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Community News Update
September 2026
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Dear Members and Friends,
This month’s DSCA News Update includes several important downtown developments:
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An important planning update from City Manager Karie Friling, who recently briefed the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) and confirmed that the City intends to move forward on a broader strategic planning effort, while pausing the Downtown Master Plan process
Also, you are invited to three important upcoming events:
And, there are number of upcoming Community events!
Details below.
Feedback on the newsletter and DSCA generally is always appreciated. |
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Board Adopts Position on Amendment 3 and
Two County Conservation Questions
On September 16, the DSCA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution recommending a NO vote on Florida Amendment 3. DSCA doesn’t usually take positions on ballot measures; however, the potential impact of these matters, especially state Amendment 3, on downtown residents is consequential. Amendment 3 would significantly increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes, reduce the annual assessment-increase cap on non-homesteaded property from 10 percent to 5 percent, and make other changes affecting local property-tax revenues and their use. The Board recognizes the legitimate concern about Florida’s property-tax burden and the importance of meaningful relief for homeowners. Its concern is not with that goal, but with the mechanism proposed and its potential longer-term effect on the financial capacity and flexibility of local governments. For DSCA, the central concern is the City’s ability to continue providing essential services affecting the health and safety of residents, along with the basic municipal services that support the quality of life downtown. The potential financial effect is significant. City officials have estimated that Amendment 3 could reduce Sarasota property-tax revenue by approximately $5.5 million annually by fiscal year 2029. The Board was also concerned about provisions governing how counties and municipalities may use property-tax revenues and about making these changes through the Florida Constitution. At the same meeting, the Board unanimously supported the two Sarasota County conservation questions on the November ballot. One would continue the existing Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program tax through 2049; the second would authorize bonding to support future conservation-land acquisitions. More information about Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program is available here. The Board viewed continued protection of environmentally sensitive lands and parkland as consistent with DSCA’s longstanding interest in responsible growth, the environment and the quality of life of Sarasota residents. After considering these issues, the Board concluded that they were sufficiently important and directly related to DSCA’s purpose to warrant taking a position. We recognize that DSCA members will have differing views and encourage everyone to review the ballot questions and make their own decisions when voting. Read the full DSCA resolution, including the Board’s rationale and supporting information, here. |
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Sound Study Update
The sound consultants hired by the city, Siebein Acoustics, will present their initial findings to the City Commission on Monday, September 21. Additional information is available on the city’s website.
An August survey discussed in this report shows that residents are affected by excessive sound levels:
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Excessive sound is a major issue. Of 1,456 citywide respondents, more than 700 rated excessive sound as an “extreme” concern, and more than 400 rated it as a “very” serious concern.
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Most respondents report daily or more frequentdisturbances. More than 150 respondents reported hourly disturbances, more than 600 reported daily disturbances, and more than 300 reported weekly disturbances.
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Cars are the top complaint.The most common complaints were car revving (73%), car radios (50%), construction sound (28%), and amplified music (28%).
The Siebein team took sound measurements around the July 4 weekend and found examples of excessive noise. Sound levels near the Gator Club block party reached 107 dBA ten feet from the stage, comparable to a rock concert, and 100 dBA 80 feet from the stage, comparable to a very loud nightclub or concert. The current special sound permit allows levels up to 85 dBA and 90 dBC though the Gator Club event operated under an older permit that allowed sound levels up to 100 decibels.
Outdoor sound levels at or across the street from certain downtown bars reached 97 dBA, comparable to a very loud nightclub or concert. Low-frequency, thumping sound reached 110 dBC, whichcan feel like being close to a large concert PA or subwoofer system, with strong bass pulses, vibration, difficulty conversing, and a sense of pressure or impact.
We hope the City Commission will act quickly to adopt the following easy sound ordinance changes: (1) language prohibiting car and motorcycle revving and (2) a plainly audible overlay standard, first suggested to the City Commission on January 21, 2025, and later discussed on December 1, 2025.
Siebein Acoustics will take additional sound measurements during the high season and expects to complete its work in May 2027, before the City Commission’s June break. |
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City to Begin Strategic Planning Effort Before Returning
to Downtown Master Plan
City Manager Karie Friling recently provided members of the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) with an update on several City priorities. One important takeaway was the City’s intended sequence for future planning. Friling indicated that the City will move first with development of a broader citywide strategic planning effort, while work on a new Downtown Master Plan remains paused. The strategic planning effort is expected to move forward early next year. The distinction is important. A strategic plan can establish broader City priorities involving growth, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, public services, resilience and quality of life. Those priorities can then provide a framework for more detailed planning efforts, including an eventual update of the Downtown Master Plan. For downtown residents, the decision means the next planning conversation will not begin solely with downtown zoning, development or physical planning. Instead, downtown will be considered within the larger context of where Sarasota wants to go as a city. That sequence also provides an opportunity to look more broadly at how transportation, economic development, public spaces, infrastructure, housing and City finances fit together before returning to a more detailed downtown planning effort. DSCA will continue to follow the strategic planning process and opportunities for public participation as additional details become available.
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Downtown Development Update —
Two Redesigns, Two Projects Moving Ahead
Two significant downtown projects are returning to the City with substantially revised plans.
At 1360 Ringling Boulevard, the former Adagio proposal is now Lumora. The new plan calls for 178 market-rate condominium units, of which 9 will be attainable rental units, approximately 30,000 square feet of non-residential space and 562 parking spaces. Most notably, the project is now described as a four-story podium and six-story tower.
That is a major change from Adagio, which was brought forward using the Live Local Act and included 189 residential units, 76 attainable units and an 18-story tower. Lumora is now moving through the City's more conventional administrative review process and is scheduled to come before the Development Review Committee on October 7.
A few blocks away, The Well condos and Spa at 777 S. Palm Avenue has also undergone a significant change. The project is returning to the DRC as a 66-unit condominium development, compared with the previously submitted 100-unit mix of traditional condominiums and condo-hotel units.
Meanwhile, demolition work is progressing at both the Mira Mar site on South Palm Avenue and the former Zenith Building site, where the Waldorf Astoria Residences are planned. |
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RDA City Commission Candidate Forum & Pizza Social
The Rosemary District Association will host a City Commission Candidate Forum & Pizza Social on Tuesday, September 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center. The forum will give residents an opportunity to hear directly from confirmed City Commission candidates about issues affecting the Rosemary District and the community. Pizza and conversation will follow the forum. Click here for more information. |
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DSCA September Board Meeting Wrap-Up |
As has been the recent practice, the August 5th DSCA Board meeting was held in hybrid fashion, both in person at 1350 Main Condominium and via Zoom.
Guest Speaker: Jon Thaxton, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Full Video: Click Here Speaker Video: Click Here |
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DSCA Board Meeting - Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | @ Zoom & 1350 Main Condominium - 1350 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Guest Speaker: TBA |
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DSCA Seminar: Navigating the New Sarasota | Thursday,
November 12, 2026 | 4:30PM - 7:00PM | Sarasota Garden Club - 1131 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Join DSCA for a community conversation about the future of downtown Sarasota, with discussion focused on growth, livability and resilience.
Hear from local leaders and industry experts as they explore development, walkability, public safety, water, trees and what’s ahead for downtown Sarasota. The program includes a panel discussion, Q&A and reception.
📅 November 12, 2026 | 4:30–7:00 PM
📍 Sarasota Garden Club | 1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
💲 DSCA Members: $10 | Non-Members: $20
Click the button below for more information and registration. |
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DSCA Holiday Reception | Wednesday, December 2, 2026 |
5:30PM - 7:30PM | 1350 Main 6th Floor
Save The Date! DSCA invites City staff, City Commissioners, Downtown Sarasota residents, and Associate Business Members to join us for an open house-style holiday reception. Stop by at your convenience and stay for as long or as little as you like while enjoying food, beverages, music, and conversation with members of the downtown community.
We wish to thank our City staff and City Commissioners for their valuable service to our community. Spouses are welcome! |
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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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Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival | September 26, 2026 | 01:00 PM | Sarasota Opera House |
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Enjoy an afternoon of food and wine while supporting the Sarasota Youth Opera. The Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival features food samples from a variety of local eateries along with wine tastings in a festive community setting at the Sarasota Opera House. VIP Early Entry: 12:30 PM | $150 per person
General Admission: 1:00 PM | $75 per person in advance | $85 at the door Click here for more information. |
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Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween Celebration | October 17, 2026 | 05:00 PM to 07:45 PM | The Bay
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Boo! at The Bay brings families together for a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, free pumpkin picking and decorating, yard games, food trucks, family activities, and a movie under the stars. Costumes are encouraged but not required, making this a fun evening for the whole family.
The evening concludes with a sing-along screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas from 6:30 to 7:45 PM. Admission is free, with pumpkins available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 1,800 children. Click here for more information. |
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30th Anniversary Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival | October 17–18, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Selby Five Points Park
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Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival with a weekend of handmade art, unique crafts, jewelry, décor and other creative works from talented artists and makers. The festival offers an opportunity to browse, shop and enjoy the downtown community in a lively outdoor setting. Click here for more information. |
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Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party 2026 | October 24, 2026 | 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM | Rosemary District
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Gulfcoast Pride 2026 brings residents, families, allies, local businesses, nonprofits, artists, and community partners together for an afternoon and evening of community celebration in Sarasota. The event features a vendor festival with local organizations and businesses, food, live performances, and entertainment.
The Vendor Festival runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a Street Party from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Admission is free. Click here for more information. |
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Taste of The Bay Presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals |
October 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM | The Bay
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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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If you missed any of our newsletters Click here to view past issues to share with your condo community |
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