GXA Awareness
Libraries
Service Name: Library Services
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Library Services? No, the City of Sarasota does not provide library services. Provider of Library Services: Library services for Sarasota residents are carried out by Sarasota County. Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Resources operates a network of public libraries and catalog services across the county.
Services Provided: Specific library services provided by Sarasota County Libraries include: library cards, book lending, ebook lending, audiobook lending, music lending, movie lending, periodicals, internet hotspot lending, tax preparation assistance, meeting room and study room reservations, public classes and events, Tech Navigator services, and digital access to other libraries’ collections.
The History Center house a large collection of archival records, historical newspapers, photographs, maps, and other materials are open to the public for research andenjoyment. Staff recommend contacting the History Center at least three business days in advance to make sure the materials you want to use are available.
Contact Information: For more information on library services, including a listing of library hours and locations, please visit the Sarasota County Libraries site at https://www.sarasotacountylibraries.org/ or call their main phone number at 941-861- 1110.
Trigger words to reference the above Libraries section: library, libraries, library card, book borrowing, book lending, ebook, audiobook, study room, meeting room, public computer, internet hotspot, research, archives, history center, library events, library hours, library locations
Intents related to Library services: How to get a library card? Where is the nearest library? Can I reserve a study room? How do I borrow books/ebooks/audiobooks? What library events are available?
Driver’s License, Real ID, Vehicle Registration, Trailer Registration, and Other Motor Vehicle Services
Service Name: Motor Vehicle and ID Services
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Motor Vehicle or ID Services? No, the City of Sarasota does not provide driver’s license, real IDs, or other motor vehicle services.
Provider of Motor Vehicle and ID Services: For Sarasota County residents, these services are handled by the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office.
Services Provided: Sarasota residents can visit the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office to acquire, renew or replace driver’s licenses; obtain ID cards; register vehicles; register trailers; renew their vehicle or trailer registrations; apply for a disabled parking permit; and complete title transfers at county service centers. Appointments are required for most transactions.
Contact Information: For more information on motor vehicle services, including office locations, hours, and appointment scheduling, please visit the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s site at https://www.sarasotataxcollector.gov/services/motorist-services or call 941-861-8300.
Trigger words to reference the above Motor Vehicle section: driver’s license, DMV, motor vehicle, vehicle registration, trailer registration, Real ID, ID card, title transfer, disabled parking permit, renew registration, license renewal, car tags, tag office
Intents related to Motor Vehicle: How do I renew my driver’s license? Where do I register my vehicle/trailer? How do I get a Real ID? How do I transfer a car title? Where is the DMV?
Emergency Services (Fire, EMS, and 911)
Service Name: Fire, EMS, and 911 Emergency Services
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Fire, EMS, or 911 Dispatch Services? No, the City of Sarasota does not operate fire, emergency medical services (EMS), or 911 dispatch.
Provider of Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and 911 Dispatch Services: For Sarasota County residents, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), or 911 dispatch services are provided by Sarasota County Emergency Services.
Services Provided: The department includes Fire Rescue (which provides fire protection and prevention services, fire inspections, and public education), emergency medical services (24/7 basic and advanced life support medical response), beach safety and lifeguard operations (responsible for lifeguard services at six public beaches), Public Safety Communications (which manages 911 calls and emergency response coordination), and Disaster Planning & Emergency Management (which oversees comprehensive disaster preparedness planning for natural and man-made incidents; and administers programs on public education, hurricane readiness, Sandbag Summer, Medical Needs, and CERT programs).
Contact Information: For more information about Sarasota County Emergency Services, including fire station locations and emergency preparedness resources, please visit https://www.scgov.net/government/departments/emergency-services. If you’re having an emergency, please call 911. For a non-emergency phone number, use 941-861-5000.
Trigger words to reference the above Emergency Services section: fire department, fire rescue, EMS, ambulance, emergency medical, 911, emergency response, lifeguard, beach safety, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, fire station, non-emergency number
Intents related to Emergency Services: How do I contact the fire department? Who provides ambulance service? Where is the nearest fire station?
Public Transit (Breeze Transit System)
Service Name: Public Transit (a.k.a. Breeze Transit)
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Public Transit Services? No, the City of Sarasota does not operate a public transit system.
Provider of Public Transit Services: Sarasota County provides public transportation through the Breeze Transit System (formerly SCAT).
Services Provided: Breeze Transit offers public transportation services including: fixed bus and trolley service routes; on-demand curb-to-curb service; paratransit services; and seasonal trolleys such as the Siesta Key Breeze.
Contact Information: For more information on Breeze Transit’s services, including information about route maps, schedules, and fare information, please visit https://www.scgov.net/government/breeze-transit. You can also email questions to breeze@scgov.net or call 311.
Trigger words to reference the above Public Transit section: bus, public transit, trolley, SCAT, Breeze Transit, paratransit, curb-to-curb, Siesta Key Breeze, bus schedule, bus route, bus fare, transit pass, transportation, Breeze Plus
Intents related to Public Transit: What bus routes serve Sarasota? How do I get a bus pass? What is the Breeze Transit schedule? Is there a trolley to Siesta Key? How do I use paratransit? What is Breeze Plus?
Property Taxes
Service Name: Property Tax Appraisal (Assessment) and Collections
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Public Transit Services? No, the City of Sarasota does not collect property taxes or conduct property tax assessments.
Provider of Public Transit Services: For Sarasota County residents, property tax billing and payment are managed by the Sarasota County Tax Collector.
Services Provided: Tax services provided by the Sarasota County Tax Collector include: attorney tax registration and collection; county property tax billing and collection; county tourism development tax collection; and tax billing address changes.
Contact Information: For more information about property tax collection, including payment options and deadlines, please visit https://www.sarasotataxcollector.gov/ or call 941-861-8300. Email questions to info@sarasotataxcollector.gov. Property assessments are handled by the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. Key services provided by this office include: property valuation and tax roll certification; an online search portal to see property values, ownership information, and tax exemptions; tax exemptions and special assessment management; property damage reporting (for the purpose of partial tax refunds); and appraisal customer support. For more information about property appraisal, including information about the tax appraisal process, important appraisal dates, and frequently asked questions related to tax appraisal, please visit https://www.sc-pa.com/ or call 941-861-8200.
Trigger words to reference the above Property Tax section: property tax, tax bill, tax payment, homestead exemption, tax collector, property appraiser, tax assessment, property value, tax roll, tourism tax, tax deadline, tax exemption, appraisal, property search
Intents related to Property Tax: How do I pay my property taxes? Where do I apply for a homestead exemption? How is my property value determined? Who is the property appraiser? How do I change my tax billing address?
CartSmart App Trash and Recycling
Service Name: Solid Waste
Does the City of Sarasota Provide garbage pickup? Yes, the City of Sarasota does provide trash and recycling services.
Provider of Garbage and recycling services: For Sarasota City residents, the Sarasota Public Works Department.
Services Provided: Recycling, Solid Waste/Garbage pickup, Yard Trimmings pickup.
Contact Information: For more information on pickup schedules, scheduling pickups for unusual items like furniture or appliances, visit https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Solid-Waste-Recycling
Trigger words to reference the above Solid Waste section: Yard waste, pickup days, recycle bins, pickup calendar, dispose, recycle, yard trimmings, trash day, holiday trash collection,
Intents related to Solid Waste: Where can I request a new bin? How do I report a missed garbage pickup? How do I dispose of yard trimmings? Where do I find the garbage or recycling pickup calendar? How do learn to dispose of specific items? What is allowed in recycle bins? Is there an electronics recycling program or drop-off near me? What is my trash pickup day?
Animal Services & Animal Control
Service Name: Animal Services & Animal Control
Does the City of Sarasota Provide Animal Services or Animal Control? No, the City of Sarasota does not provide animal control or pet adoption services.
Provider of Animal Services & Animal Control: For Sarasota County residents, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office manages Animal Services and Animal Control.
Services Provided: Animal Control and Animal Services provided by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office include: pet licensing, pet adoption programs, lost and found pets, and animal control enforcement (including responding to wildlife and domestic animal incidents, such as bites, cruelty, injured animals, and nuisance complaints). They also offer disaster preparedness resources for pet owners.
Contact Information: For more information, including shelter hours, adoption listings and licensing requirements, please visit https://www.sarasotasheriff.org/programs_and_amp_services/animal_services/index.php or call 941-861-9500.
Trigger words to reference the above Animal Services section: animal control, pet adoption, animal shelter, lost pet, found pet, pet license, rabies tag, animal complaint, dog bite, animal cruelty, nuisance animal, pet disaster plan, animal services, kennel, animal enforcement
Intents related to Animal Services: Where can I adopt a pet? How do I report a stray animal? How do I get a pet license? What do I do if I find a lost pet? How do I report animal cruelty?
Public Safety Questions
Service Name: Sarasota Police Department
What are the visiting hours to see someone in jail, and do I need an appointment? The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) manages the jail in Sarasota County. Please contact SCSO Booking at (941)861-4601 for further information.
Are chokeholds allowed by the police department? I cannot answer your question with limited information. Please contact the Sarasota Police Department Front Desk at (941)263-6773 to speak with a representative.
Are officers required to report every use of force incident? I cannot answer your question with limited information. Please contact the Sarasota Police Department Front Desk at (941)263-6773 to speak with a representative.
How many calls for service does the police department handle per year? Please review the Sarasota Police Department Annual Reports, posted on the SPD webpage at https://www.sarasotapd.org/your-spd/annual-reports.
Do police officers receive training in Anti-bias, de-escalation, or crisis intervention? **Training Opportunities** The Sarasota Police Department provides implicit bias training for law enforcement and crisis intervention training to sworn personnel.
**In-Service Training** Officers receive in-person trainings twice per year and monthly computer trainings on law and state statute reviews.
**Crisis Intervention Training** Newly hired police officers receive Crisis Intervention Training as part of their initial twelve-week Agency Specific Training program.
Services Provided:
Contact Information: For more information, please contact the Sarasota Police Department Front Desk at (941)263-6773 to speak with a representative.
Trigger words to reference the above SPD section: SPD, Police Officers, public safety, crime, jail, detention, detective, patrol,
Intents related to SPD:
Sarasota County
Service Name: Sarasota County Services
How do I contact my County Commissioner? You have reached the City of Sarasota Website. For details on Sarasota County Commission or commissioners, please visit https://www.scgov.net/government/county-commission-bcc
Services Provided: County Commission Meetings, County District Maps
Contact Information: commissioners@scgov.net
Trigger words to reference the above section:
Intents related to County: Who is my County commissioner? How do I contact my county commissioner?