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Downtown Sarasota advisory board endorses ‘Black Friday’ merchant promotion; asks staff to develop plan
Summary
The Downtown Improvement District board voted to direct staff to continue developing a downtown Black Friday merchant promotion and return with a formal funding proposal for FY26.
The Downtown Improvement District advisory board on Thursday voted to proceed with development of a downtown Black Friday merchant promotion and directed staff to return with a formal proposal and funding request for fiscal year 2026.
Board members said the concept — developed with the Chamber of Commerce and NexMark/DSA support — would encourage local retailers to offer promotions and produce a merchant map and marketing campaign to draw shoppers to downtown on the traditional post‑Thanksgiving sales weekend. Board discussion emphasized merchant outreach and a simple participation form so businesses can opt in.
The board member who moved the action asked staff to continue planning and to return with a scope and budget; a second followed and members voted in favor. Board members said print and social marketing, a check‑in table and modest entertainment were possible elements. The board instructed staff to prepare a formal funding request for the FY26 budget cycle and return for approval before any contracted spending.
Staff noted that on‑street parking enforcement could be relaxed for a short, specified time frame during the event to encourage attendance; the city parking manager and planning staff had indicated that non‑enforcement for a limited window appeared feasible, staff said.
The board will review a detailed proposal, vendor arrangements and a draft budget at a future meeting and then consider a formal purchase‑order or contract.
