Florida couple saves Sarasota cottage village from demolition, protecting 17 businesses

 The anticipated transfer of the Historic Downtown Village in Sarasota to a developer has been called off. The cottages, which accommodate various local enterprises, will remain in the care of Alex and Marlene Lancaster. While business owners faced uncertainty regarding relocation and the emotional fallout of potential displacement, they now breathe a sigh of relief. The anticipated transfer of the Historic Downtown Village in Sarasota to a developer has been called off. The cottages, which accommodate various local enterprises, will remain in the care of Alex and Marlene Lancaster. While business owners faced uncertainty regarding relocation and the emotional fallout of potential displacement, they now breathe a sigh of relief.