In January 2020, the team at Visit Sarasota County moved into our new administrative offices at 301 N. Cattlemen Road. At the time, many team members transitioned from large private offices to an open-office concept with cubicles—a change we embraced alongside the benefits of a more centralized, interstate-adjacent location that allows us to move efficiently throughout the county. Just months later, COVID-19 altered our plans, including postponing the partner open house we had envisioned to welcome you into our new space. Nearly six years later, we are excited to finally host that long-awaited open house—coincidentally on Destinations Professionals Day, a day dedicated to celebrating those who work in destination marketing. We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 19, 3pm – 5:30pm, to celebrate our hardworking team and tour our office.  You’ll also get to visit with our roommates, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, which shares space with us. 

We’ll have light bites and drinks and look forward to you stopping by on your way home from work. 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

In service,

Erin Duggan, CDME - President & CEO

Here are the numbers comparing December 2025 to December 2024:

Last month, members of our Leadership Team and Board joined several destinations in Tallahassee for Florida Tourism Day to advocate for our community’s—and state’s—top industry. We’re grateful to Rep. Fiona McFarland, Rep. Danny Nix, Sen. Joe Gruters, and their teams for their ongoing industry support and for giving us the time to talk about how Tourism Development Tax (TDT), the engine of our local economy, fuels Florida futures—with visitor taxes helping ensure business stays strong without burdening residents. 

We’ve launched an Events webpage where all of our event links will always be; we highly recommend bookmarking it.

Held annually on February 19, Destination Professionals Day celebrates the people and organizations that strengthen our local economy through tourism.

To mark the occasion, Visit Sarasota County and the EDC of Sarasota County will be opening the doors to their shared administrative offices—and uncorking select wines and serving a catered spread of hor d’oeuvres. While you sip and savor, you’ll hear from each of our team members about their role and how they serve you—our partners—in a casual and conversational setting.

This is very much a swoop-in-and-out kind of gathering (though if you’re enjoying yourself, you’re welcome to stay awhile—we won’t stop you).

February 19 | 3:00pm – 5:30pm
301 N. Cattlemen Rd., Ste 203, Sarasota, FL 34232

Congratulations to The Sarasota Style on opening its doors along St. Armands Circle! A locally inspired lifestyle brand, the shop reflects everything we love about life on Florida's gulf coast—offering a curated collection of high-quality t-shirts, hats, apparel, drinkware, accessories, and more, all featuring their custom logo.

99 Bottles has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Beer Bar, putting the Sarasota spot in the running alongside top beer bars across the country.

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 has selected Save Our Seabirds—a longtime VSC partner—as its annual class project partner. The initiative will enhance the organization’s Education Center, expanding its ability to inspire visitors through improved learning spaces, updated displays, and more engaging environmental education experiences.

To complete the project, the Class is seeking in-kind or monetary support from local businesses and community partners. Fellow partners helping fellow partners—it’s what we’re all about!

Priority needs include:

Questions? Contact Hunter Carpenter at hcarpenter@visitsarasota.org.  

February marks an exciting milestone for the destination, as sports programming expands into a month that previously saw limited activity. Driven by growing demand, the region is proud to welcome a full slate of athletic events this February, highlighting the continued momentum and year-round strength of our sports tourism landscape.

The month begins on the iconic sands of Siesta Beach with Good Times In Florida (GTIF), taking place February 7-8, 2026. Anchored by a two-day beach ultimate (frisbee) tournament, the festival also includes a 5K fun run, a half-mile kids run, and a freestyle disc showcase, creating an inclusive and energetic weekend for athletes and families alike. Led by experienced event directors whose resumes include USA Beach Nationals and the World Beach Ultimate Championships, GTIF is positioned as an emerging bucket-list event. With more than 800 participants and spectators expected, the festival celebrates healthy competition, community, and the beach lifestyle.

Rowing returns to Nathan Benderson Park on February 14-15, 2026, with the American Youth Cup (AYC). Hosted by Sarasota Crew, this annual sprint regatta welcomes youth and high school rowing programs from across the United States. The AYC serves as a key qualifying opportunity for teams pursuing entry into the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships, also set to take place at Benderson Park in June. The event is expected to attract more than 1,600 athletes and over 1,100 spectators, reinforcing the venue’s national reputation within the rowing community.

From February 16-21, 2026, the Sarasota Regional Bridge Tournament will be held at Robarts Arena. Hosted by Florida Suncoast Unit 102 in conjunction with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), this premier six-day competition features a full slate of sanctioned games in a welcoming and intellectually engaging environment. The tournament is expected to bring more than 700 players and enthusiasts to the region.

Equestrian sport remains a cornerstone throughout February as the 2026 Venice Equestrian Tour (VET) continues at Fox Lea Farm. Weeks IV through VII run Wednesday through Sunday each week and feature weekly highlights including Show Jumping Under the Stars every Friday night, along with marquee competitions such as the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Classics, Seahorse Showdown Gambler’s Choice, and the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

The month also includes the 2026 USA BMX Gold Cup Championship Series stop at SRQ BMX on February 7, marking the first event of the Southeast Division, as well as the TerraNova Winter Series, running February 11 through March 15 at TerraNova Equestrian Center.

Together, February’s events highlight the region’s depth, diversity, and continued momentum as a year-round destination for high-level competition and community-driven experiences.

Last month, our Sales Team — Suzanne Hackman and Shantel Norman — was at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026 in Philadelphia, connecting with forward-thinking planners who know meetings should inspire.

Throughout the district, we unveiled our new “Business As Unusual” theming—highlighting how our destination blends white-sand beaches, vibrant arts, and flexible venues with custom meeting incentives, so groups can experience ease, elegance, and a little surprise. Check out the new look—created by local artist, Lipstick Lex—below!

Hear more about what we've done this quarter!  If you are a hotel Director of Sales or General Manager, please join us for our upcoming Q1 DOS Meeting. 

February 11th at 3:00pm at voco Sarasota

What makes your business unique? 

We’re the only 2 seater CraigCat Catamaran tour in the Sarasota Bay & surrounding keys providing an exciting guided tour where you drive and feel the exhilarating experience of the very stable CraigCat speed boats with speeds 25-30mph, sightseeing through canals and Keys not all boats can get through. Seeing up close wildlife like dolphins, manatees, turtles, stingrays and more along the way. A great experience for all ages with a great mixture of speeds throughout the tour to appease all.

What would visitors find interesting/intriguing about your business?

5 star rated tour with local, small business, married owners who are your tour guides. Very different and unique experience than any other on the water. Being so close to the water & having wildlife so close on a very stable boat is amazingly fun!

Do you offer specials and/or any special events?

We do offer group discounts and many coupons online and in local map advertisements.

How long have you been in operation?

We have been in business for 2 years now.

What are you currently working on/developing that you want to share and/or partner with other local businesses on?

Would love to share or partner up to find a location on the water, so we can expand. We have HydroBikes which we need a location to launch from. Would also like to partner with others to give free advertising with our Charger GoGo systems as well.

If you could describe what you do in one sentence, what would it be?

2 Hour Guided CraigCat Boat Sightseeing Tour

What do you value most about your VSC partnership?

The reach of customers, businesses, and families you have and the base of commitment you have in the community. The consideration and trust you give to help small business owners succeed to their fullest potential.

Learn more about Hydrocats here!

Interacted with 5,327 visitors visitors and residents at the Visitors Centers.

Mailed and distributed 650 Visitor Guides and mailed 44 Relocation Packets.

Created 328 info bags for various groups.