Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/86226
Sarasota News Leader October 5, 2012 The pool became a city responsibility when Sarasota County 18 months ago shifted mil- lions in parks maintenance to the city in a new interlocal agreement. The county claimed Lido Pool was costing $180,000 to operate, and gen- erating very little income. Carl Shoffstall, a Lido Beach neighbor- hood leader who has been trying to save the pool, said annual expenses are down to about $128,000 while revenue is up to about $100,000. "We're looking at grants, matching grants. There are tourist tax dollars out there," said Shoffstall. The commissioners instructed staff to create a business plan with anticipated revenues and expenses for the pool. Page 33 "In order to get a space that's earning money, you don't have to go anywhere near the $2.9 million," said Caragiulo. GREEN LIGHT FOR FLORIDAYS HOTEL Borrowing a bit of Shelin's "warp speed," a ho- tel project proposed for the northern corner of Palm and Cocoanut Avenues won the go- ahead Monday. Developer Angus Rogers said he wants to build "a four-star experience." "We are eager to get to work," he told the com- missioners. The project marched quickstep through the Downtown Improvement District, the Devel- opment Review Committee and the Commu- nity Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board, possibly in record time. City staff will take another look at how best to make use of the Lido Pool as a community asset. Pho- to by Norman Schimmel