WHAT'S HAPPENING: Week of 06.30.16

Pollo Tropical targets midtown location

Less than five months after filing plans for its first restaurant in Sarasota, Pollo Tropical has targeted another location in the area.

The chain plans to open a 3,600-square-foot restaurant on South Tamiami Trail at the site formerly occupied by Square 1 Burgers, according to a request for a pre-application conference filed with the city yesterday. The property at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail is across U.S. 41 from Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

In February, the Caribbean-themed restaurant filed permits with Sarasota County to replace the Shell station at Sarasota Crossings, the shopping center at the northeast corner of the intersection of Fruitville Road and Honore Avenue.

What's the Buzz?

On Facebook, our readers made their excitement for Pollo Tropical abundantly clear. Here’s a breakdown of how you reacted — and some of the top comments on the story:

Likes: 153 Shares: 78
People reached: 20,516 Comments: 53

“I just heard the HALLELUJAH song in my head!!!!!!!!!!!” — Tanya Farley

“My boyfriend is talking dreamily about yuca con mojo and that curry mayonnaise.” — Ronni Blumenthal

“Excellent and right in my neighborhood! Can't believe it has taken this long.” — Ann C. Derwent

Leadership Florida honors Ringling leaders

Ringling College library fundraisers Carolyn Johnson and Isabel Norton were recognized with the Leadership Florida Distinguished Member Award in Orlando Friday for their work in the Sarasota community. 

Leadership Florida, a statewide group of leaders actively engaged in serving Florida, hosted its annual meeting last week at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 

Norton and Johnson are both Ringling College of Art and Design trustees and have each served terms as chairwoman. They are co-chairs of the fundraising committee that helped the college secure money for a $16 million campus library project.

The 48,000-square-foot library is scheduled to open in August.

Quote of the week

“I don’t think it's an option anymore. It’s a must-do thing.” — Russell Matthes, Siesta Key Village Association board member, on a potential Siesta Key trolley service.

By the numbers

$338,660 — Additional funds proposed for the Sarasota Police Department in the 2016-17 city budget to increase the organization’s level of service.

135 — Number of homes included in the revised plans for Payne Park Village.

238 — Number of homes included in the original approved plans for Payne Park Village.

$289 million — Preliminary 2016-17 county general fund operating budget, a 4.3% increase from last year.

$2.5 million — Anticipated budget for the Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 planning process.

Meetings

Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

Siesta Key Village Association meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, Daiquiri Deck, 5250 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key.