Sarasota & Manatee County - 9/11 Memorials and Events - Honoring Victims

Sarasota & Manatee County - 9/11 Memorials and Events - Honoring Victims

Sarasota County

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 3,000 people died on 9/11 and memorial services organized throughout Sarasota & Manatee County honor the victims of the terrorist attacks.

Friday,, September 10th

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

USF Sarasota-Manatee will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Friday at 8:15 a.m. with a flag-raising event before shifting to the campus courtyard for guest speakers, patriotic music, and the participation of local first responders and representatives of the Armed Forces. Light refreshments will be served afterward in the Selby auditorium.

Among the speakers will be USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Regional Chancellor Karen A. Holbrook and retired New York City firefighter Garrett C. Lindgren.

A member of Rescue Company 3, Lindgren was among the first responders at the World Trade Center immediately following the collapse of the north tower. He was later among the rescuers at ground zero from Sept. 11 to Dec. 15, 200 and suffered career-ending injuries while searching through rubble.

Saturday, September 11th

Longboat Key

Gulf of Mexico Drive will be lined all day with 2,977 American flags in honor of those killed in 9/11. 

Saturday,, September 11th

Sarasota National Cemetery

A 20th anniversary commemoration will take place Saturday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota.

The commemoration continues the tradition that began Sept. 11, 2001, when the Sarasota Ministerial Association first held a prayer vigil at J.D. Hamel Park.

The names of each person who died during the 9/11 attacks will be read during the ceremony. Those attending Saturday have the option of standing for specific individuals who died during the Sarasota Fire Department's Tolling of the Bell and when the bagpipers play "Amazing Grace."

Congressman Greg Steube, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Venice Diocese, Bishop Dabney Tylor Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, NAACP President Trevor Harvey, Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, and local police and fire chiefs, mayors, and commissioners will participate in the event.

A 70-plus community chorus will also perform during the commemoration.

Special commemorative coins have been minted to mark the occasion, and will be presented to Sarasota's first responders, veterans, active-duty military, Sarasota Elks Lodge members and 9/11 survivors in attendance. A procession of all clergy and distinguished presenters will begin the service.

The first 500 attendees arriving at the commemoration will be given red and white and blue flowers to be placed in a mesh that will eventually become the American flag located in front of the stage.

Learn more about the commemoration or volunteer for the event here.

Saturday, September 11th

Venice

City of Venice 9/11 Memorial Service

The city of Venice will host a 9/11 memorial service Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blv., where 41 splits as Nokomis turns into Venice.

Venice, is where three terrorist pilots learned to fly.

The event will feature guest speakers and patriotic music.

Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and social distance. Cold water will be provided.

Saturday,, September 11th

North Port

City of North Port virtual service and Remember the Fallen Memorial 5K Run

North Port Fire Rescue will host a virtual event Saturday at 9 a.m. on the city of North Port's Facebook page. The memorial service will include a flag raising, ringing of the bell and a few speakers. It can be viewed online here.

The city's annual Remember the Fallen Memorial 5K Run will be held virtually this year as well because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. Learn more about how to participate virtually here.

Manatee County

Saturday, September 11th

Bradenton

Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association's Tribute to Heroes

This event takes place Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., at the Emergency Services Memorial Site at Rossi Park, 400 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton. Local first responders and officials will remember those who died on 9/11.

Saturday, September 11th

Lakewood Ranch

Starting at 9 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts a day of remembrance at Main Street. The Out-of-Door Academy orchestra will play.

Guest speakers will include former New York City firefighter Steve Lubrino, other local residents who were on the scene of the World Trade Center.

A 6-by-4-foot monument will be available to write memories on.

Saturday, September 11th

Bradenton

Bradenton Motorsports Park

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the second annual 9/11 Memorial Car Show at Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 State Road 64, pays tribute to those who died as well as all in the military. Admission is $20, and registration for the show is $20. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the not-for-profit organization "Jackson In Action 83 Foundation", founded by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Vincent Jackson, a big supporter of our military. .

Saturday, September 11th

Bradenton

Operation Warrior Resolution's Vigil of Honor

A candlelit vigil will honor the recently fallen Afghanistan service members and the 20th anniversary at 9/11 Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at the Robinson Preserve's the Nest, 840 99th Street NW in Bradenton. A limited number of candles will be available to share.

Representatives from Manatee County Veterans Services will be on hand to help connect veterans to community resources.

This event is a collaboration between Operation Warrior Resolution and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Email info@operationwarriorresolution.org for information.