The 2025 Regional Scan – powered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation – aims to identify both opportunities and strengths to clearly and confidently represent the unique needs of our region. 

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." — Coretta Scott King 

When you think about our community, what comes to mind? Is it the blue green water of the Gulf or the palm hammocks in Myakka River State Park? Or the collection of cultural institutions that offer world-class artistry and thought-provoking programs right in our own backyard? As our region continues to grow, so do its opportunities and its challenges. 

The 2025 Regional Scan, powered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), was created to identify, assess, and prioritize our region’s greatest needs. Conducted periodically, the survey invites all members of our community to share their perspectives on our region’s most pressing issues. The 2025 Regional Scan launches October 7 and runs through the end of the month. This 5-minute digital survey is an opportunity to share what is working well in our community, what should be re-evaluated, and what resources are needed to empower every resident to reach their full potential. Through this brief questionnaire, we welcome perspectives from all walks of life – across geographies, demographics, community sectors, and lived experiences. 

Historically, the Regional Scan has been driven by feedback from community partners to inform Gulf Coast’s organizational priorities. But this year, there has been an intentional shift to highlight information and areas of growth for not just Gulf Coast, but also for our partners, local decision-makers, and the community-at-large. 

As Kelly Carlstein, Gulf Coast’s Vice President of Strategy and Culture puts it, the Regional Scan is key to driving change and celebrating successes across our region. “There is power behind group knowledge and the potential it has to create an impact that can be felt for generations,” she says. “Through this Regional Scan, we are not making assumptions about what our community wants and needs. We are giving our residents and local stakeholders the opportunity to use their voice and tell us what is or isn’t working.” 

When the scan closes in late October, the data will be analyzed and disseminated to stakeholder groups for initial brainstorming. From there, the data will inform planning and decision-making, helping Gulf Coast and our partners set priorities for the next two years. “No matter what we do, our community comes first,” Carlstein states. “By collecting this data with heart and purpose, we are committed to providing the respect and care our residents and visitors deserve through integrity and transparency.” 

The Regional Scan is not just for Gulf Coast – it is for us all. Everyone, from working families to executives, retirees to young professionals, has a role in shaping our region’s priorities. Why? Because your priorities are our priorities. Your insights today will guide what happens tomorrow and for generations to come. 

Take five minutes to complete the 2025 Regional Scan and make your voice heard. Then, help us reach every corner of Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte Counties by sharing the survey with your friends, neighbors, and professional networks. Together, we can identify what’s working, what needs attention, and guide decisions that strengthen our region for all. 

Complete the 5-minute survey here: http://bit.ly/4npWP38