News Briefs 08.05.10

+ Parking garage deck takes shape
The contractor building the Palm Avenue parking garage has taken a significant step. It began pouring concrete for the floor of the first elevated parking deck.

“It’s a big milestone,” said Matt Slater, Suffolk Construction senior project manager.

The scheduled completion date for this stage of the project is Aug. 16, but Slater said he’s trying to finish ahead of time.

“To get this completed and to stand up there, it’s huge,” Slater said.

Suffolk has also built the frame for the ramp to the first elevated parking deck and poured concrete on half of it.

The garage is scheduled to open to the public in December.

+ Sheriff presents life-saving awards
A Sarasota resident and four deputies were honored last week for their life-saving heroics.

The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office held an award ceremony to recognize their efforts.

Kevin Dever saw his neighbor’s home on Potter Street catch fire Feb. 21, and he ran inside to rescue the man. Deputies Diana Darby and Nathan Hughes arrived on scene and helped Dever pulled the neighbor from the home.

Deputies Donald Lewis and Carrie Luce were honored for a separate life-saving rescue.

They responded to a car fire April 12, and pulled the driver from the car as they extinguished the flames.
“It is my privilege to recognize employees and citizens who go the extra mile to serve and protect this community,” said Sheriff Tom Knight.

+ Meetings & Agendas
• Planning Commission
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 5
County Administration Building
1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

• Coalition of City Neighborhoods Association
9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7
Waldemere Fire Station
2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota

• Police Advisory Panel Subcommittee
2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9
City Hall
1565 First St., Sarasota

• Board of Zoning Appeals
6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9
County Administration Building
1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Charter Review Committee
6 p.m., Tuesday Aug. 10
City Hall
1565 First St., Sarasota