The City of Sarasota is transforming urban services and enhancing quality of life through strategic investments in smart technologies. Our Smart City Initiative integrates innovation with sustainability, ensuring Sarasota remains a resilient, connected, and forward-thinking community. These efforts foster safer streets, healthier environments, and more equitable access to essential services.

In partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Sarasota is deploying cutting-edge Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) infrastructure at 16 intersections across the city. This initiative enhances roadway safety and mobility by delivering real-time data to drivers, bicyclists, and public agencies. The CAV system is powered by advanced technology from Derq, a leader in artificial intelligence solutions for traffic safety and analytics.  Key features include: Intersection movement assistance Work zone and school zone alerts Pedestrian and bicycle safety notifications Emergency vehicle preemption Traffic signal timing optimization

 
To explore real-time roadway conditions and smart traffic technologies in the region, visit smarttrafficinfo.org. For detailed information on Sarasota’s CAV deployment and its role in FDOT’s statewide strategy, visit the City of Sarasota CAV Project Page.

Protecting public health and preserving our natural resources are top priorities. Sarasota collaborates with Mote Marine Laboratory and other regional partners to monitor red tide activity and beach conditions. Through real-time data collection and advanced sensing technology, the Beach Conditions Reporting System (BCRS), hosted on visitbeaches.org, delivers timely, location-specific updates that inform travel, recreation, and public safety decisions.

Data-driven decision-making is central to Sarasota’s approach to improving mobility. Using data and analytics tools from StreetLight Data, the City gains insights into travel patterns and street performance. These tools support transportation planning, safety assessments, and traffic calming initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for all road users. Smart intersections and roadway sensors further enhance decision-making for crosswalk improvements, signal timing optimization, and long-term infrastructure investments.

To promote digital equity and enhance public spaces, Sarasota offers free Wi-Fi access in select parks and recreational areas. This initiative ensures that residents and visitors can stay connected to vital city services, educational resources, and community events while enjoying Sarasota’s outdoor charm.

A resilient and high-speed digital backbone is foundational to the City’s smart infrastructure. Sarasota has installed fiber optic lines along key corridors to support municipal communications, emergency systems, traffic signal control, and emerging technologies such as CAV and smart lighting. These investments bolster cybersecurity, bandwidth capacity, and system reliability.

The City of Sarasota has been recognized as a 2025 Smart 20 Award winner by Smart Cities Connect, a leading platform showcasing innovation in municipal government. Our submission, “City of Sarasota Smart City Initiative,” was selected among the top 20 projects globally for its measurable impact, replicability, and use of technological innovation.

As Sarasota continues to evolve as a modern, inclusive, and sustainable city, our Smart City Initiative reflects a continued commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. We invite residents, businesses, and community partners to explore and support these efforts.