The replacement of aging water main segments under N. Tamiami Trail is underway. Phase 1 of the project, between 14th and 22nd streets, is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
Throughout the duration of Phase 1, the inmost north and southbound lanes on N. Tamiami Trail will remain closed to allow crews to access pipes under the roadway and stage equipment in the median. The temporary lane closures also provide enhanced safety for workers and passersby.
This is a significant infrastructure improvement project to ensure reliability and resiliency for our drinking water system. We appreciate drivers continuing to use the North Trail and not speed through adjacent residential streets, where temporary traffic calming measures have been implemented.
Click here for updates on the project and its progress.
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 Parks and Recreation crews completed a $500,000 investment last month to restore and enhance the landscaping and lighting on St. Armands Circle following the devastating impacts from last year's hurricane season.
30 new trees and 4,600 shrubs, groundcovers and annuals were planted – each selected for their resilience, saltwater tolerance and environmental friendliness. Electrical and lighting systems, including new light bollards in the Circle, were installed in addition to sidewalk repairs in the surrounding area.
The community’s patience and understanding throughout the recovery process is appreciated, as well as the excellent work of the Parks and Recreation staff.
Click here for more before and after images. Haven’t seen the restoration in person yet? Consider a stroll around the Circle this weekend and enjoy the rejuvenated area!
Next month, on Veterans Day, we’ll honor our military men and women with a traditional parade down Main Street followed by a ceremony in Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park.
And just in time for these patriotic events, the Doughboy War Memorial in the park will be fully refurbished by Cartlidge & Colson Architectural Arts, which specializes in sculpture restoration, with special ties to Sarasota.
Sean Colson is the son of local sculpture Frank Colson who created the doughboy soldier in 1998 for the City. Assisting with this restoration project is his business partner Randy Cartlidge, son of well-known local artist Jack Cartlidge, whose body of work includes several sculptures at City Hall.
The duo are giving the war memorial some TLC, including pressure washing, applying a cold patina, painting the eagles on the base and applying a glaze and ultraviolet ray protective coating. It's all part of the Public Art Program’s regular maintenance to preserve the City’s extensive collection.
The annual Veterans Day parade will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. This year, to facilitate improved staging, the parade will start at Main Street and Orange Avenue. A ceremony will be held at approximately 11 a.m. adjacent to the Doughboy War Memorial in Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park.
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A splash of color is coming to Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex this fall with Rhapsody in Bloom, a new large-scale mural led by artist Alissa Silvers. Known for her bold colors and stylized tropical forms, Silvers will wrap the lifeguard building with an abstract design inspired by Sarasota’s lush, coastal beauty.
The mural is part of the City's Public Art Program, funded through developer fees, and aims to enhance public spaces through creativity and community engagement.
Concept design of Rhapsody in Bloom by Alissa Silvers.
Residents are invited to take part in a Community Paint Day on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ages are welcome to help bring the mural to life and leave their mark on this vibrant addition to the park.
Rhapsody in Bloom promises to be a dynamic and lasting celebration of Sarasota’s spirit—where art, nature and community come together.
Have you noticed your neighborhood looking greener?
Over the past few weeks, City contractors have planted three dozen canopy trees in multiple Sarasota neighborhoods, wrapping up the planting phase of this year’s Neighborhood Canopy Program.
Participating homeowners were excited to receive their new trees -- standing 10-14 feet tall, 2-inches in diameter and already contributing to our City’s urban canopy. In addition to beautifying neighborhoods, these beautiful trees will help provide shade, filter runoff, clean the air, give shelter to wildlife, and fight the urban heat island effect.
Interested in getting a low-cost canopy tree for your home? The Neighborhood Canopy Program will resume Summer 2026. Through this program, residents opt to pay $100 to have a canopy tree delivered and professionally planted between the front of their house and the street. Costs over $100 are picked up the City.
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Neighborhood Canopy Program to help grow our urban forest.
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Interested in volunteering your time and expertise on one of the City’s citizen advisory boards? Qualified individuals are invited to apply for seats on a variety of advisory boards that provide input on the City’s operations, priorities, and future.
Applications are being accepted for seats on the Citizens with Disabilities Board, Downtown Improvement District Boad of Directors, Historic Preservation Board, Human Relations Board, Newtown CRA Advisory Board, Nuisance Abatement Board, Parks, Recreation & Environmental Protection Advisory Board, Planning Board and Public Art Committee.
Appointments for these boards are scheduled to be made by the City Commission on Dec. 1.
Click here to apply now!
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The 2025-26 Season is almost here, and we’re starting it with Trevor Wallace on Tuesday, Oct. 14!
Known for his energetic stage presence, Wallace is bringing his Alpha Beta Male Tour to Sarasota. With more than 2.5 billion views and 16 million followers across social media, he’s become one of the most recognizable voices in comedy today. His work has been featured by Comedy Central, MTV, Barstool Sports, The New York Times, and beyond, while his brand collaborations include Chipotle, Snickers, and Monster Energy.
A 2020 Shorty Awards “Best in Comedy” finalist, Wallace has taken his stand-up across the country, appearing at major festivals including Netflix Is A Joke and Moontower Just for Laughs. His first hour-long special, Pterodactyl, is currently streaming on Prime Video, adding to his growing list of accomplishments. Now, Sarasota audiences will have the chance to experience his comedy live on stage for the very first time.
Tickets are available now at VanWezel.org. Don’t miss the exciting first show of the new season!
We’re pleased to announce the return of the Sarasota Police Department’s podcast, Chat with the Chief. After a brief pause, we’re excited to resume sharing conversations, insights and stories from the agency. On this episode, Capt. Konstantopoulos and Lt. Quinlan, leaders of SPD's Support Services Division, join Chief Rex Troche to discuss protests and public safety.
The Sarasota Police Department is committed to protecting the constitutional right to peacefully protest while ensuring the safety of residents, visitors and demonstrators. Effective planning, communication and coordination with organizers are essential, and our officers are trained in de-escalation, crowd management and public safety. The presence of our officers at demonstrations is intended to maintain safety, not to intimidate. We thank all who exercise their rights respectfully, as this strengthens our community and we remain dedicated to safeguarding both free speech and public safety for everyone involved.
Chat with the Chief is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube and iHeartRadio, making it easy for listeners to stay informed wherever they are. Subscribe to hear stories from the Sarasota Police Department, learn more about public safety topics and gain insights into the people and programs that serve our community. All episodes for Chat with the Chief podcast can be found here.
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We have a position open for a part-time Recreation Leader.
Are you or someone you know qualified and interested in joining our team? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online.
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