For more than 15 years, Sarasota County has provided matching grant opportunities to help improve communities and neighborhoods. Now, the county is preparing for the next round of grants by offering application seminars starting in February. Applicants must attend a two-hour application seminar to be eligible for the program, which awards up to $10,000 in matching funds to a single neighborhood. This year, the seminars have been approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a continuing education course for community association managers. Seminars will be offered during the months of February, March and April. Last year, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners awarded nearly all of the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program's $99,000 to 14 neighborhoods located throughout the county.

According to grant program coordinator Miranda Lansdale, the most common projects relate to Florida-Friendly landscaping or pond improvements, but the program offers opportunities for sign renovations, enhancements to preserves and community gardens, crime prevention education, historic preservation projects and more. Jane Grogg, manager of long-range planning and neighborhood services, also recommends neighborhood representatives attend the Manasota Neighborhoods Summit Friday, February 22. The half-day summit is a joint effort hosted by neighborhood services staff from Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton. The summit will promote best practices on a variety of neighborhood topics and provide continued educational opportunities. Registration for the summit is available at the website below.

Manasota Neighborhoods Summit