In the first four weeks of storm debris collection, City contractors have removed more than 370,000 tons of storm debris. Based on initial estimates immediately after Milton, roughly 60% of the storm debris from Helene and Milton has been picked up.
As collection continues, a wide variety of trucks, trailers and equipment are being utilized citywide to reach areas where canopy trees or narrow roads may inhibit larger rigs from passing through. While you may not see large two-trailer trucks on your street, rest assured that the City’s contractors have the necessary tools at their disposal to collect your debris too.
If you’ve seen trucks collecting debris, you’re probably familiar with the claws and loaders used to remove the debris. While these tools are effective at removing large amounts of material, they cannot collect what they cannot maneuver around. If your debris has yet to be picked up, please ensure that it is placed at least 6 feet away from any obstructions, including utility poles, mailboxes, cars and water meters.
Contractors are still working on the first pass. We’ll inform the community before the final pass starts.
Wondering where contractors are working? Click here to view a storm debris collection map.
Please call the Storm Debris Hotline at 833-947-7739, available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with any questions.
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Repairs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are progressing smoothly, with the facility set to reopen to the public Thursday, January 2, 2025.
The Box Office will resume operations on Monday, Nov. 18, assisting with both new ticket sales and refunds for previously canceled shows. Patrons planning to buy tickets in person at the Box Office are asked to drive up Van Wezel Way and park in the circle near the Box Office. The parking lot adjacent to the Hall is still going through cleanup from Hurricane Milton. Tickets can also be purchased online at VanWezel.org or by calling the Box Office at 941-263-6799.
For a closer look at the Hall, check out this video HERE.
 The Van Wezel is thrilled to announce that many shows impacted by Hurricane Milton have been rescheduled for 2025 and 2026. Highlights include Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll on Jan. 30, 2025; Lewis Black’s Goodbye Yeller Brick Road – The Final Tour on March 11, 2025; The Commodores on April 17, 2025; John Crist’s Jokes for Humans on May 1, 2025; Air Supply on May 4, 2025; Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Dec. 21, 2025; and TINA – The Tina Turner Musical on Feb. 20-22, 2026.
Ticket holders have been updated with the new dates, and those who cannot attend the rescheduled performances are encouraged to contact the Box Office at 941-263-6799 for assistance.
Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away!
In observance of the holiday, City administrative offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. City facility hours may vary.
There will be no garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup on Thanksgiving Day. Pickup will resume Friday, Nov. 29 with a one-day delay. So, Thursday’s pickup will take place Friday, and Friday’s pickup will be moved to Saturday.
The Bay Runner will operate regular hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Nov. 28 and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 29.
We hope you enjoy the holiday and spend your Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Interested in getting involved with one of the City Commission's many Advisory Boards?
Openings are available on multiple boards, including:
- Board of Adjustment
- Board of Rules and Appeals
- Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board
- Historic Preservation Board
- Human Relations Board
- Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board
- Nuisance Abatement Board
- Parks, Recreation & Environmental Protection Advisory Board
- Planning Board
- Independent Police Advisory Panel
- Police Complaint Committee
- Public Art Committee
To learn more about each board and submit an application, please click here and select the Advisory Board you wish to apply to.
All Advisory Board positions are appointed by the City Commission.
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'Tis the season!' The Sarasota Police Department is participating in the annual Toys for Tots collection.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program's mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year and distribute those toys as holiday gifts to children in need in our local community.
All toy donations are greatly appreciated; however, if you would like some suggestions, the following items are in demand this year: bicycles 24", 26" and 28", bicycle helmets, bike locks and teen gifts such as sporting equipment/bags/balls, books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers. Toys for Tots prefers not to accept realistic-looking weapons or gifts containing food. If donated, these items will not be distributed.
A donation box is located in the SPD Headquarters lobby at 2099 Adams Lane. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through Dec. 23.
SPD is one of several organizations teaming up with the Marine Corps Reserve to collect and distribute as many toys and books as possible for children who are less fortunate.
Locally, the Toys for Tots campaign distributed 57,192 toys to 14,580 deserving Sarasota County children last year. Your donation is critical in making this mission a success!
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This winter break, give your kids the opportunity to stay active, engaged, and entertained with our Winter Break Camp at the Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.
Our camp is for children ages 5 to 12 (5-year-olds must be currently enrolled in kindergarten) and features a variety of activities, including winter-themed crafts, sports, games and more, all in a fun and safe environment.
Half-Day Session:
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Date: Monday, Dec. 23
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Time: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Cost: $20 per child
Full-Day Sessions (Three two-day sessions):
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Session 1: Thursday, Dec. 26 & Friday, Dec. 27
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Session 2: Monday, Dec. 30 & Tuesday, Dec. 31
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Session 3: Thursday, Jan. 2 & Friday, Jan. 3
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Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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Cost: $65 per session per child
Spaces are limited so be sure to register early! For more information or to sign up, please call 941-263-6732 or stop by the Arlington Park front desk.
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