Things to Do in Downtown Sarasota

June 25, 2017 by

Sarasota Magazine – April 2017

Art, culture, outdoor adventures and more–downtown Sarasota has it all.

Things to Do in Downtown Sarasota

 

Stroll Historic Burns Square

In this charming enclave of 1920s bungalows, shops and restaurants, you can take in a foreign flick at Burns Court Cinemas, enjoy jazz at Burns Court Café, and treasure-hunt in the boutiques, galleries and antique shops. burnssquare.com

Stop and smell the flowers at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens shelters more than 20,000 plants and some of the rarest orchids in the world. There’s a Tropical Conservatory and kids’ rainforest garden, too. The Garden Shop offers plants and gifts. 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-5731, selby.org

Listen to music at The Gator Club

Downstairs at The Gator Club, the joint is jumping with live rhythm and blues, top 40 and reggae. The upstairs bar is more tranquil, with 180 varieties of whiskeys. 1490 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 366-5969, thegatorclub.com

Walk (or run or bike) the Ringling Bridge

Join the runners, walkers and cyclists making their way over the John Ringling Causeway bridge. This 60-foot-high span commands spectacular views of downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay. And you can get bait (and beer) at Hart’s Landing beneath the bridge and fish from the T.J. “Tony” Saprito Fishing Pier. 920 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 955-0011, hartslanding.net

See world-class opera at Sarasota Opera House

The company presents four operas in its February-March winter season, plus a fall performance in October-November, along with recitals and concerts. Also home to a youth opera. 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 328-1300, sarasotaopera.org

Take in the art at Art Center Sarasota

Art Center Sarasota is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. This season features seven juried exhibitions and, with three separate galleries, there’s plenty to see. 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 365-2032, artsarasota.org

Get in touch with nature at Sarasota Children’s Garden

Little ones can get in touch with nature and play on fun installations at this lovely two-acre oasis. Check out the daily organized art and gardening classes. 1670 10th Way, Sarasota, (941) 330-1711, sarasotachildrensgarden.com 

Visit local artists in Towles Court

Towles Court’s third Friday art walks allow gallery-goers to peek into artists’ studios after hours and get to know local makers firsthand. There’s often live entertainment and refreshments, too. towlescourt.com

Play at Payne Park

A big, bright, happy red and yellow circus-themed playground where kids climb, swing, jump and slide to their hearts’ content. There’s a separate, tamer play area for toddlers, too, and for tweens and teens, the city skateboard park is right next door. 2100 Adams Lane, Sarasota

Take in a show at Florida Studio Theatre

With five theaters downtown under its umbrella, FST presents four mainstage shows, three cabaret shows, a summer season and improv performances. 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org

Laugh your a** off at McCurdy’s

McCurdy’s packs in the crowds for comics both known (Tom Arnold, Jon Lovitz) and unknown (frequent open mic nights for the aspiring laugh getter). 1923 Ringling Blvd., (941) 925-3869, mccurdyscomedy.com

Get into the groove at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Now 17 years old, this company produces musicals, revues, dramas and comedies related to the African-American experience. 1646 10th Way, Sarasota, (941) 366-1505, westcoastblacktheatre.org

Watch the best indie films at Burns Court Cinemas

At our own little downtown arthouse cinema, you can satisfy your thirst for international films and a cold beer or glass of wine at the same time. 506 Burns Court, (941) 955-3456, filmsociety.org

Catch national touring acts at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The city’s bayfront hall presents a full season of touring Broadway shows, orchestras, dance, comedy, pop music and more, mostly October-April. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 953-3368, vanwezel.org

Sit back, relax and enjoy a show at The Players

This long-running (now in its 87th season) community theater presents seven mainstage productions, mostly musicals, along with a summer season. 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 365-2494, theplayers.org

Watch the sunset at Bayfront Park

TBH, it’s a perfect spot to relax any time of day, thanks to its waterfront location, playground, perfect-for-picnics grassy lawn, dog-friendly sidewalks and proximity to O’Leary’s Tiki Bar. But we’re partial to this popular park at sunset, where we recommend sitting back on a bench or a swing and watching the sun dip below the horizon, with the silhouette of the Ringling Bridge in the distance.

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Lifestyles, Sarasota Recreation Tagged With: , ,

Florida Home Sales, Median Prices up in May 2017

June 22, 2017 by

Home salesFlorida Home Sales
Florida’s housing market reported more closed sales, higher median prices, more new listings and more pending sales in May, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 27,850 last month, up 7.6 percent compared to May 2016.

“Buyer demand continues to fuel Florida’s housing market this month,” said 2017 Florida Realtors President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart.”As for-sale inventory continues to be tight, prospective buyers are responding by being prepared, pre-qualified and ready to make an offer when they find the right home. Realtors across the state report that many newly listed homes are selling quickly. In May, sellers of existing single-family homes received 96.4 percent (median percentage) of their original listing price, while those selling townhouse-condo properties received 94.7 percent – a signal that the listed price is extremely close to market value.

“In this competitive and complex market, it is vital for consumers to work with a Realtor who will provide them expert guidance in the home buying or selling process.”

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $239,000, up 7.7 percent from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors® research department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for townhouse-condo properties in May was $178,000, up 8.1 percent over the year-ago figure. May was the 66th consecutive month that statewide median prices for both sectors rose year-over-year. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in April 2017 was $246,100, up 6.1 percent from the previous year; the national median existing condo price was $234,600. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in April was $536,750; in Massachusetts, it was $362,500; in Maryland, it was $285,023; and in New York, it was $235,000.

Looking at Florida’s townhouse-condo market, statewide closed sales totaled 11,538 last month, up 8 percent compared to May 2016. Closed sales data reflected fewer short sales and last month: Short sales for townhouse-condo properties declined 44.8 percent while short sales for single-family homes dropped 30.8 percent. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.

“Closed sales of existing homes in the Sunshine State not only rebounded from a relatively flat April, they positively surged to record highs in May of 2017,” said Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor. “To be more specific, May’s sale totals of 27,850 existing single family homes and 11,538 existing condos and townhomes were the most ever recorded (by Florida Realtors) for a single month in either property type category. In both cases, these totals were also markedly higher than the very strong number of sales racked up in May of 2016.”

Inventory remained tight in May with a 4-months’ supply for single-family homes and a 6-months’ supply for townhouse-condo properties, according to Florida Realtors®.

According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.01 percent in May 2017; it averaged 3.60 percent during the same month a year earlier.

Florida Realtors® May 21, 2017

Filed Under: Florida Real Estate Market Tagged With: ,

Sarasota April Real Estate – Both Ups and Downs

May 24, 2017 by

The overall reporting for April Real Estate indicates a lot of Ups.

Downtown Sarasota Real Estate

 

 

 

 

Closed Sales are Up. Median Single Family Pricing is Up. Days to Contract are Up. Inventory is Up.

So where’s the down? Median Condo Prices are Down, along with Average Sale Prices for Condos.

According to the recent numbers compiled by Florida REALTORS® from My Florida Regional MLS, April 2017 reflects an increase in single family closed sales, median sales prices and inventory in Sarasota and Manatee County as compared to April of 2016.

Closed sales in Sarasota County increased by 8.3 percent for single family homes, while Manatee County experienced a 1.5 percent increase. Condos, however, decreased in sales in the month of April. Sarasota condo sales decreased by 0.3 percent this month and Manatee decreased by 22 percent.

Median Prices

Median prices of Sarasota County single family homes increased by 9 percent to $272,500, while condos decreased by 1.4 percent to $215,000. Single family homes in Manatee County increased in median price by 5.4 percent to $295,000, while condos in Manatee increased by 2.1 percent to $170,500.

The number of properties that were put on the market during April decreased in both counties from last month, a good indication of the end of the season.

“This year’s season started slow in January, but picked up steam in February and March, leveling out again in April,” said Xena Vallone, 2017 RASM President.

Inventory of Homes for Sale

When looking at the total inventory in the two-county area, there is a 9.3 percent increase of active listings from this time in 2016, but inventory continues to be very tight, especially in lower price ranges.

In Sarasota County, the inventory of single family homes increased 12.3 percent and condos by 12 percent. Single family homes in Manatee County increased by 3.6 percent, while condos increased by 9.7 percent.

Days on the Market

In April 2017, we saw an increase in time to contract over last year in both counties. Sarasota single family homes increased to 45 days on market, up from 35 last year, and the time for condos increased to 46 days, also up from 35 days a year ago.

In Manatee County, time on market for single family homes increased to 46 days from 38 last year, while condos rose from 33 days last year to 50 days on market this year.

“Higher inventory levels typically increase the time it takes to sell a property,” said Vallone. “However, that is not the case for more affordable price points. Single family homes priced under $300,000 are going  to contract more quickly than those priced higher, but we aren’t seeing the same thing in the condo market.”

Months of Inventory

The month’s supply of inventory in the two-county area is in the range of 4.4 to 5.5 months’ inventory, continuing to improve year-over-year.

This statistic reflects the time it would take to sell all the active listings on the market at the current rate of sales.

The current supply favors the seller over the buyer overall, but not in all price ranges, as indicated above.

According to the National Association of REALTOR’s Midyear Forecast, supply, affordability and modest economic growth are holding back sales and threatening the nation’s low homeownership.  However, chief economist Lawrence Yun believes existing-home sales are poised to climb 3.5 percent in 2017.

“The housing market has exceeded expectations ever since the election, despite depressed inventory and higher mortgage rates,” said Yun. “The combination of the stock market being at record highs, 16 million new jobs created since 2010, pent-up household formation and rising consumer confidence are giving more households the assurance and ability to purchase a home.”

April Real Estate

Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee –  May 24, 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Condos, Downtown Sarasota Real Estate, Sarasota Real Estate Market News Tagged With: , , ,

Sarasota Quay Developer Focused on Retail

April 29, 2017 by

Sarasota QuayFocused on Retail

Sarasota Quay developer GreenPointe Communities has ambitious plans for its 15-acre, waterfront tract on the edge of the city’s downtown, but its roughly $1 billion plan will likely hinge on its retail offerings.

The Jacksonville-based developer, during an Urban Land Institute tour of key Sarasota projects earlier this month, says it plans ground-floor retail “at every opportunity.”

“The retail will be as upscale as any seen in Sarasota,” says Rick Harcrow, GreenPointe’s regional president and the company executive spearheading the Quay project.

GreenPointe hopes to begin work on a series of residential and mixed-use towers next year, following roughly $30 million worth of required infrastructure. The company plans to build out the Quay in a grid fashioned into 10 small city blocks.

In all, 695 condominiums are planned, along with a 175-room hotel, apartments and retail space.

“Sarasota is experiencing the kind of economic development success that any city would relish having,” Harcrow says during the ULI tour that highlighted Kolter Group’s Vue Sarasota Bay; a 42-acre, city-owned tract that contains the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and the city’s Rosemary District, where more than 1,000 new rental apartments are being constructed or planned.

“It’s definitely not your parents’ Sarasota anymore.”

 

Sarasota Observer, April 4, 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Condos, Downtown Sarasota Real Estate, Sarasota New Construction Tagged With: ,

Sarasota Luxury Market Overview

April 27, 2017 by

sarasota luxury

 

Sarasota Luxury Real Estate Market

Trying to put all of the pieces together to formulate a comprehensive Sarasota Luxury Real Estate Report has proven challenging. From new construction and global economic factors, to area tourism and mortgage rates… Here’s what we know:

  • Inventory Levels are Up
  • Luxury Property Sales are Taking Longer
  • New Construction is A Contributing Factor

Current Condo Inventory

According to the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee April report, Sarasota County is reflecting a 6-month supply of condos, indicating a buyer’s market. As the condo construction continues, the inventory levels are anticipated to inch up.

Luxury Market Zip Code 34236
Condos (April 15, 2017) $1M-$5M

82 Properties on the Market
259 Average Days on the Market

Sold Condos 34236
January 1 – April 15, 2017 $1M-$5M

33 Properties Sold
111 Average Days on the Market

Trend

Cities with booming luxury markets are attracting high-income buyers seeking a place to live, work and grow their families. Transient and investment luxury buyers have shown much less interest in the close of 2016, and continuing into the first quarter of 2017. Twenty seventeen is also indicating a surge of starter home purchases, versus eager investors.

Stock Market Gains

The stock market gains have done very little to move the overall prices in the luxury real estate market.  The average luxury home prices were flat in the final quarter or 2016, which appears to be carrying over into the first quarter of 2017.

The Impact of Tourism

Visit Sarasota County is also reporting relatively no increases in the number of visitors arriving in Sarasota for 2017, following years of setting visitor records. According to the organization’s president, the slowdown in Sarasota County is largely the result of the European markets. “The number of travelers to Sarasota County from the United Kingdom, Central Europe and other international markets is down 7 percent, 21.3 percent and 18.7 percent, respectively.” “Domestic markets are growing or holding their own, but the international pullback is taking a toll.”

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Condos, Downtown Sarasota Real Estate, Sarasota Real Estate Market News Tagged With: , ,

Sarasota – 8 Al Fresco Dining Favorites

March 23, 2017 by

A short journey south of Sarasota provides for great outdoor dining, fresh seafood, live music and often…the wildlife encounter you might not have been expecting. Arrive to some by boat, or paddleboard for hand-crafted cocktails and tiki bars, popular drinks for breakfast and some Caribbean/Southern fusion.

1. At Flounders Restaurant and Tiki Bar, the tiki bar, crackling fire pits, live music and water view set the mood. With pub grub fare like “Wing It,” “Bite It,” “Shuck It,” and “Build It,” the menu makes it easy. Just grab a Technicolor libation and get social. Or come for breakfast (Saturdays and Sundays) and indulge in one of the popular breakfast cocktails, like the Tiki Mary, a spicy hot powerhouse created with jalapeño-infused Ketel One vodka and garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives, pepperoncini, jalapeño bacon and a Cajun rim. The ideal eye-opener. 1975 Beach Road, Englewood. 

2. Beach Road Wine Bar and Bistro is called Englewood’s jewel by the sea for many good reasons. A selection of more than 60 exceptional vintages, the culinary delights of a chef-driven menu, the jaw-dropping views of Lemon Bay—and the spirit of camaraderie that enlivens on the outside patio. How to add to that? On many evenings, there’s a soundtrack of live music by regional musicians. 1350 Beach Road, Englewood.

3. The inventive menu at Farlow’s on the Water marries Caribbean classics with down-home Southern cuisine. This fusion reflects the heritage of Keith Farlow, who grew up in St. Croix, and his wife, Laurie, who glories in the tastes of Dixie. Ask for a table on the comfortable outdoor patio and dig into some corn pudding or sizzling St. Croix seafood pie. You can also grab a table overlooking Ainger Creek, and watch Florida’s natural beauty unfold before your eyes. 2080 S. McCall Road, Englewood.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for gators, otters, eagles and other wild critters at Myakka River Oyster Bar Seafood Restaurant, which sits smack-dab on the Myakka River. Going on 23 years, JoAnn and Mike Stegenga have kept folks well-fed with daily specials, fresh seafood, pasta and sandwiches. Although most fish is regionally sourced, the walleye special is an exception, created from the recipe of Mike’s mother. “Lots of people from Minnesota come here just for the walleye,” says JoAnn. With just six outside tables, come early to claim your perch. 121 Playmore Drive, Venice.

5. People-watching is an art. Begin your life studies at one of Ristorante San Marco’s sidewalk tables. This charming Italian trattoria offers front row seats on fashionable Venice Avenue. Don a white suit and your jet-black Wayfarers, order a bottle of Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino and pretend you’re the star of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Just watch out for paparazzi. 305B W. Venice Ave.

6. Envision yourself sipping a chilled Lillet on the terrace of a Monte Carlo brasserie overlooking the Mediterranean. Lost your passport? The Crow’s Nest affords you similar bliss closer to home. Kick back with a chilled fumé blanc from Sonoma and watch the pleasure boats sailing down Venice Inlet. If you’re with your special someone, order a dozen oysters from the raw bar and embark on a romantic interlude as the sun makes its sensational descent. 1968 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice.

7. The outside deck at Fins at Sharky’s boasts picture-postcard views of the Gulf of Mexico and Venice Fishing Pier, a tranquil ambiance, an award-winning menu and wine selection and sexy craft cocktails like the Cucumber Caroline with Pimms and rosemary-infused syrup. With patio fans and a retractable screen shielding wind and direct sunlight, you’ve got it made in the shade. There are only 18 outside tables, so best to reserve ahead of time. 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice.

8. Old Florida is alive and well at the Casey Key Fish House, a bustling waterside joint in Osprey famed for its laid-back ambiance, solid seafood offerings, gorgeous views, and tiki bar with live music on the weekends. Grab a table on the deck and dig into such signature dishes as Chef Willie Tia’s raved-about bouillabaisse, mussels slathered in the house-made marinara sauce, and the conch fritters. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a jet ski, paddleboard or kayak right on the dock. Or wander down to the beachside tiki bar and meet some new friends. 801 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey.

Sarasota Magazine, March 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Lifestyles, Sarasota Dining, Sarasota Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Sarasota – The Best Place to Live

March 19, 2017 by

best placesSarasota is the best place in Florida to call home.
U.S. News & World Report placed the Sarasota metro area No. 21, ahead of any other place in Florida, for its 100 Best Places to Live in the USA.

Indeed, the biggest factor affecting the ranking is net migration, which ranks 10 on a one-to-10 scale of the criteria U.S. News & World Report uses to judge each metro area. Here is how the area scored in each variable:

Desirability: 8.2

Value: 5.1

Job market: 6.1

Quality of life: 7.4

Net migration: 10

Sarasota remains the only Florida city in the top 25, outpacing Tampa by 14 places. Houston, Texas scored one place ahead of Sarasota, while San Diego Calif. came in at No. 22.

What makes Sarasota so special?

Let’s take a look:

  1. Weather: You could say this about any coastal place in the state but having lived under the gray skies of Pennsylvania and in cold Colorado, let me tell you, that nearly daily dose of sunshine and utter lack of freezing cold temperatures is the No. 1 reason people from the rest of the country continue to relocate here as if we were giving away oceanfront property.
  2. Beaches: Yes, there’s a reason our sugary white sands such as the ones found on Siesta Beach are consistently ranked among the best in the country. I really didn’t appreciate this until I spent a year living on Newport Beach in Southern California, where, to quote Bill Hicks, the beach just looks like “where dirt meets water.”
  3. Restaurants: I can walk to a handful of excellent and a couple dozen really good restaurants from our office in downtown Sarasota. There’s many, many more choice spots within a short drive. It’s hard to imagine a city this size anywhere else in the country that has as many outstanding dining options. Also, let’s not forget about the award-winning Sarasota craft beers being served at these restaurants and the clever cocktails are local bartenders are creating.
  4. Arts scene: It’s also hard to imagine another city the size of Sarasota with such a vibrant arts scene. Take your pick: museums, art galleries, orchestras, opera, ballet, professional and community theater companies. Plus, our live music scene includes some of the best blues and roots rock musicians in the country. Really, we have it all.
  5. Parks and preserves: While the beaches are the celebrities, places like Phillippi Estate Park, Rothenbach Park and Celery Fields are equally charming in their own way.
  6. Things to do: Every week I easily assemble at least 10 fun things for people to do in the Sarasota area. Just looking at March we have spring training, two film festivals, and an appearance by Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth on March 12 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which in a single weekend last month hosted Dave Chappelle, and Steve Martin with Martin Short.
  7. Celebrities: Look, even if you never run intoStephen King at the local bookstoreor have lunch next to Jerry Springer, it’s nice to know celebrities do live here. I mean if it’s good enough for them, it must be good enough for us regular folks, right? And, who knows? I did once witness two other Sarasota celebrities, rock legends Brian Johnson (AC/Dc) and Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers Band), playing together at a fundraiser in the Five O’Clock Club!

Herald Tribune, Sarasota Observer, March 3, 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Lifestyles, Sarasota Lifestyle, Sarasota Recreation Tagged With: , , , ,

Water Taxi – Downtown Sarasota Transportation Solutions

February 26, 2017 by

The Sarasota City Commission recently voted to conditionally approve a permit for a water taxi and ferry service between Sarasota and Bradenton Beach. Sherman Baldwin, general manager of Paradise Boat Tours, presented the water taxi and ferry plan and applied for a permit under Paradise’s parent company, TevaTan LLC, in early January. On Tuesday, the commission voted to approve the permit application with the following stipulations:

  • The water ferry’s Sarasota embarkation points will be determined within a period of six months from Tuesday; and
  • Baldwin will meet with Sarasota Bayfront 20:20, a long-term planning organization, to assure the Sarasota embarkation points have enough associated parking nearby.

Baldwin’s permit application was two-fold; to allow for a scheduled water ferry service as well as an “Uber-like” water taxi, on call via a mobile app that Baldwin said his company spent “thousands” developing.

Starting the water ferry service with the Bradenton Beach-Sarasota route made the most logistical sense, Baldwin said. “If we have one successful leg, it will make it really easy to justify the risk.”  “There’s a navigational plus to it, too; it’s kind of a straight shot. From the Bridge Street Pier, you can see downtown Sarasota.”

Come fall, Baldwin wants to start more water transport service that would ferry passengers between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Baldwin is also involved in “informal conversations” to help orchestrate a water taxi service in association with the Bradenton Area Convention Center hotel, which is set to break ground on Sept. 18.

Planned Operation
The ferry will run from the Bridge Street Pier to one of three embarkation points in Sarasota. Baldwin provided three suggested points to the Sarasota City Commission, which has the ultimate say in which of the three will be chosen. The possible destinations include the T-dock at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, the Marina Jack boat basin, or the Centennial Park boat basin. He favors the Centennial Park option, but for it to work, a sublease must be negotiated under the current lease between the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 84 and the city of Sarasota.

The water taxi service will operate daily at a round-trip ticket cost of $12.50, with passes available for locals who frequently travel between Sarasota and Bradenton Beach. The boat will have air conditioning and heating systems, two restrooms and a small coffee cafe. The seating will be covered, but Baldwin said there will be an outside area for passengers who want to enjoy the sea breeze.

“We don’t have plans right out of the gate to serve alcohol,” Baldwin said, but passengers are allowed to bring their own beverages and food on board.

Paradise Boat Tours
Paradise Boat Tours will celebrate its fifth year in business in June. Baldwin estimates they serve 20,000 passengers per year on 90-minute narrated dolphin-spotting and sightseeing tours.

In an email to the Sarasota City Commission, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said TevaTan is “fully authorized to use the Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach as an embarkation point for his Ferry Service.” The Manatee County Tourist Development Council also submitted a letter to the Sarasota City Commission supporting the water taxi.

John Horne, CEO of AMOB on the Pier restaurant, located on Bridge Street, said he’s “proud of what Sherman’s doing.”  “The county has already come up with a free trolley on the island so if we can get people there by water we will have less vehicles on the island and it cuts the traffic down,” Horne said. “I think it’s great to be able to connect Manatee and Sarasota and what better way to do it then across Sarasota Bay.”

Bradenton Herald, February 21, 2017

 

 

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Lifestyles, Sarasota Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Innovative Transportation Solution in Downtown Sarasota

February 22, 2017 by

sarasota transportationThe Commission voted to approve a contract with The Gotcha Group, a Charleston, S.C.-based transportation company. The two-year contract will pay up to $338,747.50 to subsidize the private operation, with the goal of making the service self-sustaining by the time the contract is up.

The Gotcha Group will operate a fleet of seven six-seat electric vehicles in the downtown area. A free on-demand service, the boundaries are 14th Street, School Avenue, Mound Street and the bayfront.

  • Users will be able to request rides via a mobile app, phone number or by hailing a vehicle on the road. The city and The Gotcha Group are targeting an average wait time of 5-10 minutes. The service will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Officials said the transit option is in keeping with the city’s goal of relieving traffic problems by encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation.

City Chief Planner Steve Stancel said the total subsidy amount could be lower if the free ride service generates more revenue than staff’s initial projections. He expressed confidence the free service would eventually be able to pay for itself. “Their revenue is based on advertisements,” Stancel said. “It can take a couple of years to build those advertisements.”

Although the operator mostly serves college towns, The Gotcha Group Vice President Griffin Blackwelder believes the transit option will be a success in Sarasota. “We’re excited to be here, and we can’t wait to get started,” Blackwelder said.

City Commissioner Susan Chapman asked city staff if they shared Blackwelder’s belief that Sarasota residents would use the service. Stancel, Parking Manager Mark Lyons and Downtown Improvement District Operations Manager John Moran all said they believed the program is set up to succeed.

The company will begin its service within the next two months. In the meantime, city is still working on developing a name for its newest transportation option. Stancel said one option has already been batted around — “S Car Go” — but not everyone involved is enamored with that idea.

More Potential Traffic Solutions in Process

Water Taxi

As the city began investigating the viability of installing a water taxi service linking the mainland to St. Armands and Longboat Key, a private company applied to operate its own ferry between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.

At the Feb. 21 City Commission meeting, the board is set to consider a proposal from Paradise Boat Tours to operate the ferry service. The transportation option would also allow users to request rides via an on-demand water taxi in Sarasota.

The company currently offers tours, but general manager Sherman Baldwin said the new hourly ferry service would be designed to serve residents who want to avoid driving. “Our service will be focusing on commuters, day-trippers, locals getting around Southwest Florida without the use of a vehicle,” Baldwin said. “We think that’s really important — the tourists will be a bonus.”

Baldwin said Paradise Boat Tours would be prepared to begin operating the ferry and water taxi service within a few weeks of the city’s approval.

Traffic Studies

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization has committed funding to a study designed to address the traffic traveling to and from the barrier islands. That study likely won’t be finalized until next year, but officials are hopeful the work will identify short- and long-term solutions.

“This only happens for 11 weeks of the year,” MPO Transportation Planner Colleen McGue said. “The study is looking at the tourist season like it’s a special event — almost like it’s the Super Bowl.”

Visit Sarasota County is conducting its own study to find out what transportation options tourists would like to use. Visit Sarasota President Virginia Haley said visitors generally don’t have the same concerns about traffic as locals, but tourists are still interested in getting around without a car.

Roundabouts

One of the city’s long-term plans for easing congestion is installing a series of roundabouts along U.S. 41.

On Monday, the City Commission approved five agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation pertaining to the first two roundabouts, which will be installed at 10th Street and 14th Street. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

Sarasota Observer, February 8, 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Real Estate Tagged With: ,

Downtown Sarasota Construction Guide – Downtown Sarasota Real Estate

January 15, 2017 by

downtown sarasota construction guideYour Downtown Sarasota Construction Guide. Completed, underway or planned construction projects.

Call it the billion-dollar boom. Construction is completed, underway or planned on projects that will bring more than 4,200 new apartments, condominiums and hotel rooms in and around downtown Sarasota.

Developers and their lenders are betting heavily that Sarasota is ready to handle such an eruption of growth, which also includes new office and retail spaces.

Dozens of projects, some spanning the maximum 18 stories, will permanently change the appearance of the city, a post-recession surge of building fueled by pent-up demand and confidence in the future.

The city has issued building permits valued at more than $1 billion in the past three years. While that total includes all types of construction, such as repairs and renovations, the new projects are the top-dollar draws.

In the 2016 fiscal year alone, the city processed $442 million worth of permits.

The Elan Rosemary apartment, at $33.6 million, the Embassy Suites hotel, at $25 million, and the DeMarcay condo and retail, at $23.7 million, were among the largest.

Grab a drink and settle in. This is quite a list.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

1500 State Street

1500 State St. – 20 condominiums, 4,699 square feet office space, 3,708 square feet retail space

$4.2 million/State Street Partners SRQ LTD.

The Jewel

1301 Main St. – 19 condominiums, retail space

$19.4 million/Main Street J Development

The DeSota

1401-1445 Second St. – 180 apartments, 15,000 square feet retail space

$40 million/Carter Acquisitions LLC

Hotel Sarasota

1255 N. Palm Ave. – 163 rooms, 10,000 square foot ballroom, restaurant

$13 million/Floridays Development Corp.

Embassy Suites & Spa

202 N. Tamiami Trail – 180 rooms

$40 million/JEBCO Ventures

VUE/Westin

1 N. Tamiami Trail – 141 condominiums, 255 hotel rooms, 14,000 square foot ballroom

$120.7 million/Kolter Group

Valencia at Rosemary Place

Cocoanut Avenue – 30 townhomes

$3.38 million (first 18 units)/Icon Residential

Cityside

700 Cocoanut Ave. – 489 apartments, 8,700 square feet commercial space

$25.7 million (phase 1 of 229 units)/Rosalyn Holdings LLC

Vanguard Lofts

1343 Fourth St. – Six townhomes

$2.4 million/Tetra Terra Development

Risdon on 5th

1350 Fifth St. – 22 condominiums, 7,000 square feet office and retail space

$6 million/Steven Bradley

Rosemary Square

1440 Blvd. of the Arts – 39 apartments, 30,000 square feet retail and office space

$6.2 million/Rosemary Square LLC

Elan Rosemary Apartments

710 N. Lemon Ave. – 286 apartments

$33.6 million/Greystar GB II LLC

Citrus Square, phases 2 and 3

505-555 N. Orange Ave. – 28 condos, 4,200 square feet commercial space

$4.4 million/MBFC LLC

Urban Flats

1401 Fruitville Road – 228 apartments, 3,700 square feet retail space

$30 million/Framework Group LLC

School Avenue Townhomes

41 School Ave. – 37 residential units

$4.3 million/Icon Residential

Sabal Palm Plaza

1936 Ringling Blvd. – 28,660 square feet office space

$5 million/Mark Kauffman

The “Q”

1750 Ringling Blvd. – 39 townhomes

$8.4 million/JEBCO Ventures

Sansara

300 S. Pineapple Ave. – 17 condominiums, 2,632 square feet commercial space

$11 million/MK Equity Corp.

Orange Club

635 S. Orange Ave. – 15 condos, nine townhomes

$8.7 million/Vandyk USA

Echelon

624 S. Palm Ave. – 17 condominiums

$20 million/The Ronto Group

One88

688 Golden Gate Point –  Eight condominiums

$8.6 million/Vandyk Sarasota-Golden Gate Point LLC

PLANNED

Lemon Avenue Pad Site

Lemon Avenue at Pineapple – 4,310 square feet of retail/restaurant, 4,310 square feet office space

State Street Partners SRQ Ltd.

The Mark

1400 State St. – 157 condominiums, 35,000 square feet of retail, 11,000 square feet office space.

Kolter Group

DeMarcay

33 S. Palm Ave. – 39 residential units, 2,400 square feet retail space

$23.7 million/XAC Developers

Quay Sarasota

Tamiami Trail – 695 residences, 175 hotel rooms, 38,972 square feet office space, 189,000 square feet retail space

$1 billion/GreenPoint Communities LLC

The Sarasota Modern

1242 Blvd. of the Arts – 81 hotel rooms

$17 million/Cocoanut Arts LLC

DRAPAC

1329 Fourth St. – 62 residential units, 2,820 square feet commercial space

$4.2 million/DRAPAC Capital Partners

Zaharada

1542 Fourth St. – Six condos, 5,150 square feet retail space

$4.8 million/Rosemary District Development LLC

Florida Studio Theatre

751 Cohen Way – Five residential units

$1.2 million/Florida Studio Theatre

Office building

2010 Main St. – 3,370 square feet retail/restaurant space, 3,370 square feet office space

$760,000/The Schimberg Group

Fruitville Hotel

1351-1365 Fruitville Road – 118 rooms

Choice Hotels International

Azure on Palm

711 S. Palm Ave. – 15 residential units, two guest suites

$9.4 million/Thirty-Four-Seventy-Five LLC

Enclave at Laurel Park

1938 Laurel St.- 17 single-family and attached homes

$1.2 million/David Weekley Homes

HUB Building

1697 Second St. – 97 residential units, 6,271 square feet office space

$14.9 million/Biter Idea Vault

Sarasota Station

2211 Fruitville Road – 393 apartments

S.S. Sasquatch (Vengroff)

Allure

111 Golden Gate Point – 10 townhomes

$7 million/JEBCO Ventures

609 Golden Gate Point

609 Golden Gate Point – 8 condominiums

Golden Gate Point Ventures LLC

Aqua

280 Golden Gate Point – Eight condominiums

$11.0 million/280 Golden Gate Point LLC

Hampton Inn & Suites

1330 Fruitville Road – 162 rooms

JEBCO Ventures

Payne Park Village

295, 301, 325 and 601 South School Ave. – 135 townhomes

David Weekly Homes

COMPLETED

State Street Garage

1538 State St. – 395 parking spaces, 13,873 square feet retail space

$11.3 million/Garage by city of Sarasota, retail by WMR Consulting

Aloft Hotel and Apartments

1 N. Palm Ave. – 138 hotel rooms, 139 apartments, 6,000 square feet restaurant, 2,175 square feet retail space

$31.1 million/JWM Management

 

 Sarasota Herald Tribune, January 14, 2017

Filed Under: Downtown Sarasota Condos, Downtown Sarasota Construction Tagged With: , ,
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