News Briefs

+ City of Sarasota welcomes new store
As Good As It Gets, a purveyor of delicacies, recently opened at 49 S. Palm Ave., in downtown Sarasota. Prosciutto, foie gras, olive oil, chocolate, wine and a variety of imported cheeses are some of the many items available at the specialty-food store. The new store recently received a welcome package from the city of Sarasota, including a letter from Mayor Suzanne Atwell thanking the owner for doing business in Sarasota, as part of the city’s “Succeed in Sarasota” welcome package.

For more information, visit AsGoodAsItGets49Palm.com or call 373-1839.

+ Electric-car parade planned for downtown
The day’s events will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, with a ceremony at Selby Five Points Park, followed by a parade to St. Armands Circle. An “Electrify the Circle” expo will follow with car displays, ride-and-drive opportunities and live music. The newly released Model S electric sedan, by Telsa Motors, will be a featured as a highlight at the expo.

“The city of Sarasota embraced renewable energy and electric vehicles years ago, and we’re proud to be part of this national event,” said Mayor Suzanne Atwell.

The city has two electric vehicles, or EVs, in the city fleet. In addition, five EV charging stations were recently installed within the city limits as part of the city’s Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Sustainability Agreement with Florida Power & Light. The stations are located at City Hall, Bayfront Park and the St. Armands south parking lot. Four EV charging stations also are located on the first floor of the Palm Avenue parking garage.

The event was organized by the city, along with Sarasota County, the Sierra Club, Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association.

Electric-vehicle owners in the Sarasota area are encouraged to participate in the silent parade. Anyone interested in registering an electric vehicle in the parade can contact Larry Chanin via email at [email protected].

Meetings & Agendas
• Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, Robert L. Taylor Community Center, 1845 34th St., Sarasota.
• Arlington Park Neighborhood Association — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota.
• Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection — 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.