News Briefs

+ Acting chief named in Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin appointed Capt. Paul Sutton as acting police chief. Sutton will serve for one month, until the January arrival of Chief Bernadette DiPino. In his temporary position, Sutton will organize a City-County Homeless Advisory Task Force.

Barwin also appointed former Sarasota Chief of Police John Lewis as the chief’s transition adviser.

Lewis will provide a report on what changes need to occur at the Sarasota Police Department to improve the training of law-enforcement agents. In addition, Barwin announced he will hold office hours from 9 to 11 a.m. every Thursday during December at police headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane. He will meet with the community, police officers, the chief’s transition adviser, as well as the acting chief.

+ New finance director to be chosen next month
Sarasota expects to name a new finance director before the City Commission’s Jan. 7 meeting.

Current Finance Director Chris Lyons announced his retirement due to health reasons in September.

Lyons was finance director for the past five years, and he helped prepare 23 fiscal-year budgets as a city employee.

Recently, he led efforts to cut city costs and reform pensions. The tough budget years will continue, as property values stabilize.

Meetings & Agendas
• Planning Board meeting — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota
• Development Review Committee — 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, City Hall, Room 112, 1565 First St., Sarasota