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WALMART BOWS OUT AT RINGLING The Ringling Shopping Center sits vacant with a chain-link fence surrounding it. Photo by Norman Schimmel SHOPPING CENTER OWNER FILES APPEAL WITH COURT By Stan Zimmerman City Editor Walmart will not fight a Sarasota City Commission decision denying its proposal to demolish the Ringling Shopping Center and build a "supercenter." The company had until April 24 to file an appeal. Walmart Spokesman William Wertz told The Sarasota News Leader by email, "While we have chosen not to pursue a lawsuit appealing the city council's decision, we will continue to evaluate opportunities in Sarasota and remain Instead, the owner of the shopping center focused on serving customers at our existing filed a last-minute appeal in 12th Judicial Cir- stores here." cuit Court to reverse On April 24, the Sarathe city's Feb. 26 decisota County Commission. The Doyle Family Trust — representIt's clear that our Ringling sion voted to allow ed by Lewis and Diana Shopping Center proposal would have a Walmart NeighborDoyle — are challeng- been a common sense solution for hood Market — with ing the city action. At- residents who want to see economic just groceries and a torney John Harllee of development, jobs and affordable pharmacy — to be built at the intersecBradenton will repre- shopping options at this location. tion of Beneva and sent the trust. Reached Bee Ridge roads. (See William Wertz by telephone, Harllee Spokesman would only say, "No related story in this Walmart comment." issue.)