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Sarasota's
Downtown Improvement District Continues to Blossom
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As we transition into spring, the DID is excited to bring you the latest updates on our ongoing initiatives to enhance and beautify our vibrant downtown.
From upcoming events that celebrate our local culture to transformative projects aimed at creating a more inviting downtown environment, this newsletter is your gateway to staying connected with the heartbeat of Sarasota.
Join us in fostering a sense of pride and unity as we continue to work together for the betterment of our beloved downtown community.
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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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We would like to welcome and introduce our newest board member, Ronnie Shugar! Stepping in as Vice Chair, he brings a wealth of business experience to the DID. A creative entrepreneur, brand disrupter, and philanthropist, Ronnie co-founded the immensely successful lifestyle brand, Raw Sugar, whose products can be found at major retail stores nationwide. His newest venture right here in downtown is an experiential champagne bar to open in the Mark on Pineapple Avenue. | |
In addition to his business and creative prowess, Ronnie’s passion is to give back and empower others through philanthropic initiatives. His contributions to our board will surely help downtown thrive and create an even more vibrant community. | |
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Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 10 a.m.
City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 First Street, Sarasota
AGENDA ITEMS:
Main Street Visioning Project Update
Downtown Crosswalk Update
Parking Report and Parking Initiative Update
DID Mission Discussion
FY 2024-2025 Budget Discussion
View the full schedule and past meetings here.
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DID Strategic Plan Workshop
Join us for the Downtown Improvement District (DID) Strategic Plan Public Workshop on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 5:30 PM. This exciting in-person event will take place at Selby Library, located at 1331 1st Street, Downtown Sarasota. During this workshop, we will discuss and gather valuable insights on how the DID can help to shape the future of our downtown area. Your participation is crucial in helping us create a vibrant and thriving community. Don't miss this opportunity to voice your opinions, share ideas, and contribute to the development of our Downtown Improvement District. Together, we can make a difference!
Agenda Schedule
- 5:15-5:30 – Sign in
- 5:30-5:45 – Welcome and Introductions
- 5:45-6:15 – Project Overview
- 6:15-7:00 – Participant Input
At your own pace, visit each station to learn more about the planning process while providing your feedback on future efforts. Members of city staff and our consulting team will be present at each station, ready to answer any questions you may have about the Downtown Improvement District and the Strategic Plan. Comment cards will also be provided at each station for additional feedback.
Click the link to register for the Public Workshop.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X59ZTDN
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Join Us At Our Upcoming Events | |
The DID & City of Sarasota Present | |
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Join us Friday, March 1, from 7-10 pm, on State Street, between Lemon Ave and S Orange Ave, as we invite both locals and visitors alike to our slice of paradise in downtown Sarasota for a block party everyone can enjoy with Neighbors & Newcomers.
Enjoy live country music from local band Southbound 75, downtown bites and beverages, and inclusive fun and games!
Whether you’re a long-time attendee or it’s your first time, come on over to the Fresh Fridays tent, and let us welcome you with one of our free signature giveaways!
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!
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March 1, 2024
Starting at 5 pm.
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.
The Sarasota Opera will perform at Art to Walk On Friday, March 1st at 7 pm and 7:40 pm.
Learn more at palmave.com
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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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City of Sarasota Parking Program Recommendations
At the March 5, 2024, City Commission Meeting, the City of Sarasota Parking Division is bringing forth recommendations from previous discussions on the paid parking program for City Commission consideration. The recommendations are meant to make parking more efficient and create turnover for businesses, residents, and visitors. The items recommended for consideration are as follows:
1. Implement Gateless Garage Program.
2. Remove Parking Waiver Program.
3. Extend Parking Enforcement from 8 pm until 10 pm.
4. Implement Sunday Parking Enforcement.
5. Reduction of the current 2-hour Grace Period in city-owned parking garages to 1 hour.
6. Implement Paid Parking at Centennial Boat Ramp.
7. Implement a paid fee schedule for city-owned charging stations.
8. Implement Credit Card Only on-street metered parking.
9. Increase Parking Appeals Fee.
10. Increase the Citations fee by $10.
11. Addition of Metered Parking on Ben Franklin.
The City Commission meeting begins at 9:00 AM in the City Commission Chambers, located in City Hall, 1595 First Street. For additional information visit https://www.sarasotafl.gov/services/meetings-agendas-videos
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Call for Community Input – City of Sarasota Main Street Complete Streets | |
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The City of Sarasota is currently in the process of building a safer, visually pleasing, and more connected Main Street between US 41 and School Avenue. The project is looking to improve parking, driving, walkability, and overall aesthetics for one of the most popular destinations in the city - and we need your help!
A complete street is an Age-Friendly design that promotes safe travel to and from your destination, whether you are walking, biking, riding transit, or driving your vehicle. A complete street is also accessible to every person who utilizes it and provides a sense of place for the community. Each complete street is unique to the community and can include different features like enhanced sidewalks, street lighting, benches, street trees and landscaping, public art, and more. Please take this opportunity to share your ideas that will help transform these corridors by taking the online survey can be found on the Project Website.
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Get Listed On Our Merchant Directory | |
The DID website has a merchant directory where any business located within the DID can submit their info. Simply contact DowntownDID@SarasotaFL.com and include your business name, address, website, operating hours, tagline, a brief description of your offerings, your logo, and picture to be listed. | |
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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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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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