Special Events

The City of Sarasota is a major travel destination for visitors from around the world, renowned for its cultural and environmental amenities, beaches, and resorts. Sarasota was ranked the No. 1 best place to retire in the U.S. on U.S. News and World Report’s 2020-2021 list of “Best Places to Retire in the U.S.,” as well as No. 16 in U.S. News’ list of “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” This makes Sarasota a major venue for a wide range of year-round special events, including national level political visits, conventions, concerts, sporting events, and cultural engagements.  

The City of Sarasota touts the “Big 12,” which are city-sponsored annual events.  These events include the New Year’s Eve Celebration/Pineapple Drop and Fireworks, Holiday Parade, Veterans’ Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade, July 4th Fireworks, Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Boat Races, Downtown Boat Block Party, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Boat Parade of Lights, and St. Armands Holiday Night of Lights.  

The SPD Special Events Lieutenant and coordinator are responsible for the planning, implementation, and analysis of police services required to maintain public safety for residents and visitors who attend these special events in the City of Sarasota, as well as reviewing permits required for street and sidewalk closures, as demonstration/assembly permits. The staff interacts with event sponsors for pre-event planning and assessment of the staffing requirements, documentation, and post-event analysis. 

For more information regarding obtaining a special event permit, contact the City of Sarasota special events permitting office at 941-263-6283 or SpecialEvents@sarasotafl.gov.