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NewsSarasota MagazineJune 18, 2026Sarasota County

Juneteenth 2024: Community Celebrations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

This article provides a guide to local Juneteenth events in Sarasota and Manatee counties, while explaining the historical significance of the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It highlights various free community festivals, workshops, and performances scheduled to honor the history and culture of Black Americans.

JuneteenthSarasotaManatee CountyCommunity EventsAfrican American History
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Why It Matters

Residents can access a variety of free local cultural events and community resources, including a city-sponsored tree giveaway for Sarasota residents, while participating in commemorations of the federal Juneteenth holiday.

Key Facts

  • The City of Sarasota is giving away 75 trees (avocado, loquat, mango, red maple, red mulberry) to city residents on June 20 at the corner of N. Links Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way; proof of residency is required.
  • Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 following a Congressional resolution signed by President Biden.
  • The Newtown Juneteenth celebration includes a Caribbean Street Fest on June 18 and a Freedom Fest on June 19, both from 4-8 p.m. at 1950 Dr. Martin Luther King Way.
  • The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is hosting a festival on June 19 and 20 featuring an arts gallery, live music, spoken word, and performances.
  • The 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton is hosting a community celebration on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring food, games, and voter registration.
  • A family photo preservation workshop is scheduled for June 19 at the Leonard Reid House in Sarasota.
  • The Touch Lounge in Bradenton is hosting a ticketed event on June 19 with a $20 admission fee.
  • General Orders No. 3, read by Gen. Gordon Granger in 1865, informed the people of Texas that enslaved people were free.
  • Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday in 1979.

Who's Mentioned

personGordon Granger“U.S. General who read General Orders No. 3 in Galveston”organizationNewtown Alive“NAACP branch organization focused on preserving Black history in Sarasota”location13th Avenue Dream Center“Host site for Bradenton Juneteenth celebration”organizationWestcoast Black Theatre Troupe“Host site for Juneteenth festival events”personAbraham Lincoln“U.S. President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation”personJoe Biden“U.S. President who signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act”locationCity of Sarasota“Providing 75 free trees to residents during the June 20 event”personWalter Gilbert“Community engagement director for Newtown Alive”