As we welcome the new season, there’s no better time to explore all that our vibrant district has to offer. From exciting events and al fresco dining to unique shopping and cultural experiences, downtown Sarasota is the place to be. In this edition, we’re highlighting upcoming happenings, spotlighting local businesses, and sharing the latest updates from the DID. Stay connected and celebrate the best of downtown with us! | |
Love Local: Shop, Dine, Explore | |
Downtown Master Plan Update | |
The inaugural meeting of the Downtown Master Plan Update Ad-Hoc Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Chambers. The City Commission has unanimously appointed 13 individuals whose role is to offer insights during public meetings to a consultant responsible for revising the Downtown Master Plan, as well as to evaluate and recommend policies and elements of the plan. | |
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The City of Sarasota is initiating a Traffic Calming Plan aimed at addressing issues related to speeding and improving safety on local streets. This plan includes various traffic calming measures such as roundabouts, speed tables, and median islands, which are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance conditions for both pedestrians and cyclists. The city is actively seeking input from the community to pinpoint areas that require attention and to explore potential solutions. A town hall meeting took place on February 19, 2025, at City Hall, providing residents with an opportunity to gain insights and express their opinions.
Additionally, a digital survey https://www.sarasotafl.gov/government/public-works/city-engineering/transportation-planning/traffic-calming/traffic-calming-plan?utm_source=chatgpt.com is active to gather further feedback. Residents who have specific concerns regarding speeding are encouraged to reach out to Corinne Arriaga at corinne.arriaga@sarasotafl.gov to initiate a traffic calming request.
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Spring is right around the corner! Start enjoying the warm weather early at Downtown Social! Bring your friends, family, neighbors, and newcomers to celebrate the wonderful community that Sarasota, especially Downtown, has! Dance through the evening to a wonderful variety of music from Foreman's 5 and explore an exciting variety of delicious bites and drinks from the top restaurants in Downtown Sarasota.
Location:
We are excited to pivot back over to State Street for March's event - Downtown Social.
Ample Parking is available at the Palm Avenue and State Street Parking Garages. Follow this link for additional public parking info.
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Palm Avenue Art Walk
March 7, 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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First Friday Sip and Shop
March 7, 2025 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota Discover the charm of downtown Sarasota at our 1st Friday “Sip & Shop” event for an evening of shopping, sipping, and dining.
Learn more at destinationdowntownsarasota.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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Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders | |
Building on the success of last year’s fully booked speaker series, Downtown Sarasota: Hindsight, Insight and Foresight, Architecture Sarasota is excited to introduce a new series titled Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders. This year, the series will showcase distinguished urbanists from outside the United States, offering insightful international viewpoints on Sarasota and its future. On Tuesday, March 11, Paul Kalbfleisch will present Cities for Joy: Creating Urban Spaces that Promote Social Vibrancy at the Main Sanctuary of the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal, located at 222 S Palm Ave. | |
2025 Urban Studies Speaker Series | |
Hosted by Hoyt Architects at a 6:00 pm presentation at the aloft hotel in downtown Sarasota. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Retail expert Robert Gibbs (author of Principles of Urban Retail) For tickets or more information contact Britany at HOYT Architects. | |
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