Celebrate Summer in the Heart of Downtown! | | As we step into July, Downtown Sarasota is buzzing with summer energy and community spirit. This month brings festive celebrations, vibrant events, and continued efforts to enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. From live music to local dining and shopping, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Stay cool, stay connected, and join us in making the most of summer in the heart of our city. | | Discover Downtown: Shop, Dine, Explore | | Independent Retailer Month | | |
July marks Independent Retailer Month, a nationwide celebration honoring the essential role that locally owned businesses play in our communities—and Downtown Sarasota is no exception. Independent retailers not only employ roughly 51% of the U.S. workforce but also reinvest a disproportionate share of their revenue—about 46.9%, compared to just 13.6% by major chains—back into the local economy.
These family-run shops and boutiques offer unique products, personalized service, and community character that larger chains simply can't match. Every dollar spent downtown stays local—not just within the store, but recirculating through other businesses and public services, from parks to emergency services. Independent retailers often collaborate with local artists and farmers, adapt quickly to neighborhood needs, and forge deep relationships with customers, all contributing to a vibrant, distinctive downtown experience. Supporting these businesses isn’t just a transaction—it’s an investment in neighbors, our city center, and Sarasota’s future. This July, we encourage everyone to shop, dine, and celebrate local—because downtown Sarasota thrives when we shop independent.
| | 4th of July Fireworks on the Bay | | Are you looking for something to do on the Fourth of July? Come see fireworks on The Bay, Sarasota’s Fourth of July celebration, happening Thursday, July 4 from 9:00 to 9:18 PM at Bayfront Park (5 Bayfront Drive). This free, family-friendly event is co-sponsored by The City of Sarasota and open to the entire community! | | What Do You Love About Downtown? | | |
There are multiple payment options for garage parking, including a new app, Passport, which is used exclusively for City garage parking. ParkMobile will also continue to be available for both garage and on-street parking. For those who wish to pay via a pay station, standalone machines, which accept coins and credit cards only, are available.
The fee structure will remain the same. The first hour of parking is free. The second hour is $2, and each additional hour is $1 per hour. A flat rate of $5 is offered during special events. Parking is free in City garages on Sundays and holidays.
| | As a Proud Member of the Downtown Improvement District, you’re part of a community dedicated to enhancing our city. Display this decal on your business's window to highlight your commitment to a thriving, welcoming downtown. To get yours, email the DID today! | | |
As hurricane season is now here, it's crucial for Sarasota's downtown businesses and organizations to be well-prepared. The Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit from FEMA offers a comprehensive guide to help you assess risks, develop a preparedness plan, and ensure business continuity during and after a storm. This toolkit provides step-by-step instructions on safeguarding your staff, surroundings, systems, and services, which is vital considering that 75% of businesses without a continuity plan fail within three years of a disaster. By proactively planning, you not only protect your employees and customers but also contribute to the resilience of our entire downtown community.
Access the toolkit here: Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit.
| | Sarasota Business Legacy Program | | |
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.
| | Subscribe Today To Our YouTube Channel | | |
There’s always something exciting happening in Downtown Sarasota—and now, you can catch it all on our YouTube channel! From vibrant events to spotlight features on your favorite local businesses, our latest video just dropped, and it's full of the energy that makes our downtown so special. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date and be the first to see new episodes as they drop!
| | Welcome to the DID - Waffle Monkey | | |
Introducing the newest business within the Downtown Improvement District: @Waffle_Monkey_Sarasota! We welcome Waffle Monkey and their owners, Peter and Kathryn Collins, to the DID!
Peter and Kathryn knew they wanted to bring something different — something warm, welcoming, and undeniably delicious to Downtown Sarasota. With four Waffle Monkey locations already thriving in the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, and Bonita Beach, this fifth spot on Palm Avenue is the result of nine years of flavor, feedback, Peter’s cooking knowledge, and food perfected across the globe.
Now, Sarasota becomes home to their fifth location — and locals are already raving, especially about the sausage rolls!
We’re thrilled to welcome Waffle Monkey to the Downtown Improvement District!
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Palm Avenue Art Walk
July 4, 2025 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy gallery openings, dining, antiques, specialty shops, and live performances as you stroll downtown.
Learn more at palmavenuesarasota.com
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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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