Recently, Barbara Peters Smith has begun a new segment in the Herald Tribune called “Slice of Sarasota”, a brief editorial regarding the little things that inexplicably make living in Sarasota what it is. Today, she discusses her position on traffic circles, which have become quite numerous in Downtown Sarasota’s roads, for better or worse. You … Continue reading Slice Of Sarasota: Traffic Circles

A new Mellow Mushroom restaurant has opened Monday, July 16 at 6767 South Tamiami Trail, a space previously occupied by Beckham’s on the Trail. The unique and free-spirited pizzeria was received with a warm welcome of over 1,000 customers by its fourth day of business. Mellow Mushroom distinguishes itself from other pizza restaurants with its … Continue reading New Mellow Mushroom Serves Over 1,000 In First Week

The iconic purple Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is undoubtedly a landmark of Downtown Sarasota’s coastline, abundantly visible while crossing the John Ringling Causeway over the Sarasota Bay. But as the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization moves forward with its plans to revitalize the bayfront area immediately sounding Van Wezel into a new attraction called “The … Continue reading Van Wezel’s Future In Question

The city of Sarasota will compensate Buck-Leiter Development $49,792,431 for damages caused by breaching an agreement with the developer regarding the Palm Avenue Parking garage. While negotiating with the garage’s developers back in the summer of 2008, Sarasota commissioners backed out of the deal amid questions concerning designs and finances. Buck-Leiter pressed charges on the … Continue reading City to Pay Nearly $50 Million In Parking Garage Lawsuit

The roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue is now open for driving. The roundabout was installed to decrease traffic and increase pedestrian safety. The construction was funded by an $880,000 grant provided by the Florida Department of Transportation. The roundabout will feature an aluminum sculpture called “BRAVO!” created by local artist Jorge Blanco, which … Continue reading Roundabout at Ringling Blvd. and Orange Ave. Opens

The Sarasota City Commission is weighting the value of eleven proposed long-term projects that could cost a total of $15.5 million and will be a part of its five year Capital Improvement Program. The cost of these projects would be provided by various funds, such as the tourist development tax, gas taxes, federal and state … Continue reading City Commission Weighting Value of Proposed Improvements

We here at Massey & Massey have been watching the Sabal Palm Plaza building, located right next to Michael Saunders & Company’s Commercial Division building on Ringling Boulevard, unfold from the front row seats of our office desks for a good two years now. We are proud to see another fine addition to Downtown Sarasota’s … Continue reading Sabal Palm Plaza Building Reaches Completion

Here’s this week’s Briefs From Barwin report. This week’s topics include Sarasota’s new 100% electric parking enforcement vehicles, the upcoming Compost Awareness Week, Mental Health Awareness Month, and more. As usual, you can also find a schedule of upcoming Van Wezel shows. You can read the full report here.

Last week, we wrote about how Sarasota will be getting a new rooftop bar later on this year atop the Marriott Springhill Suites. This week, we’d like to take a closer look at the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, located on top of the Art Ovation Hotel in Downtown Sarasota. This bar is open to the … Continue reading A Closer Look at Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar