Observe This: Today’s Top Stories

Sarasota County aims to help businesses

→ Sarasota County Administrator Randall Reid, hired earlier this year, has created a new team of employees dedicated to business and economic development.

Sarasota County Administrator Randall Reid, hired earlier this year, has created a new team of employees dedicated to business and economic development.

Jeff Maultsby, the county’s manager of business and economic development, will lead the group. Lisa Damschroder and Teresa Mast, two other county employees, were also named to the team, according to a statement from Sarasota County Commission Chairwoman Christine Robinson. Maultsby will report... [click here to read on!]

County commissioners discuss road project priorities Tuesday

→ Commissioners will also discuss a new 911 Emergency Operations Center on county-owned property at 1301 Cattlemen Road.

The Sarasota County Commission meets Tuesday to prioritize the county’s 2012 major improvement project priorities and the county’s state and federal transportation program priorities, which includes a Sarasota Bayfront U.S. 41 Connectivity Plan that will bring roundabouts to the major thoroughfare.

Commissioners will also consider a proposed lease agreement with the city of Sarasota to lease approximately 3,394 square feet of office space at 2050 Adams Lane in the amount of $10 per year for five years for a Sarasota County Law Library. A new 911 Emergency Operations Center on county-owned property at 1301 Cattlemen Road will also be reviewed, as well as... [click here to read on!]

Committee to explore community center prospects

→ The Longboat Key Town Commission reached consensus to create a committee and to organize a poll to determine how to move forward.

A committee will form to explore prospects for a community center at Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

The Longboat Key Town Commission reached consensus at its April 19 workshop to form the committee following a suggestion by Mayor Jim Brown, who said that the committee should first explore the role of a community center. He also suggested that the town organize a poll of citizens to determine what they want.

The committee will consist of... [click here to read on!]

PHOTO GALLERY: YouthArts Fest

→ More than 500 students displayed their artistic talents in Five Points Park Saturday, April 21, as part of YouthArts Fest, which aims to increase awareness of the importance of art in education. The event included dancing, face painting, activities and various forms of art.

[Click here to see the photo gallery!]