In Brief

+ Commissioner Robinson to officially take office
The newest Sarasota County commissioner will be sworn into office during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Dec. 17, at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringing Blvd.

Gov. Charlie Crist appointed Christine Robinson last month to replace District 3 Commissioner Shannon Staub, who retired Dec. 15 after 14 years in office.

Robinson will serve out the two remaining years on Staub’s term. The new commissioner would then be able to run for that seat again if she wishes, but says it’s too soon now to make that decision.

+ Farmers Market moves to Thursday for one week
For one week only, the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market will be held on a weekday.
Because Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, the Farmers Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23.

Just like on a Saturday, Lemon Avenue will be closed from First Street to Pineapple Avenue, so all parked cars will need to be removed from that section of the street.

A small part of State Street will also be closed on either side of Lemon Avenue.

Lemon Avenue will re-open at 2:30 p.m.

+ Sarasota real-estate sales climb 10% in November
With 534 transactions, Sarasota real-estate sales climbed 10% in November. The previous month saw 487 home and condo sales.

Last month’s sales, however, were 7% lower than November 2009.

The median sales price for a home last month was $160,100, which was $12,600 higher than October’s median price.

At $159,000, the median sales price of condos in November was less than $2,000 higher than the previous month.

The Sarasota Association of Realtors believes a slight upward trend in sales and prices over the past five months indicates a sign of recovery.

“There certainly appears to be a solid foundation for consistent, stable sales and prices as we enter the new year,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway.

+ Gold Coast Eagle kicks off Tow to Go for the holidays
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing will begin its 12th year of its Tow to Go program.

Now through New Year’s Day, anyone of drinking age can take advantage of the program, which provides a free tow service and ride home for people.

Tow to Go is aimed at keeping drunk drivers off Sarasota and Manatee county streets.

Anyone seeking a free ride and tow can call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357).

+ Parking-ticket office prepares to move
Those who need to pay their parking tickets will need to take note of the parking office’s new location.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, the office will be located in the Sarasota Police Department headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane.

To prepare for the move, the current office in City Hall will be closed Friday, Dec. 17.

+ Clarification
Westfield Southgate Shopping Mall paid for the two elephants to be transported to Sarasota for the Holiday Parade.