In and Around Sarasota
- Ringling Boulevard Transformation
- US 41 at Gulfstream Roundabout
- The Bay Project
- Selby's Gardens Master Plan
- Mote Sea
- Bobby Jones Restoration
Ringling Boulevard to be Transformed Into ‘Complete Street'
Work is set to begin the week of May 23rd on improvements to Ringling Boulevard that will transform it into a “complete street” that can be safely utilized by all modes of travel. The Ringling Trail project will add protected bicycle lanes to Ringling between Pineapple and Lime avenues in downtown Sarasota. It will enhance connectivity from The Legacy Trail to the downtown core, making the road safer for recreational cyclists and commuters. It will also create a more visitor-friendly experience that translates to economic growth for downtown businesses. Other improvements include the addition of landscaping and the adjustment of signal timing to improve traffic management. At least one lane of traffic is expected to be maintained throughout the duration of construction.
Expected completion is early 2023.
US 41 at Gulfstream Roundabout
FDOT is reconstructing the intersection on US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue. The project includes new HAWK pedestrian crossing signals, replacing the underground drainage structures, utilities, fiber optics, LED streetlights, reconfiguration of stormwater retention ponds, and adding sidewalks and pedestrian walkways.
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Schedule (weekly) and Phase 1A Traffic Movements
Expected completion is late 2022
The project is ahead of schedule. Paving, concrete barrier wall removal, and the installation of temporary tubular separator will occur nightly starting the night of Sunday, May 8, and will continue through Thursday night, May 12. This will trigger a new traffic pattern getting on and off island at US41.
The Bay
"The Bay is a community, city and park conservancy initiative to transform 53 acres of city-owned land, that is mostly parking lot, into a signature public park on Sarasota Bay. Once complete, The Bay will include a wide range of park uses that will be open and accessible, free and welcoming, to the full and rich diversity of our community. Sign up to receive their newsletter via EMAIL
Phase 1 Update (presented to LKRA)
Target opening date for uplands portion is Spring 2022, with the boardwalk slated for completion in 2023.
Selby Gardens’ Master Plan
In February 2021, the Sarasota City Commission gave final approval to the applications necessary for Selby Gardens’ Master Plan (updated) to become a reality! This undertaking is vital to preserving the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens history, safeguarding the world’s best scientifically documented plant collections of their kind, and sustaining its future — both environmentally and financially.
Phase One will be complete in August 2023!
Mote SEA
In November 2020, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium broke ground for their new $130 million, 4 story, 110,000 sq. ft. Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park. Although Lido residents are sad that we will lose the convenience of the existing Mote Aquarium on City Island, we are excited with the cultural, educational and economic opportunities this brings our community. Research and Labs will remain on City Island.
Anticipated opening is early 2024.
Bobby Jones Golf Club Restoration
The City Commission in early 2022 unanimously approved placing a conservation easement on Bobby Jones Golf Club, restoring the historic 18-hole Donald Ross golf course, and constructing a new 9-hole adjustable course and clubhouse. The conservation easement will limit the use to recreation, parkland and green space in perpetuity. The reconstructed Bobby Jones municipal golf course will be downsized from 45 holes to 27 holes and will now include the infrastructure for a 150-acre nature park while improving water quality. Wetlands will be created to filter stormwater as it flows through the Bobby Jones property, which is located within a significant regional watershed, and ultimately ends in Sarasota Bay. The Southwest Florida Water Management District approved a $1.5 million grant for a wetlands and water quality improvement project on the site. Also approved is a conservation easement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast over the 261-acre Bobby Jones Golf property. Groundbreaking was held on March 4th.
Estimated Golf Course Opening is late 2022 or early 2023.