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Hello Everyone,
It has been a long journey to today’s selection of a new City Manager. But, I sincerely believe that it has been worth the time and effort. Any one of our finalists could have served our city well. However, our choice is the one who is best able to lead Sarasota into the future we envision for ourselves.
Looking at Sarasota through the fresh eyes of our finalists during their visit this week, it became apparent, yes, Sarasota is in the midst of a transformation. It is critical that the City get out in front and guide that transformation.
Our selection, Karie Friling, is a well-rounded, highly-experienced city management professional. Holding certification from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) as a “credentialed manager,” she has the background to respond to any challenge she might face as our City’s leader.
Karie Friling talks with residents during the finalists' open house Feb. 23, 2026.
The other factor in her selection was the easy rapport she developed with City staff and with members of the public who attended Monday’s open house.
I look forward to many spectacular years for Sarasota with Karie Friling at the helm.
City News will be on hiatus next month.
Have a wonderful weekend!
 Debbie Trice
Mayor
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New Trail Plaza ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Mayor Trice, Vice Mayor Ohlrich and Commissioner Ahearn-Koch recently joined community members and dignitaries in celebrating the ribbon-cutting of New Trail Plaza, a new affordable housing community located at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail.
Featuring 1, 2, and 3 bedroom configurations, New Trail Plaza offers 96 affordable rental units just minutes from downtown Sarasota for renters in the 40% - 80% AMI range, with a focus on working families with school-age children. In addition to affordability, New Trail Plaza offers a range of services and amenities, from an on-site playground to afterschool care, student success services, and career counseling.
Funding from the Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development was used to help bring this project over the finish line.
Kudos to all involved in bringing New Trail Plaza to life. To the many residents and families who have already moved in: welcome home!
There’s a new way to visit The Bay park!
Boaters can now pull right up to The Bay thanks to new floating day docks on the south side of the Centennial Park boat basin (just north of 10th Street). These docks make it easy to enjoy the park or head downtown from the water — and currently, they can be used free of charge for up to five hours.
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Boaters must use the ParkMobile app to claim their five free hours and avoid a citation
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Docks are first-come, first-served
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Boats up to 40 feet are allowed
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No overnight docking (11 p.m. – 5 a.m.)
The docks were funded through a $1.65 million grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with a $686,300 match by the Bay Park Conservancy through a partnership agreement with the City. The Conservancy designed and built the docks, and the City will ensure they’re properly maintained.
Floating docks rise and fall with the tide, making them an adaptive and innovative addition to our waterfront.
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The Floodplain Management Plan is Sarasota’s roadmap for reducing flood risk and strengthening community resilience.
Staff has been working on a 5-year update that identifies flood hazards, sets mitigation goals, and prioritizes actions to protect lives, property and natural resources. Maintaining and updating the plan is essential for continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System, which provides residents with a 25% discount on flood insurance. The plan also supports eligibility for FEMA mitigation funding.
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Traffic congestion can test anyone’s patience. We’ve all felt it, especially lately here in the City of Sarasota. But how we respond in those moments when we’re in traffic matters. Courtesy behind the wheel can go a long way in keeping our roads safer and our city moving smoothly.
Safe driving isn’t only about knowing the rules of the road. It’s about making thoughtful choices that protect us and the people around us. Simple, everyday actions can make a difference:
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Use your turn signals and allow others space to merge.
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Don’t block intersections or crosswalks, even if traffic is moving slowly.
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Stay calm in heavy traffic. Tailgating, weaving between lanes and aggressive driving only increase the risk of crashes.
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Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, especially during peak commuting hours.
A few extra minutes of patience can prevent crashes, reduce road rage and ease stress for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Sarasota Police officers see firsthand how fast frustration on the road can escalate. Officers also see how small acts of kindness and courtesy like a wave to say thank you, slowing down to let someone in, choosing not to react in anger, can completely change the tone of a commute.
Safety isn’t only about enforcement. It’s about shared responsibility and mutual respect. When we approach each drive with patience and consideration, together we can help create a safer, more welcoming City of Sarasota for everyone.
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Tony Award-winning superstar Idina Menzel comes to the Van Wezel on March 6 for an unforgettable evening of music. Beloved for her iconic roles in Rent and Wicked and as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen franchise, Idina’s career spans Broadway, film, television, and chart-topping albums. From If/Then to Glee and beyond, her powerhouse vocals and emotional storytelling have captivated audiences around the world.
Now she brings that unmistakable voice to Sarasota for one unforgettable night. Tickets are on sale now at VanWezel.org.
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Our Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to offer two fun-filled Spring Break Camp options from March 16–20.
Give your kids or grandkids a week packed with sports, games, arts & crafts, and much more—all while making new friends and staying active.
Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
2650 Waldemere St.
941-263-6732
7:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $150
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
1845 John Rivers St.
941-263-6562
8 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $75
Next time you’re at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, keep an eye out for something new: two Wi-Fi transmitter boxes now wrapped in vibrant artworks which celebrate their natural surroundings.
Part of the City’s Free Wi-Fi in the Park initiative, the boxes were installed to enhance connectivity — to internet services and the natural world. Now, with the collaboration of our Public Art Program, the installations bring the park an additional avenue for discovery.
Local artist Jennifer Geiger, who has extensive experience creating utility box wraps across the country, designed two original artworks for the site. Camo Bunnies features playful blue and purple bunnies nestled among flowers, butterflies, and tropical foliage. Wild and Wonderful draws inspiration from the surrounding park landscape, incorporating native flora and fauna such as herons, dragonflies and oak trees.
Together, these eye-catching artworks invite visitors to explore nature as a conduit to creativity. They also share a playful nod to the infrastructure underneath.
With Wi-Fi symbols integrated as motifs in each of the wraps, the designs reflect how art, technology, and nature can exist in harmony when brought together thoughtfully.
Artist Jennifer Geiger with "Wild and Wonderful" and "Camo Bunnies" Wi-Fi box wraps.
If successful, this pilot project may serve as a model for expanding public art to additional Free Wi-Fi in the Park locations — Bayfront Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and Payne Park — with opportunities to involve students or other community groups in future installations.
The community is invited to attend two upcoming Public Art mural dedications!
Join us on Monday, March 9, at 10 a.m. at the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences to celebrate “Creative Seeds,” the second mural at SSAS by local artist Swirly Painter, following her summer 2025 completion of a mural honoring Rev. Louis and Irene Colson. In addition to comments from City leaders, Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences representatives, and the artist, attendees can enjoy a special performance by the SSAS drum line.
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On Tuesday, March 31, at 11 a.m., the public is invited to join us for another dedication, this time celebrating “Niche ArT” by Truman Adams at the northeast corner of 10th Street and Osprey Avenue. The ceremony will include remarks by City and neighborhood officials, and the artist, as the community comes together to welcome this vibrant new mural to the Gillespie Park neighborhood.
We hope you’ll join us at these exciting community events!
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We’re seeking qualified candidates for a Utilities Reliability Engineer. 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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Monday, March 2 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, March 3 | 10 a.m.
City Hall Annex | SRQ Media Studio
Agenda
Wednesday, March 4 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Thursday, March 5 | 3 p.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
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"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
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