Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency

10/23/2026

🏓 Grab your paddle (and your costume)! The Monster Smash Pickleball Tournament is coming to the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on Monday, October 26 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Teams of 2 to 3 compete for prizes ($30 per team, $10 for individuals). Register on eTRAK, or come cheer on your neighbors at 1845 John Rivers Street! City of Sarasota, Government

10/22/2026

🌿 Get to know the plants growing right here in Newtown! CocoRootz is hosting a RAW Herbals Community Plant Walk in The Garden this Friday, October 23 from 3 to 4 PM at 1822 N. Orange Ave. Learn about common plants and their everyday uses. All ages welcome; small children must be with an adult.

RAW Herbals community plant walk in The Garden Friday October 23, 2026 from 3-4pm. All ages welcome , small children accompanied by adult.
What we will learn- many common plants and their unique uses for our everyday lives.

10/22/2026

🗳️ Your voice matters, Newtown! Early voting for the 2026 Florida General Election is happening now through November 1!

On the ballot: U.S. Senate and House, Florida Governor and Cabinet, State Senate and House, Sarasota County School Board, County Commission and other local races, plus three proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution, including Amendment 3 on property taxes.

📅 Early voting: Oct 19 to Nov 1, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily
📍 Closest site: Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd
🗓️ Election Day: Tue, Nov 3, 7 AM to 7 PM at your assigned polling place
✉️ Voting by mail? Request your ballot by 5 PM Thu, Oct 22.

Bring a current, valid photo and signature ID. Find your polling place and sample ballot at SarasotaVotes.gov

Sarasota County Government City of Sarasota, Government Friends of Betty J Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, Inc

10/21/2026

Exciting news for our beloved Sarasota African American Cultural Center (SAACC)! 💜👏🏿

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved three measures supporting the historic Leonard Reid House and plans for a future African American cultural center and museum.

A meaningful step forward in preserving and celebrating Newtown’s rich history and heritage!

APPROVED Unanimously.
Sarasota City Commissioners voted today to:

1) Extend our (SAACC) Reid House lease.

2) Allow us (SAACC) to use state grant funds ($458k) to enhance the Reid House.

3) Allow us (SAACC) to continue plans to acquire land and build an African American cultural center/museum.

Commissioners see progress. These measures open the way for more.

Thanks to the late Dr. Cliff Smith for his advice and support at every step. The city’s team prepared a tight presentation. , I’m so glad you listened, “phone home.”

10/21/2026

What a great day celebrating Newtown! 💜🌿

The 10th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival brought the community together for a day of delicious food, music, local vendors, and Newtown pride!

The Newtown CRA was proud to be part of the festivities, connecting with neighbors, sharing information about our programs and resources, and hearing directly from residents about what matters most to them.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our tent to say hello, spin the prize wheel, or share their ideas for Newtown’s future!

And thank you to the organizers for another wonderful celebration of the food, culture, and community that make Newtown so special. 💚

The Newtown Nation Inc.

10/17/2026

🥬 Today's the day, Newtown!

The 10th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival is here! Come out for an afternoon of delicious food, local vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of community spirit. 💚

And don't forget to stop by the Newtown CRA booth! 👋 We'd love to say hello, share information about programs and resources available to the community, and hear your thoughts and ideas for Newtown's future.

📅 TODAY | Noon–6 PM
📍 Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers Street

Presented by The Newtown Nation Inc. and the Newtown Farmers Market.

Come hungry, enjoy the festivities, and make sure to come see us!

10/09/2026

🌀‼️ Emergency Contact Information for Sarasota ahead of Hurricane Isaias:

In response to Hurricane Isaias, Sarasota County Stormwater has activated their pre-storm protocol; they have completed their 96-hour pre storm checklist which includes checking hot-spots, removing debris, and cleaning up active work sites.

Please see below for important contact numbers📱

🚨For life threatening emergencies – Call 911 🚨

Police Non-Emergency: (941) 316-1199

Sarasota County Communication
Call: 311

🔗311 Website or App: https://sarasotacountyfl.qscend.com/311/
The website and app have the added benefit of being able to attach photos to the request.

City of Sarasota - Public Works Streets and Highways - After Hours (941) 263-6450

City of Sarasota, Government Sarasota Police Department

10/07/2026

🌧️ Newtown, what would help you feel more informed and supported during an emergency?

Florida is updating its State Hazard Mitigation Plan, and your experience matters. Share the risks you’re most concerned about and what could help better prepare and protect our community.

📝 Take the survey by October 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/567B98C