Exciting Bay Runner news! Effective Wednesday, Nov. 8 the stop at Sunset Drive/Golden Gate Point will return (after being suspended during FDOT construction) and a new stop will be added near Bird Key Park at John Ringling Boulevard/Bird Key Drive. Since John Ringling Boulevard is a state maintained road, our Parking and Transportation teams coordinated closely with FDOT on state requirements and logistics to make the Bird Key Park stop a reality. Thank you to all involved!
The Bay Runner continues to be a very popular, hassle-free mode of transportation between downtown, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, with well over a quarter of a million riders during the first 18 months of operation. Thanks to everyone’s continued support and commitment to help reduce the number of vehicles on our roads!
For a route map and to learn more visit www.SarasotaBayRunner.com
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City Hall administrative offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of the national Veterans Day holiday as we honor all those who have served in our military.
Residential curbside garbage, recycling and yard waste collection and commercial garbage pickup schedules will be unaffected.
Hours of operation for recreation and cultural arts facilities will vary:
Don’t forget our annual Veterans Day Parade will be happening on Saturday, Nov. 11!
The parade will start at 10 a.m. at Osprey Avenue/Main Street in downtown Sarasota and move westward down Main Street, ending at Gulfstream Avenue. From there, a ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park with guest speaker, Carlos Moreira, a 1st Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Reminder: Several road closures and vehicle tow away zones will be in effect for the parade. Signed parking spots need to be cleared by 3 a.m. for set up. Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Bike barricades along the parade route will be set up at 5 a.m., and at that time, Main Street will be closed until the conclusion of the parade.
During the temporary Main Street closure, the Bay Runner will run a modified route from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Ringling Boulevard one block south of the route.
Thank you to the volunteer members of the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and Chairman Dan Kennedy for their dedication in organizing the many veteran groups, school bands, color guards, dignitaries, first responders and community organizations that participate in the festivities.
We look forward to celebrating our veterans!
 We invite you to save the date for the grand reopening celebration for Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park! The event tentatively will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 15 at Bobby Jones, 1000 Circus Blvd.
This is sure to be a grand event you won’t want to miss! Stay tuned for more details.
When the Nature Park at Bobby Jones opens, it will be a beautiful, rustic area with newly created wetlands, crushed shell trails and golf cart paths repurposed into walking and biking trails. But what could the future hold for it?
We’re beginning public outreach to share preliminary concepts for possible additional park amenities -- and we’d like your input. Should there be a pavilion where park goers can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings? Or perhaps a bridge overlooking the wetlands? Or possibly a bird blind adjacent to the new rookery island? Or maintain the natural area how it currently exits?
Our Parks and Recreation team will present the initial conceptual options during a community meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street.
Staff's presentation can be reviewed in advance on the Parks and Recreation website.
If you cannot attend the community meeting, feedback can be emailed to ParksandRec@sarasotafl.gov. All emails need to be submitted by Nov. 30.
The Nature Park comprises 90 acres of stunning urban green space. In partnership with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, a conversation easement is placed on the entire Bobby Jones property – just over 300 acres. It will remain a green, recreation space in perpetuity. So, we truly have a unique opportunity to create a signature nature park for generations to enjoy.
A milestone was reached last week with the Bayfront Park playground and splash pad project as crews tested and calibrated the new splash pad system to ensure the water features are spraying at the correct height and direction. The new system is designed to require less on-site maintenance, with the ability to check the chemical levels remotely via the internet. It also incorporates an ultraviolet water treatment system to treat any bacteria that may be present.
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Testing the water flow and height at the new Bayfront Park splash pad.
Crews are also working to complete irrigation and landscaping around the playground area and install new sod around the park.
Thanks to overall project cost savings, two additional shade sails will be installed, plus 15 concrete tables and benches (three handicapped accessible), ten benches for seating at the pavilion as well as 60 feet of wall seating surrounding the splash pad. With these additional amenities, the playground and splash pad are now projected to open in early 2024.
You’re invited to participate in a virtual public input session Nov. 16 regarding a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to create three new mixed-use zone districts along commercial corridors and commercial centers to incentivize on-site attainable housing.
The City Commission is committed to addressing attainable housing needs and the Planning Department is currently working on a ZTA that would identify existing commercial corridors and commercial centers for appropriate mixed-use development and encourage private developers to build on-site attainable housing.
“New Urbanism”, which focuses on walkable blocks and nearby housing and shopping, is at the core of the Urban Mixed-Use Future Land Use classification and implementing urban mixed-use zone districts. The goal is to attract compact urban mixed-use developments that will provide housing and workplaces within close proximity and along a transportation corridor.
The meeting will be held via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16. You can register by clicking this link.
This will be an informative session with topics including an overview of the Comprehensive Plan versus Zoning; the history of what the City Commission has already approved; a proposed density bonus when attainable housing is constructed on-site; and development and design standards for urban mixed-use districts.
Questions? Please reach out to our Planning team at CommunityWorkshops@sarasotafl.gov
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For those interested in learning more about forward-thinking innovations and ways to preserve our precious coastal community and quality of life, we invite you to attend the EcoSummit + Expo.
The City of Sarasota is partnering with the non-profit Science & Environment Council to host the EcoSummit Dec. 5-6 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The program will feature two days filled with inspiring and thought provoking talks, panels, storytelling, music, and hands-on demonstrations. Highlights you won’t want to miss include an opening key note address with documentary film writer Damon Gameau and what’s bound to be an unforgettable evening with Florida’s bestselling irreverent novelist and conservationist Carl Hiaasen. Check out the full program here.
A 50% off Flash Sale is being offered now through Nov. 7! Learn more about the discount here.
Prior to the EcoSummit, take in the Green Living Expo Dec. 2-3 at the Municipal Auditorium. This green trade-show will be the place to get inspired and learn about best practices to conserve energy, protect our water and local food. Admission to the Green Living Expo is free with advance registration.
We’re proud to host the EcoSummit + Expo and hope you set aside time to explore what each of us can do to help recharge our environment and reduce our footprint.
On November 8, music enthusiasts are in for an extraordinary live concert experience as the legendary John Waite takes the stage. Renowned for his soulful voice and timeless hits, Waite's performance is set to be an unforgettable journey through his iconic music catalog. With his magnetic stage presence and emotive storytelling, securing tickets to this event is a must for those eager to be swept away by the enchanting melodies that have captivated audiences for decades. Don't delay in reserving your spot for what promises to be a captivating evening filled with soul-stirring tunes and an atmosphere brimming with musical magic.
Following the extraordinary performance by John Waite, the enchantment continues on November 9 at the Van Wezel as the esteemed Bruce Hornsby graces the stage. A maestro in blending various musical genres, Hornsby's concert pledges an incredible musical expedition. Known for his versatile style, combining elements of rock, jazz, and bluegrass, Hornsby's performance is anticipated to be a thrilling showcase of his unparalleled talent and musical range. With his distinct sound and masterful piano skills, attendees can expect an unforgettable evening immersed in a diverse tapestry of melodies. Securing tickets for this event is a chance to partake in a remarkable musical journey led by the acclaimed Bruce Hornsby.
Tickets for both shows are currently available and can be purchased online at www.VanWezel.org, by dialing the box office at 941-263-6799, or by visiting the box office during operating hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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