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.

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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!

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North Jetty Food Truck Rally

Join us at North Jetty Park on Nov. 7, Dec. 5 and Jan. 9, from 5-9 p.m. for this family-friendly event series. We’ll have fun yard games, music and, of course, plenty of food trucks with delicious treats!

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.

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Spotlight

Most Sarasota County offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday

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

Wellfield Park Conveyance Marks New Chapter for Regional Sports Complex Development

Sandy Claws is Coming to Town: Holiday Beach Run Returns to Siesta Beach Dec. 13

Sarasota County closures in observance of Veterans Day

Sarasota County closures in observance of Veterans Day

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.

Big Truck Day revs up for fun at CoolToday Park

Sarasota County is gearing up for Big Truck Day from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 26, at CoolToday Park.

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.

Say 'I Do' Again vow renewal ceremony returns to Sarasota County beaches

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at the annual Say 'I Do' Again vow renewal ceremony, returning to Nokomis Beach and Siesta Beach on Friday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m.

Fire Fest! Returns Jan. 25 to Carlton Reserve

Sarasota County's Fire Fest returns on Saturday, Jan. 25 to educate and inform the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem.

Programs and Events

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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