In Brief

+ Engel & Völkers promotes plan
Engel & Völkers Longboat Key/Anna Maria Island broker/President Ray Alexander and agent Tina Rudek are coordinating community business leaders from Anna Maria Island to Sarasota in “Operation Condor” to support potential plans for the Hamburg, Germany,-based Condor Air to offer direct flights from Frankfurt to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Alexander and Rudek say the flight could generate more European visitors. SRQ and Condor officials will meet Monday, July 19.

+ Road-paving project announced
The Sarasota County portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be resurfaced from the Sarasota-Manatee county line to New Pass Bridge starting in August.

The project, which is expected to be complete in February 2011, involves removing old asphalt and resurfacing the road, shoulder work, curb and gutter modifications and the addition of new sidewalks, pavement markings and highway signs.

The Florida Department of Transportation will host a public information meeting about the project from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Public Works Director Juan Florensa said the town worked with FDOT to push back the paving project from May until August so the bulk of a pipeline-upsizing project will be complete before paving begins.
The Manatee County portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive was repaved last summer.

+ Excessive sign discussion planned
Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson has invited Florida Department of Transportation officials to appear at the Sept. 23 regular workshop to discuss what’s perceived as excessive signage along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Simpson said the FDOT officials will discuss why the signs are there, what rules FDOT has to follow and what other jurisdictions have signs.

+ Correction
During the summer, Harry’s Continental Kitchens restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Harry’s restaurant and deli will be closed from Aug. 30 through Oct. 7 for summer vacation, but Harry’s Corner Store will remain open seven days a week.