Parking changes stay on hold through November
Plus Benderson Park's 2028 target, Exotic Cars on the Circle, and Bat Boy's final weekend.
Good morning, Sarasota. City leaders do not plan another downtown parking change before the November election, and two traffic-calming meetings are approaching later this month.
Sarasota does not plan another downtown parking-policy change before the November 3 election. July's expansion shifted enforcement from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday to 8 a.m.-midnight every day, raised fines and targeted $2.7 million in added revenue. The city later suspended that expansion after public opposition, leaving the earlier rules in place.
City Manager Karie Friling recommended waiting because Amendment 3 could change city finances. The ballot measure would raise Florida's homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in fiscal 2028 and $250,000 in fiscal 2029 if it receives 60% approval. Sarasota estimates a $5 million annual revenue loss.
Staff presented a 50-cent parking-rate increase, a special taxing-district overlay for businesses and commercial property owners, and general-fund support as possible funding sources. Commissioner Liz Alpert proposed pairing the increase with short-term elevator loans. No funding plan has been adopted.
Benderson Park sets a 2028 finish line
Nathan Benderson Park’s planned indoor sports complex and boathouse now has a firm target: summer 2028. Chief Operating Officer Bruce Patneaude told county commissioners it needs to be ready for the 2028 World Rowing Championship.
Groundbreaking is expected in November 2026. The $75 million-$80 million complex is planned for Regatta Island, with about 100,000 square feet of hardwood floor space. It could hold eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts or 32 pickleball courts. Funding includes $10 million from the state and $20 million in county tourist-tax money. Benderson Development has committed 20% of the total cost and pledged to cover the gap needed to break ground.
Traffic-calming plans move into two more districts
Sarasota's traffic-calming work moves into two more open houses this month. District 3 meets Tuesday, September 15 at Ken Clark Auditorium, 2998 Ringling Boulevard. District 1 follows Wednesday, September 16 at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street.
Both sessions run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. without a formal presentation, so residents may arrive at any point. The project team is refining proposed traffic-calming solutions after spring neighborhood meetings. Proposed neighborhood maps and project lists are posted online, and the public survey remains open through October 2.
Exotic cars take over St. Armands Circle
- When
- Saturday, September 5 · 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- Where
- St. Armands Circle Park
- Address
- 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Price
- Free
Exotic Cars on the Circle brings a free outdoor display of supercars to St. Armands Circle Park on Saturday, September 5. Visitors can admire the supercars and choose a new favorite during the six-hour show. Sage Auto Studios and Ferrari Drivers SRQ sponsor the event.
The display runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 St. Armands Circle. Admission is free. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.
Bat Boy has two Saturday performances before its finale
- When
- Saturday, September 5 · 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- Where
- The Crossings at Siesta Key
- Address
- 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota, FL 34239
- Price
- $35 standard; $15 student; fees included
The Sarasota Players presents “Bat Boy: The Musical” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with a final performance at 2 p.m. Sunday. The comedy-horror musical follows a half-boy, half-bat creature discovered near Hope Falls, West Virginia, and taken into veterinarian Dr. Parker's family.
Dr. Parker's wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley, teach Bat Boy to act like a normal boy, but the town turns against him as the veterinarian works against his acceptance. The production carries an advisory for adult language and subject matter and may not be appropriate for children under 14. Tickets cost $35; student tickets cost $15, fees included. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.