News Briefs

+ Sarasota Bay deemed safe after sewer leak
A health advisory warning for Sarasota Bay was lifted Nov. 19, just days after utility crews began repairing a sewer leak Nov. 16 at 34 S. Gulfstream Ave. The leak created a lake of contained sewer water that stretched from Ringling Boulevard to Main Street. It’s estimated that 40,000 gallons of sewer water entered the bay before utility workers were able to contain the leak onsite.

The bay has been deemed safe by the Sarasota County Health Department after days of water testing. The area where the leak occurred has been sanitized. The 20-inch forcemain where the leak occurred is scheduled to be replaced next year by the city as part of a large capital-improvement project to replace aging water and wastewater pipes.

+ FPL announces energy makeover recipients
In a combined effort, the city of Sarasota and the Florida Power and Light announced Friday, Nov. 18 that 50 Sarasota families will be given a “home energy makeover” at no cost.

The makeovers are anticipated to save residents up to 25% on their monthly bills.

+ Holiday schedule changes for Thanksgiving
There will be no city trash collection on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24.

The schedule for collection will be as follows: Thursday garbage, recycling and yard-waste collection will occur one day later, Friday, Nov. 25. Regularly scheduled Friday garbage, recycling and yard-waste collection will occur Saturday, Nov. 26.

City of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. All offices will re-open Monday, Nov. 28.

For more information regarding trash collection, please call the city of Sarasota Solid Waste Division at 365-7651. If you have questions regarding recycling, yard waste or bulk waste, please contact Waste Management at 497-8088.

+ Hearing Loss Association receives grant
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has approved a $72,457 grant proposal submitted by the Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota to provide hearing loop systems for 10 performing-arts halls in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The hearing loop is the only system that sends clear, clean and interference-free sound from the stage’s microphone directly into the hearing aids or cochlear implants of the hearing impaired in the audience.

Meetings & agendas
• Board of Adjustment — 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

•  Citizen Tax Oversight Committee — 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

• Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Meeting — 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood St., Sarasota.

• Regular City Commission Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.