We’ve launched a webpage where information is curated about Sarasota-based America250 activities as well as  links to the national America250 website. Find our local webpage directly at www.Sarasotafl.gov/America250 or look for the America250 tab at the top of the homepage at www.Sarasotafl.gov

Learn how you and your neighbors can get involved and commemorate this historic time. You can nominate someone -- a family member, friend or neighbor -- to have their personal story preserved and shared as part of our nation’s collective American story. And, a national effort is underway to organize potlucks throughout the United States. A chance to connect with neighbors to commemorate, celebrate and look to the future sounds like a wonderful way to share experiences and reflect on our nation’s past and future. We'll share details about community events and activities on the City's webpage as they become available. If you're planning a Semiquincentennial event that's open to the public, we encourage you to submit it on our dedicated webpage.

Tomorrow (April 18) we’ll celebrate Earth Day with a variety of family-friendly activities at The Bay! While the scheduled events start at 11 a.m., the City’s very popular tree giveaway begins at 10 a.m. This year, we're offering 200 beautiful trees at no cost to residents. We recommend arriving early -- and bring proof of City of Sarasota residency, such as a driver’s license or water bill. More Earth Day information is below in City News.

You’re invited to join us Saturday, April 18 at The Bay for a fun and informative Earth Day celebration with this year’s theme “Our Power, Our Planet!”

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with the City’s tree giveaway. Two hundred beautiful trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to City of Sarasota residents.

Please note: The giveaway is limited to one tree per household with proof of City of Sarasota residency.

If you’re unable to participate with the tree giveaway, please stay tuned for future giveaway opportunities.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. stop by our tabling event near The Nest and meet our Sustainability and Resilience Manager, Alia Garrett, who will share insights into how you can be more eco-friendly. At noon, City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch is scheduled to give a brief talk about City policies and what we’re doing to be good stewards of Mother Earth. Plus, Suncoast Remake Learning Days will offer a variety of family-friendly activities to celebrate the environment. Check out the full schedule of events at TheBaySarasota.org

Hope to see you there!

Arbor Day is just around the corner, and the Parks & Recreation Department is inviting the community to celebrate!

At 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24, at Arlington Park, a Florida Flame red maple tree will be planted in the southern portion of the park, near Hyde Park Street. This Florida native color-changing tree will complement the already vibrant canopy at Arlington Park, bringing an additional splash of color to this popular community park.

During the event, the City’s Arbor Day proclamation will be read by a representative from the Florida Forest Service, followed by a ceremonial tree planting and a brief question and answer opportunity. A hands-on learning opportunity will conclude the event, where participants will receive a small pot, soil, and seeds to plant and take home.

Did you know the City of Sarasota has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for an impressive 40 years? This distinction is given to municipalities that demonstrate a commitment to encouraging residents to plant, care for, and appreciate trees in their communities. Bravo!

Last week, City contractors began a two-year project to replace all 17,000 residential water meters for City of Sarasota water customers. Residents may begin to see clearly identified contractor vehicles in their neighborhood as work gets underway.

National Metering Services, a contractor with 30+ years of experience installing meters in Florida, began the replacement initiative in North Sarasota. The replacement work will take place during business hours and residents will receive advance notice from the contractor regarding work occurring in their neighborhood. Once meter replacement for a property is complete, a door hanger will be provided noting that a new meter has been installed.

Replacement of the existing water meters will increase metering accuracy, allow for quicker detection of elevated water usage due to leaks, and boost the long-term resilience of the City’s water utilities infrastructure.

Questions related to water meter replacement should be directed to National Metering Services at 1-888-448-0009.

The Lido Beach renourishment project is coming to a close!

Contractors have been hard at work, with only the renourishment of the southern portion of Lido Beach remaining. The areas that have been restored not only look amazing but will provide a much-needed buffer to preserve natural resources, protect infrastructure and boost resilience with sea level rise. Once the project is officially completed, the large pipe being used to pump sand down the beach will be removed, marking the end of this restoration project.

While the project is nearly complete, there is still work to be done, requiring segments of beachfront to remain closed while work is wrapped up. Beach users should avoid cordoned off areas and refrain from climbing on the sand transport pipe, instead using the temporary sand walkways over the pipe to access the waterfront.

Thank you to the community for your patience!

We’re seeking qualified individuals who are interested in volunteering their time and knowledge to serve their community!

The City has many advisory boards with regular openings. Two seats on the Planning Board expire in June. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for the Planning Board or another advisory board position.  

Advisory Board Members are appointed by the City Commission with the boards providing input to the City Commission about the City’s operations, priorities, and future.

To review the City's advisory boards and to apply online, visit Sarasotafl.gov and search 'Advisory Boards'.

Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves, coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 26!

Join Elmo and all his Sesame Street friends for a fun-filled day of singing, dancing, and interactive moments featuring favorites like “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” It’s a joyful celebration where families can laugh, learn, and play together—creating special moments you’ll be talking about long after the final bow.

Tickets are available now at VanWezel.org!

The Sarasota Police Department is proud to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on April 24. This annual event raises funds and shines a light on the Special Olympics, an organization that provides training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas when the local chief of police, Richard LaMunyon, wanted to show support for the organization. The event has since grown to inspire law enforcement agencies nationwide to show their support for Special Olympics athletes.

Members of the public are invited to support Sarasota Police officers along the route as they make their way downtown with the “Flame of Hope.”

Officers will run two legs of the torch run. The first will be about three miles from Publix to the SPD headquarters at 2099 Adams Lane. The second will be approximately one mile from 2099 Adams Lane to Selby Five Points Park.

Law Enforcement Torch Run Route:

Osprey Avenue to Siesta Drive
Siesta Drive to U.S. 41
U.S. 41 to 2099 Adams Lane
2099 Adams Lane to East Avenue and Main Street
Main Street to Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave.

Event Details:

Friday, April 24
Starts at 9 a.m.
Publix - 3825 S. Osprey Ave.

Summer Camp registration is underway at the Parks and Recreation Department! The summer excitement begins at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, and Payne Park Tennis Center. Get ready for a season jam‑packed with adventure, crafts, games, field trips, swimming, nature exploration, engaging activities, and so much more.

Each camp features fun weekly themes to keep the energy high and the excitement fresh. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily to keep campers fueled for every adventure. The weekly fee also includes an offsite field trip, giving each session an unforgettable highlight. Kids will make new friends, build confidence, and enjoy the summer at these vibrant community hubs.

Families can also register for Youth Golf Camp at Bobby Jones Golf Club, an excellent opportunity for young golfers to build skills, learn course etiquette, and enjoy time outdoors on Sarasota’s historic municipal course.

Space fills quickly each year, so families are encouraged to register early.

For more information and to register online, visit: https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/about/summer-camp