SIESTA KEY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 49, NO. 1
YOUR TOWN
FREE
New development rules wanted. PAGE 5 •
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018
SLOW & STEADY
File photo
County vets Siesta Key parking and transit ideas. SEE PAGE 3 Photo courtesy Octavious Cummings
Reading with Ry’Ael
Woman weaves kindness
As part of National Summer Learning Day, students at Emma E. Booker Elementary got the chance to meet a published author who is just a few years older than themselves. Nine-year-old Ry’Ael Holmes, of Bradenton, read her book, “Small Tales From Ry’Ael: A Series of Short Stories (Volume 1),” to youngsters taking part in the school’s Summer Learning Academy. “The kids were captivated and inspired to see someone who looked just like them,” said data and literacy coach Dwana Washington.
Mat-making project rises from desire to help. SEE PAGE 17
Clowning around town Clowns, acrobats, stiltwalkers and other circus folk trapezed their way into the offices of Sarasota Orthopedic Associates on July 13 to celebrate SOA’s 40th anniversary. Patients were delighted to see members of the Circus Arts Conservatory tumble, juggle and unicycle during performances at SOA’s three locations. “We saw lots of smiles, which is always nice in a doctors office,” said Chief Marketing Officer Sandi Wall.
Turtle Tracks AS OF JULY 14 TOTAL NESTS: 2018 2017 Lido Beach 110 135 Siesta Key 292 553 Casey Key 977 1,598 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2018 2017 Lido Beach 114 165 Siesta Key 268 583 Casey Key 1,197 1,849 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Kayleigh Omang
Michele Penn smiles as she gives out a mat. Penn uses plastic grocery bags to make mats for the homeless.
A+E
Boaters on The Bay Bayfront planners focus on boating-related issues. SEE PAGE 6 Ballet the Cuban way. INSIDE