Strong City Manager Hearings Set This Week

1. Sarasota residents will have two chances this week to weigh in on a to provide more powers to the city manager.

The hearings are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday inside the Commission Chambers at City Hall. A petition garnered enough votes for the proposed amendment to be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot, and now the technical aspects are being discussed.

The largest part of the amendment would be splitting the City Auditor and Clerk position into two jobs, and the Clerk would report to the City Manager.

The hearings are to help decide the text of the amendment, how the amendment ballot summary will be worded along with the wording of the ballot questioning, and if the voters approve the amendment, when the amendment would become effective.

2. Since we're in the voting mood, how about heading over to the Readers Choice and help pick the best places in Sarasota? Try selecting the for starters. Any one of the seven venues would appreciate your click.

3. Sarasota Opera House is poised to launch a campaign to tout its new mobile smartphone app. The app is already available for iPhone users in the App Store. The app allows users to find shows, listen to music, podcasts, detailed information about events, buy tickets, review performances, watch videos and more. 

4. Bought prepared foods at Whole Foods recently? Check out this list as the that used raw onion and caused people to get sick.

5. Hey Tampa Bay Lighting Fans, the team is looking for artists from Sarasota County and other areas around the region to submit original artwork of Tampa Bay Lightning history for consideration to be hung at the Tampa Bay Times Forum during the upcoming season. The Bolts are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year.

You must submit art by Sept. 5, and artists selected will be notified by Oct. 1. You must be 18 years old or older and live or work in Sarasota, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, or Polk counties to be eligible.

The Lightning are accepting paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures. For details visit www.tampabaylightning.com/art.

Art will also be scored and cash prizes up to $1,500 will be awarded.