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Hello Everyone,
With the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season less than a month away on June 1, expect to see and hear a lot of information about what you can and should be doing to prepare. Now is the time to review plans and get your family and home ready. Restock non-perishable food, water, and other emergency supplies. Don’t wait to trim tree branches. And be a responsible neighbor -- determine where your garbage and recycling carts will be stored. (During last year’s storms, many unsecured carts blew into our streets blocking storm drains and scattering debris through neighborhoods.) Keep reading City News for more information about the upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Although the 2024 hurricane season was stressful and difficult, we received an uplifting report on the condition of Sarasota Bay during our last City Commission meeting. Dr. David Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director, shared that the health of our precious bay has greatly improved since 2018 when red tide was at its worst. It’s healthier due to reduced nutrient loads going into the bay. This has set the stage for remarkable growth in seagrasses, which serve as habitat for manatees, sea turtles, and fish. It’s estimated that from 2022-24 Sarasota Bay gained 2,000 acres of seagrass, translating into 70-80 million more fish in the bay. Incredible!
Dr. Tomasko pointed out that while the City of Sarasota has one of the best wastewater treatment plants in the country, second only to Disney in the state, government cannot do it all when it comes to reducing nutrients in the bay. Waterfront property owners should consider using concrete seawalls (rather than less expensive plastic) to encourage the growth of nutrient-filtering oysters. Pick up after your pet and don’t blow grass clippings into the water or street, which will go into the storm drains.
Thank you, Dr. Tomasko, for reminding us that our individual actions can make a difference. Let’s all continue to do our part to protect and improve the health of Sarasota Bay, a precious natural resource that contributes greatly to our community, including the local economy. Click here to watch the full report under Scheduled Presentations.
Have a terrific weekend!
 Liz Alpert
Mayor
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Next week marks Hurricane Preparedness Week, and from May 4–10, the City will be sharing tips, techniques, and resources on social media for residents and visitors alike to utilize as they start their hurricane preparations.
To get started, here’s what every household should have stocked up:
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At least seven days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, and prescriptions per household member
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First aid kit
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Flashlights and batteries
- Pet food and supplies
Prior to a storm, every resident should also put their evacuation plans in place. Key steps include:
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Learn your Evacuation Level by using Sarasota County’s Know Your Evacuation Level online tool here.
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Find the closest evacuation center in your area here.
During a significant storm, the City works closely with other agencies including Sarasota County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management to keep citizens informed. This information is shared through multiple easily accessible outlets, including:
It is important to monitor local forecasts and alerts, as well as listen to local officials. To stay in the know, follow the City’s social media pages on:
Remember: putting plans in place now will help you be better prepared for storm season.
More hurricane preparedness information can be found here: www.SarasotaFl.gov/HurricanePrep
As part of the City’s continued restoration efforts from the 2024 hurricane season, Public Works staff have been hard at work repairing the streetlights on the Ringling Bridge.
Due to storm damage, many of the streetlights on the Ringling Bridge require rewiring. The City’s streetlight team has already completed repairs to several light fixtures along the bridge.
Additional light repairs will be conducted over the coming months, including complete replacements of several fixtures beyond repair. Despite an extended timeline due to supply-chain delays, all lighting repairs and replacements on the Ringling Bridge are anticipated to be complete by the end of the summer.
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Phase 2A of The Bay is now underway!
The Cultural District construction will connect four historic structures along Tamiami Trail – Chidsey Library, Garden Club, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda – with a tree-lined promenade. A Town Square will also be added as a gathering space for activities, events and programming.
With the construction ongoing now through October 2025, the parking lot in front of all four buildings will be closed. This will affect parking and traffic patterns. Please allow extra time to park elsewhere on the site and avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
The construction is expected to wrap up by the end of October and will expand the park from the western edge along Sarasota Bay to North Tamiami Trail on the eastern edge.
This is a $65 million investment into our blue-green urban oasis with $48 million Tax Increment Fund (TIF) dollars backed through a City bond. The remaining $17 million is funded through government grants and private sources.
To learn more about Phase 2 of The Bay, which will also include the Canal District and Resilient Shoreline, click here.
In her role, Alia is responsible for implementing projects and programs that address current environmental needs while ensuring future generations can thrive, helping to build a more resilient city. From sourcing new funding opportunities for adaptation and mitigation projects to educating our community on recycling and composting, Alia’s day-to-day is filled with meaningful work. She particularly focuses on securing funding to implement projects stemming from the City’s Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan. The Plan identified areas and assets most at risk and will guide infrastructure upgrades, natural resource protection, and community-focused solutions to ensure a safer, stronger Sarasota.
Want to learn more about Alia and the department’s ongoing initiatives? Check out an informative and fun interview here.
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In the spirit of sustainability, City arborists from the Development Services Department gave away 150 trees to excited residents last week during The Bay’s Good to be Green event. 100 trees on Friday, and 50 trees on Saturday, were gone in just over an hour each day! This giveaway presented an excellent opportunity for the renewal of our City’s urban canopy by replacing trees lost to the 2024 hurricane season. Thank you to all who participated!
In addition to a very successful tree giveaway event, City staff also participated in several public engagement opportunities throughout last weekend’s festivities, including a “Learn from an Arborist” session hosted by two City arborists in coordination with Florida Power & Light, as well as a sustainability tabling event featuring the City's Sustainability and Resilience Manager.
Didn’t get the chance to join us at The Bay but still want to participate in City's tree programs? Two additional initiatives are coming up soon! Keep an eye on the City’s website and social media channels for more information.
Interested in volunteering your time and expertise on one of the City’s citizen advisory boards? Qualified individuals can apply for one of eight vacant seats across multiple advisory boards tasked with providing valuable input regarding our City’s operations, priorities, and future.
Applications can currently be submitted for vacant seats within the following bodies: Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board, Citizens Tax Oversight Committee, Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Board, Human Relations Board, Independent Police Advisory Panel, and Police Complaint Committee.
To apply, click here.
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Sarasota Police Department’s Marine Patrol officers quickly and safely stopped an unmanned vessel this week after its sole occupant was thrown overboard.
Officers Ron Dixon, Michael Colatorti, and Juan Vaquera-Torres, along with Lt. Bruce King and Sgt. Anthony Frangioni, responded to the call. In a dramatic moment, Lt. King jumped aboard the circling vessel to kill the engine and bring it under control.
Thanks to their swift action, there were no injuries or damage. Videos of the incident have drawn more than a little attention from the media, which provides a good opportunity to remind the community about boating safety—especially when boating alone.
Boaters are reminded to always wear a life jacket, use an emergency engine cut-off switch (now available in wireless versions), and avoid distractions while operating a boat. It's also critical to check weather conditions before heading out, keep a fully charged radio or phone onboard, and let someone know your float plan. Boaters should never operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are encouraged to take a certified boating safety course. These simple precautions can make a life-saving difference on the water.
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The Parks and Recreation Department is brimming with excitement as summer draws near, promising a season filled with vibrant activities and community engagement! Three opportunities for youth camps are being offered, ensuring a summer filled with fun for kids in our community:
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Robert L Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC): 9 one-week sessions
- Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex (APAC): 8 one-week sessions
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Smash & Splash - tennis and swim camp: 1 week session
Smash & Splash camp will be directed by the coaches from Payne Park Tennis Center.
Register online at LetsPlaySarasota.com.
In the meantime, improvements are being made to the facilities to provide top-notch experiences!
At APAC, nature trails have been repaved, and the gymnasium is receiving upgrades, including new basketball goals, bleachers, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a refreshed appearance. Over at RLTCC, the pool has undergone a complete renovation, with additional projects in progress throughout the complex. The tennis courts at PPTC are being resurfaced in phases throughout the summer months.
These improvements demonstrate our commitment to creating welcoming and safe spaces for residents to enjoy, connect, and make lasting memories all summer long.
Dive into the world of backstage and technical theatre with our exciting summer camps in collaboration with Stagehands Union Local #412!
Campers will work side by side with skilled union technicians, participating in hands-on activities and gaining exclusive access to the hidden corners of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall that audiences never see. Each day will focus on a different area of stagecraft, giving participants the chance to build their knowledge—and their own toolbox—with real-world tools and techniques.
Two sessions are available:
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Explorer Camp (June 16-20 for ages 12-18)
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Advanced Camp (June 23-27 for ages 15-18)
Both camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp is $250 per week or $450 for both weeks, with financial aid available.
We have a position open for a Development Review Chief Planner.
Are you or someone you know qualified and interested in joining our team? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online and see other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
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Monday, May 5 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, May 6 | 10 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, May 6 | 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Annex | SRQ Media Studio
Agenda
Wednesday, May 7 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, May 7 | 1:30 p.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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