Redevelopment of prominent Sarasota racket club underway after multiple twists

More than five years since a plan to redevelop the iconic Bath & Racquet Club in south Sarasota first surfaced, heavy equipment began the demolition of the main building following a ceremonial groundbreaking in mid-July. 

With Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie manning the controls, a trackhoe knocked out the first chunks of the facility. Demolition started in earnest July 17. Developer Sarasota Springs LLC principal Fabio Di Prima says the 13.42-acre site, off Tamiami Trail on Robinhood Street, will be a clean slate in six to seven weeks.