First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair
of the Preserve America initiative, designated Sarasota
as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America
Communities. “Preserve America Communities demonstrate
that they are committed to preserving America’s
heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities
for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said. “This
community designation program, combined with the Preserve
America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential
Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives
for continued preservation of our cultural and natural
heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment
to preserving an important part of our nation’s
historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly,
for children.”
Benefits of the designation include eligibility for
Preserve America Grants; the right to use the Preserve
America logo on signs and promotional materials; notification
to the State of Florida tourism office; and listing in
an internet based directory which showcases Sarasota’s
preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations.
Preserve America Communities are also featured in National
Register Travel Itineraries and in materials created
by the National Park Service.
The City of Sarasota plans to erect a sign on Fruitville
Road announcing the City’s designation as a Preserve
America Community.
