Guide to Sarasota’s Newtown Neighborhood

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, Newtown is the largest Black historic district in Florida, spanning from Myrtle Street to 19th Street. The neighborhood is where Sarasota's Black residents built businesses, churches and traditions from the ground up. What grew was self-sustaining and resilient community—now celebrating more than 100 years of history. Newtown’s spirit beckons visitors and locals to experience its culture, dive deeper into its stories and meet the trailblazers who helped it prosper.

Guided Tours of Newtown

Photo courtesy of Newtown Alive

The Newtown Alive Trolley Tour leaves no stone unturned as it celebrates over a century of African-American history in Sarasota. On the two-hour interactive trolley or bus our, you'll meet local historians sharing their stories, hear a praise service with the soothing voice of song leader Troy Nichols and make stops at key locations of Sarasota’s civil rights pioneers, including the bustling business district and African-American churches.

Newtown Recreation

The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is named for a Sarasota native and influential community leader. It's a hub for both civil rights history and everyday recreation—with a pool and splash zone, a gym and fitness center, indoor pickleball courts and drop-in soccer games. 

And just off Cocoanut Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park offers picnic tables and grills, plus a public building with a kitchen, electrical outlets, a performing circle and restrooms. It's an easy spot to spend an afternoon in the Sarasota sun or plan a family get-together.

Cultural Landmarks

Photo courtesy of Newtown Alive

The Newtown African American Heritage Trail looks a little different from a typical historic tour. Instead of traditional green federal markers, you'll find a living trail, with photos and colorful graphics that reflect the neighborhood's vibrancy. It traces Newtown's history from 1914 to the present: memories of the old Ace Theater, the WWII-era U.S.O. building (now known as the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex), photos of the Booker High School football team and majorettes, and church architecture that evolved alongside the growing community and its late-19th-century predecessor, Overtown.

The Leonard Reid House, built in 1926, once housed one of Sarasota's pioneering Black leaders. Today it serves as a community hub for arts and culture, celebrating Black life and history.

The Greater Newtown Historical Gallery is a time capsule of proclamations, family photos and artifacts—a museum dedicated to the history of Sarasota's oldest Black community.

Newtown Dining

Town Hall Restaurant is Newtown's historic neighborhood anchor. It’s part restaurant, part lounge, part nightclub—a regular venue for local events and one of those places that feels like family the moment you walk in. And Stroke's Seafood is a local favorite for lunch and dinner, known for daily specials like fried fish sandwiches and fried shrimp. The million-dollar oysters and the snow crab special are the ones to order.

Roots Jamaican Kitchen is a hidden gem, serving authentic Jamaican fare Wednesday through Sunday. The oxtail comes highly recommended. Just up the road is King Meat Mart, a butcher shop, grocery store and deli known for its comfort food.

Nearby, The Original Hob Nob Drive-In has a legendary lineup of smashburgers and chicken sandwiches. The Big Tex, with pepper-jack cheese, bacon, an onion ring and barbecue sauce, is a standout. Frank's Fish & Crab Supreme is a family-friendly seafood spot that's also a solid late-night option, with fried shrimp and seared scallops among the favorites.

Neighborhood Events

The Weekly Farmers Market runs every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's a gathering space for Black culinary traditions and community—with fresh produce, food, live music and rotating cultural activities.

Big Mama's Collard Green Fest is a beloved Sarasota tradition every October honoring the recipes, stories and traditions of the "Big Mamas:" the home cooks, family chefs and tradition-keepers who've passed recipes down through generations. Expect Southern, Cajun, Creole and Caribbean cooking from local chefs and vendors, live entertainment and a strong showing from small businesses.

Where to Stay Nearby

The Reserve Retreat is a historic boutique hotel near Newtown set in the former home of the Ringling family. Close to Downtown Sarasota, and just 3 miles from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, visitors can book a suite with a kitchen or one of the two luxe rooms.