News Briefs

+ Walmart on schedule for North Trail site
Lorna Alston, general manager of North Sarasota redevelopment for the city of Sarasota, told those in attendance at a District 1 forum last week that a Walmart supermarket proposed at 3500 N. Tamiami Trail has received its building permit and is on schedule to be complete in August.

“We will also be working with Wal-Mart and others to make sure those in the area that want to work there will be able to work there,” Alston said.

The new Walmart is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area.

North Trail neighborhoods have been without a nearby supermarket since the Winn-Dixie, which had been there for four decades, closed last fall. Currently, the nearest grocery store is the Publix at N. Tamiami Trail and 10th Street.

+ SCVB and Sarasota Chalk Festival partner
The Sarasota Chalk Festival has partnered with an organization to solidify its financial situation and secure a grant from the city of Sarasota, barely two weeks before the festival’s fifth year commences Nov. 1.

Tuesday at the Sarasota Opera House, Chalk Festival Director Denise Kowal announced a partnership with the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Thanks to that alliance, a $25,000 grant from the city is guaranteed, because the SCVB will act as the festival’s financial agent.

SCVB President Virginia Haley approached the city first to discuss the concept, which the city approved. It saves the festival both time and expenses because the city was requesting audits and financial statements.

+ City creates business welcome packets
The city of Sarasota has started sending welcome packages to new business owners to thank them for doing business within city limits.

The new program, called “Succeed in Sarasota,” was launched last week as a gesture to merchants and service providers to highlight the city’s commitment to local businesses succeeding in Sarasota.

Included in each “Succeed in Sarasota” package will be a letter from Mayor Suzanne Atwell explaining that a new business-friendly attitude is emerging at City Hall. The packet will also explain the city’s permitting process has been simplified and that water/sewer impact fees have been suspended for the next 10 years. “We have a new mindset,” said Atwell in a news release.

“This is our way of welcoming businesses to our city, and we hope they succeed in Sarasota.”

A “Succeed in Sarasota” package will be mailed to businesses that register for a new local business tax receipt after Oct. 1, which was the start of the city’s new fiscal year.

Meetings & agendas
• Special City Commission Meeting regarding downtown grants — 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Special City Commission Meeting regarding Newtown grants — 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Regular City Commission Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.