Nathan Benderson Park

09/06/2026

Welcome back home! 🩷

09/03/2026

🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We climb.

We’re honored that FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay shined a light on the upcoming 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Nathan Benderson Park & the new Talkspace program being offered by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Watch the full story:

https://www.fox13news.com/news/first-responders-prepare-honor-those-who-died-9-11-nathan-benderson-park

The Finish Tower has always been a place where our community comes together. On September 11, 8am-12pm, it becomes a place to remember, reflect and honor.

A heartfelt thank-you to the organizations helping us make this day possible:

🇺🇸 Presenting Sponsor: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
📸 Patriotic Photo Op Sponsor: Veteran Air
🚑 Emergency Services Supporter: EM Alliance
🥪 Breakfast Sponsor: Slim Chickens
❄️ Cooling Station Sponsor: The Suncoast collection luxury LWR apartments
🍊Detwiler's Farm Market

Firefighters, emergency crews and community members are preparing to gather at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for a memorial stair climb honoring those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

08/31/2026

Two patriotic ways to come together to remember & support our heroes, those who we have lost, and those who continue to serve every day:

Join the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Sarasota Orchestra on September 10 for Summon the Heroes, an inspiring evening of music honoring the 25th anniversary of September 11. Featuring powerful works of remembrance and reflection, this special concert brings our community together to celebrate resilience, unity, and the enduring strength of the American spirit. 🎶 Tickets are on sale now at VanWezel.org.

https://www.vanwezel.org/events/detail/summon-the-heroes

Join our inaugural FREE - 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Remembrance, Presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on Friday, Sept. 11, 8am-12pm at the Finish Tower at NBP. Event is free, please register in advance so we can plan for complimentary water, food, beverages & giveaways. https://nathanbendersonpark.org/9-11-memorial-stair-climb

08/24/2026

Mark your calendars! Oktoberfest Sarasota, Presented by Floridacentral Credit Union returns to NBP for a second year, on Oct. 10-11, 10am-4pm. This year, enjoy two full days of paddles, oars and pours, complete with a Stein holding contest, Beer Garden, German Bands, Kinder zone and more!

Registration for the Benderson Chase Regatta, happening on the lake during Sarasota Oktoberfest, is now open.

➡️Rowers: Register
https://www.regattacentral.com/v3/regatta/10240

➡️Paddlers: Register at
https://w.paddleguru.com/races/BendersonChaseHeadrace/

➡️ Interested in being a vendor at this event?
Apply now:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TyKs4ZbJnUqNMsQXN6HI0HRkxqrCIlRLm4L2lCbfWCpUOUI5NTRTS1g4RjY5NkRQRVlHUTlXOFQ3NS4u

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Greater Sarasota Chamber Manatee Chamber of Commerce Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands

08/22/2026

Local law enforcement teams trained like never before yesterday. Proud to host this group for a crucial training at NBP!

From unique events and trainings, to large meetings and intimate special celebrations, NBP is the perfect spot to host your next event. Located minutes from everywhere but miles from ordinary.

Contact us today to start planning an unforgettable event: www.nathanbendersonpark.org/venue-rentals/

Officers, deputies, and dive team members practiced jumping out of helicopters into the lake waters at Nathan Benderson.

08/19/2026

25 years later, we still remember, we still honor, and we still climb together. 🇺🇸✨

Join us at Nathan Benderson Park for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center —a meaningful morning dedicated to remembering the heroes and lives lost on September 11, 2001. Whether you want to complete the equivalent of the full 110 stories, walk a few flights in quiet reflection, or cheer on our local first responders and military, every single step matters.

Best of all? This event is 100% FREE for our entire community.

Here is what’s waiting for you at the tower: 👟 8am-12pm, Open to all ages and fitness levels (walk, climb, or run at your own pace)

🏅 Commemorative medal for the first 250 to register and complete the climb ☕ FREE complimentary breakfast and coffee

🎶 Live rooftop DJ to celebrate as you conquer the stairs

💦 Hydration stations & a dedicated cooldown zone

Participation is free, but advanced registration is recommended. Sign up at:

https://nathanbendersonpark.org/event/9-11-memorial-stair-climb/.
Lock in your spot and help us prepare breakfast and materials for everyone.

A deeply heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for making this powerful morning possible:

🏥 Presenting Sponsor: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

📸 Patriotic Photo Op (crafted by Oh What Fun Party Co.) Sponsor: Veteran Air

💦 Suncoast Collection Luxury Apartments:
Forayna Watercolor Place Olana Waterside Atori Lakewood Ranch Brea Luxury Apartments

👟 Raffles: (2) $100 gc from Fit2Run, The Runner's Superstore

Let’s stand shoulder-to-shoulder, honor our nation’s heroes, and show the power of our community.

👇 Tag a friend or family member you want to climb with this year.
Visit Sarasota County Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands University Town Center Sarasota Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Greater Sarasota Chamber Manatee Chamber of Commerce Your Observer ABC7 Sarasota - WWSB

08/18/2026

Take Your Next Event to New Heights 🌆

Soak in the stunning Downtown Sarasota skyline from the ultimate rooftop setting on our NEW 6th Floor Pavilion atop the Finish Tower. Perfect for weddings, private parties, cocktail hours, and milestone moments.

We are quickly booking up for season. Contact us today to reserve your dates for Floors 2, 5 and 6 in the Finish Tower, or at Crew Cove/Lakeside Pavilion, and begin planning a spectacular celebration:

https://form.jotform.com/251954941703158

Holiday event design & decor: Created by Oh What Fun Party Co.

08/11/2026

🌸 Supporting breast cancer survivors is at the heart of our mission year-round — especially through our dedicated paddling programs like Survivors In Sync Dragon boat paddling. Leading up to & during October, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are honored to stand alongside our community and expand our support:

🎀 Cirque de Hope (Men Wear Pink Initiative): We’re proud to support the Cirque de Hope event on Sept. 19, hosted by Sunshine Movers at New College, an incredible initiative supporting the American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink campaign! 🎪💖 Purchase tickets for this enticing and exciting evening: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cirque-de-hope-an-evening-soiree-benefiting-the-american-cancer-society-tickets-1994873084095

🎀 All-Month Photo Op: Visit NBP throughout October to take a photo at our dedicated Breast Cancer Support Photo Op! Snap your photos, share your support, raise awareness, and tag American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the amazing creator behind the setup, Oh What Fun Party Co. 📸✨

🎀 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: Join us at NBP on Sat, Oct 24 as we host the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! Join and support at www.MakingStridesWalk.org (search for the Sarasota/Manatee event).

🎀 Pink Fridays at the Tower: Every Friday throughout October, our NBP staff members will be wearing pink polos in honor of the cause! We invite all breast cancer survivors and their family members to join us for complimentary coffee and breakfast treats while taking in stunning views of the Sarasota-Bradenton area. ☕🌅

Let’s turn the park pink, support our Men in Pink, honor our survivors and thrivers, and walk together toward a cure! 💕

🏷️ Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands Cirque Vertigo Visit Sarasota County University Town Center - UTC Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance NBP Paddling

08/07/2026

One boat, one beat, endless support. 🥁💙

Around here, dragon boating isn’t just about getting active—it’s about finding your crew! Huge shoutout to Lesley Dwyer and Your Observer for putting together such a sweet feature on our paddling family. Read more below!

Ready to find your rhythm on the water? 🌊
Come test the waters at our FREE New Paddler Day tomorrow, August 8th at 8:30 AM! No gear, experience, or stress required. Just show up and we’ll handle everything else!

Who’s paddling with us tomorrow morning? 🙌👇 Visit Sarasota County Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands University Town Center Sarasota The Mall at University Town Center NBP Paddling

The paddling program at Nathan Benderson Park has grown to about 150 members.

08/05/2026

Ready to test the waters? 🌊🚣‍♀️

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or completely new to the paddle life, our FREE New Paddler Day at Nathan Benderson Park is for EVERYONE! No experience or athletic background required—just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll handle the rest!

📍 Where: Nathan Benderson Park
📅 When: This Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8:30 AM
🎟 Cost: 100% FREE!

Come try something fun, enjoy the beautiful water, and meet an incredible community! Space is open to all physical abilities, but we do need a head count to make sure we have enough gear ready for you.

👉 RSVP here to save your FREE spot: https://nathanbendersonpark.org/event/new-paddler-day-free-august-8/

Grab a friend, wear some sun protection, and let’s get paddling! ☀️✨
Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands Visit Sarasota County University Town Center Sarasota The Mall at University Town Center Buffalo Lodging Associates, LLC NBP Paddling Your Observer ABC7 Sarasota - WWSB

Join us for New Paddler Day - open to everyone. It’s FREE! Try out paddling with no strings attached — if you're ages 11 and older, there’s a seat in the boat for you!