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
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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ROCKTOBERFEST, OCT. 11-13th
Experience the vibrant spirit of fall at Sarasota ROCKTOBERFEST in downtown Sarasota! This lively festival brings together the best of live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Sarasota bayfront. Enjoy three days of unforgettable performances, mouthwatering eats, and engaging experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a local…
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DOG-A-WEEN CONTEST, OCT. 26th
Previous Next Join us for a heartwarming event Saturday, October 26th 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. Paws & Spook-tacular Fun: Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest Fundraiser for Donte’s Den Foundation The…