SIESTA KEY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 49, NO. 47
FREE
YOUR TOWN
A mile of fun running
PAGE 4B •
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019
PAY TO PLAY? City weighs costs of parks. SEE PAGE 3A
Courtesy photo
BEFORE
City Hall goes to the dogs The next time you hear someone say “this city is going to the dogs,’’ feel free to correct their diction — with evidence to the contrary. Instead, say: “The dogs are going to the city.’’ Employees at Sarasota City Hall enjoyed a Tuesday visit from the Humane Society of Sarasota County and four four-legged ambassadors to help promote wellness and relaxation. Lance, Daisy Belle, Molly and Bear spent some quality time mingling with city staffers. The only question? Who had more fun?
File photo
The area’s bay and gulf shores are key to the tourist industry.
David Conway
AFTER
Meet a cop, have some lunch The Sarasota Police Department and city of Sarasota Parks and Recreation will hold the Blue + You BBQ to give residents a chance to meet their local officers 1-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 at Gillespie Park. Chief Bernadette DiPino said the event is an opportunity for the officers to “connect with our community, foster relationships and build trust with those who we serve and protect every day.” The first of several barbecues planned, the event will offer free food, face painting and family friendly games.
Questions raised on effect of red tide on county’s budget outlook. PAGE 16A Courtesy rendering
Top: Shenandoah Park, as it stands today near East Avenue and Eight Street. Above: The park as it could appear with upgrades and deferred maintenance completed.
A+E Art of Performance INSIDE
Rancor continues over Selby
Turtle Tracks AS OF JUNE 1 TOTAL NESTS: 2019 2018 Lido Beach 21 15 Siesta Key 178 70 Casey Key 519 153 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2019 2018 Lido Beach 47 20 Siesta Key 252 43 Casey Key 570 228 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Tourist taxes hiccup
Rendering courtesy Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A five-story garage is among the proposals.
Garden proponents, skeptics face off. SEE PAGE 10A