On the heels of a critical audit and an organizational shake-up at Sarasota City Hall, officials in charge of the city’s digital infrastructure said efforts are being made to shore up shortcomings identified in Information Technology management. 

Herminio Rodriguez, Information Technology director, said the department has put together a comprehensive plan to address issues. “Security is at the top of the list,” he said. But to address shortcomings in that department could take investment. At a City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Rodriguez said the city should consider upgrading its uplink capacity and its firewall technology. Rodriguez would also like to hire a security officer devoted to keeping city infrastructure secure. The changes could potentially require a budget amendment to provide an extra $180,000 for the IT department this year. In the wake of a Reliaquest audit and a leak of its unredacted report to certain city commissioners, the IT department earlier this year was transferred out from the auspices of the City Auditor and Clerk’s Office and put under the direction of the City Manager’s Office.

The City Commission on Tuesday also heard recommendations from the Bayfront 20:20 group and unanimously approved guiding principles and a mission statement regarding the the Bayfront’s future as a publicly accessible area of cultural significance. 

I’ve been eating at Station 400 since the downtown location first opened its doors in 2009 and I’ll admit I have yet to sample most of what’s on offer. This is one of those places where the food is so tasty that once you try something it becomes a favorite and it’s difficult not to order it every time. I almost always end up ordering the Smoked Salmon Scramble, because smoked salmon, fluffy scrambled eggs, melted brie, and creamy dill sauce is practically too much for me to resist. But this Saturday, on my friend Molly’s recommendation, I reluctantly ordered the “Huevos Gringos.” If you have yet to try it, I recommend heading there today and experiencing my new Station 400 favorite for yourself. The combination of flavors and textures between the crispy tortilla and the smoky chipotle chicken, the tangy pickled Jalapeño, and the perfectly cooked black beans topped with my choice of yolky over easy eggs is sensational. Definitely get hash browns– they’re crunchy on the outside and pair perfectly with the rest of the dish.  

Station 400, 400 N. Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, 941-906-1400

Manatee Community Action Agency promoted Carol Hunt to the post of director of Early Childhood Services and Head Start liaison. A longtime member of the MCAA team, Hunt was formerly contract specialist at the agency. MCAA’s mission is helping people, changing lives in our community through education, partnerships and delivery of quality services. 

Manatee Community Action Agency

Dr. Dee Stephenson of Stephenson Eye Associates in Venice was recently elected for a two-year term as president of the American College of Eye Surgeons at the organization’s annual meeting in Puerto Rico. Stephenson is an ophthalmic surgeon with experience in micro-incisional refractive cataract surgery and premium intraocular lenses. She works on research and development in the creation of specialized surgical instrumentation and techniques, as well as the development of intra-ocular lenses. 

Stephenson Eye Associates

Kerkering, Barberio and Company announced a number staff promotions, including several management posts.  Moving from supervisor to manager are Ashley Salter, David Cumberland and Matt Reynell.  Advancing from senior accountant to supervisor are Denise Salas and Erin Hentrich. 

Kerkering, Barberio and Company