On August 24, 2021, members of the DSCA Greenspace Committee and interested residents held discussions with FDOT and City experts; which included Mark Miller, Sr. Arborist & Dan Ohrenstein, Assistant City Engineer; City of Sarasota; Darryl Richard, District 1 Landscape Architect, FL Dept of Transportation (FDOT). The committee and guests discussed the following agenda items: [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 9, 2021 DSCA Condo Members to Discuss Building Inspections The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) and its members send our thoughts to those in Surfside, FL affected by the tragic building collapse. Downtown Sarasota condos spend over $60 million per year in operating expenses that includes regular building maintenance [...]
The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) board of directors is pleased to announce that it has elected David Lough as its new President. He succeeds Eileen Normile who has moved to a senior board position with the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA). Lough has served on the DSCA [...]
In February 2021 the effort to install canopy trees on Florida Ave. in the Rosemary District, between Blvd of the Arts and 5th , was completed. In all ten canopy trees were planted, including seven Pink Tabebuia’s which are known for their spectacular display of pink blossoms in the Spring. The work included several [...]
The DSCA Transportation Committee has formed a new Electric Vehicle Charging Subcommittee under the leadership of Alan Freedman, DSCA Board Director from Alinari condo. The EV Charging Subcommittee will meet soon to review suggestions and comments from downtown residents and condo managers regarding Electronic Vehicle Charging Stations in downtown condos (multi-unit dwellings). Several members [...]
Moves to Make Bicyclist Feel Safe Downtown The Board of Directors of the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) has enthusiastically endorsed the construction of the Ringling Bicycle Trail from the Legacy Trail to Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Thousands of people are currently using the Legacy Trail and with its completion to Fruitville Road [...]
Sarasota, FL: The City Commission on Monday evening appointed Marlon Brown as interim city manager and moved to transition him into that role permanently. Brown has served as Sarasota’s deputy city manager since 2009. He will succeed City Manager Tom Barwin, who is retiring at the end of this month following more than eight [...]
US 41/Gulfstream Roundabout and Gap Stormwater Project Narrative The FDOT Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TTCP) is to build temporary diversions (bypass roads – purple areas on exhibit) through a portion of existing parking along Bayfront Park Drive and a portion east of US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue to handle traffic while the roundabout is [...]
Second Heart Homes, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing permanent housing to those with mental illness who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness. Our goal is to provide long-term solutions that revive dignity and enhance quality of life through self-sufficiency. Second Heart Homes meets people where they are at and [...]
To help navigate the new roundabout at US 41 and Fruitville Road, following are diagrams showing route options from 4 different directions.
Educational videos show how to navigate new U.S. 41 Roundabouts These videos, produced in conjunction with engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, can be viewed online on the City’s website. The series of videos includes: A simulated driver’s view of the two roundabouts Understanding the symbols used in roundabout pavement markings and street signs 10th Street roundabout lane and [...]
Each year the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, Inc. (Suncoast Partnership) on behalf of the Sarasota/Manatee Continuum of Care compiles the Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count. This survey provides a snapshot of homelessness in Sarasota and Manatee County on a single night, January 27 to January 28 of 2020. While it is not possible to [...]
SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is urging county voters to consider becoming poll workers for the August 18 Primary Election and November 3 General Election. “Sarasota County is facing a shortage of poll workers for coming elections, which are only months away,” Turner said. “Recruiting poll workers is always [...]
The Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) invites City residents to participate in our Transportation Investment Survey. In the next 25 years, almost $5 Billion may be invested in the Sarasota/Manatee transportation system. Your priorities will help decide which programs and projects are submitted to state and federal transportation departments for funding. We would [...]
April 2020, Sarasota, Florida. National Arbor Day was celebrated on April 24, 2020 this year to promote cleaner air and water, protect wildlife in their natural habitats, and improve human health — all through planting and nurturing trees. In recognition of National Arbor Day, and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, DSCA celebrates the [...]
April 2020, Sarasota, FL. Second Heart Homes, Inc. just announced the addition of a new house to their mental health housing program! This will have a major impact by getting 6 individuals with severe mental illness off the street and into the lives they deserve. This will bring a ray of hope to our [...]
Educational videos show how to navigate new U.S. 41 roundabouts Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota is sharing a series of informational videos to help educate motorists on how to navigate the new multi-lane roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets ahead of their planned opening next weekend [April 17-20]. See diagram of [...]
According to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute, Florida ranks 49th out of 50 states in funding of mental health services. Sarasota County wants your feedback on whether a referendum to fund the establishment of a local Mental Health Special Dependent District (MHSDD) through an increase in millage (Property [...]
SARASOTA, Fla., January 26, 2020 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens today released details of a new compromise Master Site Plan, including a number of significant changes made to address concerns. After more than 40 hours of public input at hearings last fall and, more recently, at follow-up meetings with the community, three recurring concerns were voiced: [...]
Carmel, IN's secret to reducing traffic fatalities? Roundabouts! Dive Brief: To get congestion, road safety and emissions issues under control, cities should consider installing roundabouts at intersections, Carmel, IN Mayor Jim Brainard told Smart Cities Dive last week. Since he took office in 1996, the city has installed more than 120 roundabouts, which Brainard said [...]
REMINDER: New Traffic Shift, Detour began Nov. 25 for US-41 Fruitville Road intersection Detours began Nov. 25 for the US 41-Fruitville Road Roundabout. The two changes involve left turns: (1) No SB US 41 to EB Fruitville Rd - Southbound US 41 traffic will not be able to turn left at Fruitville Rd. This will be [...]
December 2019 - The long worked-for dream of Megan Howell and Barbara Raskowski to fund more homes for people without homes has finally come to fruition with the establishment of Second Heart Homes, Inc. as a not-for-profit corporation, approved for charitable contributions under IRS 501(c)3 rules. Second Heart Homes, Inc. NOT A HOUSE, BUT [...]
Sarasota in motion ... The City of Sarasota is preparing its first citywide transportation master plan, which will serve as a playbook for how the City not only invests in transportation infrastructure, but also how it achieves the community’s larger quality of life goals. City staff are working to gather [...]
The DSCA Committee on Homeless took a page from the very successful “Three E’s” program of the City of Sarasota Police Department of Educate, Encourage and Enforce to assist persons without homes. The DSCA’s program of Educate, Encourage and Activate is designed to improve the understanding and knowledge of the DSCA membership and residents [...]
Tabletop composting: When Tracie Troxler returned to Manatee County after living in California for 20 years, she brought with her the dream of creating a community garden. During the process, Tracie discovered here was “a huge food waste challenge and a soil challenge,” that led her to establish the Sunshine Community Compost, a nonprofit [...]
Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness compiles the Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count Apr. 26, 2019 According to the latest census in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the number of homeless individuals is diminished, due to community-based efforts that serve the special needs of people who experience homelessness here. This news comes from the latest 2019 "Point [...]
Mar. 6, 2019 - The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). One of the grant requirements is that we notify adjacent governments that Sarasota has prepared their [...]
The city’s greenspace policy calls for canopy trees in public rights-of way, but the Lemon Avenue is proposing palms. The royal palm is a stately, elegant, regal tree. It can soar to 90 feet in height and bears more than a dozen giant fronds, each twice as tall as a basketball player and weighing as [...]
Why Do People Keep Being Killed on This Road? by Charles Marohn | December 10, 2018 Tragedy predictably occurs when our road designs combine high speeds and randomness. Three Cheers for Minneapolis (The 3 is for Triplex) by Daniel Herriges | December 12, 2018 Minneapolis just became the first major U.S. city in a long time [...]
The community is invited to learn about the Lemon Avenue Streetscape project during an open house with City of Sarasota staff Monday, Dec.17 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the SRQ Media Studio in the City Hall Annex, 1565 First Street. NewsRelease_Lemon Ave. Streetscape Open House Set for Dec. 17.. DSCA Board authorized a letter which was sent to City [...]
Everyone enjoys the cool shade tree of big trees on hot Florida days, but did you know trees significantly benefit our watershed by reducing stormwater runoff and flooding? Stormwater runoff is rain that does not soak into the ground or get absorbed by trees and plants. Instead, the rain falls on hard surfaces like buildings, [...]
On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, the DSCA Board approved the Resolution in support of The Bay Sarasota final concept plan. The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) has been a Stakeholder and supporter of the Bayfront 20:20 planning initiative since its early planning in 2014. DSCA helped financially to fund the Stakeholder initiative and has provided feedback [...]
July 9, 2018 SARASOTA, FLORIDA Joint Zoning Code Consensus press release-final-20180709 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Melvin Sykes melvynsykes48@gmail.com (443) 871-5879 Four Civic Groups Unite to Adopt Zoning Code Principles • Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) • Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) • STOP! • SHOUT Sarasota, Florida July 9, 2018 - Four of Sarasota’s civic [...]
YouTube Playlist: DSCA Forum on Homelessness – Doing Good Even Better The Francis, 1289 Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 5:30 P.M. – 7:15 P.M. [click on individual names to view videos] Welcome, Patrick Gannon, President, DSCA The Road To Better – Peter Fanning, DSCA Director “We have a panel of “blue sky” people, because [...]
March 12, 2018 – The Francis, 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 DSCA Workshop on Transportation Planning provided updates on the latest transportation projects and plans affecting the City of Sarasota. Learn about the latest status and plans for: Roundabouts on US41 (14th St & 10th St, Fruitville, Gulfstream, Main St & Ringling Blvd.) Median project (Fruitville-to-Gulfstream) [...]
THURSDAY, MAR. 8, 2018 by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor https://www.yourobserver.com/article/downtown-palm-avenue-setbacks-form-based-code As the city ponders new zoning regulations, downtown residents want more space between them and new construction. During a period of growth in Sarasota, downtown residents are banding together to ask the city to reconsider its building regulations. As officials prepare to review a proposed citywide [...]
February 5, 2018 City of Sarasota Commission 1565 1st Street, Room 101 Sarasota, Florida 34236 Dear Mayor Freeland Eddie, Vice Mayor Alpert, Commissioners Ahern-Koch, Brody and Shaw: The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) surveyed its members in June 2017 concerning the impact of land development and construction in our Downtown neighborhood. Based on [...]
DSCA member condo associations were asked to provide suggestions on lessons learned from the September 10, 2017 Hurricane Irma storm from both a preparation and recovery process. As the member condos range in size and location, some of the comments are unique to those condos and may not be applicable to other condos. Click [...]
In June 2017, the DSCA Zoning Code Committee sent out a survey to the member condo associations requesting feedback on the most critical issues affecting residents with regards to land development and construction projects in our greater downtown neighborhood. The responses were grouped and the committee’s findings were provided to the DSCA Board with the following [...]
February 9, ,2017 SARASOTA, Fla. – The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association, led by President Patrick Gannon, has succeeded in urging the City of Sarasota to send email notifications about development applications submitted to the city for review. The policy change makes the development process more accessible to community members who can now subscribe to receive [...]
The City is going to do a test notification on Tuesday, February 14th . It is only a test and you do not need to evacuate when you get the message!!!!!! Emergency Notification System The City of Sarasota uses Rapid Notify as its Emergency Notification System provider. These systems are often referred to as "Reverse 911" [...]
The city is investing nearly $150,000 to restore the mermaid fountain at Pineapple Park — and that’s just the beginning of its plans to improve the downtown space. Officials held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the improvements to the public park at Lemon and Pineapple avenues, dubbed “Good Heart Plaza.” That was 2005. Twelve years [...]
The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association (DSCA) submitted this proposal to the City of Sarasota for a series of Reserved Community Spaces (i.e. Pocket Parks) to be identified and included in the City’s Strategic Plan for future implementation within the Rosemary District (between Fruitville Road & 10th Street, and US41 & Orange Avenue). This proposal was [...]
DSCA Monthly Board Meeting Wednesday, May 4, 2016 4:00pm Ritz-Carlton Residences, 1st Floor Founders Room Special Guest: City Public Utilities: Gerald Boyce, General Manager Utilities Dept. The DSCA Board Meeting is open for DSCA Board Directors, Member Representatives and invited guests. DSCA BoardAgenda-20160504v1 Send questions & comments to: Downtown.Sarasota.Condo.Assoc@gmail.com
Since our Annual Member Meeting in March 2015, the DSCA Board has been quite active. We have had strong attendance and participation by the 13 Directors at our monthly Board meetings, including several condo member representatives and liaison partners attending each Board meeting. This has enabled us to accomplish the following: The DSCA website has [...]
The DSCA’s Operation Plan for 2015 establishes ad hoc committees to advance specific annual goals including community safety. To that end, the Safety Committee was established to work in concert with the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) to foster programs that enhance the safety of downtown residents. As this is the first of an ongoing series on citizen [...]
DSCA helped to promote two meetings that were held by the Save Our Sarasota Trees (SOS-Trees) organization. The first public meeting was held on June 17 at the Art Center Sarasota. This meeting was initiated in response to reports of trees being removed from Links Park and other downtown locations. This was an informative meeting open to [...]
On Apr. 20, 2015, DSCA President spoke before the City Commission in support of the City Manager Barwin 8-Point Plan on Chronic Homelessness. We stated our support using excerpts from the Barwin report, “The report on Chronic Homelessness presented by City Manager Barwin at the Sarasota City Commission meeting on April 6, provided an extremely helpful survey of [...]
On May 22, DSCA held a transportation Focus Group at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce with representatives of the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The group reviewed and provided feedback on the MPO Long Range Transportation Plans, as well as prioritization of future projects. On Aug 3, several members of the DSCA Board attended [...]
The DSCA Annual Meeting, followed by the DSCA Forum - The Homeless in Sarasota occurred on March 25, 2015 at the Herald tribune Building. The people in attendance heard that the DSCA is in a sound and stable position, and operating in maintaining and assuring that the interests of Downtown Condominium Associations are well represented. The Members in [...]
DSCA sponsored a forum on Homelessness as part of the 2015 DSCA Annual Members Meeting on March 25, 2015 with an overflow audience at the Herald Tribune community room. This forum, titled: The Homeless in Sarasota – Positive Happenings and Obstacles to Navigate included the following panelsists, along with Peter Fanning as moderator: Tom Barwin, City Manager, [...]
Intersections Map Treat yourself to a walking tour at your on leisure. Click on the full size map link, print, go to Selby Five Points Park or any other location on the map and begin walking. Also, if you haven’t seen Selby Five Points Park all lit up, you might want to time your walk [...]
Peter Fanning with Board support is working to extend the influence of DSCA by working with other Downtown Groups, Associations and Resident Members to improve the quality of life for Downtown Residents. With the help of the Downtown Sarasota Alliance (DSA) and especially the Plaza at Five Points and 100 Central Condominium Associations and their [...]
Maybe you have forgotten by now, but soon, well in “government” time a Bayfront Mooring Field will be established. Geotechnical Analysis of the bottom of the bay where the moorings are to be place is continuing as of this posting. Once this has been completed, Requests for Proposals for anchor design and installation will be [...]
The DSCA Board is supporting and providing public input at the City Commission Meetings in support of several new ordinances and policies including a ban on smoking. Elsie Souza of 100 Central and Parks Advisory Board Member appeared at the April 4 City Commission Meeting to support the Parks Advisory Board’s recommendation for a NO [...]
The seats for City Commissioners for Districts 1, 2, and 3 will be up for election on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The incumbents in District 1, Fredd Atkins and in District 3, Kelly Kirschner have announced their retirement from the Commission. Richard Clapp, District 2, has announced his intention to seek a second four-year term [...]
SCOPE (see Info Links Page on the DSCA Website’s Home Page for information about SCOPE) is planning an Aging with Dignity Initiative. This initiative is a partnership of SCOPE, USF Sarasota-Manatee and The Patterson Foundation. The broad goal of this multi-year effort is to develop innovative and technological ways for older adults to age with [...]
The City Commission at its January 3rd meeting agreed to authorize the Mayor (Kelly Kirschner), City Auditor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with Duncan Technologies to implement an on street paid parking plan. This plan anticipates that approximately 620 on street spaces will become "pay-to-use" parking spaces. It continues to be the intent of [...]
Sixty-six residents attended the DSCA all members meeting on December 6, 2010 to hear a series of speakers give an update on several very “hot” topics. Former City Commissioner Ken Shelin gave a presentation on the idea of realigning the management of Selby Five Points Park by having the City of Sarasota contract with a [...]
If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes reducing the clutter by cleaning out the garage or storage area and you come across bicycles that are no longer used, consider a donation to Bicycles for the Homeless Inc. This organization seeks bicycles in any condition to be reconditioned and upgraded for safety, if necessary. The [...]
The City of Sarasota has informed Phil Pagano, Operations Manager of the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market, that his request to move the date of the Farmers Market for one day only from Saturday, December 25 to Thursday, December 23 has been approved. In addition, Mr. Pagano announced that the Farmers Market will not be open on the [...]
The Board of Directors of the DSCA met on November 18, 2010 and took the following action: The Board received another update on the recently initiated website for DSCA and its evolution toward being a major vehicle of communication for DSCA members. Once again, the Board expressed its gratitude for all the effort and time [...]
In its continuing efforts to make the downtown area more attractive and vibrant, the Downtown Improvement District (DID) and the Downtown Sarasota Alliance (DSA) have moved forward with a plan to have lights installed on the electric poles along Main Street from 301/Washington Blvd. to the Bayfront and along several adjoining streets. There are 280 [...]
After the City Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Board asked the City Commission to consider creating tobacco-free zones in children’s areas of city parks, DSCA asked the question why limit it to just the children’s areas. Residents and merchants downtown have been complaining for sometime about the litter being created downtown by people who inappropriately [...]
It’s highly unlikely that we as downtown residents, our visiting friends and tourists will have to put up with unsightly parking meters. However, based on discussions by the City Commission and City Staff, it is highly likely that we will be paying for parking in some of the prime areas that are free today. With [...]
How about brick streets, arcades mid-block along Main Street, wider sidewalks, refurbished store fronts that follow the historic underlay, a pedestrian friendly connecting portal from Main Street to the Bayfront, a circulating “people mover” to not only get people connected throughout the downtown and adjacent areas, but also to other public transportation including maybe a [...]
You probably noticed the blue safety fence that has gone up around the Five Points Park. According to the City Public Works Department the schedule calls for • Removing existing wall surrounding the park • Grading of the Park • Installation of a new irrigation system • Brick walkway installation • Landscaping Hopefully, we will [...]
The DSCA is providing support to the residents of our member association, Dolphin Tower. Reality struck home when residents like Carol Reynolds (also an active member of a number of the subcommittees to the DSCA Board) was told to evacuate her home and bring along only a few possessions that she could carry. Through the assistance [...]
The DSCA Board of Directors establishes communication with its members and improving member input to other associations as the number one priority for the upcoming year. If you have already visited the About Us Page you know that the DSCA is very much interested in improving communication among its members and the Board of Directors. This new [...]
The DSCA has heard you, its members, and has taken the initiative to address the accommodation of those persons who are homeless in the downtown area. Harry Chororos, President of the Sarabande Condominium Association, has agreed to Chair the DSCA’s Sub-Committee on Persons Who Are Homeless. Soon after, realizing how pervasive and complex this [...]
The DSCA leading the way in collaborating with other stakeholders with an interest in improving the vibrancy and quality of life downtown appeared several times before the City Commission to encourage a compromise that works for everyone. The DSCA, based on the advice from many of our association members, has appeared many times before the [...]
The Beautification and Redesign of Five Points Park is Underway with The City Commission’s Acceptance of the Plans Brought Forth By the Downtown Improvement District (DID). The improvements to beautify Five Points Park and make it functionally a much more useable and comfortable resource for residents and visitors will be taking place at the same [...]
It seems as though when the traffic around town lessens, the activities of our City Commission and of the various City Departments increases. Watching Downtown Improve right before our eyes! So much of downtown is undergoing renovation and upgrades that if you blink you might just miss something. Of course, as all of you know [...]
Peter Fanning, DSCA President, appeared before the City Commission on August 16 to again push for completion of the Bayfront Mooring Field. This much discussed, off again-on again effort, has been going on for nearly a decade, and was identified by the Board of Directors with member support as a priority for this year. Peter [...]
