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Happy New Year from the
Downtown Improvement District!
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As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our downtown community. From dazzling holiday events to world-class dining experiences and unique shopping destinations, downtown Sarasota is buzzing with energy and excitement. Whether you’re savoring the last moments of the holiday season or looking ahead to new adventures, we invite you to explore all that our district has to offer. Let’s make this year unforgettable together! | |
A Note From The DID Chair | |
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With excitement and holiday cheer, we’re thrilled to share some wonderful updates about Downtown Sarasota! This season, the Downtown Improvement District (DID) proudly unveiled our dazzling new holiday tree in the heart of Downtown at Selby Five Points Park. This spectacular centerpiece has truly brought our community together and filled the season with light and joy.
While we celebrate this beautiful addition, we acknowledge the challenges we’ve faced along the way. Recent hurricanes disrupted supply chains and staffing, leading to some inconsistencies in our holiday decorations throughout Downtown. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these hurdles.
Looking ahead, we’re more determined than ever to make Downtown Sarasota’s holiday experience even more magical. The DID Board is eager to gather your feedback and use what we’ve learned this year to create a brighter, more cohesive celebration next year. Your thoughts are invaluable, and we’d love to hear from you!
This is a season to come together, celebrate our resilience, and soak in the beauty of our vibrant Downtown. Don’t miss your chance to visit our stunning holiday tree and immerse yourself in the festive spirit all around. Thank you for your unwavering support, and here’s to a joyful New Year filled with new opportunities and togetherness!
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Warmest wishes,
Chris Voelker
Chair of The Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors
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Image from left to right - Fresh Fridays - Light up the Night, December 6, 2024
City Commissioner, Kyle Battie. DID Vice Chair, Ronnie Shugar. DID Chair, Chris Voelker.
DID Board Member, Eileen Hampshire. DID Board Member, Wayne Ruben.
Next-Mark President and Fresh Fridays Event Organizer and Promoter, Joseph Grano.
Missing from the photo is Board Member, Harmoni Krusing.
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LIGHT UP THE NIGHT SURVEY | |
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Did you attend our previous event, Light Up the Night? We'd love to hear from you!
At each Fresh Fridays event, we look to improve the experience for first-time visitors, Fresh Fridays fanatics, and our incredible sponsors. Please feel free to participate in this brief survey outlining our December 6 event. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
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Downtown Sidewalk Cleaning Initiative | |
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The Downtown Improvement District has partnered with the City of Sarasota to enhance our community's cleanliness and aesthetics. As a result of this collaboration, the Downtown area will continue to receive monthly sidewalk cleaning services.
This initiative significantly improves upon the City’s standard level of service, which would typically only included two cleanings per year. We believe that a cleaner sidewalk contributes to a more attractive, welcoming environment for both residents and visitors alike.
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Downtown Sarasota is blooming again, thanks to the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District’s commitment to revitalizing our streetscapes. The DID maintains 234 decorative flower baskets throughout the downtown area, a signature feature of our community's charm.
Despite the setback from Hurricane Milton, which devastated over 75% of our decorative flower baskets, the DID has worked diligently to restore our vibrant public spaces. Since November, over 1,400 new plants have been installed, signifying a substantial investment of $16,000 towards our downtown's beauty.
These enhancements not only beautify our streets but also reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that downtown Sarasota remains a place of charm and vibrancy.
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Love Local: Shop, Dine, Explore | |
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New Year, New You, NEW LOCATION! Keep the New Year’s party going with Fresh Fridays. Join us on Friday, January 10, for the best post-new-year party celebration in downtown Sarasota. From 7 to 10 pm on State St.
DATE CHANGE!
We have moved our event to January 10, 2025, in an effort to accommodate everyone's busy New Years plans. Keep your celebrations rolling at New Year on the Block! Join us for a serendipitous evening featuring incredible music, tasteful bites, and activities for all your family and friends!
Location:
We are very excited to shuffle over to State Street next month! State Street has something for any occasion, whether you are looking for a steak dinner, a healthy lunch, or looking to try something new! State Street is home to restaurants dedicated to experimental culinary fusion, classical dishes, and more!
Check out the spots on State St. before the event! Guests can find ample parking, available at the Palm Avenue and State Street Parking Garages. Follow this link for additional public parking info.
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Stay up to date with our socials on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a Fresh Fridays update! | |
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Ring in the New Year in the heart of Sarasota with the highly anticipated Pineapple Drop! Join us on New Year’s Eve for an unforgettable night filled with live music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun, all leading up to the iconic lowering of the illuminated pineapple at midnight. Taking place downtown, this annual tradition brings the community together to celebrate in style as we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration—it’s the perfect way to start the year with joy and excitement!
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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 to learn more.
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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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to ensure you stay informed.
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