Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/105484
CITY COMMISSION ROUNDUP From left) Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County; Jennifer Mitchell, marketing director of Circus Sarasota; and internationally known aerialist Nik Wallenda appear before the City Commission on Jan. 22. Photo by Norman Schimmel STOPPING THE AMPLIFIED MUSIC, BAYFRONT HIGH WIRE WALKING, RARE CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES AND DOGS ON LEASHES GET AN AIRING By Stan Zimmerman City Editor Only in Sarasota, it seems, could a City Com- sota — and international — star Nik Wallenda mission face such a radically diverse agenda. to walk a high wire across "its" highway — in this case, U.S. 41 at the bayfront. In one day the commissioners decided to approve a high-wire walk ("I just want to get It took the Sarasota City Commission only across U.S. 41."), were told a rare architectur- moments to give its permission, once the inal challenge is starting soon ("This is unique.") surance issues were cleared up. and heard a promise to silence every note of "I had a phone call from The New York Times amplified music downtown ("Your phones … asking if I was going to wear a tether," he told them. "I'm going to ask you guys to do may be ringing off the hook."). this without a tether." NIK VERSUS THE FDOT While City Manager Tom Barwin suggested a The ponderous Florida Department of Trans- tether be a requirement for city approval, the portation is being asked to give its permission City Commission ignored his recommendation within a handful of days to allow Circus Sara- and approved the stunt, providing that FDOT