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City administrative offices, Parks and Recreation facilities and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Box Office will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Note: There will be no residential garbage, recycling or yard waste pickup on Thursday. Thursday pickup will take place on Friday, and Friday pickup will take place on Saturday. For more information on garbage and recycling collection, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 941-263-6170.
Also, the Bay Runner will operate regular hours on the holiday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a modified route. The Palm Avenue stop will be temporarily suspended from noon to 10 p.m.
Don’t forget: The annual Fourth of July fireworks display, presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and co-sponsored by the City, will take place at Bayfront Park at 9 p.m. We hope you can make it to this fun, family-friendly event as the night sky is lit up to celebrate our nation’s birth.
Happy Fourth of July!
Reminder: Plastic bags will no longer be collected for curbside yard waste pickup, starting Monday, July 1.
Please place leaves, small branches and vegetative material in a reusable container or paper bags and place curbside for regular pickup. You also can bundle yard waste and tie it with compostable twine, provided the material is 48-inches or shorter. Materials improperly prepared will not be collected or will require a special pickup with an additional fee.
The operator that collects residential yard waste for the City announced it will stop picking up plastic bags, prompting the change. The majority of City residents already use reusable containers or paper bags and we thank the community for adjusting to the new policy prior to July 1.
If you have questions about yard waste collection, please reach out to the Solid Waste Division at 941-263-6170.
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Almost a year ago, the Parking Division began community discussions about the need for policy changes to increase efficiency and turnover of premium parking spaces.
Community and stakeholder meetings were held and, based on feedback, recommendations were refined prior to being adopted. The changes, reflective of best practices around the country, go into effect Monday, July 15.
Here’s what you need to know:
Electric vehicle charging: A $1 per hour fee will begin for the use of EV charging stations in public parking spaces citywide. This will allow the City to cover the energy costs associated with the charging.
Garage parking: Complimentary parking in the State Street, Palm Avenue and St. Armands garages will be reduced from two hours to one hour. The cost of parking for the second hour will be $2 and the cost for each hour after the second will be $1.
Credit Card only: Metered parking spaces will accept credit cards only. Payment will also be accepted through the ParkMobile app.
Benjamin Franklin Drive: Paid parking will be implemented for 80 premium spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key. The rate will be $1 per hour. Please note: The 368 public parking spaces at the Lido Beach Pavilion surface lot will remain free.
Centennial Park: Paid parking will begin at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp. Fees will be $5 for a single vehicle all day and $10 for a vehicle with a trailer all day.
During the first week, warnings will be issued for violations associated with the new changes. In addition, parking ambassadors will be out and about sharing information about the new policies.
Following public parking industry best practices, the goal is to encourage turnover of prime parking spots while offering affordable and free options.
Questions about the changes should be sent to ParkingInfo@Sarasotafl.gov
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A new community pocket park is under construction in the Rosemary District on Central Avenue between 5th Way and Boulevard of the Arts, and we're seeking your input on its name!
The development of this new park began with a community-wide initiative led by a group of passionate Rosemary District neighbors who shared a vision to build a park that meets the neighborhood's diverse needs and creates a safe, open, and inclusive environment for visitors to enjoy. We are grateful to everyone involved in the process so far.
Visit www.SarasotaFL.gov/Park-Name-Survey or click the image above to select your choice for the new park's name or submit your suggestion. The survey is open now through Sunday, June 30. City Commissioners will consider your input when making the final decision. Take the survey today and help shape the future of our community!
Our Attainable Housing Density Bonus program is receiving peer accolades for taking action to increase the attainable housing stock in the city, so those who work here can also afford to live here. The City was recognized with two prestigious awards: one from the Florida League of Cities (FLC), the other from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA).
During its recent annual conference in Charlotte County, the FPZA executive board awarded our Planning Department team with the Innovation Award (Policy) for creating a program that is unique and ahead of its time. Planning Director Steve Cover, General Manager Ryan Chapdelain, Chief Planner Brianna Dobbs and Planner Rebecca Webster accepted the award on behalf of the City.
 L to R: Chief Planner Brianna Dobbs, Planning Director Steve Cover, General Manager Ryan Chapdelain, Planner Rebecca Webster.
As part of its 2024 Municipal Achievement Awards, the FLC honored the City with a Local Action Award, which recognizes a citywide effort that successfully addresses a local need. Nearly 100 additional attainable housing units already are in the construction pipeline as a direct result of the new Attainable Housing Density Bonus program. The Local Action Award will be presented during an upcoming City Commission meeting.
Congratulations to our Planning team who worked tirelessly on this initiative and to the City Commission for having the foresight and wherewithal to adopt it.
We are excited to announce the return of the SPD Citizens Academy this fall! Running Aug. 7 to Sept. 25, sessions will take place every Wednesday evening 6 to 9 p.m. This immersive 8-week course offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the inner workings of the Sarasota Police Department and foster a stronger connection with our community.
Participants will engage in informative sessions and interactive activities, developing a comprehensive understanding of police operations, procedures, and community partnerships. The academy is designed to balance with your daily commitments, allowing you to learn about law enforcement's vital role without disrupting your schedule.
Whether you're a curious individual, a concerned citizen, or someone considering a career in law enforcement, the Citizens Academy is for you! You'll have the chance to engage in discussions with experienced officers, learn about investigative techniques, and explore the challenges and rewards of ensuring public safety.
To secure your spot in the program, please sign up by Saturday, July 20. Spaces are limited, so act promptly to ensure your participation. To register, visit www.Sarasotapd.org, and click on "useful links" under the virtual front desk tab or complete the sign-up form available here.
Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights into the SPD and enhance your connection to the community. Join us for an enlightening experience this fall!
For more information, contact Lashelle Williams at Lashelle.Williams@sarasotafl.gov.
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 Amphitrite is a new Public Art mural painted on a Utilities building along U.S. 41 between Ringling Boulevard and Main Street.
If you’ve traveled U.S. 41 through downtown recently, you may have noticed something new between Ringling Boulevard and Main Street.
The City’s newest mural, Amphitrite, is complete and can be seen on the Lift Station 16 building. The mural depicts the Greek mythology goddess of the seas surrounded by coral and was created by local artist Truman Adams.
Murals like this one are funded by the Public Art program through developer fees with the mission of beautifying our city and providing incredible opportunities for local artists to get involved in the public art scene.
The Florida Highwaymen display at City Hall has been so popular since its installation six months ago, it has left visitors wanting more -- more of the vivid Florida landscapes and more educational opportunities to learn about the artists and their remarkable impact on Florida.
With that in mind, we’re pleased to share the exhibit has been refreshed with 29 new Florida Highwaymen pieces, generously on loan from collector Roger Lightle. Roger lives on the east coast and will return in the fall to give at least one lecture about the Highwaymen, including who they were, how they survived as Black artists during segregation in Florida and the unique relationships he developed over the years with some of the Highwaymen.
His lectures in February were captivating and you won’t want to miss the next one! When the date/time are set we’ll share the information here in City News and on social media. Roger also will hold education days for school children.
Thanks again to our Public Art Manager Mary Davis Wallace for establishing this unique partnership with Roger, which interestingly, blossomed from her cold calling him several years ago about the City’s Public Art program.
The Florida Highwaymen display is part of the City's Cultural Heritage exhibit in the City Hall lobby. It's free and open to the public during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Round up your family and friends. Call your colleagues and co-workers. Gather a group of ten or more and save money on show tickets with exclusive discounts! But that’s not all. Groups enjoy priority seating; flexible payment plans and personalized concierge service. Whether it’s a Broadway musical, a comedy headliner, a classical concert or a rockin’ band, the Van Wezel team has you covered!
For information about group tickets, please email ellen.dyer@sarasotafl.gov
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