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Siesta Key Top Spot & Hyatt’s Big Plans

Siesta Key Top Spot & Hyatt’s Big Plans

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 2/27- 3/2

Carson B
February 25, 2025

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

Siesta Key is the top beach in the US
Big Plans for the Hyatt
Percoco’s
Lots of Local Events

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

🏝️ Siesta Beach Named America’s Best—Again

📢 What’s Happening?

No surprise for locals! TripAdvisor has ranked Siesta Beach as the #1 beach in the U.S. and #4 in the world for 2025, reaffirming what locals already know—its powdery white sand and clear Gulf waters are hard to beat.

Why It Stands Out

Sand like no other – 99% quartz, naturally cool underfoot.
Shallow waters – Ideal for wading and family-friendly swimming.
Recent improvements – Upgraded pavilion, better parking, and enhanced beach access.

🌊 Resilient Despite Challenges: Hurricanes and occasional red tide outbreaks haven’t kept visitors away. Siesta’s enduring appeal continues to draw tourists and sustain local businesses.

Bigger Picture: With Sarasota County’s ongoing efforts to balance tourism and environmental preservation, Siesta’s top ranking underscores the need for sustainable beach management.

Read the full story

🏗️ Hyatt Redevelopment Update

What’s Happening? Kolter Group's ambitious plan to transform the old Hyatt Regency in Sarasota into a mixed-use complex is nearing a city nod. Key details are still being ironed out.

🗓️ Key Dates

Feb 19: Development Review Committee gave a thumbs-up on some aspects.
Mar 17: A crucial appeal hearing is scheduled. The outcome could influence project timelines.

🏙️ Project Details

New Look: Two 18-story towers boasting 224 condos and 166 hotel rooms.
Commercial Spice: Expect 8,830 sq ft of street-level commercial space.

👀 Controversy: One Park West, an adjacent property developer, isn't thrilled. They're appealing a decision that they believe infringes on their space.

What’s Next? A green light from the City Commission post-appeal could set the wrecking ball in motion for the Hyatt site.

🔍 More Info: Read the full story here

🔦 Spotlight: Percoco’s 🍕🍝

Over in Lakewood Ranch, Percoco's Pizza & Pasta has quickly become a local favorite.

I stopped by Percoco’s Pizza & Pasta recently and was really impressed. The menu is straightforward, but it’s clear they put a lot of care into what they serve.

The pizza had a great crust, it’s lightly charred with the right balance of chew and crunch, and the sauce was smooth and well-seasoned.

I also really enjoyed the meatballs, which is high praise coming from someone originally from New jersey.

Everything tasted fresh and well-executed, without any shortcuts. It’s the kind of place that does the classics really well, and I’ll definitely be back.

Thursday, February 27th

Florida Strawberry Festival

📍303 BerryFest Place, Plant City

🕦 All Weekend

Siesta Key Top Spot & Hyatt’s Big Plans

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 2/27- 3/2

📰 Local News

🏝️ Siesta Beach Named America’s Best—Again

🏗️ Hyatt Redevelopment Update

🔦 Spotlight: Percoco’s 🍕🍝

Thursday, February 27th

Florida Strawberry Festival

Live Music: Brown Bag Concert Series

Circus Sarasota

Comedy Show: Steve Hytner

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Friday, February 28th

Quilts in Paradise

Stroller Tours at Ringling

Messy Art for Babies

Movies Under the Stars - Wish

Saturday, March 1st

Sarasota Farmers Market

Shark Tooth's 10k

Venice Airport Day

3rd Annual "Spring Training Spectacular" Sports Card Show

Palmetto's Heritage Festival

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Family Art Making

Bay Fest

George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life

24th Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic

Sunday, March 2nd

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market

Shark Fin 5k

Youth Activity Fair

2025 Oscars Viewing Party

PLAN AHEAD

Acoustic Sunsets

Ringling by the Bay

How did we do this week?

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