Heads up – temporary lane closures on N. Tamiami Trail north of 14th Street will begin Monday, Sept. 15, as crews begin work on a significant and much-needed utility improvement project.
This multi-phase $30 million project includes the replacement of segments of aging water main to increase the safety and resiliency of the water distribution system for City of Sarasota water customers.
Phase 1 will stretch from 14th to 22nd Street and begins Sept. 15. The inside lane of both north and southbound will be temporarily closed with two-way traffic maintained. Electronic message boards are posted in the area alerting drivers to the upcoming traffic pattern change.
Temporary traffic calming measures will be implemented on several side streets, between the North Trail and Cocoanut Avenue, to address possible speeding issues due to the lane closures on the Trail.
The full scope of the project includes six additional phases with each phase replacing 60-year-old water mains under the North Trail and ending at University Parkway. The project extends 2.3 miles and is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.
Check out the project webpage for up-to-date information throughout the duration of the project.
|
 |
New landscaping near the U.S. 41-Fruitville Road roundabout replaced vegetation lost during Hurricane Milton.
Fresh, beautiful new plantings are now installed at the U.S. 41-Fruitville Road roundabout and adjacent medians, greeting residents and visitors as they pass through this gateway for our special city.
The vegetation was hit so hard by Hurricane Milton’s high winds, rain and storm surge, resuscitation was well out of reach. While addressing the many other devastated public spaces and parks in the city, the Landscaping Division within the Parks and Recreation Department carved out time to prioritize the revitalization of the U.S. 41-Fruitville Road roundabout area. A robust vegetation replacement plan was designed by staff, featuring foxtail palm, muhly grass, flax lily, juniper, ecoturf perennial peanut and Mrs. Schiller’s Delight, and a contractor well-versed in adhering to the Florida Department of Transportation’s maintenance of traffic procedures was brought in (after going through the state-required bidding process) to install the plants and restore the area to its pleasant pre-Milton appearance.
We appreciate the Parks & Recreation Department working diligently day in and day out to restore our community!
 With our coastal parks that were devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton now in the permitting process with state and federal agencies, a webpage is available to track the progress of each project at www.Sarasotafl.gov/RestoringSarasota
The webpage Restoring Sarasota is dedicated to providing monthly updates on 14 projects, most of which are parks-related, although a few are assets and amenities adjacent to the water, including the Ben Franklin Drive streetlights. Projections for construction start dates are included with each project update.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we follow FEMA’s requirements to the letter in order to qualify for possible federal reimbursement. With the estimated cost for repairs totaling $17.4 million, we want to ensure we do everything we can to recoup these much-needed dollars.
The City of Sarasota is required to adhere to state and federal permitting processes, which can be complex when coastlines are involved. Once permitting is approved, Florida state law and FEMA processes require competitive bidding to award construction contracts, which adds time to the restoration process.
To stay up to date visit www.Sarasotafl.gov/RestoringSarasota
Many disaster preparedness items, which had been tax-free only during Florida tax holidays, are now permanently tax-exempt.
Essential items include, but are not limited to:
- Batteries
- Portable gas cans
- Portable generators
- Waterproof tarps
Click here for the complete list of permanent tax-free items, which went into effect Aug. 1, 2025.
With this being the height of hurricane season, you’re reminded to be prepared before tropical weather threatens.
For more hurricane preparedness information, visit Sarasotafl.gov/HurricanePrep.
|
An important consideration when preparing for tropical weather impacts is preventing and mitigating water intrusion into your home. Preparation can include sandbagging entrances to prevent or lessen property damage during a storm.
Interested in adding sandbags to your hurricane preparedness plan? Sarasota County will offer a voluntary sandbag station in the Sarasota city limits on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St.
You’re asked to bring your own shovels and gloves. And, you should expect to fill and load sandbags into your vehicle. County team members will provide each vehicle with 10 empty sandbags to fill.
|
Reminder: The new web portal for City of Sarasota water customers will be available starting Monday, Sept. 22 at www.Sarasotafl.gov/PayMyUtilityBill
Customers who currently use autopay must register in the new billing system to maintain their autopay account.
The new billing system will offer expanded ways to pay, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Pay Pal, Venmo as well as text to pay.
While a new 2.95% convenience fee for digital payments, previously paid by the City of Sarasota, will now be applied by the electronic payment service provider, options to pay without a fee will still be available. Customers can pay by cash, check or ACH via electronic transfer of funds.
For more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.Sarasotafl.gov/PayMyUtilityBill
|
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is thrilled to introduce Family Fest, a brand-new celebration designed for all ages! Inspired by much-loved Friday Fests, this exciting event brings the community together for a day of creativity, fun, and family connection.
This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland, featuring two special performances of Asolo Rep on Tour’s production of Alice in Wonderland along with an engaging mindfulness and literacy activity led by the energetic teaching artist, Mr. Stevey.
 Families can explore interactive, themed activities hosted by local community partners, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and shop unique creations at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where local kids showcase and sell their own products.
Just like Friday Fest, admission is FREE! Join us on the back patio and in the Grand Foyer on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with sensory-friendly performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Register Here and tune in to the Van Wezel Podcast, Curtain Call Conversations, for an inside look at Family Fest.
We’ve all done it before. You run into the store quickly; forget something at home and run back inside and leave your vehicle unlocked -- maybe even throwing your purse, laptop or sunglasses in the front seat because you think you’ll only be a minute. You think, “It’s no big deal. I’ll only be a minute.”
Unfortunately, criminals love when you run into the store or back inside for “just a minute.” That’s all the time it could take for someone to open your vehicle door and walk away with whatever they can grab in 30 seconds or less.
Another way to look at it is this: You wouldn’t leave the front door of your home wide open with your valuables sitting in the entry way. Your vehicle should be no different. Leaving valuables, including firearms, in an unlocked vehicle is basically gift wrapping it for someone with bad intentions.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and your valuables:
- Lock your car. Every time. Even when you’ll just be a minute.
- Remove valuables. If you love it, don’t leave it.
- Secure firearms. Bring them inside or store them properly. Never leave them in an unlocked vehicle.
You have the power to prevent vehicle burglaries. Lock it up. The only thing worse than losing your valuables is knowing it could have been prevented.
|
The Payne Park Tennis Center just received a stylish refresh -- designed to elevate the player experience!
The lobby was remodeled with a sleek, modern design and a smoother check-in experience. On the courts, you’ll enjoy newly resurfaced playing surfaces and brand new outdoor awnings that offer cool, shaded areas to relax. We’ve also upgraded the water refill station near the ice machine for added comfort and convenience.
With fall programming now underway, it’s the perfect time to get involved! Whether you’re a regular community player, your child is joining Super Saturdays, you’re starting out in our Adult Beginners Clinic, or brushing up your skills in the new Rusty Racquet Clinic (for adult advanced beginners), there’s something for everyone. Discover a renewed tennis experience at PPTC where you can learn, play and enjoy the game of tennis.
To register for any programs at PPTC, please call our front desk staff at: 941-263-6640.
|
 |
We have a full-time position open for a Recreation Specialist.
Are you or someone you know qualified and interested in joining our team? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online.
|
