The Bay's push to complete its $200 million, 53-acre bayfront transformation hits a milestone Wednesday, Aug. 19, when Sarasota's Development Review Committee (DRC) takes up a first-of-its-kind rezoning for 44 acres of the downtown park.

$2 Million Match Aims to Draw $4 Million in Donations

The hearing arrives as the Bay Park Conservancy and Gulf Coast Community Foundation promote a $2 million challenge match aimed at raising $4 million in private donations by June 30, 2027. Gulf Coast's board approved a $1 million grant, which anonymous donors doubled, seeding the match fund. Every dollar donated through the deadline will be matched dollar for dollar.

The Conservancy funds half of The Bay's capital costs and ongoing operations through philanthropic giving; the other half comes from a tax increment financing district tied to rising property values around the park.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO Phillip Lanham called the match an investment that will benefit the region for generations, according to an Aug. 6 news release announcing the campaign.

More Than 1.2 Million Visitors Since 2022 Debut

More than 1.2 million people have visited The Bay since its first 10-acre phase opened in October 2022, according to a Bay Park Conservancy press release published by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Phase 2, a 14-acre, $65 million expansion, is fully funded and expected to open in 2027.

Project Timeline Stretches Into Next Decade

Beyond that, the Conservancy's timeline calls for a Town Square and Van Wezel Way project by October 2026, a Municipal Auditorium renovation and resilient shoreline by February 2027, a Centennial Park expansion by July 2027 and a parking garage by December 2027. A new Sarasota Performing Arts Center is slated for 2030-33.

Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO A.G. Lafley said in the press release that the challenge match demonstrates the park's growing positive impact on both the environment and the broader community, calling The Bay "One Park for All" that remains free and open to everyone.

Other Business on Aug. 19 Agenda

The Aug. 19 DRC hearing will also consider a luxury 90-car motor club in Gillespie Park and an eight-unit live-work building on Washington Boulevard. Donors can contribute to the match at thebaysarasota.org/support-the-park.