The proposal will be developed in stages, primarily paid for through private and philanthropic funds and eventually include a new performing arts hall to replace the Van Wezel.

No issue facing the City of Sarasota is of greater import than the redevelopment of its 53 acres that surround the Van Wezel and sprawl along the Bayfront. The Commission wants more time to vet the plan.

Sarasota Orchestra CEO Joseph McKenna faced more of a verbal firing squad than a standing ovation at a community meeting last week.

When I heard of the plan for the Sarasota Orchestra to move to Payne Park, I wanted to shout out in joy. Instead, my heart ached.

The plan and the lease that would have allowed a waterfront restaurant and bar at the Lido Beach Pool and Pavilion is officially terminated. But it came at a great cost and with great effort. What’s next?

Engineer recommends to study the existing intersection with the triple left turn lane for one year.

Sarasota City commissioners are giving away control of an unparalleled asset, 53 acres — one of America’s prized waterfront parcels, for parking meter change.

The path forward in the Lido debacle is rife with wrong turns. We need to pay the Daiquiri Deck duo to exit the stage, accept the gift from Mark Walsh and then keep it simple, really simple.

Mark Walsh offers to donate $175,000 to the City if the City maintains control of the park and simply renovates the existing facility to standards the community can embrace.

The opposition to the Lido Beach Pool & Pavilion plan continues to mount with more than 5,000 signing a petition opposed to the City allowing the public beach site be transformed into a bar and restaurant.