The community is invited to participate in an online survey about Main Street in downtown Sarasota and how to improve parking, driving, walkability and overall aesthetics for one of the most popular destinations in the city.

The Main Street Complete Streets project is in the early planning phase as the City looks to create a safer, visually pleasing, and more connected Main Street between U.S. 41 and School Avenue. We’d like to hear from you on how to improve the area! The online survey is available now through Friday, April 12 on the project webpage.

Three longtime businesses in our community will be recognized by the City Commission Feb. 20 as part of the City’s newly created Legacy Business Program: Caragiulo’s, D & R Automotive and Icard Merrill.

Adopted by the City Commission last August, the program honors for-profit businesses that have been operating a storefront in the city limits for at least 20 years. We recognize the importance of long-term businesses and the impactful contributions they make to building community character. With increased marketing visibility, the program can establish a business as a destination, drive spending, and boost pedestrian traffic into neighborhoods. 

In a time when so much commerce is conducted online, we appreciate businesses that have been anchors in our community for decades and are an established part of Sarasota’s culture providing services and jobs.

Businesses that meet the criteria to become a Legacy Business will be honored with a proclamation during a City Commission meeting and will be entered into the Legacy Business Registry.

Know a longtime business owner in the Sarasota city limits who may be interested in applying for the Legacy Business Program? Learn more by visiting our Legacy Business Program webpage or email LegacyBusiness@sarasotaFL.gov

Congratulations to our first inductees: Caragiulo’s, D & R Automotive and Icard Merrill!

What a turnout for the Florida Highwaymen lectures! Nearly every seat in the Commission Chambers was filled during each of the three lectures held Tuesday.

Well over 350 people descended upon City Hall to learn who the Florida Highwaymen were, why their lives and work have become so significant over the decades and to view their paintings on display in City Hall. It was the largest attendance for a cultural event at City Hall in recent memory! Following each lecture, a palpable excitement filled the atrium as attendees browsed the exhibit and snapped photos to remember and share these beautiful works of art.

Thank you to Roger Lightle for taking a phone call from our Public Art Manager Mary Davis Wallace two years ago, which led to this remarkable collaboration with 23 pieces from Lightle’s personal collection on display and him sharing his vast knowledge about the Highwaymen. And, brava to Mary Davis Wallace for having the foresight and patience to turn this into a must-see cultural heritage event.

If you were unable to attend the lectures, visit our Facebook page where you can watch the morning presentation on demand.

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.SarasotaFl.gov/Florida-Highwaymen

Applications are still being accepted for the Sarasota Police Explorers Program, a great way for students ages 14-19 to discover and learn about law enforcement. By participating in the program, students gain a deeper understanding of police culture, policies, and procedures. This insight can help inform decisions about pursuing a career in law enforcement. Explorers will build relationships and network with law enforcement professionals, which can be advantageous for future career opportunities or obtaining internships and scholarships.

Just a few spots are left, so don’t delay! Email Lashelle.Williams@SarasotaFL.gov to request an application.

Parks and Recreation and the Sarasota Police Department are bringing back another K.O.P.S. (Kids and Officers Promoting Solidarity) event at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on Friday, March 8! 

K.O.P.S is a unique program developed in partnership with the Sarasota Police Department to grow positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement. 

Kick off spring break with safe, supervised fun including sports, games, and enriching activities with Sarasota Police Department Officers. The first session will be held 4 p.m to 6 p.m. for 8 to 11-year-olds and the second 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for 12 to 15-year-olds. Each session includes dinner and refreshments - all free of charge. 

Register for 8 to 11-year-olds (4 p.m.-6 p.m.): https://kops-march-8-11.eventbrite.com

Register for 12 to 15-year-olds (6 p.m.-8 p.m.): https://kops-march-12-15.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact the RTLCC at 941-263-6562.

We greatly appreciate residents who take the time to let us know about City of Sarasota employees who have gone above and beyond with professionalism, courtesy and/or customer service. Typically, these kind gestures are expressed through an email sent to the employee’s supervisor (which can take time to locate) or a general email address, then it’s routed to the correct department for recognition.

To make it easier, we’ve launched “Sarasota Shines”, a new employee recognition program which features an online portal where anyone can submit a ”job well done!” for an employee. The submissions go directly to the Human Resources Department and Employee Appreciation Committee to review, and share with the employee -- along with receiving some fun swag and the opportunity to be considered for Employee of the Month or Team of the Month.

The program aims to highlight the City’s four core values: integrity, accountability, teamwork and respect. When entering a submission, you’ll be asked to describe your experience with the employee, why it was exceptional and their name.

City of Sarasota employees can also use the Sarasota Shines portal to give a shoutout to a coworker and thank them for going the extra mile.

From the www.Sarasotafl.gov homepage, click “COMPLIMENTS” in the top right corner to enter the Sarasota Shines portal.  (On a mobile device, tap “I WANT TO…Compliment a City Employee” in the left dropdown menu. )

We value your feedback and look forward to this being a useful and well-used tool to celebrate employees in all departments:  Development Services, Finance, Governmental Relations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Office of the City Auditor and Clerk, Parks and Recreation, Planning, Public Works, Sarasota Police Department, Utilities, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Office of the City Manager.