Step Into Spring:
Experience Sarasota's
Downtown Improvement District
The beginning of 2023 was a great start to the year as we continued to elevate our downtown district with beautification initiatives, infrastructure projects, and events series for our visitors. 
 
As we head into April, The Downtown Improvement District, with the support of all our wonderful merchants, is reinvigorated and thrilled to roll out even more new initiatives that will take our downtown community to even greater heights.  
Park Smart
Park Happy Sarasota


Efficient parking creates a vibrant and walkable downtown. After years of continued downtown and regional growth the demand for parking in the prime spots, especially during peak periods, is at an all-time high.
 
The City of Sarasota's parking program provides improved access to the most desired parking spots near stores, restaurants and businesses.



This helps to provide a vibrant business environment while serving the public’s interest. Parking becomes easier and quicker to locate which cuts down on traffic and pollution by eliminating “cruising around” to find a parking spot.
 
Did you know …
  • 450+ PAID PARKING SPOTS with unlimited time restrictions (Mon.-Sat. 9am-8pm).  
  • 2 HOURS FREE at over 1,000+ parking spots. 
  • 10 MINUTES FREE at all meters, except pole mount meters.
  • EASY GARAGE PARKING: Parking at the State Street or Palm Avenue parking garage provides up to 2 hours of free parking!
Your Guide to Downtown Sarasota

Click the video to learn about everything you need to know about Downtown Sarasota and what it's like to live, work, and play in our gorgeous Gulf Coast Florida city. Hear first-hand from two residents as they get the inside scoop from longtime Sarasota business owners and leaders who know everything about SRQ.
Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 7am to 1pm, rain or shine. We are located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, centered at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenues, extending to First Street on the North End, and Pineapple Avenue on the South End, with Vendors also located on State Street.
Downtown Business Spotlight:
Located at 117 South Pineapple Ave, Bookstore1Sarasota opened in 2011 with one mission: to bring a high-quality independent bookstore to the Sarasota area. Their passion for the joy of books inspired them in the beginning and continues to drive them today.

They offer a shopping experience curated with their customers in mind, and they are gratified by the long-term relationships they have built with those who have come through their door: patrons and authors alike. Pay them a visit and join the Bookstore1 family of readers.
To sign up for a merchant spotlight, contact us at: DowntownDID@SarasotaFL.com for more information.
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10 a.m.
City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 First Street, Sarasota

AGENDA ITEMS:
Downtown Parking Discussion
Downtown Improvement District Master Plan and District Expansion

View the full schedule and past meetings here.
The DID & City of Sarasota Present
The Downtown Improvement District and the City of Sarasota funded and initiated the second season of the popular Fresh Fridays event series. Here's what's up next on Friday, April 7th.
Art in the Park | Friday, April 7th
Selby Five Points Park | 7-10 p.m.
The Downtown Improvement District’s freshest block party continues with ART IN THE PARK. Join us on Friday, April 7 in Selby Five Points Park to experience a night of entertainment and culture. Featuring live music from The Brett Foreman Band and art displays that showcase the work of some of Sarasota’s best local talent.

Come early for your free signature giveaways, grab a bite or beverage from one of our hospitality partners, State Street Eating House + Cocktails, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, Azul Steak and Sushi Lounge, or Brick’s Smoked Meats.

Before heading to Fresh Fridays and experiencing “Spread Love” artist Brandon Thrift’s displays at Art in the Park, make a day of it by perusing the galleries downtown with the Palm Avenue Gallery Walk presented by the DSA, or touring the City of Sarasota’s public art collection. Check out the all the local galleries and public works of art to discover by clicking here.
What would YOU like to see the DID do?
If you have some ideas for new initiatives for the DID or if you would like to comment on existing programs, please reach out to the Business District Manager to let us know!
Want to Stay Updated?
If you’d like to continue receiving DID updates electronically, please subscribe to our newsletter HERE by filling out the sign-up form. In addition, please feel free to follow our social media channels, @DowntownSarasotaDID on Facebook and Instagram to ensure you stay informed.