News Briefs

+ Hotel projects need further examination
Before settling on what recommendation to make, city staff members decided Jan. 27 that they need more time and further meetings with the hotel developers vying to build a facility on a city-owned site on North Palm Avenue at Cocoanut Avenue.

A staff committee assigned with selecting one of the companies is wrestling with whether it should make a recommendation to the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board, as originally planned, or present both hotels proposals for the board’s review.

The committee members agreed to meet again with both developers in the coming weeks and ask them more detailed questions.

Sarasota-based Floridays Development Co. is proposing an independently run hotel on the site; it wants the city to agree to a credit-tenant lease. Atlanta-based Jebco Ventures Inc. has plans for an Embassy Suites hotel on the site and has proposed leasing the property.

“We want to put together a summary sheet of each project and the benefits of each project and study the obligation of the city versus the benefits,” said city Purchasing Manager Mary Tucker.

The committee members also might discuss with the Sarasota City Commission how much risk they are willing to take before making a recommendation, she said.

Meetings & agendas
• Comprehensive Plan Community Workshop — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, Hampton Inn and Suites, Conference Room, 975 University Parkway, Sarasota.

• Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

• Development Problem Solving Session with the Sarasota City Manager — 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, City Hall, Room 112, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

• Coastal Islands Group Meeting — 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 246 Garfield Drive, Lido Key.

• Planning Board Regular Meeting — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, City Hall, Commission Chambers, 1565 First St., Sarasota.