City News: MLK Park, Lido Beach Dunes, Click-2-Fix

City of Sarasota, Florida sent this bulletin at 09/18/2026 03:00 PM EDT

Sept. 18, 2026

Hello,

It’s been a quiet hurricane season so far. But, we know firsthand that just one storm can be devastating, especially with flooding. That’s why the City continues to take proactive measures to reduce flood risk and enhance community resilience. As part of these efforts, the City participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), which offers property owners discounts up to 25% discount on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Flooding is not limited to high risk areas designated on FEMA maps. About one-quarter of all flood insurance claims are from areas classified as moderate to low-risk.

Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage or loss. Flood insurance is the best option to protect your home and belongings. You don’t have to own property – renters can purchase flood insurance for their contents. Having flood insurance can make the difference between a quick recovery and a serious financial setback.

Planning ahead is critical. Usually there’s a 30-day waiting period before a new NFIP policy takes effect. So, don’t wait until a storm is threatening.

The discounted premiums are available because of the City’s commitment to participating in the Community Rating System -- earning points -- for encouraging a comprehensive floodplain management program and educating property owners on how to reduce or avoid flood damage.

For more information, please read my open letter about the importance of flood insurance and visit www.FloodSmart.gov

Have a wonderful weekend in our beautiful city!

All my best to you,

Debbie Trice

Mayor

News and Updates

Lido Beach Dunes Project

Lido Dune Project construction equipment

Crews have started mobilizing machinery on Lido Beach in order to begin a dune restoration project on Monday, Sept. 21.

Designed to strengthen and protect Sarasota’s shoreline, the Lido Beach Dune Restoration Project will place approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sand along 1.2 miles of Lido Beach. The new vegetated dunes will be 2 to 2.5 feet tall and will be created to stabilize the shoreline and support coastal wildlife. After sand placement, crews will install native plants to anchor the dunes and enhance long‑term resilience.

Public access to Lido Beach will remain open throughout the project’s 60‑day duration, though visitors may notice work activity and new post‑and‑rope barriers and signage installed to protect the restored dunes.

For more information, visit Engage.Sarasotafl.gov/lido-beach-renourishment

City Manager: First 100 Days

City Manager Karie Friling recently marked 100 days in her position leading the City of Sarasota!

During last weekend’s Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) meeting, City Manager Friling was welcomed to bring the community up to speed on her first few months and what her priorities are as she looks towards the future.

Since arriving in Sarasota, City Manager Friling has held and attended countless meetings with residents, organizations, nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood associations, and City staff. In speaking with CCNA, she emphasized that her priority is building connections within the community to bring Sarasota together as a united front working towards a better future for our city.

City Manager Friling also discussed public safety, strategic planning, City finances, and noted that she has been focused on reviewing the City’s organizational structure, identifying potential efficiencies, and improving service to residents.

Parks & Rec: Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Park Improvements

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is currently closed for a major $1.1 million redevelopment that will bring meaningful improvements to this valued community space.

Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Park closed for upgrades

Planned upgrades to Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Park include an expanded activity area.

Upgrades include a fully ADA compliant sidewalk system and redesigned parking lot, a new event plaza, three shaded gazebos, and an expanded activity area featuring installed ping pong and domino tables. Visitors can also look forward to improved park lighting, new seating throughout the grounds, fresh landscaping, and eight new canopy trees, including four Live Oaks.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program installed a new kayak launch and waterside seating area earlier this year, expanding opportunities to enjoy the park’s natural setting. The current phase of construction will further enhance accessibility, comfort, and recreation.

Thank you for your patience as these significant improvements continue. This investment will create a more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible community park for all to enjoy. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is expected to reopen later this year, and we look forward to welcoming residents back to a beautifully refreshed space.

Public Art: Gillespie Park Mural

A nature-inspired mural is taking shape in the Gillespie Park neighborhood! At the Sarasota Police Department Substation, 710 N. Osprey Ave., “Above the Nest” will celebrate the ospreys that residents and visitors frequently spot in the area.

Above the Nest and artist Trinity Rivard

Artist Trinity Rivard begins work on the "Above the Nest" mural - Sept. 4, 2026.

Created by artist Trinity Rivard as part of the City’s Public Art Program, the artwork is located within walking distance of neighborhood destinations such as the tennis courts at Gillespie Park. Passersby will have the chance to enjoy the mural from all sides as it depicts ospreys in their natural habitat on each of the building’s walls. Community members identified this site as an engaging place for public art.

Come by during Meet the Muralist hours to talk with the artist and even pick up a paintbrush! These casual drop-in opportunities are planned several times a month through early December from 2-4 p.m., weather permitting. Learn more at www.SarasotaFL.gov/Above-The-Nest-Mural

FLC: Commissioners + Committees

City Commissioners and staff will help represent local interests at the state level as members of the Florida League of Cities 2026-2027 Legislative Policy Committees. Their recent appointments were made to each of five Committees organized by the nonpartisan League and include:

Mayor Debbie Trice: Development, Code Compliance, and Redevelopment
Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich: Finance and Taxation
Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch: Utilities, Natural Resources, and Public Works (Chair)
Commissioner Liz Alpert: Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management
Commissioner Kyle Battie: Municipal Operations

Legislative Policy Committee members help outline important issues that are likely to influence day-to-day local operations and consider how proposed legislation may affect communities. They’re also asked to serve as advocates for local decision-making throughout the legislative process.

Committee appointments are made based on individuals’ support and advocacy of the FLC legislative platform and participation at meetings and legislative-related activities.

Thank you to our Commissioners and staff for representing local priorities as part of this statewide effort!

Van Wezel: The 2026-27 Season is Here!

Van Wezel 2026-2027 season announced graphic

The wait is over! Single tickets for the Van Wezel 26–27 Season are on sale now!

From Broadway favorites and must-see musicals to incredible concerts, dance performances, comedy, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends, a special date night, or your next unforgettable live performance, the new season has something waiting for you.

Explore the full lineup, find your favorites, and start planning your next night at the Van Wezel at VanWezel.org.

Click-2-Fix

Did you know you can quickly submit service requests for issues within the Sarasota city limits through our Click-2-Fix app?

Choose from a list of categories, describe the issue, submit photos if you’d like, and City staff from the appropriate department will address your request. You can let us know about streetlight outages, sidewalk repairs, potholes and more. You can also opt in to get email notifications about the status of your request.

Find Click-2-Fix in the App Store and Google Play as “CoS Click-2-Fix”.

Prefer not to use an app? Issues can also be reported online at Sarasotafl.gov/Click2Fix

SPD: Wet Weather Driving

We’ve been seeing more rain in the City of Sarasota this week and there’s more in the forecast for this weekend. Sometimes when you’re already on the road, a quick downpour can make roads slick, reduce visibility and create standing water in just a few minutes.

The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department would much rather see you arrive a few minutes late than not arrive at all. If you’re on the road when the rain starts, take your foot off the gas and give yourself some extra space.
Here are a few safety reminders:

Always buckle up. Rain or shine, everyone who is in a vehicle should be buckled up.
Slow down. Wet roads mean longer stopping distances, especially when rain is heavy.
Give yourself room. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. More space means more time to react.
Turn on your headlights. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on, too.
Watch for standing water. Hydroplaning can happen when your tires lose contact with the road. Speeding, low tire pressure and worn tires can also increase the risk.
Never drive through flooded roads. You may not know how deep the water is or how strong the current may be. Turn around and find another route.
Put the phone down. Rain already makes driving more challenging. You don't need another distraction competing for your attention.

There’s no prize for being the first person through flooded roads. Slow down, stay alert and give yourself and everyone else on the road a little extra grace when the skies open. A few more minutes on your drive is worth it, if it gets everyone home safely.