Sarasota, FL -- After nearly 20 years of community discussion, the Palm Avenue parking garage in downtown Sarasota will be open to the public just in time for New Year's Eve.

The six story garage, designed by Sarasota architect Jonathon Parks, will not only feature approximately 840 parking spaces for vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles, but a 12,000 square foot retail and restaurant space on the ground level. The top parking deck offers beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota, and City administrators are considering the possibility of renting the space for special events.  

“It’s really a beautiful job,” said Mayor Kelly Kirschner in a statement.  “This was a truly ‘hyper-local’ project and we should celebrate all of the local talent that worked on it.”

Sarasota County, FL - The suncoast non-profit group Beaches For All is intent on allowing disabled patrons access to public beaches. Based out of Sarasota and fronted by Executive Director Jane Danielson, the group is starting by petitioning for wheelchair-accessible public platforms on beaches along the Gulf coast in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, St. Pete, and Clearwater.

It's more than just ramps and parking spaces the group wants. Recently, the county unveiled floating wheelchairs at five local beaches, a first step to allowing the physically disabled to have a way to enjoy the water.