Commissioners to continue budget talks

Sarasota County commissioners will consider a request from the town of Longboat Key for $1.2 million for improvements to Bayfront Park, among other county-wide funding priorities during a budget workshop tomorrow.

The town is planning upgrades to tennis and shuffleboard courts, new playground equipment and landscaping. The funding request is one of four projects not currently included in the five-year capital improvement plan, which commissioners will discuss during the meeting.

County staff will also present updates on current public works projects, such as the new Gulf Gate Library, the emergency operations center and improvements at Nathan Benderson Park.

During the meeting commissioners will also consider:

+ A resolution expressing support for the Florida Department of Transportation plans to build a diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of University Parkway and I-75
+ A resolution declaring Warm Mineral Springs as surplus property opening it up for the long-term opportunity for development
+ Programmed funding for athletic field maintenance

IF YOU GO
What: Sarasota County Commission budget workshop
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 25
Where: Administration Building, Third Floor Think Tank, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota