City of Sarasota
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Our Mission
Through a variety of open, transparent and interactive channels, the Communications Office strives to inform the community about issues and projects affecting residents, property owners, businesses and visitors.
The office provides media relations and social media outreach for nine departments: City Manager, Development Services, Financial Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Public Works, and Utilities and provides communications support for the Sarasota Police Department and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
News releases are posted in the News section of the website and social media pages. To be added to the news release distribution list, please visit the City's email subscription page.
Newsletter - City News
The Communications Office facilitates production of a bi-weekly e-newsletter City News. This multi-media newsletter highlights capital improvement projects, issues and achievements that are important to City of Sarasota operations and typically may not be covered in the local newspaper or TV news. Subscribe to City News. Previous editions are available in our newsletter archives.
The first municipality in the Tampa Bay region to launch a Twitter account in 2009, the City maintains a robust social media presence, posting interesting and informative photos and videos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on a regular basis while interacting with followers. A balance is struck between providing important community information, particularly during times of emergency such as Hurricane Ian, and showcasing the natural beauty of our special city.
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Please adhere to the City's Rules of Engagement policy when interacting on our channels.
Staff
Jan Thornburg, Communications General Manager
A former award winning television news reporter and anchor, Jan oversees Communications including media relations, social media and the City's e-newsletter. She collaborates with all departments throughout the City to provide accurate and helpful information to the media and Sarasota community about City projects, initiatives and issues in a timely manner.
Media Requests
Members of the media should direct requests to News@sarasotafl.gov
- Sarasota Police Department: For inquiries related to the Sarasota Police Department, email SPDInfo@sarasotafl.gov
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: For questions about the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, contact Public Relations Director Muffy Lavens at 941-263-6745.
Public records requests can be submitted online. Questions should be directed to the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk at Clerk@SarasotaFL.gov or 941-263-6222.
Dedication ceremony for new Public Art mural of Rev. Lewis and Irene Colson to be unveiled in the Rosemary District
The City of Sarasota is proud to unveil a new Public Art mural in the Rosemary District honoring the legacy of two Sarasota pioneers, Reverend Lewis and Irene Colson.
The City of Sarasota is proud to unveil a new Public Art mural in the Rosemary District honoring the legacy of two Sarasota pioneers, Reverend Lewis and Irene Colson.
The public is invited to celebrate this new artistic work at a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 3 outside the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences gymnasium, 645 Central Ave., where the mural is located on the east-facing wall. The ceremony will take place in the street, which will be temporarily closed to through traffic from 9 a.m. - noon. City representatives and one of the Colson family’s descendants will be on hand to officially welcome this historic homage to these lauded community leaders. Street parking is available.
The piece, which is part of the City’s Public Art Program’s Florida Legacy Art Mural Series, was created by local artist Swirly Painter after receiving approval from the Public Art Committee earlier this year.
For more information about the Public Art Program, visit www.SarasotaFl.gov/PublicArt