Project Description

The City of Sarasota’s Transportation Master Plan, Sarasota in Motion, identified Main Street as the #8 priority. Main Street Complete Streets focuses on a design that promotes safe travel to and from destinations, whether walking, biking, riding transit, or driving a vehicle. Each complete street is unique to the community and can include different features like enhanced sidewalks, street lighting, street trees and landscaping, public art, and more.

Main Street Visioning Goals

Main Street project limits are shown from US 41 to School Avenue.

Main Street Complete Streets Vision Plan

After nearly two years of visioning work and a year of community engagement, the City has developed a shared vision for the future of Main Street. Guided by input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders, the plan provides a framework for future improvements that respond to both current needs and long-term goals.
The vision calls for a walkable, inclusive Main Street that supports local businesses while preserving its historic character. It emphasizes balancing the needs and priorities of residents, property owners, and businesses to ensure the corridor works for everyone. Key concepts include wider sidewalks, improved landscaping, integrated street amenities, accessible parking, and adaptable design solutions. These elements are intended to create a safer, more connected street that serves residents, visitors, and the local economy.

The Vision Plan and Document can be found under the Project Documents section.

Public Engagement

1st Main Street Community Survey Garnered 1,500 Responses

From farmers markets to art festivals to nights on the town, Main Street truly is the heart of our community here in sunny Sarasota. As the plans for the Main Street Redesign enter the visioning stage, we want to hear from you! Whether you’re a full-time resident, a summer guest, or a weekend visitor, we want to know how you envision the future of Main Street, and you have responded.
The City of Sarasota received over 1,500 survey responses that will help shape the vision for the Main Street Complete Streets project.

Main Street Complete Streets Visioning Workshop

The City of Sarasota invited the public to a Main Street Complete Street visioning workshop on April 2, 2024, to learn more about the project and provide feedback. The workshop was held in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium of the Selby Library. Workshop materials can be found under the Project Documents section of this page.

Main Street Complete Streets Open Houses

The City of Sarasota invited the public to attend one of two informational Open Houses at City Hall Annex from 12:00 - 5:00 pm on April 23, 2024, and 3:00 - 7:00 pm on May 1, 2024. Attendees were provided with opportunities to review existing conditions, provide input on maps and visuals, and engage in an open discussion and comment. A formal presentation will not be provided. Open House materials can be found under the "Project Documents" section of this page.

Main Street Draft Concepts Open House Held on December 17, 2024

The City hosted a public meeting with an open house to present the draft vision concepts and vision palette to the community. This meeting provided an opportunity for community members to view the drawings up close and discuss their thoughts with the project team.

Main Street Draft Concepts Survey (Closed)

The City sought public input to ensure that the design reflects the community's needs and values. By participating in this ongoing engagement, residents and visitors helped shape the look, feel, and functionality of Main Street as an inclusive and thriving hub of activity.

This second survey focused on gathering input on draft concepts developed from community feedback gathered so far. These draft concepts' goals were to balance the community's wants and needs, incorporating a range of ideas into a cohesive vision for Main Street.