Westin Hotel -  Currently, the finishing touches are being put on the interior of the new Westin hotel, located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Ave.  When it opens to guests on August 1st, an additional 255 rooms will be added to the inventory in Sarasota, which just a few years ago was considered to be in short supply with approximately 1,000 rooms.

With the recently opened Aloft on Ringling Blvd., and five hotels under construction including the Embassy Suites on U.S. 41, and Hotel Sarasota adjacent to the Palm Ave. Garage, the total inventory is expected to double, offering ample space for visitors whether they're in our special city for business or pleasure or a little of both.

During our tour of the Westin, we saw firsthand the captivating views of Sarasota Bay that will be sure to attract many visitors to the rooftop bar, which also will be open to the general public.  Overlooking the vacant

	Studying the vacant Quay site and discussing opportunities for connectivity.

Quay site, which is planned for a significant mixed use development, we discussed opportunities for pedestrian connectivity on the west side of U.S. 41 all the way to the 42-acre Van Wezel site.  We need to ensure people can move along the Bayfront in a safe manner without always having to get in a car -- and now is the time to finalize those plans before additional construction west of U.S. 41 gets underway.

With a ground floor restaurant and 11 meeting spaces (the largest 6,000 sq. ft.), the Westin will undoubtedly translate into more foot traffic in the vicinity. 

A few weeks after the Westin opens, The Vue, the residential component of the development with 120 condominiums, also is expected to be finished.

In the meantime, City staff is closely monitoring FDOT's planned improvements to alleviate traffic backups on the Ringling Bridge during peak drive times in season.  Right now, a right turn only slip lane at U.S 41 & Fruitville Rd. is under construction.  FDOT expects it will process a higher number of vehicles more efficiently through that area, which will be welcomed.

Plans for roundabouts at U.S. 41 & Fruitville and Gulfstream Ave. are moving forward with construction expected to begin in 2019. Meanwhile, work on the approved roundabouts at 10th St. and 14th St. will start as soon as next winter.  Wherever possible, extra wide sidewalks to promote pedestrian activity will be installed.

As Sarasota continues to be a desirable location for residents and visitors, it's important for us to continue to explore all viable options for mobility and enhanced pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, businesses and cultural districts.

Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now!