Lido residents present pool plan

When the city floated a proposal to shut down the Lido pool and pavilion for up to six months of the offseason to help manage its budget, Lido Key residents formed a committee to find ways to keep them open.

Those residents presented some of its findings to the City Commission Monday.
It identified as primary goals:

•Creating a master plan that provides for increasing revenues.

•Dedicating all space to income-generating uses, such as retail shops, a tiki bar and an event room.

•Building a marketing plan that targets potential users of the pool and pavilion.

“(Lido pool and pavilion) are an asset for the city of Sarasota,” said Carl Shoffstall, Lido Key Residents Association board member. “For that thing to not be used is a travesty.”
Other actions at Monday’s City Commission meeting:

• A $20,649 change order was approved for the Palm Avenue parking garage. The money was used for a reclaimed-water line, modifications to the trash gate rails and hydroseeding the ground.

• Commissioners approved the use of a federal grant to purchase 25 federally mandated radios for the Sarasota Police Department.

• Susan Chapman and Chris Gallagher were reappointed to the Planning Board.

• The board members of Season of Sculpture asked commissioners to consider changing the terms of its lease with the city. The current agreement calls for the nonprofit organization to share the profits with the city if it sells any of the sculptures that put on display at the bayfront. Season of Sculpture leaders say they are now a totally volunteer organization, and the sale proceeds are necessary to help it remain viable. Commissioners did not make a decision.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].