Sarasota Historical Society seeks city approval for nonprofit sublease to boost funding

The City of Sarasota Commission has taken a significant step towards supporting local historical preservation efforts by considering a sublease agreement that would provide financial relief to the Historical Society of Sarasota County. During the regular city commission meeting on March 3, 2025, the commission discussed a request from the society to sublease a portion of property in Pioneer Park, which houses two historical buildings—the Crocker Church and the Bidwell Home.

The Historical Society, represented by President Gregory Dickinson and other board members, highlighted the financial challenges they face in maintaining these structures, which they have been tasked with preserving since the city moved them to Pioneer Park in 2006. The society currently pays a nominal lease of $10 per year but receives no direct funding from the city for maintenance. Instead, they rely on membership dues, grants, and community donations to cover their operating budget, which is approximately $60,000 annually.

The proposed sublease would allow the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation to occupy an office space within the Bidwell Home, generating $600 per month for the society. This income is seen as crucial for ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts, especially as the society has already invested over $355,600 in repairs without financial assistance from the city.

The commission's discussion included the potential benefits of this arrangement, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the two organizations in promoting historical education and preservation. The Historical Society aims to use the income from the sublease to address urgent repair needs, including a new roof for the Crocker Church, which is projected to cost significantly more due to hurricane zone regulations.

As the commission deliberates on this request, the outcome could provide much-needed support for the Historical Society, ensuring that these important cultural landmarks continue to serve the community and educate future generations about Sarasota's rich history. The commission is expected to make a decision on the sublease authorization in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal moment for local historical preservation efforts.