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Community News Update
March 2026
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Dear DSCA Members and Friends,
It’s an honor to step into the role of DSCA President, and I’m excited to connect with you through this newsletter. DSCA is very much on the move, and this edition highlights the progress, momentum, and advocacy happening across our community.
In this issue:
- New Permanent City Manager — Karie Friling has been unanimously selected by the City Commission, bringing strong leadership and continuity.
- Performing Arts: Moving Forward — Positive momentum and encouraging news on this important initiative.
- Sound & Noise — A clear look at ongoing noise concerns, DSCA’s efforts, and what residents need to know.
- Town Hall Recap — Key takeaways and insights from a productive community conversation.
Our April Board Meeting will take a different approach this year. Instead of a guest speaker, we’ll focus squarely on DSCA’s goals and action plans for the year ahead. This is about setting priorities and moving forward with purpose. If you have ideas or issues you’d like us to consider, please share them—your voice matters.
As we head into high season, I hope it’s an enjoyable and rewarding one for you. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead and continuing our work together for the good of the DSCA community. |
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DSCA Annual Meeting & Townhall |
DSCA Members Hold Town Hall on Balancing Viable Change
in Downtown Sarasota
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DSCA Annual Board Organizing Meeting was held at WSLR+Fogartyville on March 4th. Prior to the Townhall Meeting, the DSCA board held an organizing meeting. Here are the outcomes: - Patrick McNamee was elected as president. He succeeds David Lough, who served as president for the past five years and was named President Emeritus. McNamee has been an engaged member of the DSCA board with a strong interest in community issues affecting Sarasota’s urban core. McNamee and his wife, Sandra Young, are residents of downtown Sarasota and serve on numerous business and nonprofit boards.
- Four new board members were elected:
- Richard Rueger, a business leader who is actively engaged as a volunteer in many important Sarasota charitable organizations
- Cathy Sellers, a previous BOD member who moved back into our district. She brings extensive experience and is passionate about our community
- John Simon, an attorney, who has been an active participant in City Commission matters as well as serving on the Sarasota Affordable Housing Advisory Board
- Sandra Young, as seasoned HR Executive, who is actively involved in Impact 100, SPARCC, Forty Carrots and Take Stock in Children.
- The Board Recognized Judy Mower for her service as Secretary of DSCA
- The Board Recognized David Lough for his service as DSCA President for 5 years
- Further, changes to the Bylaws were approved to allow more well-experienced residents to join the board. The changes allow a second qualified owner from the same member association to be elected as an Alternate Non-Voting Director.
- David Lough presented a summary of the strong impact DSCA had on our community in 2025.
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Sarasota's Long City Manager Search Comes to an End
After 17 months and three interim city managers following Marlon Brown's October 2024 retirement, Sarasota has unanimously selected Karie Friling as its next city manager — and its first woman to hold the post. Five finalists visited the city February 23-24 for a two-day process that included a community meet-and-greet, with three DSCA board members participating in the interviews. The commission wasted no time, voting unanimously on February 27. Interim city manager Jennifer Jorgensen, who also serves as Director of Government Affairs, expects her tenure in the role to be a quite short one. Lengthy Search Concludes For New Sarasota City Manager |
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Updates on Sound, Special Events, and Vehicle Noise
Several related matters involving noise and sound are moving through City Hall, and DSCA has been actively engaged in all of them. Here is where things stand.
Sound Ordinance Review
Work to update Sarasota’s sound ordinance has been underway for some time, and the effort is now gaining momentum. At the request of City Attorney Joe Polzak, an acoustic expert is scheduled to present to the City Commission on March 23.
The expert will recommend options for the Commission’s consideration, evaluating how the ordinance might better reflect today’s Sarasota — a growing city with an expanding downtown and an active mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment activity across its neighborhoods. That review will cover potential adjustments to zones, decibel thresholds, enforcement approaches, and the possible use of monitoring technology. Importantly, it will also draw on practices already in use in comparable Florida cities — no need to learn every lesson the hard way.
A key goal: any updated ordinance needs to be workable in practice and able to withstand legal challenge.
The December draft ordinance remains on the table as a foundation — its key elements are largely settled while further validation and specific sound levels are worked out.
Special Events Ordinance
The City Commission took up the Special Events Ordinance on March 3, had a substantive discussion, and gave staff some initial direction. The ordinance is expected to return for a first reading on April 6.
DSCA and other stakeholders have been at the table throughout. The goal is straightforward — support a lively downtown with community events while protecting the quality of life of the people who live there. DSCA has long backed downtown programming, including events like Fresh Fridays, and that same spirit continues to guide its participation as the ordinance moves forward.
That said, DSCA has remaining concerns about some of the direction being considered and is working with staff to address them before April 6.
Vehicular Noise in the Downtown Area
Vehicular noise remains one of the most common quality-of-life concerns raised by downtown residents. Modified exhaust systems and revving engines along Main Street, US 41, Fruitville Road, and Mound Street come up again and again — and for good reason.
Earlier this week, DSCA met with Police Chief Troche and members of the Sarasota Police Department to discuss the issue and possible next steps. It was a constructive and action oriented conversation. Vehicle noise is genuinely difficult to enforce — violations require direct observation by an officer and compete with other policing priorities. Even so, there is clear agreement that the issue warrants real attention.
The approach being discussed combines clearer ordinance language, targeted enforcement, and public education. Some early steps are already visible: a mobile signage unit recently deployed on Main Street near Palm Avenue is sending a direct message to drivers that revving engines is a citable violation. |
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“Revving of Engines is a citable violation” — mobile signage deployed on Main Street near Palm Avenue.
DSCA appreciates the engagement of Chief Troche and the Sarasota Police Department, and their commitment to exploring ways to mitigate this problem. |
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Sarasota Performing Arts Center: A Project Gaining Momentum |
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At its March 2nd meeting, the Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously to move the Sarasota Performing Arts Center forward in its next incremental step. The vote advances conceptual design work and calls for updating the existing partnership agreement between the City and the Performing Arts Foundation, along with the development of an implementation agreement that will spell out specific responsibilities, funding commitments, and timelines for delivering the project.
Interim City Manager Dave Bullock reinforced that approach, encouraging the Commission to advance the design work in carefully staged steps — maintaining momentum while allowing for thorough review at each stage. The Performing Arts Foundation appears ready to match that pace, indicating it could return to the Commission with the next step in as little as six weeks.
The decision marks a meaningful milestone for a project years in the making. "As we go forward, I'm really confident that excitement throughout the community will grow," said Mayor Debbie Trice.
Before and after that vote, the Foundation has been bringing the community into the conversation through its Center Stage Conversations series. Just this week a downtown event held at Lefty’s Oyster House drew more than 75 attendees for an in-depth look at “Concept 2.0” — a substantially revised plan reflecting close collaboration between the Foundation, the City, and the Bay Park Conservancy. The updated proposal carries an estimated cost of $260–$295 million, features a 2,200-seat main hall situated at ground level south of the boat canal, andrelies on existing Tax Increment Financing revenues for its $88 million public share — with the Foundation committed to raising the remainder privately.
Another Center Stage event is being arranged for Downtown Sarasota.
Wednesday, April 2nd · 8:30 AM
First Watch, 1395 Main Street (or another downtown venue).
An informal morning event to hear directly from project leaders and ask questions about Sarasota's cultural future. Open to longtime supporters and those still forming an opinion.
Check the foundation's website for updates, due to expected attendance another venue is being sought: www.PerformingArtsFoundation.org
Performing Arts Center "Concept 2.0' Set For Public Debut |
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Left to right, Steve Cover, Director of Planning, City of Sarasota – Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, CEO Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and Ken Shelin, DSCA board member and Arts and Cultural Committee Chair
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Kelly Brown, President of the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA) and Alex Niehaus, Planning Board Member
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Transit Update: 76 Flyer & 77 Siesta Islander
Sarasota County is cutting two bus routes — Route 76 (SRQ Airport to downtown hotels) and a portion of Route 77 (Siesta Key trolley to downtown) — effective April 24, saving $360,000 as part of a broader $5 million cost-cutting effort driven by a projected $37.8 million general fund deficit by 2029. DSCA, while acknowledging the county's fiscal constraints, continues to make the case that a growing and increasingly dense downtown warrants expanded public transportation options — such as a downtown circulator or an innovative micro-transit alternative using smaller vehicles similar to an Uber-style service. DSCA is calling for a portion of the savings from these discontinued routes to be reinvested in exploring new pilot programs that could better serve downtown's evolving needs. Worth noting: the county now oversees all public transit throughout Sarasota County, including all of the City of Sarasota — most recently absorbing the BarRunner service. SRQ Airport's CEO also expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of transit access for travelers arriving without vehicles. |
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What a way to make a statement. This massive new mural just went up on the Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences in the Rosemary District — and we couldn't scroll past it without sharing. Artist Swirly Painter absolutely delivered.
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"...We are an art city, and I'd like to plant some creative seeds here to continue to watch it grow into a beautiful version of this art city." — Swirly Painter |
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Can master plans influence zoning? What are realistic expectations for their implementation? DSCA seminars fill up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on the answers to these questions and others. Sign up today!
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DSCA Board Meeting - Wednesday, April 1, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | @ Zoom & Broadway Promenade, 1064 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Special Discussion: DSCA Priorities and Action
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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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Shred Stock Community Shredding Event | March 21, 2026 |
9AM - 12PM | 777 N Tamiami Trl |
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Protect your personal information and clear out unwanted clutter at the Shred Stock Community Shredding Event. Sarasota residents are invited to bring up to four boxes of paper documents per household for free, secure on-site shredding, helping reduce the risk of identity theft while keeping materials out of landfills.
This year’s event will also feature a collection of household electronics for responsible recycling or data destruction, making it easier than ever to safely dispose of old devices.
Enjoy a fun 1960s theme throughout the morning with live music by The Garbage Men, who perform classic hits using creative instruments made from sustainable materials. ♻️📄🎶 Learn More |
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Closing Celebration: The Petticoat Painters “Now You See Us” Exhibit | March 27, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 1565 1st St
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Celebrate the closing of The Petticoat Painters: “Now You See Us” exhibit with a special outdoor program honoring this historic women’s art group during Women’s History Month 🎨✨
The celebration will feature plein air painting, artist demonstrations, and a festive gathering with members of the community and local artists. Join the festivities on the City Hall promenade as Sarasota recognizes the creativity, legacy, and lasting influence of the Petticoat Painters. Learn More |
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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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