SIESTA KEY
Observer
Big fish, big benefit.
PAGE 19
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 51, NO. 4
FREE
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photo
It’s a monthlong celebration
The Child Protection Center couldn’t throw a big celebration for Executive Director Doug Staley’s 25th anniversary with the organization, but planning a month of celebratory events for the longtime leader, it turns out, is a good runner-up. The nonprofit’s staff has encouraged local donors to send Staley cards and emails wishing him a happy anniversary. “I cannot think of another human being who is more devoted to the mission of CPC,” said Karen Valentino, a previous CPC board chair.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
Ready, set, VOTE
A moving tribute? City considers its options for keeping, moving controversial bayfront statue. SEE PAGE 3
Next week’s primary election brings some new wrinkles to how and when we cast ballots. PAGE 4
Census time running out
There’s still time to complete a U.S. census form, and judging by the response rate of Sarasota, some of you still can. Nationally, 62.9% of households have responded thus far. In Florida, that’s 60.3%. In Sarasota and Manatee counties, the rate is 63% and 56.8%. In the city of Sarasota, it’s 56%. For those of you who haven’t completed a form, either by mail or digitally, a census representative could come knocking on your door between now and the recently changed cut-off date of Sept. 30. You can respond by visiting www.2020Census.gov.
File photo
Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner says there has been a significant increase in interest for voting by mail in this year’s election.
Brush with rock royalty
Turtle Tracks AS OF AUG. 8 TOTAL NESTS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 444 708 Lido Beach 136 98 Casey Key 1,502 2,304 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2020 2019 Siesta Key 574 1,153 Lido Beach 216 192 Casey Key 1,1979 2,976 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Harry Sayer
Waffle Stop Owner Dolly Hollinger has accrued a sizable collection of Elvis memorabilia over the years.
Before anyone knew Elvis Presley, he thrilled local crowds. SEE PAGE 18
A+E Fragile, beautiful PAGE 20