News Briefs

+ Osprey bridge closed for inspection
The Osprey Avenue Bridge over the Hudson Bayou was closed Wednesday and Thursday of this week as crews inspected the structure in advance of the construction of Lift Station 87.

The bridge will reopen one lane of southbound traffic Friday. The bridge will be reduced to one lane for approximately four weeks, reopening to two lanes following the completion of an inspection on or near Feb. 16.

The inspection of the bridge will also affect boaters in the area. Crews will install cofferdams in the bayou to facilitate inspection below the water line, reducing the vertical height for boat clearance beneath the bridge.

The bridge inspection is a precursor to the city hiring a new contractor for the Lift Station 87 project.

+ Lido Beach Holiday Inn fire forces evacuation
A fire at the Lido Beach Holiday Inn forced an evacuation Tuesday morning but didn’t cause major structural damage or leave anyone injured.

Emergency personnel, including the Sarasota Police Department, responded to multiple calls regarding smoke and flames on the sixth floor of the resort after 9:35 a.m. The Sarasota County Fire Department, which had 20 units on the scene at the height of the fire, evacuated the building and extinguished the blaze in nine minutes.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the State Fire Marshall is investigating the area around Unit 608 to determine the cause of the fire. Fire Department Capt. Jerry Jensen said there was “fairly significant” damage to the room in which the fire originated, as well as smoke damage to the adjacent two rooms and the hallway.

Guests were allowed to return to their rooms Tuesday after the fire, except for the guests staying in the room in which the fire occurred and the rooms on either side of it.

+ Osprey marina owner requests crosswalk
Sarasota County commissioners received an email Jan. 15 from Dave Babel, owner of Osprey Harbor Club Marina, asking for a crosswalk on Blackburn Point Road between his business and the park, located across the street from each other.

Babel’s marina also has a bait shop. With new park amenities — such as the boat launch and fishing pier — Babel wants a crosswalk put in between his business and the park. He expects his business to see an increase in traffic and he’s concerned about safety. Babel said he talked to county staff about the issue about a year ago, and he spoke with both the county project manager and the construction contractors, in addition to his most recent email. He received a response from the county stating they are researching the possibility of a crosswalk.

Meetings & agendas
Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and Wednesday, Jan. 28, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.