News Briefs

+ Institute for the Ages names Esselman CEO
On Thursday, April 26, the Institute for the Ages named Tom Esselman, a former Hallmark Cards executive, as its first CEO.

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining The Institute for the Ages and becoming a part of an amazing community,” said Esselman, in a statement. “Sarasota County is home to a broad, diverse and passionate mix of individuals, groups and organizations that can serve as catalysts for positive aging throughout the world.” Previously, Esselman served as Hallmark’s director of New Concept Development and Greetings Innovation, for which he oversaw the creation of new products and partnerships.

The concept for the Institute is to be a nonprofit think-tank dedicated to innovation in products, services and policies relating to aging. The hope is that Sarasota County, which has one of the oldest populations in the nation with nearly half its households including someone over age 65, can test a variety of products and services.

+ City staff investigates St. Armands benches
City staff presented the St. Armands Landowners’ Merchants and Residents (LMAR) with data Thursday, April 26, showing the location of all of the Circle’s benches in an effort to pinpoint which benches need repair and/or replacement.

St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors Chairman Marty Rappaport said many of the benches are in bad shape. City staff will look into what funds can be used to repair or possibly replace the damaged benches.

There are a total of 65 benches within or just outside the Circle, which includes 35 two-seat benches, 26 three-seat benches and four regular benches.

+ North Trail coffee shop opens
The Coffee Loft is now open for business at 5025 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The new shop is located in a newly renovated two-story building and is a locally owned non-profit coffee shop that’s entwined in and working with the local arts community. For more information, visit coffeeloft41.com

Meetings & Agendas
• Sarasota City Commission Special Meeting — 3 p.m. Friday, May 4, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Sarasota County Commission Budget Workshop — 9 a.m. Monday, May 7, Sarasota County Administration Center, Third Floor Think Tank Room, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
• Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, May 7, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors Meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, City Hall, Room 109, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• City Planning Board Regular Meeting — 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.