From a modest beginning in 1969 as a group of neighbors gathered to bring street lighting to their close knit and largely Black community, the Laurel Civic Association has grown to become an active and dedicated non-profit organization of concerned citizens involved in a wide range of neighborhood issues throughout Sarasota County. By organizing their efforts in cooperation rather than confrontation with county, state and federal agencies, the association has succeeded in obtaining a series of neighborhood improvements that go far beyond their original goals.

Their efforts have spearheaded such varied projects as road and drainage improvements, housing repairs for low income, the disabled and elderly, and expanding a 5 acre park to a new 14 acre park with a new community center. With the backing of more than 300 active volunteers, the association continues to provide programs designed to improve living conditions, decrease hunger, provide affordable housing and to prevent neighborhood deterioration through educational and social activities that support and provide services for children, families and the elderly.