Downtown Explosion.

Downtown Sarasota continues to explode with activity and construction. No one can miss the remarkable building boom as seven-yes, seven-200-foot building cranes, helping to construct everything from office towers to luxury condominiums, soar above the city's skyline.

But as Paul Thorpe, director of the Downtown Association, says, "What makes downtown alive and well is its people." Up by 25 percent three years ago, the residential population now numbers 6,500. In addition, nearly 50,000 visitors and residents a day enjoy the unique treasures of downtown Sarasota, proof that the area is evolving into a refreshing blend of business and bohemia.

Many are making their homes in condominiums like Tangerine Development Company's Sarabande and the company's new residential project, Tessera. Accompanying these are Marina Tower, The Phoenix and the luxury retirement community Sarasota Bay Club.

It's all a testament to a booming economy fueled by $250 million in a local improvements over the last five years, with $400 million more expected over the next three to four years. More than 3,000 people a day visit the new Selby Library at Five Points to check out books, surf the Web or just admire the 3,200-gallon saltwater aquarium. Crews are beginning site work on the 270-room Ritz Carlton, and plans are being finalized for Links Plaza, a three-story complex and bank. The Hyatt Hotel is launching a renovation that will include an expanded ballroom; and Marina Jack's dazzling new bayfront dining room and casual out-door bar have become favorite gathering places.

Popular theater and club venues abound, and more new restaurants are opening, such as Ovo Cafe, a two-story, 289-seat restaurant at the corner of State Street and Lemon Avenue, and The State Room, the newest collaboration between well-known restaurateurs Michael and Tommy Klauber and Phil Mancini.

Downtown also plays host to two of the largest cultural events of the year: Arts Day and Festival of the Arts, recently ranked 48th among the country's art festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

The City of Sarasota plans to handle this influx of people with a new 700-plus-space parking garage on Palm Avenue. Further assistance will come from the new Five Points parking tower, which will also double as the new Bank of America headquarters.