50th Annual Sandy Claws

Join us in celebrating 50 years of holiday health and fun! Set a fast pace across the hard-packed, world-renowned sand of Siesta Beach in the chip-timed 5K, or enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along the shore in the 1-mile fun run.

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The Power Of

Join us in celebrating NRPA's Parks and Recreation Month, showcasing "The Power Of" parks and recreation with a calendar of events highlighting connection, play, community, nature, belonging and well-being!

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Siesta Beach Splash!

Siesta Beach is once again making waves, earning the top spot in three major categories in the latest Best Vacations #1 rankings by U.S. News and World Report, including Best Beaches in Florida, Best Places to Visit in Florida as well as Best U.S. Beaches.

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Summer Camp Guide

Our 2026 Summer Camp Guide lists all of our summer offerings. From full-day camps to week-long specialty camps. Find your perfect camp and register today!

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Preserving Our Lands

Find out more about the Land Acquisition and Management Program and how it has protected and preserved our natural resources and lands here in Sarasota County for 25 years.

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Agents of Discovery

Turn your next park visit into a mission with Agents of Discovery, an award-winning educational mobile game that turns the great outdoors into an interactive learning experience.

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Programs and Events

Event dates for Jul 2026
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Protecting and Preserving Our Lands

Through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), the county recently celebrated its 100th land acquisition, the former Camp Venice RV Resort. Located along the Myakka River near Snook Haven Park, this 20-acre site will be transformed into a revitalized, accessible riverfront campground, preserving valuable habitat for native wildlife while expanding public recreation opportunities.

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Highlighting Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program

Former and current Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources directors speak about the Land Acquisition and Management Program and how it has protected and preserved our natural resources and lands here in Sarasota County for 25 years.

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Community Needs Assessment

More than 1,200 surveys were recently received as part of the 2025 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Community Needs Assessment. The survey responses have been evaluated to summarize what’s working, what’s missing and where we go next.

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Walk in the Park

Walk in the Park offers a look back at Fiscal Year 2024 and a preview of what’s ahead. This report highlights our achievements, valuable partnerships and the economic impact of sports tourism driven by our facilities.

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New Land Acquisitions for PRNR

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources recently acquired two separate parcels in unincorporated Sarasota County through the Land Acquisition Program. A 43.34 acre parcel was purchased within the ESLPP Deer Prairie Creek Preserve Protection Priority Site, and a 5.0 acre parcel was purchased within the ESLPP Sleeping Turtles Preserve South Protection Priority Site.

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