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.
A Global Toast
Celebrating the New Year through International Connections
January 16th, 2026 at 5:30 PM | Mattison 41 | $45 for SCAS Members | $50 for non-members
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites members, friends, and guests to an elegant January cocktail reception to celebrate international connections and the year ahead.
A Global Toast
A Global Toast
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites members, friends, and guests to an elegant January cocktail reception to celebrate international connections and the year ahead.
SCAS Community Speaker Series: Kun Shi & Dr. Randy Runnels
SCAS Community Speaker Series: Kun Shi & Dr. Randy Runnels
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites you to a fascinating evening at Selby Library, featuring Kun Shi, City Director of Xiamen, China and Randy Runnels, Adjunct Faculty at St. Petersburg College on Sister City relations and the complimentary environments sh...
SCAS Luncheon: Discovering Perpignan
SCAS Luncheon: Discovering Perpignan
The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota invites members, and guests to our Quarterly Luncheon to learn about our Sister City, Perpignan, France and plans for our upcoming sponsored trip.
News
See the latest happenings from SCAS
