Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/235968
Sarasota News Leader January 3, 2014 The County Commission votes 4-1 on Oct. 9 to approve a $12.5 million loan to help pay for the $21.5 million in improvements to Siesta Public Beach. Commissioner Christine Robinson, who is in the minority, has protested the county's deficit spending. Richard Gleitsman, representing the county's Office of Financial Management, tells the board the plan originally called for a $14 million loan. However, staff determined $1.5 million could be allocated for it out of Tourist Development Tax revenue. Therefore, the borrow will be about $12.5 million. Page 101 The "scared-straight" policing strategy pioneered by High Point, NC, and adopted by Sarasota has widened beyond street-level drug dealers to include prostitution. Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino announces at a press conference on Oct. 9 that the six individuals who entered the "deferred prosecution program" in August remain crime-free. Further, a roadside roundup of prostitutes last month netted five women who have all volunteered to enter the program as well, DiPino says. Sarasota Police call the program DMI, the drug market intervention strategy. Modeled on High Point's experience, Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino reports her department is having success with a new policing program modeled after one in High Point, NC. Photo by Lindy676 via Wikimedia Commons