City News: Parking Update, Sound Survey, Career Opportunities

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 08/14/2026 03:04 PM EDT

August 14, 2026

Hello Everyone,

During your City Commission’s last meeting, one topic, parking, generated significant community interest. After receiving extensive in-person and online public comment, it became clear that the changes to parking enforcement that went into effect on June 29 missed the mark for many of our residents and visitors.

Hearing the community’s concerns, the Commission unanimously decided to temporarily suspend the recent changes to parking enforcement hours and Sunday paid parking. Increased parking citation fines remain in effect for both time and safety violations.

Temporary parking enforcement hours are:

On-street paid parking: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

City garages: 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and
7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (The first hour remains free when a parking session is started.)

Free time-restricted: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

These temporary parking enforcement hours will remain in effect while we gather additional community input and consider the best path forward for the City’s parking operations.

Have a nice weekend…and remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated in this summer heat.

All my best to you,

Debbie Trice

Mayor

News and Updates

Sound Survey

As Siebein Acoustic, the City’s sound consultant, nears completion of an initial citywide sound study, the City is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to participate in a brief online survey to help the City better understand how sound is experienced in different parts of Sarasota at different times. Participants will be asked about the types of sounds they encounter, including sounds they find acceptable and unacceptable, as well as where and when those sounds are experienced, their duration, and their effect on participants’ use or enjoyment of an area.

Throughout the summer, Siebein Acoustic staff have conducted sound measurements, collected technical data, met with residents and business owners, and visited locations of interest throughout the city. Community input will be presented alongside field observations, acoustic measurements, and other technical information when the consultant presents their findings to the City Commission in September. The findings will help inform the Commission as they consider whether additional study is appropriate and what changes to the City’s sound ordinance should be considered.

The online survey is now open, and responses will be accepted through Monday, Aug. 31. Take the survey at www.SarasotaFL.gov/Soundscape

Transportation Chapter Update

You’re invited to a community workshop on the Sarasota City Plan draft Transportation Chapter. Join us from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail, to learn about the proposed updates, ask questions, and share your feedback with City staff.

Comprehensive Plan chapters are updated periodically to ensure alignment with our community’s priorities and compliance with State and Federal regulations, including any future changes to those requirements. The Transportation Chapter update focuses on supporting improved connectivity so residents and visitors can travel efficiently to destinations around the City, from business districts and parks to neighborhoods, schools and more. Goals such as expanded transportation options are designed to help make this vision a reality.

At a public hearing on Monday, Aug. 3, the City Commission heard public comment and a staff presentation about the proposed updates before approving the transmittal of the draft Transportation Chapter for a 30-day expedited review by the Florida Department of Commerce.

The upcoming engagement opportunity will allow staff to gather feedback before the draft Transportation Chapter returns to the Commission for adoption in late fall 2026.

We hope to see you at the workshop!

To learn more about the draft Transportation Chapter update, visit: https://engage.sarasotafl.gov/transportationchapter

Parking Update

The community is encouraged to attend a parking open house at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at City Hall. This event will feature a presentation on the City’s parking program by staff, followed by a question and answer opportunity, where written questions will be accepted and answered.

Community input generated by the parking open house will be used to inform the City Commission’s parking workshop, which will be held the following week on Monday, Aug. 31.

Reminder: On Monday, Aug. 3 the City Commission unanimously took action to temporarily suspend the recent changes to parking enforcement hours. Temporary enforcement hours are as follows:

On-street paid parking: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

City garages: 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (The first hour remains free when a parking session is started.)

Free time-restricted: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

SPD: Drive Sober

The Sarasota Police Department is reminding residents to plan ahead and make safe choices if alcohol is part of their celebrations with Labor Day weekend approaching.

Aug. 19 through Sept. 7, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and local law enforcement agencies nationwide will take part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to prevent impaired driving and save lives.

The need for the campaign remains clear. During the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, 505 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 170, or 34%, involved a drunk driver. Of drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes during the holiday period, 40% had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

Anyone planning to drink should arrange a safe ride home before heading out. Designate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or make another transportation plan. Drivers should never wait until after drinking to decide how they will get home.

Friends and family can also help prevent impaired driving by stepping in when someone who has been drinking is considering getting behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them find a safe ride home. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement. In an emergency or when there is an immediate danger, call 911.

This Labor Day and every day, the Sarasota Police Department is asking everyone to do their part: Drive sober, look out for one another, and help make sure everyone gets home safely.

HR Director Appointed

Great news! After serving as Acting Director of Human Resources for the past 6 months, Dominique Anderson was recently appointed Director of the City’s HR Department by City Manager Karie Friling.

In appointing Anderson, City Manager Friling noted her exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication in serving our City’s employees and residents.

The Human Resources Department is made up of 11 employees and conducts essential internal and external City functions, including recruiting, professional development, risk management, ADA compliance, and more.

Anderson brings extensive experience to her new role, including a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a master’s degree in management, and more than 12 years of service in the City’s Human Resources Department in several key roles.

Congratulations, Dominique!

Echoes of Sarasota

Join us in recognizing local history through museum-quality artwork!

An opening ceremony for the new “Echoes of Sarasota” Cultural Heritage Exhibit will take place Thursday, Sept. 17 from 4-6 p.m. at City Hall, 1565 1st St.

Featuring Sarasota scenes and artists, this collection covers over one thousand years of regional history with 16 works at City Hall and three at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Community members will have the chance to enjoy a look at Sarasota’s rich past through the exhibit’s captivating artwork, which traces local history from early Indigenous communities to the emergence of our modern city. Familiar stories and intriguing details are reflected in the mural-size works of two featured artists. Frank Hopper’s lifelike scenes highlight the determination of settlers, while Regan Dunnick’s pastel illustrations offer snapshots of influential figures, artifacts, and moments.

“Echoes of Sarasota” is presented by the City in partnership with Thomsen Fine Art, and supporting work is provided by Arts Advocates.

The opening ceremony coincides with Constitution Day, and it’s a great opportunity to connect local and national heritage as we continue to recognize America250. See you there!

Learn more about “Echoes of Sarasota”: www.SarasotaFL.gov/Echoes-of-Sarasota

Van Wezel: Honor. Remember. Stand Together.

Join theVan Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Orchestra for Summon the Heroes, a moving concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, conductor Evan Roider leads an inspiring program featuring beloved works including Fanfare for the Common Man, Adagio for Strings, and John Williams' Summon the Heroes. The evening also includes Liberty for All with narration by Nate Jacobs and stirring performances by soprano Amy Owens.

More than a concert, this special event is an opportunity for our community to gather in remembrance, celebrate resilience, and honor those who continue to inspire us. Proceeds will benefit four local charities supporting first responders and community wellness. Reserve your seats today at VanWezel.org and be part of this unforgettable evening of reflection, hope, and unity.