Development

Within a few years, Florida will go from having no supertall buildings to several, starting with the 100-story Waldorf Astoria. While the cube-like monument is considered an achievement, it also raises some concerns.

Belleair Development Group has yet to decide what it plans to do with the 150-plus acres of mostly undeveloped land. Ownership says none of the concepts involve data centers.

Sarasota city commissioners on Monday narrowly rejected, for the third time, a proposed 320-foot condo tower at 1260 North Palm Ave., formerly known as The Obsidian, that would have become the city's tallest building.

"Florida Matters Live & Local" recently recorded in front of an audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton to dig into issues affecting the state like affordability, growth and development.

Manatee County's rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on its drinking water supply as development consumes land that helps protect water quality. In November, voters will decide whether to expand an existing land conservation program through higher property taxes and authorization of up to $75 million in bonds.

Manatee County residents who successfully opposed a 175-unit housing development last year now face a proposal for more than 640 apartments on the same property — this time with little opportunity for public input.

The financial relationship between Tallahassee lobbyist and Sarasota county commissioner raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest under Florida ethics law.

Move comes on the heels of the latest in a string of Florida laws wresting power over local development away from local government.

It will serve as a six-week testing ground for a transformation aimed at making the city’s oldest public space a year-round destination.

Residents seemed equal parts enthusiastic about the investments being made in their Sarasota community but skeptical about how this promised change could attract outside developers.

Sarasota County wants to turn the closed Gulf Gate golf course into a regional stormwater facility and wildlife habitat, but the county and developer remain far apart over the land’s value.

The original North Ward Elementary School building was constructed in 1915.