SRQ DAILY Jun 9, 2016
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"I don't want to jinx it, but I have great hopes for that property."
Owners of a shopping complex on Ringling Boulevard who once imagined a Super-Walmart there have reached a settlement with the City of Sarasota that would open up different redevelopment options for the land. Louis Doyle and other owners of the Ringling Shopping Center plan to maintain or develop the property after the city changes the zoning and land-use designation to allow for downtown mixed-use development. “The new zoning will align with the Downtown Sarasota form-based code and design principles while allowing us to provide a much wider range of uses for the community,” said Doyle in a statement. “We feel that the New Urbanist principles that this zoning will call for will have a nice reaction from the market, meaning we will be able to provide the center with some great new retail options that the neighbors will welcome.”
The Sarasota City Commission voted three years ago against a plan to build a Super-Walmart, which prompted land-owners to sue the city claiming that vote effectively denied the owners’ private property rights. City Commissioner Susan Chapman, who was a Planning Board member at that time and voted against the Walmart proposal, said the settlement agreement was a positive step. “I don’t want to jinx it, but I have great hopes for that property,” she said. And she does not have a problem with the zoning change called for in the mediated agreement. “Downtown Neighborhood Edge or Downtown Edge, that is not an inappropriate use for that site.”
Right now, the shops operating in the center have short-term leases and the owners have not reached any agreements for long-term leases or anchor tenants. The center previously was anchored by a Publix before the grocery opened a new location on U.S. 41. Owners plan to market to prospective tenants once the city begins its rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment process. “These changes will make the center more marketable while also providing the community with what they have told us they want,” said Doyle. “It is a great compromise that we are pleased with, and we consider this a win-win for the community.”
Sarasota Democratic Party Chairwoman Christine Jennings could barely contain her enthusiasm on Wednesday. A member of Hillary Clinton’s national finance committee, Jennings spent Tuesday unworried about whether the Democratic presidential candidate would lock up a majority of pledged delegates, but concerned whether California, the largest state in the union, would go to challenger Bernie Sanders. Polls showed a tight race, but by the time votes were tabulated Wednesday, Clinton had won 55.8 percent of the vote in the state. Now, she’s ready to fight for votes in November. “I think truly the intelligent people of Sarasota will vote for Hillary,” she said.
It’s a bold assertion, especially when the state headquarters for Donald Trump, who clinched the Republican nomination for president last month, sits in Downtown Sarasota. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota and of Trump’s Florida campaign, said his party enters the election season strong. “People are front and center supporting Trump,” Gruters said.
In the end, both national parties had lengthy and contentious primary seasons. Graters said hurt feelings have lingered, but that most Republican voters are already coming around to backing the nominee. For the Democratic side, wounds are more fresh, and while Jennings expects the party here to coalesce behind the presumptive nominee, she said that will come in time. “It hurts to lose,” she said. “It’s like a death.” Asked whether she thought it was important Sanders endorse Clinton, Jennings said it will happen, but there is no rush and he can wait as long as need be, even if that means waiting until the Democratic National Convention in July. “He’ll do it in his time,” she said. “He’s committed to Democratic principles and values, and he certainly doesn’t want Trump.”
Flamingos have taken up new residence: your freezer. These whimsical ice trays from SunnyLife feature Florida’s most stylish avian creature and come in a set of two—keep one for yourself and give its twin to a friend. They’re made of ultra-flexible silicone, so you’ll have an easy time packing them into an icebox filled with summer bounty. Or buy in bulk to fill up your beach cooler and keep your Coronas icy cold in style. Surprise guests at your next party with floating flamingos bobbing in their beverages. Why settle for water? Fill the tray with pink lemonade, your favorite cocktail or cold brew for an iced coffee that never waters down. If you’re you’re feeling particularly adventurous, fill the molds with melted chocolate and enjoy the dessert for days to come.
Pictured: SunnyLife's icy flamingos. Photo by Heidi Stone.
Marmalade Salon and Boutique, 1927 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-362-0276
Goodwill Manasota has added one more media outlet to share the goodwill and good works being done in our community through the show Tell Me Something Good. The show will focus on the good that is happening in our community by highlighting those individuals, nonprofits and businesses that are helping the community be a better place.
Daniel J. DeLeo was recently appointed to the board of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. DeLeo will be joining the 20-member board to lend expertise and innovative ideas to further the Foundation's community impact powered by philanthrophy. With 17 years of law experience, he also serves on the financial advisory committee for the School Board of Sarasota County.
The nation's fastest growing "better burger" restaurant Smashburger has announced a grand opening in its first Sarasota location. With over 365 restaurant locations across the United States, their Sarasota location will be found on University Parkway. The 2,500 square-foot Smashburger will feature a menu created with regional flavors and tastes in mind.
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