JOIN THE SASASOTA DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS GROUP!
We are an organization of downtown business owners who care about economic growth that fosters the districts full potential as a premier and vibrant destination.
Meet the DSEA Board Members
- Ron Soto, DSEA Founder & Director | Soto’s Optical
- Darci Jacob, DSEA President & 7 Year Member | Shop Darci
- Harmini Krusing Bens, DSEA Vice President, 7 Year Member & Serves on the Board of the Downtown Improvement District (DID) | Shop Lotus
- Laura Kresl, DSEA Secretary & 7 Year Member | Pro It Out Marketing
The DSEA Coordinates and Advocates
- We attend city commission meetings and campaign for the districts 2% self-tax (DID) be spent responsibly and on efforts within the DID area.
- Sponsor and install holiday ornaments
- Sponsor and decorate the Christmas Tree and Lighting Event in Five Points Park
- Sponsor and coordinate NYE Pineapple Drop Block Party
- Work with local promotors to delivery events to the district designed to increase foot traffic to the district
- Implement a 365 day a year marketing campaign to promote downtown as a destination
- Petition city leaders to maintain clean and safe city
- Host community events designed to strengthen our local economy
- Purchase assets such as the Christmas Tree, event barricades, etc.
30K and Counting: DSEA’s Spectacular Marketing Milestone!
The DSEA marketing campaign is designed to keep the downtown district on-top-of-mind as a destination for residents and travelers. Here’s a summary of our marketing outreach: 3,600 emails and 25,000 social media followers. The DSEA Google Page collects over 3,500 monthly engagements.
Join our Facebook Group!
The DSEA Google has collected 85 glowing reviews contributing to the websites overall SEO success.
ABOUT DSEA EVENTS
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1ST FRIDAY SIP & SHOP – OCT. – APRIL
1st Friday “Sip & Shop”Downtown Sarasota Discover the charm of downtown Sarasota at our 1st Friday “Sip & Shop” event! From October 4, 2024, to April 4, 2025, join us every first Friday of the month from 4 PM to 7 PM for an evening of shopping, sipping, and dining. Event Highlights Shopping: Stroll…
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SRQ ROCKTOBERFEST – OCT. 11-13, 2024
SRQ ROCKTOBERFEST 2024 Get ready for the ultimate fall celebration in downtown Sarasota! Join us for SRQ Rocktoberfest, running from Friday, Oct. 11th at 4 PM through Sunday, Oct. 13th, 2024 at 6 PM. Here’s everything you will need to know PARKING Event Highlights: Admission: FREE for everyone! Entertainment: All-day live music and performances to…
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DOG-A-WEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Previous Next DOG-A-WEEN 2024 Join us for a heartwarming event at the Sarasota Downtown Farmer’s Market for Dog-A-Ween 2024! Dress up your furry friends in their best costumes and bring them down for a fun-filled day that supports a great cause. The funds raised from Dog-A-Ween 2024 will directly benefit Donte’s Den, a local organization…
