News Briefs

+ Siesta, Venice chambers hosting networking session
In an effort to strengthen their partnership, the Siesta Key and Venice chambers of commerce will host a tabletop business card exchange from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, at Bentley’s Resort Hotel, 1660 Tamami Trail.

The event has been planned as an opportunity to expand the two organizations’ networking capabilities and extend the reach of their member businesses within the community.

Tabletop opportunities are available. For more information on reserving a table for a business, contact Jacque at the Siesta Key Chamber, 349-3800.

The cost for members to attend the event is $5; for non-members, $10. All those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Sept. 21 to 349-3800 or by email to [email protected].  
 
+ City providing budget details on its website
As an enhancement of its financial transparency measures, the city of Sarasota has begun providing more detailed budget information on its website, www.sarasotagov.com.

Monthly revenue and expenditure line items for all city of Sarasota operations may be reviewed within the finance area of the website. From the homepage, under “City Departments & Info,” click “Financial Administration,” then “Monthly Finance Reports.” Year-to-date information is also posted.

Revenue and expenditure line items are provided for each operating fund and district fund, as well as for special revenue funds and water and sewer debt service funds. For example, viewers can see how much revenue was generated through right of way permits and how much was expended for computer software.

The city of Sarasota has posted monthly financial reports online since 2008.

+ Community orientation program kicks off Sept. 1
Engage Sarasota: A Community Orientation Program is seeking county residents interested in learning more about the community and its resources.

The program orientation will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, hosted by the Greater Sarasota Area Chamber of Commerce, 1945 Fruitville Road.

Additionally, a seven-part luncheon series will focus on a different topic each month, such as economic development, the arts, media and government.

The $125 program fee covers administrative costs. Participants also will pay $15 for each unsponsored luncheon, to cover the food expense. For more information, visit www.sarasotachamber.com Those planning to participate should contact Barbara Hines at [email protected].

Meetings & agendas
• Planning Commission — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, County Commission Chambers, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Saarasota

• Siesta Key Association — 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Room F, Siesta Key

• Siesta Key Village Association — 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key