Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/211425
Sarasota News Leader November 15, 2013 Page 44 people to enjoy it," said DID Chairman Ernie Ritz. Ron Soto, chairman of the merchants group, initially came to the session that day to ask for a $6,000 loan for the lighting, with his group making up the difference. Instead, he walked away with the full amount and instructions to proceed post haste. "We should fund the $14,800 amount to light up all of Main Street," said DID board member Tom Mannausa. "We can come back for Five Points later." The board then voted unanimously to hold off on the $135,000 contract and instead approved $1,800 for a demonstration of color-changing lighting in the park. The color-changing lights that used to be in Five Points Park suffered from squirrels' nibbling and growth of the oaks' limbs. Photo courtesy City of Sarasota With Main Street construction completed, downtown Sarasota merchants are eager to 'dress up' the street for the holidays. Photo by Norman Schimmel