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COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
Our preservation projects succeed thanks to the collaborative efforts of an engaged community.
Working together will give us access to the tools and resources to save our cultural heritage and play an active role in shaping our future.
Grassroots advocacy projects educate the community about threatened historic spaces and empower us with a voice to protect those that are critical to Sarasota’s authentic sense of place.
SIX TO SAVE
This initiative highlights the urgent need to save historic resources throughout the county from demolition.
The Six to Save list is the springboard for an education and advocacy effort designed to raise public awareness of the most threatened historic properties, archaeological sites, and cultural resources in Sarasota County.
Click to see this year's and prior year's Six to Save.
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Current Projects
VAMO PARK PRESERVATION PLAN
Sarasota County Commissioners took a bold step toward preserving citizen access to the waterfront and protection of environmentally sensitive mangroves and culturally significant historic buildings with the 2018 purchase of the Varno Park Property. SAHP has been involved as a community partner from the beginning, providing letters of support for grant funding, engaging local residents in workshops and walking tours to share the history of the buildings and celebrate the importance of the neighborhood in the early settlement of Sarasota.
Warm Mineral Springs Preservation Plan
Great news! The North Port City Commission listened!
The historic buildings at Warm Mineral Springs are safe for now. But the hard work is just beginning - we are working with stakeholders to ensure that the buildings can be stabilized and restored! Thank you for your support of our efforts - your letters and emails to the commissioners made the difference!
Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, Florida is a local, national and international treasure. And the City's only historic landmark. Its waters have soothed the body and souls of bathers for years - its origins date back to pre-historic times. In 1959, the same year North Port was incorporated, three buildings were designed by Jack West of the Sarasota School of Architecture for the Florida Quadricentennial Celebration. The Springs thrived as a tourist destination and put North Port on the global map!
Read About the Current Plan to Save the Springs' Historic Architecture
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Annual Heritage Awards
The Annual Heritage Awards celebrate the best preservation work in Sarasota County. Each year, we gather to spotlight the individuals, projects, and organizations protecting and enriching our understanding of the past to shape our future.
upcoming
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
The Transfer of Development Rights initiative is a market-based incentive that will help ensure that the remaining character of our historic downtown can survive for future generations.
More details coming soon.
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