Pictured: Crystal Classic

Events can help bring tourists to Sarasota even when the heat scares them away. In an effort to encourage appealing events in the off-season, Visit Sarasota County will offer grants of up to $10,000 for projects that can stimulate tourism in the region. Municipalities, local agencies, business associations and nonprofit organizations located in Sarasota County are eligible, but must have applications by Thursday. 

“We have a committee that comes together on the grants,” says Lynn Hobeck Bates, communications manager for Visit Sarasota County. “They make sure first [proposals] meet requirements and are eligible, and then go through based on creativity and their appeal for tourists out of the area to come here.” The purpose, Bates says is to raise awareness of Sarasota County as a region worth visiting at all times of the year.

Last year, grant recipients included off-season events like Sarasota Architectural Foundation’s MOD weekend, Siesta Beach Festival’s Crystal Classic, Florida West Coast Symphony’s Sarasota Music Festival 2016 and the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children’s Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash, as well as projects like the Walker Guest House Replica and Senior Friendship Center’s Rhose Scholar Advertising.

Projects and events are only eligible if they occur between Oct. 15 this year and Sept. 17, 2017, excluding the period of Feb. 1 through April 10. Visit Sarasota County officials say the intent of the grants is to help get projects off the ground and to expand ongoing projects to the point where they can succeed without financial assistance. 

Pictured: Crystal Classic