In Brief

+ Dems, GOP issue call for civility
The leaders of the Sarasota County Republican and Democratic parties have issued a joint call for respect and civility in town-hall meetings, primarily having to do with the health-care debate.

“Engaging in lively, healthy debate is the cornerstone of our democracy,” wrote Joe Gruters, Republican chairman, and Rita Ferrandino, Democratic chairwoman. “Let’s jointly remain respectful and engage in meaningful, civil discourse with open minds, tolerance and kindness toward each other for differing points of view.”

Gruters said the back-and-forth yelling at the health-care demonstration last week on Fruitville Road was partly why he and Ferrandino are making their request.

“You’re not going to win someone over by yelling at them and insulting them,” he said.
Republicans and Democrats will get to exercise their restraint Friday, Sept. 11, during a Rep. Vern
Buchanan Town Hall meeting.

It takes place at 5:30 p.m., at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

+ County to host swine flu forum
Sarasota County and its health department will host a forum to discuss flu-season preparations, in particular, the swine flu.

A panel will be addressing a series of topics, including when to seek emergency care, what pregnant women should know, preparations at home, school and work and questions about flu vaccinations.

The event will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd. It will also be broadcast on Comcast channel 19 and Verizon channel 32.

+ Caragiulo’s to fill the breakfast void
Palm Avenue will not have to wait long for a morning coffee and pastry outlet.

Caragiulo’s Italian restaurant will begin serving coffee and continental breakfast Sept. 15.

The restaurant’s owners had been considering the new addition, but the closing of Sarasota News and Books Aug. 31 cemented the idea.

Breakfast will be served daily from 7 to 11 a.m.

+ Sarasota Bay group wins award
The Sarasota Bay Interlocal Partners and Citizens will receive a first-place Gulf Guardian Award.

The Gulf Guardian Awards were created in 2000 to recognize and honor businesses, community groups and individuals trying to keep the Gulf of Mexico healthy.

Seagrass recovery was a major drive of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s conservation and management plan.

As a result, more than 4,000 acres of new seagrass habitat were created. Research indicates that seagrass levels in Sarasota Bay are 29% higher now than they were in 1950.

The awards ceremony will be held Oct. 29, in Biloxi, Miss.