Throughout this week (4/17 – 4/24), activists have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, lectures and film screenings. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding environmental protection, affordable housing and local politics.
Wed., Apr. 17, Government Operations (GO) Symposium @ 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Center – 1845 34th St., Sarasota.
Sarasota County invites residents to register for the first Government Operations (GO) Symposium as part of April’s National County Government Month. The GO Symposium will feature presentations from Sarasota County administration, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Property Appraiser, Sheriff’s Office, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector. The four-day symposium is an opportunity to learn about the function of local government services, each agency’s role and how all the organizations work together. The symposium also serves as a supplement to Civics 101, Sarasota County’s popular citizens’ academy. The symposium will run from Apr. 16 to Apr. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at various government buildings in downtown Sarasota. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net to register.
Thurs., Apr. 18, Manatee County’s Ongoing Crisis: Affordable Housing @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pier 22 Restaurant – 1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton.
As Manatee County grows, so does the need for affordable housing. Yet First Responders, service industry professionals, teachers, millennials and hard working families continue to struggle to find housing that fits into their budget. Join Manatee Tiger Bay Club to hear from a panel of speakers about what could be done, what should be done and current plans to attack this ongoing crisis. Featured speakers include Executive Director of Turning Points Adell Erozer and Housing & Community Development Manager Denise Thomas. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Complimentary valet parking provided. Admission costs $35 for guests and $25 for members and millennial-aged influencers. Visit www.manateetigerbay.org to register.
Sat., Apr. 20, Drive Electric Earth Day @ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Florida House Institute – 4454 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota.
Stop by and learn about electric vehicles (EVs), take a test ride and find out why EV drivers love their cars. This event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Sarasota County. Register at https://driveelectricearthday.org for a chance to win $250.
Sat., Apr. 20, Earth Day Celebration @ 8 – 10 p.m.
Seafood Supreme – 1919 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota.
Don’t miss this free community screening of Paris to Pittsburgh, a new National Geographic film produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. This film sheds light on the effects of climate change and encourages viewers to fight for our future. Attendees are requested to RSVP on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-celebration-tickets-58507949853.
Tues., Apr. 23, Pioneers of Climate Science: Puzzles and Solutions @ 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Watch an entertaining talk about the basics of climate science through stories from the lives of scientists, from Benjamin Franklin to Jennifer Francis. Who was the first radical leftist to contribute to climate science? How did the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand lead to an important climate discovery? How did the Gulf Stream get its name? If you are new to climate science, this is a fun way to get started. If you already know it all, just come and be entertained. Jim Eachus is the organizer of Sarasota Climate Change Meetup. He is a retired computer geek with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. Eachus will show slides, tell stories and disagree with the most powerful man on the planet. A discussion will follow. All points of view welcome! This event is free and open to the public.