As we turn the page and welcome March, we’re excited to invite you to “step right up” for what promises to be the greatest week in travel — a century in the making.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Visit Sarasota County will host our National Travel & Tourism Week celebration at The Ringling’s beautiful John & Mable Museum of Art Courtyard.

With 2027 marking 100 years since John Ringling moved the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota — a pivotal moment that helped establish our community as one of Florida’s earliest tourism destinations — this year’s event will kick off a centennial celebration of our circus legacy and honor the many local businesses celebrating 100 years in 2026.

Expect an evening that blends history, hospitality, and a touch of spectacle, complete with immersive entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, celebratory toasts, and the naming of our 2026 Voice of Sarasota.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for partners who would like to align their brand with this signature industry event and be part of a milestone moment for Sarasota County tourism. We look forward to celebrating with you in the center ring.

In service,

Erin Duggan, CDME - President & CEO

Friendly reminder that your referrals matter! Recommend a local business to our partner program and share this information with partnership@visitsarasota.org, and for every successful referral that completes the onboarding process (including payment), you’ll receive rewards – including a comped partnership after 3 referrals!

At last month’s Partner After Hours, we toured a stunning model home by David Weekley Homes in Wellen Park. As one of the nation’s largest privately owned builders, David Weekley Homes has delivered award-winning design, quality craftsmanship, and a personalized experience since 1976—and has homes in Sarasota’s premier communities, including Lakewood Ranch and Vistera of Venice.

Our Tourism U virtual class with Andria Godfrey, VP of Data Science at Miles Partnership, was full of invaluable insights on data-driven storytelling. If you missed it and want to watch the recording, email partnership@visitsarasota.org. 

SAVE THE DATE: For our next Tourism U webinar on tapping into global markets and sales with GOSH PR on April 29 at 10am.

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

Selby Gardens has been nominated for "Best Botanical Garden" in the U.S. through USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, for the third year in a row. You can vote once per day through March 9.

Congrats to 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop for making the top 5 Best Beer Bars in the nation! 

March 2026 marks a historic milestone for the region as the Sarasota Paradise officially begins its inaugural season in USL League One, the United States’ fast-growing professional soccer league. After launching in 2023 and competing in USL League Two, the club announced in February 2025 its transition to full professional status, becoming Sarasota’s first professional sports team. Built on a vision of creating a true community club for the Suncoast, Sarasota Paradise has grown from grassroots beginnings into a professional organization ready to compete on the national stage.

The 2026 regular season will run from March through October and feature 31 matches, including 17 home games at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. The season kicks off at home on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. against AC Boise, marking the beginning of a new era for professional soccer in the region. Throughout the season, Sarasota Paradise will host clubs from across the country, including teams from Florida, Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, and other dynamic markets nationwide.

USL League One is designed to foster community connection, player development, and high-energy matchday experiences, creating a direct pathway between local supporters and national competition. The arrival of professional soccer further strengthens the region’s diverse sports landscape and reinforces its growing reputation as a year-round destination for elite athletic events and community engagement.

Fans are encouraged to view the full season schedule and secure tickets at: https://www.sarasotaparadise.us/schedule/

What makes your business unique? 

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is Sarasota’s iconic waterfront performing arts venue, known for its distinctive purple seashell design and its ability to bring Broadway tours, legendary musicians, acclaimed comedians, dance companies, and family programming to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our intimate setting allows audiences to experience world-class performances up close, creating a powerful connection between artists and the community that larger venues simply can’t replicate.

What would visitors find interesting/intriguing about your business?

Visitors are often intrigued by the Van Wezel’s striking architecture and its beautiful bayfront location, offering sunset views before curtain time. They’re also surprised by the caliber and variety of performers who take our stage—from Tony Award®-winning Broadway productions to Grammy Award®-winning artists and cultural icons. Beyond the performances, many are interested in our history as a community treasure that has welcomed generations of audiences since 1970.

Do you offer specials and/or any special events?

Yes! In addition to our Broadway subscription series and special engagements throughout the season, we offer group discounts, student and educator programs, and community engagement events tied to select performances. We also host special one-night-only concerts, film-to-concert events, comedy shows, and seasonal programming. There’s always something new throughout the year.

How long have you been in operation?

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall opened in 1970 and has proudly served the Sarasota community for over 55 years, presenting thousands of performances and welcoming millions of guests.

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

As we continue to enhance the patron experience, we’re focused on expanding community partnerships that connect local businesses with our audiences through collaborative promotions, dining partnerships, hospitality packages, and cross-marketing opportunities. We’re also developing new programming initiatives and audience engagement efforts that strengthen our role as a cultural and economic driver in Sarasota. We welcome opportunities to work with local businesses to create memorable, full-evening experiences for our shared customers.

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

We bring world-class performing arts to Sarasota, creating unforgettable live moments that connect artists and audiences in an iconic waterfront setting.

What do you value most about your VSC partnership?

We value the opportunity to collaborate with fellow local businesses through VSC, building meaningful relationships that strengthen Sarasota’s vibrant cultural and business community. The partnership allows us to support one another, expand our reach, and contribute collectively to the region’s continued growth and success.

Interacted with 4,993 visitors visitors and residents at the Visitors Centers.

Mailed and distributed 443 Visitor Guides and mailed 32 Relocation Packets.

Created 330 info bags for various groups.