School starts Aug. 10 in both Sarasota and Manatee counties — and for many families, getting ready means more than buying new sneakers and setting earlier bedtimes. It means figuring out how to afford it all.
From backpacks and pencils to uniforms, shoes and hygiene kits, the cost of going back to school adds up fast. The good news is that Sarasota-Manatee’s community has shown up — with a slate of free supply drives, donation events and back-to-school celebrations happening across both counties before the first bell rings on Aug. 10. Whether you need supplies, want to donate or are looking for a way to give back before summer ends, here is everything happening in your community right now.
These events and drives are happening through Monday, Aug. 10.
Church of the Redeemer Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, Aug. 8 | 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | Free — by invitation
Church of the Redeemer is welcoming 225 Alta Vista Elementary School students — kindergarten through fifth grade — for a free back-to-school bash that goes well beyond pencils and notebooks. Students identified by Alta Vista administrators as needing additional support will receive school supplies, uniforms, shoes, hygiene kits, groceries and a Walmart gift card.
The day also includes free haircuts from Che Bella Aveda Salon Spa, dental exams from Schroeder Dental, vision screenings, family photos and lunch. Suffolk Construction is providing 225 pairs of headphones and 100 backpacks. Detwiler’s Farm Market is contributing produce. All Faiths Food Bank is providing food and hosting a cooking demonstration for families. More than 100 volunteers will be on-site throughout the day. The event serves Alta Vista students selected by school administrators and is not open to the general public.
Sarasota Police Department Badges and Backpacks
Saturday, Aug. 8 | 8 a.m.–1 p.m. | Sarasota City YMCA, 1075 S. Euclid Ave. | Free | Registration encouragedThe Sarasota Police Department is hosting its annual Badges and Backpacks event, a free community back-to-school celebration combining school supplies with safety education. Activities include a bicycle rodeo from 8 to 10:30 a.m., bicycle helmet fittings, free haircuts, manicures, school supplies and free food. Backpacks will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to registered children — kids must be present to receive one. Families are encouraged to register by Aug. 7 at Eventbrite to reserve a backpack, however SPD officials say that registrations for the Backpacks are full. Attendees are still encouraged to attend to take advantage of free haircuts, manicures and other activities. Any additional limited supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Doors open at 7:45 a.m.
Back to School Bash at The Mall at UTC
Saturday, Aug. 8 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota | FreeThe Mall at UTC is hosting its annual Back-to-School Bash with free backpacks, an interactive school supply scavenger hunt, live entertainment, kids activities, music performances and community resources. The first 250 children who pre-register are guaranteed a free backpack. Pre-registration is available at eventbrite.com.
Back to School Bash at The Mall at UTC — hosted by Main Event
Saturday, Aug. 8 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota | FreeMain Event is hosting a back-to-school celebration at UTC the same day featuring free backpacks for pre-registered children while supplies last and a school supply scavenger hunt. To pre-register or for more information contact Kevin at 727-674-1464.
Manatee County Back-to-School Jam — presented by the Bradenton Marauders and School District of Manatee County
Saturday, Aug. 8 | Gates open 5 p.m., game begins 6:30 p.m. | LECOM Park, 1611 19th St. W., Bradenton | FreeOpen to School District of Manatee County students, staff and their families. Attendees will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last, complimentary game tickets and meal vouchers. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The evening wraps up with a postgame fireworks show. No registration required.
Also worth knowing before school starts
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
Now-Aug. 20, 2026 | Participating retailers statewideFlorida’s annual tax-free window is still in effect through Aug. 20. Eligible purchases include school supplies priced at $50 or less, clothing and backpacks at $100 or less, learning aids at $30 or less and computers at $1,500 or less. Visit floridarevenue.com for a full list of eligible items.
Back-to-school resources for Sarasota and Manatee families
Full back-to-school guides including registration, transportation, school meal programs and supply lists are available at sarasotacountyschools.net/back2school and manateeschools.net.
Neal Communities “Where You Live Matters” Essay Contest
Deadline: Oct. 2 | Open to all Manatee County Class of 2027 seniors Neal Communities is launching its inaugural essay contest inviting Manatee County seniors to write about the lessons their hometown has taught them. More than $20,000 in scholarships, laptops and teacher recognition awards are available. First place earns a $5,000 scholarship, second place $2,500 and third place $1,000. The top 10 essay writers each receive a new laptop.
Three teachers identified by students will each receive a $1,000 recognition award. Essays must be 750 to 1,000 words, original and AI-free. Finalists will be invited to a Dec. 16 awards event at the Mote Science and Education Aquarium. To submit and participate visit nealcommunities.com/EssayContest.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Free backpacks and school supplies in Sarasota-Manatee this weekend
Reporting by Samantha Gholar, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Gholar, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
