News Briefs

+ Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 raises money for plan
The goal was $150,000. The group started the night with $25,000.

By night’s end Monday and Tuesday morning, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 was on the verge of reaching its goal.

“With a few more phone calls, I think we’ll be there,” said Michael Klauber, chairman of Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 and Visit Sarasota and co-owner of Michael’s On East.

Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 is the group working to create a new vision and master plan for 42 to 75 acres of Sarasota bayfront. It hosted an informational and fundraising reception for about 50 people Monday at Michael’s Wine Cellar in Sarasota.

The money is to fund the work of HR&A Advisors, New York-based consultants specializing in helping communities bring complex urban projects from vision to fruition.

Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 is composed of a coalition of Sarasota neighborhood associations, performing arts and cultural organizations, foundations, Visit Sarasota and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Klauber said Monday’s reception was an effort to “bring everyone together to hear the same message” and “ask for your support.”

+ St. Armands Circle leaders seek bus shelter
Businesses on St. Armands Circle are requesting a bus shelter.

Diana Corrigan, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, inquired about installing a shelter at a SCAT stop on John Ringling Boulevard in an email to the Sarasota County Commission.

That stop is now one of 15 countywide locations currently being considered for new shelters, said Sarah Blanchard, senior planner for SCAT.

+ County approves Grand Prix funding
In the wake of news about its positive economic impact, Suncoast Charities for Children has submitted a funding request for the 2015 Suncoast Offshore Super Boat Grand Prix Festival.

Sarasota County commissioners approved a $94,200 grant to the organization to help with promotional costs, and $3,500 of in-kind support from the county during a budget workshop Wednesday. The county reimbursed the nonprofit $81,302 for promotional spending at this year’s event.

The 30th annual boat race and event, held from June 28 through July 6, spurred a $17.2 million overall economic impact and generated 15,900 room nights in local hotels, according to an analysis by Research Data Services Inc.

Meetings & agendas
County Planning Commission meeting — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

Primary Election Day — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26. Find your precinct polling at sarasotavotes.com.

Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.