Newsletter 30

SARASOTA TOURISM’S A RECORD: Suncoast on vacation than ever before. In 2014, Sarasota County topped a 70% hotel occupancy rate for the first time in history, said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota, the county’s tourism agency. The rate ended the year at a record high of 72%. “No wonder we have all these hotel developers coming to town” Haley said. “Leisure travel was up in 2014, and combine that with our increase in sporting events during the non-peak times of the year, and we get record-breaking results.” Average daily hotel rates also rose in 2014, to $159.61 per night, up 6% compared with 2013. For more on this story, please click here, courtesy of the Sarasota Herald Tribune: Tourism Record Numbers

A PLAN TO TRIPLE SOLAR: Florida’s largest investor-owned utility announced plans to build three new solar farms that would nearly double the state’s solar capacity. Florida Power & Light – the primary power provider in our area – said it has found a “cost effective” way to expand solar power in Florida and proposes to install the systems at three sites in its service area, though “solar power – even the most economical large-scale installation – is generally not yet cost effective in FPL’s service area.” The utility plans to add 225 megawatts of solar to the state’s current 229 megawatts by the end of next year. Click here for more on this story:Solar Expansion

THE NEW FACE OF SIESTA BEACH: The #1 beach in America is undergoing a major facelift. $21 million dollars worth of pavilions, palm trees and parking lots. Bart Gaubatz, the project leader for Sarasota County reports that construction is ahead of schedule. A previously closed section of the parking lot will reopen for spring break. Spring visitors will see beach renovations starting to take shape. A 15-foot-wide esplanade will wind through a landscaped area between the new parking lot and the beach. Features also include new restrooms and picnic shelters. Click here to read more:Beach Rehab

PRO GOLF FINDING ITS WAY BACK HERE: The LPGA legends remember Sarasota. The lines of fans and welcoming crowds at Bent Tree Country Club, where stars such as Nancy Lopez won tournaments and Palm Aire Country Club, where Hall of Famer Louise Staggs also triumphed. LPGA Legends officials recently announced the tour’s return – in the form of the ISPS Handa Cup that the Palm Aire Country Club will host on November 12-14. Stars such as Lopez, Jan Stephenson and Sally Little are expected to compete. There’s more here: Pro Golf Returns to Sarasota Links

PLAY BALL! Baseball fans are thrilled about the return of Spring Training to the west coast of Florida. Beginning in March, the fans will have a chance to see their favorite teams up close and personal. The Baltimore Orioles call Sarasota home in the spring, Toronto Blue Jays are in Dunedin, Boston Red Sox are in Fort Myers, Philadelphia Phillies are in Clearwater, New York Yankees are in Tampa …. all an easy drive from Sarasota. Click here for the spring training schedule: Grapefruit League Schedule

CIRCUS SARASOTA FEARLESS THRILLS: For nearly two decades, Circus Sarasota keeps finding surprises for its annual winter shows. And this year’s title production “Fearless” suits a show that seem to prove there are countless people around the world who live for the thrill of performing dangerous stunts for audiences. From the Fabulous Wallendas walking three people high across a wire, to a Romanian barre act, there are plenty of thrills to be found. Follow the jump for more: Circus Tricks Amaze