An Elevated

Downtown Experience

As we embrace the blossoming season of spring, we are delighted to share with you the latest developments and endeavors dedicated to enriching and revitalizing our dynamic downtown area.

From eagerly anticipated events showcasing the vibrant tapestry of our local culture to transformative projects aimed at enhancing the allure of our downtown landscape, we continue working towards a shared vision of a thriving downtown community.

Join us as we shape the future of our downtown area into a place we can all be proud to call home.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be part of the downtown Sarasota experience.



The DID did it!

Upcoming Meetings

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 a.m.

City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 First Street, Sarasota

AGENDA ITEMS:



Discussion with Planning Director Steve Cover regarding the Downtown Lecture Series

Draft FY 2024-2025 Budget

Marketing and Communication update

View the full schedule and past meetings here.

DID Strategic Plan

You’re invited to join a discussion about the future of the Downtown Improvement District and what actions should be taken to achieve the DID’s goal of improving downtown Sarasota. While the DID is a self-taxing district comprised of commercial property owners, all are welcome to take our survey and share ideas to make our downtown a special destination for residents and visitors alike want to experience.



Do you like the beautiful hanging flower baskets sponsored by the DID?

Would you like to see more? Additional special events like Fresh Fridays? Or ways to make downtown even more visually appealing? A recent lecture series hosted by Architecture Sarasota highlighted the successful transformation of downtown turning it into an engaging, walkable area, and one of the most desirable places in the nation. What’s the best path forward to continue and build upon that success?  

Take the Survey.

To learn more about the DID Strategic Plan please visit our website.

www.downtownsarasotadid.com/the-did-strategic-plan

Meet the Faces of the DID

Do you or someone you know want to be featured in the next episode of Meet the Faces of the DID?

Contact us at: DowntownDID@SarasotaFL.com for more information.

Join Us At Our Upcoming Events

Fresh Fridays invites you to strut your stuff downtown for a night of unadulterated dancing. On April 5th, from 7-10 p.m., we are at a new location on Main Street, between N Palm Ave and S Pineapple Ave, for a block party where you can move and groove to live music from Society Hill, power up with fresh fuel from local restaurants, and experience the dance revolution that’s sweeping downtown!

Free signature giveaways will be handed out while supplies last!

To stay up-to-date on all announcements, please visit their website or subscribe to their newsletter. We can't wait to see you there!

The Sarasota Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, from 7 am to 1 pm, rain or shine. They are located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, centered at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue, extending to First Street on the North End, and Pineapple Avenue on the South End, with vendors also located on State Street.

Click to learn more.

DID You Know?

April 2^nd Main Street Complete Street Visioning Workshop

The City of Sarasota invites the public to a Main Street Complete Street visioning workshop to learn more about the project and provide feedback. Join the project team in the Jack J. Geldbart auditorium to learn more about the project and engage in immersive activities! 

April 2, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library

1331 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236

RSVP: Eventbrite

Participants can sign up for one of four half-hour sessions. Each person must only sign up for and attend one session. Each session will be composed of roughly 50 people and will be led by a project team member.

Participants can expect a short presentation regarding the project's goals before being directed toward different activities. In addition to an existing condition review and build-your-own Main Street, these activities are the perfect time to point out concerns, share original ideas, and collaborate with others to ensure your vision of the Main Street corridor is heard! 

For participants interested in sharing their thoughts more directly, they can stop by the video station! This opportunity will help shape the spirit of the project and give people an opportunity to tell us in their own words how they envision the future of Main Street Complete Streets.

Due to space restrictions, this event is limited. If you are interested in participating but are unable to for any reason, please consider attending one of the Open House Visioning events happening over the next few months, and be sure to fill out the Main Street Survey!

To learn more about the Main Street Complete Streets project, visit this Project Webpage.

For more information contact the project manager

Alvimarie Corales

Chief Transportation Planner

Alvimarie.Corales@SarasotaFL.gov

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.