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SRQ DAILY Jul 23, 2014

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"I'm talking with a few potential partners to find the best one to ensure the project gets built as apartments. "

- Jesse Biter, developer
 

[Development]  Biter Seeking Development Partner, Moving Forward
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Plans for an apartment project promising affordable rents for downtown professionals cleared a legal hurdle this week with an approval from the Sarasota City Commission, but the developer behind the effort still must get financing before the project can move ahead. 

Jesse Biter, a software developer best known locally for renovating the HuB building downtown and supporting business incubation efforts there, has touted the Second Street project as a way to create housing space for young professionals downtown. He said the need became clear to him when he realized so many of the people working at HuB and other downtown companies could not afford rents or to buy a condo in the city core. 

Sarasota City Commissioners voted 3-2 to allow Biter to combine two pieces of land on Second Street together to build the project. In total, the development as planned would have 180 apartment units, 21,000 square feet of office space and more than more than 7,400 square feet of first-floor retail/office space.

Architect Gary Hoyt said the approval to combine properties for the project was important for the sake of making a sound project for downtown. "In an urban setting, we need to combine the properties and want to maintain continuity," Hoyt said. Combining the properties means the project will include the corner of Second Street and Central Avenue, stretching east along most of a city block. "Basically, it's the building that gets to activate the street," Hoys said.

But officials with the project also confirmed that Biter has not been able to get all the financing for the project on his own. Consultant Joel Freedman said because of Biter's lack of experience in residential development. "banks are hesitant to finance." But Freedman said Biter is already in talks with a development partner with the appropriate experience. "A deal is on the table," Freedman said.

And Biter himself said Tuesday that all possibilities don't end with the one deal. "I'm talking with a few potential partners to find the best one to ensure the project gets built as apartments," he said.

City Commissioner Susan Chapman, who noted the property is allowed a higher development density right now because a previous project was approved as part of the expired Downtown Residential Overlay District, voted against the project on Monday and questioned whether Biter will follow through with the project as planned. "Are we preserving densities for a project that is no longer viable?," she said.

But Freedman said if the deal doesn't go through, the allowed densities for the land will expire in 2015. Freedman said Tuesday the project was still moving forward. "Everything is looking good," he said.

Biter in June 2013 bought the primary piece of property from United Way of Sarasota County for $2.8 million and the addition piece of land at the corner of Central from CRA Holding for $850,000. 

[Good Bite]  Spice It Up with Panang Curry Pizza
SRQ Foodie Elise Lipoff

Feeling adventurous? A brand new eatery, the Painter’s Palate opened its doors this week featuring a unique take on Asian Fusion. Menu items of note include Thai-inspired pizzas like duck curry and spicy basil. Their must try dish is their panang pizza with curry, salmon, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, fresh spinach and mozzarella. Slightly sweet and a little messy, the poached salmon pairs nicely with the subtle hints of ginger, lemongrass, coconut milk and chilis of the panang sauce. It’s flavorful, innovative and will wake up your taste buds. This pizza is filling, so prepare to take home leftovers. 

Painter's Palate, 2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[Exec Moves]  Doctors Hospital Appoints New COO

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota has appointed Steve Young to be its new Chief Operating Officer.   In his position as COO, he will oversee all of the day-to-day operations at the hospital. Young has held various roles in a leadership capacity and is coming to Doctors Hospital from Osceola Regional Medical Center where he was the Associate Chief Operating Officer since 2012. Young has served as Oak Hill Hospital Ambassador, Secretary of Kiwanis Club and is a Leadership Hernando Graduate.  He is currently a Member of American College of Healthcare Executives and MGMA. 

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

[Website]  Center for Architecture Sarasota Announces Website Launch

Center For Architecture Sarasota, the not-for-profit organization formed in 2013, launched their first website. The new site provides online event ticket sales and membership opportunities in addition to delivering information on their mission, partnerships and the University of Florida CityLab-Sarasota program. The site also showcases the organization’s plans to restore the historic Scott Building originally designed by architects Bill Rupp and Joe Farrell in 1960. The building and future home of Center for Architecture Sarasota will include a museum-quality exhibition space and a lecture hall, creating a gathering space for all those interested in the built environment. Center For Architecture Sarasota is a 501c3 organization focused on preserving the area’s rich architectural heritage, providing education on the built environment and advocating for future innovation in architecture and design. 

CFAS

[Recognition]  Westheimer Named to Florida's "Legal Elite"

Attorney F. Scott Westheimer, a managing partner of the Sarasota-based law firm Syprett Meshad, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious "Legal Elite" list for the third consecutive year.   Those named to the "Legal Elite" list are selected by their peers who are invited to name those attorneys for whom they have the highest regard or whom they would recommend to others.  Only 1,165 lawyers in Florida were named to the 2014 list, which represents just 2 percent of the more than 67,000 Florida Bar members active in Florida. 

Syprett Meshad

[Exec Moves]  Emergency Services Director Announced

Sarasota County's next Emergency Service director is scheduled to begin Aug. 4, and brings with him 25 years of public-safety experience. Tom Harmer, Sarasota County administrator, has announced that Rich Collins, the current Emergency Management director for Osceola, Fla., will fill the county's vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Mike Tobias. Collins was named the next director of Emergency Services after the county concluded a thorough search. Tobias, the former Emergency Services director, assisted Sarasota County during the interview and selection process. 

Sarasota County Government



[Bal Masque Masks]  What to Wear When Trying to Be Someone Else
Chloe Weber

The night of October 4th won’t just hold a bal. SRQ |The Magazine went one step further and decided the night of October 4th would be a perfect time for a Bal Masqué. So what does one wear when anonymity is the goal? The obvious first choice is picking out a mask to match the character you are trying to be. In the traditional Venetian Carnevale/Bal Masqué world, there are seven different styles of mask, all representing a different personality. At the link below is a guide with each mask and its characteristics. 

Get the Guide

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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