Fiesta! Fridays
From the loss of marquee rowing events to attendance limitations driven by social distancing, Nathan Benderson Park has experienced its share of hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the pandemic also resulted in a discovery.
Benderson Park is a natural venue for arts and culture events, according to Tomás Herrera-Mishler, president and CEO of Suncoast Aquatic and Nature Center Associates, which operates the park.
The park began hosting more arts and culture events in 2020. Herrera-Mishler said that trend will only accelerate in 2021 and beyond.
Herrera-Mishler didn’t hide his passion for the arts. He said Sarasota’s arts and culture scene is one of the main reasons he moved to the area.
Mission BBQ to open new location
A national barbecue chain is set to open its second Sarasota-Manatee location in the bustling University Town Center shopping district. Coming soon signs for Mission BBQ are up at 5231 University Parkway #109, the former space of Half Shell Seafood House, located within The Market at University Town Center shopping plaza. Representatives for Benderson Development and Mission BBQ both confirmed the new location, with Mission BBQ Florida market partner Bill Leahy saying they anticipate a summer opening.
The Maryland-based Mission BBQ, known for paying tribute to the military and first responders, features a menu drawing from various barbecue styles around the U.S. The chain has locations in 16 states, according to its website, including a Bradenton restaurant at 4501 14th St. W. in Cortez Plaza that opened in 2017.
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SARASOTA For years, private groups have offered the city of Sarasota a deal that they said would stem the red ink from the beleaguered city-owned Bobby Jones Golf Club. For years, the city’s administration rejected them.
But that may change after a majority of city commissioners said on Monday that they want to finally consider bringing in an outside firm to operate Bobby Jones.
Implicit in the negotiations is a hope that the management company would shoulder some of the cost of an $11.5 million renovation project for the facility. While some commissioners were open to the idea of allowing the company to alter designs of the course, it doesn t appear likely at these early stages.