City News: Water Transit, Memorial Day, Bayfront Park Recycling

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 05/15/2026 03:00 PM EDT

May 15, 2026

Hello Everyone,

A recent trip out of town showed me both the importance of signage and how easy it is to miss. After parking in an open lot, I ignored a sign about paying to park that I practically tripped over as I entered the adjacent building; I didn’t think it pertained to me and my vehicle. Well, I was surprised to learn that it did! It’s a good reminder for all of us to be on the lookout for posted signage, especially when parking, to avoid a possible fine.

With the City Commission moving toward increasing fines for parking violations and extending the hours of paid parking, it will be especially important to be alert to avoid a penalty. On May 4, the Commission unanimously approved, on First Reading, proposed changes which would enable the Parking Division to fully fund its budget through user fees. Currently, taxpayer money in the City’s General Fund makes up the difference. The additional revenue generated will also fund parking improvements, such as replacing unreliable garage elevators and getting the others repaired faster. Note that no change to parking rates is being considered — just fines and hours. The Commission will vote on whether to adopt these changes after Second Reading on Monday, May 18.

And don’t forget, to be eligible for the 10 minutes of free street parking or 1 hour in a garage, you must start a parking session through the ParkMobile app or via a nearby parking kiosk.

As we celebrate the nation's Semiquincentennial, we’d like to hear about your memories, traditions or stories. Look for the new feature ‘Share Your Story’ on the City’s America250 webpage and submit your stories. Tell us about a Sarasota place that has historical meaning for you; a family tradition for celebrating American holidays; someone in your family who lived through a key moment in history; or perhaps a special memory from the Bicentennial in 1976. Check it out and submit your story at www.Sarasotafl.gov/America250

The City Commission will be on summer hiatus in June and so will City News. Have a wonderful month!

All my best to you,

Debbie Trice

Mayor

News and Updates

Memorial Day: May 25

City administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection schedules will not be affected by the holiday.

While administrative offices will be closed, many City facilities will remain open with adjusted hours:

Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lido Pool, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, will be closed.

Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane, will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., will be open from 6-10 a.m.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail - The Box Office will be closed.

Reminder: The City will host the annual Memorial Day parade in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Orange Avenue and conclude at approximately 11 a.m. at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park where a ceremony will be held to honor our nation's fallen heroes.

Main Street Complete Streets Meeting: May 21

photo of Main Street in downtown Sarasota, from street-level

The community is invited to attend a public meeting from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at Selby Public Library for the Main Street Complete Streets project, an effort aimed at creating a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming downtown.

Now entering the design phase, the project features three conceptual design options shaped by extensive community input. These concepts are intended to illustrate the potential character of Main Street and will help guide future decisions about materials, amenities, and overall street design.

Attendees will learn about the project’s background, review design concepts, and provide feedback that will influence the corridor’s long-term vision.

More information is available at engage.sarasotafl.gov/main-street-complete-streets.

Lido Beach Renourishment: Ceremony May 26

The community is invited to a ribbon‑cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at the Lido Beach Pavilion to celebrate the completion of a three‑month beach renourishment project. Among the attendees will be U.S. Representative Greg Steube and State Representative Fiona McFarland. Everyone is welcome!

Conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the City of Sarasota and fully paid for by $12 million in federal funding, the project restored 1.2 miles of shoreline. The 300,000 cubic yards of sand used to renourish the beach were sourced locally from the dredging of New Pass, a project managed by USACE and sponsored by Sarasota County. Lido Beach remained open throughout the duration of the project, scheduled carefully around sea turtle and shorebird nesting seasons.

With renourishment now complete, a follow‑up resiliency project will begin in Fall 2026, adding vegetated dunes and improved walkovers along the beachfront. These natural dune systems strengthen coastal protection by reducing erosion and capturing wind‑blown sand. Learn more at engage.sarasotafl.gov/lido-beach-renourishment.

New City Manager: Begins May 29

Our incoming City Manager, Karie Friling, was in Sarasota at the beginning of the month as she prepares to relocate to Sarasota.

While her official duties start on May 29, she carved out time to attend the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations’ Saturday morning meeting. She shared she is getting up to speed with notable City projects and initiatives by having regular briefings with staff. Don’t expect her to have a set list of priorities, though, when she arrives at City Hall. She told CCNA attendees that she plans to have an open mind and listen to City Commissioners, residents and staff as she establishes priorities. She also stopped by the City Commission meeting on May 4 and reiterated she is looking forward to serving as the City’s next City Manager.

Karie has 30+ years’ experience in local government including at the executive level, planning and economic development. Currently, she is wrapping up her tenure as the Executive Director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, IL, an organization with 500 employees and 950,000 residents. See you soon!

Water Transit Meeting: June 10

The City of Sarasota is exploring a potential water‑based transit system in partnership with Sarasota County Breeze Transit. A study has been conducted as we consider how a water route could link key waterfront destinations while offering meaningful benefits for residents and visitors.

Join us on Wednesday, June 10 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Community Center to learn about proposed docking locations at Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park. You’ll have the chance to review site concepts, ask questions, and share feedback that will help guide future planning and design.

The effort is intended to expand mobility options, support recreation and tourism, and offer a new way to experience Sarasota. Consultants from Cummins Cederberg - Coastal & Marine Engineering completed site and environmental reviews and worked with regulatory agencies to identify opportunities and constraints at each location.

Community input is a key part of this process, and we hope you’ll join us as we explore what a water transit system could look like for our City.

Repetitive Loss Area Analysis

The City has been preparing a report that analyzes areas within our community that have experienced multiple flood insurance claims to identify causes and recommend mitigation strategies. Known as a Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA), the draft report is now available for community review and public input at www.Sarasotafl.gov/RLAA

A property is deemed to be a repetitive loss if there has been more than one paid insurance claim of $1,000 or more within 10 years. The RLAA identifies repetitive loss areas within the city limits, documents flooding conditions, summarizes public outreach results, and outlines potential mitigation strategies in accordance with the Community Rating System (CRS) Activity 510 requirements, which involves floodplain management planning.

With more than 50 repetitive loss properties after the 2024 hurricane season, a mandatory RLAA was required under the CRS guidelines. The City participates in the CRS to earn points for flood risk reduction, floodplain management planning, community education and more for residents to be eligible for reduced insurance rates through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft RLAA document and submit any questions or comments to floodinfo@sarasotafl.gov Input will be accepted until Friday, June 12.

Human Relations Board

Did you know the City of Sarasota has a formal process to address discrimination associated with employment, housing and public accommodations?

You could be eligible to submit a complaint with the City’s Human Relations Board if:

it occurred within the Sarasota city limits
occurred within the last 90 days
the action was based on a protected class including age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation and veteran status.

Human Relations Board - complaint explainer

How does it work? City staff will review the complaint, and if eligible, will ask the respondent to provide a response. Both parties are referred to conciliation for an informal resolution. If that succeeds, the matter is closed. If it’s not resolved, a public hearing is held with the Human Relations Board to determine whether reasonable cause exists. If cause is determined, the complainant may request a right to sue letter and pursue the case in Circuit Court.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to the City’s Human Relations Board staff liaison Jake Brown at Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov

Auditor Selection Committee – Volunteers Sought

Two seats are open for City of Sarasota residents to serve on the External Auditor Selection Committee.  

The individuals will serve alongside Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich to select the next external auditing firm for the City’s fiscal year end 2026 annual audit. The City Commission recently appointed Vice Mayor Ohlrich to serve on the committee. Commissioners soon will review applications for the two open seats and make those appointments.  

Preference will be given to candidates with a financial background, accounting or audit experience. The committee is expected to hold approximately four meetings which will be facilitated by the City’s Procurement Division.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online as soon as possible at www.Sarasotafl.gov/AuditorSelectionCommittee

Finance: Popular Report + Budget Award

Popular annual finance report cover graphic

The City of Sarasota has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). The PAFR offers residents a clear and digestible view of the City’s financial position, highlighting the City's continued commitment to strong financial stewardship and transparent budgeting practices. The PAFR includes detailed information on revenues, expenditures, capital projects, and ongoing community investment. The City remains focused on maintaining responsible and transparent financial practices that enhance operational stability and support future needs.

In other budget news: the City was recently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada with a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a remarkable 36th consecutive year, signifying the City’s competency and leadership in government finance. Kudos to the Financial Administration team which is responsible for preparing the City’s budget and corresponding reports, presentations, and more, on earning this recognition for our City!

For more information and to view the FY2025 PAFR, visit sarasotafl.gov/Department-Pages/Financial-Administration.

SPD: May is National Bicycle Safety Month

We see people of all ages enjoying our bike paths in Sarasota and sharing the roads. Riding a bicycle through the city can be both a way to get around and stay active.

Keeping our roadways safe for cyclists and drivers is a shared responsibility. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes May as National Bicycle Safety Month.

In Florida, bicycles are defined as vehicles, giving them the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on the road; however, disregarding the rules of the road, as a driver or a cyclist, can have serious consequences.

According to NHTSA, an estimated 52,887 bicyclists were injured, and 1,103 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2024. In the City of Sarasota, there were 91 traffic crashes involving bicycles in 2025, including two fatalities. So far this year, there have been 31 crashes involving bicycles, including two fatalities.

Tips for Drivers

When driving, look out for bicyclists
Never drive distracted
Look left-right-left and behind you when turning right on red
Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles

Tips for Bicyclists on the Road

Ride in the same direction as traffic
Obey street signs, signals and road markings
When crossing a street, slow down and look for traffic. Look left-right-left and behind you.
If you ride at night, avoid dimly lit areas, wear reflective clothing and add lights to your bicycle.

Recycling: Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park recycling, photo of pilot bin

Visiting Bayfront Park this weekend? Take a stroll and you’ll find a sustainable addition along the walkway. A new recycling bin is now being tested by the restrooms.

Previously, recycling was removed from the park due to high contamination rates. This pilot is intended to support a clean community space and encourage mindful disposal practices. You can contribute to the success of the convenient, single-stream recycling program at the park by keeping these guidelines in mind:

Plastic, cartons, glass, cans, paper, and cardboard are accepted.

Make sure items are empty before disposal

Contaminated loads can be rejected and go to the landfill, increasing costs and reducing impact. Avoid:

Food waste, Styrofoam, and plastic bags. (Plastic bags and items smaller than your palm can cause recycling machines to jam)

By recycling responsibly at Bayfront Park, you can help save resources and support positive habits across the community.

Unsure about a specific item? The Solid Waste Division’s Cart Smart search function can help verify if it's eligible for recycling.

Parks and Rec Month

With summer quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to mark your calendar for one of our Parks and Recreation Department’s favorite months!

July is National Parks and Recreation Month and the theme this year is “The Power Of.” This national observance highlights the meaningful impact parks, recreation programs, and community spaces have on health, connection, resilience, and belonging. When people come together to play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, our communities grow stronger.  

To honor the month, the RECing Crew is hosting a series of free popup activity days designed to bring our community together and showcase "The Power Of" play, creativity, and shared experiences. 

The celebration begins July 10 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. with a lively field day at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, featuring multiple sports, games and activity stations on the turf field. 

On July 17 from noon to 2 p.m., the fun continues at the Payne Park Amphitheatre with inflatables and classic backyard games hosted by Payne Park Tennis Center. 

Everyone in the community can tap into their creativity at "Chalk the Trail" at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex on July 24 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Surrounded by nature, participants can enjoy vibrant chalk art and fun activities designed to spark imagination and creative expression. 

The month wraps up July 29 from 9:30–11 a.m. at Bayfront Park, where the Landscaping Division will lead a nature-themed treasure hunt near the splash pad.  

Be sure to mark your calendars in July. We want everyone to enjoy "The Power Of" our beautiful Sarasota parks!

Van Wezel: 2026-27 Broadway Lineup

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns this season with an exciting new Broadway lineup for 2026–27, packed with powerhouse productions and unforgettable stories.

Running from December 2026 through April 2027, the season highlights dynamic female-led favorites including Six, Mamma Mia!, Waitress, and Legally Blonde – The Musical, alongside additional audience favorites and new productions headed to Sarasota. Featuring 10 national and international tours—with more still to be announced—the season brings big performances and standout moments to the Van Wezel stage.