September 8, 2015 Thunder By The Bay Needs Your Support
Ensure The Exemption For Thunder Continues.
On the Sarasota City Commission agenda for the September 8, 2015, 2:30pm, meeting is a discussion regarding the continuing of a moratorium for public events on Main Street. Once again, Thunder by the Bay, currently having an exception to the moratorium in 2016, is likely to be a target of opponents to downtown events. Let’s ensure this event is not hijacked. Thunder, now entering its 18th year, is one of Suncoast Charities for Children’s biggest fundraisers annually raising an average of $150,000 with an economic impact of $8 million and 6,500 room nights last year. If you or anyone else you know can be there to speak in favor of Thunder it is greatly appreciated.
Sounds innocent enough but it gives those opposed a forum to once again bring this event, and its exception to the moratorium, into question.
VI.1.
Adoption Re: Proposed Resolution No. 15R-2508, declaring a moratorium on street closures for Main Street between Orange Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue commencing October 2015 and continuing through September of 2016 in order to mitigate the impact of various downtown construction projects; providing for exemptions, etc. (Title Only) – Presenter(s): City Attorney Fournier
EXPLANATION:
On July 6, 2015, Doug Jeffcoat and Deborah Perez appeared before the City Commission requesting direction regarding the moratorium on street closures on Main Street set to expire on September 30, 2015. The extension is necessitated due to multiple, ongoing construction projects in the area which result in street closures, loss of parking, and traffic circulation problems. The City Commission resolved to continue the moratorium for another year keeping in place exemptions for Thunder by the Bay and New Year’s Eve events as well as parades. Proposed Resolution 15R-2508 establishes an extension of the moratorium through September 2016 while providing for the aforementioned exemptions.