Sarasota CRA adopts advisory report, backs Newtown Thriving action plan and launches NewtownCRA.org

The Sarasota Community Redevelopment Agency on May 20 accepted a report from the Newtown CRA advisory board and heard a presentation from the Newtown Business Council on the Newtown Thriving Community Action Plan, while staff outlined a new marketing and communications strategy that includes a dedicated website, newtowncra.org.

On behalf of the advisory board, Rochelle Gallant, business relations coordinator for the Newtown CRA, told the commission: "On behalf of the Newtown CRA advisory board, I want to reaffirm the mission is to foster economic development, celebrate Newtown's heritage, and improve residents' quality of life." Gallant outlined branding work completed after public input and said the city-selected vendor At Large produced the logo, mockups and other assets. She said the CRA will launch monthly e-newsletters, expand social media and use branded items at community events to increase participation.

The advisory board report also summarized regular updates from the Newtown Business Council, a community nonprofit that presented the Newtown Thriving Community Action Plan to the advisory board. Mary Butler, chair of the Newtown Business Council, described a planning process that began in 2023 with workshops and an equity-impact investment program. Butler said the plan centers five community-identified priorities: health and wellness; arts and culture; business and finance; youth education and mentorship; and community safety and security.

"Newtown Thriving was developed in 2024," Butler said, describing community workshops and consultant support that produced the draft action plan now in the board packet. Butler said the Business Council has obtained 501(c)(3) status and will begin outreach to partners, including Sarasota County, to advance the plan.

Commissioners praised the coordination between the advisory board, the Business Council and city staff. Commissioner Ulrich said, "I am so excited about what you're doing. It just gives me goosebumps," and Vice Mayor Trice added, "Newtown is Sarasota, and Sarasota is Newtown," highlighting the commissioners' support for the community-led effort.

The presentation named several technical partners and supports: the communications vendor At Large (selected after the city procurement process on Dec. 9, 2024), consultants HBU CDAC who continued program management after a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA)-funded program concluded, and Hoyt Architects, which the group engaged to produce 3-D corridor imaging. Gallant and Butler said these elements are intended to support redevelopment along the MLK corridor and to make information about CRA grant programs and initiatives more accessible to residents and property owners.

At the meeting the commission also approved the minutes of a special Sarasota CRA meeting of April 21, 2025. Commissioner Ulrich moved approval; Vice Mayor Trice seconded, and the minutes were accepted without objection. Later, Vice Mayor Trice moved that the commission accept the CRA advisory board report as presented; Commissioner Batiste seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

City staff and advisory board members told commissioners they will continue pairing community priorities from the Newtown Thriving action plan with available CRA funding and that the Business Council will pursue broader partnerships and funding sources. Gallant said the website and communications rollout are intended to increase transparency and participation in CRA programs and events, and the advisory board will continue monitoring alignment with the city’s adopted redevelopment plan.

The report and the Newtown Thriving draft action plan are included in the CRA advisory board packet for commissioners. The advisory board and Business Council indicated further follow-up will include partner outreach, continuing community workshops, and design work for redevelopment concepts along the MLK corridor.