Walmart decision spawns second suit

The latest action in the Ringling Shopping Center-Walmart saga will come in the courtroom.

The owners of the Ringling Shopping Center have filed a second lawsuit against the city of Sarasota following the Feb. 23 denial of a site plan for a Walmart at the location. The suit alleges the city violated its own zoning laws in denying the site plan, and asks for injunctive and non-monetary relief.

The city has not been served with notice of the Aug. 30 suit, said City Attorney Bob Fournier, so he could not comment on the latest legal action.

The owners previously filed a petition for certiorari April 23, asking that a judge review the City Commission’s decision.

The Planning Board had approved plans for a Walmart Supercenter Nov. 14, prior to members of the Alta Vista neighborhood Association asking for an appeal from the city commission.

Following the Walmart debate, there have been reports of anti-Walmart vandalism in the Ringling Shopping Center. And neighbors were suprised by the erection of a silver-chain fence on the east side of the property in April.