The City of Sarasota will host three community meetings to welcome input on infrastructure projects for the continuation of the countywide Penny Sales Tax. Residents are invited to suggest infrastructure projects during the following public listening sessions:

• Wednesday, September 15, 6 pm – 7:30 pm at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34^th St.

• Thursday, September 16, 6 pm – 7:30 pm at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.

• Wednesday, October 6, 6 pm – 7:30 pm at City Hall Annex – SRQ Media Studio, 1565 First St.

The Sarasota County Penny Sales Tax, also known as the sales surtax, surtax, or one cent tax, is a countywide voter-approved one percent sales tax used to invest in local infrastructure improvements, including parks, libraries, schools, sidewalks, police vehicles, street resurfacing and mobility upgrades. Sarasota County voters approved the Penny Sales Tax in 1989 and again in 1997 and 2007. The current surtax expires at the end of 2024. Voters throughout Sarasota County will have an opportunity in November 2022 to continue the Penny Sales Tax for another 15 years to fund local infrastructure projects. 

Proceeds from the sales tax are distributed among Sarasota County, Sarasota County Schools, cities of North Port, Sarasota and Venice, and the Town of Longboat Key, with 25 percent conveyed to the school district and 75 percent to the county and municipalities. Over 20 percent of the Penny Sales Tax revenue is generated through tourist and visitor spending in Sarasota County. The Penny Sales Tax referendum in November 2022, Surtax IV, will include a slate of proposed projects to enhance the quality of life in Sarasota County, the schools and individual cities.

To learn more about the Penny Sales Tax and penny-funded projects in Sarasota, visit or provide input online at SarasotaCountySurtax.net