News Briefs

+ New playground installed in Durante Park
Installation of a new playground made from recycled materials was recently completed at Joan M. Durante Park, 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The playground is appropriate for children ages 2 to 12.
Structural components are made from reclaimed plastic products, such as milk jugs, containers, plastic bags and other items. Products were cleaned and extruded into lumber posts and boards for playground components.

+ Town Hall to close for Christmas, New Year’s
Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Trash collection typically scheduled for Thursday will occur on Friday for both weeks. For information, call 316-1999.

+ U.S. Army Corps considers shrinking Lido groin
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will consider shrinking the size of a groin set for installation off Ted Sterling Park on South Lido Beach.

“The Army Corps is offering up a less-intensive third groin and a future discussion about if there’s even a need,” said Laird Wreford, Sarasota coastal initiatives manager.

Wreford said the third groin had been a point of concern for community members, who worried it could impact users’ park experience, particularly if the groin became unburied after erosion.

The Army Corps is expected to submit revised designs in January.

+ Mediation ends in Arbomar lawsuit resolution
A Dec. 12 mediation between the board of Arbomar condominium and former building manager Kent Lagro and his wife, Heidi, ended in resolution, according to a report filed with the Manatee County Clerk of the Court. Terms of the settlement are not disclosed in the report. The Lagros filed a suit Sept. 30, seeking more than $15,000 in damages for causes that include defamation, libel and slander.

Lagro, whose management contract with the condo was not renewed in June, had said he believes his termination was retaliatory for working with fellow unit owner Pete DiNicola to document unlicensed contract work by former board president Walter “Chip” Major.

Meetings & agendas
Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5

Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees Special Meeting —
9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7

Code Enforcement Board Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20

Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Town Commission Regular Workshop

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.