After being destroyed beyond repair during Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, the City’s popular waterfront bait shop, Hart’s Landing, was razed earlier this week. It’s a significant loss to the community dealt by Mother Nature.

The City’s intent is to restore the docks and rebuild the Hart’s Landing structure. Currently, our Parks and Recreation team is reviewing viable, sustainable options. With the intent to rebuild on Sarasota Bay, it’s important to note this will be a lengthy process. Environmental protection and resiliency will be key components, requiring design plans and the permit approval process to be coordinated with multiple government agencies, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency and possibly others.

The history of Hart’s Landing dates back to the 1920s when the Hart family operated a bait shop. In the early ‘60s, it was located in the Golden Gate Point area. With bridge construction expected to displace the bait shop, the City of Sarasota agreed to build a new structure adjacent to the Ringling Bridge Causeway with a formal agreement that the Hart family would operate it.

Hart’s Landing has been a fixture in our coastal community for a century. Many of us have fond memories fishing and boating there and more recently, enjoying it as a live music venue.

That rich history will not be erased. It will take time, but we intend to rebuild a better, more sustainable bait shop that will be able to endure Mother Nature’s fury and will be enjoyed by future generations of Sarasotans.

The second-ever Shred Stock event hosted by the Records and Information Management team within the Office of the City Auditor & Clerk was another big success!

Over the course of a few hours, 160+ residents attended the document shredding drive-thru event at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot. In total, 3.8 tons of paper were shredded. Bravo!

That tonnage, in the spirit of sustainability, will be recycled and reused, saving the equivalent of 65 trees in the process.

Unable to attend this excellent community event? Another Shred Stock already is being planned for Spring 2026. More details to come after the new year!

Heads up! City administrative offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving.

There will be no garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup on Thanksgiving Day. Thursday’s pickup will take place on Friday, and Friday’s pickup will be moved to Saturday.

The Bay Runner will operate regular hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Nov. 27 and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 28.

Holiday hours of operation at City of Sarasota facilities will vary:

• Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., will be closed Nov. 27-28.
• Lido Pool, 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr., will be closed Nov. 27-28.
• Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane, will be closed Nov. 27-28.
• Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34^th , will be closed Nov. 27-28.
• Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail - The Box Office will be closed Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving and reopen Friday, Nov. 28.

Have a wonderful holiday!

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is upon us! It’s a time for joy, celebration and shopping. But between the festive cheer and holiday lights, it’s important to stay safe and stay alert.

Here are some tips from our Sarasota Police Department to ensure your holiday shopping stays merry:

1. Plan Ahead. Make a list, set a budget and plan your shopping route. When you know where you’re heading, you can help avoid crowded areas and reduce the temptation of impulse buys. Remember where you parked and have your keys out before going to your car. Before getting into your car, take a look inside and around.
   
   
2. Stay Aware of Surroundings. Busy malls and busy parking lots are prime spots where thefts can happen. Keep your wallet or purse close. When you’re carrying shopping bags, hold them securely and be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don’t leave bags, packages or any valuables visible in your vehicle. Always lock your car.
   
   
3. Keep Kids Safe. If you’re shopping with children, remember to tell them what to do if they become separated. Make sure they know their first and last name, know the best contact numbers and teach them about 911.
   
   
4. Protect Personal Information. When you’re shopping online, use secure websites and avoid public Wi-Fi when you enter payment information. For purchases in stores, cover your PIN and be cautious if someone is too close when you’re using an ATM or card reader.
   
   
5. Keep Your Devices Safe. Smartphones and tablets can make shopping easier, but they are also tempting targets for thieves. Keep them secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
   
   
6. Neighbors Watch Out for Neighbors. If you’re staying home or traveling, help keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it to local law enforcement right away. Let someone you trust know when you’re traveling. If you’re going to be gone long, contact the U.S. Postal Service and put your mail on hold.

Happy Holidays, Sarasota! The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department will be here if you need us. Stay safe!

Join us at Bobby Jones Golf Club for a lineup of holiday events designed to bring cheer to the course:

Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Day Golf - Work up an appetite on the course before the feast! 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Nov. 28 – Black Friday Night Golf - Skip the shopping and swing under the lights! 6 p.m. shotgun start. Includes prizes and a glow ball.

Dec. 6 – Ugly Sweater Outing - 4-person scramble with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun. Don’t miss this golf outing that benefits Toys for Tots! Play or sponsor -- your support helps make the season brighter for local children.

Reminder to City of Sarasota residents: To qualify for the City resident discount (up to 40% off public rates and 14-day advance tee time booking), you must be verified by Jan. 31, 2026. With the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to renew your membership.

For more information or to register: Call the Pro Shop at 941-365-4653 (GOLF) or visit www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com

Just announced! Get ready to feel the rhythm when Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance: Encore takes the Van Wezel stage on Aug. 6, 2026!

Emmy Award-winning entertainer, New York Times best-selling author, and Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough returns with an electrifying new show that celebrates the beauty, power, and passion of dance. From breathtaking ballroom to high-energy contemporary moves, every step tells a story in this unforgettable live performance.

A 6-time Dancing with the Stars champion, Hough has captivated audiences across the world with his incredible talent and charisma. With credits spanning film, television, and the stage -- from Footloose in London’s West End to Hairspray Live!, he brings an unmatched energy to every performance.

Don’t miss your chance to see this dance icon live at the Van Wezel. Tickets are on sale now at VanWezel.org.

City Hall’s lobby recently received a new splash of color, courtesy of the Petticoat Painters!

The "Now You See Us" art exhibit, which has been on display in City Hall since March of this year, recently underwent a complete refresh, including 46 new pieces.

The Petticoat Painters are one of the longest continuously exhibiting women’s art collectives in the country, with roots right here in Sarasota. Originally formed to provide a platform for female artists to exhibit their work despite the challenges of the time, the Petticoat Painters continue to uphold their legacy while exploring and experimenting with new art styles.

Want to learn more about this impressive group of artists and their staying power? Join us for a reception at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a free accompanying lecture in the City Commission chambers.

If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by City Hall and enjoy the refreshed exhibit!