Sarasota County in top 20 for 2013 All-American City community

Sarasota County is one of 20 finalists for the 2013 All-American City community by the National Civic League Sunday, June 16, in Denver, CO.

Sarasota County and the Patterson Foundation made a video that focuses on this year's criteria – honoring veterans and diversity in the community. The video tells a little of Sarasota’s history and features North Sarasota Library, Institute for the Ages and the Legacy of Valor at the National Cemetery.

The National Civic League will pick winners based upon the application, the amount of likes on the youtube video and a 10-minute presentation the county staff and volunteers will put on in Denver.

“It’s been referred to as the Nobel prize of community,” Sarasota County spokesman Curt Preisser said. “It builds community moral, and inspires cohesiveness and community building. It also helps economically and adds to the luster and appeal of Sarasota County for businesses.”

Sarasota County and the Patterson Foundation invite community members to join them 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 at Riverview High School’s Auditorium to show their support for the community.

Volunteers and Sarasota County staff will do a practice run of their 10-minute presentation set to be presented in Denver on Sunday. Sarasota County won this award in 2006 and hopes to do so again with the community’s support.

Sarasota County encourages everyone to watch the video and like the link to help Sarasota County become the 2013 All-American City Community. “It’s about everybody growing in the same direction,” Presisser said.