Sarasota Livin'

The next DRC meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers at Sarasota City Hall (1565 First Street). The following items will be discussed:

Development Review Session

06-SP-13
Residences at Hyde Park (2067 Hyde Park Street): Revised plans for three buildings at the northwest corner of Hyde Park and East Avenue. [Qinghong Wei, Sr. Planner].

06-SP-08
Finergy Office Building (2170 Main Street): Revised plans for a 4-story office building located on the south side of Main Street between Audubon Place and School Avenue. [Harvey Hoglund, AICP, Sr. Planner].

06-SP-11
Fruitville Ventures (210 East Avenue): Revised plans for a 4-story, mixed used building consisting of 17,800 s.f. office space and 4 residential units. [Harvey Hoglund, AICP, Sr. Planner].

06-SP-06
The DeMarcay (33 Palm Avenue): 2nd revision to plans for an 18-story, mixed-use building located between Palm Avenue and Miramar Court, one lot south of Main Street. [Harvey Hoglund, AICP, Sr. Planner].

Pre-Application Session

1. Sarasota Aloft (950 Airport Circle): Proposes development of a 3-story hotel consisting of 113 rooms with 116 parking spaces. The 2.98-acre, 129,763 s.f. site is zoned CP, Commercial Park. (Tom Gilgenbach, applicant).

Note: Development Review Committee meetings are open to the public. However, participation is limited to Committee Members, unless a Committee Member requests information of an applicant (Reference: Zoning Code, Section III-603). Opportunities for Citizen comment on proposed developments are provided through the Neighborhood Workshops by scheduling appointments with individual City Staff or by submitting written comments or speaking at public hearings before the Planning Board or City Commission.)

Picnic Meeting

Sat 3/18
10AM – 2PM

Westside of Lime between Lime Circle & Pelican

Face Painting – Heidi Rodeheaver
Food
Julie Colantouno – Veg Pasta Salad
Drinks
Basketball Shooting w/prizes
Helpers Needed
Chef Richard Varley will cook

Oscar Myer – hot dogs
Prizes for the kids
Terri Nickel – Italian Sausage
Prizes for the kids
Danny Bilyue – District 3 Commissioner
Neighborhood Partnership Office
Duane Mountain - Payne Park Progress

Captain Taylor – County Fire Dept

CALL 957-1031
For information or to Volunteer

The Downtown Partnership of Sarasota, Inc. and CCNA – Sarasota Coalition of City Neighborhoods invite you to attend a joint meeting to discuss the City of Sarasota’s plan to amend its Comprehensive Plan to allow increased residential densities for the creation of attainable housing in

The Downtown Core
Downtown Edge: The Rosemary District, Gillespie Park and Park East
Payne Park
Central Cocoanut Neighborhood

Tuesday, March 21, 2006
The Selby Library
7:00PM

Planning Board Agenda March 22, 2006 6:00 p.m.
SPECIAL Meeting City Hall Commission Chambers

I. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call

II. Changes to the Order of the Day

III. Land Use Administration Public Hearings
Notice to the Public: At this time anyone wishing to speak at the following public hearings will be required to take an oath. (Time limitations will be established by the Planning Board.)

Legislative Public Hearings

1. Downtown Density Bonus and Attainable Housing Policy: Comprehensive Plan Amendment application 06-PA-01 proposes a Density Bonus and Attainable Housing Policy that will allow the potential for increased residential densities on individual building sites in order to provide opportunities for construction of attainable housing units. Attainable housing is defined as housing that is affordable to families with incomes in the 60% to 120% range of Area Median Income [AMI]. Projects approved under this policy would be required to provide a minimum of 10% of the total dwellings units in the attainable price range. The program would be applicable to the Downtown Urban Mixed-Use land use classification.

As part of this Policy, the following areas will be considered for amendment to the “Downtown Urban Mixed-Use” land use classification on the Future Land Use Map:

· Central Cocoanut Neighborhood: currently designated Community Commercial, Community Office/Institutional and Multiple Family-Medium Density

· Rosemary Neighborhood: currently designated Downtown Urban General

· 4th Street Lots: currently designated Downtown Urban General

· Park East Neighborhood west of Lime Avenue: currently designated Downtown Urban General

· Park East Neighborhood east of Lime Avenue: currently designated Downtown Urban General

· School Avenue area: currently designated Multiple Family-Medium Density and Community Office/Institutional

· Wood Street area: currently designated Multiple Family-Medium Density

Additionally, as part of the Policy, modifications to the text of the Comprehensive Plan and to Illustration T-31, “Primary & Secondary Grid Streets” will be considered.

March 27 HOT TOPICS,

MAYOR MARY ANNE SERVIAN from the City of Sarasota, as well as TONY SOUZA, President of the Sarasota Downtown Partnership, discussing the state of our "downtown".

Community Foundation of Sarasota
2635 Fruitville Road
(between Tuttle Ave. and Lime Ave.)

11:30 a.m. $10 per person

Reservations can be made via the League email LWVSC@comcast.net, or phone 921-9778

We will be having a “deli” lunch, featuring sandwiches, chips, a drink and cookies—served buffet style, for under $10

The next session of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy will be held on:

Thursday, March 30, 2006
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sarasota County Administration Center
1660 Ringling Boulevard, 1st floor training room
Sarasota, Florida 34236

TOPIC: ABCD of Associations' Role in the Community
The principles of Asset Based Community Development describe the rold of a successful association within the community. Much of the frustration expressed because of waning attendance and lack of overall interest in the association can be resolved! If you have been looking for an answer, this workshop is for you!

The Neighborhood Leadership Academy is brought to you by Sarasota County Neighborhood Services and the City of Sarasota Neighborhood Partnership Office.

Public Workshop
Thrusday March 30
6pm
Selby Public Library Auditorium
hot topics

A nature walk led by Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Dr. Margaret Lowman and New College of Florida Conservation Biology students.

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1

Meet at the covered outdoor picnic area at T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Reserve, on the trail approximately 500 feet from the parking lot. To get to the reserve, drive south from Sarasota along I-75 to exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.). Turn left at the exit and then right at the next T-junction. Drive two miles to the next T-junction and turn left.

many topice but one special one is:

Presentation Re: Lieutenant Paul Sutton and Officer Kim Swatts will introduce the New Gang Officer and explain the initiatives of that department - Mayor Servian

at the early meeting the CRA will meet to discuss:

Direction Re: Analyzing the range of density and attainable housing alternatives prior to preparation of request for proposals (RFP) for the City owned Palm Avenue property - Chief Planner Burg

CRA.3. Approval Re: Direct staff to prepare a draft request for proposal, (RFP) for the redevelopment of City owned Palm
Avenue property, solicit a recommendation from the CRA Advisory Board, and report back to the CRA - Chief Planner Burg

On April 6, 2006 at the Green World Cafe 7pm to 9 pm Whole Foods Market Whole Lifestyle Center, free and open to the public event, join Sarasota Green Connection founder Mary Anne G. Bowie, AICP to hear about progress on all fronts, especially her planning assistance team work in Louisiana in March. As one of five professional urban planners, Mary Anne served on an American Planning/American Institute of Certified Planners team that created a post-Katrina redevelopment plan for Old Mandeville, an historical community on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Mandeville is a resort community that treasures its environmental heritage and mixed uses. As part of her efforts, Mary Anne was able to get buy-in from the community to move forward with permitting accessory dwelling units that will help provide a diversity of housing types and create affordable housing opportunities for this "receiver" community that lost 660 homes to the hurricanes. The City named Mary Anne and her fellow team members as honorary citizens in thanks for their work.

Additionally Mary Anne will give an update on the two newest green initiatives, Sarasota Green Marketplace LLC and Green Homes Now LLC, that are up and running. Remember to enter Whole Foods Market Whole Lifestyle Center at the corner of 1st and Lemon.

Local leaders from area municipalities and Sarasota County and state experts along with the Workforce Housing Coalition will be part of a panel facilitated by Tim Dutton of SCOPE.

Forum participants will learn about national and local programs, receive updates from the Community Housing Trust and learn more about employer-assisted housing research.

Bill O’Dell, a state expert from the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, will also be on hand to talk about affordable housing data.

The forum is 9:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 7th at the Ramada Inn, 1660 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey.

For more information and to RSVP contact Barb Williams 955-2508, extension 251 or send email to bwilliams@sarasotachamber.org

2006 Under the Radar at New College Saturday April 9th 11am to midnight

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

April 9: Eleventh Annual Giving Hunger The Blues, 12-8pm

"Giving Hunger The Blues" has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. This all-day event features local musicians, restaurants, children’s games and family entertainment. All the money raised stays within the county to help protect and feed less fortunate children. Hillview Street in Southside Village.

For more information call 941-366-5555.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

Thursday, April 13 - Fire Circle, Ceremony & Drumming under the full Moon at the Van Wezel by the Bay, led by Mockingbird clan members & friends. This occasion is open to the public at large. This is a special event for the Diapente Festival & will include a celebration for this first full moon of Spring & a ceremony of renewal. If you wish to participate in any special way, please let me know. Blessings of peace as we walk gently upon this good earth. Zan ButterflyDeerwoman - 922-7839.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

This Friday’s music will be provided by “The Venturas.”. Friday, April 14, 5:30 to 9:00 pm, on Lemon Avenue between Main Street and 1st Street.

Van Wezel has tickets for most events and a good summary

Festival Diapente, the perfect fifth, was founded with the recognition that Sarasota, Manatee, and the entire West Coast of Florida has a rich cultural landscape primed for continued harvest. Our culturally rich region has expressed support and creation of a unified art festival that celebrates not only traditional arts but also the exploration of art "on the edge." It’s a multi-day, multi tiered, and multi-dimensional festival embodying the spirit and energy of our community through the arts, from visual and performance to abstract and conceptual. It celebrates our five senses and reaffirms the notion that art has no boundaries.

Celebrate architecture, music, movement, sound, science and the visual arts in a splendid evocation of our sub-tropical home. Fashion and human sensitivities erupt during this seven-day quixotic celebration. The Van Wezel will be collaborating with many local organizations throughout the week and taking the festival through the community.

Thursday April 20th
Whole Foods
1451 First Street Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Spring Brews & Music Festival
Playing: Shakedown and My Friend Scott
6:00–7:45 p.m.
$10 per person
Includes beer tasting and a beer stein

Saturday April 22, 2006
1-4 pm
Corner of Proctor Road and Beneva, Sarasota FL
Free and Open to the Public

Meet & Greet Book Signing and Talk with Dr. Meg Lowman, world renowned scientist & forest ecology pioneer, Earth-mother, environmental educator
author and New College Professor.Her new book,IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE, MORE TALES FROM THE TREETOPS,is a New York Times notable book of the year, was written by Dr. Lowman and her two sons and is dedicated as a conservation ethics for families tool.

Make a Rain Barrel Demonstration & win one to take home. Cool prize drawings featuring local arts, food & intelligent entertainment that include: A 12 person guided nature tour sponsored by Around The Bend Nature Tours adventure gear from Environeers, Burns Court Cinemas movie passes,fruit trees, acupuncture treatment from The Healing Center,green living goodies and more.

Visit booths to include :
Award winning farm life artist, Jean Blackburn,
WSLR Community Radio
VegSarasota.org
Jessica’s Organic Farm
Lightworks Nursery
Aquarian Quest Tall Ships youth education program
Earthdance
Efest
Sarasota Green Marketplace
Downtown Farmers Market
ReLeaf Sarasota
Natures Partner
Tampa Bay farm to school program and much more.

Forum Truth for a Change, Hyatt Sarasota 7:30 PM

From America's premier political analyst, an explosive examination of the axis of religion, politics, and borrowed money that threatens to destroy the nation. In his two most recent New York Times bestselling books, American Dynasty and Wealth and Democracy, Kevin Phillips established himself as a powerful critic of the political and economic forces that are ruling - and imperiling - the United States. Now, Phillips takes an uncompromising view of the political coalition, led by radical religion, that is driving America to the brink of disaster.

TICKETS: $15 for one member; $25 for non-members, hardcover book included; call (941) 349-8350

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 29

Inside and around the grounds of G.WIZ, The Hands-On Science Museum, 1001 Blvd. Of the Arts, Sarasota, on Sarasota Bay

The cost of using many of our current energy sources is high — both in dollars and in environmental impact. This free, fun community festival will showcase energy-smart businesses and organizations that provide information about energy conservation, renewable energy and energy efficient technologies that can help all of us save money and become more energy-independent.

The festival is free; just bring energy, enthusiasm and the entire family for fun activities, food, educational workshops, and music by local bands Stuck in Sherman, Rum Runners, and StitchCraft. Visit energy-smart businesses that offer products and services to help consumers save money, save energy, and save the environment. Learn about choices for a sustainable, affordable energy future.

May 4th, 2006 WALK AND BIKE BETTER May's Green World Cafe will feature speaker Andrew Noune, President of the Alliance for Responsible Transportation (ART).

ART aims to to promote cycling and walking as viable forms of transportation in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. ART is working in two primary areas: advocacy for better conditions and direct aid to walkers and cyclists. Come learn the benefits of cycling and walking, and how you can become involved!

May 4th, Green World Cafe will be held from 7 to 9 pm Whole Foods Market Whole Lifestyle Center Enter at 1st and Lemon, downtown Sarasota Florida.

For more info go to Sarasota Green Connection

The Members of the Board of the Sarasota County Civic League
cordially invite you to our annual dinner banquet
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Michael’s on East
Guest Speaker: Susan McManus
Political Scientist and Commentator
Cocktails 6 p.m.
Dinner 7 p.m.

Reservations Required by April 28
Reservations: Call 925-2970, email meetingrsvp@comcast.net
Or mail to Civic League, c/o Kim Noyes, 6120 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34231

produced by SRQ Magazine

County commission candidates debate and answer questions at CONA’s May 8 meeting

The three candidates for Sarasota County Commission District 2 seat will debate at CONA's candidates’ night set for Monday, May 8, at 7:00 PM at the Waldemere Firehouse in Sarasota. Joe Barbetta , John Lewis, and Casey Pilon are all vying for the seat being vacated by David Mills.

CONA’s candidates’ night format provides each candidate a three minute opening statement after which all respond to questions submitted by audience members to the CONA moderator. Each candidate is then given one minute to sum up.

CONA, the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations, is a county-wide coalition of fifty-nine neighborhood and condominium associations and individuals organized around making Sarasota County more neighborhood friendly. Members of the public and the media, as well as CONA members are invited to attend.

Save the date: Thursday, May 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. SCOPE is offering its first-ever Community Indicators Class specifically designed for local and future candidates.

They will learn about trends over the past five years on issues such as education, income and poverty, race, health, transportation, and housing.

Also, they will see the community’s data through the Census website. More details about location and agenda to follow.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact SCOPE at 365-8751.

efest

Saturday May 13th 2006
10am - 5pm
Van Wezel - bayside

Sunday, May 14:
6:30 to 7:30 a.m., (registration)
8 a.m. (races start)

Where is it happening:
T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice

Why is it happening

The 5K and half-marathon runs are part of the "Carlton Challenge." (A half-marathon run is 13 miles.) The runs are sponsored by Bikesenjava, Caldwell Trust Company, The Friends of the Carlton Reserve and Sarasota County Parks. Both runs will be off-road events; routes go through a variety of environmental habitats within the reserve.

This is a chance for participants to take their running skills to a new level or get started on a new exercise program while enjoying the outdoors.

Runners may register by mail by sending their name, address, age, phone and e-mail address to

The Friends of the Carlton Reserve
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway
Venice, FL. 34292

Registration postmarked prior to May 6 is $25
Day-of-event registration is $35

Contact for public:

For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center at (941) 861-5000 or e-mail Rick Storsberg at rstorsberg@scgov.net