SIESTA KEY
Observer
Sending a signal.
PAGE 15
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 50, NO. 47
FREE
•
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Vision set in motion
Transportation master plan draws criticism with its focus on walking and bicycling. PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN
Harry Sayer
Queen of the Night blooms
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens supporters logged on for a Queen of the Night flower blossom viewing party Tuesday. Around 500 viewers tuned in to watch the Selenicereus cactus’s flowers bloom for a few short hours Tuesday night. As the morning came, the flower blossoms closed up, and the wait for next year’s show began again.
Saying thanks with a turkey
Members of the Oaks Club thanked Sarasota County firefighters and first responders for their service with a turkey meal June 10 at Sarasota County Fire Department Station 14. Oaks Club Executive Chef James Pampinella prepared the turkey spread and trimmings, with additional meals being sent to 19 other stations. Oaks Club had raised $13,000 to provide food.
Turtle Tracks AS OF JUNE 6 TOTAL NESTS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 177 246 Lido Beach 47 26 Casey Key 472 763 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 153 438 Lido Beach 56 69 Casey Key 507 996 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Back to class? Two district plans offer lots of changes for the school year. SEE PAGE 3
File photo
Youngsters’ first day back to class in August will likely include a wide range of safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Above, school counselor Tammy Blake welcomes students back to Bay Haven Elementary in 2017.
A+E A time to savor. PAGE 18
No real rules to follow Apartments, condos struggle with the right thing to do in pandemic. SEE PAGE 6
David Conway
A sign outside the office building at the Huntington Place apartment complex asks residents not to enter if they’re exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.