Rod Thomson is calling it correctly ... there are several teams going for the golden retail prize in Sarasota. Pineapple Square and Sarasota Bayside both promise to be great shopping destinations.

It seems that some of the luster of retail in Lakewood Ranch is wearing off ... retail construction seems slow and some places are closing down pretty quick...

My vote is Downtown Sarasota will win out for new retailers but I hope we keep a good mix of independent stores... I really don't like mall shopping..