|
It’s that time of year when seasonal residents and visitors arrive to enjoy our beautiful community! With Sarasota the winter home for the Baltimore Orioles, baseball fans -- many visiting from Maryland -- are here soaking up the sun and our time honored spring training tradition. This season marks 15 years the Orioles have trained at Ed Smith Stadium and it was an honor to throw out the first pitch last Saturday. Go Birds!
Also, last week, we welcomed a delegation from Perpignan, France, to celebrate the 30th anniversary as sister cities – our longest standing Sister City relationship. Perpignan Mayor Louis Aliot and I, accompanied by Vice Mayor Debbie Trice, At-Large Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, District 1 Commissioner Kyle Battie and many others, met at City Hall, exchanged proclamations and reaffirmed the friendship between our cities. We value this relationship which helps promote global peace, unity, and the thoughtful exchange of ideas and collaborations with education, business and the arts.
 |
Shaking hands with Perpignan Mayor Louis Aliot after reaffirming our Sister Cities relationship.
The delegation was in Sarasota for three days and expressed how much they enjoyed the natural beauty of our city while visiting several notable attractions, including Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, John & Mable Ringling Museum and The Bay.
Thank you to the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota for arranging the visit and diligently maintaining strong friendships with each of our five Sister Cities. Interested in learning about our Sister Cities program? Go to www.SarasotaSisterCities.org
And, this week, the National League of Cities Congressional Conference was held in Washington, D.C. During our visit, City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, City Engineer Nikesh Patel and I met with our congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Greg Steube to discuss the impacts of proposed legislation and current policies.
We’re advocating for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure continued direct funding to local government infrastructure projects, streamlining FEMA reimbursement processes, as well as enhancing grant funding flexibility by reducing restrictions. All are important issues that affect our quality of life in Sarasota and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have informative conversations with our delegation.
I was honored to join WFTS Ch. 28 on the early morning news this morning on St. Armands Circle to talk about hurricane recovery, the tremendous progress we’ve made in our community – and to highlight that our restaurants, stores, beaches and attractions are open for business and ready for Spring Break. You can watch the segment here.
Enjoy the weekend! And for those on Spring Break – enjoy and be safe.
Regards,
 Liz Alpert
Mayor
|
|
Shred Stock is just around the corner!
Join us tomorrow, March 15, at 9 a.m. in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, for a free, drive-thru document shredding event. Shred Stock offers City residents the opportunity to bring up to four boxes of sensitive documents to be securely destroyed on site.
Hosted by our Central Records Division in partnership with The Bay, Shred Stock encourages residents to protect themselves against fraud by destroying documents containing sensitive and personal information. The Garbage Men, a sustainability-focused local band, will be performing 60s classics on homemade instruments throughout the event.
Click here for more information. We hope to see you there!
Stop by the City Hall lobby and enjoy “Now You See Us,” an all-new exhibition featuring the works of the Petticoat Painters – one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the country with deep roots right here in Sarasota.
Formed in 1953, the collective first came together to showcase the talents of female artists at a time when women had difficulty finding venues to display their work. An initial group of seven artists participated in an inaugural show held at a local Sarasota gallery, and the rest is history! Now, the group of 20 continues to honor those founding artists while exploring new themes and contemporary thinking in their works.
The exhibit contains pieces from the collective’s membership and will be refreshed with new works after six months.
A free opening reception and accompanying public lecture will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at City Hall, with a short presentation in the Commission Chambers beginning at 4:30 p.m. Limited space is available on a first come first served basis. Reservations are not necessary.
Can’t make it that night? Good news! The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular City Hall hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday excluding holidays.
Learn more about the exhibit here.
|
During Earth Month this April, the City of Sarasota is joining Sarasota County to help protect our coastal community’s natural beauty. And, we want you to join us!
Come help our Sustainability team beautify Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park on Saturday, April 12, from 8 – 10 a.m.! It is sure to be a rewarding morning as we work together to conserve a popular local green space while networking with other like-minded volunteers.
This cleanup effort is part of Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup nationwide event. The impactful initiative is made up of simultaneous events around both our area and the country, from beaches and business locations, to parks and preserves, and beyond!
Together we can create a positive impact on our community and its natural resources!
Service hours are available for this event upon completion of tasks.
An important note: All volunteers must pre-register. Walk-up volunteers are not allowed.
Sign up here to join the MLK Park cleanup.
See other cleanup locations here.
With the winter weather behind us, there’s no time like the present to visit beautiful Lido Beach with the help of the City’s popular EcoRover mobility chair!
Affectionately referred to as a “mini tank,” the EcoRover is a tracked, motorized chair available at no cost to residents and visitors, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the beach, regardless of ability. While traditional mobility aids can struggle with the Lido Beach sand, the EcoRover traverses it effortlessly, giving unparalleled access and independence to those who otherwise may not be able to really enjoy our City’s stunning beach.
Interested? The EcoRover can be reserved for up to four hours at a time, between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday by contacting ADA Coordinator Jake Brown at Jake.Brown@SarasotaFL.gov.
Click here to learn more.
|
Join us at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex to celebrate St. Patrick's Day during our annual Dive for Gold Pool Party, where mischievous leprechauns have hidden golden treasures in the swimming pool!
The St. Patrick's Day-themed pool party includes arts and crafts, an inflatable waterslide and low diving boards.
Dive for Gold Pool Party details:
-
Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex - 2650 Waldemere St.
-
$8 per child (Adult chaperones free)
All children under age 5 must be accompanied by a guardian in the pool and children ages 6 and up must pass a swim test to swim without a parent/guardian. Swim diapers are required for children under the age of 3.
Take the plunge and hunt for the gold, and once you're done, exchange your findings for a special "pot-of-gold" goody bag!
Call 941-263-6732 to register.
|
The Sarasota Police Department invites the community to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, April 15, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the SPD Police Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane. This free event is open to everyone—residents, visitors, and neighbors alike.
National Night Out is designed to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the new Mobile Command Center while meeting local police officers and engaging with various specialized units, including Criminalistics, SWAT Team, Marine Patrol, Dive Team, Community Relations Unit, and Explosive Materials Unit. You can explore patrol cars, motorcycles, and other emergency vehicles, offering a hands-on experience for all ages.
In addition to demonstrations and vehicle displays, the event will feature K-9 demos, music, and a selection of food vendors from the community. This fun-filled evening provides a great opportunity for families to come together, learn more about the police department, and enjoy the company of neighbors in a relaxed, positive environment.
|
Two of Broadway’s most spectacular productions are coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, bringing show-stopping performances and unforgettable music to Sarasota.
From March 18-23, Moulin Rouge! The Musical transforms the stage into a lavish world of passion and spectacle, where Bohemian ideals and electrifying pop hits collide. Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this dazzling production reimagines the iconic film with breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes, and a soundtrack packed with chart-topping favorites. Prepare to be immersed in a world where love is the ultimate luxury and the stage shimmers with pure theatrical brilliance.
Then, from April 8-13, the stirring and powerful Les Misérables takes audiences on a journey through 19th century France. Featuring one of the most beloved scores in musical theatre history, including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More,” this sweeping tale of love, resilience, and redemption continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With its soaring melodies, breathtaking staging, and timeless themes, Les Misérables is a must-see production that promises to leave a lasting impact.
Don’t miss your chance to experience two of Broadway’s most acclaimed shows—secure your seats today at VanWezel.org!
We have a position open for a maintenance mechanic!
Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online and see other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
|
|
|
Monday, March 17 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, March 18 | 10 a.m.
City Hall Annex | SRQ Media Studio
Agenda
Wednesday, March 19 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Thursday, March 20 | 4 p.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
|
|
|
"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
|
|
|
|
|
