CIVIC ICONS - WE HEART ART!

Ciera Coleman, who designed the city's new logo, was recognized as employee of the month. Her flexible “COS” design embraces Sarasota's sunny setting, artsy culture, and modern beachy vibe,

Arts are at Sarasota's heart, as CityPAC advisor Georgia Court emphasized while urging we support local arts, artists, and arts organizations. One of the city’s unique art experiences - the Chalk Festival - will be returning to Burns Court this November, with a new interdisciplinary Living Arts Festival debuting the following weekend.

GOVERNMENT OF, BY & FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE & WORK HERE

The neighbors of the 1260 Palm Avenue project made the point that "if it doesn't fit, you must not permit" and implored the commission to prioritize the cityscape and the 4,000 residents who have objected to the out-of-scale building.

Reporting that they have lost significant business due to tickets and apps required for streetside meters, compounded by construction vehicles parking all day preventing turn-over of the few spaces available, the merchants on Palm signed a petition asking the city to restore 2 hour free parking to that mixed use retail frontage street.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Every economic decision has trade-offs, explained a resident with a strong business background as he recommended the steps that should be taken in evaluating the public benefits, costs, and risks of the proposed city-owned housing across from city hall.

Commission candidate Ron Kashden, a CPA, spoke to the fiduciary duties incumbent upon public officials before entering agreements involving committing tax dollars.

PARKS & PEACEKEEPING

Residents from Lido Key shared details on the alarming number of serious incidents at Ted Sperling Park, with after hours activity resulting in over 320 police calls. They urged the city and county to clarify jurisdiction and ensure the park is closed at night.

TUESDAYS IN JUNE - COFFEE WITH THE ENDORSED CANDIDATES

Please stop by Pastry Art on Tuesdays in June between 8-9 a.m. to meet Ron Kashden (District 2) and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich (District 3) the two city commission candidates that CityPAC endorsed after its March 28 forum (watch video).

One of the many reasons CityPAC embraces these candidates is that both are eager to speak with other residents, and learn from their perspectives.