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Sarasota News Leader November 29, 2013 number of dogs downtown," she said. "In Europe, they have dog stations with a watering point [that] are surrounded by an iron rail with a sand floor. Doggy bags are available; there's a receptacle — you push a button and [the waste is] gone," she pointed out. Soto returned to the security issue. "We need to promote downtown, and it must be safer," he said. "From my shop to Patrick's [one-half block], I have at least three people begging me for money or cigarettes." Hampshire kicked a political live wire by recommending the city bring back a few parking meters. "If we put in just 10 parking stations on Palm [Avenue] and lower Main Street, we could use the money for security in the [Palm Avenue] garage," she said. "If people are Page 48 driving around trying to find parking, would they pay a dollar? I think so." Paul Thorpe long ago earned the moniker "Mr. Downtown" for his decades of tireless work in the promotion and handling of events to draw people to the city's heart. He urged the DID board to become more heavily involved in policy formation. "You guys really dropped the ball on the State Street garage," he pointed out, referring to the City Commission's protracted discussions and ultimate decision about the design of a facility it had agreed to build as part of the Pineapple Square plan for downtown. "A big project right in the middle of the district and you didn't do a damn thing," Thorpe added. "You really need to participate in what's happening in the city." % A Very Special Offer For Advertisers Purchase a full-page, advertising twelve pack between now and January 31st, 2013 and receive four of these fantastic SNL 16oz Tervis® Tumblers. Show your support for The Progressive Voice Of Southwest Florida around the house, around the office, wherever you go with these locally manufactured, high-quality insulated tumblers. Sales@SarasotaNewsLeader.com or (941) 227-1080 Advertisers must meet all terms and conditions of sale for the 12-pack advertising package. Limit of one set of four tumblers per advertiser. Offer is valid while supplies last. "Tervis" is a registered trademark of Tervis® Tumbler Company. The Sarasota News Leader is not affiliated with Tervis® Tumbler Company.