The Downtown Improvement District
|
|
Greetings to the Heart of
Downtown Sarasota,
Welcome to the Downtown Improvement District’s (DID) newly branded newsletter! As part of our mission since 2008 to beautify and enhance the city’s core into a vibrant destination for our region, we’re proud to unveil a fresh batch of initiatives that will continue to activate, clean, and green our streets, parks, and pedestrian corridors. Between a website launch, a robust marketing campaign, and the renewal of our Fresh Fridays event series, the DID is poised to continue transforming our city from the best-kept secret, to an internationally recognized destination. We hope you’ll engage with us as we continue our work of making the heart of downtown the region’s premier choice for shopping, dining, nightlife, and recreation.
Julie Ryan
Business District Manager
|
|
|
|
The Downtown Improvement District is generally bounded on the north by Second Street, on the east by Goodrich Avenue and Pine Place, on the south by Ringling Boulevard, on the southwest by Palm Avenue or the properties on the southwest side of Palm Avenue, and on the west by Cocoanut Avenue. In addition, two parcels on the west side of Cocoanut Avenue at Second Street are included within the boundaries of the DID.
|
|
|
|
For those of you who don’t already know, the DID is led by a five-member Board of Directors, comprised of downtown commercial property owners. Along with the Business District Manager and the City Commission, their mission is to improve the downtown core of the City of Sarasota.
If you are a downtown commercial property owner whose property is within the District and are interested in becoming a DID board member, you can apply here.
|
|
The DID typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:00 AM at City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 1565 1st Street, Sarasota. During these meetings, ongoing and new initiatives are discussed and voted on. These meetings are open to the public and allow for public comment. The next DID meeting is:
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Discussion includes the Downtown Tree Lights and FY 2022-23 Budget.
View the full schedule and past meetings here.
|
|
|
|
As part of the DID’s commitment to accessibility and transparency, we have launched a new website that will serve as an official hub for all our initiatives and where we will make our fiscal reports easily accessible.
In addition, the new DID website has a merchant directory where any business located within the DID can submit their info. Simply fill out the online form and we will generate a listing for you that includes your business name, address, website, operating hours, tagline, a brief description of your offerings, your logo, and picture.
|
|
New Social Media Channels |
|
Our new social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram, were created with the goal of engaging stakeholders both within and outside our district to keep everyone informed about announcements, initiatives, and other important information. It’s also our goal to let everyone in our region know that the DID did it!
|
|
The DID & City of Sarasota Presents
|
|
The Downtown Improvement District and the City of Sarasota recently renewed our popular Fresh Fridays event series. Our October event successfully activated State Street with vibrant foot traffic, and we’re excited for our two upcoming events of the series’ second season:
|
|
Soul on State | Friday, Nov. 4th | State Street | 7-10 p.m.
With "Soul on State," the DID brings the best of R & B, and soul music to State Street as K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation takes the stage. Featuring tasty treats from some DID hospitality partners.
|
|
|
|
|
Shop. Stroll. Sing! | Friday, Dec. 2nd | State Street | 7-10 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with the return of "Shop. Stroll. Sing!" Get some holiday shopping done in the DID, then join us on State Street for some holly jolly holiday karaoke, sweet treats, and a bit of (fake) snow that the whole family will enjoy.
|
|
What would YOU like to see the DID do?
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
