Sarasota's 5 Things To Know: 'Unconditional Surrender' Down

1. Love it or hate it, What do you think of the empty space on the Bayfront? It's still laying on the ground as it hasn't been hauled away yet. It'll be an uncertain amount of time to figure out if the statue will be repaired or replaced as crews had to remove the iconic statue Thursday night after cracks were discovered throughout the structure when a car crashed into it Thursday afternoon. Click the link above to watch video of the statue being lowered.

2. The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex recently launched a Facebook page as well as a newly updated website.  The City also is seeking photographs taken within the city limits for Facebook. Photographs being sought include landscapes, buildings, homes and people involved in recreational activities in Sarasota. All photos submitted must be taken within the city limits.  Photos selected will be used only on the City of Sarasota Facebook page in the Cover Photo Gallery. Submit photos here: http://sarasotagov.com/Facebook_coverphoto_submission.html   The complex also has a refreshed site at www.RLTaylor.com. 

3. Osprey Avenue from Mound Street north to Ringling Boulevard will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, April 30, as part of the improvement project to build a new lift station in nearby Luke Wood Park.  The closure is expected to last 60 days while new sewer lines are connected underground.  Local traffic only to residences and businesses will be permitted.  Detour signs will direct drivers to use northbound Orange Avenue and southbound U.S. 301. 

4. Today's the first day the Patch RV will be in Sarasota and you're going to get FREE FOOD.  Come to the Patch Give-A-Ton Food Drive today 5 to 7 p.m. at . Donate canned good/nonperishable food or sign up for Patch newsletter and receive coupon for free chips and medium drink with purchase of medium or large sub at Firehouse Subs. Limit 1 per person. Also raffling off gift card to Firehouse Subs.

5. Don't freak out if you see a lot of police and activity at today. The Sarasota County Fire Department’s Special Operations Team, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and will conduct a training drill to test the organizations’ response to a simulated bomb threat and explosion on Friday at the hospital.