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Community News Update
April 2026
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Dear DSCA Members and friends,
Another busy month here in The City of Sarasota! This issue of the DSCA news update covers many important items. We have a new City Manager and a proposed consultant to help with the Downtown Master Plan. DSCA is working with the Commissioners and Staff on a new Sound Ordinance as well as one for Special Events. Over the years we have helped the city make the Budget process more transparent. The city will now have TWO Budget Townhalls in the coming months. Parking, downtown as well as the Rosemary district, has been a hot topic. At the next DSCA Board meeting on May6th, Broxton Harvey, General Manager of Parking will present. Phase 2 of the Bay Park is underway, and a smaller version of a performing arts center is being architected. Details to follow! |
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New City Manager - Karie Friling |
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Great news for downtown Sarasota — Karie Friling has been unanimously confirmed as our next City Manager. She comes with strong municipal credentials, but what stood out during the selection process was her reputation for accessibility and genuinely listening to constituents. She's currently wrapping up her role as Executive Director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, IL, and is already in contact with City Hall staff on current priorities. Her official start date is May 29 — though she may well be spotted around town before then as she settles in. We look forward to welcoming her. Click here to read more. |
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Downtown Master Plan Update
Work on developing an updated Downtown Master Plan, which began in March of last year, reached an important milestone at last week's ad hoc committee meeting. Following an initial evaluation on March 24, the selection committee convened for final interviews on April 1 and voted to recommend moving forward with MKSK as the city's planning consultant. |
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MKSK presented a comprehensive approach to downtown planning built around community engagement, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. The firm drew on experience in comparable projects in cities including Toledo and Decatur, with an emphasis on resiliency, transportation, and economic development.
Contract negotiations with MKSK are anticipated to begin in mid-April, with the hope of finalizing engagement details soon thereafter. Planning General Manager Ryan Chapdelain indicated that staff are now targeting the May 18 City Commission meeting to bring both the proposal and contract before the commission for approval. A full master plan committee meeting with the consultant is anticipated in mid-June, marking the formal launch of the planning process.
Notably, of the three firms originally shortlisted for consideration, only MKSK advanced to the final interview stage. When a committee member asked why the other two firms had withdrawn, Procurement General Manager Renee Hayes indicated she was bound by solicitation requirements that prevented her from disclosing the reasons, saying she could not disclose the reasons for either withdrawal and could only confirm that they had occurred.
It appears the next public consideration of the MKSK proposal will come before the City Commission in mid-May. Residents can expect more opportunities for community input as the project moves forward. Stay tuned for updates. |
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1260 N. Palm Project Remains Unresolved Amid Mediation Efforts |
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The proposed luxury condominium tower at 1260 N. Palm Avenue remains in limbo after the Sarasota City Commission denied the project in 2025, citing concerns over its height, design, and compatibility with neighboring buildings such as Bay Plaza. The developer has since initiated a state mediation process under Florida law (FLUEDRA) in an effort to reach a settlement that could allow a revised version of the project to move forward.
While discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been finalized, and the City Commission is not obligated to approve any mediated outcome. The project’s future will hinge on whether a compromise can be reached that addresses both neighborhood concerns and the developer’s plans. |
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Saravela Project Draws Attention with New Incentives
and Ongoing Debate |
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The Saravela condominium development in downtown Sarasota is generating fresh attention with a new marketing push offering buyers a complimentary one-year membership to TPC Prestancia Golf Club. The partnership adds a lifestyle component—access to golf, fitness, dining, and social amenities—aimed at attracting second-home and out-of-market buyers.
At the same time, the project remains part of a broader community discussion over short-term rental models in downtown Sarasota. Questions persist about how Saravela’s proposed rental flexibility aligns with city regulations, with officials continuing to evaluate appropriate guidelines for similar developments.
Together, these developments highlight both the evolving luxury market strategy and the ongoing policy considerations shaping Sarasota’s downtown growth. |
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Sarasota Launches Sound Study as Ordinance
Review Faces Delays |
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On March 23, the City Commission hired Siebein Associates, an acoustics consulting firm, to review Sarasota’s sound levels in the following areas: Downtown, Newtown, the Sarasota High School neighborhood, and St. Armands. In addition, issues involving street performers and loud vehicles will also be studied. This effort will cost between $175,000 and $250,000.
On April 6, the Commission asked the City Attorney, Joe Polzak, to direct the consultants to begin a near-term review of the draft sound ordinance, which was prepared by former City Attorney Bob Fournier. Various sound measurements—which may take several months—can proceed concurrently. The goal is to avoid delaying needed changes such as the plainly audible standard and the ban on motor vehicle revving.
Nonetheless, staff now indicates the current sound ordinance draft may not be reviewed until August. Sound measurements are scheduled from May through August, a traditionally slow period. Click here to read more. |
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Special Events Ordinance Advances as Lower Noise
Limits Delayed Until May 1 |
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The third “first reading” of the revised special events ordinance is scheduled for April 20. While the next draft has not yet been released, it is expected to include enforcement language as directed by the City Commission.
We recently learned that changes to maximum decibel levels at special events will not take effect until May 1st, even though the Interim City Manager’s directed staff to lower the levels back on November 17, 2025. The maximum decibel level for downtown special events should be lowered from 100 db to 85 dBA / 90 dBC. The dBA reflects general sound levels, while dBC reflect bass or low frequency sound. |
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️Budget Town Halls: Your Voice Matters
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DSCA has helped the City of Sarasota make the budget process more transparent—and the tradition continues! Two upcoming Budget Town Halls give residents a chance to learn, ask questions, and see how city projects are prioritized.
Mark Your Calendars:
- May 5, 2026 – First Budget Town Hall
- August 5, 2026 – Second Town Hall (just before final budget approval)
Both sessions start at 5:30 PM. These meetings are your opportunity to get a clear view of the City’s plans—including Capital Improvement Program projects, utilities, and public parking—and provide meaningful input.
Stay informed. Get involved. Make your voice heard!
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DSCA Question of the Month |
New This Month: The DSCA Question of the Month |
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Beginning this month, DSCA is introducing a new feature to our Community News Update.
Each month, we’ll ask a quick question to better understand what matters most to our downtown community. Your feedback will help guide conversations, priorities, and future updates.
This month’s question:
What matters most to you in Downtown Sarasota right now?
All responses are anonymous, and we’ll share the results in next month’s newsletter—so stay tuned to see how your neighbors weigh in. |
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Sarasota Expands Paid Parking as Rosemary District
Pushes for New Garage
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The Sarasota City Commission approves extending paid parking to 24/7 and increasing citation fines to make the Parking Division solvent and fund future capital needs. As an enterprise fund, the Parking Division, under the direction of General Manager Broxton Harvey, intends to cover its own expenses with revenues generated. During their March 23 meeting, however, city commissioners were warned, unless changes are made, of upcoming annual deficits approaching and exceeding $2 million. Opting not to increase hourly rates and monthly parking permit fees, the City Commission unanimously voted to extend hours of paid parking in city-owned spaces and to increase fines for citations, which are projected to generate more than $2.7 million in additional revenue. The additional revenue will find capital expenses including elevator replacements at the State Street and Palm Ave garages, license plate recognition equipment, meter replacements, garage signage and contactless meter payments. Commissioners rejected increases in monthly employee parking permit fees and hourly rates. Click here to read more. |
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The Rosemary District Association held a community meeting with Broxton Harvey, GM Parking along with business leaders from the neighborhood. The purpose was to discuss issues and solutions affecting parking in the district. All agree that there are not enough spaces available and a garage is needed. Concerns included rapid expansion of business, business growth limitations, employee parking, customer parking, construction vehicles not being cited, limits on parking permits and more. The city listened intently and agreed to enforce violations, improve the permit process and indicated the city parking study indicates 216 additional spaces are needed in the district. The staff also discussed how to fund a parking garage. One idea being considered by the Commissioners is building a garage on top of a proposed new affordable residential building at the McCown Center. |
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Sarasota Performing Arts Center Advances, Funding Still Pending |
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The project is actively advancing but not yet fully approved or funded. A redesigned “Concept 2.0” plan—smaller, less expensive, and relocated within Bay Park—has been presented to the City Commission and generally received positive feedback.
Key points:
Bottom line:
The project has gained momentum with a more realistic plan, but key decisions—especially funding commitments and final approvals—are still pending. |
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Mr. Red Sculpture Replacement – Community Input Wanted 🎨
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The City of Sarasota Public Art Program is inviting community feedback on a future sculpture at the Gulfstream Avenue and Cocoanut Avenue site, formerly home to the “Mr. Red” sculpture.
Residents can share their ideas through April 26 at midnight via the City’s Engagement HQ platform. |
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Why the Change?
Originally created by artist David Langley, Mr. Red was repeatedly damaged by hurricanes due to its exposed waterfront location. After sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Milton, the sculpture was relocated to City Hall, where it has been restored and placed in a more protected setting. |
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What’s Next?
The City is asking for input on what should replace Mr. Red. Options include:
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A sturdier replica
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A companion or inspired piece
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Relocating another artwork
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A completely new sculpture
Share ideas that reflect Sarasota’s identity and suit the bayfront environment. Feedback will be reviewed by the Public Art Committee on May 6 to guide next steps. Explore the full document here. |
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Parking West of U.S. 41: A Window That Won't Stay Open
What's happening west of U.S. 41 is no longer a Rosemary District issue — it's a district-wide convergence. The Quay, Bay Park, and Rosemary now function as one connected place. Their parking and mobility needs should be planned the same way.
The 2018 Quay Master Plan assumed a shared model — on-site spaces, the Cordelia garage, valet, and walkability working together. It never assumed the Quay would stand alone. If a meaningful share of Cordelia's roughly 150 public spaces are now leased privately, available supply is shrinking just as demand is peaking. |
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That demand is arriving from multiple directions at once. Cordelia restaurant spaces are filling. The Ritz-Carlton Residences and One Park are moving toward occupancy. A 174-room hotel is coming to the Quay. Bay Park Town Square opens later this year. A performing arts center remains in play. At full build-out, the west-of-41 district could support six or more restaurants — with guests, employees, and service providers all competing for the same limited supply in an area with virtually no on-street parking and no informal overflow.
Into that picture, the McCown site is uniquely positioned. Most Rosemary parking alternatives are east of Central Avenue. McCown — west of Central — is one of the only parcels with the geographic reach to serve the Quay, Bay Park, and the Rosemary edge simultaneously. Rosemary's growth makes the need urgent. The broader district convergence makes it irreplaceable. |
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Master of our Destiny:
What is a City Master Plan and How Does it Work?
The DSCA’s April workshop, Master of our Destiny: What is a City Master Plan and How Does it Work was an engaging look at how master plans can impact a city.
Moderated by Emily Walsh of Your Observer, the panel featured John Thaxton, Alvimarie Corales, Jeff LaHurd, Ron Kashden and Dan DeLeo.
The conversation focused on why master plans are important and how resident can get involved in shaping them. The panelists spoke about the history of master plans, their importance and how the plans evolve. Residents found out if master plans influence zoning and what the realistic expectations are for implementation. And finally, the group spoke about sustainability considerations and how that is balanced against growth. Click here to view photos from the event! |
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Bay Park Phase 2 Gains Momentum with New Waterfront Features The structural improvements on the south side of the 10th Street public boat basin, a rehabilitated seawall and new courtesy floating day docks are done. The "front of the park" on North Tamiami Trail opened to the public last October with a landscaped and tree lined multiuse trail, improved parking, and a promenade connecting the architecturally and historically significant buildings in the cultural district. A new "park within a park" town square, creating another gathering place for activities and events between the art center, the community center, and the municipal auditorium, is under construction and will be open to the public in October. BPC is rehabilitating, renovating and repurposing the municipal auditorium to reopen in early 2027. The BPC implementation team has been working on phase 3 plans to replace the surface public parking lot, the single biggest polluter on the site, with a center of The Bay park design, that provides a stunning gathering place overlooking Sarasota Bay for everyone in the community to use and enjoy... while providing for continuing operations of a renovated VWPAH, and/or a new Sarasota performing arts center. The Site use has more than doubled in the 3+years since phase 1 of the park was opened in October 2022. 330,000 guests came to the park in 2025. Use of the 10th St. boat basin is increasing, because it is the best, largest access to Sarasota Bay. City parking data indicates 50,000 or more members of the boating community may have used the public boat launch in the past year. Attendance is up at the Art Center, from 50 to 65,000 thousand. 107,000 guests came to the park in the 1st quarter of 2026. The park is used by more people for more use 7 days a week. They enjoy self-directed activities, walks, jogging, biking, viewing the sunrise or sunset or just being outside in nature.
Attached are photos of the dock and the work on the town square. |
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DSCA April Board Meeting Wrap-Up |
As has been the recent practice, the April 1st DSCA Board meeting was held in hybrid fashion, both in person at the Broadway Promenade Club Room and via Zoom.
Full Video: Click Here |
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DSCA Board Meeting - Wednesday, May 6, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | @ Zoom & Broadway Promenade, 1064 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Guest Speaker: Broxton Harvey - PTMP City of Sarasota |
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Broxton Harvey is currently the General Manager of Parking for the City of Sarasota where he oversees the Parking and Mobility Division. The operation encompasses over 9,000 parking spaces including on-street, parking lots, and garages. The division also oversees the city’s trolley service and micromobility program which combined has over 250,000 annual riders. Before being named GM of Parking for the City of Sarasota in February 2023, Mr. |
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Harvey enjoyed a successful career in the private sector of the Parking and Transportation industry for over 27 years. As a member of upper management, he focused on parking solutions for large operational accounts for two national parking companies in Central Parking System and LAZ Parking. He has extensive knowledge of all parking operations both in private and public sectors. His management experience includes a wealth of knowledge in budgeting, management reporting, auditing, and RFP’s.
Mr. Harvey also worked in the tolling industry for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) in Atlanta, Georgia from 2019 through 2023. As part of the Mobility Operations Division, he oversaw the state’s Toll Operations Center. This unit collaborated directly with the Georgia Department of Transportation and was responsible for the 24/7 operational management of Georgia’s in-lane toll systems, dynamic pricing, posting electronic rates, and maintenance of such systems. Broxton was responsible for leading and making decisions regarding the formulation and implementation of policies and standard operating procedures for Toll Facility operations and roadside systems. He is a graduate of Georgia State University where he holds both a B.A. in History and M.A. in World History. Mr. Harvey takes pride in recognizing individual employee strengths and takes advantage of mentoring opportunities. |
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Condo Board Member Education - 2025 Legislative Update CE |
April 23, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | ZOOM
Continuing Education required by the DBPR for Condominium Board Members.
ZOOM Link
For questions, contact mcolburn@hilltannenbaum.com
Hill Tannenbaum Attorneys at Law |
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Associate Members - Post your event on our DSCA Calendar to share with the community!
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Upcoming Community Events
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28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival | April 10 – April 19, 2026 |
332 Cocoanut Avenue |
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Lights, camera, Sarasota! ✨
The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival returns April 10–19, bringing ten days of bold storytelling, powerful documentaries, and captivating independent films to downtown Sarasota. Celebrating both acclaimed and emerging filmmakers from around the world, this internationally recognized festival showcases more than 200 films alongside filmmaker conversations, special events, and appearances by notable industry guests.
Whether you're a film lover, creative spirit, or simply looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, this festival delivers an inspiring lineup that transforms Sarasota into a hub for cinematic discovery.
Visit Website
✉️ info@sarasotafilmfestival.com |
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Sarasota Opera House Centennial Celebration | April 11, 2026 |
811 S Palm Ave
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An evening a century in the making 🎭✨ Celebrate 100 years of the historic Sarasota Opera House with a spectacular night of music, history, and elegance. The Sarasota Opera House Centennial Celebration begins with a special concert honoring the Opera House’s remarkable legacy, featuring performances that highlight memorable moments from the past century. Following the concert, guests will gather for an elegant dinner at Michael's on the Bay at Selby Gardens, set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop of Selby Gardens. This unforgettable evening brings together culture, community, and celebration to honor a landmark that has shaped Sarasota’s artistic identity for generations. Learn More |
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Sarasota Farmers Market | Every Saturday | 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
One of the traditional weekly, year round events in Sarasota, you'll find everything from fresh produce, food, flowers and plants to arts and crafts, friends and fun, it’s a community happening! Gathering among friends and even bring your dogs to check out the fresh produce and other unique things to browse upon. Main Street and Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Click here for more information.
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