Sarasota is debating plans to build a 45,000-50,000-square-foot conference center on South Palm Avenue. Githler & Associates is proposing a public-private partnership to sit on the 2 acre lot that includes a multilevel garage and eventual plans to connect to a 280-room Embassy Suites hotel. The city has already offered 15 million but would also require $22 million to $25 million from the county's hotel tax dollars. The development group believes the center will boost tourism and increase the amount of flights traveling to the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Some county commissioners are apprehensive about the plans and would like more proof that the conference center will bring in business and increase tourism revenue. It seems doubtful that Sarasota will attain a baseball team and that money might go towards the conference center.
Jessica Benoit
The Burish & Serena Team
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