A4. Something Huge

Finally!  I always felt we should have “Sarasota” painted on the huge blue water tower that is seen from I-75, located between the Fruitville Rd and University Parkway exits, and finally it’s happened!  Sarasota wants to put their best foot forward as they host the 2017 World Rowing Championship at Nathan Benderson Park later this month and it was planned to have the “Visit Sarasota County” logos painted on the tower before the event.  This is the first time this rowing regatta event has been held in the United States in over 20 years.  Some 42,000 athletes and supporters from all over the world are anticipated to be here to enjoy the World Rowing Championship and experience all that Sarasota County has to offer.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, approximately 134,000 vehicles pass the tower daily.  The two logos painted on the tower will be visible to drivers going both north and southbound.  Local tourism officials hope that the logos on the tower will entice drivers to stop off in Sarasota.  From Nathan Benderson Park, it is visible in the backdrop across the interstate.

 

 

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44. Someone Working (Week 52)

“Government is the people’s business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid.”  ~ Ronald Reagan ~

“Our tax dollars at work” is evident in Sarasota.  Revenue from a penny surtax approved by voters in 2007 has enabled Sarasota County to complete capital improvement projects without raising property taxes.  This sales tax is collected from year-round residents, seasonal residents, and tourists.

The infrastructure tax  is a one-cent sales tax that funds many capital improvement projects for Sarasota County to make it a better place to live, work, and visit.  Aside from road improvements, past projects have included street tree landscaping, the new North Port Police station, North Port High School, new fire stations, bike trails, waterway improvements, and improvements to the Venice pier parking lot.

The penny was first approved by voters in 1989.  An extension was approved by voters in 1999.  In 2007 Sarasota County voters were swayed again to approve a 15-year renewal of the 1 percent sales tax.  Sarasota County Commissioners agreed to dedicate 50% of the revenues for transportation projects.

I took this photo from my car east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.  The purpose of the Bee Ridge Road Project is to widen the road from two lanes to four.  The project includes sidewalks, bike trails, street lighting, landscaped medians, and four roundabouts.

This is in my neighborhood, so I am having to endure the trials of road construction now as I travel to and from work five days a week.  And should I mention that I travel north on I-75 to University Parkway each day to get to work?  Locals know that the I-75 / University Parkway Interchange Road Project is to begin August 3rd.  Oh joy!