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🛑⚾️ Obsidian Tower, Red Tide, and Spring Training

🛑⚾️ Obsidian Tower, Red Tide, and Spring Training

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 2/20 - 2/23

Carson B
February 18, 2025

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

Obsidian Tower Approval
Red Tide Update
Spring Training Starts Up
Events!

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

🏢 Obsidian Approved: Controversial Sarasota Condo Tower Clears Key Vote

Despite opposition from neighboring residents, the Sarasota Planning Board voted 4-1 to uphold administrative approvals for the 342-foot Obsidian condo tower at 1260 N. Palm Ave.

🏗️ Why it matters: The decision allows the controversial 18-story, 14-unit tower to move forward, raising concerns about height, density, and compatibility with the surrounding downtown landscape.

Residents of Bay Plaza, the neighboring condominium, argue that the building is too tall for the site, disrupts views, and sets a precedent for further high-rise development in the area.

🔎 Driving the news: The appeal, filed by Bay Plaza residents, challenged city staff’s approval of three key adjustments to zoning requirements, which the board ultimately upheld (reduction in façade coverage, ground-floor habitable space, retail frontage reduction).

The board acknowledged concerns but found no legal grounds to deny the project, citing a state law that restricts local governments from imposing more stringent regulations through 2026.

💬 What they’re saying: Board Member Terrill Salem: "I think we’re all struggling with this one… but my job is to interpret the law, and the law does not allow us to go against these approvals."

Residents argue the city’s approach to approvals prioritizes developers over the existing community and fails to consider broader impacts.

🔮 What’s next: Bay Plaza residents plan to appeal the ruling to the City Commission, hoping for a reversal.

If the commission upholds the decision, Obsidian can move forward as planned

🛑🌊 Red Tide Worsens at Local Beaches

An ongoing red tide bloom is impacting Sarasota and Manatee County beaches, with dead fish washing ashore and worsening air conditions over the holiday weekend.

Why it matters: That toxic algae, Karenia brevis, isn’t just an eyesore—it can cause respiratory irritation, disrupt tourism, and harm marine life.

🔎 What’s happening:

Beaches including Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island reported fish kills and strong odors.
The bloom has been lingering since Hurricane Helene, drifting north from Collier and Lee counties.
Florida’s Department of Health issued advisories for multiple beaches, warning of potential health effects.
Some scientists believe nutrient-rich discharges from Lake Okeechobee are fueling the bloom, worsening conditions.

Yes, but: It’s not all bad news.

Local officials are actively monitoring water quality and removing dead fish from affected areas.
Some beaches remain less impacted, and conditions can change daily.

📚 Context: Red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon, but human activity—particularly nutrient pollution—may be making it worse.

Long-term solutions include improved water management and stricter pollution controls to reduce runoff into the Gulf.

Go deeper: Check beach conditions before heading out and stay informed on red tide reports. Read more here.

🔦 Spotlight: Spring Training Openers

Spring training is here, bringing Major League Baseball back to the Suncoast.

As teams gear up for the season, fans have a chance to see top players in action while enjoying a laid-back ballpark atmosphere.

Whether you're following your favorite team or just looking for a weekend outing, this weekend offers plenty of great matchups. Here are three games happening nearby this weekend:

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

📍 George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

📆 Friday, February 21st

🔗 tickets

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

📍 Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte

📆 Saturday, February 22nd

🔗 tickets

Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays

📍 CoolToday Park, Venice

📆 Sunday, February 23rd

🔗 tickets

Thursday, February 20th

Homeschool Third Thursday

📍The Ringling Museum

🕦 10am - 1pm

🛑⚾️ Obsidian Tower, Red Tide, and Spring Training

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 2/20 - 2/23

📰 Local News

🏢 Obsidian Approved: Controversial Sarasota Condo Tower Clears Key Vote

🛑🌊 Red Tide Worsens at Local Beaches

🔦 Spotlight: Spring Training Openers

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Thursday, February 20th

Homeschool Third Thursday

Little Sprouts Club

Live Music: Brown Bag Concert Series

Friday, February 21st

ROAR

Bradenton River Regatta

Hollywood Venice Show

Comedy Show: Jon Rudnitsky

Melting Pot of Music

Saturday, February 22nd

Sarasota Farmers Market

LECOM 5K Run/Walk

Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K

36th Annual Toothpick Bridge Challenge

Family Art Making

Sarasota Chorus of The Keys

American Vintage Market

Sunday, February 23rd

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market

Venice Home Show

4th Annual Longboat Key Festival

41st Annual St Barbara Greek Festival

36th Annual Venice Italian Feast

PLAN AHEAD

Florida Strawberry Festival

How did we do this week?

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