Whats Happening | Week of April 30 2015

FDOT plans U.S. 41 changes

The Florida Department of Transportation will soon make permanent changes near Fruitville Road and U.S. 41.

In addition to a dedicated northbound right-turn lane — already in place on a trial basis — FDOT crews will be adjusting the striping of the roadway and adding signs to help guide drivers.

The changes, scheduled to take place earlier this week, were postponed due to inclement weather. FDOT has yet to reschedule the construction.

Downtown group commits funds to homeless plan

After earning an endorsement from the City Commission earlier this month, City Manager Tom Barwin’s plan for addressing homelessness has its first philanthropic supporter: the Downtown Improvement District.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the board voted to donate $12,000 toward the city’s future initiatives to address ongoing homelessness issues. 

Meetings

Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, May 4, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota

Sea turtle nesting season starts on Siesta Key

Sea turtles have been laying eggs earlier each year, and in greater numbers on Gulf Coast beaches since 2007, leaving Mote Marine Laboratory scientists hopeful for a fruitful 2015 — especially considering volunteers and beachgoers have discovered at least four nests before the May 1 start of nesting season.

“We weren’t surprised when we found out that there were new nests out there,” said Kristen Mazzarella, a senior biologist in Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. “We’re trying to get our volunteers out early this year so that they can catch the new nests.”

Nests have already appeared on Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key and in Venice.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST SUMMER HUNGER

May 9 is fast approaching — the last day to make a donation to All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger. Donate now at allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

GOAL: $600,000 matching challenge

AMOUNT RAISED TO DATE: $331,090

POUNDS OF FOOD COLLECTED TO DATE: 491,361

“I really wanted to try to move into Newtown, which I thought would start to really ignite economic development in Newtown.” Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson.