🚧 Construction Watch: Two Major Projects Move Forward

Welcome back to the Sarasota Scoop. After the rush of holiday events and new year celebrations, we're settling into 2025's rhythm.

There’s plenty to get caught up on & events to keep you busy 👇👇

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

• New Rehab Hospital Breaks Ground

• Mira Mar Plaza Gets Preservation Lifeline

• Hot New Japanese Restaurant

• Stanley Looks for a Home

• Events!

Lastly, we want to hear from you — make sure to vote in the poll at the end!

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

🏥 New rehab hospital breaks ground in Lakewood Ranch

The big picture: Exalt Health is expanding its footprint with a $30 million, 40-bed rehabilitation facility.

By the numbers:

• $30 million investment

• 40 patient beds

• Opening Q1 2026

Details:

• Focus: Neurological, orthopedic, and cardiac recovery programs

• Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

• Location: 5950 Lake Osprey Drive

Behind the build: Naples-based MHM Development, healthcare facility specialists, leads construction

Why it matters: Expands specialized rehabilitation services in the growing Lakewood Ranch area

The bottom line: Exalt Health, already operating in Florida, Texas, and Arizona, strengthens its presence in Florida's healthcare market with this advanced rehabilitation center.’

Read More

🏛️ Historic Mira Mar Plaza Gets Preservation Lifeline

The big picture: Seaward Development plans to save the century-old Mira Mar Plaza through a $25 million restoration, funded by new luxury condos.

What's happening:

• Two 18-story towers proposed behind the historic structure

• 70 residential units planned

• Requires rezoning from Downtown Core to Downtown Bayfront

Why it matters: Preserves a 1922 landmark while enabling modern development in downtown Sarasota

Behind the scenes:

• Initial demolition plan rejected by Historic Preservation Board in 2022

• Property acquired from Mark Kauffman for $17 million in May 2023

• Partnered with REG Architects (40 years preservation experience) and Nichols Architects

• September workshop drew 100+ attendees with positive feedback

What's next:

• DRC initial approval received for rezoning

• Needs City Commission supermajority (4-1) vote to send to Tallahassee

• State must review and comment on plan

• Second Commission supermajority vote required for final approval

• Site plan submission follows rezoning completion

The bottom line: Seaward's hybrid approach could create a blueprint for funding historic preservation through new development.

Go Deeper

🔦 Restaurant Spotlights

Namo Izakaya 🍜🇯🇵

📍 1301 6th Ave, Bradenton

💲

Namo Izakaya is a cozy spot offering a modern take on traditional Japanese comfort food.

There's something for every taste on their diverse menu. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy great food and a laid-back vibe with friends.

🐶 Stanley is looking for a home!

Since we had great luck the other week helping a dog get rescued, we decided to keep the trend rolling.

Take a look at Stanley, an adorable puppy available for adoption right now.

If you’re interested in adopting Stanley, head over to Nate’s Honor Rescue.

Thursday, January 9th

Animal Encounters: Turtle Time

📍 Mote Aquarium, Sarasota

🕦 8:30am - 10am

🔗 details

Veterans Benefits Seminar

📍 ActivAge, Sarasota

🕦 10:30am

🔗 details

Comedy Show: Bermuda Mavericks

📍McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, Sarasota

🕦 7pm

🔗 details

Friday, January 10th

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

📍 Sarasota Fairgrounds

🕦 All Weekend, check details

🔗 details

Live Music: Kettle of Fish

📍 Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

🕦 6:30pm - 8pm

🔗 details

Comedy Show: Jeff Dye

📍 McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, Sarasota

🕦 6:30pm

🔗 details

Saturday, January 11th

Sarasota Farmers Market

📍Downtown Sarasota, Main St & Lemon Avenue

🕦 7am - 1pm

🔗 details

Learn to Row Class

📍 Fort Hammer Park, Parrish

🕦 7am - 10am

🔗 details

Breakfast with the Sharks

📍 Mote Aquarium, Sarasota

🕦 8am - 9:30am

🔗 details

Brown's Grove, Sarasota

📍 Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton

🕦 9am - 2pm

🔗 details

LWR Library Celebrates One Year

📍 Lakewood Ranch Library

🕦 10am - 3pm

🔗 details

New Years Kickoff: Family Work Out

📍 1977 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota

🕦 10am - 11am

🔗 details

Family ArtLab

📍 Art Museum of Ringling College, Sarasota

🕦 1pm - 3pm

🔗 details

Youth Ball Hockey Tournament

📍 LWR Main Street

🕦 3pm

🔗 details

Sunday, January 12th

Siesta Key Farmers Market

📍 5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key

🕦 9am - 2pm

Shop local! Just show up

Alpha Win Triathlon

📍 Nathan Benderson Park

🕦 7am

🔗 details

Free Second Sundays at SAM

📍 Art Museum of Ringling College, Sarasota

🕦 11am - 4pm

🔗 details

Jazz Club of SRQ Celebrates 4 Years

📍 Holley Hall, Sarasota

🕦 7pm

🔗 details

PLAN AHEAD

Manatee County Fair

📍 Manatee County Fairgrounds, Palmetto

🕦 Jan 16th - 26th

Superhero Fun Run (5k)

📍 Nathan Benderson Park

🕦 Feb. 8th

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