News Briefs

+ Libraries, AARP offering free tax-return assistance
Sarasota County libraries and the American Association of Retired Persons are offering free assistance with the preparation of 2011 tax returns through April 17. 

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are available to assist with filing federal returns at the following locations: 
• Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota


• Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota

• Fruitville Library, 100 Coburn Road, Sarasota 

Days and times vary by location, according to a county news release. 

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 or visit the libraries’ website at www.sclibs.net, and click on “Taxes.”  

+ Volunteers needed for 2012 cleanup 
Keep Sarasota County Beautiful has begun registering volunteers for the 2012 Great American Cleanup, which will be conducted from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 7, at sites throughout Sarasota County.
In case of rain, the cleanup will be held Saturday, April 14.

“The Great American Cleanup gives people the opportunity to take pride in their community,” said KSCB Manager Sandra Washington in the news release. “Residents of Sarasota take a lot of pride when it comes to living in paradise, so when family and friends come to visit, they want to make sure they get the best impression.”

“The Great American Cleanup is one of the county’s most popular events,” Washington said in the news release.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net, keyword search “KSCB.”

+ Members sought for emergency services board
The Sarasota County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Services District Advisory Board is looking for new members.

The advisory board reviews the assessments for the various taxing districts and makes recommendations to the Sarasota County Commission, through the fire chief, regarding acquisition of property, capital improvements, operations and maintenance.

Additionally, the board conducts studies to enable it to recommend and request services and facilities it deems necessary to the residents of the respective districts. 

The board has seven vacancies. To serve, an applicant must be a resident of Sarasota County. Applicants may not live on Longboat Key or in the city of North Port.

One vacancy must be filled by someone residing within each of the following areas: the city of Sarasota, Englewood-Fire Control District and the city of Venice. Four members must reside within Sarasota County.

The term of appointment is three years, and members must be able to attend at least 75% of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year. The board meets no more than four times a year. 

For more information, visit www.scgov.net; use the keyword search, “Advisory Boards.”

+ Correction
An item in the Our Town section of the Feb. 16 issue incorrectly reported the amount the Siesta Key Village Association paid recently to clean the banners along Ocean Boulevard in the Village.

The bill was $300.

Meetings & Agendas
• Siesta Key Association — 4:30 p.m. March 1, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Room F, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key.
• Siesta Key Village Association — 8:30 a.m. March 6, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key.
• Sarasota County School Board — 6:30 p.m. March 6, Sarasota County School District offices, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota.