City of Sarasota offices to be closed in observance of Juneteenth on June 19

Garbage/recycling collections not affected

Image courtesy City of Sarasota

City of Sarasota administrative offices will be closed Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, city staff has announced.

“Garbage/recycling and yard waste collection schedules will not be affected by the holiday,” a news release points out. For more information on garbage and recycling collection, the release says, contact the Solid Waste Division at 941-263-6170.

The Bay Runner trolley will operate during its regular hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the release adds

Holiday hours of operation at City of Sarasota facilities will vary:

The box office of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, located at 777 N. Tamiami Trail, will be closed.

This is a clusia-rosea tree. Photo courtesy University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension

A Juneteenth celebration, co-sponsored by the City of Sarasota, will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way between Osprey Avenue and Pershing Avenue, the release says. “This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and activities,” the release notes.

“For more information about this event, contact Gwendalyn Fleetwood at 941-536-6906,” the release adds.

Free tree giveaway

As part of the Juneteenth celebration, city staff will give away 50 trees to City of Sarasota residents. The species of trees that will be offered are as follows: avocado, clusia, Christmas palm, gumbo limbo, loquat, magnolia, mango, orange geiger and royal poinciana.

Trees will be available from 1 to 7 p.m. at the intersection of North Links Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the release points out. “To pick up a tree,” the release says, “you must bring valid identification or a utility bill showing City residency.”