Sister Cities Association of Sarasota
We promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time.
Welcome to Sister Cities Association of Sarasota
The Sister Cities program was the vision of President Dwight D. Eisenhower who had witnessed firsthand the atrocities of World War II. He created the concept of Sister Cities at a White House conference on peace in 1956.
The Sarasota Sister Cities program is entering its 62nd year of promoting peace through people.
Sister Cities Association of Sarasota is an all-volunteer citizen diplomacy organization that works outside the realm of government, but with its support, to create a wealth of lasting friendships—one at a time—to foster world peace.
The goal of Sister Cities is to foster respect and mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and cooperation between our Sister Cities.
Through cultural, educational, and economic initiatives, we celebrate diversity and strengthen international bonds. Our partnerships support trade, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving on global challenges. Together, we promote peace and friendship across borders.
Join us and share your ideas for projects with our Sister Cities!
Our Sister Cities
The mission of Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) is to foster international relationships between Sarasota and our Friendship and Sister Cities overseas by creating exchanges in the areas of culture, education, tourism, business and government. Learn more about our Sister Cities below.
Dunfermline, Scotland
Sarasota, Florida, was first chartered by a group of Scottish businessmen in 1903. Dunfermline, Scotland, became Sarasota’s fifth sister city in signing ceremonies at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in October 2002.
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Mérida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán, the Yucatán Peninsula, south of Mexico City. It is located in the northwest part of the state, about 35 km (22 miles) from the Gulf of Mexico.
Tel Mond, Israel
In 1929, a group headed by Alfred Mond, a British industrialist and former Minister of Health who had taken a keen interest in Israel’s pre-independence development, purchased land in the Sharon Valley.
Upcoming Events
SCAS hosts multiple events every month for our members and the general public of Sarasota. Find information about our upcoming events below.
Exploring Mérida: Our Mayan Sister City
May 7, 2026 at 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Jack Geldbart Auditorium at the Selby Public Library (1331 First Street, Sarasota)
Meet and Greet: Amore Restaurant, 180 N Lime Ave., Sarasota
Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites you to join us for a special presentation celebrating the vibrant cultural bond between Sarasota and our Sister City of Mérida, Yucatán — a relationship built on friendship, exchange, and shared community values.
SCAS Annual Members’ Meeting & Dinner
SCAS Annual Members’ Meeting & Dinner
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites members and guests to our Annual Members' Meeting for a report on our past year's performance and strategic goals for the future.
