The 40th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Lido Beach this weekend. To lessen traffic congestion and parking issues, residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to carpool or enjoy transportation via our free Bay Runner. Trolley hours and route maps are available at www.SarasotaBayRunner.com
The Sarasota Police Department will have extra officers working throughout the weekend to ensure safety for all – both people and wildlife. Please respect the environment by keeping off the dunes, disposing of trash properly and observing wildlife protections. Special efforts will be in place to safeguard marine turtles and seabirds during the event, with patrols ensuring nesting areas remain undisturbed.
Beach Hours: Lido Beach hours will change this weekend during the Grand Prix, as provided for in the City Code. The beach will be closed from 11 p.m. to sunrise -- approximately 7:15 a.m -- to prevent eager spectators from setting up in the dark, possibly endangering shorebird and turtle nests.
Centennial Park Boat Ramp: Closed Sept. 13-15
To accommodate the Grand Prix, the Centennial Park Boat Ramp will be closed Friday, Sept. 13 until approximately 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.
The boat ramp at Ken Thompson Park on City Island will remain open throughout the weekend’s race festivities.
Please be patient this weekend especially traveling to and from Lido Beach during this busy time in Sarasota -- and enjoy the races!
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The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation will host two community town halls Wednesday, Sept. 18 to give the public a first look at initial design concepts for a new Sarasota performing arts center.
Both sessions will offer opportunities to see the early design concepts and learn about the vision for a new performing arts center. Plus, you'll have a chance to ask questions and engage directly with architects from Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Sweet Sparkman and Arup Group.
The town halls will be a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of what's to come, participate in the process and offer feedback to the creative minds behind the new performing arts center and the future of the arts in Sarasota. Your voice matters and we hope to see you there.
Session #1
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall - Grand Foyer
777 N. Tamiami Trail
Sept. 18: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Session # 2
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
1845 John Rivers Street (34th Street)
Sept. 18: 6 to 7:30 pm
Childcare will be offered at each session as well as American sign language interpretation.
Click here to learn more and RSVP.
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The top priority in the City’s transportation master plan, Sarasota in Motion, is expanding the trail system through the city. With that in mind, a feasibility study is underway to extend the School Avenue Greenway from Webber Street to Datura Street.
A greenway usually is separated from streets with an emphasis on greenery and can be paved or unpaved. Typically, a greenway is a path that’s used for walking or bicycling.
We’d like to know your preferences for an extended School Avenue Greenway. What type of surface should it be? What kind of wayfinding and lighting should be included? And, should there be places to rest, such as benches?
The proposed extension would connect an existing multi-reactional trail (MURT) that begins at Siesta Drive and ends at Webber Street.
You can take the survey here. Instead of questions, you’ll be asked to react to images.
Also, mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 10. A public meeting will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the SRQ Media Studio in the City Hall Annex, 1565 Street, to discuss the School Avenue Greenway Extension project.
More information about the initiative is available on the project webpage at www.Sarasotafl.gov/School-Ave-Greenway
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We’re pleased to share that the Ringling Trail complete street project is in the hunt for another award!
The Ringling Trail is one of three finalists statewide for the 11th annual Great Places in Florida Award presented by the Florida American Planning Association. As a people’s choice award, you can have a say in the outcome by voting online. We hope you’ll support the Ringling Trail, which was honored last year as the Project of the Year by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
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The theme for this year’s Great Places in Florida Award is “Great places exemplifying safe mobility for all”. The Ringling Trail features protected bicycle lanes for one mile in downtown between Lime and Pineapple avenues offering a safer travel experience for commuters and recreational bikers. The lanes connect to The Legacy Trail enhancing safe options for cyclists to travel downtown to enjoy a meal or continue along the Bayfront.
Congratulations to the Engineering and Transportation Planning teams for their continued efforts to offer the community safe mobility options!
If you haven’t taken our website survey yet, there’s still time!
We’ve extended the survey to continue gathering feedback. We'd like to hear from a diverse cross section of the community to help inform decisions for the future website. Before the makeover begins, we'd like to know your thoughts about the current City of Sarasota website www.Sarasotafl.gov
 Our goal is to enhance engagement and efficiency when using the website, including making it easier to find information and conduct business online.
What changes would you like to see? We invite you to share your feedback!
Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Are you looking for a unique team building activity for your organization or business, or just eager to unleash your creative side?
Join us at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex for the return of "Painting with the Police," in partnership with the Sarasota Police Department. This innovative program offers a unique opportunity to create artwork while connecting with local law enforcement in a relaxed, collaborative setting.
Whether you're a first time painter or a seasoned artist, you’ll enjoy this laid-back, guided painting session. For just $10, all supplies are provided and you'll leave with your own masterpiece.
To secure your spot, call 941- 263-6732 today!
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Friday Fest returns Sept. 20 with K-Luv & The United Funk Foundation set to light up the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn from 5 to 9 p.m.!
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, relax under a stunning sunset and savor delicious bites from local vendors. It’s not just a concert—it’s a celebration of music, community and warm evenings on the Bay.
K-Luv & The United Funk Foundation, led by the dynamic Kim, rose to prominence in 2020, quickly becoming Florida's go-to band. With a mix of dance, soul and R&B, their sound is impossible to resist. Backed by a history of collaborations with legends like Wilson Pickett and BB King, their performances have captivated audiences both locally and globally.
Hope to see you there!
Please note: Concessions are available on site for purchase. Outside food, beverages and coolers are prohibited at Friday Fest.
We're looking for qualified candidates to fill the position of Computer Support Specialist I – Service Desk. Are you or someone you know interested? Apply online here!
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