Want to be more involved?

From the County's Home Page, an invitation to attend the state's annual Neighborhood Conference. (This blogger attended last year's conference in Tallahassee and found it very worthwhile. This year, it's in St. Pete.)

Sarasota County neighborhood leaders invited to conference

Neighborhood leaders, concerned citizens and organized neighborhood groups are invited to learn more about helping their communities at the 13th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference in St. Petersburg July 9-11 at the St. Petersburg Hilton Bayfront Hotel. Sarasota County Neighborhood Services is seeking advanced registration for a free shuttle bus to and from the conference on July 10 and 11. Click here to register online at the St. Petersburg's Web site. Participants can attend workshops, tours and exhibits focusing on subjects such as neighborhood improvements, leadership training, citizen engagement, neighborhood legal issues, partnerships and more. Subject matter experts from across the state will provide advice on many subjects including foreclosures and how neighborhoods can take advantage of the state’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program, controlling traffic through neighborhoods, crime prevention, conservation and sustainability, and connecting with local governments. Participants in the conference will also have the opportunity to take part in bus tours of the historical sections of downtown St. Petersburg including Roser Park and the old northeast portion of the city as well as Main Street, Midtown and the Arts and Culture Center. For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about the 13th Annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference.