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Step Into the Heart of Downtown:
Discover What Makes Our District Unique
| | Downtown Sarasota is blooming with life, and the Downtown Improvement District invites you to be part of the experience. Whether you're strolling along our charming streets, discovering hidden gems in locally owned shops, or savoring a meal at one of our celebrated restaurants, there's something special waiting around every corner. This season, we welcome you to explore all the DID has to offer—where community, creativity, and connection come together in the heart of our city. | | Discover Downtown: Shop, Dine, Explore | | |
City Commission Meeting
May 5, 2025 at 9:00 am
View the Agenda
BOARD ACTIONS: Report Re: Downtown Improvement District (DID) Board regarding the FY 20232024 Annual Report and request to consider changes to Ordinance No 08-4832.
| | PUBLIC TOWN HALL BUDGET MEETING | | The Finance Department will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the City of Sarasota's Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget on Tuesday May 6, 2025, at 5:30PM in the City Hall Annex Building SRQ Media Studio Room, City Hall, 1565 First Street. This event aims to inform and educate the public about the budgeting process, providing insights into how the budget is developed and the factors that influence financial decisions within the city. | | Strategic Initiatives Updates | | |
Downtown Landscaping
A remarkable transformation rooted in vision, strategy, and quality — This before-and-after showcases how thoughtful city planning and high-quality landscaping can completely revitalize a space.
Every element was chosen with purpose to enhance natural beauty, promote community pride, and create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
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Downtown Crosswalks
New crosswalks on Palm Avenue and State Street in Downtown Sarasota, enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in some of the city’s most active areas!
This improvement is part of ongoing efforts to support walkability and create a more connected, pedestrian-friendly downtown experience.
| | | The Downtown Improvement District's 2023-2024 Annual Report is here! This year’s report highlights everything we’ve accomplished—from beautification projects and enhanced sidewalk cleanings to strategic partnerships, Fresh Fridays, and our long-term vision for downtown Sarasota.Whether you're a property owner, business, resident, or visitor, the report gives a clear look at how your DID is working to make downtown more vibrant, clean, and welcoming for all. | | 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 businesses window to highlight your commitment to a thriving, welcoming downtown. To get yours, email the DID today! | | |
Following a difficult year that delivered three hurricanes in 65 days, including two major back-to-back storms in 13 days, it’s important to remain vigilant and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
Sarasota County is hosting a free Community Conversations session about Hurricane Preparedness on Thursday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverview High School. The event is being held during Hurricane Preparedness Week, which takes place May 4 – 10.
The two-hour event will have local, regional, and national officials on hand including representatives from the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Participants will learn best practices and tips on personal and home preparation, evacuation procedures, shelter options and special needs, vital resources, what to expect from national forecasting models this year, and more.
The City coordinates closely with both the County and other local agencies during a tropical weather event and local state of emergency. This Community Conversation is intended for anyone who resides within Sarasota County.
Attendees can submit questions for the panel discussions here through May 2.
Registration is encouraged and can be completed here.
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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!
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This month’s theme, American Routes, taps into the spirit of summer with a nod to the soul of Americana. The evening will be filled with live country-rock rhythms, line dancing, refreshments, and light bites from local vendors, gathering with friends, and interactive fun.
We’re crankin’ up the country heat with none other than Derek Lersch and his band. Their sound is a boot-stompin’ blend of modern country and southern rock, setting the perfect tone for an evening of dancing in the streets or kickin’ back with good friends as the sun sets. And don’t show up late—our giveaway is always a crowd favorite, and this month’s surprise is one you won’t want to miss. Get there early and get a free cowboy boot pin!
Location:
Join us back on Palm Ave.
Ample Parking is available at the Palm Avenue and State Street Parking Garages. Follow this link for additional public parking info.
| | Stay up to date with our socials on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a Fresh Fridays update! | | |
Palm Avenue Art Walk
May 2, 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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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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