News Briefs

+ Three parking meters receive new home
The city of Sarasota is donating three coin-operated parking meters to Mote Marine Laboratory for its use along streets on Mote Marine Laboratory property. The three meters will not be placed in the free public parking area.

As far as the rest of the paid parking meters and pay stations that are sitting in a storage area since the city removed them, Interim City Manager Terry Lewis said Sarasota city commissioners will discuss in June whether to sell the meters, return them for a credit or take legal recourse against the company from which they purchased them because there were claims they never worked properly.

+ County offers energy upgrade workshops
Sarasota County will offer a free 30-minute Energy Upgrade workshop to guide participants through a five-step process for reducing their energy use and lowering utility bills. The workshops are available for civic groups, clubs, faith organizations and other nonprofit associations, as well as businesses that would like to offer the workshop to their employees.

Dale Lewis, an experienced contractor, will answer questions and share methods for saving energy that run the gamut from inexpensive do-it-yourself projects to investments such as installing high-efficiency air conditioners and attic insulation.

Sarasota County developed the Energy Upgrade program to help residents understand the benefits of improving a home’s energy efficiency.

To schedule a free Energy Upgrade workshop, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 861-5000 and ask about Energy Upgrade workshops.

Meetings & Agendas
• Florida Public Service Commission Hearing Regarding FP&L Proposed Rate Increases — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 31, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Meeting — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood St., Sarasota.
•  Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, June 4, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Downtown Sarasota Alliance Regular Meeting — 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.
• Sarasota County Commission Budget Workshops — 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 13, Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Third Floor Think Tank, Sarasota.