Register at www.LetsPlaySarasota.com.

Volunteers are needed! We're seeking volunteers to decorate their vehicles and pass out candy at the RLTCC Trunk or Treat event. This is open to individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Sign up online or call 941-263-6562 for more information.