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🏗️💰 Luxury Condo Construction & $210M+ in Recovery Funding

🏗️💰 Luxury Condo Construction & $210M+ in Recovery Funding

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 1/15 - 1/19

Carson B
January 14, 2025

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

Luxury Condos Moves Forward
Sarasota Receives Over $210M in Recovery & Advancement Funding
Hidden Pizza Gems
Events!

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

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

🏗️ Sarasota's Waterfront Evolution: Pier 550 makes way for Amara towers

The big picture: The 1940s-era Pier 550 condominiums will be replaced by Amara, a modern 54-unit development, marking another step in Golden Gate Point's ongoing transformation.

What's happening:

Ronto Group plans two 8-story towers with 54 total units
Project received unanimous Planning Board approval
Demolition has begun following September property vacancy
Four concurrent construction projects now active on the peninsula

Project details:

Two towers: 31 units (north) and 23 units (south)
115 parking spaces
Rooftop viewing areas
Amenities include pool deck and boat docks
One-year design and engineering phase before construction

Behind the scenes:

Developer agreed to add second stormwater outfall after community concerns
Construction team developing off-site worker parking with shuttle service
Traffic management plan includes dedicated flaggers and delivery scheduling

Why it matters: Golden Gate Point is undergoing rapid redevelopment, with Pier 550's demolition removing one of the area's last connections to Sarasota's mid-century development era.

The bottom line: Despite construction logistics challenges on the crowded peninsula, Golden Gate Point's transformation from mid-century residential to luxury high-rise continues unabated.

Go deeper

💰 Federal Relief, Local Grants Rejuvenate Sarasota's Funding Landscape

The big picture: A wave of grants and donations is strengthening local organizations, led by a massive federal investment in hurricane recovery.

What's happening:

HUD allocates $210M to Sarasota County for hurricane recovery efforts
The Bay secures $6M through strategic matching grants
Manatee Community Foundation hits $65M milestone in community giving

Why it matters: These funds target critical community needs after a strong of big storms:

Disaster recovery and resilience
Youth and family services
Healthcare access
Environmental conservation
Cultural enrichment

Notable contributions:

Florida Center's Wonder Gala raises $575K for early childhood services
Safe Children Coalition receives $375K for Youth Shelter Campaign
Tidewell Hospice granted $25K for critical bed upgrades

Behind the numbers: Matching grants are amplifying local giving

Gulf Coast Community Foundation's $2M match unlocked $3M in community gifts
Patterson Foundation added another $1M to The Bay's total
Multiple foundations collaborating on youth and family initiatives

The bottom line: Strong institutional support and strategic matching programs are maximizing the impact of local philanthropy as 2025 begins.

Read more

🔦 Restaurant Spotlights 🍕🍕

Pizza isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Sarasota.

Even so, Sarasota has plenty of amazing spots ranging from classic NY slices to upscale Neapolitan pies. Here are a few favorites:

Michelangelo’s Pizzeria

📍 2957 University Pkwy, Sarasota

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The pizza at Michelangelo's is a reliable choice, featuring a well-made crust and flavorful cheese. It's a great spot for a classic, satisfying slice

Valentino’s Pizzeria Trattoria

📍 4045 Clark Rd, Sarasota

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Valentino's serves up pizza with fresh ingredients and a crust that's perfectly balanced between chewy and crisp. Their Margherita pizza is a must-try for fans of simple, well-executed pies.

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria

📍 27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota

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Bavaro's offers authentic Neapolitan pizza with a light, perfectly charred crust and top-quality toppings. Their traditional Margherita pizza showcases the rich flavors of their wood-fired approach.

Veterinary costs are up 60% over the past decade

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance could provide up to 90% reimbursement.

View Money’s top pet insurance picks here.

VIEW PET INSURERS

If you’re a local business and would like to sponsor the Sarasota Scoop, reach out! Let’s chat

Thursday, January 16th

Animal Encounters: Turtle Time

📍 Mote Aquarium, Sarasota

🕦 8:30am - 10am

🏗️💰 Luxury Condo Construction & $210M+ in Recovery Funding

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 1/15 - 1/19

📰 Local News

🏗️ Sarasota's Waterfront Evolution: Pier 550 makes way for Amara towers

💰 Federal Relief, Local Grants Rejuvenate Sarasota's Funding Landscape

🔦 Restaurant Spotlights 🍕🍕

Michelangelo’s Pizzeria

Valentino’s Pizzeria Trattoria

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria

Veterinary costs are up 60% over the past decade

Thursday, January 16th

Animal Encounters: Turtle Time

Ninja Training

Sarasota Winter Carnival & Street Food Fair

UTC Night Market

Friday, January 17th

Hobo Campfire Cookout

Crowley Museum Re-Opening

Comedy Show: Paul Ollinger

Saturday, January 18th

Sarasota Farmers Market

The Y: Bootcamp

2025 Limelight Market

Main Street Market LWR

Manatee County Fair

Sarasota Opera Open House

Sharktoberfest

Live Music: Clover's Revenge

Sunday, January 19th

Siesta Key Farmers Market

Tiny Tykes

Open Play at Playtime Plaza

Concert in the Park

PLAN AHEAD

Myakka River Rendezvous

Superhero Fun Run (5k)

How did we do this week?

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