‘In desperate need of an update’: City of Sarasota plans to revamp its seal and logo – Sarasota Herald-Tribune

The city of Sarasota is moving forwardwith a plan toupdateitslogo and seal.

OnNov. 15,theCity Commissionapproved a$25,000contract withSarasota-basedcompanyDreamLargefordesign services.

DreamLarge, abusiness that provides marketinghelpand other services to nonprofits,plans to refresh the city logo.The companywillalso run a community initiative that will result in a designcompetition, in which the public can submit potential designs for the seal.

The currentseal depictsa fish andother objects, along with the words May Sarasota Prosper and the yearthe municipalitywas incorporated, 1902.

Background: Is it time for Sarasota to have a new logo and seal? City commissioners think so

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I think our seal is just in desperate need of an update,CommissionerHagen Brody said.

Brodyalso wants to update the city logo, as he believes Sarasota is such a different city than it was in the1980s, when the current logo was created.The logo depictsMichelangelo's David, a replica of which stands at theJohn and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

MayorErik Arroyo also said heisntattached to the David design of the city logo.

When people think of Sarasota, they dont just thinkof the Ringling Museum anymore, Arroyo said.Theres so much more here.I would argue that the bridge the Ringling Bridge is more iconic tothe city ofSarasota than the Ringling Museum.

CommissionerKyle Battie would like the seal and logo to represent the citys diversity. He noted thatArroyo is the citys youngest ever mayor and is also an immigrant.BattiealsonotedthatAfrican Americans hold leadership positions in the city, including himself.

I think the city is kind of working in that order and in that direction, in terms of wherewe are, he said, adding the city is trying to become more progressive, diverse and ambitious.

JenAhearn-Kochvoted against a contractwithDreamLargebecauseshe didnt know how much it wouldcost to roll out a new city seal and logo. Shethoughtit could beexpensive.

City ManagerMarlon Browntold the commission thathe didnt want to commit to acertaincost. He noted that thepricewilldepend on the complexity ofthelogo that'screated.

Hesaid the new seal and logo will be phased in.Wheneverthe city buys new uniforms andvehicles, the new logo will be placedon thoseitems.

Therefore, the rolloutmay not cost any more than the city normally spends on placing its logo on vehicles and uniform, Brown said.

Anne Snabes covers city and county government for the Herald-Tribune. You can contact her at asnabes@gannett.com or (941) 228-3321 and follow her on Twitter at @a_snabes.

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'In desperate need of an update': City of Sarasota plans to revamp its seal and logo - Sarasota Herald-Tribune