 Our mature tree incentivization program is back and even better with a new name and new tree species!
Now called the Neighborhood Canopy Program, the initiative encourages residents to plant and maintain large canopy trees. The City’s Tree Mitigation Fund pays up to $500 toward an approved canopy tree when the required $100 deposit is received.
Reservations are now being taken for plantings in Spring 2024 with the following species available: Magnolia, Bald Cypress, Southern Red Cedar, Holly and Pink Tabebuia. Please note: Palm trees are not included in the program.
Residents select their preferred species and each tree is planted by the City’s vendor, Mast Landscape Management, in coordination with the City’s arborists following the “right tree, right location” philosophy.
We anticipate as many as 150 mature trees will be planted during the spring cycle, each with a minimum 2-inch caliper, adding to the City’s urban canopy, helping to lower the island heat effect, providing habitat for wildlife and boosting property values.
The next planting cycle will be in Fall 2024 with different species available: Live Oak, Green Buttonwood, Royal Poinciana, Ligustrum and Orange Geiger. The required deposit will remain the same: $100.
The program is limited to one tree per residential property in a calendar year.
Interested in participating? Reach out to Mast Landscape Management at 941-480-6387 or email us at NeighborhoodCanopyProgram@Saraotafl.gov
The Florida Highwaymen display has been open to the public as part of our free Cultural Heritage Exhibit at City Hall for just three weeks and so far the reaction has been tremendous! In response to the high volume of inquiries about the upcoming lectures, an additional lecture time has been added in the afternoon.
The lectures will be led by art collector Roger Lightle who has generously loaned 23 Highwaymen paintings to the City for the exhibit. Each lecture will be similar, running approximately one hour, with three convenient times on Tuesday, Feb. 13: 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. All will be held in the Commission Chambers, which seats 225.
Reservations are not being accepted. Seating is first come, first served.
The display will be open to the public until June during regular business hours. More information is available at
www.Sarasotafl.gov/Florida-Highwaymen
We hope to see you in the City Hall atrium enjoying these stunning landscapes and learning about the Highwaymen's significant role in Florida's arts and cultural history.
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Play some cornhole — all while supporting a great cause!
Join us on The Green at UTC on Feb. 24 for a social event and charity tournament for all skill levels, featuring music, food, and raffle prizes. The event will benefit the Sarasota Police Foundation, which provides the Sarasota Police Department with additional support for equipment, training, wellness and outreach programs that promote public safety and positive community engagement.
Registration starts at 1 p.m. and the tournament begins at 2 p.m. Fees are: $20 per team for novice/intermediate division; and $20 per player for the competitive division (80% cash payout). It's a double elimination bracket, with a single game on each side.
Players can bring their own bags or bags will be available to use. For those playing in the competitive division, bags must be ACL (American Cornhole League) approved. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each bracket.
The deadline to register is Thursday, Feb. 22.
To register, contact SPD Officer Danny Robbins at Danny.Robbins@sarasotaFL.gov
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Wow -- what an amazing turnout for the grand reopening of our new Bayfront Park ship wreck-themed playground and splash pad! Mother Nature’s chilly reception didn’t dampen spirits, with families lined up and young buccaneers excited to be among the first to climb the new structures in the playground and press the button for water flow on demand in the splash pad. Youngsters even had the chance to pluck a commemorative doubloon from a special Parks and Rec treasure chest – aargh!
Children playing on the new ship wreck-themed playground at Bayfront Park.
For those planning a visit, the playground is now open daily 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. and the splash pad 9 a.m. – dusk. Both the playground and splash pad are ADA-friendly and offer plenty of shade, tables and benches for the family.
We anticipate many Sarasota families and those in the region will be heading to Bayfront Park to enjoy this notable quality of life addition to our community. Have fun!
Spring is just around the corner!
If you're searching for a fun, affordable, and enriching Spring Break camp for your little ones, ages 5 to 12, then look no further. Registration is now open for Spring Break Camp at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St. (5-year-olds must currently be enrolled in kindergarten.)
Parks and Recreation staff are preparing a week full of indoor and outdoor activities, including sports, games, crafts, swimming, and nature-themed activities.
Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 15. The cost is $120 per camper and space is limited, so make sure to register early! Campers must bring their own lunch, snacks and water bottle.
Register online by visiting www.LetsPlaySarasota.com and clicking "Online Registration" in the bottom left corner or call 941-263-6732 for more information.
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Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues and rock as the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall proudly presents the Sarasota premiere of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Feb. 8. Grammy-nominated blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, known for his soulful performances and electrifying guitar skills, will grace the stage, delivering a musical experience that will leave you in awe. Don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary performance by one of the most acclaimed blues musicians of our time. Grab your tickets now for a night filled with soul-stirring tunes and exceptional musical prowess.
Then, indulge in an evening of enchanting melodies on Feb.17 with Chris Botti Live in Concert. Renowned trumpeter Chris Botti, celebrated for his smooth jazz sound and captivating performances, will take the audience on a musical journey like no other. With a repertoire that blends jazz, pop, and classical influences, Botti promises a memorable night of musical elegance. Join us for a special experience as Chris Botti graces the stage with his extraordinary talent, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and artistic brilliance.
 Tickets for both shows are 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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