Upcoming Events

Neighborhood Services Helping Hands Grant Program is underway!

This program is designed to encourage community building and neighborhood pride, educate residents on common code enforcement citations, and provide financial support through grants focusing on neighborhood improvements. 

• Grants are available from $1,000-$10,000

 • Neighborhoods and residents in low- and moderate-income areas throughout unincorporated Sarasota County are eligible to apply.

Click here to register for a QuickLearn 

QuickLearns Dates

• Date: August 5, 2026 - 12:30PM  Location: North Port Library-13800 S Tamiami Trail, North Port, 34287
• Date: August 25, 2026 - 12:30 PM  Location: Gulf Gate Library- 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Sarasota 34231
• Date: August 31, 2026 - 12:30PM Location: Betty J Johnson Library- 2801 Newtown Boulevard, Sarasota, 34234

Cycle 40 Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program Information Sessions is here

The information sessions for Cycle 40 of the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program are now available! Below is a list of the information sessions you can attend.

 Click here to register for an Information Session. 

• Date: September 1 - 4:00 PM  Location: Virtual (Link will be sent out prior to session date)
• Date: September 15 - 12:30 PM  Location: Betty J. Johnson Library, 2801 Newtown Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34234
• Date: October 14 - 12:30 PM  Location: Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Sarasota, FL, 34231
• Date: October 30 - 12:30 PM  Location: Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice, FL 34293
• Date: November 2 - 12:30 PM  Location: North Port library, 13800 S Tamiami trail, North Port, FL 34287
• Date: December 7 - 4:00 PM  Location: Virtual (link will be sent out prior to session date)

Neighborhood Services Overview

Neighborhood Services is committed to connecting residents to the resources they need for a thriving neighborhood.

When it comes to neighborhoods, there is so much to learn! The story is just as true on our side as it is on yours. We would be delighted to visit your neighborhood to hear about the characteristics that make you and your neighbors proud to call it "home." Every neighborhood has its own style - we've been introduced through posterboards and storytelling, walking tours, and more formal office sit-downs. Whatever way you'd like to share, we'll be there to listen.

Alternatively, we'd be happy to attend an association meeting to tell residents a bit more about the services offered by our team. Email neighbor@scgov.net to arrange either type of introduction.

Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program

Neighborhood Services offers grants (up to $10,000) to neighborhoods that are willing to match funding through cash, in-kind donations, professional labor or volunteer hours.

Helping Hands Grant Program 

Helping Hands is a non-matching grant with the intent to deter code enforcement citations from occurring by encouraging community building, neighborhood pride, educating residents on common code enforcement citations, and providing financial support through grants. Applicants are eligible to receive grants between $1,000 and $10,000 to conduct projects focusing on neighborhood improvements. 

Neighborhood Plans 

At the direction of the Sarasota County Commission, Neighborhood Services works with selected neighborhoods to develop individual Neighborhood Plans.

Elements of a Neighborhood Plan include:

• Defining community character
• Identifying areas of improvement
• Determining community assets
• Addressing areas of concern
• Listing of priorities (with possible funding sources)

Neighborhood Plans are time and resource intensive, requiring significant commitment from both county staff and the neighborhood community.

County staff and residents work together to develop a vision for the neighborhood, identify issues and implement solutions. The neighborhood planning process empowers neighborhood communities to make the changes they wish to see in their neighborhoods, which makes Sarasota Country a better place to live, work and play.

Past Neighborhood Plans

• Fruitville 210
• Kensington Park
• Laurel
• North Sarasota
• Old Miakka
• Pinecraft (a privately-initiated plan was also created in 2014)