City News: Labor Day, Van Wezel Season, Attainable Housing

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 08/29/2025 03:00 PM EDT

Aug. 29, 2025

Hello Everyone,

During our most recent regular meeting, the City Commission directed the Interim City Manager to produce an action plan for the Commission's consideration to carry out the Purple Ribbon Committee's immediate and ongoing recommendations for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which include flood mitigation and upgrades to take the Hall through the next 5-7 years while a potential new performing arts center is being built.

Short and long term resiliency measures to protect the Van Wezel are already being carried out at the building’s most vulnerable areas. A flood-resistant metal door system has been installed on the building’s north side and dry flood panels will soon be installed at other vulnerable doorways to increase structural protection and resiliency.

The City was awarded a $3.5 million cost reimbursement grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to go toward hazard mitigation for the Van Wezel. With this funding, we plan to pursue the creation of a breakwater in Sarasota Bay and add to the existing rip rap along the shore, which will absorb wave action and lessen the destructive force of storm surge. Since navigable waters are involved, this mitigation process will be much more involved, requiring marine engineers, designs and permitting from federal and state agencies

Rest assured, though, the Van Wezel is open for business! Executive Director Mary Bensel and her talented team just announced the full 2025-26 season with an amazing lineup of Broadway productions, world-class musicians, comedians and family fun entertainment. Tickets for most shows go on sale Saturday, Sept. 6. So, there’s time to review the season and select which shows you’d like to attend. There’s much more below in City News!

On another topic, as mandated by the Florida Department of Transportation, the removal of artwork in public rights of way, including sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks, started last week. The City was notified by FDOT in late June that its pavement art policy had been revised and all non-conforming markings must be removed – or risk losing state funding. The affected artwork in the Sarasota city limits includes the sidewalk art in Burns Court, Pride SRQ crosswalk in downtown, as well as sea animal images embedded in the sidewalk outside Mote Marine Laboratory. We considered applying for an exception, but received a second letter advising us that we should not bother to apply for an exception because they had reviewed the art and would not grant an exception. While we don't agree with the state’s new policy, unfortunately, as a municipality, we must comply. To do otherwise would be fiscally irresponsible. This year alone we will receive over $65 million from the state, including federal funds that flow through Tallahassee. These dollars go toward significant community projects and initiatives such as attainable housing, transportation, public safety, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, resiliency retrofits and more. While the directive to remove the artwork is heartbreaking, we had to consider what's at stake if we don’t comply.

Believe it or not, summer is coming to a close as we embark on Labor Day weekend. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Regards,

Liz Alpert
Mayor

News and Updates

Labor Day: Sept. 1

Heads up! City administrative offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day.

There will be no residential garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup on Monday. Regular Monday collection will occur on Tuesday, and Tuesday collection will occur on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday collection will not be interrupted.

The Bay Runner will operate regular hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Sept. 1, with a modified route over the holiday weekend to accommodate increased traffic to Lido Beach.

While administrative offices will be closed, many City facilities will remain open with adjusted hours:

Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane, will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., will be open from 6-10 a.m.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail - The Box Office will be closed.

For more information, click here.

Van Wezel: Star-Studded 2025-26 Season

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is bringing Sarasota an unforgettable 2025–2026 season filled with Broadway premieres, legendary concerts, top comedians, and family fun. From laugh-out-loud performances by Jerry Seinfeld and Trevor Wallace to the soaring soprano of Renée Fleming, the timeless charm of Paul Anka, and the sounds of Chris Botti and David Foster with Katharine McPhee, there’s something to thrill every audience. Fans of classic hits can rejoice as The Doo Wop Project, Revisiting Creedence, Stayin’ Alive – A Bee Gees Tribute, and Get the Led Out return, while holiday favorites like Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, Straight No Chaser, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical promises festive cheer.

Broadway takes center stage with the Sarasota premiere of MJ, alongside The Book of Mormon, Some Like It Hot, A Beautiful Noise, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, The Music Man, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Mark Twain Tonight starring Richard Thomas. Family-friendly fun is also on the lineup, including Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, The Price Is Right Live!, Haunted Illusions, and Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed.

Single tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 with presales for subscribers and e-club members. Full details and show listings are available at VanWezel.org.

Attainable Housing

Hammock Place in Sarasota is a new community with 40 homes located off 17^th Street. Through a combination of federal and state grants, 15 of those homes were funded through our Office of Housing and Community Development and constructed by Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. Habitat recently celebrated the final dedication of houses. The homes are both one and two stories and are energy efficient with sustainable features plus impact windows for hurricanes.

What’s especially exciting is that all the residents are first-time homeowners earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income. Wonderful!

Congratulations to the homeowners, OHCD and Habitat for Humanity – and our Sarasota City Commission for supporting this much-needed and successful program.

Farewell Doug Jeffcoat

After serving the Sarasota community unselfishly for 30 years, we are saying farewell with a heartfelt thank you to Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat.

Doug started his career with the City in May 1995 as a supervisor in Utility Billing. Over the years, he served the City in many roles: Public Works Senior Budget Analyst, Senior Financial Manager, Chief Finance Management Analyst, Public Services Manager and Public Services/Finance General Manager before being appointed Public Works Director in 2010. He recently served as Interim City Manager for seven months.

As Public Works Director, Doug was responsible for operations with streets and highways, transportation, engineering, solid waste and recycling collection, and beach renourishment. He also shepherded the significant annual Capital Improvement Program budget and coordinated the City’s portion of the Penny Sales Tax, including recommending community projects and facilitating community outreach for each referendum. During hurricanes, Doug was stationed at the City’s Emergency Operations Center coordinating Public Works’ emergency response as well as preparing for post-storm debris pickup. And, Doug postponed his scheduled retirement to serve as Interim City Manager and assist with assembling the proposed 2025-26 budget.

He is the epitome of a public servant, willing to step up and do what is necessary for our organization and community.

Staff hosted a well-attended retirement party for Doug this week where he was presented with a commemorative "Jeffcoat Way" street sign. The City Commission will recognize Doug's three decades of dedicated service during the regular City Commission meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Thank you, Doug -- you'll always be welcome at City Hall!

Hurricane Preparedness: Garbage/Recycling Carts

As we head into the height of hurricane season, and you consider what you need to do to prepare your home for a storm, it’s important to remember to secure loose objects, including your City garbage and recycling carts. When left unsecured, these carts can pose a safety threat during hurricane-force winds and also possibly block stormwater drains.

Be sure to add securing garbage and recycling carts to your pre-hurricane checklist to avoid losing them or causing unnecessary damage to your home or neighborhood.

Visit Sarasotafl.gov/HurricanePrep for more information on preparing, and staying prepared, this hurricane season.

Sustainability: Communities Workshop Nov. 6

Get ready to join community organizers, decision-makers, and sustainability experts on Nov. 6 for the 20^th annual Sustainable Communities Workshop hosted by the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension.

This day-long, issues-driven event, located at the Harvest House Learning Enrichment Campus, 3650 17th St., will highlight the need to foster sustainable and adaptable communities and celebrate 20 years of sustainable communities workshops.

Interested in this community discussion and learning experience? Click here to learn more and register.

Questions? Visit www.scgov.net/sustainablecommunities, email sustainablesarasota@scgov.net, or call 311.

SPD: SRQ City View

When an emergency happens, every second matters. That’s why the Sarasota Police Department is introducing SRQ City View, a program designed to help officers respond faster and more efficiently. By registering cameras that are at your home or business, you can give police officers an important tool to enhance emergency preparedness and incident response throughout the City of Sarasota.

Registering your cameras does not give officers continuous live access. It places a secure ‘pin’ on a map with your contact information. If a crime or emergency happens near your registered camera, officers can quickly reach out to request video footage. This process saves valuable time and allows officers to act more effectively when it matters most.

Participating in SRQ City View is free and completely voluntary. It’s an easy way for residents and businesses to support one another and strengthen public safety in the City of Sarasota. Just one camera could provide critical evidence to solve a case or deter crime.

SRQ City View is a partnership between the community and SPD with the shared goal of keeping the City of Sarasota safe. To learn more or register your cameras, visit refer.flocksafety.com/community/srq-city-view

Parks & Rec: Seeking Fall Event Vendors

The Parks and Recreation Department invites vendors to join two popular, family-friendly fall events — and it’s free to participate!

Haunted Trail Carnival: at Arlington Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. Set up your booth along a half-mile walking trail and enjoy a frightfully fun evening of games, treats, and community spirit. Register by Oct. 12: Connor.Bowers@SarasotaFL.gov

Trunk or Treat: at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Set up on the turf field and enjoy a spooky night of fun! This year’s event features a very special guest appearance you won’t want to miss. Register: parksandrec@sarasotafl.gov or call 941-263-6562.

Vendors are encouraged to bring candy, games, crafts, and information about their organization. These events are a great way to connect with the community while having a ghoulishly good time.