USDA Officials Tour Sarasota

1. Two U.S. Department of Agriculture officials will tour Sarasota Tuesday to get a closer look at some of the county's food programs.

Kevin Concannon, U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, will make a special presentation at , to the Sarasota County School District to honor the 22 district schools that were awarded the U.S. Department of Agriculture HealthierUS School Challenge Award.

The two will also stop at All Faiths Food Bank to learn more about the county's only food bank, which also serves DeSoto County. Last year, All Faiths Food Bank distributed 6 million pounds of food – equating to 5 million meals.

2. The City Commission will host a special meeting today at 2 p.m. to discuss traffic issues.

One is whether Orange Avenue and Ringling Boulevard intersection should be upgraded by building a roundabout or place the stoplights on a mast arm. The other topic is a discussion of the city's mobility plan. The meeting will be held in the Commission Chambers at .

3. Siesta Key Beach Access 5 will close Monday from from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, during construction at The Terrace condominium complex, 5400 Ocean Blvd, according to Sarasota County Government.

Access 7 parking lot at Beach Road and Calle De Siesta will remain open.

4. It's time to Pledge The Bird by joining the Baltimore Orioles organization at on Saturday, Sept. 15, for the annual . The walk benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. You can search for a team online to donate.

Entry costs $25 for the walk; free for children younger than 18 years old. You can sponsor, donate or join the walk at www.walkforthekids.com.

5. The City of Sarasota will , a former city employee who provided extraordinary efforts to restore the clock at Five Points Park. Ramsey passed away in March and the City Commission later learned of his contributions. A ceremony, along with the unveiling of a plaque, is set for 10 a.m. Friday.