SIESTA KEY
Observer
Observer
INSIDE
SCHOOL
2018 BACK TO
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 49, NO. 2
FREE
Signs of progress
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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018
YOUR TOWN
New projects start redevelopment east of downtown. SEE PAGE 3 Courtesy photo
Bob Graham
Paddle power
Valor vindicated On July 14, Bob Graham was fundraising for Veterans’ Outreach outside of the Publix supermarket located at 5391 Fruitville Road when someone took off with the donation jar containing $240. A suspect was arrested in Manatee County just two hours after the alleged theft took place. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office also stepped in by reimbursing the stolen money and more. Sheriff Tom Knight and his staff presented Graham with a $500 donation on July 19. “We are so pleased to support this organization and help them get back on their feet,” said Knight.
Teams try to stay afloat in cardboard boat competition.
SEE PAGE 17
Cemetery comes to life
Shane Donglasan
Ryker L. and Jessibel R. attempt to maneuver their Batman-inspired cardboard vessel July 20 during the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County’s Second Annual Rock the Boat Regatta.
A+E
David Conway
City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini has been the subject of several negative reviews alleging improper conduct.
Rising stars. INSIDE
City investigates staff complaints Another employee has accused an official of creating a hostile workplace. SEE PAGE 10
Woodlawn Cemetery was the final resting place for many of Sarasota’s AfricanAmerican pioneers, but the city’s oldest segregated cemetery has been in a state of ruin and largely overgrown. In 2016, the city took over its maintenance. Through the efforts of city staff and volunteers, the 5-acre cemetery is now breathing new life. Plants were removed, headstones were restored and a pond was discovered. City Commissioner Willie Shaw said he hopes Woodlawn will be reopened for burial in the future.
Turtle Tracks AS OF JULY 21 TOTAL NESTS: 2018 Lido Beach 116 Siesta Key 315 Casey Key 1,084
2017 166 592 1,717
TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2018 2017 Lido Beach 123 191 Siesta Key 291 633 Casey Key 1,312 1,956 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory