SIESTA KEY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 49, NO. 27
FREE
YOUR TOWN
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Helper behind the blankets. PAGE 1B THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019
Lido plans in limbo Pavilion’s would-be developers want out of lease. SEE PAGE 4A
Courtesy photo
Kris, Kristen and Laney Bowman
Bell ringers bring in the cash St. Armands Key Lutheran Church definitely topped Santa’s nice list. Each year, the group takes turns volunteering to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Bell Campaign. In 2018, the group repeated its success from previous years and was a top fundraising group in Sarasota. It raised $26,596. In 2017, it raised $25,642. The group comprised 107 volunteers who rang for 220 hours during the holiday season.
WALKABILITY
RULES
Author and planner sees good and bad in what Sarasota offers to pedestrians. SEE PAGE 3A
Courtesy photo
Elyse Chaplin, left, is raising money for Booker, posing with Principal Rachel Shelley.
David Conway
Jeff Speck said Sarasota was generally in a good place when it comes to fostering walkability downtown, praising Main Street in particular.
Raising money for talent East County’s Elyse Chaplin grew up in Sarasota hearing how great Booker High School’s Visual Performing Arts program was. But until she saw “Hello, Dolly!” last spring, she thought it would be like any other high school show. “I was blown away,” said Chaplin, pictured with Booker Principal Rachel Shelley. She’s now helping raise funds for the VPA program by co-organizing the Kaleidoscope of Creativity fundraiser March 9 at West Coast Black Theatre Troupe Rooftop Patio. “I feel very passionately about helping these students (at Booker) realize their potential,” Chaplin said.
BLACK
TIE
Hearts open for hospital fund. INSIDE
Samantha Chaney
Down the stretch ... Fans sorry to hear about Sarasota Kennel Club plan to shut down on-site racing in May. SEE PAGE 14A