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PLATINUM ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
We encourage you to support these area businesses who help support the DSCA
through workshops, professional services and discounts. |
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DSCA Board Meetings Move to Main and Palm
Beginning with the June 3 board meeting, DSCA board meetings will be held in the club room at 1350 Main Condominium, located at Main Street and Palm Avenue.
The new location is more central to many of our member condominiums and should make it easier for member representatives to attend in person. The 6th floor meeting space has recently been updated with new video and audio capabilities, which should also improve DSCA’s Zoom hybrid meeting format for those joining remotely.
For those attending in person, please let the front desk know you are there for the DSCA board meeting, and they will tell you how to access to the 6th floor. Public parking is available nearby at The Mark, with the Palm Avenue parking garage also a short walk away.
DSCA appreciates 1350 Main making this space available and hopes the new location will encourage more member representatives to attend and take part in DSCA’s information-heavy board meeting discussions. |
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DSCA To Receive FPZA Grassroots/Non-profit Initiative Award
DSCA received the following wonderful news this month.
On behalf of the Florida Planning & Zoning Association, congratulations on being selected as a recipient of the Grassroots/Non-profit Initiative Award at this year’s FPZA Conference for Overtown Square Pocket Park. The award will be presented during the FPZA awards lunch on May 29th at 12 pm at The Ritz Carlton – Sarasota (1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236).
DSCA extends our thanks to the FPZA awards selection committee. We are honored to receive the Grassroots/Non-profit Initiative Award for Overtown Square Pocket Park on behalf of all the individuals and organizations that came together to make this grassroots initiative a reality. This summary of the submission highlights the joint work of DSCA with the Rosemary District Association.
The Overton Square Pocket Park project represents a successful grassroots initiative by the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association, in coordination with the Rosemary District Association. An eight-year, neighborhood-led effort, rooted in the City of Sarasota Downtown Master Plan 2020, the project culminated in a publicly accessible pocket park in the Rosemary District. Proposed in May 2016 and completed in 2024, this project transformed an underutilized urban space into a vibrant community gathering place. The pocket park serves as a model for how sustained neighborhood advocacy, collaborative planning, and commitment to enhancing Sarasota's downtown livability, can achieve meaningful urban improvements.
This recognition means a great deal because the effort to secure the park involved many people over many years. Patrick Gannon and the DSCA Greenspace Committee led the very start of this conversation with a comprehensive 2016 Pocket Parks in Rosemary District proposal, and gained wide support from others in the community who shared the vision early on. With City Commission acknowledgement of the need, the search for a pocket park site was carried forward in 2018 by the Rosemary District Association (RDA) Open Space Committee, chaired by David Lough, with additional RDA support from Debbie Trice, then president of the RDA and Sarasota’s current mayor, and Howard Davis.
The DSCA awards submission also included letters of support from the Sarasota Housing Authority, The Sarasota Modern Hotel, Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences (SSAS), and the Encore Condominium Association.
The final step that brought the project to reality was the community fundraising effort, led by David Lough in cooperation with Jim Lampl and Anand Pallegar, which resulted in more than 100 donations. The real force in securing the park parcel purchase was then City Manager Tom Barwin, who helped coordinate the city resources to make this park happen.
DSCA is grateful to have been part of this effort, and we view this award as recognition of the many people and organizations who worked with city staff to make Overtown Square possible for the City of Sarasota and the residents and visitors to Rosemary District.
For those who would like to attend the FPZA Awards lunch on May 29; tickets are available here. |
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Welcome To Sarasota: City Manager Karie Friling
The time is almost here. Sarasota’s incoming City Manager, Karie Friling, is scheduled to begin on May 29.
Ms. Friling is already getting familiar with the community and the issues facing the city. She attended the May 4 CCNA meeting, offered remarks to those in attendance, and has also been present at a recent City Commission meeting.
In a Your Observer interview published this month, Ms. Friling said she has been reviewing documents and meeting with selected city staff before her official start date. DSCA welcomes Ms. Friling to Sarasota and looks forward to working with her. DSCA also plans to invite her to an upcoming board meeting as a guest speaker.
DSCA encourages members to read the Your Observer interview, particularly her comments about community engagement as she settles into the role.
New City Manager Calls Career in Public Service 'Most Noble of Professions' |
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As we welcome Ms. Friling as Sarasota’s new City Manager, we would be remiss if we did not also recognize the contributions of Pat Robinson, who is retiring from the City of Sarasota after many years of public service.
DSCA and many of our members have enjoyed working with Pat in his city roles, including as Deputy City Manager and Public Safety Director. We have appreciated his accessibility, practical approach, and deep knowledge of city operations.
We also want to recognize Pat’s able leadership during and after the 2024 storms, when steady coordination and clear decision-making mattered greatly to downtown residents and businesses.
While Pat is leaving city government, he is not stepping away from public safety work. He will become Director of SafeSRQ, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s community security initiative. DSCA thanks Pat for his service to the city and wish him continued success in this next role. |
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Downtown Master Plan Update
At its May 18 meeting, the City Commission held an almost two-hour discussion on the future of the Downtown Sarasota Master Plan. At the conclusion of that discussion, the Commission voted unanimously to pause — or, as it was described during the meeting, suspend — work on the plan for the time being.
The Downtown Master Plan effort began with the seating of a 13-member ad hoc committee in April 2025. The committee was created to help guide the process and assist with the selection of a consulting firm to prepare the updated plan.
After a series of procurement complications, only one firm remained under consideration. The Master Plan evaluation committee had recommended moving forward with negotiations. However, significant community concern developed over the transparency of the process and how the selection evolved. DSCA was among the organizations expressing concern, along with other community stakeholders, including the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, CCNA, and the Argus Foundation.
Rather than proceed immediately with the remaining firm, the City Commission chose to pause the project and take a closer look at the process. With incoming City Manager Karie Friling expected to be involved in reviewing next steps, further consideration will now likely wait until at least July. At this point, it is unclear whether the ad hoc committee will be dissolved or continue in some form.
DSCA views the pause as unfortunate, given the importance of the Downtown Master Plan to the future of downtown. At the same time, given what had transpired, there was broad concern that proceeding under the circumstances could compromise the perceived value and credibility of the final work product. For that reason, DSCA believes the Commission made the right call. DSCA will continue to follow this closely.
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Downtown Development Update Two long-discussed luxury condominium projects — Waldorf Astoria Sarasota and the Mira Mar project — have now received full site plan approval. Together, they represent a potentially significant change for the core of downtown Sarasota. The importance of these projects is not limited to the 156 new condominium units they would add. Both projects also include significant ground-floor retail space, which could help reshape the pedestrian experience, add new activity at street level, and strengthen the connection between Five Points Park, Main Street, Palm Avenue, and the surrounding downtown blocks. With full site plan approval now in place, both projects may move toward building permit applications and other pre-construction steps. Construction will not begin immediately, but these approvals mark an important milestone for two projects that have been discussed for some time.
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Waldorf Astoria Sarasota
The 86-unit Waldorf Astoria condominium project at Five Points Park has received full site plan approval. In practical terms, this means the developer has received detailed conceptual approval for the project’s core elements and may now proceed to the building permitting phase.
Based on information DSCA has received, demolition of the existing Zenith Building on the site could begin in early 2027, with construction of the completed project anticipated to take approximately two years. Mira Mar Project
The Mira Mar project has also received full site plan approval, marking another important step for a project that has been under discussion for some time.
In the case of Mira Mar, the site plan approval covers both the restoration of the historic Palm Avenue retail shops and units, as well as the proposed two-tower, 70-unit condominium project. This makes the approval especially notable because it involves both historic preservation and new downtown residential development.
As with the Waldorf Astoria approval, full site plan approval does not mean construction begins immediately. It means the project has completed the City’s site plan review process and can move toward building permit applications and other pre-construction steps.
DSCA will continue to follow the project as more information becomes available regarding timing, permitting, and construction activity.
1260 North Palm Avenue
Formerly the Obsidian Project
This long-standing application came before the City Commission on April 4 and, for the second time, the site plan was denied. Members of the Bay Plaza condominium and other members of the public were in attendance.
With this second rejection, the applicant now appears to have three possible paths forward: withdraw the application, return to the mediation process, or pursue legal action against the City in circuit court. As we go to press, no further developments have been reported.
Adagio Project Receives Partial DRC Sign-Off
The proposed Adagio project, located at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue, came before the Development Review Committee on May 20. The project includes 134 condominium units and 75 attainable housing units.
At the meeting, the project received partial sign-off. This indicates that most of the materials necessary for further administrative review have now been received.
The concern for DSCA is what comes next. With partial sign-off, further consideration of the project may now continue administratively, without additional public review.
The project has generated concern due to its proximity to adjacent buildings and its overall mass and scale. DSCA has now made a third request asking the developer to hold a public community workshop. While the developer is not required to hold a community workshop, City staff have encouraged the developer to do so.
DSCA will continue to monitor the project and report as more information becomes available. |
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You’re Invited to Shape How Main Street Will Look, Feel, and Function for Years to Come What Should Main Street Look Like? Join us for a public meeting for the Main Street Complete Streets project, an initiative to create a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming downtown. Now entering the design phase, this is an opportunity for you to help shape how Main Street will look and feel for years to come.
Thursday May 21 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Selby Library Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium | 1331 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
At This Meeting:
- Explore design concepts
- Share your input
- Help shape the future of Main Street
Public Invited to Help Shape the Future of Main Street | City of Sarasota |
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Noise Update
The City’s long-delayed work on updating its sound ordinance returned to the City Commission on May 18. As a consent agenda item, the Commission approved moving ahead with the sound consultant already identified. This work is expected to begin immediately.
The key takeaway is that there is now a clear path forward for this long-overdue work to produce results. The consultant’s initial, actionable work product is targeted for September, with an interim update expected in July. The work is expected to provide a more scientific and quantitative basis for the City’s next steps, with Florida court decisions and enforceability concerns in mind. Priority areas include the City’s “plainly audible” standard and vehicular noise issues, including revving engines and similar disturbances that have been a long-standing concern for many downtown residents.
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DSCA supports the use of professional acoustic expertise. At the same time, DSCA believes these priority areas should move forward as quickly as possible, including any practical changes that may be identified before the full sound study is complete.
The sound ordinance is one track. A separate but related track involves the City’s Special Events Ordinance, which also affects downtown quality of life. From DSCA’s standpoint, both efforts should better balance public events, entertainment, residents’ ability to enjoy their homes, and the practical needs of downtown businesses.
DSCA will continue to advocate for practical changes that can be implemented without unnecessary delay, while the broader sound ordinance work continues.
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Paid Parking Update
At its May 18 meeting, the City Commission approved changes to paid parking in downtown Sarasota on second reading. The broader expansion of paid parking hours is scheduled to begin June 1, with paid street and garage parking generally running from 8 a.m. to midnight.
One modification was made during the discussion. Following concerns raised by downtown churches, on-street parking downtown and on St. Armands Key will remain free on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The change is intended to address Sunday morning church service concerns while allowing the broader paid parking changes to move forward.
Click here to read more. |
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Bay Park Conservancy Parking Structure Concept At the May 18 City Commission meeting, Bay Park Conservancy CEO A.G. Lafley presented plans for phases 3A and 3B of the Bay Park buildout. One of the newer elements is a concept for an approximately 700-space, five-story parking structure within the park site. The City Commission voted to accept the Bay Park Conservancy report for phases 3A and 3B. A more specific discussion regarding the parking structure portion of the effort is expected at a meeting slated for later this week. The proposed structure is intended to replace a comparable number of surface parking spaces now located in the Bay Park/Van Wezel area. Those surface lots would be converted to green space as part of the broader park development. The goal is to preserve overall parking supply, return significant ground-level acreage to park use, and improve the quality of stormwater leaving the site before it enters Sarasota Bay. The structure could also serve a future performing arts center on the site, should that project move forward. The image below is an early, rough concept subject to significant revisions but does reflect the approximate new location for the structure envisioned.
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Stay in the Know: City Events & Road Closures
The City of Sarasota publishes a monthly Special Events Summary with upcoming events, road closures, and community happenings.
To ensure you always receive the most current information, the City recommends subscribing to receive updates as soon as the monthly report is published.
👉 Subscribe to the City’s Events & Street Closures updates
👉 Browse the full events calendar anytime
Stay ahead of what’s happening around the city and plan accordingly. |
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City Commission Candidate Race - Mark Your Calendars
The race for two At-Large City Commission seats is underway. The primary election will be held on August 18, with vote-by-mail ballots expected to begin arriving in late July for voters who have requested them. Four candidates are currently in the race. The primary will narrow the field to three candidates for the two citywide At-Large seats, with the final election to follow in November.
DSCA intends to host a candidate forum with the three finalists in late September, focused on downtown issues and matters of direct concern to downtown residents. DSCA does not endorse candidates, but we will make a strong effort to encourage voter participation among downtown residents. Past elections have shown that downtown voters can make a difference in City Commission races.
Sarasota County voters should note these dates for the Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Primary Election:
- July 20 — deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation
- Mid-to-late July — vote-by-mail ballots expected to begin arriving for voters who have requested them
- August 6, 5 p.m. — deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed
- August 8–16 — early voting, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
- August 18 — Election Day; polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m.
Voters should remember that prior vote-by-mail requests expired after the 2024 election cycle, so a new request is needed for 2026 elections. Details are here.
More details on the candidate forum will be forthcoming. |
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DSCA May Board Meeting Wrap-Up |
In keeping with recent practice, the February 4 DSCA Board meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, with participation available both in person at the Broadway Promenade Club Room and via Zoom. Guest Speaker: Broxton Harvey - PTMP City of Sarasota Full Video: Click Here Speaker Video: Click Here |
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DSCA Board Meeting - Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | @ Zoom & 1350 Main Condominium, 1350 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Guest Speaker: To be Announced BOARD MEETING LOCATION UPDATE NOTICE
Please be advised that beginning with the June Board Meeting,
the DSCA Board of Directors will be moving its meeting location to:
1350 Main Condominium
1350 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
All future board meetings will be held at this new location
unless otherwise announced. |
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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 Music Festival | June 1 – June 13, 2026 | Various Times | Holley Hall, 709 N Tamiami Trail |
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Experience world-class classical music at the Sarasota Music Festival 🎻✨
Presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, this acclaimed annual festival brings together rising-star musicians and internationally recognized faculty artists for three weeks of unforgettable performances, coaching, and masterclasses. Nearly 500 applicants from top conservatories compete for just 60 fellowship spots, making this a truly elite musical experience.
Audiences can enjoy a dynamic lineup of Artist Showcase concerts, chamber music performances, orchestral concerts, special recitals, and more—each highlighting the collaboration between emerging talent and renowned professionals.
A celebration of artistry and inspiration, the Sarasota Music Festival transforms the city into a hub of classical excellence every June. Click here for more information. |
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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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We Are Downtown Sarasota Residents partnering with Businesses!
Are your neighbors receiving our emails? Help your neighbors stay connected and forward this email to downtown condo residents! Click here to subscribe here. |
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