News Briefs

+ County repeals incentive resolution
The Sarasota County Commission Tuesday, June 26, voted unanimously to repeal and replace a 2010 resolution related to economic incentives provided for businesses that relocate to the county.

Resolution No. 2010-199, which established a fund to provide grants to firms moving to the area and tied guidelines for relocation tax refunds to disbursement of grants. Proponents of the new resolution said there should be specific guidelines for those receiving grants and those receiving tax breaks, which the new resolution established.

Mark Huey, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, supported the legislation with recommendations from his organization, and other area non-profits guided the process, as well.

“I’m very proud that we got to this point in such a collaborative way,” said Commission Chairwoman Christine Robinson.

+ First lighting demo disappoints
Jag Lighting Solutions Inc. Monday, June 18, held a demonstration of its LED lighting products that are being considered for the Siesta Key Village crosswalks. The demonstration did not meet the expectations of Siesta leaders in attendance.

Jag, a firm based out of Winter Springs, brought three LED bollards to the crosswalk between Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar and Gilligan’s Island Bar and Grill, said Sarasota County Traffic Engineering staff member Ryan Montague.

“The consensus was that the bollards were not adequate lighting for the crosswalks,” he said.

+ Commission delays grant talks
Sarasota County Commissioners, June 26, voted unanimously to delay approval for $1.3 million of Tourist Development Cultural Arts grants after Commission Chairwoman Christine Robinson raised concerns about South Sarasota County representation in the groups that would receive county funds.

Three of the 38 awards would have gone to South Sarasota County organizations if the commission approved disbursement. Commissioner Nora Patterson motioned to delay the approval until July 11, when Arts and Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley will return with more information about qualified South County organizations.

Meetings & Agendas
• Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, July 2, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota
• Siesta Key Village Association meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
• Siesta Key Association meeting — 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
• Sarasota City Commission Budget Workshop — 3 p.m. Friday, July 6, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota