New Lemon Bay Playhouse Approved by Commissioners
Commissioner Shannon Staub (center) admires the model of the new Lemon Bay Playhouse. She is flanked by (l to r) Janet Landis,
Paul Burke, Debbie Marks and Elaine Miller.
On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners voted to move forward with the land agreement with the construction of the new Lemon Bay Playhouse, and to contribute a $500,000 matching grant.
The presentation of the proposed project was introduced by Debbie Marks of the CRA, and the Attorney for the project, Charles Hines. Jim Hanushek, Executive Director of the Playhouse provided additional background about the history of the Playhouse.
Janet Landis, President of the Board of Trustees presented the vision in her speech as she encouraged the Commissioners to "fast-forward" to the re-vitalized future of Englewood with the Playhouse in place.
Paul Burke, the Steering Committee Chair, presented the fundraising strategy, and the presentation culminated with Elaine Miller, the project architect, unveiling her design.
The design, which she coined as "techno-cracker" features an attractive blend of cutting edge sustainable technologies along with an attractive 'Old Florida' design. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the project. They raved about the design, and about the community spirit in Englewood.