What separates Sarasota from other Florida cities

A few of the things that separate Sarasota from other coastal cities and made it so special are now in jeopardy. Sarasota’s new parking director is considering making some changes that would “bring us in line” with other coastal cities. He mustn’t understand the reason residents and tourists flock to Sarasota is because it is not like these other cities. Some examples: 

1. Families can go to the beach and spend a few hours without worrying about paying for parking.
2. If they are lucky enough to take advantage of the available free parking, shoppers can spend hours dining and shopping in St. Armands without worrying about parking fees.
3. Downtown Sarasota nightlife and dining is booming and one of the reasons may be that after 8 p.m., parking is free.

When I moved to Sarasota 20 years ago, one of the things I found most appealing is the “hometown feel.” You could go anywhere and parking was free. That was unheard of at the time, but it set Sarasota apart and was very welcoming to both residents and tourists.

With what this city collects in tourist taxes and real estate taxes, can it not leave the free parking alone? Surely the costs to run the department can be appropriated from the monies/taxes collected elsewhere.

Every day another article appears that explains why decisions (large skyscrapers, paid parking) are being made so we are more like “other coastal cities.” 

Can’t the decision-makers try to leave what makes Sarasota so special? Many moved here instead of the other cities because it was an intimate, small city with big city amenities. That was how it became so popular.

— Gigi Silverberg, Sarasota