Whether you're a lifelong resident, business owner, or new neighbor, we invite you to get involved.
The Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meetings are are regularly scheduled public meetings that are open to the public. Beginning in September meetings will be held at RL Taylor Community Complex.
These meetings offer residents a chance to stay informed about redevelopment plans, upcoming projects, and community priorities shaping the future of Newtown.
In addition to formal meetings, the CRA occasionally hosts workshops and community forums—valuable opportunities for residents and stakeholders to share their input, ask questions, and help guide decision-making.
Attending is a powerful way to stay engaged and ensure your voice is part of Newtown’s continued growth.
ATTEND A MEETING
Stay Connected to the Rhythm of Newtown
Stay connected to the rhythm of Newtown—sign up for the Newtown CRA newsletter for updates on community projects, events, and opportunities to get involved with projects shaping the neighborhood’s future
A Taste of Newtown
Join us Saturday, 11/8 at R. L. Taylor Community Complex for A Taste of Newtown - a free, family-friendly food festival that honors Newtown’s past, celebrates its present, and looks forward to its future!
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meetings are regularly scheduled public meetings where board members, city staff, and community members come together to discuss projects, programs, and priorities that support the ongoing redevelopment and revitalization of the Newtown community.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to stay informed, share feedback, and participate in shaping the future of Newtown.
Opportunities to share your input are available at every meeting.
During every meeting, citizens have the opportunity to address the Board on topics NOT on the Agenda. Questions and answers are not permitted by the Board during this period. A Request to Speak Form must be submitted to Staff prior to speaking. Three (3) minutes time limit per speaker and Fifteen (15) minutes maximum time for all public input per meeting.
Note: Should a citizen(s) have concerns regarding a topic on the agenda, they MUST wait until the end of the presentation, complete a Request to Speak form and then provide their input on said topic, at which time the board or presenter may address the citizen’s concern.
Newtown Thriving Community Action Planning Meeting
We invite you to be part of shaping the future of our community! Join us for the Newtown Thriving Community Action Planning Meeting on Tuesday, October 28th at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex 1845 John Rivers St, Sarasota, FL 34234.
🕠 Refreshments: 5:30 PM
🕕 Meeting: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
This is your opportunity to share ideas, connect with others, and help guide community priorities in five key areas:
🌿 Health & Wellness — Building balance through education and compassionate care
🎭 Arts & Culture — Using creativity to drive community and economic vitality
💵 Business & Finance — Fostering innovation, job creation, and stability
🎓 Youth Education & Mentorship — Empowering the next generation of leaders
💪 Community Safety & Resiliency — Strengthening our neighborhood through collaboration
Your participation helps make Newtown a thriving, connected, and resilient community. Come ready to share your perspective and be part of the progress!
PLEASE RSVP by replying back to this email.
For more details, email us at NewtownBusinessCouncil@gmail.com.
Let’s plan together for a stronger Newtown!
Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival
Join us for the 9th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Green Festival (BMCGF) — Sarasota’s premier cultural food festival celebrating community, heritage, and healthy Southern cuisine. This family-friendly event brings together vibrant traditions from Cajun, Creole, Southern, and Caribbean cultures, offering a full day of food, music, and fun for all ages.
Why You Should Attend
Taste award-winning collard greens and soul food
Support local chefs, restaurants, and food vendors
Enjoy live music and community performances
Celebrate Black culinary heritage and Southern food traditions
Spend quality time with family in a positive, welcoming environment
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meetings are regularly scheduled public meetings where board members, city staff, and community members come together to discuss projects, programs, and priorities that support the ongoing redevelopment and revitalization of the Newtown community.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to stay informed, share feedback, and participate in shaping the future of Newtown.
Opportunities to share your input are available at every meeting.
During every meeting, citizens have the opportunity to address the Board on topics NOT on the Agenda. Questions and answers are not permitted by the Board during this period. A Request to Speak Form must be submitted to Staff prior to speaking. Three (3) minutes time limit per speaker and Fifteen (15) minutes maximum time for all public input per meeting.
Note: Should a citizen(s) have concerns regarding a topic on the agenda, they MUST wait until the end of the presentation, complete a Request to Speak form and then provide their input on said topic, at which time the board or presenter may address the citizen’s concern.
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting
Newtown CRA Advisory Board Meetings are regularly scheduled public meetings where board members, city staff, and community members come together to discuss projects, programs, and priorities that support the ongoing redevelopment and revitalization of the Newtown community.
These meetings are an opportunity for residents to stay informed, share feedback, and participate in shaping the future of Newtown.
Opportunities to share your input are available at every meeting.
During every meeting, citizens have the opportunity to address the Board on topics NOT on the Agenda. Questions and answers are not permitted by the Board during this period. A Request to Speak Form must be submitted to Staff prior to speaking. Three (3) minutes time limit per speaker and Fifteen (15) minutes maximum time for all public input per meeting.
Note: Should a citizen(s) have concerns regarding a topic on the agenda, they MUST wait until the end of the presentation, complete a Request to Speak form and then provide their input on said topic, at which time the board or presenter may address the citizen’s concern.
