We have exciting news to share regarding sidewalks and connectivity in Newtown!
We recently were informed that Congress passed a $1 million allocation for our Newtown Sidewalk Rehabilitation Community Project, which the City Commission prioritized in 2023.
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In 2022, the City’s Pedestrian Connectivity Plan was updated and prioritized connectivity to schools, parks, business districts, recreational areas and more. The Plan serves as a guide to complete sidewalks to meet ADA requirements for uninterrupted pedestrian connectivity. The most underserved area within the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area was prioritized to build new sidewalks and replace deteriorating sidewalks based on many factors, including safety issues, right-of-way needs, whether it is included in a larger connectivity plan and community support.
Many residents in Newtown rely on walking and bicycling to go to and from jobs and essential services, and we are thrilled to have funding to move forward with the improvements.
U.S. Representative Greg Steube sponsored the Newtown pedestrian connectivity project in the federal appropriation bill and we greatly appreciate his support with this important initiative -- thank you! And, thank you to Michael Willis with The Color Nine Group, the City's federal lobbyist, for diligently advocating for these much-needed federal funds.
Want to be involved in the redesigning of one of the most popular places in the city?
The City of Sarasota is looking to transform Main Street to become a safer more accessible location for all to enjoy. Throughout the process, the community will have a chance to be involved in different ways.
There will be a Main Street visioning workshop from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at the Selby Library. During this workshop, the project team will provide a brief presentation then attendees will have a chance to discuss ideas and collaborate with others.
The workshop will be comprised of four 30-minute sessions: 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Seating at each session is limited -- and the 5 p.m. session already is filled to capacity. Sign up now for a time slot!
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 29.
To reserve your spot at the workshop, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!
Also, if you haven’t taken the Main Street online survey yet, we encourage you to do so. The survey closes Friday, April 26.
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The Centennial Boat Ramp will be temporarily closed starting Monday, April 1 for emergency repairs to the cement ramp. Portions of the cement have deteriorated underwater and created a safety hazard for boat trailers. The lane with known significant damage currently is closed.
All three double lane ramps will be closed while a scuba team inspects them. Areas with confirmed damage will be prepared immediately then repaired.
It’s anticipated the ramp will reopen by Saturday, April 6 in time for the weekend.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we ensure the ramp is safe for use. In the meantime, the boat ramp at Ken Thompson Park is open and available for boaters.
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This week, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche proudly unveiled Captain Demetri Konstantopoulos' name on the plaque of SPD FBI National Academy Graduates. Captain Konstantopoulos oversees the Support Services Division, including the Body Worn Camera Program, Property and Evidence Unit, Special Response Teams and more.
The National Academy is internationally renowned for its academic excellence, offering 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. To attend, a participant must have a proven record as a professional within their agency and 21 years' law enforcement experience on average.
Captain Konstantopoulos graduated from the Academy on March 15 becoming the twelfth officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend.
Chief Troche unveiling the plaque with Captain Konstantopoulos' name included.
The 289th session of the National Academy included men and women from 47 states, the District of Columbia, 23 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
"The Sarasota Police Department takes great pride in recognizing excellence within our ranks," said Chief Troche. "By completing the rigorous curriculum of the FBI National Academy, Captain Konstantopoulos has not only demonstrated his commitment to personal growth, but also exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to service."
The plaque remains proudly displayed in the community room on the second floor of the Sarasota Police Department.
We’re seeking a GIS Analyst to join our Information Technology team. Are you or someone you know qualified and interested in applying?
Visit www.Sarasotafl.gov to apply online and see other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has unveiled its eagerly anticipated 2024-2025 Broadway Subscription Series, featuring an impressive lineup of Broadway hits.
Headlining the season is the 10-time Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a captivating tale of love set against the backdrop of the iconic Moulin Rouge nightclub. The season also includes comedic gems like Beetlejuice and Clue, alongside stirring productions such as Les Misérables and Come From Away. Come for the emotionally gripping Dear Evan Hansen, the delightfully wicked Addams Family, the cherished Funny Girl, and the triumphant TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. This season, the Van Wezel guarantees a lineup brimming with glitz, glamour and captivating storytelling.
 In addition to the Broadway Subscription Series, you can enjoy a selection of Subscriber Specials, ranging from the annual favorite Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert to the dynamic Twyla Tharp Dance: Diamond Jubilee. Subscription packages offer various options from a full lineup to customizable series, providing discounts up to 20% off single ticket prices. Subscribers receive benefits like priority seating, ticket exchanges, and discounts. Subscriptions can now be reserved, offering theater enthusiasts the opportunity to secure their seats for an unforgettable season of entertainment at the Van Wezel.
Single tickets for shows will be available at a later date.
Subscriptions can be reserved online at www.VanWezel.org, by dialing the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office during operating hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you ready for Summer Break? The City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department offers fun and enriching camp opportunities for kids ages *6 to 12 at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex and the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex. (*5-year-olds who have completed kindergarten are also welcome.)
Campers will experience an exciting summer jam-packed with adventure, crafts, games, field trips, swimming, nature exploration, educational activities and more. The weekly fee includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and an off-site field trip.
Camps will run June 3 through August 2. (Due to holidays, camp will not be held on June 19 and July 4.) Drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. and campers must be picked up by 5:30 p.m.
Fee and registration information for each facility:
Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex Summer Camp
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Fee: $175 per week. (A non-refundable $25 deposit per session is due at registration. The remaining $150 balance is due the Wednesday before the session starts.)
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Registration: In person only at the facility (2650 Waldemere St.)
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More information: Call 941-263-6732 or email ArlingtonPark@sarasotaFL.gov
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex Summer Camp
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Fee: $75 per week. (Payment is due Wednesday for the following week of camp.)
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Registration: In person only at the facility (1845 John Rivers St.)
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More information: Call 941-263-6562
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We're looking for qualified individuals to fill open seats on many of our advisory boards!
Are you or someone you know interested in assisting with the betterment of our beautiful City? If so, check out the boards with open seats:
For more information on each advisory board, please visit the Advisory Boards page on the City’s website.
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