News briefs

Dairy Queen planned for U.S. 301

Sarasota residents with a sweet tooth may be in for a treat, as developers have submitted plans to the city for a Dairy Queen restaurant in the downtown area.

On Wednesday, representatives for Pensacola-based Lakeview Associated Enterprises went before the city’s Development Review Committee to discuss plans for a Dairy Queen restaurant at 402 N. Washington Blvd.

The 2,320-square-foot restaurant would be constructed following the demolition of the existing commercial buildings on the property, including the structure that currently houses Two Amigos restaurant. Plans call for the restaurant to seat 60, with a drive-thru and 27 parking spaces provided.

In a staff memo, city planner Lucia Panica outlined at least one hurdle for the development: One of the three parcels owned by Lakeview Associated Enterprises is zoned Downtown Edge, and a restaurant is not an approved use in that zoning district. To proceed as planned, developers will have to apply for a rezone and a comprehensive plan amendment.

Judge slashes Culverhouse award in Benderson lawsuit

A Sarasota County judge reversed a jury’s decision in a case where developer Hugh Culverhouse Jr. accused other developers of cutting him out of a mixed-use project. 

Sarasota County Circuit Court Judge Peter Dubensky’s ruling shrinks what was a $20 million verdict to $150,000, and eliminates Rodriguez and Benderson’s personal liability. The remaining $150,000 judgment is directed toward an entity controlled by Benderson Development.  

The lawsuit was filed over a failed 1,000-acre project in south Sarasota County. The project was initially split three ways: Rodriguez was going to oversee the homebuilding; Benderson was going to oversee retail and office space; and Culverhouse, who owns Palmer Ranch, was going to develop manufacturing, warehouse and some retail and commercial space.

Correction

An article in the April 9 Sarasota Observer incorrectly defined the homestead tax exemption values. A homestead exemption can grant a $25,000 exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value and an additional $25,000 on assessed value of $75,000 and up.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST SUMMER HUNGER

Here are the week’s donation totals for All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which runs through May 9.

To donate, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

GOAL: $600,000 matching challenge

AMOUNT RAISED TO DATE: $234,784

POUNDS OF FOOD COLLECTED TO DATE: 259,228