The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 represents a concerted effort by the City Commission, City Manager and City leadership to pare down the budget to the bare essentials. Cutting the proposed total budget to reduce spending by $2 million, alongside a modest operating millage rate increase of 0.3000 mills, are the first steps in a 3-year plan to replenish the City’s reserves.
Our community sustained significant damage during the 2024 hurricane season, incurring over $20 million in recovery costs to date and bringing the City’s reserves below the recommended level of 17-25% of General Fund expenditures. Increasing the operating millage slightly to 3.3000 mills will generate an additional $5.2 million in revenue to be designated specifically for replenishing the City’s financial reserves.
In the coming months, a conversation will be held concerning public parking rates and operating expenses.
The proposed budget will ensure the City will continue to provide services at the high level the community has come to expect.
Click here to learn more about the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
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Our coastal parks were hit especially hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Recovery started immediately after the back-to-back storms; and while it may appear not much is happening, a significant amount of work has been going on behind the scenes and will continue.
All 10 severely damaged parks are now in the permitting phase with multiple state and federal agencies. The last required site visit by FEMA officials was completed just last week – approximately nine months post-storms.
Once permitting is finalized by the agencies involved, bidding will begin for the projects, then reconstruction will get underway. The City of Sarasota is one of many coastal communities throughout Florida and the southeast seeking FEMA’s attention and resources.
Staff are being mindful to heed FEMA requirements with the hope the City may recoup some federal funding. Although reimbursement is uncertain, we must adhere to FEMA's processes to be eligible. Immediately following the storms, the City received a $7.7 million infusion from the federal government. But, with total estimated recovery costs reaching $50 million, staff will pursue every opportunity for reimbursement of recovery costs incurred.
Repairs to the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier are expected to begin in 2026.
The Engineering Division and Parks and Recreation Department expect repairs to begin in 2026 for the following parks:
- Bayfront Park
- Bird Key Park
- Centennial Park
- Eloise Werlin Park
- Indian Beach Park
- Ken Thompson Park
- Nora Patterson Bay Island Park (north)
- Sapphire Shores Park
- Tony Saprito Fishing Pier
- Whitaker Gateway Park
In addition to those 10 parks, docks citywide also will be repaired as well as coastal roadways. Completion timelines for all these projects will depend upon the number of qualified contractors available who bid on the work as well as permit approvals from state and federal agencies.
The Gillespie Park playground, destroyed by Milton, was replaced and reopened in June by our Parks and Rec team. Since it is not a waterfront park, the playground did not require site visits or permitting by federal/state agencies.
As we enter the third month of the 2025 hurricane season, it's important to remain prepared for the duration of the season. That means being ready for hurricane impacts, but also the many hazards a storm can create, including tornadoes.
Did you know Hurricane Milton spawned the second largest number of tornado warnings in a state in one day? On Oct. 9, 2024, as Milton came ashore with a direct hit on Siesta Key, the National Weather Service issued a stunning 126 tornado warnings across Florida in just 24 hours.
A National Hurricane Center graphic depicting 126 tornado warnings associated with Hurricane Milton.
September and October are the most active months of hurricane season. Until the season ends Nov. 30, be sure to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including tornado warnings:
A unique community initiative is making a difference in the lives of local youth this summer while strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
In partnership with the YMCA and the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, the Sarasota Police Department has launched a hands-on mentoring program that brings police officers and children together through STEM learning and remote-controlled (RC) car projects.
Now underway at two summer camps, this program serves approximately 20-24 children between the ages of 8 and 12. Campers are paired with police officers to design, build, and race RC cars—an activity that combines fun with meaningful educational and social impact. While kids gain valuable exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), they also learn critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
Two dozen students ages 8-12 are attending the SPD STEM summer camp.
The program’s objectives are fourfold: to foster STEM learning, promote teamwork, provide mentorship, and build stronger relationships between officers and community members. By engaging youth in positive, structured activities with local law enforcement, the program helps break down barriers, build trust, and provide the encouragement youth need to pursue future success.
This initiative reflects the City's continued commitment to investing in innovative, community-centered programs that uplift our youth and build safer, more connected neighborhoods. Through shared goals and mutual respect, the partnership between our officers and young residents is helping to lay the foundation for a stronger, united community.
Subscriptions are open for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s red hot 2025–2026 Broadway series -- so now’s the perfect time to lock in your seats!
Among this season’s high-energy hits is Some Like It Hot, the Tony Award-winning musical packed with dazzling tap numbers, big laughs and a bold new spin on the classic 1920s comedy. Set in the jazz soaked streets of Chicago, this fast paced crowd pleaser brings rhythm to life on stage.
This blockbuster season features seven Sarasota premieres and 10 Broadway favorites, including MJ, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, and more.
Some Like It Hot heats up the Van Wezel's 2025-2026 Broadway season.
With three flexible subscription options, you can save up to 20% and enjoy unbeatable perks, like early access to the best seats, free ticket exchanges, and exclusive Add-On show opportunities. Returning subscribers still have priority access, but that window is closing soon.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable Broadway season! Subscribe today at VanWezel.org or by calling our Box Office at 941-263-6799.
Attention golf enthusiasts!
Bobby Jones Golf Club -The Sarasota City Championship is celebrating its 50th Anniversary!
This prestigious tournament will take place on Sept. 27 & 28, featuring 36 holes of stroke play, along with tee gifts, prizes and an award ceremony.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just looking to test your skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of Sarasota’s rich golfing tradition.
Register online at BobbyJonesGolfClub.com
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We have a full-time position open for a Lifeguard I.
Are you or someone you know qualified and interested in joining our team? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online -- plus, check out other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
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