City administrative offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
The holiday will not affect garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection schedules; however, the regular City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday will be deferred to Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Visit Sarasotafl.gov for more information on holiday hours.
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Residents, merchants, and commercial property owners are invited to take part in an upcoming community visioning workshop for St. Armands on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Keating Marine Education Center, 1599 Ken Thompson Parkway. This is an opportunity to share ideas, discuss priorities, and help guide the long‑term direction of this popular destination.
The City has partnered with independent facilitator Dr. David Brain, who will open the session with a brief introduction before leading a series of roundtable discussions designed to spark open conversation and gather meaningful community input.
Your input is important to us, and we hope you’ll join us in this collaborative effort!
Using the City’s website will get even easier and more user-friendly when an AI powered chatbot will be unveiled next week!
The chatbot will be available starting Tuesday, Feb. 17 and will be located in the lower right corner of the website www.Sarasotafl.gov It has significant “brain power” and is capable of quickly searching all the City’s webpages as well as the Municode Library, which will greatly enhance a user’s ability to find information.
This new knowledge management system can answer thousands of questions and quickly provide a link to the source answer. The simpler the question, the faster the response -- and it’s capable of answering complex, compound questions. It can even recognize and respond to questions in 75 languages.
The bot has been tested extensively by our staff members as well as CCNA, and it’s ready to be unveiled! Our goal is to create an easy, helpful cyber bridge between the community and City Hall. Try it starting Feb. 17 – and let us know your thoughts!
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A quick update for North Water Tower Park visitors: The parking lot off Rilma Avenue, located at the north entrance of the park, will be temporarily closed to vehicles from Feb. 9 to Feb. 20. This temporary closure supports ongoing utility work for the North Trail Water Main Replacement Project in the area.
The park remains open during construction. Pedestrian access is available via entrances on Royal Palm Avenue, 42nd Street, and Gary Street.
For project details and progress updates, visit Sarasotafl.gov/NorthTamiamiWaterMain.
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Our City’s popular document shredding event is back this spring with even more opportunities to fight fraud!
Join us Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Van Wezel parking lot for Shred Stock, a drive-thru document shredding event. In addition to Shred Stock’s signature document shredding and in response to community feedback, this spring’s event now features electronics recycling, helping residents secure their identities against fraud by sustainably recycling or destroying unwanted electronics.
Attendees should place up to four boxes of documents and any electronics they wish to recycle into the trunk of their vehicle to be removed by staff and securely destroyed. While waiting in line, participants are encouraged to roll down their windows and enjoy live music from local band The Garbage Men.
Interested in attending? For more information and a full list of accepted items visit Sarasotafl.gov/ShredStock
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To make the best use of federal and state grant funds for housing and community service projects, the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) develops a comprehensive Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan.
The public is invited to provide input and share suggestions as to what is most needed in the City of Sarasota for the benefit of low-income households. This year, a brief online survey has been generated to collect these responses.
This feedback is an important factor in determining the scope and budget of community improvements for the next five years. In the past, federal and state funds have been used for construction of affordable rental units, creation of new parks, street and drainage improvements and the creation of new affordable housing.
What are your priorities for Sarasota? Affordable housing? Community facilities such as senior centers, child-care, libraries or fire stations? Infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways, lighting and more? What about parks and common green spaces? Or, accommodations for disabled individuals? Are there other needs which require more attention?
By sharing your feedback, you are helping to prioritize significant resources which assist underserved, low-income individuals and neighborhoods. With your responses, OHCD will be able to recommend how to allocate these limited resources.
Between Feb. 13 and March 13, 2026, please take part in this brief but meaningful survey. Your input makes a difference in providing valuable and accessible improvements in our community.
Help make a difference and share your thoughts by taking the survey or sending comments to ConsolidatedPlanComments@sarasotafl.gov
The Petticoat Painters, whose work has been on exhibit in City Hall's Cultural Heritage Exhibit since March 2025, are bringing a unique opportunity to learn more about their history and artistic practices to City Hall on Friday, Feb. 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Community members interested in learning more about the Petticoat Painters and their vibrant artwork currently inhabiting the City Hall lobby are invited to join us at this free event. Attendees can enjoy a short film and artist presentations highlighting the Petticoat Painters’ story, followed by a moderated discussion with the artists.
To register to attend this event, visit meet-the-petticoat-painters.eventbrite.com
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With innovation in technology, scams using text messages and phone calls are becoming more frequent and more convincing. Recently, the Sarasota Police Department has received reports of scams using phone calls and text messages where suspects pose as law enforcement and ask for money.
Once you break down the anatomy of these scams, it can become easier to identify.
Sense of urgency
The first red flag to consider is the sense of urgency. The caller or message may start with something that naturally prompts concern, such as a compromised account, a failed transaction or pending legal action. Scammers often feed into that sense of panic through their tone of voice and by setting deadlines.
If you feel pressured by someone to stay on the phone, hang up and call us directly at 941- 263-6773 or 941-316-1199.
Posing as officers
It starts out simple enough, people receive calls from someone pretending to be a local law enforcement officer introducing themselves as “officer” or “deputy.” The caller may claim arrest or other legal consequences if payment is not made. SPD will never call and demand money, gift cards or any kind of payment via phone, text or email. We will never demand payment for a warrant, bond or ticket.
Odd request for money delivery or transfer
Another calling card for these scams is an odd request for money transfer or type of payment. Some forms of money transfer methods seen include carrier services to transport large amounts of cash, cryptocurrency and drop-off locations. No local government or law enforcement agency will request in this way, even to pay a legitimate fee or penalty.
Learn additional ways on how to protect yourself and recognize scams from the Federal Trade Commission
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Celebrate the music and legacy of Brian Wilson when Al Jardine and The Pet Sounds Band take the stage at the Van Wezel on March 3. Featuring a lineup of longtime Beach Boys collaborators, this special concert brings together classic hits, beloved fan favorites, and special deep cuts that showcase the beauty and heart of this iconic music.
Inspired by the spirit of Pet Sounds and The Beach Boys’ signature harmonies, the evening is a joyful and moving tribute that keeps these timeless songs shining bright for new and longtime fans alike. There’s more to come as the band continues to share this incredible legacy. Tickets are on sale now at VanWezel.org.
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We’re seeking qualified candidates for a part time Recreation Leader. Are you or someone you know interested? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online and see other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
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