NEWS BRIEFS

+ Orioles commit $150,000 to Sarasota Tomorrow Next
The Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday, June 25, an investment of $150,000 in Sarasota Tomorrow Next, the regional economic and community development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

The Orioles, who moved to Sarasota for spring training in 2010, have been expanding their efforts to help improve the local economy since arriving, according to David Rovine, vice president of Orioles-Sarasota. Rovine singled out strengthening sports tourism and preparing young people for the future as two priorities both Sarasota Tomorrow Next and the Orioles prioritize, according to a press release.

“We support the chamber’s drive to expand sports and recreational opportunities and tourism in the area,” Rovine said. “Preparing young people for the future through the Talent 4 Tomorrow initiative also appeals to us.”

Talent 4 Tomorrow is a pre-kindergarten to post-graduate education-and-training program.

The Chamber views the Orioles as a significant economic power, according to John Cranor, co-chairman of Sarasota Tomorrow Next. He sees this move as another example of that belief becoming reality.

“The Orioles have made a multimillion-dollar investment in Sarasota — by participating substantially in the cost of the renovation projects, relocating the organization to Sarasota and attracting the marketing might of MASN radio and television to promote our tourism economy,” Cranor said.

+ Fourth of July closings
City administration offices and most county government offices, libraries, recreation centers and transit services will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Garbage collection will not take place July 4. Service scheduled to take place Thursday will take place Friday, and Friday’s service will take place Saturday.

A county news release stated Payne Park Tennis Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Arlington Park Recreation Center will be open from noon to 5 p.m. SCAT will not be in operation.

The facility at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex will be open from 6 to 10 a.m., but the pool will be closed. The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain will also be closed.

Meetings and agenda

- Regular City Commission Meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
- Siesta Key Village Association Meeting — 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, 325 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota.
- Development Review Committee — 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, City Hall, Room 122, 1565 First St., Sarasota.