Fire Fest

Join us on Jan. 24 for a fun family event that explores wildlife prevention and maintaining Florida's natural ecosystems for present and future generations.

Learn More

Gulf Coast Games for Life

The 37th Gulf Coast Games for Life (Senior Games) is a multi-sport event program for amateur athletes 50 and over. Events take place in Sarasota County, Manatee County and the City of North Port, Jan. 17 – Feb. 21, 2026.

View Guide

The Ridge Ripple Effect

The Ridge Ripple Effect is a free youth mentoring program hosted at The Ridge Teen Center in Bee Ridge Park. Find out more about how to get involved as a mentor or mentee today!

Learn More

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

Join us at Phillippi Farmhouse Market every Wednesday, October through April, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music and free historic guided tours of the Edson Keith Mansion.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Spotlight

Walking on sunshine: Sunrise Beach Walks kick off at Siesta and Nokomis beaches

Seaside vow renewal ceremony “Say ‘I Do’ Again” returns this Valentine’s Day

Two Sarasota County projects recognized for historic preservation efforts

Sarasota County acquires WCIND property on Venice Island through Land Acquisition and Management Program

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 Gulf Coast Games for Life

Wellfield Park Conveyance Marks New Chapter for Regional Sports Complex Development

Sarasota County marks 25 years of land conservation

Sarasota County acquires 100th property through land management program

Sarasota County Parks Volunteers Receive Florida Recreation and Park Association Award

Sarasota County celebrates National Public Lands Day and Take a Child Outside Week on Sept. 27

County recognized nationally for conservation excellence

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) has received the 2025 Conservation Award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for its work on the Land Acquisition and Management Program rebranding and community education plan.

‘Agents of Discovery’ Outdoor Exploration app Launches at County Parks

Explore nature-based missions on the free Agents of Discovery app, an interactive way for families to turn screen time into opportunities to explore the outdoors while learning and having fun.

Community invited to groundbreaking for Snook Haven Park Improvement Project

Sarasota County is hosting a public event at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Snook Haven Park, 5000 E. Venice Ave. in Venice, to celebrate the kickoff of the Snook Haven Park Improvement Project. This is a major initiative to enhance this historic, riverfront destination.

Long-term closure of Nokomis Beach parking lot for reconstruction project

Sarasota County is preparing for a major infrastructure project that will affect access to portions of Nokomis Beach.

Sarasota County projects manage invasive plants efforts with help from grant funding

Sarasota County Seeks Community Input to Enhance Parks and Programs

Sarasota County Acquires Conservation Easement on Elling Eide Property

In an ongoing effort to protect environmentally sensitive lands, Sarasota County has secured a 14.5-acre conservation easement on the Elling Eide property.

Land Acquisition and Management Program Acquires Two Properties in Venice

Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP), a part of the county’s Land Acquisition and Management Program, has acquired two ecologically significant properties in Venice, furthering its mission to protect and preserve Florida’s natural habitats.

Programs and Events

Full Calendar
Protecting and Preserving Our Lands

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.

Read More
Highlighting Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition Management Program

Highlighting Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition Management Program

Former and current Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources directors speak about the Land Acquisition Management Program and how it protects and preserves our natural resources and lands here in Sarasota County.

Watch Video
Community Needs Assessment

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.

Learn More
Walk in the Park

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.

Learn More
New Land Acquisitions for PRNR

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.

Learn More