Sarasota Sister Cities

10/22/2026

🌎 Join us on November 12, 2026, for an inspiring presentation by Ofelia M. Uribe, Docent at Reflections of Manatee.

Echoes of Florida: Spanish, African, and Native Roots
Discover the rich cultural influences that shaped Florida through stories of resilience, survival, and collaboration.

November 12, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Selby Library, Jack Geldbart Auditorium
1331 1st Street, Sarasota

Free and open to the public!

After the lecture, continue the conversation at a Meet & Greet with the speaker at 6:30 PM at Peru 941, 1537 Main Street, Sarasota.

Register here: https://sarasotasistercities.org/event/scas-community-speaker-series-echoes-of-florida-spanish-african-and-native-roots-lecture/

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/22/2026

Join Us This Saturday!

Cheer on Sarasota Paradise as they take on Westchester Soccer Club!

Enjoy the exclusive Nicholas & Associates Club experience:
-Complimentary b**r, w**e, soda & water
-Premium field-side access
-Halftime photo opportunity with the team

Saturday, October 24
7:30 PM
Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch

Limited SCAS group tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For tickets and information, contact Dennis Ciborowski at [email protected]

10/16/2026

Our Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) enjoyed a great visit to Reflections of Manatee Museum, where we learned so much about the rich multicultural history of our community. From the Native Americans and the Angola Freedom Seekers to the Cuban fishermen and the Curry family, we discovered the stories, people, and traditions that helped shape our region.

This visit was a wonderful reminder that there are hidden gems right here in Manatee, filled with history, culture, and stories waiting to be discovered!

A heartfelt thank you to Reflections of Manatee and Ofelia Diaz-Uribe for your warm hospitality and for sharing this important part of our local heritage with us. What a meaningful and educational experience! 💙

09/24/2026

Reflections of Manatee Museum Tour – Don’t Miss It!

Our Speaker Series is being rescheduled to November 12, but the Reflections of Manatee Museum Tour is happening as planned on October 3rd. Join us for a meaningful morning exploring Manasota’s rich multicultural history.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 1302 4th Ave E, Bradenton

Tour three restored historic homes, hear fascinating stories from expert docents and archaeologists, and see artifacts uncovered in local excavations.

Optional: Walk to the historic Manatee Mineral Springs after the tour.

🎟️ Tickets: Visit Museum Shop and Services → SCROLL → Group Tour Rate ($10).
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/reflections-of-manatees-shop

Space is limited;reserve early and be part of this beautiful cultural experience.

09/21/2026

🕊️ Happy International Day of Peace!

Today, the Sarasota Sister Cities Association joins communities around the world in celebrating the International Peace Day

Peace is at the very heart of our mission. Through citizen diplomacy, we build bridges between communities and cultures, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation through meaningful exchanges in culture, education, tourism, business, and the arts.

We believe that lasting peace is built not only through institutions, but through people-to-people relationships—through the willingness to listen, to understand different histories and perspectives, and to recognize our shared humanity.

Peace begins with us. It begins in our homes, our communities, and in every bridge we choose to build beyond our borders.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to a world where dialogue replaces distance, understanding transcends differences, and human connection becomes a foundation for peace.

Sarasota Sister Cities Association building bridges of pece.

09/19/2026

🌿 Reflections of Manatee Museum Tour. Don’t Miss This Cultural Journey!

Although our Speaker Series is being rescheduled (new date coming soon!), we are thrilled to confirm that our Reflections of Manatee Museum Tour is happening as scheduled on October 3rd. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable morning of history, heritage, and discovery.

Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Location: 1302 4th Ave E, Bradenton, Florida 34208

Step into the multicultural story of Manasota as you explore a living museum that brings centuries of history to life. You’ll rotate through three beautifully restored historic homes, where expert docents and archaeologists will share captivating stories.

You’ll also see artifacts uncovered through local excavations and learn how these diverse cultures shaped the region.

Optional Excursion: After the main tour, enjoy a short walk to the historic Manatee Mineral Springs, an important archaeological site that adds even more depth to the experience.

Tickets: Visit Museum Shop and Services → scroll down → click Group Tour Rate ($10 per person). https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/reflections-of-manatees-shop

Space is limited—reserve your spot early and be part of this meaningful cultural exploration. We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

09/14/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Louis Aliot and Véronique Lopez Aliot for welcoming us.

We are excited about all the new projects and possibilities ahead for Sarasota and Perpignan.

Special thanks to Laurence Herlin-Lemaire, Nicolas Berthet, Maité Sánchez, Dominique Shelma, and Jean-Philippe Shelma for your generosity, friendship, and warm welcome.

Here’s to many more exchanges, collaborations, and agreements that continue to strengthen the beautiful bond between our cities. 🇫🇷🤝🇺🇸

Ivonne Almanza
Jeannette Simmons
City Director of Perpignan
And Assistant
Sarasota Sister Cities Association

Visit Sarasota County Ville de Perpignan City of Sarasota, Government Sister Cities International

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Yesterday, the delegation from Sarasota, Florida, visiting our Sister City of Perpignan, France, was warmly welcomed at Perpignan City Hall by the Deputy Mayor of Perpignan.

It was a wonderful reception filled with friendship and meaningful words from the Deputy Mayor, Sister City Director Ivonne Almanza, ACD Jeannette Simmons, ACD Hadda Lamotte and President of Sister Cities of Sarasota, Miles Toder.

Our Sarasota delegation will spend nine days in our Sister City of Perpignan, celebrating a special relationship that has been growing for more than 30 years. This is Sarasota’s longest-standing Sister City partnership, and we are honored to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship, culture, and community between our two cities. 🇺🇸🤝🇫🇷

We are also honored to be here during Visa pour l’Image, Perpignan’s internationally recognized annual festival of photojournalism. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience this important celebration of photography, journalism, and visual storytelling.

What a beautiful way to celebrate more than three decades of friendship between Sarasota and Perpignan! ❤️🇺🇸🇫🇷

Ville de Perpignan Visit Sarasota County
Sister Cities International City of Sarasota, Government

08/12/2026

🌟TODAY! Don’t let summer slip away without a final toast.

Join us for our SCAS Summer Happy Hour, a cheerful close to a season filled with connection, friendship, and celebration among our SCAS members and friends.

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, 4:30 PM
PF Chang’s, 766 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231

Come enjoy good company, great conversation, and one last summer gathering.
We look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful evening!

Register here: https://sarasotasistercities.org/event/scas-summer-happy-hour-august/