News Briefs

+ Path cleared for free electric-car service
Upon hearing about a free electric-car service on Siesta Key that could expand to downtown Sarasota, city commissioners approved a measure that could make that move possible.

As featured in last week’s Sarasota Observer, the operator of Jonny’s Free Beach Rides wants to start a similar business that would shuttle people up and down Main Street.

That service would be free to ride and would require no government subsidy.

However, city code only allows such businesses that charge a fee.

Commissioner unanimously endorsed the public-process to change a city ordinance to allow low-speed vehicles, such as the electric cars Jonny’s Free Beach Rides uses, to be operated without charging their customers.

+ Commission endorses North Trail plan
City commissioners asked city administrators Aug. 15 to find the money to help fund a North Trail economic-development coordinator position.

The commission unanimously asked that $40,000 be dedicated to that purpose.

North Trail leaders have already secured $40,000 from the county to fund that new job, but that money was contingent upon the city and North Trail business to each contribute the same amount.

Jay Patel, president of the North Trail Redevelopment Partnership, said he has already approached 11 businesses, and each one has agreed to put in $2,000, for a total of $22,000.

The main goal of the economic-development coordinator will be business recruitment — finding companies that will make their home on the North Trail.

Meetings & agendas
• City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

• City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.