News briefs

Aqua condo breaks ground

This time, it’s for real.

The developers of Aqua, the eight-unit luxury condominium slated for 280 Golden Gate Point near downtown Sarasota, broke ground Tuesday.

The groundbreaking occurred seven months after developers Jonathan McCague and Michael Adams scrapped their original design because of zoning setback issues.

Instead of revising his original design, Sarasota architect Guy Peterson created a new angular structure that will give the building’s eight residences expansive views of Sarasota Bay and the downtown skyline.

The nine-story building will feature eight residences — one per floor, ranging in size from 3,400 to 5,700 square feet under air and ranging from about $3.3 million to $5.2 million. Only two remain unsold as of Tuesday.

Marbut checks in on county homelessness initiatives

More than a year after consultant Robert Marbut submitted 12 recommendations to help address homelessness in Sarasota County, he will return to evaluate the county’s progress.

During a March 20 budget workshop, County commissioners directed staff to get Marbut to provide an update on the action plan. Wayne Applebee, director of homeless services for the county, said it’s common for other communities that have utilized Marbut’s expertise to request a similar follow-up.

Marbut will address the county response to the 12 recommendations he made — including the construction of a come-as-you-are homeless shelter that never came to fruition — but will not evaluate the city’s new homelessness plan, Applebee said. A follow-up report, which will cost $17,000 plus Marbut’s expenses, should be ready by June 12.

Try Transit Day 

April is Sarasota County’s “Try Transit” month, and to raise awareness of SCAT opportunities, people can ride any of SCAT’s fixed routes for free on Saturday. For route schedules, visit scgov.net/SCAT. Route 10 and 11 on Siesta Key will have a special guest: “Transit Troy,” the star of SCAT’s music video, “We’ll Take You There.”

What's the buzz?

With the city exploring plans for a parking garage on St. Armands Circle, we asked readers for their feedback on the potential project.

“The area is partially congested because people are circling, looking for parking. A new parking garage, with good access and more capacity than the old one … will satisfy current needs, not necessarily create more demand.” 

John William Walch

“Parking garage will bring even more congestion and traffic to an already overburdened area, not to mention how out-of-character a parking garage will be for the St. Armands neighborhood.” 

Sheldon Wolf

“Fruitville has this sense of, like, ‘beneath the Mississippi.’ You’ve got to take the Mississippi away for people to get comfortable.”

Realtor Ian Black on renaming the downtown portion of Fruitville Road to Third Street. Read more on page 7A