SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Nostalgia-inducing art PAGE 2B
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
VOLUME 20, NO. 1
YOUR TOWN
Hotel showdown continues on Siesta Key County Commission took the first step toward allowing hotels to be built in Siesta Key Village. SEE PAGE 5A
Ian Swaby
On the road to painting success
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS
According to artist Anne Wedler, the chance to paint from real-life scenes progresses a person’s skills far more quickly than being in a studio. That is one reason she could be found standing in the road median along Cocoanut Avenue on Nov. 22, painting the scene before her as one of the members of SRQ Plein Air Painters scattered in the area. Before her was a townscape that included the Florida Studio Theatre, one of the many arts locations in the city she loves to visit with her husband, Ed Wedler. “We just like to draw inspiration from what we’re seeing and what we’re feeling,” said Wedler, calling the street “fabulous.” The group, which includes about 140 members who paint in watercolors and oils and hosts a Facebook page, can be found at a different location each Wednesday.
Siesta Key’s annual parade marks the start of the holiday season. SEE PAGE 1B
Ian Swaby
Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float during the Siesta Key Holiday Parade on Nov. 25.
Courtesy image
New staffer works for peanuts Logan McLeod, co-owner of the Graffiti SRQ shop on Main Street, was in her office working one day when she noticed a furry visitor staring at her from the tree just inches from her window. “He was right there, just looking at me in the window,” McLeod said. Since named “Stump” for his short tail, the squirrel has became a regular visitor to the tree — so much so that Logan’s mom, Kim McLeod, decided to install a squirrel-sized picnic table, umbrella and some snacks to keep Stump satisfied while he watches Logan work. For the past two weeks, Stump has become Graffiti’s impromptu mascot as he (or she?) frequents the new lounge area in the tree and enjoys a nibble of seeds and nuts. The McLeods welcome the addition. As employees go, its hard to find one that will work for peanuts.
A+E Holiday horns INSIDE
Courtesy image
A rendering of the $132 million Mote Science Education Aquarium.
$20M for SEA funding County fulfills its pledge to help Mote build its new aquarium in Nathan Benderson Park. SEE PAGE 6A