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FDOT Public Hearing for US 41 Design Project from Blackburn Point Road to McIntosh Road in Sarasota County

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One is hosting a public hearing for proposed median and access management improvements to US 41 from Blackburn Point Road to McIntosh Road in Sarasota County.

Meeting date and location:

Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018
Time: 5 p.m. Open house / 6 p.m. Public Hearing
Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 241 Burney Road, Osprey, Florida 34229

Beginning at 5 p.m., people can view the draft design plans, display boards with design overlays, ask questions, and provide comments to FDOT representatives. The formal public hearing begins at 6 p.m. A hearing moderator will offer introductory remarks and a slide presentation will follow describing the project.

The primary purpose of this project is to create a complete street that serves all users: cars, trucks, transit, pedestrians and bicycles.

The proposed design includes reconstruction of paved shoulders from 4 feet to 7 feet to provide 7-foot-wide buffered bike lanes, widening of the right-turn lanes to accommodate the new bike lanes, and adding 5-foot-wide sidewalks to fill in the gaps on either side of the roadway. The proposed design also includes widening the medians and closing the median opening at Holland Street and extend the southbound left turn lane at Bay Street to allow for additional space for vehicles.

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at 863-519-2573 or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.

Interested parties may submit written comments at the meeting or by mail postmarked by March 26, 2018 to Justin R. Reck, FDOT Project Manager, at 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830, by telephone at 863-519-2502 or toll-free at 1-800-292-3368, Ext. 2502, or by email to [email protected].

For more information please visit our website SWFLRoads.com or contact Justin R. Reck as referenced above.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Host 2018 2Gen Summit on Breaking Cycles of Poverty

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In partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is hosting the 2018 2Gen Summit on March 13 & 14, the second of its kind in our region. The conference takes place at the Lee Wetherington Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. Over two days, more than 250 local leaders from nonprofit organizations, civic groups, county school systems, the private sector, and city and county commissions will convene to determine ways Sarasota County, Manatee County, and our greater community can strategize how to honor, respect and support vulnerable families as they take steps to break the multi-generational cycle of poverty. Attendees will hear from national thought leaders from around the country, program directors, social workers, and parents and families.

Inspired by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the summit revolves around the subject of the two-generation, or “2Gen,” approach which focuses on creating opportunities and addressing needs of both children and the adults in their lives together. The 2Gen approach incorporates four core components: educational opportunities, economic supports, social capital, and health and well-being.

Since 2011, the Community Foundation has been partnering with local organizations and county schools to integrate 2Gen philosophy into local programs directed at lifting vulnerable families out of poverty. The summit aims to benefit 2Gen novices and experts by providing the latest research and innovative practices that support families on their journey to economic security and educational success.

Agenda topics cover: Mental Health, Affordable Housing, Racial Equity, Parent Education and Workforce Training, Engaging and Listening to Families, Building Successful Partnerships, and Effectively Measuring Program Outcomes.

Speakers include:

  • Ann Christiano, Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communications, University of Florida School of Journalism
  • Anne Mosle, Vice President at the Aspen Institute and Executive Director of Ascend
  • Monica Barczak, Director of Strategic Partnerships, CAP Tulsa
  • Dr. Raquel T. Hatter, Deputy Director of the Human Services Program, The Kresge Foundation
  • Stacy Spann, Executive Director, Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, MD.
  • Hal Williams, Outcomes Guide

For more details about the 2Gen Summit or to schedule separate interviews with speakers, please contact Murray Devine at 941.556.7122 or [email protected].

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of over $333 million in more than 1,400 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $33 million dollars this past year in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. Since our founding, more than $217 million has been invested back into the community through grants and scholarships. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org.

RoadWatch Advisory for Laurel Road at Legacy Trail in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
Laurel Road at the Legacy Trail: Construction project: Crews are removing a mast arm as part of ongoing construction for the Legacy Trail pedestrian overpass. Motorists should expect daytime intermittent, short-term east and westbound lane closures controlled by flaggers on Thursday, December 14, while crews remove the mast arm. Trail users should also be prepared for intermittent, short-term delays during this time.

Public Information Meeting US 41 Roundabouts at 10th Street and 14th Street in Sarasota County

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, October 3rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bayfront Community Center located at 803 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41) in Sarasota. The public may arrive anytime between 5 p.m. and   7 p.m. Participants can view display boards of the design and speak with FDOT and project staff. An informative video of the project will be available for viewing throughout the meeting. Project staff will be present to answer questions.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of reconstructing the signalized intersections and replacing them with roundabouts, enhancing connectivity, circulation and safety. US 41 will be widened between the two intersections and will include bike lanes as well as dedicated turn lanes, a 10-foot sidewalk along the west side, and a 6-foot sidewalk along the east side. Other improvements include raised islands for pedestrian refuge at the intersections of US 41 at 10th Street and 14th Street, pedestrian signals, LED street lights, landscaping and City of Sarasota utility and underground drainage structure replacements. In addition, bus facilities will be enhanced to include bus landing pads, bus shelters, bus benches, bike racks, and a new bus bay adjacent to Centennial Park. Expected completion is spring 2020. The contractor is IBT Construction LLC.

 Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator at 800-292-3367 or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the public meeting.

RoadWatch Advisory for US 41/Venice By-Pass in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
US 41/Venice By-Pass from Gulf Coast Boulevard to Bird Bay Drive: Construction project: Crews continue installing utility and storm drain systems and constructing temporary pavement.
Traffic Shift: Northbound traffic on US 41 between Venice Avenue and Bird Bay Drive will shift to the newly constructed northbound lanes overnight Sunday, May 14.
Expect intermittent nighttime/overnight northbound and southbound lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project limits while crews are working. Motorists should be mindful of the construction signs in place and traffic control officers and use caution while traveling through the project area. Bergeron Land Development is the contractor. Expected completion is spring 2018.

RoadWatch Advisory for US 41 in Sarasota County

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SARASOTA COUNTY
US 41 from Browning Street to 11th Street: Construction project: Crews are resurfacing the roadway; installing new drainage; installing highway lighting, curb and gutter; constructing new sidewalk, and installing new signing and pavement markings. Expect nighttime/overnight lane closures on US 41; US 301; Fruitville Road, and Orange Avenue while crews are working. Beginning the week of Sunday, May 14 crews will construct a new right turn-lane from northbound US 41 to Fruitville Road. Once constructed, the existing right turn-lane will be closed to traffic. Crews will then construct a pedestrian island and improve drainage. Nighttime/overnight northbound outside lane closures are also expected from 9 p.m. each night to 6 a.m. each morning while crews are working. Preferred Materials, Inc. is the contractor. Expected completion is fall 2017.

RoadWatch Advisory for Sarasota and Manatee Counties

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Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED/DETOUR 
at I-75/University Parkway Interchange

SARASOTA/MANATEE
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Sarasota/Bradenton:  Construction Project:

Detour – Eastbound University Parkway CLOSED under I-75 at the I-75/University Parkway Interchange:  

Tuesday, May 9. Details below:

The contractor anticipates implementing a temporary detour route on eastbound University Parkway at the I-75/University Parkway interchange at night/overnight beginning Tuesday, May 9 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday morning while crews pave University Parkway.

Motorists traveling eastbound on University Parkway (west of I-75) wishing to travel east through the interchange are directed to travel southbound on I-75, exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210, enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.

Motorists traveling southbound on I-75 wishing to travel east on University Parkway are directed to exit at Fruitville Road/Exit 210 (south of the closure), enter northbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.

Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on  I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/.

RoadWatch Advisory: Westbound University Parkway in Sarasota/Manatee

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FDOT Header

Westbound University Parkway CLOSED Thursday, March 30 and
Friday, March 31 at I-75/University Parkway Interchange

SARASOTA/MANATEE
I-75 (SR 93) / University Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Sarasota/Bradenton:  Construction Project:
Detour – WESTBOUND University Parkway CLOSED under I-75 at the I-75/University Parkway Interchange:  
Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31. Details below:
The contractor anticipates implementing a temporary detour route on westbound University Parkway at the I-75/University Parkway interchange on Thursday, March 30 at 10 p.m. through Friday morning at 6 a.m. and Friday, March 31 at 10 p.m. through Saturday morning while crews pave University Parkway under I-75.
Motorists traveling west on University Parkway (east of I-75) wishing to travel west through the interchange are directed to travel north on I-75, exit at westbound SR 70/Exit 217B, enter southbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Motorists traveling north on I-75 wishing to travel west on University Parkway are directed to exit at westbound SR 70/Exit 217B (north of the closure), enter southbound I-75, and exit at University Parkway/Exit 213.
Improvements being made as part of this project consist of constructing a diverging diamond interchange, adding an auxiliary lane on northbound and southbound I-75, constructing new bridges on  I-75 over University Parkway, widening of University Parkway, widening of I-75 bridges over Errie Creek and Foley Creek, realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps at I-75/University Parkway, addition of ponds, drainage improvements, new lighting and signalization, construction of a noise wall on the west side of I-75, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Prince Contracting, LLC. For additional information, please visit the project website at http://www.swflroads.com/i75/university/

Implementing Ranked Choice Voting in Sarasota

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Implementing Ranked Choice Voting in Sarasota
With the purchase of new voting machines in 2016, the City of Sarasota can honor voters’ wishes and finally implement ranked choice voting (instant runoff voting). Local reformers are holding an educational meeting on the issue on Sunday, April 9th.
In 2007, Sarasota voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot initiative supporting the implementation of ranked choice voting (referred to as “instant runoff voting”) in the City of Sarasota with 77% support. It was seen as a way to improve elections and save taxpayer dollars by avoiding costly runoffs (see ORDINANCE No. 07-4719). At the time of the referendum, the voting machines used in Sarasota were not compatible for use with ranked choice voting. However, this changed with last year’s purchase of new machines by the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections.
It is now time to implement RCV in Sarasota! The Election Reform Committee of the Peace Education and Action Center will host an educational meeting on Sunday, April 9th at 3:00 pm at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center at 525 Kumquat Court. The meeting will focus on how ranked choice voting works, the current status of RCV in Sarasota, as well as the opportunities, challenges, and next steps in implementation.
The featured speaker will be Jeanne Massey, Executive Director of FairVote Minnesota, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes voting systems which offer greater competitiveness, better representation, and more participation. Before becoming executive director, she led the successful Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign to adopt ranked choice voting in 2006 and is a frequent media resource on electoral reform.
Local resident Tony Stefan will present the history of the RCV initiative in Sarasota and Committee Co-Chair John Severini will talk about next steps in the campaign locally and statewide. Doors will open at 3:00 pm with an informal reception. The presentations will start at 3:30 pm.
For more information on the Sarasota Peace Education and Action Center and the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center please visit http://www.sarasotapeacenter.org/events.html. For more information on FairVote Minnesota please visit http://www.fairvotemn.org/about-us.