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Experience Sarasota's
Downtown Improvement District
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With a great start to the year, The DID continues to elevate our downtown district with beautification initiatives, infrastructure projects, and events series for our visitors.
As we head into February, The Downtown Improvement District, with the support of all our wonderful merchants, is thrilled to share with its community the new initiatives that will take our city to even greater heights.
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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be part of the downtown Sarasota experience.
The DID did it!
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Chris Voelker
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
BESO
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Chris Voelker is a driving force behind the vibrant energy of downtown Sarasota. As the proud owner of two esteemed establishments, BESO and State Street Eating House + Cocktails, Chris has not only tantalized taste buds but also emerged as a dynamic leader within the community. Recently elected as the Chair of the Downtown Improvement District, Chris is set to infuse her visionary spirit into the heart of Sarasota's landscape.
In this pivotal role, she brings her innovative vision to enhance the vibrancy of downtown. Chris is committed to fostering a sense of community, improving public spaces, and championing local businesses. Her leadership is set to usher in a new era of collaboration and growth with an end result of an economically thriving, culturally rich, and socially interconnected community. Chris is ready to lead initiatives that will redefine the downtown experience for Sarasota residents and visitors alike.
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Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 10 a.m.
City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 First Street, Sarasota
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Governing in the Sunshine
DID Strategic Plan
View the full schedule and past meetings here.
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Meet the Faces of the DID | |
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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.
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Downtown Parking
Parking in Downtown Sarasota has been a hot topic of discussion for the past several months and the DID would like to highlight the importance of the City’s parking program as it is a vital component to our Downtown. The parking program improves accessibility, creates turnover, and improves walking distances to stores and restaurants.
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- There are over 550 on-street parking spaces near your destination that provide you with at least 2-hours of free parking?
- There are over 450 on-street metered parking for only $1.50 per hour and the first 10 minutes are free? To receive the free time at a pay station simply enter your vehicle license plate and complete the transaction.
- Parking at the State Street or Palm Avenue parking garage provides everyone up to 2 hours of free parking!
- Park free on-street if you display a valid placard or have a DMV license. This provision is reserved only for vehicles that utilize specialized accessories, as outlined in FSS 316.1964 (8), for disability parking in lots and garages.
- Paid parking is enforced Monday – Saturday from 10AM – 8PM
- All parking Downtown is FREE on Sundays and Holidays!
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The pay stations are as easy to use as an ATM! They are conveniently located on the same block of metered spaces. Each unit serves multiple parking spaces. Simply activate the screen, enter your license plate, and select your payment!
Skip the meter, and pay with your phone. Get the ParkMobile app to find and pay for parking across the U.S.
Download the app or visit https://parkmobile.io/. The app will allow you to see where available parking spots are located, get parking expiration reminders, and extend your time remotely.
Time and days of operations vary, so be sure to observe all signage about metered parking or time restrictions.
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Don't Feel Like Driving?
Hop on the Bay Runner Trolley
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Leave the car behind or utilize oe of the parking garages and enjoy the sights around downtown with The Bay Runner Trolley. The trolley is complimentary and runs seven days a week. Allow the open-air Bay Runner to take you where you need to go! The Bay Runner has 2 dedicated stops in Downtown. View the trolley route map.
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For parking assistance or sharing comments, please contact the City of Sarasota Parking Division by emailing us at Parkinginfo@SarasotaFL.gov or clicking on the link below. | |
Sarasota Business Legacy Program | |
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The City of Sarasota recognizes the contribution of local longstanding businesses that have demonstrated economic sustainability in the city.
A Legacy Business is an important part of the culture and progress of the City of Sarasota by providing jobs and economic development, making community improvements, and exemplifying growth and prosperity.
For more information on the benefits of the program and how to apply, click the link below.
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Join Us At Our Upcoming Events | |
The DID & City of Sarasota Present | |
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Let your heart lead the way to Fresh Fridays. Join us Friday, February 2, from 7-10 pm, on State Street, between Lemon Ave and S Orange Ave, for a soulful night of music, dance, and entertainment. Featuring THE MOTOWNERS, a fantastic 12-member musical group that plays tributes to The Temptations, Four Tops, and Diana Ross.
Plus it wouldn’t be Fresh Fridays without our tasteful hospitality partners providing delectable food and drinks for our community. Enjoy all the choices from Mattinson’s, Brick’s Smoked Meats, Art Ovation Hotel, Azul Steak & Sushi Lounge, Sarasota Wine Co., and sister restaurants BESO and State Street Eating House + Cocktails.
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!
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Enjoy gallery openings, dining, antiques, specialty shops, and live performances as members of the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance sing, dance, stroll, and serenade the community and its guests.
Visit:
Burns Gallery on Palm
Meg Krakowiak Art Gallery
Mara Gallery
Scott Spahr
Art to Walk On
Charlotte’s Grace
February 2, 2024
"Romancing the Arts"
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn more at palmave.com
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Mark your calendars for an evening of excitement, exploration, and entertainment from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 2nd. Sarasota’s vibrant downtown district comes alive with a delightful blend of street entertainment, trendy fashion boutiques, captivating art galleries, and the opportunity to savor exquisite wine tastings. Best of all, this event is open to the public, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Sponsored by The Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association.
destinationdowntownsarasota.com/first-friday-sip-shop/
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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 the link to learn more.
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What would YOU like to see the DID do?
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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!
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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.
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