We’re working closely with Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services (MMS) and Florida Department of Health-Sarasota to get the word out about a mosquito-borne illness alert in the area, action being taken and what you can do to protect yourself and your neighborhood.
MMS notifies the public by 2 p.m. if ground or aerial spraying is planned for that evening. The City’s Communications Office then shares the information on the homepage of our website www.sarasotafl.gov and social media channels as soon as possible. To learn about a spray time, pesticide applied and spray locations, visit www.scgov.net/mosquito and select “Planned Spray Mission Map”.
You can do your part to ‘fight the bite’ by covering your skin with loose-fitting clothes when outdoors and applying mosquito repellent. Keep doors closed and install or repair screens on windows, porches and patios. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so you can help by dumping or covering water that is standing in containers. Remove old tires, toys, trash or other items that may collect water. And if you have bromeliads, chances are you have a mosquito problem. Bromeliads hold water and are a popular mosquito breeding ground. Consider replacing them with native plants or treat them with a granular pesticide called BTI to cut down on future mosquitos. More information from MMS on how to protect your home is available here.
Also, mosquito management service can be requested through this online portal.
Thank you for helping us “fight the bite” and eradicate the mosquito-borne illness in our community.
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Our free Bay Runner trolley was incredibly popular over the 4th of July weekend, carrying nearly 2,400 passengers and helping to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads.
Over 700 riders took advantage of the free service on Saturday, July 1 alone, and hundreds more enjoyed the convenient and easy-to-use travel option during the powerboat races on Lido Key and the fireworks in downtown.
Plenty of parking was available in the St. Armands Garage during the holiday weekend, with Sunday July 2 the busiest day and an occupancy rate of just 70 percent. With the first two hours complimentary and the garage a short stroll to a Bay Runner stop, restaurants and shops, it’s a convenient and affordable parking option.
Holidays like the 4th of July draw increased numbers of visitors to our city and barrier islands, so it’s important to take advantage of all available parking and transportation opportunities. After all, why drive when you can ride?
The Bay Runner operates between downtown and Lido Key every day of the year. A route map is available at SarasotaBayRunner.com. A mobile app with real time tracking and arrival information can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Also, e-scooters and pedal-assist bicycles are available for rent through our vendor Veo.
Visit Parking and Mobility to learn more about the available options to get around town!
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Much progress has been made recently on Bayfront Park's new playground and splash pad. The concrete pad for the splash pad, elevated to create a seamless transition to the playground, has been poured along with the foundations for the shade structures and playground sculptures.
An octagonal shelter was installed to provide shaded seating for park guests between the playground and splash pad areas. Shade sails are going up and exciting features of the playground, including a coral reef entrance, crow's nest, pirate ship, and sculptural elements, have been installed.
Next up will be erecting the final shade sails above the splash pad, pouring the sidewalk concrete and foundations for the coral archway at the park entrance, and placing the underdrain system in the playground area. The new splash pad system will allow children to control the water flow, and the entire park area will be ADA compatible.
Construction is on track for a grand opening this fall. We can't wait to welcome you back!
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Single family homeowners in the Sarasota city limits should check out the Mature Tree Program to save money by purchasing trees at a significantly reduced price.
The City pays up to $500 of the tree’s purchase price, with the homeowner paying a $100 minimum deposit, along with assuming care and maintenance of the tree. Tree prices range from $545 to $725.
The program benefits the homeowner and our community with trees helping to save energy, clean stormwater runoff, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air, provide wildlife habitat, and improve the overall health and well-being for everyone.
The program is first come, first serve, so don’t hesitate. Phase 3 has approximately 25 trees available and another 75 will be part of Phase 4, which is expected to roll out this fall.
Want to learn more? Program details and Frequently Asked Questions, including the five approved tree species, are available in the Mature Tree Program guidelines at www.SarasotaFL.gov.
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We're excited to share the Sarasota Police Department has been reaccredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
Although optional, accreditation increases a law enforcement agency's ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of policing services to the community it serves. The community benefits when its law enforcement personnel are following standardized policies and procedures that provide efficient, effective, and fair policing. Accreditation of agencies helps to ensure accountability and transparency that can enhance confidence and trust in law enforcement.
To receive accredited status or be reaccredited, a police department must comply with numerous standards, many of which are critical to life, health, and safety issues, as well as best practices.
 A team of CFA assessors visited SPD Headquarters in March and examined all aspects of policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The assessors found our agency to be following 237 standards and zero out-of-compliance issues.
Recently, Chief Rex Troche, Deputy Chief Scott Mayforth, Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson, Captain Demetri Konstantopoulos, Lieutenant Gregory Miller, and Accreditation Manager Marissa Moore visited Orlando to receive the award from the CFA.
The assessors noted in their final assessment that it was clear the Sarasota Police Department is committed to providing excellent, professional, fair, and dedicated service to the residents and visitors in Sarasota. Congratulations!
Celebrate Christmas in July at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall! Twelve new shows have been announced for the 2023-2024 season.
Shows recently announced include a thrilling holiday lineup with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (November 19), annual favorite Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour (November 29), and Sweet Caroline Tour: A Neil Diamond Christmas (December 4). Additionally, Marie Osmond (December 13) will bring her iconic vocals and enchanting Christmas show to the Van Wezel for the first time. Celtic Angels Christmas (December 21) will bring a cheerful celebration to the hall. Audiences will be awestruck by the jaw-dropping talents and artistry in both The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays (December 16) and Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (December 23).
In addition to the holiday favorites, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll (November 10) returns for another rousing journey through the glory days of rock music. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (November 25) offers a unique opportunity for fans to rediscover the songs and performances of Fleetwood Mac. John Waite (November 8), Bruce Hornsby (November 9), and Daniel O’Donnell (December 15) will also perform at the Van Wezel this season.
Tickets for all these shows are on sale now and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799, or by visiting the box office 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday at 777 N. Tamiami Trail.
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