Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/136775
PULLING THE PLUGS Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota lost its benches more than a year ago. Now it has also lost its nighttime light show. Photo by Norman Schimmel THE DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD DECIDES TO EXTINGUISH THE FIVE POINTS PARK LIGHTS INSTEAD OF FACING ONGOING HIGH EXPENSES By Stan Zimmerman City Editor After struggling for years with the ornamental lights in the trees of Five Points Park, the Downtown Improvement District admitted defeat and decided Tuesday, June 11, to turn them off. could be programmed to change colors, adding a sense of gaiety to the green space in the center of downtown Sarasota. While the intentions of the DID board members were good, the trees did not cooperate. Tree limb "I think we should shut it down," said growth led to broken wires, so city staffers DID board member Tom Mannausa of the advised the DID board to scrap the lights and start over. operation. The lights were wrapped around the upper limbs of 27 trees in the park; they I think we should shut it down. Tom Mannausa Board Member Downtown Improvement District "The current system is not feasible," said Purchasing Manager Mary Tucker. She stood