Updates: Police bumper stickers are a popular item; DID debates valet parking

+ Police bumper stickers are a popular item
The wife of a police officer who created 50 bumper stickers that read “Support Sarasota Police” has received requests for hundreds more.

Diane Stafford was featured in the March 25 issue of The Sarasota Observer. She said she was tired of the negative publicity surrounding the police department and wanted to do something positive for the officers.
She created the 50 magnetic bumper stickers at her own cost and began handing them out to whomever wanted one.

“I am so very pleased with the response I have received from so many people,” said Stafford. “They all say the same thing, that they’ve always wished they could let their appreciation be known, but had no idea how (to do it.)”

One citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, is helping Stafford approach businesses about handing them out to their customers.

Stafford said 255 new bumper stickers have been requested from Yoder’s restaurant, Ringling Dry Cleaners, Gold Tree Plaza Sub Shop and Toale Brothers funeral home.

This week, she is asking downtown businesses if they are interested in carrying the bumper stickers.

“I can honestly say that I never thought I would get such support with this idea,” she said. “I truly believe it’s going to make a difference to our officers.”

+ DID debates valet parking
The Downtown Improvement District is ready to pay for valet-parking service to help downtown businesses during several construction projects and are now debating how to implement its plan.

The group is paying for two weeks of valet service outside the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, while it works out the details for further service. There is one week left in that agreement.

The DID board discussed April 13 how to implement a valet-parking system that it would subsidize to take some of the burden off downtown businesses. Five construction projects scheduled through December are going to eliminate parking spaces for customers.

The DID is considering paying up to $10,000 to place valet stands outside the Golden Apple at Main Street and Palm Avenue and on South Pineapple Avenue near Patrick’s restaurant.

Board members are expected to make a decision at their April 20 meeting.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].