Newsletter of the Nokomis Area Civic Association
Vol. 11, No. 3, July 2006
Next NACA General Meeting
Tuesday, July 25, 7 pm, Nokomis Community Center
"MEET THE CANDIDATES"
All Are Welcome! Bring Your Friends and Neighbors!
This is a vital opportunity to get to know the candidates for the
Florida House of Representatives District 70 seat and the
Sarasota Board of County Commissioners District 4 seat. All candidates will be on hand by 6:30, so come early to talk with them informally.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
John Ask, NACA President
Dear Nokomis Neighbors:
NACA is pleased and proud to announce that our July 25th quarterly meeting will provide an opportunity for us to meet the candidates for the Florida House of Representatives District 70 seat and the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners. Please see Vice President Bob Merrill's article regarding the specifics of this special event.
Your NACA Board of Directors selected these two races because these elected individuals have a significant impact on our daily lives. The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners routinely makes major decisions that impact us financially and impact our quality of living. House District 70 is our voice in Tallahassee. We're seeking to develop a relationship with our state representative where we can routinely communicate, expressing our opinions and priorities. A current example of where we need assistance and leadership from Tallahassee is homeowner's insurance.
Please put Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 pm, on your calendar to attend this important opportunity to meet the people who significantly impact our lives here in Nokomis. I hope to see you on the 25th!
Finally, please continue being a NACA member and please encourage a friend or neighbor to join, too. Ask your homeowner association Board of Directors to be members, too; together we have the potential to continue being a positive influence and voice for Nokomis. Thank you!
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES ON JULY 25TH
Bob Merrill, NACA Vice President
The Nokomis Area Civic Association (NACA) is hosting a "Meet the Candidates" evening on Tuesday, July 25, at the Nokomis Community Center. Our featured guests will include all candidates running for the positions of County Commissioner in District 4 and Florida House Representative in District 70.
The candidates are expected to arrive at 6:30 pm, allowing you time to meet them in an informal setting. At 7 pm, our formal program will commence. The candidates will then be introduced and asked to provide you with a brief oral resume. Each candidate will then be asked to address two specific questions geared toward their respective races.
After closing statements, our formal meeting will then be adjourned and refreshments served. We have asked the candidates to remain after the close of the meeting to give you an opportunity to meet with them on a one‑to‑one basis and answer any additional questions.
This is a great opportunity for you to meet your candidates and participate in the shaping of our neighborhoods' future. This is a must‑attend event, and we are looking forward to a great turnout. Whether you are a NACA member or you just want to check us‑‑or the candidates‑‑out, you are all invited to attend and to bring your friends and neighbors. This is your opportunity to become better informed and actively participate in our democracy.
"SQUARE ONE" FOR SARASOTA COUNTY
John Ask, NACA President
Growth and development are front‑burner issues for the majority of us. Too often we learn of impending development in our community after the important decisions have been made and it's too late to voice our opinions. Enter the concept of "Square One."
A cross section of community leaders have proposed to Sarasota County to implement a pilot project where the neighborhood stakeholders meet with landowners to discuss how the parcel can be developed, hopefully, reaching a consensus that all can support. The County would provide support by taking notes and moderating the proceedings. The benefit of such a process would be the community having genuine input into its destiny regarding land‑use decisions.
Please encourage Sarasota County to pilot a "Square One" project and learn if this is how we wish to typically proceed with land‑use decisions going forward.
WATERWAYS REPORT
Patrick McCarthy, NACA Waterways
On June 30th, County staff received verbal notification from Coast Guard officials that an "Order to Remove" the Shakett Creek trestle is being issued. The order is to remove the bridge in 90 to 180 days.
This, however, does not mean that the County cannot get a permit to build a new bridge. So, the County is proceeding with designs and will submit for a permit to build a new bridge. The USCG is sending an official letter to the County the week of July 3‑7.
The fate of the Trestle and the Verizon "pipe" crossing Curry Creek/Robert's Bay is unknown as of press time.
Construction is ongoing at the US 41 bridges. Due to the narrow restricted channel that we are going to deal with during the project, please use due caution in the area. Non‑emergency boating violations can be reported the Sheriff's Office by calling 861‑SINK. This is a recorded line that you can use to report unsafe or improper vessel operation. Provide the time/date, location, description of violation, and the offending boat (FL #'s). A letter will then be sent to the registered owner of the vessel.
It has been my observation that more and more people are choosing to ignore the speed restrictions on Shakett Creek. This is both unsafe and inconsiderate. The prospect of 30'+ offshore boats operating "on plane" in this narrow and shallow waterway is scary. Not to mention the PWC operators running 40+ MPH with no consideration for other boaters or property owners. Remember, you are responsible for your actions and wake.
Have a safe summer and see you on the water!
NOKOMIS REVITALIZATION NEWS
Bruce Dillon, NACA Revitalization Officer & Nokomis
CENTRAL WATER
Great News! On June 20th, the Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation of projected additional surtax revenues in the amount of $3,602,750.00 to fund approximately 25 percent of the estimated cost for water‑line extension projects located in the Shore Road, Bay Point, Colonia Lane, and non‑Colonia Lane areas in Nokomis.
Construction has already begun on the Bay Point and Shore Road projects.
COLONIA LANE IMPROVEMENTS
Utility relocation is well underway during the initial phase of the Colonia Lane improvements. The timing of the construction of the transmission main has been advanced from the original schedule and, as a result, several hundred feet of this key component for central water to the Nokomis East neighborhood have already been installed. Detours at both Nash Avenue and Albee Farm Road are expected for most of the summer.
The Colonia Lane improvements are broken into two segments, with the western two blocks, including the US 41 intersection, being built in a joint‑participation agreement with FDOT during the US 41 work. The eastern segment, Nash Avenue to Albee Farm Road, has an expected completion date in April 2007. The $7 million project includes gateway‑medallion features at US 41 and Albee Farm Road, sidewalks and bike lanes, decorative streetlights and signs, enhanced crosswalks, access to Rails to Trails, and landscaping.
IT SEEMS LIKE ONE BIG CONSTRUCTION ZONE
With two major road projects and two central‑water projects now underway (and more projects on the way), there are barricades, heavy equipment, and construction workers on many of the roads we all use everyday. It can be confusing when you can leave for work in the morning with the lanes configured one way and, when you come home that evening, the routing has changed. Slow down, be patient, and remember everyone plays a role in the safety of these construction zones.
To help plan ahead for your travels, please visit the NACA website at http://naca‑nokomis.com for up‑to‑date information on construction‑ zone traffic impacts.
INTRODUCING "SOUTH COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF NEIGHBORHOODS": SCAN
John Ask, NACA President
A new assembly of neighborhoods has been created, representing Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, Englewood, and North Port, with the primary mission of EDUCATION, using the broadest definition.
SCAN is not intended to replace NACA, but will complement and supplement what we do. In fact, NACA has joined SCAN, but know that this does not substitute for the need for our Nokomis homeowner and condo associations to join SCAN, too.
NACA is an assembly of individuals; that's why we strive continually for Nokomis residents to join for our $5 annual fee. SCAN is an assembly of neighborhoods and community groups; hence it is seeking for associations to join for $25 annually. (Note: there is a non‑voting individual membership available.)
The first SCAN meeting is July 13, 7 pm, at the Venice Community Center. The topic is "Pre‑ and Post‑disaster Planning." Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to leave the meeting with a prototype disaster plan that can be customized for their neighborhood. Please learn more about SCAN at www.sarasota‑scan.org
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
Tom Bartholomay, NACA Secretary & Membership Chair
Good neighbors make good neighborhoods‑‑and that's what NACA is working to create in Nokomis. You see and read about developments and planning taking place, and should realize that NACA members are making things happen.
Your help is needed to seek new members. Many residents have stayed in Nokomis for the summer. It is a good time to visit them and encourage them to join NACA. Will you do that?? Take one of the membership applications in this issue and show your support by signing up a new member. Don't forget, if you sign up a new member you will get one year's dues free. That's our 2006 blue‑light special....
Also, check the date on the address label to be sure your dues are current for 2006. Thanks for your help!.