Sarasota honored with Florida Archaeological Council Award

Since the Florida Archaeological Council began recognizing entities with its Stewards of Heritage Award 50 years ago, only one city, St. Augustine, has been so honored. 

Sarasota has now joined that exclusive list. 

During Monday's Sarasota City Commission meeting, the FAC officially delivered the award to the city, specifically citing the work of Senior Planner Clifford Smith for his 15-year effort to include the Newtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to a letter to the city from FAC President James Ambrosino, the Heritage Award was established to recognize the role of the general public, individuals and organizations in the preservation, research, education or the promotion of public awareness of Florida archaeology. 

The awards are given biennially in conjunction with Florida Anthropological Society meetings.

“When I started seven years ago, it's just been a real joy to work with Dr. Smith,” said Planning Director Steven Cover. “He's got a tremendous knowledge and has really expanded what we've been able to do here in Sarasota. When you get phone calls from cities all over the state constantly asking about our historic preservation program, we’ve done something right."

On April 19, 2024, the National Park Service officially approved the Newtown Historic District listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Galilee cemetery, a total of 731 historic resources contributed to the listing.