What’s Next for the Van Wezel?

On August 18, Chuck Cosler and Jim Shirley presented the Purple Ribbon Committee’s findings to the Sarasota City Commission. The Commission unanimously voted to accept the report and directed Interim City Manager Dave Bullock to return with recommendations based on its findings. 

The committee concluded that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall no longer meets the technical requirements of many current touring Broadway productions. Vice Mayor Liz Alpert and Mayor Debbie Trice echoed this conclusion, noting that while the Van Wezel has served the community well for decades, it is now obsolete—unable to host the scale and technology demanded by today’s modern, blockbuster productions. 

Importantly, it was emphasized during the discussion that work is already underway—and more is planned—to harden and improve the Van Wezel against potential weather-related damage. This effort is seen as essential, given that the design and construction of a new Performing Arts Center is expected to take approximately five years, if the project moves forward. 

The report also highlighted the importance of keeping the Van Wezel operational during this transition to support local arts organizations.

Consideration of the Van Wezel’s potential longer-term use will remain an open and ongoing discussion. No conclusions have been reached at this time.

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City’s Special Event Ordinance: A Pivotal Moment for Downtown

Work continues on the City of Sarasota’s proposed Special Events Ordinance (SEO), a local law that will directly shape the future of downtown. The topic has drawn strong interest from residents, business owners, and city leadership — with the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) actively engaged in discussions alongside city staff and other stakeholders.

The stakes are high. Downtown has evolved rapidly in recent years — becoming denser, more residential, and more active throughout the week. Today, the rules that govern street closures, amplified music, alcohol service, and public safety during events must catch up to that new reality. DSCA has consistently advocated for an ordinance that reflects both sides of the equation: the importance of lively public events and the need to safeguard the livability, safety, and economic stability of a residential downtown core.

There is no doubt that well-planned events are part of Sarasota’s cultural identity and can enhance the urban experience. But getting the balance right is critical. A modern, enforceable ordinance can support vibrant programming while also protecting quality of life, emergency access, and long-term investment in the area.

As part of this effort, DSCA has submitted feedback and continues to work with city officials, residents and other stakeholders to help ensure the final ordinance reflects the changing landscape of our downtown. The current draft includes some improvements, but more work remains.

Below is a guest editorial from DSCA President David Lough, published in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune, that outlines key considerations in the ongoing ordinance revision process. Click here to read.

We need your voice! The DSCA 2025 Community Association Survey is now open, and your input helps shape stronger boards and better budgets across downtown Sarasota. Thank you to the buildings that have already completed it — and for those who haven’t yet, there’s still time to add your voice. 

This survey is a valuable resource for building board members, particularly when preparing annual budgets. As Ruth Firth, president of Broadway Promenade, shared, "The DSCA survey is extremely helpful particularly when sufficient buildings respond, thus making it representative of downtown Sarasota." 

We understand that building managers may sometimes need a gentle reminder from their board members to complete the survey. To help us gather as much data as possible, please consider using the link below to forward the survey to your building's manager. 
 
Click here to take the survey.

Lessons Learned:

1. Long before a storm is on its way, select and retain the vendors you will use for a next storm regarding such things as pumping flood water away, “mucking out” and removing debris, mold avoidance, and other actions likely to be needed.  Put time on your side and establish these arrangements with vendors you might need after a storm and keep arrangements current.

2. Make sure the restoration services firm you plan to use has adequate “bandwidth” to be able to handle your needs along with other customers’ needs.

3. Have a restoration-focused engineer assess your building every year - looking for any vulnerabilities.  

4. Have property documentation already prepared.  Have photos of common areas.  Make inventory lists of gym equipment, furniture, artwork, electronics and cabinetry; include all property and valuable items in every area that might be vulnerable to flood or wind damage.  Include brand names, serial numbers, model numbers, dates of purchase, costs.

5. Get drone photos of the roof - to be able to show “before” and “after”.

6. Act immediately to address damage, especially flood-caused damage.  Be able to prove that you acted as quickly as possible.  If there has been mold buildup, for example, any delay in documenting, treating and reporting damage may result in loss of coverage.  Flood policies usually do not cover mold, but if you act fast and document with photos and dates, and show the remedial actions you took, you may be able to collect.

7. Do not remove visible water lines before the adjuster comes.  Take photos and measurements.

8. Filing of FEMA “Proof of Loss” form must happen within 120 days - not after.

9. Again - document, document, document.  Take photographs, have inventory lists - be able to show “before and after” photos.

10. Have adequate storm reserves / contingency funds separate from other reserves/funds.  Avoid special assessments for repairs, if possible.

11. Talk with your insurance broker about your individual HO6 assessment coverage.  You may be able to make a claim.