SIESTA KEY
Observer
Paying a visit to Motown. PAGE 17
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 49, NO. 53
FREE
YOUR TOWN
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THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019
Carousel of roundabouts Projects on U.S. 41 advance as new one kicks off soon. SEE PAGE 5
Whitney Elfstrom
Treats for the mind, tummy
What could make books and ice cream on a summer day sound better? The word “free.” Sarasota Housing Authority teamed up with the Sarasota Police Department for the annual Books and Badges event July 16 to distribute both through city neighborhoods. “We have a big emphasis on early childhood literacy and development,” Sarasota Housing Community CEO William Russell said. “We want to make sure that … when they get to kindergarten, they’re ready.”
Wedding at Farmers Market
A wedding is planned Saturday during the Sarasota Farmers Market. Chrystal Brown, who has worked with the market for more than five years, and Bob Benkhardt, will say “I do” after 23 years together. In March 2019, Benkhardt was diagnosed with cancer and recently finished chemotherapy and radiation. To help the couple with their medical expenses, the market started a GoFundMe page. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in front of the JavaDawg bus. To donate, go to www. gofundme.com/f/chrystalamp-bob039s-cancer-recovery-amp-healing.
Turtle Tracks AS OF JULY 13 TOTAL NESTS: 2019 2018 Lido Beach 83 110 Siesta Key 643 292 Casey Key 2,057 977 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2019 2018 Lido Beach 173 114 Siesta Key 1,069 268 Casey Key 2,695 1,196 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
All eyes on safety Lifeguards offer beach pitfalls to avoid. SEE PAGE 3 Samantha Chaney
Lifeguard Captain Roy Routh and County Lifeguard Bryce Makowski
A+E
New way to ride SCAT considers linking bus rides with car service on some routes. SEE PAGE 4
Samantha Chaney
County commissioners were pleased with the proposal for SCAT.
Nature’s wonders. INSIDE