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Hello Everyone,
Our Emergency Management team, in coordination with Sarasota County and the State of Florida, is closely monitoring a tropical weather system that is expected to become a tropical storm and produce heavy rainfall this weekend. Equipment is being staged in areas that are known to have flooding issues. We encourage everyone to review their preparedness plans now and be ready for this event and the rest of hurricane season. This webpage from the Florida Division of Emergency Management is a very helpful planning resource. Please stay tuned to local media outlets and follow the City of Sarasota's social media channels for updates.
Following two days of budget workshops, last week, when the City Commission was presented with in-depth details about the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget, the Commission unanimously approved setting the preliminary operating millage rate at the current 3.0000 rate.
City Manager Marlon Brown along with Financial Administration Director Kelly Strickland presented a responsible proposed budget that addresses the needs of our growing community while keeping the operating millage rate unchanged. Property values increased approximately 9% this year and the additional revenue will be allocated to provide increased levels of service. We are aware of the need to remain vigilant with cyber security and to provide our police officers with advanced technology to safeguard the community, so additional funding has been allocated in both areas. We will begin discussions soon on a revised Downtown Master Plan, a traffic calming plan, water transit plan and design and much more for the next fiscal year.
The financials for our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, are looking good! Just eight months after downsizing the course from 45 holes to 27, it is projected to have a fund balance of almost $1 million to start the new fiscal year October 1. What an incredible turnaround! And the excitement will continue to build as the Commission discusses final design plans soon for a new signature clubhouse. Congratulations to everyone involved to this point.
The City Commission will hold two public hearings on the proposed budget next month. We hope you can attend and share your feedback:
- Tuesday, Sept. 3: 5:30 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 16: 5:30 p.m.
Both meetings will be held at City Hall, 1565 First Street.
Have a safe weekend!
Regards,
 Liz Alpert
Mayor
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Exciting news! We’re updating the City of Sarasota website www.Sarasotafl.gov
Our goal is to create a new, more user-friendly site with improved interface and engagement to make it easier to find information and conduct business online.
We’re starting by asking you, the user, your thoughts about the current website. How do you use it? What do you like? What should be improved? We want to hear from you!
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Share the survey link www.Sarasotafl.gov/WebsiteSurvey with friends, neighbors and family. We’re gathering feedback from a diverse cross section of the community to help inform decisions with the makeover.
Our team is looking forward to creating and delivering a robust site for all with enhanced efficiencies and engagement. We appreciate your interest and participation from the very start.
We’re pleased to share that development applications are now being accepted online via the City’s website.
This digital option is convenient and cost-effective for applicants who previously had to print 13 sets of large 24 x 13 plans for Development Review Committee members. Now an applicant can attach the plans with the digital application. City staff then uploads those records to eDocs for easy public access online.
Several years ago, the Development Services Department began offering building permit submittals online. The software used for that process recently was expanded to include development applications.
Check out the Development Service’s portal links here.
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Heads up! If you own a short-term vacation rental within the city limits, be sure to register it by Oct. 31 to avoid late fees. The final deadline for registration is Dec. 31.
While registration previously has been required on the barrier islands, the City Commission this past February approved expanding the registration requirement to the mainland.
Registration is required for vacation rentals within Residential Single and Multi-Family Zoning Districts. Owner occupied vacation rentals, condominiums, cooperatives, or properties rented for 30 days or more are exempt from registration.
Unsure whether your vacation rental needs to be registered? Please email questions to VacationRentals@SarasotaFL.gov or call 941-263-6623.
Click here to learn more and find out how to register your vacation rental.
It’s that time when summer winds down and students return to school. As we prepare for back to school, we want to share some key reminders regarding school zones and bus safety.
Did you know most school zones in Sarasota are 15 mph? Be aware of school zones on your route and plan for extra travel time. When you see the flashing school zone lights, adjust your speed to the posted limit. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in school zones.
When should you stop for school buses on various roads in the city? On a two-lane road, cars traveling in both directions must stop. On a paved, multiple-lane road, cars traveling in both directions must stop. On a road divided by a raised barrier or unpaved median at least five feet wide, only drivers behind the bus must stop. Cars traveling in the opposite direction should slow down and be aware of kids loading or unloading from the bus.
Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include:
- Moving violation subject to citation;
- Requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction;
- Four points on your driver license; and
- Minimum fine of $371. Passing on the side where children enter and exit while lights are activated is a mandatory court appearance with fines and court cost in excess of $400.
We're committed to keeping our children safe. As the new school year begins, our officers will actively enforce speeding and school bus laws. Thank you, Sarasota, for your caution and help in ensuring a safe return to school for our students!
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We have an exciting lineup of Broadway productions coming to the Van Wezel, and our Director of Education, Justin Gomlak, is planning another season of highly interactive movement classes that feature the songs for each show.
Come experience the warmth, artistry, and fun that Justin brings to his class, giving each participant an insider’s view into the featured show.
While the classes are designed for the adult learner, teens and persons with disabilities are most welcome. Classes are $30 for one, and $25 each for four or more. Register here.
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We unveiled a barrier-breaking amenity last week helping disabled individuals to access Lido Beach --- the EcoRover!
This “little tank” effortlessly moves over terrain where traditional mobility aids may struggle. With easy-to-use controls, an oxygen tank holder and a remote attendant control, the EcoRover makes the sun and sand accessible to all.
It was purchased by the City on behalf of the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board using funds from handicap parking violation fines.
The EcoRover is completely free to use and can be reserved for up to four hours at a time Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by emailing our ADA Coordinator Jake Brown at jake.brown@sarasotafl.gov.
Reservation inquiries started coming in as soon as the EcoRover was announced!
Learn more about the EcoRover here and check out this video on our Facebook page.
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As we approach the final days of summer, the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is offering extended pool hours so the community can beat the heat and enjoy the aquatic facilities before the back-to-school rush begins.
The RLTCC pool boasts a range of features, including a zero-entry area, splash pad zone, large slide, water jets, lap lanes, ample outdoor seating, access to locker rooms and a newly installed pelican slide for the kids. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Next week, Aug. 6-10 pool hours will be as follows:
- Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Day passes for the pool and locker rooms are $4 for adults and $2 for children under 17. Make sure to review the pool rules before you arrive to speed up the check in process.
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In addition to this position, many other employment opportunities are available with the City of Sarasota. Check out a complete list and apply online here.
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Monday, Aug. 5 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 5:30 p.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Public Notice
Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 1 p.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Thursday, Aug. 8 | 5:30 p.m.
VFW, Auxiliary Hall | 124 S. Tuttle Ave.
Agenda
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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