The Rich History of Newtown

Newtown is Sarasota’s most historically significant Black community, established in the early 20th century as African American residents were pushed out of other parts of the city.

Located within District One of the City of Sarasota, Newtown was platted in 1914 and is the historic core of the African American community. Through the 1940s, the 27th street corridor, now known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, was a vibrant and thriving hub for commercial, retail and social activities.

Despite facing segregation and systemic inequities, Newtown residents have long been leaders in education, activism, and cultural preservation. 

On April 19, 2024, the Newtown Historic District was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

What to See, Do & Discover In Newtown

Places of Interest
Greater Newtown Historical Gallery
History & Culture
Greater Newtown Historical Gallery
History & Culture

Curated by longtime Newtown resident and community leader Jetson Grimes, the gallery showcases photographs, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and memorabilia that document the rich history of Newtown and offers visitors a firsthand look at the people, places, and events that helped shape the neighborhood.

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History & Culture
Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church
History & Culture
Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church
History & Culture

Churches formed the solid foundation upon which the African American communities of Newtown were built. Established in 1928, this church has been a cornerstone of the Newtown community.

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History & Culture
The Historic Leonard Reid House
History & Culture
The Historic Leonard Reid House
History & Culture

Originally built in 1926, this historic home was relocated to Newtown in 2022. It now serves as the headquarters for the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, preserving the legacy of one of Sarasota's prominent African American pioneers.

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History & Culture

HISTORY & CULTURE

Places of Interest
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Activities & Community Spaces
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Activities & Community Spaces

Named after Newtown community leader Robert L. Taylor, this facility complex is a hub for community activities, offering various recreational facilities, a splashpad, special events, workout equipment and programs that cater to all age groups, fostering community engagement and wellness.

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Activities & Community Spaces
Booker High School VPA
Activities & Community Spaces
Booker High School VPA
Activities & Community Spaces

Booker High School was named in honor of Emma E. Booker, a pioneering Black educator, and offers award-winning Visual and Performing Arts programs, offering seasonal performances and events that would dazzle any audience.

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Activities & Community Spaces
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Activities & Community Spaces
Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library
Activities & Community Spaces

Named after longtime county employee who was committed to youth literacy, Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library is one of Sarasota County’s ten libraries. This center houses a robust collection of historic photos, Black history books, and exhibits that delve into the rich cultural heritage of Newtown

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Activities & Community Spaces

ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY SPACES

Places of Interest
Orange Blossom Community Garden
Nature & Outdoors
Orange Blossom Community Garden
Nature & Outdoors

The mission of Orange Blossom Community Garden is “to create opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and outreach through diversity, environmental stewardship, education and leadership by promoting and empowering a blossoming community through healthy living and fresh produce.”

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Nature & Outdoors
Newtown Estates Park
Nature & Outdoors
Newtown Estates Park
Nature & Outdoors

Newtown Estates Park is a 19-acre community park in Newtown offering athletic fields, basketball courts, a playground, and shaded picnic areas. It’s a lively gathering place for families, sports leagues, and residents looking to relax, play, and connect outdoors.

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Nature & Outdoors

NATURE & OUTDOORS

What’s Happening in Newtown?

NEWTOWN NEWS

Featured
With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality
With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality

City of Sarasota commissioners approved an “option to purchase” deal this week, paving the way for the long-awaited museum and arts hub.

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Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service
Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service

Willie Charles Shaw has worn many hats. He’s served in the U.S. Air Force, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service and a city commissioner and mayor of Sarasota, and he is a reverend at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

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BayFirst, SCORE Manasota team up to train entrepreneurs in Sarasota's Newtown
BayFirst, SCORE Manasota team up to train entrepreneurs in Sarasota's Newtown

A new initiative aims to equip Black and marginalized entrepreneurs in Sarasota's Newtown community with essential tools for success.

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