The City of Sarasota is inviting the community to submit designs for a new City seal when a public design contest opens May 1. The purpose of the contest is to allow the larger community to play a role in the development of Sarasota’s evolving brand. The existing seal, which features marine life, coastal imagery and the words “May Sarasota Prosper,” is used on official City documents. It dates back to the City’s incorporation in 1902. The seal design contest is part of a rebranding effort approved by the City Commission last year. The City has partnered with Sarasota’s DreamLarge, the first registered benefit corporation on the Gulf Coast of Florida, to conduct community outreach efforts that include the seal contest and last month’s public survey on how the community sees Sarasota. The seal design competition is open to all, regardless of age, skill level and background. The top five submissions will be selected by a diverse panel of community members and will be presented to the City Commission later this summer.

To submit entries online and view contest guidelines, visit BrandSarasota.com. Entries will be available for viewing by the public online as they are received. Physical entries can be mailed to DreamLarge, 1421 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236. The contest closes June 15. For more information, contact Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Ciera Coleman at 941-263-6321.