SARASOTA
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 15, NO. 50
FREE
YOUR TOWN
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Bouncing around
PAGE 1B THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
A 2017 study showed that, for households earning $39,330 or less per year, the SarasotaManatee region needed
Whitney Elfstrom
What’s in the tank? Early-morning visitors to Selby Public Library on Wednesday got a rare sight: a scuba diver hard at work. Heather Hooper, a senior biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, was still submerged in the library’s saltwater aquarium and cleaning it when the library opened to patrons. Selby Library Assistant Manager Alicia Diaz said the job is normally done before opening time, but Wednesday’s work lasted a little longer. Mote biologist Amy Debrick said Hooper is one of the smallest employees at Mote, so she’s one of two to get the call to dive in.
11,607 affordable units to meet demand.
The question remains: How do we address a regional shortage of affordable housing? PAGES 14-15A
Bowden put on notice
Whitney Elfstrom
Baptism on the go A mobile baptism truck that has visited 15 states spent some time recently in Sarasota. The box truck with clear walls and a tank in the center spent a week in Englewood before parking for a few days in the Pinecraft area of Sarasota. Ryan Schrag, the national director of the nondenominational Time to Revive ministry, said his organization aims to take baptism out of “the comfort of the four walls of a church” and to bring it to people.
File photo
Todd Bowden
School board gives superintendent 30 days before voting on possible punishment. SEE PAGE 4A
David Conway
Project supporters and opponents packed the commission chambers during a pair of public hearings on the Selby Gardens master plan.
Time for Plan B City votes to deny Selby Gardens’ contentious request for redevelopment. PAGE 3A
A+E Water and wine: a perfect mix INSIDE