News Briefs

+ Attempted kidnapping investigation still active
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its search for leads in the attempted kidnapping incident reported Sept. 5 at 6703 Midnight Pass Road.

Public Information Officer Wendy Rose said Tuesday detectives have been checking footage from surveillance cameras in the area.

The 12-year-old victim, whose name was withheld, was walking to her family’s vacation home when the suspect reportedly grabbed her from behind. The victim resisted, and the suspect fled the area. Patrol and K-9 units were used to search for the suspect, but they had no success that morning.

The victim described the suspect as a white male, about 25 to 35, about 6 feet, 1 inch tall, with shaggy strawberry-blond hair and a pale complexion. He smelled of cigarette smoke, Sgt. Scott Osborne told members of the Siesta Key Village Association last week.

Anyone with information that might be helpful is asked to call Criminal Investigations at 861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 366-8477. You can also visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

+ Registration open for communities workshop
Sarasota County will hold its sixth Sustainable Communities Workshop from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Event and Conference Center, 4740 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. Registration is open to the public.

This year’s theme for the interactive workshop is “Investing in Our Future: Green Economic Pathways and Partnerships.”

Among the workshop topics will be green businesses in the Sarasota community; sustainability savings and wealth creation from more efficient use of local resources, resulting in greater purchasing power for residents and businesses; alternative transportation; investing in today’s students to ensure they have the education and tools necessary to be future leaders on sustainability issues; clean technology; local food; ecotourism; and water, energy and resource conservation.

The cost of the workshop is $30 for professionals and members of the general public. A rate of $20 is available to students. The cost includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon refreshment break. Pre-registration is required.

To register or obtain more information, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, visit www.scgov.net/SustainableCommunities or contact the county at 861-5000.

+ County seeking volunteers for Public Lands Day event
Sarasota County Community Services will host a volunteer event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24, at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North, 3462 Border Road, Venice, to help celebrate the 18th annual National Public Lands Day.

Staff will guide resident and visitor volunteers in planting Florida-friendly vegetation, removing invasive plants, trimming trees and installing signage. Volunteers should register online in advance of the event by visiting www.scgov.net and clicking on the Calendar of Events tab on the left.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring loppers, clippers or shears if they have them. They also should bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers.

Meetings & agendas
• City Commission — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Sept. 19, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota
• Sarasota County Community Alliance Steering Committee — 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19, School Board Brown Awning Building, 1980 Landings Blvd., A/B Conference Room, Sarasota
• School Board — Sept. 20: 10 a.m. workshop and 3 p.m. regular meeting, 1980/1960 Landings Blvd., Sarasota