SARASOTA
Observer
Cat in the Hat likes all of that. PAGE 1B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 15, NO. 15
FREE
SCAT’s next stop? Private future considered. SEE PAGE 10A
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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
YOUR TOWN Tick, tock. Turn forward your clock! Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 10.
Children First honored Children First, a Sarasota organization aimed at strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives, was honored as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year at the 14th annual WEDU Be More awards. In addition to the Be More Unstoppable Award from the public television station, Children First also received the Be More Knowledgeable Award for its Nurturing Dads Program. “This award from WEDU, recognizing Children First as a model in our community, is an honor and a privilege,’’ said Children First CEO Philip Tavil.
Paws
OFF Differences go deep over dogs on the beach. PAGE 4A
Courtesy photo
The Cat Depot mascot won the race.
Sarasota’s mascots race to the finish line Samantha Chaney
A+E
Chris and Tom Tapalaga protest the potential outsourcing of SCAT in front of the County Administration building.
Myakka magic INSIDE
Entrepreneurs want to step into Limelight David Conway
Judy Alexander and her daughter, Kim Livengood
Shop operators envision a new district in Sarasota. SEE PAGE 3A
On a blustery, overcast day at Siesta Key beach, five mascots lined up at the starting line. But only one, Calli from Cat Depot, broke the ribbon. The mascot race, which is to promote the 33rd Run for the Turtles on April 6, was held on March 5. The 5K and 1-mile walk will take place at Siesta Key and raises money for Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. Mote Marine Laboratory’s Shelly the Turtle as well as the Ollie the Otter from Mote Marine, Calli from Cat Depot, New Balance mascot Newbie, the Chick-fil-A cow and Super Tooth from Varone Orthodontics participated in the beach race.