SARASOTA
SEASON THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO THE AR TS AND SOCIETY
FA L L 2 0 2 0
Observer Opening questions INSIDE
VIRTUAL REALITY
The ultimate guide to enjoying events at home.
PAGE 38
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 16, NO. 45
FREE
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020
YOUR TOWN
Businesses, governments navigate new COVID-19 laws. PAGE 3 Courtesy photo
Virtual art gets a boost
A $25,000 matching grant to the Van Wezel Foundation from the James and Maryann Armour Family Foundation will help propel Virtual Schooltime Performances, led by the Van Wezel’s Arts Education Department. The arts presentation series will be available to every classroom in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte and Hillsborough counties. Through Oct. 4, all donations received as part of this campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Maryann Armour, a retired teacher, and her husband have supported the Van Wezel Foundation since 2006.
STAYING GOLD
Farmers market reopens Oct. 7
Sure, the calendar might say it’s autumn, and weather forecasters might tell you it’s a little cooler these days. But locals know the season doesn’t really arrive until the Phillippi Farmhouse Market opens. And open it will, as the area’s only midweek farmers market, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. The market serves as a fundraiser for the historic farmhouse on the property of Phillippi Estate Park. More than 50 vendors are expected.
Turtle Tracks AS OF SEPT. 26 TOTAL NESTS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 447 711 Lido Beach 138 98 Casey Key 1,515 2,312 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 581 1,158 Lido Beach 215 192 Casey Key 1,985 2,983 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Southside color coordinates to raise money. SEE PAGE 18 Brynn Mechem
The Goetz family takes a photo by a “Going for Gold” sign before starting the school day at Southside Elementary last week.
A+E Cuban Ballet school perseveres. SEE PAGE 22
Hotels ask for density changes Siesta Key residents say proposals don’t fit the community. SEE PAGE 5
Brynn Mechem
Property overlooking Beach Road could be home to a 170-unit hotel.