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Hello Everyone,
As 2022 comes to a close, I’d like to express my gratitude to my fellow City Commissioners for entrusting me with the honor to represent Sarasota as Mayor for the next year. I’m humbled to serve in this role in the city where I grew up and have witnessed much change over the years -- for the better.
During the short time serving as Mayor since November, we wrapped up 2022 with a whirlwind of activity, saying farewell to one City Commissioner and welcoming another; launching the new Wi-Fi in the Parks pilot program; opening a protected bicycle lane on Ringling Boulevard to offer safe connectivity between The Legacy Trail, downtown and the Bayfront; finishing the massive task of Hurricane Ian residential debris cleanup; waiving hurricane-related building permit fees; unveiling an impressive cultural arts exhibit in the City Hall lobby; and, continuing outdoor dining within on-street public parking spaces.
And, the City Commission will hit the ground running in the new year as we see the continuation or completion of three legacy initiatives for our community. On Jan. 3, we will begin discussing a Blue Ribbon Committee to share recommendations on repurposing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner. Contrary to what you may have heard circulating, the City Commission has not made any decisions about the future of the Van Wezel. (More on this below.)
The Bay Park, with Phase I officially opened in October, will continue to be an exciting community focal point when Phase II capital improvements, encompassing the canal district, cultural district, waterfront trail and sunset boardwalk, begin and transform asphalt into an attractive blue-green park space for all.
Renovation of our historic municipal golf course, Bobby Jones Golf Club, is expected to finish and we anticipate a grand opening to celebrate the restoration of the Donald Ross 18-hole course, new adjustable 9-hole course, driving range and nature trails in 2023.
Our dedicated, professional staff will be focused on these major initiatives while continuing to serve Sarasota and its residents and visitors every day, ensuring the garbage is collected, tap water is flowing, parks are looking nice and our streets and neighborhoods are safe. Thank you!
We look forward to collaborating with all our partners, Sarasota community and staff for a productive, peace-filled 2023.
Happy New Year!
With humble regards,
 Kyle S Battie
Mayor
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The bright, glowing pineapple will drop at Main Street and Lemon Avenue at midnight as we ring in 2023!
Organized by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association and supported by the City with in-kind services such as barrier set up/removal, garbage collection and public safety, the New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop Block Party starts at 1 p.m. with family-friendly carnival rides available for purchase at Selby Five Points Park.
Live music kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with performances on three stages with Chas Collins (Lemon Avenue stage), 22N (Main Street stage) and SRQ Beats (State Street stage). Event admission is free. Food, drinks and concessions will be available for purchase.
The celebration will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display on Sarasota Bay at Bayfront Park sponsored by Suncoast Charities for Children.
Click here to view a list of scheduled street closures plus safety reminders from our Sarasota Police Department who will be doing their part to make sure the community can enjoy a safe, fun evening.
We look forward to a terrific celebration. Happy 2023!
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City administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Year's Day. The regular City Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 9 a.m. at City Hall.
While garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected as usual on Jan. 2 for residential and commercial customers, hours of operation at our recreation facilities will vary:
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Box Office will be open regular hours Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Facing exorbitant insurance deductibles, some Sarasota residents impacted by Hurricane Ian are at a loss on how to meet deductibles and move forward with necessary home repairs. But, there is help.
Applications are being accepted for eligible Sarasota County homeowners who need financial assistance with storm-related insurance deductibles.
The Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development, jointly operated by the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, is offering grants on a first-eligible, first-served basis.
Eligibility requirements:
- Home must be owned and occupied as the applicant’s primary residence for a minimum of one year with documented homestead exemption status.
- Maximum amount of assistance will be $20,000 and is dependent upon proof of a homeowner’s insurance policy showing the deductible amount.
- Home must be located in Sarasota County.
- The ‘just’ property value cannot exceed $349,525 as listed on the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s website.
- Applicant must be current on mortgage payments and on Sarasota County taxes.
- Payments will be made directly to contractors on behalf of applicants.
- Priority will be given to applicants who are very low-income (50% of AMI) and/or elderly (age 62 or older).
- Household annual income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
For more information, including household income requirements, and to apply online click here.
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Youngsters are invited to join us for an exciting, free after-hours youth program at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. (8 to 11-year-olds) and 8 - 10 p.m. (12 to 15-year-olds).
K.O.P.S. - Kids and Officers Promoting Solidarity - is a unique program created in partnership with the Sarasota Police and Parks and Recreation departments to promote positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement. Adult supervised activities will include basketball, volleyball, video games, dinner and refreshments -- all free of charge!
Register here or stop by the front desk of the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street.
For more information call 941-263-6562.
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Through the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, we love offering the community world-class entertainment, working with students and educators, and we want to continue to bring cutting edge shows to Sarasota. We must remain competitive. This means looking toward the future with a new state-of-the-art Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
False and misleading information is being spread about the plans for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation. You may have received one or more emails encouraging you to sign a petition to “Keep the Van Wezel.” These emails are not from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation or City of Sarasota. They do not represent us, and we disagree with their assertions.
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We agree that Sarasota needs and deserves a new, state-of-the-art performing arts center in The Bay Park and the current Van Wezel Hall cannot be upgraded to meet the needs of the ever-growing community. The current Hall is too small to compete for early runs of the most popular national touring shows, it lacks current technology and it’s not built to cope with sea level rise, not to mention the latest patron and artist amenities. Addressing these issues with the current Hall would be complicated and require demolishing and reconstructing most of the structure and foundation. These changes would also impact the shape of the building, sight lines, acoustics and number of seats.
At no time has the City, Hall or Foundation suggested the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall be torn down. Do not be misled by false information.
During our Jan. 3 meeting, the City Commission will begin the process to seat a Blue Ribbon Committee, which will provide recommendations about viable options for future reuse, ownership and operation of the Van Wezel. The Commission will appoint the committee by April to begin its important work.
Rest assured, the City intends to continue operating the Van Wezel until a new performing arts center is operational. As we look toward a bright future, you can find more information about a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center here.
An open house with educational lectures and a guided tour of the cultural art exhibit on display in the City Hall lobby will be offered at no cost Thursday, Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The exhibit shares Sarasota’s rich cultural arts history through dozens of captivating photographs and paintings by local mid-century local artists. The pieces include landscapes, portraits and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey images, which are shown in partnership with the Arts Advocates, Circus Arts Conservatory and Sarasota County History Center.
The open house will feature two 15-minute lectures on historical aspects of the pieces, plus a tour will be offered.
Thanks to all involved with this unique initiative spearheaded by our Office of Public Art and Historic Preservation Division.
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We have a rising tennis star in our midst!
Local teenager Leonardo Dal Boni recently was honored by USTA Florida as the Junior Competitive Player of the Year and bestowed with the prestigious Albert Carrington Balink Award.
The award presentation took place at Payne Park Tennis Center where Leonardo has trained for the past decade. He also has honed his skills at Arlington Park.
USTA Florida recognizes a Florida ranked junior player deemed to have had the most outstanding full-season performance in local, state, and national events and who personifies exemplary sportsmanship, conduct, and character.
Just 17 years old, Leonardo is one of the top 2 junior players in Florida and is among the top 30 juniors in the nation. Congratulations!
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Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 | 10 a.m.
City Hall Annex | SRQ Media Studio
Agenda
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 | 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Annex | SRQ Media Studio
Agenda
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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