As our crown jewel waterfront park, The Bay, prepares to celebrate one year of open, accessible green-blue community space, you can show your support right now by voting for The Bay in the People’s Choice Award!
The Bay is one of three finalists for the “Great Resilient Places” Award in the 10th Annual Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award. Presented by the American Planning Association (APA) Florida, this year’s award honors places that adapt well to changing conditions and embrace conservation. With extensive resiliency and sustainability components throughout The Bay, including filtering stormwater before it empties into our precious Sarasota Bay, The Bay Park gets our vote!
This a People’s Choice Award, so you have a say in who wins! And, you can vote every day until the contest closes Sept. 29!
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In between votes, visit www.TheBayTurnsOne.org to learn about the amazing 5-day First Anniversary celebration The Bay Park Conservancy has planned. The festivities will run Oct. 18-22 and offer something for everyone -- from yoga in the park to a multicultural festival, to Boo! at The Bay. Check out the 5-day schedule of activities here and start planning your family fun!
And don't forget....vote for The Bay for the People's Choice Award here!
Ahoy, mateys! The new pirate-themed playground and splash pad at Bayfront Park are coming along swimmingly. The construction site sustained minimal Hurricane Idalia damage thanks to the newly raised elevation of the area -- and the grand opening is still on track for this autumn.
Padded rubber safety surfacing is being installed throughout the park to lessen the impact of falls. Musical instruments have been added for creative auditory play, and cargo net fencing now surrounds the play area. The eye-catching coral gateway has been installed and will be lit during the evening hours.
The beloved animal sculptures that were part of the original Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children's Fountain have been thoughtfully placed throughout the play area landscaping and will soon be restored by the artist.
The next steps will include the installation of the patio and shade sails that will cover the area. We can't wait to welcome you to what will undoubtedly be Sarasota's newest destination playground!
By the way, our incredible Parks and Rec team reopened Bayfront Park within a week and half, after Hurricane Idalia pushed two boats into the park, buckled portions of the sidewalk and left as much as two feet of sand and shell. Well done! While the park is open, temporary hours are dawn to dusk while crews repair the electrical system that was impacted by the storm.
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Two excellent opportunities to learn more about the Sarasota Police Department and meet members of our specialty units are coming up soon!
The Fall 2023 Citizens Academy begins Sept. 27 -- less than two weeks away! The Citizens Academy offers a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of the SPD. The eight-week course is scheduled to meet from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday evening starting Sept. 27 and concluding Nov. 15. Whether you're a curious individual, concerned citizen, or someone considering a career in law enforcement, this academy is for you!
There’s not much time left to apply. Send an email expressing your interest to SPDcitizensacademy@sarasotafl.gov as soon as possible!
Once again, the SPD will host National Night Out. This year it will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 outside SPD Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.
National Night Out is a free, fun, community-building event. Residents, visitors, and community members are invited to spend time with neighbors and police officers getting to know each other and strengthening relationships. RSVP on Facebook.
Want to know more about our diverse Public Art collection? There’s an app for that!
Otocast, a location-based audio guide app, offers an interactive experience with a curated selection of our Public Art in downtown Sarasota. It’s like having a virtual Public Art tour guide!
Each sculpture or “point of interest” on the app is accompanied by a brief audio commentary narrated by an individual familiar with the piece. The artists themselves may even talk about their sculpture and share insights behind the concept, their inspiration and how best to view the piece.
Currently, 94 pieces are included in the Sarasota Public Art Otocast. What a wonderful way to get to know our Public Art collection!
The app is free and available at the Apple Store and Google Play.
To learn more about our Public Art program, including our recently adopted Public Art Plan, visit www.SarasotaFL.gov/PublicArt
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It’s been an exciting summer at the Van Wezel with Friday Fest, the free outdoor concert series! This month, Jah Movement closes out the 2023 Friday Fest series.
The winner of Manasota Honors 2021 Musical Artist of the Year, Jah Movement features a glorifying sound where individual talents of each member come together. Highlighting the talented ensemble is hometown hero and vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman. Adding their own touch of R&B, soul and funk to some of the best live reggae music, Jah Movement has won the hearts of many across the Suncoast and creates a show that can’t be missed.
This final 2023 Friday Fest will take place on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from 5 - 9 p.m. on Sept. 22. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs while they enjoy the music and sunset on Sarasota Bay. Food and beverages from local vendors will be available for sale. No outside food, beverages, coolers or umbrellas, please.
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