|
|
Hello,
I recently received the monthly e-newsletter from our City’s Special Events team announcing scheduled events throughout the community in the month of October. I was a bit surprised to realize that the fall season has snuck up and is in full swing! It starts tonight (Oct. 2) with the return of Fresh Fridays for its sixth season! Sunset Soundwaves: A Yacht Rock Experience kicks off at 7 p.m. on Main Street from Five Points to Palm Avenue.
If you haven’t already, check out the many, varied activities going on now for The Bay’s One Park FOUR All 4th Anniversary Celebration. Over 70 free family-friendly activities highlighting the best of The Bay will be offered throughout October, including a Salsa & Sunsets Community Celebration Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Details about other fun activities at The Bay, including Boo! at the Bay, Taste of The Bay and "Best of the Bay" Music Fest are included below in City News.
Throughout October, many popular annual events will be taking place – from fine arts shows in downtown and St. Armands to the Gulfcoast Pride Festival, firehouse chili cook-off and, of course, a Halloween block party with live music in downtown for the over 18 crowd hosted by the Gator Club. There’s bound to be something for everyone this month!
Want to stay in the know about Special Events in the city? Subscribe to receive a monthly e-notice that includes an easy-to-read table detailing the names of events, dates, times, locations, street closures and designated times for street closures. Register through our email subscriptions webpage and stay in the know!
City News will be on hiatus until Oct. 30.
I’ll look forward to seeing you around town this weekend enjoying our special city!
All my best to you,
 Debbie Trice
Mayor
|
|
Heads up! The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin an improvement project on U.S. 301 from U.S. 41 to 10th Street this fall.
The project includes resurfacing, milling, and lighting, signage, pavement marking, and pedestrian safety improvements and is expected to be completed by summer 2027
Temporary lane closures can be expected for the duration of the project. Drivers are asked to use caution as workers and construction equipment will be staged on and around the right of way.
|
Great news! Last week, contractors installed the 71st Neighborhood Canopy Program tree, wrapping up this year’s program which saw more than double the participation of prior years.
A live oak was professionally planted as part of the Neighborhood Canopy Program.
The Neighborhood Canopy Program is an annual low-cost tree program that provides professional installation of an 8 to 12 foot tall tree between the front of a resident’s home and the street. Participants pay $100 for the tree, with the City covering the remainder of the cost up to $500 for the selected tree. The program is paid for by the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund, which collects a portion of tree removal permit dollars to be used for urban canopy programs.
Missed registering for this cycle, but want to participate in one of the City’s tree programs? Be on the lookout for information on future programs, giveaways, and more at Sarasotafl.gov and on City social media pages.
Celebrate the fall season in October with family‑friendly activities at our parks and recreation facilities!
Free and affordable outdoor events will include festive tournaments, movie screenings and seasonal traditions such as Halloween costume contests.
Boo! at The Bay
Sat., Oct. 17 | 5-7:45 p.m.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts
- Free fun evening of yard games, trick-or-treating and pumpkin picking (first-come, first served to the first 1,800 kids)
- Family movie under the stars "The Nightmare Before Christmas" - Sing-Along version (rated PG)
Haunted Trail Carnival and Bark-o-Ween costume contest
Friday, Oct. 23 | 4-7 p.m.
Arlington Park, 2650 Waldemere St.
-
Haunted Trail Carnival: Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun along the Arlington Park walking trail including free carnival-style games and treats.
-
Bark-o-Ween: Show off your pup’s Halloween spirit in a canine costume contest with dog-friendly prizes.
-
Free to attend
Pumpkin Splash
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 12-2 p.m.
Arlington Recreation Center, 2650 Waldemere St.
-
Take a swim and choose a pumpkin to decorate from the Arlington Recreation Center instructional pool. Carving and decorating supplies will be provided.
-
$10 per pumpkin, including swim fee
-
Registration is available via eTrak and must be completed by Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Taste of The Bay
Sunday, Oct. 25 | Noon-3 p.m.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts
- Enjoy signature dishes from favorite locally owned restaurants
- Live music with Kettle of Fish
- Admission is free. Food is purchased with tickets
Monster Smash
Monday, Oct. 26 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St.
-
Teams of 2-3 will compete in this festive pickleball tournament for the chance to win prizes for best costume and team tournament winners.
-
$30 per team; $10 for individuals
-
Registration will be available via eTrak and must be completed by Friday, Oct. 23 at noon.
Trunk-or-Treat
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5-8 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St.
-
At this family-friendly trick-or-treating event, you can win prizes for the best trunk decorations and costumes, and enjoy a haunted house.
-
Interested volunteers must register to decorate a vehicle trunk and pass out candy by emailing Mark.Horvath@SarasotaFL.gov
-
Free to attend
Trick-or-Triples
Friday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m.
Payne Park Tennis Center, 2050 Adams Lane
-
Rally your team of 3-4 people for a Halloween-themed tennis tournament open to all skill levels. Prizes will be awarded to the triples champions and the team with the best costumes.
- $50 per team
-
Register in person at Payne Park Tennis Center by Wednesday, Oct. 21.
"Best of the Bay" Music Fest
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 1-7 p.m.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts
|
Eastwood Park’s athletic field is currently closed for turf enhancement and maintenance and is expected to reopen for activities on Monday, Oct. 19.
During this time, the rest of the park remains open, including the playground, shaded seating areas, picnic tables, and the peaceful walking path. We invite you to stop by, relax, and enjoy all the amenities Eastwood Park continues to offer while the field improvements are underway.
Thank you for your patience as we work to create an even better playing surface for everyone to enjoy.
|
Two new Public Art Program projects reflect lasting legacies of mid-20th century Florida through striking visuals.
Hillview Mural: “Where Time Meets Community”
“Where Time Meets Community” celebrates the history of the Southside Village neighborhood.
The mural, being created by local artist Andrew Viera, is located along Hillview Street at 1905 S. Osprey Ave., where the Southside Sundries soda counter and drug store served community members through the late 1970s. The building continues to house local businesses, and its north wall now illustrates an eye-catching journey through time that commemorates the historic gathering place.
Artist Andrew Viera working on the mural "Where Time Meets Community" - Sept. 24, 2026.
This mural project was shaped by community input as part of the Public Art Program’s Call for Walls initiative. The muralist created the concept in collaboration with the building owner and the public, who shared their memories about the building and its role in the neighborhood.
“Where Time Meets Community” is planned for completion in the coming weeks.
Over 20 paintings by the renowned Florida Highwaymen artist collective are now on display at the City’s One Stop Shop, 1575 2nd St., in coordination with the Public Art Program.
The exhibit features stunning depictions of Florida’s wetlands and tropical skies and is open to the public on the second floor where Building and Permitting is located. Enjoy museum-quality artwork while pulling a permit – or just stop by. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Highwaymen paintings on display in the second floor lobby of the City's One Stop Shop, 1575 2nd St.
The Highwaymen began selling their work along Florida roads in the mid-20th century, and since then, the Black artist group has become recognized for its resilience and distinct visual style with work celebrated in major museum collections.
The exhibit features select pieces from the Highwaymen’s collection “From the Street Corner to the Smithsonian” which are on loan from Highwaymen Art Specialists, Inc. through August 2027.
Previously, Highwaymen paintings were featured in the City Hall lobby as part of our Cultural Heritage Exhibit.
Get ready: Spooky season is here at the Van Wezel!
Experience the dark, thrilling spectacle of The Vampire Circus on Oct. 25, blending acrobatics, cabaret, comedy, and illusion, then relive the beloved classic Ghostbusters on Oct. 29 with the film on the big screen and its spine-tingling score performed live by an orchestra.
Two unforgettable nights of thrills, chills, and entertainment await! Get your tickets now at VanWezel.org.
|
Lock your cars and remove firearms and valuables. That’s the message.
It’s something you hear us say all the time: Lock it or lose it.
Crime prevention doesn’t always require complicated technology or major changes. Sometimes, the simplest steps can make the biggest difference.
Many vehicle burglaries reported in the City of Sarasota involve unlocked vehicles. As of Sept. 27, 2026, there have been 105 vehicle burglaries within the city limits. Of those, 87 cases involved unlocked vehicles. That means 83% of vehicle burglaries so far this year in the City of Sarasota involved cars that were left unlocked.
In some cases, thieves are walking through neighborhoods, parking lots or driveways and pulling on door handles. An unlocked vehicle can quickly become an easy target.
The Sarasota Police Department encourages residents and visitors to remove valuables from their vehicles, even items that may not seem valuable. A purse, backpack, laptop, firearm or even loose change can attract attention. If you have to leave something in your vehicle, keep it out of sight and always lock the doors.
The same goes for your home. Lock your doors and windows, especially when you’re away. Turn on exterior lights at night, consider using timers when traveling and make sure your garage door is closed.
You are an important part of our crime prevention efforts. If you see something suspicious, say something. Don’t hesitate to call law enforcement. You don’t have to investigate or put yourself in danger. Provide as much information as you safely can and let Sarasota Police officers do the rest. Call 911 for emergencies or 941-316-1199 for non-emergencies.
Keeping our community safe is a partnership. A few seconds spent locking a door or removing valuables could save you from becoming a victim.
Don’t forget to always lock it up, Sarasota!
|
 |
Are you or someone you know interested? Visit Sarasotafl.gov to apply online and see other employment opportunities with the City of Sarasota.
|
|
|
Monday, Oct. 5 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 10 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.
City Hall | Commission Chambers
Agenda
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 1 p.m.
Longboat Key Town Hall | 501 Bay Isles Road
Agenda
|
|
|
"Sarasota Scene"
Norm Schimmel
|
|
|
|
|
